Audilous

On Saturday (May 11), there was only one show on planet Earth that could boast more queer energy than the Eurovision Song Contest, and that was the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards in New York City at the Midtown Hilton Hotel.




Related








As Drag Bans Proliferate, Maren Morris Goes Deep With Drag's Biggest Stars on Why The Show Must…
06/07/2023




And not unlike this year’s Eurovision in Malmö, Sweden, the event was not without protestors. A small group of protestors accusing Israel of genocide against the Palestinian people picketed outside the hotel’s entrance during the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards; more notably, at the top of the show itself, one attendee interrupted the opening monologue by host Ross Matthews to repeatedly declare “GLAAD is complicit in genocide” before being escorted out.



“That was uncomfy for everybody,” Matthews said after a pause. “But you know what? We have to fight for everyone’s rights – and that’s one of them.”



While the Israel-Hamas War didn’t come up again that night, politics were still central to the GLAAD Media Awards, as always. New York Attorney General Letitia James made an appearance to celebrate LGBTQ New Yorkers and speak out for trans rights; GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis urged attendees to use their “platform and privilege” to ensure that the next U.S. president will be a human who values LGBTQ rights — and warned that the Supreme Court “will roll back our legal marriages like they rolled back Roe v. Wade” in a powerful, fiery speech; and one very famous Oscar winner took a couple of hilarious pot shots at a former U.S. vice president during the show.



Jennifer Lawrence (rocking a Veronica Lake haircut) appeared to celebrate “my favorite musician and good friend Orville Peck,” who was receiving the Vito Russo Award (named after the late activist and author of The Celluloid Closet) at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards.



“I love seeing so many humans who can top their field while still being power bottoms,” Lawrence cracked. Talking about her love for the gay community, Lawrence said she once fell in love with a gay man, but soon realized her advances were for naught. “Conversion therapy doesn’t work,” she said. “Did you hear me, Mike Pence? I said conversion therapy is not real – even though you think it worked on you.”



Accepting the award, Peck talked about being a singer-songwriter in a genre that’s not always been the most open to the LGBTQ community. “I’m one of many of us here who have felt excluded or held back because of who we are,” Peck said, adding that queer people nevertheless manage to “turn tragedy into art, humor and culture.”



Peck also spoke on the “responsibility for visibility” when it comes to all minority communities and what it means to the next generation “to allow some kid in a small town who loves country music to see themselves in me or Mickey Guyton or T.J. Osborne.”



Earlier in the night, Jennifer Hudson – who already has an EGOT – added another award to her trophy room when she hit the stage to accept the GLAAD for outstanding variety or talk show episode, for an episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show in which she surprised HIV activist Ian Haddock (of the Normal Anomaly Initiative) with $10,000.



After a fundraising portion that raised more than $350,000, Loren Allred took the stage to perform an emotional version of “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, as well as the upbeat “Come Alive.” The latter was a duet, with Scott Hoying (of Pentatonix and Superfruit) joining her on the lightly funky vocal showcase.



Toward the end of the night, Billboard (and Billboard‘s Pride Editor Stephen Daw) were honored when GLAAD named Billboard‘s 2023 Pride Issue cover story the outstanding print article of the year. The (now award-winning) article, written by Daw, is a wide-ranging, in-depth interview with Maren Morris and four drag artists about the proliferation of drag bans in the United States. You can read it here.


via: https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/jennifer-lawrence-orville-peck-glaad-media-awards-2024-1235680983

Whoopi Goldberg was spilling all the tea while appearing on ‘The Don Lemon Show.’

RELATED: Whoopi Goldberg Admits One Of Her Recent Boyfriends Was “40 Years Older” Than Her

Whoopi Goldberg Prefers “Hit and Runs” Over Relationships

Earlier this week, the EGOT award winner sat down with Don Lemon for an exclusive interview on his YouTube channel.

Goldberg and Lemon chatted about her new book, ‘Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me.’ The award-winning actress also opened up about her thoughts on marriage and how she prefers “hit and runs” instead of long-term relationships.


“Hit and runs are great. I don’t mind those. But you can’t spend the night,” Goldberg said.


The ‘Color Purple’ star continued to explain that she currently doesn’t have time to entertain relationships and doesn’t want to be married. Goldberg also stated that enjoying “hit and runs” doesn’t make you a bad person.


“I’m at the point in my life where I want to see you when I see you, and then you go.”





View this post on Instagram


A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)



Social Media Weighs In On Whoopi’s Statements About Marriage

Social media users immediately jumped in The Shade Room comments to share their thoughts on Goldberg’s statements.

Instagram user @bonitarebel wrote, “Snore somewhere else.”

While Instagram user @aliciamac28 wrote, “I cannot fathom why people don’t understand that all women don’t want to get married or have children that doesn’t make them any less valuable.”

Instagram user @madebayo wrote, “You gotta respect her honesty. I wish more people are just more honest about it.”

Then Instagram user @greenivy_carter wrote, “Hit and Runs are GREAT…but you can’t spend the night say it louder auntie I felt that.”

Instagram user @marjorieroyal wrote, “No issue with that! She’s probably set in her ways and don’t need anyone interrupting it!”

Instagram user @thebabygirl82 wrote, “I respect that BTW she looks great.”

Whoopi Goldberg Opens Up About Past Boo Thangs

This is not the first time that Goldberg has been candid about relationships and her dating history. The Shade Room previously reported, the talk show host revealed that one of her past boos was actually “40 years older” than her.

According to ET, Goldberg made the shocking announcement during an episode of ‘The View’ in March.

RELATED: LISTEN: Whoopi Goldberg Confirms She Is Not A Lesbian During Interview With Raven-Symoné

The post Whoopi Goldberg Says She Prefers “Hit and Runs” Instead Of Marriage On ‘The Don Lemon Show’ (WATCH) appeared first on The Shade Room.

via: https://theshaderoom.com/whoopi-goldberg-prefers-hit-and-runs-instead-marriage-don-lemon-show-watch

Moniece Slaughter recently appeared on ‘Reality With The King’ and revealed Shaquille O’Neal cheated on her multiple times throughout their relationship.

HotNewHipHop reports, the ‘Love and Hip Hop’ star claims the former Laker cheated on her multiple times with Rocsi Diaz and Hoopz from ‘Flavor of Love.’

RELATED: Lil Fizz Denies Leaked Nudes Are His Hours After Moniece Slaughter Joked About The Images: ‘That Is NOT ME’ Slaughter Describes Her Relationship With Shaq

The 37-year-old claims she dated the Big Man for four years. She clarified he was officially divorced from Shaunie Henderson during this time. The reality star said the relationship was “a mess” and Shaq cheated on her “a lot.” Additionally, she described their partnership as “toxic.” Slaughter says the fact that they are both Pisces, and this may have played a role in their tumultuous time together.

Moniece stated in 2012, she and the sports commentator got matching tattoos together in the fall. The singer said Shaq told her he would let her know their plans for New Year’s Eve.

Instead, she was shocked to discover he was vacay-ing in the Bahamas with Hoopz. Slaughter says this was the first time O’Neal was unfaithful.

The Break-Up With The Retired Baller

Slaughter stated that Shaq never formally broke things off. She realized their relationship was over after seeing photos online. O’Neal was spotted with former 106 and Park host Rocsi Diaz.

Additionally, Slaughter stated she caught Shaq cheating with another woman and realized, “This is not like a serious thing.”


She said, “[Shaq’s] complaint was always my mouth, but I’m like, it’s not really my mouth. You’re just mad because I’m like, ‘Stop f****** other women.'”


Moniece says she thought she was in a serious relationship because “that’s what he said.”  Slaughter said they dated on and off. Whenever she confronted him about cheating he would block her. Eventually, he would “pop up” and they would continue dating.

Moniece stated their relationship was no secret. She named multiple public spaces they visited. “We’re at the hookah lounge in Westwood. We’re like… Miami walking at the Fountain Blue.” She said, “You come to my apartment. You sign the Hall of Fame ball for my son…” 

The mom of one said they broke up when Shaq blocked her. She said, “It’s utterly f****** ridiculous.”



RELATED: Moniece Slaughter Says She’s Experiencing “Stress And Sleepless Nights” In Pregnancy Update

The post For Real, Girl? Moniece Slaughter Reveals Shaq Allegedly Cheated On Her With THESE Well-Known Women appeared first on The Shade Room.

via: https://theshaderoom.com/moniece-slaughter-reveals-shaq-allegedly-cheated-on-her-hoopz-rocsi-diaz

Dave Grohl is remembering late engineer/producer and noise-rock pioneer Steve Albini.




Related








Steve Albini, Legendary Engineer/Producer of Nirvana, Pixies Albums, Dies at 61
05/08/2024




During the rock band’s concert in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday (May 9), the Foo Fighters frontman dedicated the group’s hit song “My Hero” to Albini, who died earlier in the week at age 61.



“Tonight, I’d like to dedicate this song to a friend we lost the other day, who I’ve known for a long, long time. And he left us much too soon,” Grohl told the crowd. “He’s touched all of your lives, I’m sure. Talking about Steve Albini. For those of you who know, you know. For those of you who don’t know, just remember that name: Steve Albini. So let’s sing this one for him.”



Grohl first worked with the Chicago-based engineer/producer when recording Nirvana‘s 1993 album, In Utero. The pair reunited in 2014 for Grohl’s HBO series Sonic Highways. During the episode, the Foo Fighters recorded the song “Something From Nothing” at Albini’s Electric Audio Recordings studio in Chicago.



Last year, Grohl, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and Albini also sat down for an interview on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast to discuss the making of In Utero.



Following his death from a sudden heart attack, numerous artists paid tribute to Albini, including the Pixies, PJ Harvey, Failure, the Breeders, Urge Overkill, Jarvis Cocker, Superchunk and Butch Vig.



In addition to In Utero, Albini — who fronted the bands Shellac and Big Black — also worked on the Pixies’ beloved 1988 album, Surfer Rosa, along with projects by Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Mogwai, Flogging Molly, the Breeders, Newsom, the Stooges, and many others.



His band, Shellac, was gearing up to release its first album in a decade, To All Trains, and had booked a series of shows in England in June, followed by a run of U.S. dates in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles in July.



Watch Foo Fighters’ tribute to Albini here.


via: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/dave-grohl-pays-tribute-steve-albini-foo-fighters-concert-my-hero-video-1235680968

A nurse in Florida is making headlines after delivering her own baby during at-home labor.

RELATED: Michigan Mother Horrified: SHOCKING Video Reveals Nurse Abusing Disabled Child | TSR Investigates Here’s What Happened To The Florida Nurse

According to Fox 35 Orlando, Dejanique Milligan, a nurse in Lakeland, Florida, delivered her own baby boy on Thursday, May 9. Milligan was reportedly at her home when her baby arrived three weeks early.

The outlet reports that the ordeal occurred at 3:45 a.m.

“When I went to go pee, there was lots of pressure,” she explained to the outlet. “So, I crawled to the living room, and there he was. I pushed him out.”

Milligan explained that she was “just praying and hoping that he was breathing.”

“When he came out, and he was crying, I was like, ‘Okay, we’re good,'” she recalled.

The Mother Speaks Out After The Surprising Ordeal

Milligan explained to the outlet that she did not experience the “usual symptoms” ahead of giving birth, such as contractions of her water breaking. Additionally, while reflecting on the ordeal, the nurse explained that she “freaked out” — a stark contrast from how she is with her patients.

“When it’s you, it’s different because it hits closer to home versus when it’s with the patient,” she said. “You have to be strong for them. So, you may seem calm in the moment for them, but for you, when you’re home by yourself, you just freak out.”

How Is The Florida Nurse Doing Since Giving Birth On Her Own?

According to the outlet, Milligan was able to deliver her baby within fifteen minutes.

Her son, Drew, was born at six pounds and three ounces and reportedly is a “happy and healthy” baby.

While speaking with Fox 35 Orlando, Milligan explained that she “can’t believe” the ordeal happened to her.

RELATED: Congrats! ‘Love Is Blind’ Stars Bliss & Zack Goytowski Reveal They’ve Welcomed Their First Child Together! (VIDEO)

The post Surprise Of A Lifetime! Florida Nurse Delivers Her Own Baby After Going Into Labor At Home appeared first on The Shade Room.

via: https://theshaderoom.com/florida-dejanique-milligan-delivers-own-baby-during-at-home-labor

‘Love Is Blind’ stars Bliss and Zack Goytowski have revealed they’ve welcomed their first child together.

RELATED: Awww! Deion Sanders Reacts To His Daughter Deiondra Recently Revealing Her Pregnancy Bliss & Zack Goytowski Reveal Their Baby Girl’s Arrival & Name

Earlier this week, the Goytowskis shared a joint post on Instagram. The post featured a short video accompanied by a few comments from the first-time mother and father.


“We hope you dance our beautiful baby girl,” Bliss’ initial comment read. “Galileo Terri Rayne Goytowski born on a sunny April day in Seattle ”


After revealing the birth of her and Zack’s baby girl, Bliss elaborated on the meaning of their daughter’s name.


“A powerful name for a powerful little lady: Galileo was not only one of the great brilliant minds of time but the name also represents the area where Jesus performed his miracles,” she wrote. “Terri is after @zackgoytowski ‘s beautiful angel mama who l know will always watch over our baby girl. Rayne means blessings and Queen. We call her Leo (Lay-o) for short. ”


Furthermore, Zack even added a few more about Galileo’s birth.


“@leeannwomack the first thing our daughter heard when she entered this world was I Hope You Dance ,” he wrote.


Check out the video the Goytowskis shared with their announcement below.




View this post on Instagram


A post shared by Bliss Poureetezadi Goytowski (@blisspoureetezadi)



The Couple Speak On Becoming Parents

Zack and Bliss’ announcement did not end there. On Friday, PEOPLE published an exclusive interview with the new parents. The outlet confirmed that the couple welcomed their baby girl on Friday, April 26.

Galileo was reportedly born weighing 7 lbs., 11 oz.


“We are so in love with our precious, beautiful baby girl,” the Goytwoskis explained. “We are forever changed and are so blessed to spend the rest of our lives loving her. She is our moon, our stars, the center of our universe.”


Check out a few photos of their baby girl below.




View this post on Instagram


A post shared by People Magazine (@people)



A Brief Recap Of Bliss & Zack Goytowski Pregnancy Announcement

As The Shade Room previously reported, the couple revealed they were expecting their first child together in November 2023. At the time, they shared their excitement exclusively with PEOPLE.


“It’s a little bit nerve-wracking, but I think it’s also such a beautiful thing,” Bliss explained. “Babies are miracles and blessings, and I think we’ve been so open to sharing our journey and our relationship with the world, and this is our next big beautiful thing. I’m really happy, and I hope that it brings joy to other people. It’s definitely brought us a ton of joy.”





View this post on Instagram


A post shared by People Magazine (@people)



RELATED: ‘Love Is Blind’ Stars Bliss And Zack Goytowski Are Expecting Their First Child Together

The post Congrats! ‘Love Is Blind’ Stars Bliss & Zack Goytowski Reveal They’ve Welcomed Their First Child Together! (VIDEO) appeared first on The Shade Room.

via: https://theshaderoom.com/love-is-blind-stars-bliss-zack-goytowski-reveal-welcomed-first-child-together-galileo-video

Source: Tommaso Boddi/Golden Globes 2024 / Getty


Marlon Wayans is keeping it real about his grief in the wake of losing his mother, Elvira Wayans. As well as why he never chose to marry.


“I lost 58 people that I loved in a matter of three years. It felt, like, biblical.”



The comedian Marlon Wayans talks about working through loss — including the death of his parents — by finding humor in everything, in the latest edition of The Interview. https://t.co/KlgK4tBf1U pic.twitter.com/1nH5Suncwj



— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 4, 2024


In a sit-down with the New York Times, Wayans spoke openly about the personal losses he explores in his new standup special Good Grief. 


“It wasn’t just the death of my parents. I lost 58 people that I loved in a matter of three years. It felt, like, biblical.”


Though the Wayans family also lost their patriarch, Howell, it was the loss of Elvira that struck Marlon the deepest.


“My mother’s death broke me. It shattered me into a million pieces, because that was my girl,” he said. “I never got married, because I never wanted my mother to be jealous of a woman. I never wanted my mother to feel second to any woman.”


Wayans was with the mother of his eldest children for two decades. He also revealed that he told his mother that he always wanted her to feel like his “No.1 girl” on her deathbed.




View this post on Instagram


A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans)




In true Wayans fashion, he also got candid about some of his more off-color jokes, including references to Magic Johnson‘s HIV diagnosis.


“I didn’t say he had sex with monkeys. I said, I don’t know how he got this good version of this disease, but however he got that, I want that,” he said. “I don’t care how he got it. It could have been a girl. Could have been from soup. It could have been from — show me the monkey he [expletive], I got next. To me, that was escapism. Because it’s not real.”


He continued,


“I hope that Magic laughs the loudest at the joke. Which he will. Magic has a great sense of humor. I think part of it is, it’s all out there.”


Well, ok then.




View this post on Instagram


A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans)




Wayans also opened up about his journey to accepting his trans son.


“I went through it, and the transition wasn’t about their transition. It was my transition — going from opposing what they wanted to complete acceptance. It was the five stages of grief,” he said. “I felt like I was losing my daughter. My daughter was dying in my eyes. I speak about this in a very hilarious, irreverent way.”


Though the White Chicks actor revealed that he had to process his own emotions, he also said that arriving at the acceptance stage took him “all of a week.”

via: https://bossip.com/2651973/that-was-my-girl-marlon-wayans-opens-up-about-the-death-of-his-mother-and-reveals-why-he-never-married

Kendrick Lamar warned Drake the BBLock was too hot in Oakland and Compton, but Drizzy might leave Cali completely after putting his Beverly Hills mansion up for sale.


Source: 305pics/Stefanie Keenan / Getty


Kendrick didn’t send his rival running for the hills, but Drake is definitely moving out of the hills amid their epic beef. Both musical heavyweights got in the booth like fans wanted, rather than squabbling on social media or in person. However, the battle of the bars hit close to home for Drake (literally), and he’s exiting the California chat by selling his luxury estate.

According to TMZ, Drizzy’s domain includes a 7-bedroom main house with 13 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a library, a formal living room, a dining room, a family room, and a screening room. There are also three ensuite bedrooms for live-in staff to maintain the massive mansion.




View this post on Instagram


A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi)




The pool/guest house brings the large living space to a whopping 24,757 square feet in total. The home includes a garage big enough for an 11-car collection, wine cellar, game room, elevator, and a gym that’s for decoration according to Kendrick.

The 20-acre property also features lush gardens, an indoor/outdoor kitchen, ocean views, a tennis court and an orchard. The elite estate is on the market for $88 million. It’s a celebrity compound fit for a BBL king.




View this post on Instagram


A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi)




The “Rich Baby Daddy” real estate might not move quickly, but Drake seemingly is. He relisted the Southern California home last week in the middle of his relentless rap beef with Kendrick Lamar.

Third Trespasser Violates Drake’s Toronto Home As His Beverly Hills Home Goes Up For Sale


Source: CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV LUNA / Getty


It’s unclear exactly when the rapper-turned-actor decided to cut his losses and seemingly concede Cali to Kendrick Lamar. Drizzy is only getting more busy watching the throne in his hometown as the industry comes for his crown. If the drive-by shooting at Drake’s Toronto home didn’t inspire the decision last week, it probably made him a more motivated seller.

As BOSSIP previously reported, a 2:00 a.m. attack on Drake’s $100 million mansion in Toronto ended in bloodshed. The May 7 shooting left a security guard with gunshot wounds to the upper chest. He survived after rushing into emergency surgery, but chaos at the compound continued.

The next day, an intruder attempted to break into the lavish home. Local police, already investigating the gunned-down guard, arrested the intruder. Authorities reportedly apprehended the man under the Mental Health Act.

Now, a third incident is keeping Drake’s security team booked and busy. Another intruder ran up on the estate, dubbed “The Embassy,” for the third time this week. On Thursday afternoon, the Toronto Police Service received a call about a trespasser. The unauthorized person got into an altercation with security before cops arrived.


Source: CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV LUNA / Getty


After the life-threatening incident earlier that week, Drake’s team made sure if someone was getting hurt, it wouldn’t be them. According to The Independent, paramedics took the man to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Toronto police have not yet announced any charges for the latest intruder. All of the past week’s incidents remain under investigation.

Drake reportedly built his hometown mansion to “stand firm for 100 years,” so he probably won’t part with this property. At least after selling the Beverly Hills home, he can focus his attention and funds on the homefront.

via: https://bossip.com/2651949/drake-sell-beverly-hills-home-third-toronto-intruder-kendrick-lamar-beef

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest live broadcasts aren’t just about the competing songs. There are flashbacks to past shows, interstitial material and most important, performances by some of the host country’s most beloved artists.




Related








Netherlands’ Joost Klein Disqualified From Eurovision After ‘Incident’
05/11/2024




One of Sweden’s brightest stars turned in a tour-de-force performance this week in the first semi-final for Eurovision 2024. Benjamin Ingrosso performed a seven-minute medley of some of his best songs, including his new single, “Look Who’s Laughing Now.”



Ingrosso has a multi-year history with Eurovision. When he was 8 years old, he competed in the Lilla Melodifestivalen for younger artists in 2006 and won. In 2017 he competed in Sweden’s national final with the song “Good Lovin’” but did not win and did not advance to Eurovision. It was a whole different story in 2018 when Ingrosso’s “Dance You Off” won Melodifestivalen and opened the door for him to compete in Eurovision that year.



Billboard met up with Ingrosso at the Malmö Arena to talk about this year’s Eurovision, his new album and what happened when he sang “Wild World” in front of Cat Stevens.



What is it like for you coming back to Eurovision but not competing?



It’s a very nice thing to come back and not compete, because you don’t win and you don’t lose. You can just go up on stage and have fun. But for me, the biggest difference is that when I was here six years ago, I was a younger, almost a completely different artist. I was 21 and now I’m 26 and I’ve been on tour a lot and I think I have evolved as an artist. People who have not seen me since 2018 will see me as a different performer, and I do believe I’m more of a performer now. Back then I was just an artist singing a song, but now I’m an entertainer. At least, that is what I’m aiming for.



I saw your rehearsal and you’re definitely a performer.



I’ve been working hard to get where I am today. I always love to work on every little thing I do. I really want to become better. Back in 2018, I did like a music video kind of number and this is the opposite. This is more of a live pop show. I’ll be on stage with 21 people for a seven-minute medley of my recent songs.






Describe the work you put into your performance.



Covid stopped everything from happening, but I worked a lot during the pandemic. I released a lot of music in Sweden. Since my Eurovision participation in 2018, I’ve released four studio albums and three live albums. I’ve done a TV show. I’ve done concerts and tours, so I think I’ve been evolving both as a human being and also as an artist.



What advice would you give yourself if you went back in time to when you were performing on Lilla Melodifestivalen?



I would just give him a big hug and say, “I’m proud of you.” I sent a video to my mom last night from the rehearsals and I said, “Imagine if I could go back in time and show the 8-year-old me this number, he would be so proud.” This is like a full circle moment. When I was a kid, I loved John Travolta and tonight I will be on stage in a white John Travolta suit, so I’m doing this for the little kid I was.



Tell me about your new single.



I just released “Honey Boy” last week with the Purple Disco Machine and Nile Rodgers and Shenseea and that song is one of my favorite songs ever. I wrote the chorus two years ago and we’ve been working on it for a while. I performed it last summer on my tour, so my core fans have been asking for this song for a long time. That song will be the end of the medley. I also premiere a new song tonight, “Look Who’s Laughing Now,” and that song will be out this month on May 31.



Did you write “Look Who’s Laughing Now”?



I wrote it in Los Angeles with David Stewart and Jessica Agombar. They had a number one in Billboard. We’re talking the younger David Stewart [not the Eurhythmics Dave Stewart]. They did “Dynamite” with BTS. He just finished Shakira’s new album. He’s supremely talented. We were in Westlake Studios for four days and on the fourth day, the guy that works in the studio asked if I wanted a tour of the place. I walked past Michael Jackson’s gloves and a painting. “Wait a minute. Why are there Michael Jackson pictures everywhere?” “He did Thriller here.” And I said, “And you’re telling me this now? I’ve been here for four days. This could have been inspiration!” But it turned out to be a great song that starts with a Queenish/ABBA beat. There’s some energy in that studio.



Are you working on a new album?



Yes. I’ve been on my first European tour. It is sold out, and I’ve been so blessed to be able to do a European tour for the first time in my career. And on that tour, I’ve been doing 80% new songs, teasing the next album. I did not tell anyone before, because I thought that people wouldn’t buy tickets if it was only songs that they never heard. But to be honest, I made people sing along in a weird way. Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, people could learn the songs before the show.



Any plans to do more recording in America for this upcoming album?



I might go back in September after the tour to finish a couple songs. Before Covid, I used to go to Los Angeles often. I think for the next album, I will be doing maybe 80% of the songs in Los Angeles, because I’ve been working with a lot of great songwriters and producers.



The European tour is over, so what is next?



The European tour lasted a month. The new tour is in Scandinavia and it’s on a much larger scale. We’re 12 people on stage. There are 45 people in the crew, so it’s a massive production. We’re playing Stockholm in August in a stadium, which is has a capacity of 30,000. It’s my biggest show ever in my career so far, so that’s going to be cool.



Any thoughts of trying to break into America?



100%. That’s my goal and it’s been my goal ever since I was a kid, although when I was 8 years old, I wanted to become a Broadway musical artist. I did musicals, but that changed and then when I was a teenager, I wanted to become the next David Foster and now I’m really aiming for a global tour in the future.



Marcus and Martinus from Norway are representing Sweden this year Have you given them any advice about performing on the Eurovision stage?



We talked yesterday. I was in the bathroom on the toilet and I heard the guys coming in and I said one word in Norwegian and they said, “Benjamin?” I asked how they could hear what I was saying. They replied, “We’ve been listening to ‘Honey Boy’ for 24 hours. So we recognized your voice in a second.” We talked about the fact that it’s a three-minute performance, so make sure you enjoy those three minutes because they go like this[finger snap]. I told them to have fun and enjoy it and not take it too seriously. To win Melodifestivalen is already a big achievement. It is pretty hard for a country to win Eurovision twice in a row [Sweden won in 2023 with “Tatttoo” by Loreen]. I told them that we’re all proud of them.



I was seated at a table closest to the stage at the Polar Music Prize in 2023 when Chris Blackwell was a Laureate, so I had a close-up view of you singing “Wild World.” What was it like when Cat Stevens rose out of his seat and walked on stage to embrace you?



It was insane. First of all, I had rehearsals the whole day for the tour, so I had one hour to jump into the car, put on my clothes, walk up on stage, sing the song and then all of a sudden, people were standing and I just turned around and Cat Stevens was there, right next to me, hugging me. It was a great night. The day after, I thought, “What happened yesterday? Did I hug Cat Stevens?” It was so cool. And then I performed the song on my tour and I never expected it to become such a big thing. A lot of older artists from his generation came up to me in Sweden and they were saying things like, “Well, Cat Stevens gave you a big hug. That’s impressive.”



We couldn’t tell from the floor — when he was hugging you, did he say anything in your ear?



He said nothing to me, but I saw him interviewed by the host and he said, “That guy is really talented. I really want to work with him.” Just the fact that he said that was pretty dope.


via: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/benjamin-ingrosso-2024-eurovision-song-contest-sweden-interview-1235680937

With less than four hours to go before the live grand final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, developments on the ground in Malmö, Sweden, are heating up at a fast pace.




Related








Netherlands’ Joost Klein Disqualified From Eurovision After ‘Incident’
05/11/2024




During the third dress rehearsal for the grand final, still in progress at Malmö Arena, the singer from France stopped his performance to deliver a statement. Slimane unexpectedly halted the song and called for peace and unity.



The European Broadcasting Union has rules in place forbidding any political statements or lyrics. It is not clear if at this late date Slimane would be disqualified from performing tonight on the live show. His statement was not broadcast and was only heard in the arena.



Joost Klein from the Netherlands has already been disqualified, based on a backstage incident.



Also this afternoon, Alessandra Mele, who performed for Norway in the 2023 competition and who was scheduled to be the spokesperson for her country delivering their jury’s points, has withdrawn from that assignment.



She released the following statement on Instagram: “Tonight I was supposed to give out Norway’s points during the Eurovision final. Even though I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to do so, I’ve taken the decision to withdraw. United By Music — Eurovision’s motto — is the reason I do music. Unite people, bring them together. But right now those words are just empty words. There is a genocide going on and I’m asking you all to please open up your eyes, open up your heart. Let love lead you to the truth. It’s right in front of you. Free Palestine.”



Journalist Ingvild Helljesen will deliver Norway’s points during the live show. As of press time, demonstrators on the streets of Malmö can be heard protesting Israel’s participation.



This is a developing story.


via: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/france-slimane-eurovision-2024-rehearsal-peace-statement-1235680931