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Tag: Kelly Clarkson

  • Kelly Clarkson Responds to Claims Show Is ‘Traumatizing’ | Entrepreneur

    Kelly Clarkson Responds to Claims Show Is ‘Traumatizing’ | Entrepreneur

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    Kelly Clarkson, the Grammy Award-winning singer and judge of NBC’s “The Voice,” is speaking out after a bombshell report depicting a hostile, “toxic” staff environment at her namesake talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

    In the report, which was originally published by Rolling Stone last week, former employees allege they were overworked and underpaid, calling the environment “traumatizing to their mental health” and noted that Clarkson “was clueless” about everything that went on behind closed doors.

    The news rattled fans and, it appears, Clarkson herself.

    “Kelly [Clarkson] is fantastic. She is a person who never treats anyone with anything but dignity and is incredibly appreciative,” one former employee of the show, who chose to remain anonymous, told the outlet. “I would be shocked if she knew. I’d be floored if she knew the staff wasn’t getting paid for two weeks of Christmas hiatus. The Kelly that I interacted with and that everyone knows would probably be pretty aghast to learn that.”

    Other anonymous employees blamed higher management and executive producer Alex Duda for allegedly fostering an environment that had direct detriments to employees’ mental health.

    “It deterred me from wanting to work in daytime ever again,” one employee said frankly. “When I say I was traumatized, I was really traumatized … [It was] by far the worst experience I’ve ever had in my entire life.”

    Clarkson responded swiftly to the accusations on her personal social media accounts in a series of notes on Instagram to her 6.6 million followers.

    “I’ve always led with my heart and what I believe to be right,” Clarkson wrote about her show which first aired in 2019. “To find out that anyone is feeling unheard and or disrespected on this show is unacceptable.”

    Clarkson went on to disclose that the show will be moving its filming location to the East Coast from the Universal Studios Lot in California. The next season of the show is set to film at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

    She went on to say that senior staff, including herself, will undergo leadership training and made clear that “any notion of toxicity will be eradicated.”

    “I am more committed than ever to making sure that not only our team that is moving but also our new team in NY, is compromised of the best and kindest in the business,” she penned.

    Clarkson’s post had received over 289,619 likes as of Monday afternoon.

    “The Kelly Clarkson Show” was recently renewed through 2025. The show is currently on hiatus due to ongoing strikes organized by the Writers’ Guild of America.

    The show has won 13 Daytime Emmy Awards to date. Clarkson’s net worth is an estimated $45 million.

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    Emily Rella

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  • Kelly Clarkson responds to accusations her show is ‘toxic’ work environment – National | Globalnews.ca

    Kelly Clarkson responds to accusations her show is ‘toxic’ work environment – National | Globalnews.ca

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    Kelly Clarkson has responded to allegations that the work environment at her hit daytime talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show is “toxic” behind the scenes.

    Despite the production’s squeaky-clean appearance, 10 former and one current employee of The Kelly Clarkson Show told Rolling Stone they were bullied and harassed by producers, some to the point of tears, vomiting and mental anguish. The staffers, all of whom are said to be entertainment industry veterans, said they were “underpaid,” “overworked” and “traumatized” by the employment experience.

    On Saturday, Clarkson, 41, released a statement about the exposé published on Friday.

    “In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I’ve always led with my heart and what I believed to be right,” Clarkson started. “I love my team at The Kelly Clarkson Show, and to find out that anyone is feeling unheard and or disrespected on this show is unacceptable.”

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    “I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at The Kelly Clarkson Show,” she continued.

    Clarkson mentioned the production’s recently announced move from L.A. to New York City and wrote that she is “more committed than ever” to ensuring the production employs only “the best and kindest in the business.”

    The Since U Been Gone singer said all members of senior staff, including Clarkson, will take “leadership training” courses.

    “There is always room to grow and ensure we are all being/becoming the best versions of ourselves in any business, especially when it comes to leadership. To ensure that any notion of toxicity is eradicated,” she concluded.

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    In the Rolling Stone article, all 11 of the anonymous sources agreed that Clarkson was likely unaware of how more junior staff members were being treated on set. They claimed executive producer Alex Duda, who was called “a monster” by one former staffer, shields Clarkson from complaints about the “toxic” work environment Duda allegedly created.

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    Several of the staffers said they filed HR complaints about harassing behaviour from Duda and others on set, but saw no action taken.

    “There’s a culture of non-accountability for some people, and that needs to change,” a former staff member said.

    A spokesperson for NBCUniversal, which airs The Kelly Clarkson Show, disputed the toxic work environment claims in a statement to ET on Friday.

    “We are committed to a safe and respectful work environment and take workplace complaints very seriously and to insinuate otherwise is untrue,” the statement reads. “When issues are reported they are promptly reviewed, investigated and acted upon as appropriate. The Kelly Clarkson Show strives to build a safe, respectful and equitable workplace that nurtures a culture of inclusivity and creativity.”

    The Kelly Clarkson Show is not the first daytime TV production to be branded toxic. The Ellen DeGeneres Show, TMZ and The Tyra Banks Show (which was produced by Duda), among others, have all also faced allegations of employee mistreatment.

    The Kelly Clarkson Show premiered on Sept. 9, 2019, and is currently filming its fourth season (though had to halt production as a result of the writer’s strike). The production has been awarded 13 Daytime Emmys, including three for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for Clarkson.

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    &copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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    Sarah Do Couto

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  • ‘Kelly Clarkson Show’ labelled a toxic workplace by staffers: reports – National | Globalnews.ca

    ‘Kelly Clarkson Show’ labelled a toxic workplace by staffers: reports – National | Globalnews.ca

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    The successful daytime TV program The Kelly Clarkson Show is all about positivity and happiness — but that cheery attitude doesn’t extend behind the scenes, according to a number of current and former staff members.

    In an exposé shared by Rolling Stone on Friday, 10 former and one current staff member of The Kelly Clarkson Show said they were bullied and harassed by the show’s producers, some to the point of tears, vomiting and mental anguish.

    All 11 of the anonymous sources agreed that Clarkson, the face of the popular daytime production, is likely unaware of how more junior staff members are being treated on set. They claimed executive producer Alex Duda, who was called “a monster” by one former staffer, shields Clarkson from complaints about the “toxic” work environment Duda allegedly created.

    “Kelly has no clue how unhappy her staff is,” one former staffer told Rolling Stone.

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    Another former employee described Clarkson, 41, as “fantastic.”

    “She is a person who never treats anyone with anything but dignity and is incredibly appreciative,” they told the outlet.

    Neither Clarkson nor Duda has commented publicly on the new allegations.


    Click to play video: 'Kelly Clarkson claims Country music ‘is gone’'


    Kelly Clarkson claims Country music ‘is gone’


    The staffers, all of whom are said to be entertainment industry veterans, said they were underpaid, overworked and “traumatized” by the employment experience. Many said their mental health suffered while working on The Kelly Clarkson Show, some so severely that they had to seek therapy after leaving their job.

    The sources said some employees have had to take second jobs as dog walkers or Uber Eats drivers to pay their bills. (The average salary of the employees at The Kelly Clarkson Show is not known publicly.)

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    Several of the staffers said they filed HR complaints about harassing behaviour from Duda and others on set, but saw no action taken. One ex-staffer said an unnamed producer was “verbally abusive” and had on one occasion thrown a stapler across their office. Another claimed they were reprimanded by Duda when they asked in a meeting how The Kelly Clarkson Show planned to address the spread of anti-Asian hate crimes.

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    “There’s a culture of non-accountability for some people, and that needs to change,” a former staff member said.

    In response to the Rolling Stone article, one current staff member told Entertainment Tonight that the show’s “toxic” branding came as a “surprise.”

    “Kelly is a fast-paced production and isn’t without stress, but nothing about the environment rises to being labelled toxic,” the anonymous source told ET. “The show is still paying us although we had to shut down early because of the writers’ strike.”

    The same source claimed the production is working on ways to retain staff in L.A., where the first four seasons were filmed, amid the show’s recently announced move to New York City.

    A spokesperson for NBCUniversal, which airs The Kelly Clarkson Show, disputed the toxic work environment claims in a statement to ET.

    “We are committed to a safe and respectful work environment and take workplace complaints very seriously and to insinuate otherwise is untrue,” the statement reads. “When issues are reported they are promptly reviewed, investigated and acted upon as appropriate. The Kelly Clarkson Show strives to build a safe, respectful and equitable workplace that nurtures a culture of inclusivity and creativity.”

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    The Kelly Clarkson Show is not the first daytime TV production to be branded toxic. The Ellen DeGeneres Show, TMZ and The Tyra Banks Show (which was produced by Duda), among others, have all also faced allegations of employee mistreatment.

    The Kelly Clarkson Show premiered on Sept. 9, 2019, and is currently filming its fourth season (though had to halt production as a result of the writer’s strike). The production has been awarded 13 Daytime Emmys, including three for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for Clarkson.

    &copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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    Sarah Do Couto

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  • Kelly Clarkson: Alleged Toxic Behind-the-Scenes Behavior Is “Unacceptable”

    Kelly Clarkson: Alleged Toxic Behind-the-Scenes Behavior Is “Unacceptable”

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    Update, May 13, 2023 2:35 p.m.: Clarkson has responded to Rolling Stone’s allegations in an Instagram post. “In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I’ve always led with my heart and what I believed to be right,” she wrote Friday. “I love my team at The Kelly Clarkson Show, and to find out that anyone is feeling unheard and or disrespected on this show is unacceptable.”

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    NBCUniversal responded with a statement of its own: “We are committed to a safe and respectful work environment and take workplace complaints very seriously, and to insinuate otherwise is untrue. When issues are reported, they are promptly reviewed, investigated and acted upon as appropriate. The Kelly Clarkson Show strives to build a safe, respectful and equitable workplace that nurtures a culture of inclusivity and creativity.”

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    While The Kelly Clarkson Show is sunny and full of song onscreen, employees allege that the program is toxic for workers behind the scenes, according to a new Rolling Stone report. 

    One current employee and 10 former staffers, all anonymous, characterized the NBC daytime talk show, which debuted in September 2019, as an environment where employees are overworked, underpaid, and subjected to bullying and favoritism from high-level producers. But sources made clear that host Kelly Clarkson isn’t privy to the alleged issues plaguing her namesake show. “NBC is protecting the show because it’s their new moneymaker, but Kelly has no clue how unhappy her staff is,” a former employee told Rolling Stone. (NBC, Clarkson, and the show’s executive producer, Alex Duda, didn’t respond to the outlet’s requests for comment. Vanity Fair has reached out to reps for NBC, Clarkson, and Duda for comment as well.)

    “Kelly is fantastic. She is a person who never treats anyone with anything but dignity and is incredibly appreciative,” a former employee said. “I would be shocked if she knew. I’d be floored if she knew the staff wasn’t getting paid for two weeks of Christmas hiatus. The Kelly that I interacted with and that everyone knows would probably be pretty aghast to learn that.”

    Multiple staffers instead lay the blame on executive producer and showrunner Duda, who had similar duties on Steve Harvey and The Tyra Banks Show. “I think Alex Duda’s a monster,” a former employee alleged. “I have a friend who’s an executive producer who warned me about taking this job because apparently she has done this on every show she’s worked on.”

    Employees further claimed that they were only made aware of exact details regarding the production’s relocation from Los Angeles to New York minutes before Variety confirmed the news on Monday. Several employees also claimed that though they brought their workplace concerns to HR, they were ultimately met with inaction. One former staffer who has worked on multiple sets said The Kelly Clarkson Show “is by far the worst experience I’ve ever had in my entire life,” adding, “It deterred me from wanting to work in daytime ever again. When I say I was traumatized, I was really traumatized.”

    The show, which is currently in its fourth season and has been renewed through its sixth season in 2025, is also being investigated by the Writers Guild of America. According to emails obtained by Rolling Stone, producers allegedly wrote episodes of the unionized show, which is a contractual violation. One of the program’s current employees said that new episodes were meant to be taped until May 20, but because of the ongoing strike, staffers believe it’s unlikely that the latest season will be completed. (The WGA didn’t immediately respond to the outlet’s request for comment.)

    Ultimately, the show’s cheery disposition doesn’t jibe with its off-air toxicity, as one current employee puts it: “Kelly uses a sign-off, ‘Make it a great day and if it’s not great, change it,’ but it’s hard to exist and work in a machine that’s pumping out this happy, bubbly, positive messaging and then you have people here who are just treated badly.”

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    Savannah Walsh

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  • Kelly Clarkson Hints At Drama Behind Her Divorce With 2 Fiery New Songs

    Kelly Clarkson Hints At Drama Behind Her Divorce With 2 Fiery New Songs

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    Kelly Clarkson may be “Miss Independent” once again ― only this time, it’s with a vengeance.

    On Friday, Clarkson unveiled two singles, “Me” and “Mine,” off her hotly anticipated 10th album, “Chemistry.” As for the unusual choice of releasing two tracks at the same time, the “American Idol” winner-turned-daytime talk show host said she “didn’t want to release just one song to represent an entire album, or relationship.”

    “There are many stages of grief and loss on this album,” Clarkson explained in an email statement. “Each song is a different stage and emotional state.”

    Clarkson is in peak vocal form on the new songs, both soulful ballads meant to be played at maximum volume. To ensure that fans would be able to sing along, the three-time Grammy winner posted lyrics on social media in advance of the tracks’ release.

    While Clarkson’s performances have always been praised for their raw vulnerability, she appears to be taking her latest project to a new level, giving listeners a glimpse into the demise of her marriage to Brandon Blackstock with emotionally wrenching candor.

    “Can’t believe I let you in, I can’t believe I stayed as long as I stayed,” she sings on “Mine.” “Someone’s gonna show you how a heart can be used, like you did mine.”

    Similarly, she doesn’t hold back on “Me,” singing: “Your insecurity was the death of you and me. Too many times you questioned, what were my intentions? I never gave you reasons, you’re the one with secrets.”

    Clarkson split from Blackstock in 2020 after about seven years of marriage, though their divorce wasn’t finalized until March 2022. The former couple share an 8-year-old daughter, River Rose, and a 7-year-old son, Remington Alexander.

    Due out June 23, “Chemistry” has been widely described as Clarkson’s “divorce album,” alluding to the notion that romantic uncouplings have often inspired music’s biggest stars to write and record some of their most beloved songs. Notable “divorce albums” include Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours,” Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” and, most recently, Adele’s “30.”

    Though Clarkson has stopped short of mentioning Blackstock by name in reference to her new music, she has said that “Chemistry” will reflect “the arc of an entire relationship.”

    “A whole relationship shouldn’t be brought down to just one thing,” she explained in a short video shared on social media last month. “So there’s the good, the bad, and the ugly kinda thing going on it.”

    Fans eager to hear Clarkson perform her new songs live will soon get a spectacular, albeit limited, opportunity. In July, she’ll kick off “Chemistry… An Intimate Night with Kelly Clarkson,” a 10-performance residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Bakkt Theater in Las Vegas.

    Kelly Clarkson will release her 10th album, “Chemistry,” June 23.

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  • Kelly Clarkson Seemingly Shades Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock By Changing Lyrics To ‘Abcdefu’ 

    Kelly Clarkson Seemingly Shades Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock By Changing Lyrics To ‘Abcdefu’ 

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    By Melissa Romualdi.
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    Kelly Clarkson is throwing some shade at her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock in the best way she knows how to- by singing!

    On Thursday, the musician performed a Kellyoke cover on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”, changing the lyrics to Gayle’s hit song “abcdefu” to better reflect her personal life.


    READ MORE:
    Kelly Clarkson Announces ‘Chemistry’ 10-Show Las Vegas Residency

    Her version of the track includes a reference to Blackstock’s father and the battle over the former couple’s finances.

    “Forget you and your dad and the fact that you got half/ And my broken heart, turn that s**t into art,” Clarkson, 40, sang the opening lines, referring to how she channeled her divorce into her new album Chemistry, which she announced last week.


    READ MORE:
    Kelly Clarkson Says ‘It Kills Me’ When Her Kids Say They Wish ‘Mommy And Daddy Were In The Same House’

    The “Since U Been Gone” singer altered the original lyrics: “F**k you and your mom and your sister and your job/ And your broke-a*s car and that s**t you call art.”

    Check out Clarkson’s cover of “abcdefu” in the video above.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xih9U_BEf90

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    Melissa Romualdi

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  • 5 Tracks That Inspired Alexa Cappelli

    5 Tracks That Inspired Alexa Cappelli

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    The challenge any reality show contestant faces is growing their audience once the show ends. Since competing on The Voice in 2018, Alexa Cappelli has kept the momentum going. Last year, her single “Could’ve Just Left Me Alone” went viral and has racked up nearly 20 million Spotify streams.

    Her latest single, “Someone Better,” is a move in a more mature direction. The piano-driven ballad is about a relationship that has reached the end. With a subtle vibrato, Cappelli’s voice shows range and vulnerability.

    “Someone Better” is the realization that the relationship you’re in doesn’t fit the life you’re living for,” she says. “There’s nothing wrong with the other person, in fact there’s really only good. But you know the future holds more growth and love for both of you apart, rather than together.”

    Watch Cappelli’s episode of 5 Tracks That Inspired Me and stream “Someone Better” below.

    For more from Alexa Cappelli, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

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    Staff

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  • Brynn Cartelli Grows Up

    Brynn Cartelli Grows Up

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    Interview and Photos by Jordan Edwards

    Since winning The Voice in 2018, Brynn Cartelli has matured as both a vocalist and songwriter. You can hear this on her latest single, “Secondhand Smoke.” The lyrics have more weight, and her voice sounds more confident. Shortly before its release last month, Cartelli performed the song solo with piano on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Clarkson, who coached Cartelli on The Voice, has continuously supported the 19-year-old’s career.

    During a recent trip to Los Angeles, we caught up with Cartelli to talk about her growth as an artist and the new single. We also filmed an episode of 5 Tracks That Inspired Me (watch below).


    Where did “Secondhand Smoke” come from? Is it about a real person?
    “Secondhand Smoke” is a true story about the heartbreaking end to a friendship I experienced. I was getting ready to graduate high school, and so many things from my childhood were changing; where I would live, who I would be surrounded by. In these transitional phases, we tend to assess where we’re at, how we’re really feeling about the people we’re closest to. I had the title “Secondhand Smoke” in my notes app for a while, and rediscovered it one morning while at my piano.

    You just performed it on The Kelly Clarkson Show with just a piano. What was that experience like?
    It was really emotional for me to return to “Secondhand Smoke” on just a piano while returning to NBC to play music live. I honestly felt very nostalgic, and so grateful for Kelly’s love and support.

    What’s the best thing and the worst thing about performing on TV?
    The best thing is definitely how dramatic we can be with lights and stage design, that’s always been my favorite part of planning a performance. The worst part is trying to ignore the cameras by getting lost in the song while also making sure my hair isn’t falling in my face.

    How have your vocals evolved since you were on The Voice?
    I think my voice has obviously grown up a lot since then, especially because I was like 15 and fresh out of puberty haha. I used to cover up my nerves with more vibrato. I think I’m less likely to do that now.

    How many of your song ideas actually get turned into songs? How do you organize everything?
    Most of the ideas I either write down in my notes or record on my phone somehow find their way into a song at some point. I keep a big, long list in my phone of ideas and a separate one of titles. There are also little notes scattered all over my apartment with ideas and concepts that I might use one day. The only way to organize anything is to write it down. I mourn all the hits that could have been written if someone wrote down the lyric or recorded the melody, even if it’s just on a phone.

    Are you able to relax the night before a new song comes out?
    No! Never. Especially not with “Secondhand Smoke.” I was so nervous for people to listen to such a vulnerable song.

    5 Tracks That Inspired Brynn Cartelli

    What was it like working with Ben Abraham on “If I Could?”
    Ben and I wrote “If I Could” on the first day we met, which is pretty magical. I remember we had been throwing out a lot of ideas that day with different topics, but I felt so safe to share with Ben what had been going on back home with my friends. Just like that, “If I Could” was born.

    What would you be doing if you weren’t in music?
    I always dreamed of directing a film.

    Can you tell us anything about your next album?
    I won’t give away too much, but for now I’ll say the next project is about liminality, the “in betweens” of life. Away from your past but not quite in your future yet, on the brink of something exciting. There’s tension and heartache and so much hope.

    What have you been listening to lately?
    I have been listening to a lot of Caroline Polachek recently. Her new record is phenomenal, and she is an incredible artist on so many fronts. I’m a huge fan.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtTqd8VlAs0‘The Voice’ Winner Brynn Cartelli Performs ‘Secondhand Smoke’ On The Kelly Clarkson ShowTeam Kelly alum and the youngest winner of “The Voice” Brynn Cartelli performs her new single “Secondhand Smoke.

    For more from Brynn Cartelli, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

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  • Kelly Clarkson is talking about the reality of her divorce | CNN

    Kelly Clarkson is talking about the reality of her divorce | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Kelly Clarkson says she’s done with marriage, but open to finding love again and committed to supporting her children as they adjust to her divorce.

    The singer recently talked about her split from Brandon Blackstock, the father of her two children, and the impact it has had on her family.

    “I literally ask my kids every night when we’re snuggling, ‘Are you happy? And if you’re not, what could make you happier?’” Clarkson said on “The Angie Martinez IRL Podcast.” “Sometimes they’ll say, especially the past two years, and it kills me and I want them to be honest, so I don’t ever say, ‘Oh god, don’t tell me that,’ but a lot of times it would be like, ‘You know, I’m just really sad. I wish mommy and daddy were in the same house.’”

    She added, “I’m raising that kind of individual. I want you to be honest with me.”

    Clarkson said being raised in a divorced family herself helped her to better understand the feelings involved.

    “I just sit there and I’m like, ‘I get it. I’m from a divorced family as well. I get it. That sucks,’” she said. “But we’re going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us. I think communicating with them and not treating them, not treating them like an adult, because they’re not — but not treating them like a child. They’re not small feelings. Those are huge feelings, and those are huge emotions.”

    Clarkson and Blackstock broke up in June 2020, with the singer citing irreconcilable differences. She said while she doesn’t plan to marry again, she does want to find love.

    “I won’t be getting married,” she said. “In my life, I’ve been through a couple of divorces in my own family as a kid. I would love to fall in love. I would love to find someone and fall in love and do that thing, but I have children and that’s why I say that.”

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  • Taylor Swift, Pink to be honored at 2023 iHeartRadio Awards

    Taylor Swift, Pink to be honored at 2023 iHeartRadio Awards

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    NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift will receive the 2023 iHeartRadio Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards later this month, which will feature performances by Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Muni Long, Cody Johnson, Coldplay and Pink, who is this year’s Icon Award recipient.

    The Innovator Award is presented to an artist who has “impacted global pop culture throughout their career.” Past recipients include Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, U2 and Alicia Keys.

    Pink will receive the Icon Award honoring her “impact on pop culture, longevity and continued relevance as a touring and radio force with a loyal fan base worldwide.”

    The iHeartRadio Music Awards will be aired March 27 on Fox from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and aired on iHeartRadio stations and the app.

    Lizzo, Swift and Harry Styles lead the awards nominations with seven nods each, and Jack Harlow and Drake are close behind with six each.

    For top song of the year, Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” faces off against Swift’s “Anti-Hero,” Styles’ “As It Was,” Justin Bieber’s “Ghost,” Doja Cat’s “Woman,” Glass Animals’ “Heat Wave,” Latto’s “Big Energy,” Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow’s “Industry Baby,” Harlow’s “First Class,” and Imagine Dragons’ “Enemy.”

    Fans can vote in several categories including best fan army, best lyrics, best cover song, best sample and best music video. Voting on Twitter begins Wednesday using the appropriate category and nominee hashtags and will close March 20.

    With five nominations each are Doja Cat, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Tems, Bad Bunny and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Silk Sonic, Future, Latto, Imagine Dragons, The Weeknd, BLACKPINK, Karol G and Nicki Minaj have four each.

    Artist of the year pits Beyoncé against Doja Cat, Drake, Dua Lipa, Styles, Harlow, Bieber, Lizzo, Swift and The Weeknd for the crown. Best duo or group nominees are AJR, Black Eyed Peas, BLACKPINK, Silk Sonic, Glass Animals, Imagine Dragons, Måneskin, OneRepublic, Parmalee and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

    Country artist of the year nominees are Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen. Hip-hop artist of the year nominees are Drake, Future, Kodak Black, Lil Baby and Moneybagg Yo.

    Nominees for alternative artist of the year are Imagine Dragons, Måneskin, Twenty One Pilots, Weezer and Red Hot Chili Peppers, the last of whom also are on the list of rock artists of the year, along with Ghost, Papa Roach, Shinedown and Three Days Grace.

    The Latin pop/reggaeton artist of the year nominees are Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Farruko, Karol G and Rauw Alejandro. And nominees for best R&B artist are Blxst, Bleu, Silk Sonic, Muni Long and SZA.

    ___

    Online: https://www.iheart.com/music-awards

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  • Nick Jonas’ Childhood Chuck E. Cheese Commercial Resurfaces After ‘Kelly Clarkson Show’ Appearance

    Nick Jonas’ Childhood Chuck E. Cheese Commercial Resurfaces After ‘Kelly Clarkson Show’ Appearance

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    By Brent Furdyk.
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    A long-forgotten TV commercial featuring a young Nick Jonas is back in the spotlight after the JoBros singer’s recent appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”.

    As Jonas explained on the talk show, he recalled being a child actor auditioning for jobs.

    “When I was a kid doing acting, Broadway, and music, I would go on auditions all the time,” Jonas told host Kelly Clarkson.


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    JoJo Siwa Hilariously Claps Back After Being Trolled For Taking New Girlfriend Avery Cyrus On A Date To Chuck E. Cheese

    “There were two big jobs you wanted to get as a child actor, the Hess truck holiday commercials … I never got it,” he continued.

    “But I did get the other, second-most desirable job for a child … Chuck E. Cheese.”

    Jonas went to to describe his experience filming the commercial.

    “I’m sitting on the Skee-Ball thing, and I threw [a ball] behind my back, and it went into the [ring.] We did the first shot, and I actually got it in.”


    READ MORE:
    Father John Misty Pens Tongue-In-Cheek Eulogy For Chuck E. Cheese And Animatronic Band

    Asked how much he was paid, Jonas quipped, “They gave me a thousand tokens.”

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    Brent Furdyk

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  • New Music Friday: Alexa Cappelli Is Back With “Lose, Lose”

    New Music Friday: Alexa Cappelli Is Back With “Lose, Lose”

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    It’s not hard to find something to relate to in Alexa Cappelli’s music. The 23-year-old vocal powerhouse from California has found success in writing from the heart. By staying true to herself and building a platform through her TikTok, Cappelli has become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

    Hailing from Team Kelly on NBC’s The Voice, Cappelli was an instant fan-favorite thanks to her bubbly personality and mega talent. From that point on, it was easy to see that Alexa would be able to connect with thousands of fans on a level most artists can’t.

    She used her TikTok and other social media platforms to regularly post singing videos, tease new music, and most importantly, reach out to fans. TikTok is a major tool for most artists, yet Cappelli changed the game when she leaked her new single, “Lose, Lose” on the platform before it was released on November 11.

    Courtesy of Alexa Cappelli

    By leaking the song herself, fans of Alexa’s could get a real glimpse of her new record before anyone else. It was a nod of respect in her fans’ directions, whose endless support garnered over 125,000+ listens before the song was even released.

    In “Lose, Lose”, Cappelli sings about ending a toxic friendship–something almost everyone can relate to. It’s just one of Alexa’s unique abilities to construct a song that is both vulnerable and inclusive.

    Written alongside Pom Pom–who has worked with greats like John Legend and Skyler Stonestreet, who wrote for Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande–“Lose, Lose” is the ultimate alt-pop winter anthem.

    With another exclusive interview, PopDust sits down with the amazing Alexa to talk her new single and the future:


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    PD: Originally, you leaked your single, “Lose, Lose” to your fans. What sparked this idea?

    AC: The last few songs I’ve released were teased from earlier in the year, so my team and I thought, “why not try something new for a brand new song they haven’t heard?”. After sending the song to my top fans, seeing their reaction made it so worthwhile. They made awesome videos and started some trends that I’m building up even more so now that it’s out!

    PD: You connect with a ton of people through your social media accounts like TikTok. Have you found any surprising inspiration in your music through the platform? How has the app changed how you put out music?

    AC: I always write songs from a feeling or experience I have been through or can relate to. TikTok is a great place to share stories and the creativity that comes with coping in song form. If a song I love really resonates with an audience, that is a win win to me.

    PD: “Lose, Lose” is about a toxic friendship that had to end. Is writing about the end of a friendship any different than a relationship for you?

    AC: It honestly depends on the type of person and relationship. First we have “Temporary” which was about a sweet guy that I just didn’t belong with. That kind of situation carries a bit more nostalgia. “Lose, Lose” on the other hand, was about a friend that turned sour on me every couple months, blaming me for the issues they’ve always had, and I just couldn’t take it anymore.

    PD: Do you have any advice for our readers about getting out of toxic friendships?

    AC: The best advice I can give is if you find yourself torn between constantly apologizing or defending your character, run. The kind of friends that I need are the kind that give me the benefit of the doubt and truly forgive me when I say sorry. I am self aware enough to know my downfalls and not be ashamed of them, and I just won’t tolerate anyone who is.

    PD: You do an amazing job of being open and honest with your fans through your lyrics. What’s the hardest part about writing about these situations?

    AC: Truthfully, there is a layer of difficulty for me when it comes to sharing such personal lyrics about a certain person because no matter what they did, I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’ve realized that these are my feelings and experiences and I’m allowed to share what I’ve been through.

    PD: You just opened up for ANDI on November 15! What was it like to perform only a few days after the single release?

    AC: SO fun! I want to do a lottttt more of it and I intend for releases to come. People already knew all the words. It was awesome.

    PD: For “Lose, Lose” you wrote with amazing songwriters, Skyler Stonestreet and Pom Pom. How was working together and how did the song come about?

    AC: I have never written and released a song made by all women until now! Pom Pom is so talented and was great to work with all my notes, even over Zoom. Skyler is a force of a songwriter (and also like a big sister<3). I will definitely be working with both of them again.

    PD: With increasing buzz around your music, what’s next for you in the future? Can fans expect an Alexa Cappelli album soon?

    AC: Yes. I am working on my debut album! It’s a special project to me, and all I can say right now is that it has been a process.

    You can listen to Alexa Cappelli’s single, “Lose, Lose” here:

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    Jai Phillips

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  • Protests: Rocks, smoke bombs outside drag story time event

    Protests: Rocks, smoke bombs outside drag story time event

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    EUGENE, Ore. — Protesters threw rocks and smoke grenades at each other outside a drag queen story time event at an Oregon pub that was to have featured an 11-year-old performer, but the weekend event went on as planned despite the confrontation.

    The 11-year-old did not take part as scheduled but was in the audience of about 50 people as some 200 demonstrators and counterdemonstrators — some of them armed — faced off outside the Oregon pub where Sunday’s story time was held.

    Authorities said people in the crowd of about 200 protesters on both sides briefly “lobbed projectiles” at each other, prompting authorities to shut down the street. Some in the crowd had semi-automatic rifles, police said. The projectiles were rocks and some smoke bombs, the Register Guard reported.

    Police did not make any arrests and said one person was taken to the hospital by ambulance with an unspecified injury.

    The tense protest made the pub in Eugene, about 110 miles (175 kilometers) south of Portland, the latest target of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric that’s increasingly targeting drag story time events around the U.S.

    The Drag Queen Story Hour, a national project conceived as a means to educate and entertain children by appealing to their imaginations, has generated social media backlash from opponents who claim they want to protect children. Organizers said the protests were actually frightening and endangering participants and they vowed to enhance security at the events but not halt their programs.

    The pub said Monday in a Facebook post that the event went on safely despite the protests, but the business expects to be “a target for violent extremists for a good while” and said it spent $2,000 on private security Sunday.

    The pub’s staff had “an intense weekend filled with racist and homophobic hate mail, physical threats of violence, and repeated attacks by right wing media outlets framing our Drag Queen Storytime as nefarious.”

    “We love you all so much, and we will not ever back down to hate,” the pub said in its Monday post. It added, “Thank you for standing with us against this growing trend of violence against queer youth and LGBTQ venues.”

    The pub frequently holds LGBTQ-friendly events and had promoted the show as a story time featuring drag performers singing songs and reading picture books, with plans to include the 11-year-old performer.

    Inside the pub, the child who had been expected to perform instead became the show’s guest of honor as several adult drag queens sang and read picture books before an audience that included families with small children.

    An advertisement for the event had featured a rainbow, a unicorn and puffy clouds against a blue sky along with superimposed photos of the child performer and three adult drag queens.

    The 11-year-old, who goes by the stage name Vanellope, has performed at the eatery and live music venue before with little fanfare. Videos posted on the pub’s Facebook page shows her dancing and singing in a poofy white and blue dress while families with small children watch and dance along.

    Tension over the show had been brewing all week after right-wing personalities learned of it and posted about it online.

    The nonprofit Drag Queen Story Hour was started in San Francisco in 2015 by activist and author Michelle Tea. Chapters have since opened across the U.S. and elsewhere. Other organizations with readers in drag have also formed.

    As part of Drag Queen Story Hour’s programming, drag queens read to children and their parents at libraries, bookstores, fairs, parks and other public spaces to celebrate reading “through the glamorous art of drag.”

    Other drag events have also been in the headlines lately. Most recently, a half-hour “Drag Kids” program planned for the Boise Pride Festival generated national backlash and anonymous threats. Festival organizers envisioned a short performance where kids could put on sparkly dresses and lip-sync to songs like Kelly Clarkson’s “People Like Us” on stage. But organizers ultimately pulled the program from the festival due to safety concerns.

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