Quincy Jones & More Saluted at Motion Picture Academy’s Governors Awards: 8 Best Moments

Quincy Jones & More Saluted at Motion Picture Academy’s Governors Awards: 8 Best Moments

  November 18, 2024

The 15th edition of the Governor’s Awards, presented by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, was a bittersweet celebration. The event, held on Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, honored legendary figures in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, one of the honorees, Quincy Jones, passed away just two weeks prior, on Nov. 3.

Jones' daughter, actress Rashida Jones, spoke on behalf of the family, reflecting on her father’s unparalleled legacy. She described how his music spanned jazz, disco, pop, hip-hop, and more, noting that "the real thread in his music is that his music is all infused with his love." The family wanted to celebrate his life and career, despite the emotional weight of his recent passing.

Other honorees included casting director Juliet Taylor, filmmaker Richard Curtis, and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Each was recognized for their significant contributions to the film industry, with Jones specifically lauded for his "artistic genius" and "trailblazing legacy in film music."

The event featured powerful musical tributes. Jennifer Hudson led a gospel choir in a stirring performance of “Maybe God Is Tryin’ to Tell You Something,” from The Color Purple, a film for which Jones received several Oscar nominations. Hudson’s career was also deeply influenced by Jones, whose pioneering work laid the groundwork for the success of artists like her.

Jamie Foxx shared a heartfelt story about how Jones helped him prepare for his Oscar-winning role as Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic Ray. Jones had been close friends with Charles and provided Foxx with invaluable insights, including a vintage cassette recording of Charles’ performance.

During the ceremony, Rashida Jones honored her father’s memory, speaking about his natural ability to connect with people and his profound impact on the world. She encouraged those present to explore the full range of his musical contributions, highlighting how his work was infused with love. She also shared a personal message from her father, reflecting on his pride in being part of the evolution of the film industry, particularly in opening doors for people of color.

As the ceremony continued, the legacy of Quincy Jones, his contributions to music, and his personal impact on generations of artists and filmmakers were celebrated, ensuring his influence would endure far beyond his passing.

The Kid LAROI Performs Intimate Sydney Show Ahead of ARIA Awards

The Kid LAROI Performs Intimate Sydney Show Ahead of ARIA Awards

  November 18, 2024

Over the weekend, The Kid LAROI captivated fans with a rare and intimate performance at Nova’s Red Room held at Selina’s, the iconic venue within Sydney’s Coogee Bay Hotel. Known for hosting legendary acts like Nirvana and Foo Fighters, Selina’s proved the perfect backdrop for an evening celebrating the Gadigal-born artist’s deep connection with his hometown and fans.

A Stripped-Back Set for a Special Night

Opening with his latest single, “Baby I’m Back,” LAROI set the tone for a reimagined, stripped-back set of his biggest hits. He described the show as a unique opportunity to “have some fun” in a smaller, more intimate environment.

For the select 500 attendees, the night was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. LAROI performed tracks like “Girls,” “Nights Like This,” “Heaven,” and the emotional “Where Does Your Spirit Go?” Between songs, he engaged with fans, sharing personal stories and surprising a few lucky attendees with tickets to his upcoming Sydney arena show.

Reflecting on Collaborations

One standout moment of the evening came during his performance of “Stay,” the global smash hit he co-wrote with Justin Bieber. Before the song, LAROI asked the audience, “Are there any Justin Bieber fans here?” to enthusiastic cheers. Reflecting on the track’s creation, he said, “It was a pleasure to write the track with Justin. I still like the song after three or four years, which is surprising.”

Closing with a Fan-Favorite

The night concluded with “Love Again,” a powerful ballad from his debut album, The First Time. The audience sang along to every lyric, demonstrating the artist’s profound impact on his fans.

A Rising Star at Home and Abroad

This intimate performance comes just days ahead of The Kid LAROI’s appearance at the 2024 ARIA Awards, where he is nominated in four major categories, including Best Solo Artist and Song of the Year for “Nights Like This.” The event, scheduled for Nov. 20 at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, will also feature performances by Australian icons like Jessica Mauboy, CYRIL, Amy Shark, and Missy Higgins.

A Record-Breaking Journey

The Kid LAROI’s meteoric rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2021, his collaboration with Justin Bieber on “Stay” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the youngest Australian artist and the first Indigenous Australian to achieve this milestone. That same year, his mixtape F— Love debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, solidifying his status as a global sensation.

Looking Ahead

As LAROI continues to carve out his legacy, his Nova’s Red Room performance serves as a reminder of his roots and his ability to connect with fans on a deeply personal level. With the ARIA Awards on the horizon and a string of upcoming shows, the young artist’s star is only set to shine brighter.

Sabrina Carpenter Surprises LA Crowd With Marcello Hernandez as Domingo From Viral ‘SNL’ Sketch

Sabrina Carpenter Surprises LA Crowd With Marcello Hernandez as Domingo From Viral ‘SNL’ Sketch

  November 18, 2024

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Tour continues to blend her vibrant pop performances with unexpected, viral-worthy moments. On Sunday night (Nov. 17), the singer took things to the next level at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, by enlisting Marcello Hernandez’s Saturday Night Live character Domingo for her crowd-interactive segment.

Domingo Takes Center Stage

During the playful bit that precedes Carpenter’s performance of her flirtatious track “Juno,” the singer chooses an audience member to “arrest” for being “too hot.” But this time, it wasn’t just any fan—it was Domingo, the sultry, thick-accented Miami heartthrob who originated in a viral SNL sketch last month, accompanied by Carpenter’s hit song Espresso.

“My name’s Domingo,” Hernandez announced from the crowd to raucous applause. Carpenter played along, asking, “Where are you from?” to which Domingo growled, “I’m from Miami, baby.” Not missing a beat, Carpenter responded cheekily, “I wish you were from my bedroom.”

Domingo riffed off Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet lyrics by referencing her song “Bed Chem”: “I’m the cute boy with the blue jacket and the thick accent.” Before being “arrested,” Domingo returned to his original SNL punchline, adding, “Sabrina’s a friend, she’s like my sis… but I would hook up though.”

From SNL to the Stage

Domingo’s first Saturday Night Live appearance aired on October 12, in a sketch featuring host Ariana Grande and a parody bridesmaid group song, accompanied by Carpenter’s Espresso. Carpenter reacted to the bit humorously on Instagram, saying it was “Very nice and on pitch.” Grande later responded, “tysm we tried.”

The Domingo character has since resurfaced, most recently on the November 16 episode hosted by Charli XCX. This time, Domingo danced to Chappell Roan’s Hot to Go, perfectly syncing his signature charm with the track’s rhythmic chant, “D-O-M-I-N-G-O.”

Celebrity Cameos: A Tour Highlight

Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet Tour has become a hub for memorable celebrity appearances. Earlier in the tour, she “arrested” Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown during her Atlanta show, playfully teasing, “I’m really distracted right now because I see this gorgeous girl.”

Just days before the Domingo moment, Carpenter shared the stage with Christina Aguilera during her Friday night performance at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The two powerhouses delivered renditions of Aguilera’s hits “What a Girl Wants” and “Ain’t No Other Man,” creating an unforgettable moment for fans.

A Playful Tour Stop in LA

Sunday’s show marked the second of three stops for Carpenter in the Los Angeles area. She opened with a high-energy performance at Crypto.com Arena on Friday and is set to conclude her LA run back at the Kia Forum on Monday.

Sabrina Carpenter continues to prove her ability to captivate audiences not just with her music but with her wit, charm, and undeniable knack for blending pop culture with her tour experience. Bringing Domingo into the mix is yet another example of how Carpenter keeps her performances fresh, fun, and uniquely her own.

Beyoncé to Perform at Ravens-Texans NFL Christmas Gameday Live on Netflix

Beyoncé to Perform at Ravens-Texans NFL Christmas Gameday Live on Netflix

  November 18, 2024

Queen Bey is making a triumphant return to her hometown of Houston this Christmas, headlining the halftime show for the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens game on December 25. The performance, set to stream live on Netflix from NRG Stadium, marks a monumental collaboration between the pop icon and the NFL, creating a must-watch holiday event for music and sports fans alike.

A Homecoming Performance for the Ages

Beyoncé’s Christmas Day appearance marks her first NFL halftime performance since her electrifying Super Bowl shows in 2013 and 2016. However, this time, she’s making history as part of Netflix's first-ever live NFL broadcast, a partnership that cost the streaming giant a reported $75 million per game.

This highly anticipated event will also be a live debut for tracks from Beyoncé’s genre-bending album, Cowboy Carter. Released earlier this year, the record seamlessly blends country, Americana, and pop influences, making it her most adventurous project yet.

A Historic Album, A Historic Stage

Cowboy Carter has proven to be a cultural phenomenon, breaking records as the first Beyoncé album to simultaneously top the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart. Garnering 11 Grammy nominations, Beyoncé has officially made her mark in the country music world. Highlights include:

• Best Country Solo Performance for "16 CARRIAGES"
• Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Miley Cyrus for "II MOST WANTED"
• Best Country Song for "TEXAS HOLD ’EM"
• Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter
• Best Americana Performance for "YA YA"
• Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "LEVII’S JEANS" featuring Post Malone

This halftime show represents not just a celebration of her artistic evolution but also a significant moment for inclusivity in country music.

The NFL Meets Netflix

Netflix's venture into live sports begins with this Christmas Day doubleheader, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Texans vs. Ravens at 4:30 p.m. ET. Beyoncé’s performance will air during halftime of the second game, accessible to viewers on Netflix, regional TV networks, and NFL+.

The Wall Street Journal described this collaboration as a bold move by Netflix to expand its live event offerings, leveraging the NFL’s massive audience to solidify its presence in the live-streaming space.

The Teaser We Can’t Stop Talking About

Netflix has stoked anticipation with a cinematic teaser showcasing Beyoncé in full Western glam, draped in patriotic attire atop a vintage car adorned with red roses. The teaser features an a cappella rendition of "AMERIICAN REQUIEM" as Beyoncé effortlessly catches a football, embodying both the album's essence and her commanding stage presence.

Beyoncé’s NFL Legacy

Fans of Beyoncé’s previous NFL performances will remember her 2013 Super Bowl show, where she reunited with Destiny’s Child, and her politically charged 2016 performance alongside Coldplay and Bruno Mars. With Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé is poised to bring a different kind of magic to the NFL stage, blending her unmatched showmanship with a heartfelt celebration of her Texas roots.

Conclusion: A Christmas Event to Remember

Beyoncé’s return to the NFL halftime stage promises to be a groundbreaking holiday spectacle. From her chart-topping country album to her historic NFL partnership with Netflix, the Christmas Gameday event represents a blend of music, sports, and culture like never before.

With millions expected to tune in, this performance will undoubtedly be a defining moment in both Beyoncé's career and the history of NFL entertainment.

Brandon Short Exits Tim Lambesis’ Austrian Death Machine

Brandon Short Exits Tim Lambesis’ Austrian Death Machine

  November 18, 2024

The past few weeks have marked a challenging period for As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis, as members of both his main band and his side project, Austrian Death Machine, have announced their departures. This wave of exits highlights ongoing struggles within Lambesis’ musical endeavors, stemming from both personal and professional discord.

Mass Departures in As I Lay Dying

In October, As I Lay Dying faced a significant shake-up when guitarist Ken Susi, bassist Ryan Neff, and drummer Nick Pierce collectively announced their decision to leave. Longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso soon followed suit, leaving Lambesis as the band’s sole remaining member. The reasons cited for these exits revolved around "clashes with personal morals," a sentiment shared by multiple departing members.

Lambesis responded to the departures on November 5, acknowledging the "unhealthy environment" within the band and conceding that even small decisions had become difficult due to mounting tensions. While expressing support for his former bandmates’ decisions, Lambesis emphasized that his “door will always remain open” for future discussions and affirmed his intention to continue the band despite the setbacks.

Austrian Death Machine Faces Similar Challenges

Following the turmoil in As I Lay Dying, Lambesis’ side project, Austrian Death Machine, also experienced a departure. Brandon Short, the drummer who joined the band in 2023, announced his exit on Instagram on November 15. His departure statement echoed themes of personal and professional disillusionment, as well as the toll taken on his mental well-being.

Short explained, “For the sake of my mental well-being and personal beliefs, and in light of the recent developments surrounding the As I Lay Dying camp and Tim, this has become an inevitable step for me.” He further described a cycle of unfulfilled promises and broken trust, which ultimately led him to prioritize his personal integrity and health over his role in the band.

Controversial Legacy of Tim Lambesis

Lambesis’ turbulent history continues to cast a shadow over his musical projects. In 2013, he was arrested and later convicted for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his then-wife, Meggan Lambesis. Serving two years of a six-year sentence, Lambesis’ actions caused significant backlash within the metal community. Although As I Lay Dying reformed in 2017, the controversy has lingered, with ongoing concerns about Lambesis’ character and the impact of his past actions on his collaborators.

The Future of As I Lay Dying and Austrian Death Machine

As I Lay Dying, once a prominent name in metalcore with Grammy nominations and a dedicated fan base, faces an uncertain future. Austrian Death Machine, a parody thrash project inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger films, saw its comeback earlier this year with Quad Brutal but now stands on shaky ground with Short’s departure.

Lambesis’ statement that As I Lay Dying will continue reflects his determination to push forward. However, the repeated departures and public criticisms raise questions about whether Lambesis can rebuild trust and maintain his musical legacy.

Conclusion

Tim Lambesis is at a crossroads as he navigates the fallout from his controversial past and the current exodus of bandmates. While his ambition to continue creating music remains evident, the recurring challenges underscore the difficulty of sustaining a cohesive and trusting environment in his projects. As fans and industry peers watch closely, the question remains whether Lambesis can overcome these hurdles and revitalize his career.