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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
First Indian rock band on America's Got Talent is from Northeast
Growing up in Sikkim's Gangtok on a steady diet of gritty tunes and razor-sharp riffs by pioneering hard rock icons like The Eagles and Guns N' Roses and local rock talent like CRAB and Still Waters, members of the four-piece Girish and The Chronicles never concerned themselves with conforming to India's mainstream music scene — one that is often dominated by film music and represented abroad through Indian classical music. The band, instead, for the last 16 years, doubled down on a sound that was unmistakably rooted in classic Western hard rock and metal. But even for a band which built its identity on a genre far away from typical national temper and trends, they never factored in America's Got Talent: one of the most popular TV shows in the world. Their breakout moment on the show's Season 20 last week: a roaring performance of Adele's 'Set fire to the rain' in the audition round knocked the socks off of the frenzied audience and judges — Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B — not expecting an Indian rock band to perform actual hard rock. Just as the band flung itself into the pop song with distorted guitars and Girish's unhinged voice, all four were stunned, followed by an enthusiastic standing ovation and a resounding entry into the next round. 'The whole experience was surreal… it was electrifying… something we'll never forget. Years of touring, dreaming, and staying true to our sound led up to that moment. We're just incredibly grateful to be part of something this big, and to share a piece of our journey with the world,' said frontman Girish Pradhan in an email conversation with The Indian Express. 'You come from the other side of the globe and do something so traditionally American.. It was so beautiful,' said Howie Mandel on the show. On Friday last week, hot on the heels of their now viral performance with 1.7 million views, the Bengaluru-based band — comprising vocalist Girish, guitarist Suraz Sun, bassist Yogesh Pradhan (also Girish's younger brother), and drummer Nagen Nags – with their long tresses cascading behind and goatees that harked back to the 90s, sang a set at the Capital's newly opened The Piano Man. As if plucked straight from the golden age of rock 'n' roll and planted in the cosy live music venue, the band had those present flipping out as frontman Girish's soaring vocals pierced through with the song 'Rock n roll is here to stay'. With limbs pounding, someone from the crowd screamed, 'AGT winners'. Girish obliged by crooning the performance from the show. 'The outpouring of love and support we have received from across the globe has been overwhelming in the best way possible. It's a reaffirmation of everything we've worked so hard for, and a reminder of how far we've come,' said Girish. It all started when a producer from America's Got Talent reached out to Girish via Instagram, after seeing a soundcheck video he had posted from a show at Independence Rock Festival in Mumbai. 'That conversation opened the door for us to pursue AGT, and the rest followed naturally,' says Girish, who identifies the global perception of Indian music, which is traditionally centred around classical genres and Bollywood. 'But as a band, we never set out to fit into that mould. Coming from Sikkim, we were already on the periphery of the mainstream spotlight – and in many ways, that gave us the freedom to chart our own course…We're not trying to redefine what it means to be Indian. We are simply sharing our story,' says Girish. Girish and his younger brother Yogesh are the sons of Bimla Pradhan, a well-known Nepali folk and classical singer, and football commentator Shyam Pradhan, who was deeply passionate about music, and also the band's first manager, mentor and financier. While the brothers grew up with the traditional sound of folk music at home, they were soon drawn to Northeast's deep connection with rock and metal.
The Hill
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Mace files resolution to expel McIver over ICE assault charges
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) filed a Wednesday resolution to expel Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) over pending federal charges related to a scuffle lawmakers, protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers outside an immigrant detention facility in New Jersey. McIver was accused of assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement after touring Delaney Hall on May 9 to conduct legal oversight. She has said she did nothing wrong while accusing ICE officers of pushing her. Democrats have defended McIver while accusing the Trump administration of a political prosecution, while Mace joined other Republicans who have widely criticized her actions. 'Members of Congress swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of this country—not to obstruct them,' Mace said in a statement. 'This isn't a matter of partisan politics. It's about whether we're going to hold Members of Congress to the same legal standards as every other American.,' she added. Mace said the House has set a precedent for expelling Members charged, but not yet convicted, of serious criminal offenses, citing the expulsion of former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) in 2023, which she notably voted against 'In a time when public trust in government is at a historic low, the House must act decisively,' said Mace. 'The evidence is clear. The charges are serious. And the public deserves to know that criminal conduct in the halls of Congress has consequences,' she added. McIver has denied all claims of wrongdoing as have several fellow Democrats who were on site with her during the early May visit. 'The charges against me are purely political—they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight,' McIver, who's in her first term, wrote in a Monday statement on X. Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, said she offered McIver a plea deal after dropping similar charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Democratic leadership has spoken out in defense of McIver. 'Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch wherever and whenever it is needed. We are lawfully permitted to show up at any federal facility unannounced to conduct an inspection on behalf of the American people,' read a statement signed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (Calif.), Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (Calif.) and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (Colo.). The lawmakers added, 'By visiting the detention center in Newark, Rep. McIver and two other Members of Congress were upholding their oath of office.'
India Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
US considering reality TV show for immigrants to compete for citizenship
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering taking part in a reality TV show in which immigrants would compete for American citizenship, the department confirmed on about the reported idea, DHS responded with a statement that said the pitch "has not received approval or rejection by staff," and that "each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval."advertisement"We need to revive patriotism and civic duty in this country, and we're happy to review out-of-the-box pitches," Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in the statement. The Wall Street Journal reported that the proposed show -- which was pitched by a Canadian American named Rob Worsoff -- would see contestants face off to prove they are the most American."This isn't 'The Hunger Games' for immigrants," the newspaper quoted Worsoff as saying -- a reference to a dystopian novel and subsequent movie about children forced to kill each other in a televised competition for survival."This is not, 'Hey, if you lose, we are shipping you out on a boat out of the country,'" he Journal reviewed a 36-page slide deck from Worsoff's team about the proposed program, which would see contestants compete in one-hour could include a gold rush competition to see who can retrieve the most precious metal from a mine, or one in which contestants would work in teams to assemble the chassis of a Model T car, according to the show would start with an arrival at Ellis Island -- the traditional entrance point for immigrants to the United States -- and would see one contestant eliminated per news comes as former reality show star President Donald Trump's administration has moved to end temporary protected status (TPS) for various groups of immigrants it had shielded them from law permits the government to grant TPS to foreign citizens who cannot safely return home because of war, natural disasters or other "extraordinary" taking office, Trump has sought to strip TPS protections from citizens of countries including Afghanistan, Haiti and Venezuela as part of his broader crackdown on crackdown -- led by DHS -- has included immigration raids, arrests and Watch IN THIS STORY#United States of America#Donald Trump
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'I have no political power with the president'::Wayne Gretzky distances himself from politics amid Donald Trump's 51st state remarks
Wayne Gretzky firmly distanced himself from political debates (Getty Images) Wayne Gretzky says he has 'no pull or power' with political leaders like Trump or Carney Wayne Gretzky reaffirms his apolitical stance as a sportsman, not a politician In a rare public statement last month, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky firmly distanced himself from political debates surrounding President Donald Trump , after renewed speculation about their relationship surfaced during Trump's second term. The 64-year-old Canadian icon addressed the topic during an interview on Toronto's AM-640 radio with Ben Wayne Gretzky never mentioned Donald Trump by name, he was responding to a broader question about how people may try to use his image or legacy to push political narratives. Amid recent chatter about Trump jokingly referring to Canada as the potential 51st U.S. state—and suggesting Gretzky be its governor—the Hall of Famer made it clear that he has no interest or influence in the political arena.'But, trust me, I have no political power with the prime minister or the president,' Gretzky said. 'That's between those two guys, and that's why you hold elections… But trust me I have no pull or power with either the prime minister or the president.'The comment served as a quiet rebuttal to critics who questioned his silence on Trump's controversial comments and past policies, including trade and tariffs affecting asked whether his record being broken by Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin had political weight, especially in today's charged climate, Gretzky dismissed the notion altogether. He insisted that during his career, politics was never part of the locker room conversation.'We watched basketball, we watched baseball… Hockey players, that's never on the docket,' he explained. 'The prime minister and the president don't tell us how to play hockey, and we don't tell them how to do politics, right?'The remarks underscore his consistent approach: stay in your lane and let leaders his neutrality in political matters, Gretzky's life is deeply intertwined with the U.S. He highlighted that his family — including five children, seven grandchildren, and a centenarian mother-in-law — are all American.'You be as proud of the United States of America as I am to be a Canadian,' he tells them. 'That's what your grandfather would have wanted.' Gretzky's comments offered a subtle but firm reminder that while he remains a beloved figure across North America, he has no interest in leveraging that status for political Read: 'Pretend you don't know me': Wayne Gretzky caught in crossfire as Donald Trump friendship sparks Canadian backlash
Black America Web
30-04-2025
- Business
- Black America Web
White House Slams Amazon for Displaying Tariff Costs
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Andrew Harnik / Getty The White House has criticized Amazon's decision to display the cost of tariffs imposed under President Trump's trade policies alongside product prices, calling the move 'hostile and political.' Officials argue the approach could influence consumer behavior and frame the tariffs in a negative light. 'This is a hostile and political act by Amazon. Why didn't Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest levels in 40 years?' press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House. Amazon's plan would make tariff-related costs more visible to shoppers, potentially affecting purchasing decisions. Other e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu have also responded to the tariffs by adjusting their pricing structures—Temu recently added an import fee at checkout. Leavitt also pointed to a Reuters report alleging Amazon worked with a Chinese propaganda outlet to censor user reviews on its Chinese website, underscoring the administration's emphasis on promoting American-made goods and bringing key industries back to the U.S. Tensions between President Trump and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos continue to simmer, as Bezos' net worth has reportedly dropped by $30 billion this year, partly due to the impact of tariff policies. Karoline Leavitt calls out Amazon for its pro-China policy of adding the cost of Trump's tariffs next to their prices: "Amazon partnered with a Chinese propaganda arm. This is another reason why Americans should buy American." — Media Research Center (@theMRC) April 29, 2025 function () { setTimeout(function () { var s = el = 0 ]; = true; = ' el); }, 1000) }); SEE ALSO White House Slams Amazon for Displaying Tariff Costs was originally published on
