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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cynthia Erivo Reveals How She Approached Elphaba Differently in ‘Wicked: For Good': ‘She's Delicious'
After her massive breakthrough as Elphaba in 2024's Wicked, Cynthia Erivo is giving fans a taste of what's to come in the film's final chapter this fall. In her Billboard cover story published Monday (June 2), Erivo teases what fans can expect from her green-skinned heroine in Wicked: For Good, the much-anticipated second part of the film due out this November. 'Elphaba in act one, or film one, it's head and heart … Elphaba in act two is head, sacral,' Erivo tells Billboard Pride editor Stephen Daw, explaining her use of chakras to differentiate Elphaba's transformation across the two films. 'It's grounded. It's really earthy, feet-on-the-ground. She's able to access her rage more.' More from Billboard Cynthia Erivo Opens Up About Her Queerness: 'The More Yourself You Are, The Better Understanding Starts to Happen' From Kosas to Drunk Elephant, These Celeb-Loved Sunscreens Are a Must-Have to Protect Your Skin This Summer Turn Back Time With Cher's Biographical Children's Book Available for Pre-Order Now That change in her gravity-defying character also meant Erivo had to take a different approach to portraying her while filming. 'The scent I wore changed. The makeup changed,' she explains. 'Little shifts that bring you to a more mature version of who Elphaba becomes. And she is delicious in this next one.' The upcoming film will look to replicate the breakout success of its predecessor, which went on to become the highest grossing film adaptation of a musical, earned 10 Oscar nominations (including a best actress nom for Erivo) and scored a No. 2 debut on the Billboard 200 with its soundtrack. 'The cast was like, 'Oh, so it's just in the ether now? People are just listening to it on their way to work at this point?'' Erivo says of the soundtrack's success in particular. 'It's really wonderful.' The interview comes just ahead of the release of Erivo's sophomore LP, I Forgive You (out Friday, June 6 via Verve and Republic Records), which sees the singer exploring uncharted new territory as a performer. As she tells to Billboard, her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande helped connect her with Republic Records' chairwoman and chief creative officer Wendy Goldstein to help make her LP shine. 'Wendy is a very singular human being who just gets it,' she says of meeting Goldstein. 'It was the first time that everything became really clear. To have someone who understands who you are as a musician and a singer and an artist was just a new experience within this space for me as an artist.' See Erivo on the cover of Billboard and a clip from her interview below: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cynthia Erivo Shares a Message of ‘Light & Positivity' For LGBTQ+ People Amid Political ‘Fear-Mongering'
As politicians around the world continue to pursue anti-LGBTQ+ agendas, Cynthia Erivo has a simple message for queer people in 2025: Don't let them win. In her new Billboard cover story published Monday (June 2), Erivo opens up about her thoughts on the Trump administration's continued attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. When asked by Billboard Pride editor Stephen Daw how she's coping with the political chaos, the singer-actress shared that she's focusing on trying to combat the vitriol with peace and calm. More from Billboard Cynthia Erivo Opens Up About Her Queerness: 'The More Yourself You Are, The Better Understanding Starts to Happen' The Roots Apologize to Fans After First Day of 2025 Roots Picnic Marred By Long Lines: 'Safety Will Always Be Our Number 1 Priority' Rod Stewart Postpones Las Vegas Colosseum Residency Gig Due to Unspecified Illness 'I'm trying to be a person you can get positive things from, because that is the only way you can balance this stuff,' she says. 'Fear-mongering is very powerful, and the only thing that you can do in order to offset that is to feed it with light and positivity.' For her queer and trans fans, Erivo highlights the importance of staying true to yourself, even amid a scary political landscape. 'I want to encourage people to not decide to just tuck away and start hiding and not being themselves anymore, because that is exactly what they want,' she says. 'The more yourself you are, the more you are in front of people who don't necessarily understand, the better understanding starts to happen.' All-star songwriter Justin Tranter agrees, saying that Erivo herself has become a powerful symbol for the LGBTQ+ community since her public coming out in 2022. 'Cynthia being Black and queer, and being one of the most famous people alive in this moment while our community is dealing with what we are dealing with, is no mistake,' they tell Billboard. 'For someone as talented as her to be a beacon for young Black queer people all over the world … is no accident.' Over the last few years, Erivo made a name for herself as one of the premiere performers at The Kennedy Center, where she's performed her own solo concerts while also honoring legends such as Dionne Warwick, Dame Julie Andrews and Earth, Wind & Fire. But earlier in 2025, President Trump announced that he was naming himself as the chairman of the prestigious arts organization, replacing existing board members with his own allies and ceasing any and all drag performances hosted by the Center. 'I don't know who gains what from that. I hope that it comes back,' Erivo says of Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center. 'It's really sad to have to watch this happen to it. The Kennedy Center is supposed to be a space of creativity and art and music for everyone.' See Erivo on the cover of Billboard and check out photos from her cover shoot below: Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Reneé Rapp, St. Vincent, Christine and the Queens & More
Before you head off on your three day weekend, take a moment to add some new tracks to your playlista from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists. From Renee Rapp's cheeky return to St. Vincent's Spanish-language reimagination, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: More from Billboard Here's How to Shop Hailey Bieber's Favorite Beauty Products on Amazon Snoop Dogg Dropped These Crocs-Style Sandals With Skechers - and They're Surprisingly Cool Shamir Ends His Musical Journey the Same Way He Started It - On His Own Terms For every fan of Reneé Rapp's that's been asking, ad nauseum, 'where's the single,' the singer has a definitive answer — 'leave me alone, b—h, I wanna have fun.' On this rollicking, tongue-in-cheek meta-commentary, Rapp gives her fans everything they could have asked for with her return. The lyrics are just as unhinged and provocative as the singer herself, the production adds some rock vibes to her established pop'n'b sound, and the vibes are simply, immaculate. We don't predict anyone will be leaving While St. Vincent has already shared a Spanish-language version of her standout track 'Violent Times' from All Born Screaming, the singer-songwriter certainly hasn't done so with rising singer-songwriter Mon Laferte. Now, 'Tiempos Violentos' is given a new edge, as the pair trade lines in English and Spanish, while expanding the jazzy, dark track to a new, broader world of sound that fits both artists like a glove. It turns out when you take disco legend Cerrone and pace him with avant-pop chameleon Christine and the Queens, you get one of the most immediately enjoyable tracks of the year. On 'Catching Feelings,' the pair lean into their strengths and create a guitar & drum-driven disco-pop track that will have you grooving along within moments. Goldfrapp fans, wake up! We got a new banger from Allison herself! 'Reverberotic,' the latest off the singer's forthcoming new album Flux, sees Goldfrapp embracing synth-pop, trance and a touch of soul to make for one of her most unique-sounding tracks to date. 'Reverberotic, wanna feel that again/ Vibrating light, a supernatural ascent,' she croons on the undulating chorus. 'Reverberotic, all your dreams in the cloud/ Your sweet elixir is a part of me now.' It's been a good week for rising heavy metal rocker PINKNOISE. Not only did the fast-rising artist (known off-stage as Kacey Foxx) sign with Nettwerk Music Group, but they decided to celebrate that fact with a new track. On 'Bittersweet,' Foxx delivers the full range of their artistry, starting the song from a cool, quiet space before blowing up the premise and delivering a hard rock ballad that feels like it's being powered by jet fuel. If you haven't listened to PINKNOISE before today, let this be your official notice to go press play now. Check out all of our picks below on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Miley Cyrus, Halsey, Kali Uchis & More
In need of some new tunes from your favorite queer artists? We've got you covered — Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists. From Miley Cyrus' emotional new song to Kali Uchis' introspective new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: More from Billboard Prime Video Slashes Crunchyroll Price to $1.99/Month: Here's How to Score the Deal Amazon's $12 Portable Fan Folds Down to the Size of Lipstick When Not in Use Stylish Steal: Guess Makes $35 Sandals That Totally Look Like Prada With Something Beautiful's first two offerings (the title track and 'End of the World'), Miley Cyrus gave fans two unique looks into her forthcoming new project. 'More to Lose' continues that trend, stripping back the art-rock and glam-pop artifice of the album's other singles to deliver a lofi, stripped-back ballad examining the memory of a lost love. The pop singer's smooth alto voice glides effortlessly over lush instrumentation as she bids farewell to a bygone relationship: 'I knew someday that one would have to choose,' she sings. 'I just thought we had more to lose.' Having already collaborated with Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for 2021, Halsey's ready to take another spin around the block with a goth legend. On 'Hand That Feeds,' featuring Evanescence's lead vocalist Amy Lee, Halsey expertly blends her own pop stylings with the alternative metal that made her collaborator a star in the early 2000s. Kali Uchis has never been satisfied with fitting into just one lane. Sincerely, the singer's latest album, takes yet another bold step in a new direction for the Latin star, as she explores soul, pop and even doo-wop (with a stunning bit of Amy Winehouse-esque flair on album stand out 'All I Can Say'). It certainly doesn't hurt that the unifying factor for all of Uchis' projects — her flawless voice — continues to shine on this dreamy new album. 'I was always too good for your a– anyway,' Maren Morris belts on 'Too Good,' one of the immediate standouts off her vibrant new LP Dreamsicle. It also serves as something of a tone reset for an album that refuses to take itself too seriously; all throughout Dreamsicle, Morris explores a world post-divorce, as she dives back into one night stands ('Bed No Breakfast'), occasional meltdowns ('Cry in the Car') and leaving the things behind that don't serve her ('Lemonade'). Leaning hard into her pop sound, Morris has never sounded like she's having more fun than on the sticky sweet Dreamsicle. Need something to strut down the street to? Allow Snow Wife to assist with 'Sweat,' her thrilling new Y2K pop jam. Blending together the stylings of Britney Spears with The Pussycat Dolls, the up-and-coming pop singer bounces her way through this sultry new song as she commands her listeners to dance along — and after your first listen, we'd be shocked if you managed to resist the call. There's a reason why Jake Wesley Rogers was heralded as a generational talent by none other than Sir Elton John. Take just one listen to his debut album In the Key of Love and you'll hear that familiar brand of confessional, deeply personal songwriting filtered through a pop lens so inherently catchy that you cannot help but hit the replay button. Rogers' commitment to blending pop and gospel sounds together into a harmonious new sound is a statement enough in and of itself — one that you won't be able to forget after you've heard the words he's singing on identity, spirituality and finding comfort in who you are. Check out all of our picks below on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Sam Smith, Lucy Dacus, Japanese Breakfast & More
Looking for some tunes to help you celebrate a queer-inclusive Valentine's Day? Allow us to help: Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists. From Sam Smith's lovestruck new single to Lucy Dacus' stunning new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: More from Billboard Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo & More Win at 2025 Dorian Awards, Voted on by Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics Village People's Victor Willis Admits to 'Double Entendre' in 'Y.M.C.A.,' But Insists the Song Isn't About Sex Justin Tranter on the 'Misogynistic' Backlash to Chappell Roan's Grammy Speech: 'Anger Is Going to Fix This Problem' Throughout their decade-plus in the music business, Sam Smith quickly became defined as a once-in-a-generation singer turning heartbreak into gorgeous ballads. Their most recent LP took Smith in a new, more joyous direction, embracing high-camp club pop aesthetics and lighter emotional these. Now, Smith is bringing those two worlds together on 'Love Is a Stillness,' their new song marketed as a Valentine's Day gift to fans. Bringing the beautiful balladry of In the Lonely Hour and melding it with the jubilant lyricism of Gloria, 'Love Is a Stillness' sees Smith stripping themself down to their sparest elements in order to deliver a short, gorgeous ode to the simplicity of love. When you take away the admittedly excellent artifice surrounding Lucy Dacus' new single 'Best Guess' — including its star-studded music video paying homage to 'hot mascs' everywhere — you're left with a rich love song that deserves more credit for its gorgeous lyricism. Dacus has long been one of the best songwriter's currently working in the business, and that poetic streak certainly does end here. Add onto that the singer's emotionally resonant and understated alto voice, and you've got a must-hear love song for this Valentine's Day. Got any toxic men in your life that need to be checked really quick? Press play on Japanese Breakfast's new single 'Mega Circuit,' and you'll hear Michelle Zauner commiserating right along with you. Over a sometimes-spooky, always-catchy shuffle provided by legendary guitarist Jim Keltner, Zauner looks at the state of masculinity in 2025 with a rueful shake of her head: 'Plotting blood with your incel eunuchs,' she sighs. 'I could be the home you need.' It's a sentiment that you do not need a reminder for yet bears repeating all the same: the world is chaos right now. But instead of succumbing to the inherent pain of that idea, Jake Wesley Rogers wants to embrace it. On 'God Bless,' the singer invokes an original gospel-style hymn to point out all the inherent contradictions and paradoxes in our modern society, both good and bad, before settling on a mantra we all can get behind: 'God bless, it's a beautiful f–king mess.' After releasing their excellent album Love Hate Music Box in 2024, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is taking a victory lap with their new single 'Espionage.' Over some truly groovy pianos and guitars, frontperson Ela Melo lets her laid-back vocal speak for itself, as she and the rest of the band join in to deliver this 'anti-love anthem's' irresistible chorus. If you're not really feeling the love this V-Day, then let Rainbow Kitten Surprise take you somewhere else entirely. Morgan Saint's debut album Out of the Blue is an LP that might take some time to digest — the singer herself says that it took her a while to untangle all the emotions involved. But that's also what makes this album such a remarkable listen; across 11 tracks, Saint explores a series of constant themes in all of our lives, from love (on the stunning title track in particular) to trauma ('Deep'), all over a series of increasingly great indie-pop tracks. She may have appeared Out of the Blue for you, but keep an eye on Morgan Saint. Now that she's here, she's sticking around. Let's close this out with a certified club banger, shall we? Queer pop paragon Madison Rose's 'She's the One' isn't interested in being taken seriously, or being taken in any particular way for that matter — as Rose cooly declares halfway through the track, 'if you call her a bitch, but that in front of it.' A growling beat, some banging production and Rose's unparalleled confidence make for the perfect strut soundtrack. Looking for a pick-me-up this weekend? Look no further, because this song is, in fact, the one. Check out all of our picks on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist below: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
