Latest news with #CirqueduSoleil
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Fake Moosewala heads for stage
When Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead in May 2022, it felt like time stopped for millions. He was more than just a singer. He was a movement, a voice that cut through the noise with raw honesty, rooted pride, and political grit. His death left a void in Punjabi music that felt impossible to fill. Now, three years later, that silence has been cracked open again by an announcement no one expected: Sidhu Moosewala is going on a world tour. Embracing technology Titled Signed to God, the tour is set to kick off in 2026 with shows lined up in Indian Punjab, Toronto, London, and Los Angeles. Except this time, Moosewala will not walk onto the stage in person. Instead, audiences will see a digital version of him created through AI and hologram technology. His team promises an immersive experience that feels just like watching him live, maybe even more lifelike than we are ready for. This kind of digital resurrection is not entirely new. Back in 2012, Tupac Shakur's hologram stunned Coachella audiences. Michael Jackson's likeness has toured the world, from Cirque du Soleil's Immortal World Tour to a hologram performance at the Billboard Music Awards 2014. Over the years, we have seen actors, singers, and public figures digitally reanimated, blurring the line between tribute and spectacle. But Signed to God marks the first posthumous world tour of its kind for a South Asian artist. And at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to replicate voices, faces, and entire performances, this tour feels both groundbreaking but unsettling. Reactions to the announcement reflect the same. Some fans are overjoyed, calling it the tribute they had been waiting for. One X user wrote, "I was never a Sidhu fan but the way his legacy is being managed deserves serious credit. Keeping his momentum alive more than a year after his death isn't easy, it's something worth studying." Another user wrote, "With the technology we have, they can literally cook with this. It will be too sick, with all the guest appearances, especially. Hope they execute it well, because if done so, it will be one for the books." 'Late stage capitalism' Others, however, are not so sure. There is a growing discomfort around the idea of turning someone into a digital avatar without their explicit consent. Some have pointed out that Moosewala was known for maintaining creative control. He launched his own label, handpicked his visuals, and crafted every move with intention. For fans who admired his independence, this tour is bringing to question the sanctity of his legacy. As a user on Reddit expressed, "How much milking is left? This is too much. And people are going to buy these tickets, if this is not late stage capitalism, then I don't know what is." Others echoed the sentiment. "Such artists lived, created and passed," wrote a fan. "They deserve to rest in peace, not be mocked after their passing for the entertainment of people who never knew them personally or the profit of executives who likely never cared. A machine can't capture the soul, intent or spontaneity of a human being, it just mimics. At some point, it stops being art and starts being mockery." There is no doubt that Signed to God will be technically impressive. The use of AI, holograms, and immersive soundscapes will likely make for a visually stunning performance. It will draw in fans from all over the world who never got to see him live. But beneath the glitter of innovation, there is a deeper question. Who is this really for? For some, it will be closure. For others, it will feel like a line has been crossed. Moosewala was not just known for his voice or stage presence. His music was layered with the pain of displacement, the rage of the working class, and the vulnerability of a man who knew what it meant to live with a target on his back. Those things are not programmable and they certainly cannot be coded into an algorithm. So, this tour may bring Moosewala's image back to life, but what it cannot replicate is his soul. And maybe that is what fans are wrestling with most. Whether we call it a tribute or a spectacle, one thing is clear. Moosewala is gone. But what does remain is how we choose to remember him.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Sidhu Moosewala returns as an AI version of himself for 2026 tour
When Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead in May 2022, it felt like time stopped for millions. He was more than just a singer. He was a movement, a voice that cut through the noise with raw honesty, rooted pride, and political grit. His death left a void in Punjabi music that felt impossible to fill. Now, three years later, that silence has been cracked open again by an announcement no one expected: Sidhu Moosewala is going on a world tour. Titled Signed to God, the tour is set to kick off in 2026 with shows lined up in Indian Punjab, Toronto, London, and Los Angeles. Except this time, Moosewala will not walk onto the stage in person. Instead, audiences will see a digital version of him created through AI and hologram technology. His team promises an immersive experience that feels just like watching him live, maybe even more lifelike than we are ready for. This kind of digital resurrection is not entirely new. Back in 2012, Tupac Shakur's hologram stunned Coachella audiences. Michael Jackson's likeness has toured the world, from Cirque du Soleil's Immortal World Tour to a hologram performance at the Billboard Music Awards 2014. Over the years, we have seen actors, singers, and public figures digitally reanimated, blurring the line between tribute and spectacle. But Signed to God marks the first posthumous world tour of its kind for a South Asian artist. And at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to replicate voices, faces, and entire performances, this tour feels both groundbreaking but unsettling. Reactions to the announcement reflect the same. Some fans are overjoyed, calling it the tribute they had been waiting for. One X user wrote, "I was never a Sidhu fan but the way his legacy is being managed deserves serious credit. Keeping his momentum alive more than a year after his death isn't easy, it's something worth studying.' Another user wrote, 'With the technology we have, they can literally cook with this. It will be too sick, with all the guest appearances, especially. Hope they execute it well, because if done so, it will be one for the books.' Others, however, are not so sure. There is a growing discomfort around the idea of turning someone into a digital avatar without their explicit consent. Some have pointed out that Moosewala was known for maintaining creative control. He launched his own label, handpicked his visuals, and crafted every move with intention. For fans who admired his independence, this tour is bringing to question the sanctity of his legacy. As a user on Reddit expressed, 'How much milking is left? This is too much. And people are going to buy these tickets, if this is not late stage capitalism, then I don't know what is.' Others echoed the sentiment. 'Such artists lived, created and passed. They deserve to rest in peace, not be mocked after their passing for the entertainment of people who never knew them personally or the profit of executives who likely never cared. A machine can't capture the soul, intent or spontaneity of a human being, it just mimics. At some point, it stops being art and starts being mockery.' There is no doubt that Signed to God will be technically impressive. The use of AI, holograms, and immersive soundscapes will likely make for a visually stunning performance. It will draw in fans from all over the world who never got to see him live. But beneath the glitter of innovation, there is a deeper question. Who is this really for? For some, it will be closure. For others, it will feel like a line has been crossed. Moosewala was not just known for his voice or stage presence. His music was layered with the pain of displacement, the rage of the working class, and the vulnerability of a man who knew what it meant to live with a target on his back. Those things are not programmable and they certainly cannot be coded into an algorithm. So, this tour may bring Moosewala's image back to life, but what it cannot replicate is his soul. And maybe that is what fans are wrestling with most. Whether we call it a tribute or a spectacle, one thing is clear. Sidhu Moosewala is gone. But what does remain is how we choose to remember him.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Cirque de Soleil is coming to London's Royal Albert Hall in 2026: dates, prices and how to get tickets
It will shock almost nobody to learn that Cirque du Soleil is returning to the Royal Albert Hall in 2026: pandemic aside, the esteemed neo circus troupe has made the grand Victorian performance venue its home at the start of the year for three decades now. Here's everything you need to know about its 2026 run. Which show will Cirque du Soleil be bringing to London in 2026? That would be Ovo, its insect-themed odyssey, last performed at this address in 2018. Our review from back then commented that it combined a somewhat bewildering comic story about flies with jaw-dropping feats of acrobatics: in other words, classic Cirque du Soleil. When is Cirque duo Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall in 2026? Officially it's January 9 to February 1, and has been described as a 'limited four week run'. Historically every single Cirque show for at least the last decade has extended its run into March at some point in the autumn. No guarantee this one will, but you'd be mad to bet against it. When do tickets go on sale? A general on sale begins Friday 18 July, but tickets are on sale to members now – membership is just a case of signing up for free. As above, there is a very good chance there will be an extension and that the tickets for this will go on sale in the autumn. How much do tickets cost? Tickets cost between £44 and an eye-watering £324, although the really high prices include food and hospitality (the best seats are around £140. Is Cirque du Soleil suitable for kids? It's extremely family friendly and indeed little ones may appreciate the humour more than some adults. The official advice is aged six-plus, though all ages are permitted. Cirque du Soleil's Ovo is at the Royal Albert Hall, Jan 9-Feb 1 2026.
Axios
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Philly weekender: Blobfest and Ice Cream Festival
The Tanabata star festival continues today at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. The festival honors the folkloric romance of deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. Cosmic decorations, written wishes, a drumming performance, plus a beer garden. Runs through Sunday. 🎆 New Hope is throwing another one of its signature monthly summer bashes, which kicks off today at 5pm on Stockton Avenue. Food, drinks, art, music, plus fireworks and drone show over the Delaware River at 9:10pm. 🍿 Blobfest is back! Phoenixville, the site where scenes from the 1958 classic "The Blob" were filmed, carries on the decadeslong tradition with a three-day festival, including screenings, stage shows and celebrations at the historic Colonial Theatre. The itinerary includes a Blobfest Ball dance party tonight, a street fair on Saturday and several running events on Sunday. Tickets available for each event. 🤹 Cirque du Soleil's"OVO" is at the Wells Fargo Center this weekend. Acrobats, juggling and more from the French-Canadian troupe. Friday-Sunday. Tickets: $62+ 🫐 It's a berry bonanza at the Blueberry Festival at Linvilla Orchards. Blueberry-picking, a pie-eating contest and treats. Saturday, 8am-6pm. Free but tickets required to pick blueberries. 🌳 Borski Park, the city's newest green space along the Delaware River waterfront, is throwing a big party on Saturday from 10am-2pm to mark its official opening. Food trucks, water balloon tosses and sack races for the kiddos, plus riverfront yoga and line dancing. 🤡 Otherworld, Philly's immersive playground, marks its two-year anniversary with Jester Fest, which runs through July 21. 😜 Barnes on the Block has hands-on activities, live music and DJs and free museum admission, plus a beer garden for the adults.
Al Bawaba
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Epson Powers Cirque du Soleil's European Residency Debut as Official Projector Partner
As an Official Partner of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, Epson today announced its high-performance laser projectors will play a key role in bringing to life the never-before-seen visuals of Cirque du Soleil ALIZÉ™ ('ALIZÉ'). Marking a pivotal moment for the global live entertainment leader, ALIZÉ is Cirque du Soleil's first residency in Europe. Mixing extraordinary artistry with breathtaking projection, the avant-garde creation – set to premiere in November 2025 at Berlin's Theater am Potsdamer Platz – is the first of many productions that showcase the creative force of two leading entertainment companies joining together to craft something truly magical. 'By redefining the limits of stage technology as well as theatre and scenic design, Cirque du Soleil has completely transformed what can be achieved in delivering resident shows around the world,' said Matthew Nickel, chief creation and production officer, Cirque du Soleil. 'In 2025, we write a new chapter in our history by establishing our first residency in Europe, and Epson's vision is the best asset we can have by our side at this very strategical moment for our company.' Cirque du Soleil Writing a New Chapter in Europe Cirque du Soleil's 54th original production, ALIZÉ, depicts a journey into the unseen, immersing the audience in a magical adventure that transcends the boundaries of the imagination. The stunning production will take the audience on a wonderful journey into a surreal world where the impossible becomes possible. Reinventing the limits of visual experience, ALIZÉ will blend Cirque du Soleil's creativity and stage design mastery with the power of Epson's unique 3LCD laser projection technology to create immersive imagery that truly dissolves the lines between reality and illusion. 'Cirque du Soleil ALIZÉ is an in-depth immersion into a world of wonder and mystery that will have the audience witness the impossible become possible,' said Martin Dignard, line producer, ALIZÉ. 'As we're developing a production that aims to deliver visuals unlike anything we've done before, our team knew that relying on Epson's projection technology was the right solution to achieve our creative objectives.' When Technology Meets Creativity Exploring new ways to expand storytelling and create never-before-seen experiences, Cirque du Soleil named Epson its Official Projector Partner in 2024, turning to the worldwide leader in projection and printing technology to help redefine the future of immersive entertainment. Cirque du Soleil ALIZÉ stands today as the first of many projects that will bring the savoir-faire of both entertainment powerhouses together and illuminate Cirque du Soleil's creative vision in new ways. As such, both partners are currently working closely together on new collaborations that will bring awe and amazement to audiences around the world. 'We are incredibly proud of this partnership with Cirque du Soleil, and to be part of making this monumental residency vision a reality,' said Richard Miller, vice president, commercial marketing and service, Epson America, Inc. 'The ALIZÉ production is the perfect canvas to showcase the potential of our projection technology – and this is only the beginning. Through our ongoing partnership, Cirque du Soleil and Epson are poised to redefine storytelling and deliver unforgettable experiences to audiences in Berlin and beyond.'
