Latest news with #HomecomingConcert
ABC News
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
George 'Fiji' Veikoso dies aged 55 in Suva
Fijian-born recording artist and Pacific music legend George "Fiji" Veikoso has died at the age of 55 in Suva, his family has confirmed. Best known for shaping the sound of Polynesian reggae and Island R&B, Veikoso spent more than 30 years in Hawai'i, where his music career took off and earned him global fame. He returned to Fiji in 2024 for his first-ever Homecoming concert, a sold-out event in Nadi that drew thousands of fans from across the Pacific. A second concert had been planned for September this year in Suva. Veikoso had spoken publicly about his illness, which saw him perform in a wheelchair and continue touring despite ongoing health challenges. In a post shared by organisers of the Homecoming Festival, his team said: "As we deal with the immense sadness for our beloved George 'Fiji' Veikoso — a legend whose music united generations and whose spirit uplifted many around the world — we ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time… Your voice will forever echo in our hearts, Fiji." Tributes are pouring in from across the Pacific, with fans and fellow artists remembering him as more than a singer; a cultural force, a mentor, and a voice for his people. Chair of the Fiji Performing Rights Association and fellow music legend Laisa Vulakoro paid tribute, calling it "a great loss for Fiji and the Fiji music industry." "He's the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific," she said. "He made Fiji proud — his name is Fiji." Vulakoro said Veikoso's contribution went far beyond popularity. "He started something very distinctive — the way he combined Fijian music into reggae while keeping traditional themes… chants, vude, vanua, identity — he took Fiji music to another level. We all emulated him." Fighting back tears, she added, "He was an amazing, amazing human being. My biggest idol. I'm really, really sad today." George "Fiji" Veikoso leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
CNN
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Paul Rudd totally fangirled over Miley Cyrus shoutout during ‘SNL50: Homecoming Concert'
Paul Rudd could hardly contain his excitement after Miley Cyrus gave him a shoutout during a high-profile performance last month. Cyrus performed her hit song 'Flowers' during the 'Homecoming Concert,' a special that celebrated the 50th anniversary of 'Saturday Night Live' and aired on Valentine's Day, which Rudd and his wife Julie attended as part of the live studio audience. Mid-song, Cyrus spotted Rudd in the audience and shouted, 'I love you, Paul Rudd!' The moment left a lasting impact on Rudd, who told WSJ. Magazine in an interview published Tuesday that the surprising shoutout inspired him to channel his inner-teenager. 'When she said that, I did turn into a 15-year-old,' Rudd said. He went on to describe his inner teenage monologue in that moment, saying, 'There's no way! It's like, Oh, my God, she's sick…. I can't. OK, oh, my God. Miley Cyrus said my name!' Rudd added that he spent 'a good 10 minutes afterward' excited about the moment. He even got to talk to Cyrus about it the very next day during rehearsals for the 'SNL' anniversary special that aired later that weekend, where he told her, 'I love you too.' Cyrus, he said, responded by saying, 'Thank you for being a good sport.' The 'Homecoming Concert' and 'Anniversary Special' aired in February to commemorate 50 years of the long-running sketch show, currently in the midst of its 50th season. In addition to Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Chris Martin, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Jack White, Brittany Howard and others performed during the 'Homecoming Concert,' which was hosted by 'SNL' alum Jimmy Fallon and took place at Radio City Music Hall.
CNN
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Paul Rudd totally fangirled over Miley Cyrus shoutout during ‘SNL50: Homecoming Concert'
Paul Rudd could hardly contain his excitement after Miley Cyrus gave him a shoutout during a high-profile performance last month. Cyrus performed her hit song 'Flowers' during the 'Homecoming Concert,' a special that celebrated the 50th anniversary of 'Saturday Night Live' and aired on Valentine's Day, which Rudd and his wife Julie attended as part of the live studio audience. Mid-song, Cyrus spotted Rudd in the audience and shouted, 'I love you, Paul Rudd!' The moment left a lasting impact on Rudd, who told WSJ. Magazine in an interview published Tuesday that the surprising shoutout inspired him to channel his inner-teenager. 'When she said that, I did turn into a 15-year-old,' Rudd said. He went on to describe his inner teenage monologue in that moment, saying, 'There's no way! It's like, Oh, my God, she's sick…. I can't. OK, oh, my God. Miley Cyrus said my name!' Rudd added that he spent 'a good 10 minutes afterward' excited about the moment. He even got to talk to Cyrus about it the very next day during rehearsals for the 'SNL' anniversary special that aired later that weekend, where he told her, 'I love you too.' Cyrus, he said, responded by saying, 'Thank you for being a good sport.' The 'Homecoming Concert' and 'Anniversary Special' aired in February to commemorate 50 years of the long-running sketch show, currently in the midst of its 50th season. In addition to Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Chris Martin, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Jack White, Brittany Howard and others performed during the 'Homecoming Concert,' which was hosted by 'SNL' alum Jimmy Fallon and took place at Radio City Music Hall.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘SNL50: Homecoming Concert' Kicks Off With Tom Hanks, James Franco, Donna Langley and Many More Stars in Attendance
NBC's months-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of 'Saturday Night Live' is finally reaching its apex. The network welcomed hundreds of stars to Radio City Music Fall on Friday evening for 'SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,' a kick-off for the weekend that will finish with the 50th anniversary special airing on NBC on, ironically, Sunday evening. Among the celebrities spotted at Radio City Music Hall on Friday night, the invitees included Tom Hanks, Jason Momoa, Peyton Manning, Josh Gad, Ray Romano, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, Judd Apatow, Jack McBrayer, Willie Geist, Al Roker, Phil Rosenthal, Savannah Guthrie, Jerry Seinfeld, Lester Holt, Keegan-Michael Key, Billy Crystal, Jim Gaffigan, Woody Harrelson, Natasha Lyonne, James Franco and Jon Hamm. 'SNL' alum were in attendance too, including Adam Sandler, John Mulaney, Molly Shannon, Kevin Nealon, Fred Armisen, Seth Meyers and Punkie Johnson. 'SNL' head Lorne Michaels could be seen rushing through the lobby before the show as well. More from Variety 'SNL' 50th Anniversary Concert to Feature Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, Backstreet Boys and More National Comedy Center Preserves 'Saturday Night Live' Early Writing Materials (EXCLUSIVE) 'SNL 50' Sets Adam Sandler, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell and More Returning Cast Members On the concert stream, Martin Short and Meryl Streep could be seen seated alongside one another. Paul Rudd, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick were also on camera. Donna Langley, the exec who recently expanded her role to chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios, was also among the crowd. Jimmy Fallon opened the show with a 'Blues Brothers'-inspired number. Miley Cyrus, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and the Backstreet Boys are among the expected performers. The 'Homecoming Concert' is streaming live on Peacock. It's produced by Broadway Video. Erin David and Caroline Maroney are also producers, Ken Aymong and Rob Paine serve as supervising producers and Beth McCarthy-Miller is the director. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
