Latest news with #Kehlani
The Independent
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment' with new album 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL'
Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment of musical appreciation. 'I feel like this is like a 20-year-long, overnight success, and I'm really enjoying just the process. I feel ready for the moment,' said the alternative R&B artist, who's releasing his 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL' album on Friday. 'Not to get too spiritual, but I feel like the steps I'm on are ordered, and it's just my time to show the world what I can do.' After winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA 's song 'Snooze,'' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both originals and remixes. 'It's God's plan ... Coming from the world of acting, I'd had my fair share of fame and taste of what the high life felt like. But starting off with my debut album, really having to grind and play really small rooms and build from scratch was such a humbling experience,' said Thomas of 'Electric Dusk' which dropped in 2023. 'That really built me, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world.' The 31-year-old, who's produced songs for Drake, Kanye West, Toni Braxton and Babyface, spoke with The Associated Press about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. AP: How have you managed the transition from in-demand producer to solo artist? THOMAS: I prayed on this. I did the internal work to be ready for what comes with the spotlight. And, I don't know, I'm just taking it one step at a time. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top … and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. AP: How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? THOMAS: It was very organic … I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. AP: It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? THOMAS: It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. AP: How were you able to successfully break out of the Nickelodeon box and transition into music? THOMAS: It's really hard being a Black male coming from the Nickelodeon-Viacom space because this is epic branding all over the world. I mean, this is like 80 countries … that are kind of fed that image of you. So, I think for me, the biggest thing was really taking the time to study acting. Even when I stepped over into music, it's not like I just jumped into it because I had some fans who grew up watching me. I decided to study under the legendary Babyface, started working with Ty Dolla $ign, Boi-1da, Drake — I was around some epic legends in the field, and I feel like the best teacher is experience. AP: Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? THOMAS: We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many ... weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. … There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. ___
Associated Press
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment' with new album 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL'
NEW YORK (AP) — Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment of musical appreciation. 'I feel like this is like a 20-year-long, overnight success, and I'm really enjoying just the process. I feel ready for the moment,' said the alternative R&B artist, who's releasing his 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL' album on Friday. 'Not to get too spiritual, but I feel like the steps I'm on are ordered, and it's just my time to show the world what I can do.' After winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA's song 'Snooze,'' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both originals and remixes. 'It's God's plan ... Coming from the world of acting, I'd had my fair share of fame and taste of what the high life felt like. But starting off with my debut album, really having to grind and play really small rooms and build from scratch was such a humbling experience,' said Thomas of 'Electric Dusk' which dropped in 2023. 'That really built me, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world.' The 31-year-old, who's produced songs for Drake, Kanye West, Toni Braxton and Babyface, spoke with The Associated Press about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. AP: How have you managed the transition from in-demand producer to solo artist? THOMAS: I prayed on this. I did the internal work to be ready for what comes with the spotlight. And, I don't know, I'm just taking it one step at a time. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top … and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. AP: How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? THOMAS: It was very organic … I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. AP: It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? THOMAS: It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. AP: How were you able to successfully break out of the Nickelodeon box and transition into music? THOMAS: It's really hard being a Black male coming from the Nickelodeon-Viacom space because this is epic branding all over the world. I mean, this is like 80 countries … that are kind of fed that image of you. So, I think for me, the biggest thing was really taking the time to study acting. Even when I stepped over into music, it's not like I just jumped into it because I had some fans who grew up watching me. I decided to study under the legendary Babyface, started working with Ty Dolla $ign, Boi-1da, Drake — I was around some epic legends in the field, and I feel like the best teacher is experience. AP: Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? THOMAS: We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many ... weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. … There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. ___ Follow Associated Press entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at @GaryGHamilton on all his social media platforms.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kehlani Takes 'Free Palestine' Activism To The 2025 AMAs: 'It Shouldn't Be A Hard Thing'
Kehlani did not hold back at the 2025 AMAs, proudly displaying her support for Palestine with a bold statement on the red carpet. The singer's bold appearance came shortly after she was removed as the headliner for a university concert over accusations of antisemitism tied to her activism. Kehlani has been using her platform to speak out about the violence in Gaza, and her latest stance is no different. Kehlani did not just show up to the 2025 American Music Awards to perform; she showed up with a message. In a pre-show interview, the artist said speaking out about the violence in Gaza should not be considered bold; it should be basic humanity. In her words: "It shouldn't be a hard thing. It shouldn't be something that I'm even looked at so massively for, it shouldn't be something I'm credited for. It should be second nature if people are blowing up and being murdered at mass rates, it should be as easy as breathing to just say, 'Hey, this shouldn't be happening. Maybe we should stop.'" Kehlani also called on fellow artists to recognize their influence. In her own words, "I definitely think We have more power than we think, and everything's stronger in numbers, and I think that that's something that hopefully people will understand at some point." She wrapped her statement with a direct declaration, "All I can say is Free Palestine." While her comments gained support from some, others responded harshly. Under the clip posted by Variety on X, critics labeled her "a Nazi" and "a moron," accusing her of ignorance. In a lighter moment, a separate clip captured Kehlani shifting her focus from her Palestine advocacy to discuss her new music and the "Grown and Sexy" era she is stepping into. The singer explained her daring outfit choice, saying, "I'm entering my grown and sexy era." She added that her look was a preview of what is to be expected from her upcoming music. "I just wanted to fit the vibe of the music that's coming," she noted. Kehlani did not reveal too much, but promised that details on the new project would be announced soon. What did she reveal? The visuals will feature her stellar dance moves in "little dresses and high heels." She also spoke to ET about being nominated this year, something she has not experienced in a while. "It's really cool, I haven't been nominated in a very long time," she shared. "It was really good motivation for the season I'm in, and I'm honoured to be in the category with the people that I'm nominated with." Kehlani's return to the award show spotlight came after a rocky period marked by backlash over her pro-Palestinian views, a stance that cost her a headlining gig. The Blast reported that she was originally slated to perform at Cornell University's Slope Day Concert in April, but the school's president pulled the plug. In response, Kehlani took to social media to clarify her position. After pointing out she was with people from both side, she stated, "I am being asked and called to clarify and make a statement yet again for the millionth time that I am not anti-Semitic nor anti-Jew." She explained, "I am anti the extermination of an entire people. I am anti the bombing of innocent children, men, and women. That's what I am anti." The mother-of-one explained that repeated demands to clarify her views had become a way to silence her and damage her career. "So here's the clarification that you needed. I hope this is everything you needed. Straight from my mouth, not a written statement with a white background from my notes. This is straight from me. You can see my face saying it," she noted emphatically. The dancer addressed the growing pattern of cancellations she has faced for speaking out in the caption of her video, addressing the cancellation of her show at Cornell. "ITS BEEN OVER A YEAR. From day one it's been clear. I know you've seen Cornell University canceled my show, and now there are attempts at other cancellations on top of the cancellations I've already experienced over the past year," she wrote in the caption. Kehlani urged those criticizing her to be honest about their motives, writing, "If you want to cancel me from opportunity, stand on it being because of your zionism. Don't make it anti-Jew. This a played out game." She wrapped her message with a clear stance on what drives her activism, "All this because we want people to stop dying. I hope this helps. I'm over written statements and notes app. Let's be real." Before dealing with professional blowback from her pro-Palestinian stance, she also navigated a personal battle behind the scenes. Last year, The Blast reported that Kehlani filed for a temporary restraining order against her ex, Javaughn Young-White, accusing him of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. In court documents, she described years of mistreatment, which she claimed began even while she was pregnant. She detailed instances of explosive behavior, writing: "When he is agitated, he cannot stop moving and throws his arms in the air while yelling and screaming at me, often throwing items and calling me horrible names." Kehlani also raised alarms about how their daughter was being cared for during visits. She claimed their little girl would come home "filthy and reeking of marijuana." Despite the setbacks, Kehlani is making it clear that she will not back down from speaking out!
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Kehlani makes anti-Israel statement on AMAs 2025 red carpet weeks after Central Park concert was canceled
Anti-Israel singer Kehlani has doubled down on her controversial comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict just weeks after New York City pulled the plug on her Central Park concert. The 5-time Grammy nominee, who walked the red carpet at the 2025 American Music Awards Monday night, didn't mince words when asked about her stance on the ongoing clash. 'It shouldn't be a hard thing, it shouldn't be something I'm even looked at so massively for, it shouldn't be something I'm credited for,' the 'After Hours' singer, 30, told Variety ahead of the awards show. Advertisement 5 Anti-Israel singer Kehlani has doubled down on her controversial comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict. FilmMagic 'It should be second nature if people are blowing up and being murdered at mass rates, it should be no — it should be as easy as breathing to say, 'Hey I don't really think this should be happening, this shouldn't be happening, maybe we should stop.'' 'We're funding it so we should stop,' the singer, born Kehlani Ashley Parrish, said in Las Vegas, referring to the US' support for Israel. Advertisement When asked if celebrities should be vocal about their stance on the issue, the 'Can I?' singer said, 'Yeah, I said it a bunch.' 'I definitely think we have more power than we think and everything's stronger in numbers, and I think that that's something that hopefully people will understand at some point,' she went on. 'But all I can say is free Palestine.' Advertisement Earlier this month, The Post revealed that NYC officials scrapped Kehlani's upcoming Central Park performance after mounting pressure from City Hall. 5 The 5-time Grammy nominee walked the red carpet at the 2025 American Music Awards Monday night. Penske Media via Getty Images 5 Musician Kehlani stands in front of a Palestinian flag in a music video. Kehiani/Youtube 'We strongly and emphatically believe in artistic expression of all kinds,' the City Park's Foundation, a taxpayer-funded organization, said in a statement on Instagram. Advertisement 'However, the safety and security of our guests and artists is of the utmost importance and in light of these concerns, the concert has been cancelled.' The news appeared to get to the singer last, as she revealed on her Instagram Story that she found out of the show's cancellation through social media. 'Lol,' she began. 'I just found that one out on Instagram by the way.' 5 New York City earlier this month cancelled Kehlani's scheduled concert in Central Park. 5 The Post's cover on the outrage over Kehlani's planned concert at Cornell. 'I'm so deeply grounded in my purpose, my mission, my art, my contribution. Back to this album,' she added. Weeks prior, Cornell University also pulled the plug on Kehlani's campus performance after facing overwhelming backlash over the decision to host her.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
American Music Awards 2025 branded 'worst show ever' after A-list stars abandon ceremony, desperate J.Lo kisses dancers and Kehlani launches political rant
The American Music Awards have been branded a 'hot mess' and the 'worst show ever' after most major stars snubbed this year's ceremony in Las Vegas. Disappointed fans took to social media to complain about the lack of big names at the annual show, which was held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Monday. Nominees including Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter were all absent from the event, and the guest list instead featured a slew of social media influencers. The event was hosted by Jennifer Lopez, 55, who did her best to single-handedly bring the star power by performing a six-minute medley of 23 hits by the evening's nominees. But the 55-year-old instead sparked criticism over a cringe-worthy make-out session with male and female dancers, with viewers calling the display 'desperate'. Meanwhile singer Kehlani, 30, made waves with controversial remarks on the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating 'free Palenstine' during a red carpet interview. And Swift, 35, in particular also caused a melt down among her fans when she snubbed the show, despite being nominated in six categories. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. After the AMA's concluded, furious fans took online to blast the show as a 'flop'. Many also complained that not all categories were shown during the broadcast. 'AMAs were a FLOP. No a-list celebs, no tay wins, and it felt soooooo conservative and weird this year..... never watching that s**t again lol.' 'I'm sorry what??? That was a hot mess.' 'What in the world did I just watch? They didn't even announce some of the biggest awards! Hot mess.' 'American music awards but like…. Where were the musicians? All I saw were influencers and twitch streamers?' one fan wrote. 'American Music Awards? More like FLOP.' 'That was the worst absolute worst,' someone else chimed in. 'So yall decided not to announce on live tv the category that most than likely received the most votes of the entire night and the category that gave yall the most ratings?? See this is why I don't watch award shows anymore!' 'WHERE IS THE REST OF THE CATEGORIES???' 'you didn't give out awards to 95% of the nominated categories.' 'guys that sucked why so many performances and no awards??' 'Ummmmm so do you know you're an awards show and meant to give out awards? We are confused.' 'It should be second nature if people are blowing up and being murdered at mass rates, it should be no - it should be as easy as breathing to say, "Hey I don't really think this should be happening...' she continued, before hitting out at the United States' support for Israel. 'And we're funding it so we should stop,' Kehlani said, looking directly at the camera Kehlani shares her stance on Gaza and Palestine: 'All I can say is, free Palestine.' — Variety (@Variety) May 26, 2025 After Lopez's shocking opening performance, fans quickly took to social media to discuss the act, which saw Lopez don a skintight nude catsuit with black patches and jewels. 'Jennifer Lopez has lost the plot,' one person wrote on X, with another asking, 'Why is Jennifer Lopez kissing everyone at the AMAs?' Another shocked fan said, 'Just looked up from my phone and JENNIFER LOPEZ IS KISSING A GIRL?!?!' Lopez took on hosting duties for this year's ceremony, which was held a decade after she first hosted in 2015. Meanwhile R&B singer Kehlani made controversial comments on the red carpet, just weeks after New York City Mayor Eric Adams canceled her Central Park concert over similar statements. The 30-year-old songstress was interviewed by Variety about her stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict ahead of the awards show, when she doubled down on her support for a Palestinian state. 'It shouldn't be a hard thing, it shouldn't be something I'm even looked at so massively for, it shouldn't be something I'm credited for,' the After Hours singer said. 'It should be second nature if people are blowing up and being murdered at mass rates, it should be no - it should be as easy as breathing to say, "Hey I don't really think this should be happening, this shouldn't be happening, maybe we should stop,"' she continued, before hitting out at the United States' support for Israel. And we're funding it so we should stop,' Kehlani said, looking directly at the camera. At that point, the interviewer asked whether other celebrities 'should be speaking out on the issue.' 'Yeah, I said it a bunch,' she said. 'I definitely think we have more power than we think and everything's stronger in numbers, and I think that that's something that hopefully people will understand at some point.' Disappointed fans took to social media to question the star power at the show, with many lamenting the absence of major musicians and noting a prevalence of influencers instead 'But all I can say is "Free Palestine,"' she concluded. The singer has previously faced backlash for her support amid the ongoing war in Gaza, with some claiming she has espoused antisemitic views. Her music video 'Next 2 U' opens with the phrase 'long live the intifada' and features dancers waving Palestinian flags. Intifada, an Arabic word for 'uprising' or 'resistance,' is seen by some as a call for violence against Jews. During the show, singer SZA had all eyes on her at the event, with bedazzled pasties visible from under her dress. SZA took the stage twice, first for 'Saturn' winning Favorite R&B Song, then for Favorite Female R&B Artist. Meanwhile Swift's fans were disappointed after the singer snubbed the event on Monday. Some had even thought she would announce the release of her long awaited Reputation (Taylor's Version) album at the event. Many were dismayed when she didn't show up on the red carpet, with one writing 'Taylor Swift arrives at #AMAS,' along with an empty backdrop from the event. 'WHERES TAYLOR SWIFT????' another comment with a crying emoji questioned. Someone else jokingly shared a social media snap of Taylor snoozing in bed with the hashtag AMAS. 'Me realising taylor swift isn't even showing up to the #amas,' yet another disappointed fan wrote, alongside a clip of Regina George from Mean Girls screaming. Another fan shared a clip of Swift laughing with the caption: 'Taylor Swift at home right now laughing at everyone thinking she'd turn up and announce Rep TV #TaylorSwift.' Someone else quipped, 'TAYLOR SWIFT HAS ARRIVED AT THE 2025 AMAS RED CARPET #AMAS,' along with a photo of someone in a snake costume. 'Me waiting for Taylor Swift to show up at the AMAs,' another meme read. Swift was nominated in six categories for her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Favorite Touring Artist, Collaboration of the Year, Favorite Female Pop Artist and Favorite Pop Album. Besides her spicy choreography, Lopez wowed in a number of outfit changes throughout the night Swift holds the record for most AMA wins with 40. The event also featured performances from Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, and Benson Boone. Janet Jackson received the Icon Award during the festivities, while Rod Stewart was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A number of stars presented the big wins, including comedians Nikki Glaser and Tiffany Haddish, actor Wayne Brady, model Cara Delevingne, pop star Ciara, streamer Kai Cenat, and singers Megan Moroney and Shaboozey. This year marks the first time the awards show was shown on CBS, after being aired on ABC since 1974.
