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IOL News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: Stevie Wonder breaks silence to set the record straight on blindness rumours
The 75-year-old R&B artist, widely celebrated for his trailblazing contributions to music, recently addressed the long-standing speculation during an emotional moment on stage in Cardiff, Wales. Legendary musician and cultural icon Stevie Wonder has finally spoken out, putting to rest the persistent rumours that have followed him throughout his extraordinary life and career - namely, that he is not blind. 'Truth is, shortly after my birth, I became blind,' he affirmed. 'Now, that was a blessing because it's allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight. See people in the spirit of them, not how they look. Not what colour they are, but what colour is their spirit?' Then, with clarity and conviction, he laid the speculation to rest. 'I must say to all of you, something that I was thinking, 'When did I want to let the world know this?' But I wanted to say it right now,' Wonder told the crowd, in a moment captured on video and shared widely on social media. 'You know, there have been rumours about me seeing and all that? But seriously, you know the truth.' Performing as part of his Love, Light and Song UK tour, Wonder took a pause mid-show to confront the myth head-on, offering a heartfelt message to his fans and critics alike. It was a moment that not only reaffirmed his truth but also underscored the deep spiritual perspective Wonder has carried with him through decades of creative genius. His words spoke not only to the reality of his blindness but also to the unique lens through which he has always experienced - and expressed - the world. Rumours about Wonder's vision have swirled for years, often resurfacing in tabloids and online forums. From humorous anecdotes to outlandish conspiracy theories, these rumours have painted a distorted picture - one that often undermines both his humanity and his immense talent. Some have claimed he can catch falling microphones too swiftly, or face the right direction on stage too naturally. These speculations, often rooted in ableist assumptions, ignore the vast range of ways in which blind individuals adapt and navigate the world, and the fact that Wonder has lived with his condition for over seven decades. To understand Wonder's journey is to understand the resilience and vision that have shaped his legendary career. Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan, he arrived six weeks premature, a factor that led to the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) - a condition that causes abnormal blood vessels to grow in the retina, eventually detaching it and leading to blindness. Though he lost his sight soon after birth, Wonder never allowed the condition to define or limit him. His mother, Lula Mae Hardaway, was instrumental in nurturing his spirit, even in the face of her own pain and fears. In the 2024 'The Wonder of Stevie" audiobook series, the musician recalled a powerful moment from his childhood. 'My mother went through different things, and so my experience with that was deep,' he shared. 'She would cry every night. And I remember telling her, 'Mama, you shouldn't cry, you're making my head hurt.'' It was then, even as a child, that Wonder expressed a remarkable sense of purpose. 'Maybe God has something for me that's bigger than all this,' he told her. 'History proved that true.' To speak of Wonder's artistry is to speak of a force that transcends physical limitations. His catalogue of music - spanning classic hits like 'Superstition', 'Isn't She Lovely', 'Higher Ground' and 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' - reveals a profound depth of emotion, soul and insight. He has not only shaped the sound of R&B and soul but has also been a tireless advocate for civil rights, social justice and humanitarian causes.
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Stevie Wonder addresses longstanding rumor that he's not really blind
He just called to say you're mistaken. Stevie Wonder addressed the longstanding rumor that he isn't actually blind during the Cardiff, Wales stop on his Love, Light and Song UK tour. 'I must say to all of you, something that I was thinking, 'When did I want to let the world know this?' But I wanted to say it right now,' Wonder, 75, said as seen in an Instagram video from a concertgoer on July 10. Advertisement 'You know there have been rumors about me seeing and all that? But seriously, you know the truth.' 8 Stevie Wonder as a teen. ullstein bild via Getty Images 8 Stevie Wonder in 1965. Corbis via Getty Images Advertisement The musical legend then explained when he lost his sight. 'Truth is, shortly after my birth, I became blind,' Wonder continued. 'Now, that was a blessing because it's allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight. See people in the spirit of them, not how they look. Not what color they are, but what color is their spirit?' Over the years, many celebrities have made cracks about Wonder not really being blind. Advertisement Anthony Anderson poked fun at the Grammy winner's condition while on 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' in 2016. 'What y'all don't know is, Stevie can see,' the actor, 54, said while sharing the story of how he challenged Wonder to a basketball game. 'It's just an act.' Three years later, Shaquille O'Neal claimed Wonder recognized him in an elevator. 8 Stevie Wonder at the 2025 BET Awards. Getty Images Advertisement The basketball star, 53, told his 'Inside the NBA' colleagues that he was in the lobby of his building when Wonder came over and said, 'What's up, Shaq?' '[He] presses the button. Get's off on his floor. Goes to his room. I went and called every person I knew and told them the story,' he recalled. 'He got on the elevator and was like, 'What's up, Shaq? How you doing, big dog?'' The 'Superstition' musician, meanwhile, has been extremely open about his loss of vision. 8 Stevie Wonder in NYC in May 2025. Pierrick Rocher/ In 2024, he shared how his mom, Lula Mae Hardaway, struggled with the news at first. Despite her reaction, Wonder kept a positive outlook. 'I was born. Shortly after that, I'm blind,' he expressed in an episode of 'The Wonder of Stevie' audiobook series. 'My mother went through the different things, and so my experience with that was deep.' Wonder noted that his mother, who died in 2006, would cry 'every night' after he was diagnosed. 8 Stevie Wonder attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Getty Images for The Recording Academy Advertisement The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer finally said to her, 'Mama, you shouldn't cry, you're making my head hurt.' 'And I said, 'Maybe God has something for me that's bigger than all this,'' Wonder recounted. 'History proved that true.' In 2004, he detailed his upbringing for O, The Oprah Magazine. 'She didn't bind me up. She wasn't like, 'Don't step there!' or 'Watch out, you'll fall!' She'd tell me to be careful, but I was going to do what I was going to do. She was just fast enough to catch me,' he said of his mother. 'She knew I had to learn — and the more she allowed me to do, the more she could let go. She saw that I'd developed what's called facial radar, meaning that I could hear the sound of objects around me. If you close your eyes and put your hands right in front of your face, then move your hands, you can actually hear the sound of the air bouncing off your hands.' Advertisement The artist has also kept a great sense of humor regarding his disability. 8 Stevie Wonder performing at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Ron Sachs – CNP for NY Post Wonder got candid on his friendship with Jamie Foxx while presenting the actor with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards. 'He hit me up because of his win — Academy Award — for 'Ray.' And I said, 'You know Jamie, just because you play a blind man that don't mean that we're besties, okay?'' he joked at the time. Advertisement Wonder went on to tease Foxx, 57, and his 'love for blind people.' 8 Stevie Wonder in 1971. WireImage The 'Isn't She Lovely' singer has won 25 Grammy awards throughout his career. Wonder also took home an Oscar in 1984 for Best Original Song 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' for the film 'The Woman in Red.' The star has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame. Advertisement Wonder has been married three times. He previously was married to singer-songwriter Syreeta Wright from 1970 to 1972, and fashion designer Kai Millard Morris from 2001 to 2015. 8 Stevie Wonder performs onstage during the FIREAID Benefit Concert for California. Getty Images for FIREAID Wonder has been married to Tomeeka Robyn Bracy since 2017. He is also dad to nine kids. 'I give a lot of credit to the mothers of my children. They've raised the children well,' Wonder told Winfrey in 2004. 'But I'm not one of those fathers who just send money. I guide them as a father and talk to them as a friend. I always want my children to feel they can tell me anything.' In 2014, he'd go on to joke about his big family on 'The View,' saying: 'I got, how many, 22 kids?'
Perth Now
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Stevie Wonder support acts announced for BST Hyde Park show
Stevie Wonder will be supported by Ezra Collective, Corinne Bailey Rae and more at American Express presents BST Hyde Park. The Isn't She Lovely legend is topping the bill when the annual festival returns to the London landmark this summer. Now, the full lineup for his gig on July 12 has been unveiled with Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective joining as his special guests for the show. Soul group Thee Sacred Souls are also on the bill, with Elmiene - hailed by Sir Elton John as "one of Britain's great new artists" - and R+B singer Corinne Bailey Rae. There are more artists to come, with the official BST website promising full lineup announcements. The show next month will mark end of the Stevie's upcoming Love, Light and Song UK tour. The run kicks off on July 3 at TK Maxx Presents Lytham Festival, before a show at Manchester's new Co-op Live arena on July 5. On July 7 he'll perform at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham with a Cardiff date announced for July 9 at Blackweir Fields. The London show will be the 74-year-old icon's third time headlining the Great Oak Stage, having played BST in 2016 and 2019. Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts have also been confirmed as headliners on July 11, with support coming from fellow legends Yusuf / Cat Stevens and Van Morrison. Hyde Park will also play host to Olivia Rodrigo (June 27) with the likes of The Last Dinner Party and Girl In Red on the bill. Zach Bryan (June 28 and 29) will have Dermot Kennedy with him on both nights, while Mt. Joy and Gabrielle Aplin are among the lineup on the first evening. Noah Kahan (July 4) boasts support from Gracie Abrams, Finneas and more, with Sabrina Carpenter (July 5 and 6) joined by Clairo, Amber Park and more. Finally, Jeff Lynne's ELO will play on July 13, with a support lineup of The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood, Dhani Harrison and more. Head to for tickets and more information.
