Soulful R&B star HER is all set to make history as the first Filipina to portray Disney princess Belle in ABC’s television special adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty And The Beast. The 30th-anniversary celebration is set to air on Thursday, December 15 at 8 pm ET and stream the next day on Disney+. HER will make her appearance credited under her real name, Gabriella Wilson. Last night, she appeared on The Tonight Show to talk about making her childhood dream come true and wound up playing an impromptu ukulele cover of the film’s Grammy-winning title track.
HER knows a thing or two about winning Grammys. She’s already got some hardware for her protest anthem, “I Can’t Breathe” (along with an Oscar for the Judas And The Black Messiah track “Fight For You”), but she’s also nominated this year after co-writing “Good Morning Gorgeous” with Mary J. Blige. During her interview last night, in lieu of showing a clip of the show — which will air live and so there wasn’t one available — Jimmy Fallon pulled the ukulele from behind his desk, handing it over, and letting Ms. Wilson shine. Jimmy joined in, harmonizing admirably with the veteran performer (he’s been doing this for some time, himself) and the audience was clearly delighted. Check it out above.
It’s that time of the week again, when we gather together the most smile-worthy tidbits of the past seven days and share them with you all. As the lucky person who gets to wrap them up in a nice, shiny, virtual bow, I’m delighted to tell you that this week’s list is awesome. They always are—that’s kind of the point—but this week I can practically guarantee you’re going to be brimming with joy by the end.
Right out of the gate, we’ve got baby giggles. I mean, come on. Who can resist baby giggles?
In a twist I never would have expected, we have a rap about a deceased aunt (surprisingly not as dark as it sounds), 13 strangers taking an unplanned road trip together, a girl who might as well apply for Disney princesshood now, an impressive show of solidarity for a struggling writer and more.
So much great stuff in here. Get comfy and enjoy!
1. This baby’s squeals are the best after his dada celebrates his first ‘Dada.’
There is nothing like that sound in the whole world. So precious.
2. A flood of famous authors swooped in to lift up a debut novelist when only two people showed up to her book signing.
This Twitter thread was simply amazing. So many famous writers shared that they’d experienced empty room book signings, and so many others, from Henry Winkler to Flavor Flav, chimed in with words of encouragement as well. Read the full story here.
3. Check out this angel’s dance moves during ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful.’
A loved one dying on a holiday isn’t usually something to laugh at, but there are exceptions to every rule. His follow-up video explaining who his aunt was and how she used humor to cope with hard times makes it all the better. She would have loved this. Find the full story here.
Why do Japanese football fans clean up after a match? @Sandra Gathmann asks the fans #QatarWorldCup2022 #FIFA #WorldCup #Qatar #Football #Qatar2022 #WorldCup2022 #Japan #cleaning #fans
Atarimae! What a delightful concept. Read the full story here.
9. The reaction of this delivery driver when he saw the snacks someone left for him is so wholesome.
I cant make this up. Road trip! 🚐 @The Farm Babe @StarrPuck @doerksen92 @Renee @robinwharton976 @CozumelAutentico
The baker’s dozen became fast friends on their “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” adventure, documenting it on TikTok as it went viral. Read the full story here. So heartwarming.
Hope that brought some smiles to your face! If you’d like to have these weekly roundups delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our free email newsletter, The Upworthiest, here.
You probably haven’t seen it as it was meant to be seen, however.
A scene where Ebenezer Scrooge (Caine) and Belle (Meredith Braun) sing a lovely Paul Williams-written song called “When Love is Gone” was cut from the theatrical version of The Muppet Christmas Carol because Disney felt it wouldn’t appeal to kids. The sequence appeared on the VHS, but was left off the DVD and Disney+ — until now.
At long last, The Muppet Christmas Carol is available to stream as its director Brian Henson (son of Muppets creator Jim Henson) always intended, with the song “When Love Is Gone” restored for the first time in high-definition widescreen. Henson had shared that the uncut version would debut in 4k on streamer Disney+ on December 11, but in an early Christmas gift, the full-length version of the holiday favorite was added December 9.
To find the “full-length version” of The Muppet Christmas Carol, head to the film’s page on Disney+ and click Extras. It appears there, along with a promo for the holiday classic. And always remember: light the lamp, not the rat.
Today (December 9) marks the tenth anniversary of the passing of Jenni Rivera, the best-selling banda artist of all time. In honor of her mother, Chiquisreleased the music video for her song “Paloma Blanca.” The rising Mexican-American star talked with Uproxx about her mother’s legacy and receiving her very first Grammy nomination.
During her lifetime, Rivera became a force in regional Mexican music. She specifically reigned in the male-dominated banda music genre, earning the title La Diva De La Banda. In her hit songs like “De Contrabando” and “Chuper Amigos,” Rivera sang about sex, partying hard, and female empowerment. On December 9, 2012, the world lost Rivera when she was killed in a plane crash.
“More than anything I want people to remember the woman behind the artist,” Chiquis told Uproxx. “To remember her for the woman that she was, for all the philanthropy work she did, and the stuff that she would never even talk about. How she always said, ‘God has blessed me and I have to bless other people with the blessings God has given me.’ I hope people can learn from that, and learn from what she did, being a single mother, and she went after her dreams and made it happen.”
Chiquis worked closely with her mother as an assistant during her career. Following Rivera’s passing, Chiquis followed in her mom’s footsteps with her debut single “Paloma Blanca,” which was released in 2014. To honor her mother today, she released a new version of the heartfelt tribute song. This time, Chiquis is joined by more women with the addition of Las Mariachi Divas. The night before her passing, Rivera dedicated the song “Paloma Negra” to her daughter during a concert, so this is Chiquis’ way of honoring her.
“[The song] is part of my story and I’m ok with that,” Chiquis said. “I have peace with how my life played out. I hope that this song also helps people that have lost a loved one and it helps them heal because it definitely helped me heal in so many ways.”
Like her mom, Chiquis has since become a powerful female voice in regional Mexican music and banda music. Last month, she won her second Latin Grammy Award for her album Abeja Reina. That same week, Chiquis found out she was nominated at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Her LP, which features a cover of Rivera’s “De Contrabando,” is up for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano).
“I’m so inspired more than ever,” Chiquis said. “These Latin Grammys and when the American Grammy nomination hit, it just inspired me, even more, to say, ‘How can I level up? How can I better myself? What can I do differently?’ I have so many ideas for the next album. I just want to get better and better. I’m excited! I’m honored and I can’t wait for [the Grammy Awards] in February.”
Firstime fatherhood has ignited a fierce creative fire under A$AP Rocky. After releasing two singles, “D.M.B.” and “Sh*ttin’ Me,” Rocky revealed an entire project is on the way during a concert performance for Amazon Music Live.
This album will mark Rocky’s first LP since 2018’s Testing. Previously thought to be titled, All Smiles, the rapper revealed it is officially named, Don’t Be Dumb. With input from Atlanta-based producer Metro Boomin, the project will surely deliver exciting blends of Rocky’s signature alternative New York rap sound with flairs of today’s dominating southern draws.
Before taking the stage, the rapper gleamingly shared a few words with fans via the video team stationed outside, “Thursday Night Football. Amazon. My first time back on the stage. Album’s finished. Don’t Be Dumb. Let’s go!”
During the stream, hosted by 2Chainz, Rocky performed several songs from the project. One of the tracks, titled “Roddy Rod Pipper,” instantly won the crowd over as they opened up a mosh pit to jam out to it.
The rumors of a track named after pop darling Taylor Swift are still floating around, but no further information has been released regarding the album or when it is expected to hit streaming platforms. However, we will be sure to share more details as they surface.
Upsahl has had one hell of a year. How do you follow a debut album, last September’s Lady Jesus, and her first headlining tour across the globe? She found the answer this summer: by looking inward. The result produced her new EP, Sagittarius, a reference to the alt-pop star’s zodiac sign. (She is also a Pisces moon and a Libra rising.)
For those unaware of astrological traits, Sagittarians are the fiery nomads of the zodiac, who you can always count on to be the life-of-the-party… If they arrive. Upsahl sums it up in her favorite lyric, “Hold my cup, let me do a kickflip,” from the song, “Kickflip” — which also doubles as her favorite upcoming visualizer and a track she can’t wait to play live.
Growing up in Arizona around a musically-focused family, Taylor Upsahl — the musician’s last name is her stage moniker — eventually embarked out to Los Angeles, and the rest has been a rise. Penning songs for Dua Lipa and Madison Beer, Upsahl’s songwriting presence has set her apart as a significant talent. Plus, her music is fun as sh*t. Or, as she describes the Sagittarius EP, “unapologetic” and “intense, passionate, and powerful.”
What made you want to create an astrology-themed record?
For the first time ever this summer, when I was going into the studio and writing, I wasn’t writing about a relationship or another person. The only sort of muse I had was myself.
I had to learn this very healthy version of selfishness going into making this. Each song represents a different character trait or part of me that makes me who I am. I was like, ‘How do I put who I am in one word?’ and I’ve always related so hard to being a textbook Sagittarius. I feel like that perfectly describes me, who I am, and the entire energy of the EP.
What were your musical, or even general, inspirations for Sagittarius?
My goal was not really caring about each song sounding like they fit into the same genre. I feel like genre doesn’t really exist anymore. With “Into My Body,” I wanted to make a proper dance record. I had been listening to a lot of Prince. I loved how whispery and in-your face those vocals were. With “Kickflip,” we were listening to “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop.
Speaking of “Into My Body,” I’ve read that you grew up with parents who were involved in the punk scene, and there’s one video scene where you’re in the room with the hanging mic. It felt very early 2000s pop punk. I’m curious what your personal visual inspirations were for making it, since you mentioned Prince and Snoop Dogg for other songs.
That’s a cool question. What’s exciting about this EP is we got to create visuals for every song. I wanted it to feel just as much of a visual experience as it does a listening experience. I think there’s always gonna be a part of me that is so inspired by the punk scene. The biggest thing I’ve taken from it as a performer is that sort of ‘I don’t give a f*ck’ energy. Same with No Doubt and Gwen. That’s why she’s been such a big inspiration for me. Or Avril. They’re so unbothered, authentic, and present.
Is there a song you’re most excited to play live?
“Kickflip.” I was just on tour, and every night I was like, ‘Should we just add into the set?’ I feel like it’s so high energy, dancey, and fun. I’m also excited for “Toast,” my emo, big ballad song.
“Toast” closes the EP brilliantly with the lyric where you ask, “How didn’t I know it was coming to an end?” Was it always intended as the final song?
Having the EP end with the word “end,” I was like, ‘Oh, chef’s kiss. This is brilliant.’ That reflective energy and those big, airy synths throughout, I wanted listeners to have those three minutes to chill out. I wanted to ease down from the roller coaster.
Do you feel “Toast” or any of the songs serve as a tie-in to Lady Jesus?
I love to write about religion. Not super religious, but I’d say I’m a spiritual person. The idea of how much power we give religious figures, regardless of what our religion is, I think that’s such an interesting thing about humans.
The main lyric in “Kickflip” is “feeling like God.” The biggest theme of Lady Jesus was harnessing the power and trust that we put into religious figures and putting that into ourselves. And I think I learned to do that when I was writing. Now that I sort of have this stability in my life, this EP is very much building off of that power and confidence I found.
Did you take a different approach to the creation process compared to your debut?
When I was making my debut album, I was very project-focused. This process was more scattered. When I was home in LA, I was writing as much as I could in a week with as many people as possible. That free-flowing, honestly less-focused energy made this EP feel very much like me.
What trajectory do you picture your future projects heading in?
Yeah, I think it’s funny because I’m always writing. This EP has five songs, but I wrote probably 300. There are already a lot of ideas floating around in my head for what the next chapter holds. Once I feel like I lived and breathed Sagittarius as much as I could, that’s when I start going back and listening to old demos. I hope I’ve grown by the next time I put out a project.
Were there any songs that didn’t make the EP that you wished did?
In my dream world, I would put out a 50-song album, but I think that’s what makes these five so special. I only have fifteen minutes to let people know who the f*ck I am. Each song is very carefully handpicked.
I read in another interview you did that sometimes you write to fill in the tracklist gaps to fit a narrative. Were there any songs for Sagittarius that you did that for?
For the first time, actually, it happened pretty naturally. With Lady Jesus, I really wanted to tell a story from start to finish. With Sagittarius, it’s not so much a chronological order, it’s more just personality pieces.
What do you hope listeners take away from the EP?
Astrology aside, diving into who I am as a person and learning to own every single part was the biggest thing for me. I hope that in listening people feel empowered to do the same. I think the reasons we as humans need religion and spirituality is for the self-reflection aspect of it.
Look, it should come as no surprise that kids look like their parents but that isn’t stopping Beyoncé from fawning over her resemblance to her daughter Blue Ivy in a newly resurfaced photo from her youth. Purporting to be from 1990, the photo shows a young Beyoncé getting her hair braided at a Houston beauty salon, but the angle, lighting, and yes, genetics do make her look almost exactly like her 10-year-old daughter. Funnily enough, fans also noticed that the hairdresser bears a sharp resemblance to Beyoncé’s protege, Chloe Bailey, causing both names to trend on Twitter.
So, what’s Beyoncé actually up to lately? Well, she dropped her long-awaited comeback album Renaissance back in August, although a perceived lack of music videos from the project obviously has her fans hungry for more content. Meanwhile, Blue has been experiencing the highs and lows of being a celebrity pre-teen; although she gets to do things like casually bid $80,000 on items at charity auctions, it seems she still gets just as embarrassed by her parents as any kid, even when she’s sitting courtside at the NBA Finals and her parents are Beyoncé and Jay-Z. And hey, just for the record, Chlöe seems to be doing just fine, too, recently sharing the latest single from her upcoming debut album, “For The Night” featuring Latto, and enjoying coming into her sex appeal on her own terms.
Last week kicked off the annual year-end Indiecasties, an Indiecast segment where hosts Steven Hyden and Ian Cohen nominate the best, worst, and most memorable music moments of the year. Think of it like indie music’s Grammys, but in an audio format and with fewer Machine Gun Kelly appearances. On this week’s episode, Steven and Ian reflect on 2022 by diving deeper into this year’s releases. Their categories include: The “Angular Guitar” Award for Overused Album Review Adjective of the Year, the Comeback of the Year, the Most Memory-Holed Album of 2022, the Rookie of the Year, and, of course, MVP of the year.
Along with continuing the 2022 Indiecasties, Steven and Ian answer some fan mailbag questions. A question about the Grammys voting process and the alphabet sparks a conspiracy theory, which Indiecast dives into to sees if it holds weight.
New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 118 here or below and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at [email protected], and make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here.
Throughout the pandemic (which is still ongoing, despite relaxed safety precautions), the Verzuz battle series has been an uplifting constant. The show, which highlights classic artists and their catalogs, brought hip-hop and R&B fans together when we were still in the house, then gave us a reason to get back out there with its live shows. However, there have been a few names missing from the fun, such as Busta Rhymes and Jay-Z, for whom the show’s producers have had a tough time finding a match, and West Coast gangsta rap pioneer Ice Cube.
That’s not for lack of trying, though. Cube explained why he turned down offers from Verzuz to do battles with both LL Cool J and Scarface during a recent episode of the Bootleg Kev Podcast. According to Ice Cube, “They was talking LL at one point, they was talking Scarface at one point. I said, ‘No.’ Verzuz is good, but my concept would have been, ‘Yo, I’m a fan. You do this song for me.’ Like, okay, I get to have LL do my favorite LL songs and he gon’ have me do my favorite Ice Cube songs, and it’s not Verzuz, but it’s love. It’s like, ‘Yo, do this, and he do ‘Rock the Bells,’ and he asks me, ‘Yo, do ‘Once Upon a Time in the Projects.” That would have been my concept.”
As he put it, “I can’t go against people I admire. LL is an OG to me in the game, so I can’t see it. Me and Scarface love each other, but we don’t communicate enough to do a Verzuz together. I don’t want it to be competition.”
Carly Rae Jepsen just unveiled her new album The Loneliest Time in October, which was previewed with compelling singles like “Talking To Yourself” and “Beach House.” She’s already back with another new song, this time it’s the theme song for Hello Kitty: Super Style!, a 3D version of Hello Kitty on Amazon Kids+.
At only half a minute, the theme song captures Jepsen’s signature effervescence that makes her songs so catchy. About the song, she posted on Instagram, “Hooray, yippee, buttons and bows…,” Jepsen captioned. “@hellokitty is making her 3D debut and I’m singing her new theme song!! Yes indeed.”
Last year, Jepsen celebrated 10 years of her hit “Call Me Maybe” with an emotional post reflecting on her time as a waitress. “The point is, don’t give up on your dreams, kids. Not three months later ‘Call Me Maybe’ was released and let’s just say I hope that song really annoyed them. Hehe. Mostly I want to say thank you all for the joyous videos, silly dances. and wild nights together in different countries! You have opened my world and my heart with this adventure of a song and I could not be more grateful to you all.”
Listen to her theme song above.
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