Are we alone in the universe? Probably not. But so far there’s been little hard proof of alien life, despite what Tucker Carlson says. What, then, to make of the mysterious, mummified creature that was unveiled Tuesday in Mexico’s Congress, which one UFO expert described as a “clear demonstration” of “non-human” remains, and probably an alien? Many on social media didn’t seem convinced. After all, they said, the corpse looks a little too much like E.T., the dang extra-terrestrial.
Per The New York Post, images of the two mystery corpses — which were actually found in Peru back in 2017, and which had three fingers on each hand as well as elongated heads — inspired more scrutiny than awe. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was among those making the most obvious comparison, likening the creatures to Steven Spielberg‘s kindly alien, who crushed the world box office back in 1982.
Others went into more detail. “So the Mexicans discovered a 1,000-year-old mummy which supposedly is an alien. And this alien happens to: 1: look exactly like Spielberg’s ET 2. have a human-looking body – one head, two hands, two legs,” tweeted entrepreneur Nikos Drandakis, who concluded it was a “very hard pill to swallow…”
So the Mexicans discovered a 1,000-year-old mummy which supposedly is an alien. And this alien happens to:
1: look exactly like Spielberg’s ET 2. have a human-looking body – one head, two hands, two legs.
During the presentation, ufologist Jaime Maussan claimed that the bodies were between 700 and 1,800 years old and that X-rays had revealed “eggs” inside. Maussan also said that DNA testing had revealed that “these specimens are not part of our terrestrial evolution.” He concluded, “We are not alone.”
Sufjan Stevens is weeks away from releasing his recently announced album Javelin, which drops October 6. The first single was the somber piano ballad “So You Are Tired,” selected by Uproxx‘s “Best New Indie Music” column in August, and now “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” helps advance Stevens’ world-building.
The reflective single arrived alongside a colorful video. Atop lilting acoustics and juxtaposing atmospheric orchestrals, Stevens sings, “Will anybody every love me? / For good reasons / Without grievance, not for sport / Will anybody every love me? / In every season / Pledge allegiance to my heart / Pledge allegiance to my burning heart.”
He also takes accountability “for the heartache and the misery I create” and wishes to “wash away the summer sins I made.”
As per the press release, Stevens self-produced “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” and welcomed additional vocals from Adrienne Maree Brown, Hannah Cohen, and Megan Lui.
“Being in the studio with Sufjan is like watching an alchemist at work,” Cohen said in the statement. “He creates a new realm, building our voices from a gentle choir, then morphing us into sirens raging from the sea.”
Lui added, “‘Will Anybody Ever Love Me?’ felt like a glimpse into Sufjan’s past records but spins into an epic collage of voices and instruments. His vision of melody and composition are astonishing and working with him and Hannah in the room was pure joy.”
Watch the “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” video above, and check out the Javelin album cover art below.
Asthmatic Kitty
Javelin is out 10/6 via Asthmatic Kitty. Find more information here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
In a little under two days, Vic Mensa is finally releasing his second studio album, more than six years after his solo debut. He’s been rolling out Victor since January, when he shared the first single, “Strawberry Louis Vuitton” with Thundercat. Since then, he’s released a music video for “Swish” with Chance The Rapper and G-Eazy and a trailer for the project inspired by the world of modern art. He also joined Chance at a series of shows celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Rapper’s career-making mixtape, Acid Rap, opening with a salute to Vic’s own early fan favorite, Innanetape.
Below, you can find everything we know about Victor ahead of its release.
Release Date:
Victor is due on September 15 via Roc Nation Records.
Features:
In addition to longtime collaborator Chance The Rapper, G-Eazy, and Thundercat, the album will include appearances from actor Omari Hardwick, Chicago rap veteran Common, New Orleans hip-hop mystic Jay Electronica (incidentally, Vic received decidedly less backlash for Jay’s inclusion than fellow Windy City native Noname got), singers Ant Clemons, Dixson, Lekan, and Ty Dolla Sign, and Inglewood indie rap champion D Smoke.
Tracklist:
1. “Sunday Morning Intro” Feat. Omari Hardwick
2. “Victor”
3. “Rumors”
4. “Lvln Up”
5. “The Weeping Poets” Feat. Jay Electronica
6. “Swear”
7. “$WISH” Feat. G-Eazy & Chance The Rapper
8. “Sunset On The Low End”
9. “Strawberry Louis Vuitton” Feat. Thundercat & Maeta
10. “$outhside Story” Feat. Common
11. “Law Of Karma”
12. “Blue Eyes”
13. “Blue Eyes (Interlude)”
14. “Sunday Evening Reprise” Feat. Dixson & Lekan
15. “All I Kno”
16. “Ble$$ings” Feat. Ant Clemons & D Smoke
17. “14 Days”
18. “Eastside Girl (Bonus Track)” Feat. Ty Dolla $ign
Singles:
Previously released tracks include “Eastside Girl (Bonus Track),” “Blue Eyes,” and “Lvln Up.”
Tour:
While a tour has yet to be announced, Vic has a performance with Chance later this month:
San Diego is a big city that sort of ~magically~ feels much smaller than it is. A land where surfers and bikini-wearing beach lovers thrive. But also there are military folks! Business people! A thriving LGBTQI scene! It’s the kind of place where — even on a day darkened by the marine layer — the beach will be filled with runners, surfers, dog walkers, and sunbathers alike. The quintessential California dream.
I’m saying all that from first-hand experience. I recently moved to San Diego from Los Angeles (I still love you, LA). While LA isn’t far behind in terms of the classic beach city vibes, something about San Diego feels really… cruisy. I also love that each San Diego neighborhood has its own characteristics and sub-communities, which is why I’ve spent the past few months staycationing around the city. I’ve stayed at some of San Diego’s most popular hotel properties and explored their nearby food, drink, and party spots.
From the luxury lifestyle of Del Mar to the party-ready vibes of downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, I’m sharing a few hotels worth booking for your next visit to San Diego — all based on your vibe. — below.
For the City Traveler: Westgate Hotel
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter — the most lively section of downtown San Diego full of bars, restaurants, museums, and the Padres’ Petco Park — Westgate Hotel offers the amenities of a highly stylized hotel and the convenience of being close to all the fun. The hotel itself is a luxurious escape that feels like stepping back in time, thanks to the vintage-inspired decor and old-money aesthetic; think sparkling chandeliers, gold accents, and velvet furniture. The hotel even hosts a daily high tea, so bring your best dress and hat.
Don’t let the traditional energy fool you, though. The hotel has some modern features like a rooftop pool, outdoor gym, and wellness club. For the tourist who loves being in the heart of the action, the Westgate puts you right in the busyness of downtown. You can catch a Padres game, browse the immersive WNDR Museum, or go bar hopping through the endless supply of rambunctious hot spots.
Family-friendly may be a turnoff to some, but Town & Country brings an updated and frankly cool vibe to being a young family traveling with your kids. The recently renovated mid-century modern-inspired property, originally opened in 1953, has everything you could need to keep your little ones entertained (ie: a whole ass waterslide) while also enjoying your own vacation — yes, that includes boozy slushies by the pool. The colorful and vintage-style “endless summer” aesthetic of the property is sure to put you in OOO mode immediately.
Located in the central Mission Valley neighborhood, Town & Country is just a few minutes from luxury shopping, golf, hiking, the beach, and dining options — including its own chef-led restaurant, ARLO. If you feel like getting a workout in, the property’s state-of-the-art fitness facility has various machines, weights, equipment, and mats for your exercise needs.
Tucked in the hillside of Del Mar, one of San Diego’s affluent neighborhoods, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is the type of resort you don’t want to leave — with an 18-hole golf course, a spa, two pools (including an adults-only Relaxation Pool for spa guests), pickleball courts, e-bike rentals, and more. The 400-acre coastal canyon property’s design is what stands out most. The blush-painted buildings fixed with round stone arches, vintage luxury aesthetics in the hotel’s interior and rooms, and the mountainous landscape surrounding the property almost make it feel like a serene Mediterranean escape. While drinking my morning coffee on my balcony, complete with stone Greecian-like pillars and a hillside view, I almost forgot I was in San Diego — or even in the United States.
As for dining, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, and dinner on the terrace of the resort’s restaurant, Amaya. It serves California-bistro cuisine like striped bass and 14-day aged striploin. You can also grab a snack at the pool or visit the resort’s café, Cent’ Anni Café, for a coffee and breakfast on the go. No matter what brings you to San Diego, make sure to leave room on your itinerary to simply enjoy the Grand Del Mar and its many amenities.
If a dreamy ambiance and photo-ready backdrops are a priority to you, look no further than Estancia La Jolla. There are vibrant flowers, trendy furniture pieces (who knew a chair could be so pretty?), painted murals, and modern rustic designs sprinkled throughout the property. This place even has a butterfly garden and a wishing tree, where guests can write down their desires and meditate. (Are we sure I’m not still in LA?)
As for the amenities, they’re actually as nice as the hotel looks. Head to the pool and spa for some sun and relaxation — opt for a private cabana if you’re traveling with a group. Not only is the property a whimsical escape from everyday life, but it’s also located just a few minutes from the many picturesque La Jolla hot spots — including Torrey Pines State National Reserve and the La Jolla Cove, as well as plenty of restaurants, shopping, and adventure activities.
You’re most likely visiting San Diego for its laid-back vibes and famous beaches. So if lounging in the sand and salt water is the only thing on the itinerary for your trip (I don’t blame you), then book a room at a seaside hotel like Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach. Located in San Diego’s northernmost neighborhood, Cape Rey is just steps from the coastline — you’ll even get a view of the ocean from the hotel pool.
If you want to hang out like some local surfers, walk half a mile from the property to The Camp Store, a beachside pizza spot with live music every Wednesday through Sunday night. Make sure to take a Cape Rey e-bike rental to downtown Carlsbad, too. You can peruse locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, bars, and thrift stores to take home some classic beach town souvenirs.
For the Budget Traveler: ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel
ITH Hostels
Balling on a budget? No problem. At the Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel, you can get a beachside vacation for less than 70 bucks per night — as long as you’re okay with a shared bunk. (If you’re not keen on a community room, you can also book a private queen room for about $200).
Located right on the boardwalk of Pacific Beach, which offers a young party-centric scene, the vibrant and colorful property delivers everything budget, minimalist travelers and digital nomads could need. It has a community kitchen, lockers for your belongings, 24-seven reception, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and a workspace. Plus, the hostel often hosts social events for its guests, making it easy to make friends on the road.
What’s a party without a rooftop and a killer skyline view? That’s what you’ll get when you stay at Hotel Indigo in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter. Start your epic San Diego weekend with a Padres game at Petco Park, which is right next door to the hotel. Pregame at the hotel’s rooftop bar (obviously), where you can enjoy your craft cocktails by a firepit. Then, hit one of the many restaurants and bars nearby — there is no shortage of options, so you can basically wander around the streets until something catches your eye.
When you’re finally ready to call it a night, Hotel Indigo has contemporary yet comfortable rooms to come back to. You can recover at the on-site fitness center and grab a coffee at the hotel’s 24-hour grab-and-go market.
People are applauding the way Matthew McConaughey refused to be reduced down to the partisan label of “anti-gun” during a recent guest appearance on “The View.”
McConaughey had initially been brought on the show to discuss his new children’s book, “Just Because,” but host Sunny Hostin later praised the actor for being “so outspoken against violence, and gun violence in particular,” referencing his previous impassioned speech in the aftermath of the Robb Elementary School shooting.
Hostin then asked McConaughey if he had given any more thought to holding a political office. Previously in 2021 the actor publicly announced considering running for governor of the state of Texas, but then decided to focus on his family.
“If it’s where I would deem myself most useful, yes,” he responded. “Right now, I want to be most useful as a father.”
Co-host Joy Behar then followed up with “Do you think you could get elected in Texas being anti-gun?”
Fully processing the question by repeating it to himself, “Do I think I could get elected in Texas being anti-gun?” McConaughey then delivers a tactful response.
“One thing about me and politics,” he said, pointing a finger at Behar, “to give you a direct statement right there, is me playing a game I’m not interested in playing.”
Behar has no choice but to surrender the conversation. “Ok, don’t do it.”
The moment happened towards the tail end of the video. Watch below.
Most of us would probably agree that in general, politicians and their media cohorts focus too much on stirring up controversy and not enough on having solution oriented conversations. So hearing someone actually put their foot down against it was refreshing, to say the least.
Here’s what other viewers had to say:
“The trap was there and he didn’t play. Very well done. Matthew is smarter than most people realize. And I highly respect the focus on his children and family… because that’s where mine is.”
“His response to Joy is exactly what we need in politics today.”
“Way to go Matthew so much turmoil in our media everyday.”
“I loved the way this man disagreed with Joy, respectfully, staying authentically himself. He’s not into being pushed into anything and will speak when he’s ready.”
It was such a brief exchange, but really spoke volumes to how systems are put in place to keep up in cycles of animosity. It takes consciousness and will power to not play “the game.” But it might be the very thing we need to create lasting change.
San Diego is a big city that sort of ~magically~ feels much smaller than it is. A land where surfers and bikini-wearing beach lovers thrive. But also there are military folks! Business people! A thriving LGBTQI scene! It’s the kind of place where — even on a day darkened by the marine layer — the beach will be filled with runners, surfers, dog walkers, and sunbathers alike. The quintessential California dream.
I’m saying all that from first-hand experience. I recently moved to San Diego from Los Angeles (I still love you, LA). While LA isn’t far behind in terms of the classic beach city vibes, something about San Diego feels really… cruisy. I also love that each San Diego neighborhood has its own characteristics and sub-communities, which is why I’ve spent the past few months staycationing around the city. I’ve stayed at some of San Diego’s most popular hotel properties and explored their nearby food, drink, and party spots.
From the luxury lifestyle of Del Mar to the party-ready vibes of downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, I’m sharing a few hotels worth booking for your next visit to San Diego — all based on your vibe. — below.
For the City Traveler: Westgate Hotel
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter — the most lively section of downtown San Diego full of bars, restaurants, museums, and the Padres’ Petco Park — Westgate Hotel offers the amenities of a highly stylized hotel and the convenience of being close to all the fun. The hotel itself is a luxurious escape that feels like stepping back in time, thanks to the vintage-inspired decor and old-money aesthetic; think sparkling chandeliers, gold accents, and velvet furniture. The hotel even hosts a daily high tea, so bring your best dress and hat.
Don’t let the traditional energy fool you, though. The hotel has some modern features like a rooftop pool, outdoor gym, and wellness club. For the tourist who loves being in the heart of the action, the Westgate puts you right in the busyness of downtown. You can catch a Padres game, browse the immersive WNDR Museum, or go bar hopping through the endless supply of rambunctious hot spots.
Family-friendly may be a turnoff to some, but Town & Country brings an updated and frankly cool vibe to being a young family traveling with your kids. The recently renovated mid-century modern-inspired property, originally opened in 1953, has everything you could need to keep your little ones entertained (ie: a whole ass waterslide) while also enjoying your own vacation — yes, that includes boozy slushies by the pool. The colorful and vintage-style “endless summer” aesthetic of the property is sure to put you in OOO mode immediately.
Located in the central Mission Valley neighborhood, Town & Country is just a few minutes from luxury shopping, golf, hiking, the beach, and dining options — including its own chef-led restaurant, ARLO. If you feel like getting a workout in, the property’s state-of-the-art fitness facility has various machines, weights, equipment, and mats for your exercise needs.
Tucked in the hillside of Del Mar, one of San Diego’s affluent neighborhoods, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is the type of resort you don’t want to leave — with an 18-hole golf course, a spa, two pools (including an adults-only Relaxation Pool for spa guests), pickleball courts, e-bike rentals, and more. The 400-acre coastal canyon property’s design is what stands out most. The blush-painted buildings fixed with round stone arches, vintage luxury aesthetics in the hotel’s interior and rooms, and the mountainous landscape surrounding the property almost make it feel like a serene Mediterranean escape. While drinking my morning coffee on my balcony, complete with stone Greecian-like pillars and a hillside view, I almost forgot I was in San Diego — or even in the United States.
As for dining, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, and dinner on the terrace of the resort’s restaurant, Amaya. It serves California-bistro cuisine like striped bass and 14-day aged striploin. You can also grab a snack at the pool or visit the resort’s café, Cent’ Anni Café, for a coffee and breakfast on the go. No matter what brings you to San Diego, make sure to leave room on your itinerary to simply enjoy the Grand Del Mar and its many amenities.
If a dreamy ambiance and photo-ready backdrops are a priority to you, look no further than Estancia La Jolla. There are vibrant flowers, trendy furniture pieces (who knew a chair could be so pretty?), painted murals, and modern rustic designs sprinkled throughout the property. This place even has a butterfly garden and a wishing tree, where guests can write down their desires and meditate. (Are we sure I’m not still in LA?)
As for the amenities, they’re actually as nice as the hotel looks. Head to the pool and spa for some sun and relaxation — opt for a private cabana if you’re traveling with a group. Not only is the property a whimsical escape from everyday life, but it’s also located just a few minutes from the many picturesque La Jolla hot spots — including Torrey Pines State National Reserve and the La Jolla Cove, as well as plenty of restaurants, shopping, and adventure activities.
You’re most likely visiting San Diego for its laid-back vibes and famous beaches. So if lounging in the sand and salt water is the only thing on the itinerary for your trip (I don’t blame you), then book a room at a seaside hotel like Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach. Located in San Diego’s northernmost neighborhood, Cape Rey is just steps from the coastline — you’ll even get a view of the ocean from the hotel pool.
If you want to hang out like some local surfers, walk half a mile from the property to The Camp Store, a beachside pizza spot with live music every Wednesday through Sunday night. Make sure to take a Cape Rey e-bike rental to downtown Carlsbad, too. You can peruse locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, bars, and thrift stores to take home some classic beach town souvenirs.
For the Budget Traveler: ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel
ITH Hostels
Balling on a budget? No problem. At the Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel, you can get a beachside vacation for less than 70 bucks per night — as long as you’re okay with a shared bunk. (If you’re not keen on a community room, you can also book a private queen room for about $200).
Located right on the boardwalk of Pacific Beach, which offers a young party-centric scene, the vibrant and colorful property delivers everything budget, minimalist travelers and digital nomads could need. It has a community kitchen, lockers for your belongings, 24-seven reception, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and a workspace. Plus, the hostel often hosts social events for its guests, making it easy to make friends on the road.
What’s a party without a rooftop and a killer skyline view? That’s what you’ll get when you stay at Hotel Indigo in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter. Start your epic San Diego weekend with a Padres game at Petco Park, which is right next door to the hotel. Pregame at the hotel’s rooftop bar (obviously), where you can enjoy your craft cocktails by a firepit. Then, hit one of the many restaurants and bars nearby — there is no shortage of options, so you can basically wander around the streets until something catches your eye.
When you’re finally ready to call it a night, Hotel Indigo has contemporary yet comfortable rooms to come back to. You can recover at the on-site fitness center and grab a coffee at the hotel’s 24-hour grab-and-go market.
In the piece, entitled “One thing George Santos couldn’t steal from me,” Naysa Woomer tells of initially being “attracted to his story of a moderate gay Republican winning over a blue district in New York.” So she went to work for him as his communications director. Alas, the “political gods” had “other ideas (and a sense of humor).”
Less than a fortnight after getting the gig, The New York Times dropped its first bombshell exposé of how Santos lied his way into a seat in the House of Representatives, which, she says, “inadvertently turned me into a highly visible — and highly ridiculed — Hill communications staffer.”
And so Woomer took on a “thankless job,” which she also called “arguably one of the toughest in D.C.” Among her duties, walking the halls with a lawmaker relentlessly hounded by reporters. She noted, “perhaps you’ve seen my resting b*** face.”
I had to handle an unprecedented crisis that made the typical political or corporate office look like a day at the beach. On the bright side, I learned to navigate through murky water while putting out day-to-day press releases, drafting talking points and messaging on upcoming legislation.
Woomer lasted five months, after which she “could no longer tolerate his lack of honor, office dysfunction and unmanageable chaotic behavior.” She added, “At the end of the day, I was willing to sacrifice a paycheck to walk away with my integrity.”
D.C. is filled with tough gigs, Woomer said. “I have held previous communications jobs that were a baptism by fire,” she wrote. “With apologies to Robert Oppenheimer, this was a baptism by atomic bomb.”
People are applauding the way Matthew McConaughey refused to be reduced down to the partisan label of “anti-gun” during a recent guest appearance on “The View.”
McConaughey had initially been brought on the show to discuss his new children’s book, “Just Because,” but host Sunny Hostin later praised the actor for being “so outspoken against violence, and gun violence in particular,” referencing his previous impassioned speech in the aftermath of the Robb Elementary School shooting.
Hostin then asked McConaughey if he had given any more thought to holding a political office. Previously in 2021 the actor publicly announced considering running for governor of the state of Texas, but then decided to focus on his family.
“If it’s where I would deem myself most useful, yes,” he responded. “Right now, I want to be most useful as a father.”
Co-host Joy Behar then followed up with “Do you think you could get elected in Texas being anti-gun?”
Fully processing the question by repeating it to himself, “Do I think I could get elected in Texas being anti-gun?” McConaughey then delivers a tactful response.
“One thing about me and politics,” he said, pointing a finger at Behar, “to give you a direct statement right there, is me playing a game I’m not interested in playing.”
Behar has no choice but to surrender the conversation. “Ok, don’t do it.”
The moment happened towards the tail end of the video. Watch below.
Most of us would probably agree that in general, politicians and their media cohorts focus too much on stirring up controversy and not enough on having solution oriented conversations. So hearing someone actually put their foot down against it was refreshing, to say the least.
Here’s what other viewers had to say:
“The trap was there and he didn’t play. Very well done. Matthew is smarter than most people realize. And I highly respect the focus on his children and family… because that’s where mine is.”
“His response to Joy is exactly what we need in politics today.”
“Way to go Matthew so much turmoil in our media everyday.”
“I loved the way this man disagreed with Joy, respectfully, staying authentically himself. He’s not into being pushed into anything and will speak when he’s ready.”
It was such a brief exchange, but really spoke volumes to how systems are put in place to keep up in cycles of animosity. It takes consciousness and will power to not play “the game.” But it might be the very thing we need to create lasting change.
In 1997, singer-songwriter 19-year-old Fiona Apple was a massive breakthrough artist on MTV, having recently scored big hits with “Shadowboxer,” “Criminal” and “Sleep to Dream” from her debut album, “Tidal.”
However, even though she was still a teenager, she was already suspicious of celebrity culture.
When accepting the award for the single “Sleep to Dream” at the MTV Video Music Awards, she gave an impromptu speech taking dead aim at the music industry. She asked the young people watching to stop emulating the stars they see in music videos and to be themselves.
Her speech was a bold move by a young woman in a room full of celebrities, rock stars and industry people. At the time, it looked like she was committing career suicide in front of the world. Twenty-six years later, it seems even more audacious in a world where the notion of being sellout is a Gen X relic and the entire culture is dominated by influencers.
To celebrate Apple’s 46th birthday on September 13, people have been sharing the speech on X, formerly known as Twitter.
it’s fiona apple’s birthday and it’s mtv vma. throwback to this iconic speech.
— max richter scale (@max richter scale) 1694561623
Apple began her speech by quoting Maya Angelou: “See, Maya Angelou said that we, as human beings, at our best, can only create opportunities. And I’m gonna use this opportunity the way that I want to use it,” she said.
“So, what I want to say is, everybody out there that’s watching, everybody that’s watching this world? This world is bulls***,” Apple continued. “And you shouldn’t model your life about what you think that we think is cool and what we’re wearing and what we’re saying and everything. Go with yourself. Go with yourself…And it’s just stupid that I’m in this world, but you’re all very cool to me so thank you very much.”
The next year, Apple clarified her remarks to Rolling Stone, but she didn’t apologize for speaking her mind.
“When I won, I felt like a sellout. I felt that I deserved recognition but that the recognition I was getting was for the wrong reasons,” Apple said. “I felt that now, in the blink of an eye, all of those people who didn’t give a f**k who I was, or what I thought, were now all at once just humoring, appeasing me, and not because of my talent, but instead because of the fact that somehow, with the help of my record company, and my makeup artist, my stylist and my press, I had successfully created the illusion that I was perfect and pretty and rich, and therefore living a higher quality of life. I’d saved myself from misfit status, but I’d betrayed my own kind by becoming a paper doll in order to be accepted.”
Apple’s speech at the 1997 VMAs appears to be a roadmap for the rest of her life. Since then, she has gone on to create one great album after another while eschewing the phoniness of celebrity culture. The “Fetch the Bold Cutters” singer even canceled an entire tour in 2013 because her dog was dying. Apple isn’t on social media and she seems completely content to spend her time watching court cases and spending time with her dog.
In 1997, singer-songwriter 19-year-old Fiona Apple was a massive breakthrough artist on MTV, having recently scored big hits with “Shadowboxer,” “Criminal” and “Sleep to Dream” from her debut album, “Tidal.”
However, even though she was still a teenager, she was already suspicious of celebrity culture.
When accepting the award for the single “Sleep to Dream” at the MTV Video Music Awards, she gave an impromptu speech taking dead aim at the music industry. She asked the young people watching to stop emulating the stars they see in music videos and to be themselves.
Her speech was a bold move by a young woman in a room full of celebrities, rock stars and industry people. At the time, it looked like she was committing career suicide in front of the world. Twenty-six years later, it seems even more audacious in a world where the notion of being sellout is a Gen X relic and the entire culture is dominated by influencers.
To celebrate Apple’s 46th birthday on September 13, people have been sharing the speech on X, formerly known as Twitter.
it’s fiona apple’s birthday and it’s mtv vma. throwback to this iconic speech.
— max richter scale (@max richter scale) 1694561623
Apple began her speech by quoting Maya Angelou: “See, Maya Angelou said that we, as human beings, at our best, can only create opportunities. And I’m gonna use this opportunity the way that I want to use it,” she said.
“So, what I want to say is, everybody out there that’s watching, everybody that’s watching this world? This world is bulls***,” Apple continued. “And you shouldn’t model your life about what you think that we think is cool and what we’re wearing and what we’re saying and everything. Go with yourself. Go with yourself…And it’s just stupid that I’m in this world, but you’re all very cool to me so thank you very much.”
The next year, Apple clarified her remarks to Rolling Stone, but she didn’t apologize for speaking her mind.
“When I won, I felt like a sellout. I felt that I deserved recognition but that the recognition I was getting was for the wrong reasons,” Apple said. “I felt that now, in the blink of an eye, all of those people who didn’t give a f**k who I was, or what I thought, were now all at once just humoring, appeasing me, and not because of my talent, but instead because of the fact that somehow, with the help of my record company, and my makeup artist, my stylist and my press, I had successfully created the illusion that I was perfect and pretty and rich, and therefore living a higher quality of life. I’d saved myself from misfit status, but I’d betrayed my own kind by becoming a paper doll in order to be accepted.”
Apple’s speech at the 1997 VMAs appears to be a roadmap for the rest of her life. Since then, she has gone on to create one great album after another while eschewing the phoniness of celebrity culture. The “Fetch the Bold Cutters” singer even canceled an entire tour in 2013 because her dog was dying. Apple isn’t on social media and she seems completely content to spend her time watching court cases and spending time with her dog.
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