Rosetta Tharpe: Celebs Rumors

Lizzo is speaking out about the criticism of her music that "disturbs" her the most. The 34-year-old singer and rapper told Vanity Fair that the claim that her music was created for White people was the "biggest criticism" that she had received, adding that it was a "critical conversation" with regard to Black artists.

new album “Cowboy Carter” — and one of them is none other than music legend Stevie Wonder.After accepting the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles Monday night, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer gushed over the 25-time Grammy winner who handed her the gong.“Now, Beyoncé is once again changing music and culture,” Wonder said of her latest record. “And when she’s not changing music, she’s changing the world, fighting the good fight.”As the mom of three accepted the award, she thanked the “I Wish” hitmaker for “making a way for all of us.”“And thank you for playing the harmonica on ‘Jolene,’” she added.“Tonight, you called me an innovator and for that, I’m very grateful,” the 32-time Grammy winner said.

Beyoncé made an appearance at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards to accept the Innovator Award, which was presented to her by Stevie Wonder.

Beyoncé is a winner!

Beyoncé paid $100,000 (£78,000) to keep trains running for an extra hour at a recent gig, so fans could get home safe.At the Washington DC leg of the singer’s ‘Renaissance’ world tour last night (July 6), bad weather meant the gig was delayed and ran late.As a result, many fans risked being stranded with public transport stopping running for the night.The singer then forked out to keep services open for an extra hour so fans could make it home.As the show was ending, the city’s Metro service announced that its Silver Line would stay open for an extra hour, a service which was “funded by the Tour to cover the $100,000 cost to run more trains, keep all 98 stations open for customers to exit and other operational expenses”.They added: “The extended time means the #BeyHive can stay for the ‘Party’ and still get home on Metro.”Elsewhere on the ‘Renaissance’ tour, Beyoncé seemingly left Lizzo’s name off a performance of ‘Break My Soul’ during one of her performances in Foxborough, Massachusetts last week which saw many of her fans quick to speculate that this was related to the recent allegations raised against Lizzo that same day – which finds her accused of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.Beyoncé then brought Lizzo’s name back to a live rendition of the song over the weekend. But during her show at the FedExField in Maryland on Saturday (August 5) fans were quick to share that Beyoncé did include Lizzo’s name again as she sang the lyrics: “Rosetta Tharpe, Santigold, (Vogue) Bessie Smith, Nina Simone (Vogue), Betty Davis, Solange Knowles.

Beyoncé brought Lizzo’s name back to a live rendition of ‘Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)’ over the weekend.It comes after the pop icon seemingly left Lizzo’s name off the track during one of her performances in Foxborough, Massachusetts last week which saw many of her fans quick to speculate that this was related to the recent allegations raised against Lizzo that same day – which finds her accused of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.But during her show at the FedExField in Maryland on Saturday (August 5) fans were quick to share that Beyoncé did include Lizzo’s name again as she sang the lyrics: “Rosetta Tharpe, Santigold, (Vogue) Bessie Smith, Nina Simone (Vogue), Betty Davis, Solange Knowles. Badu, Lizzo, Kelly Rowl”.Lizzo is being sued by three of her former dancers, who recall her pressuring a co-worker to touch a naked performer in an Amsterdam club and subjecting dancers to “excruciating” auditions.

Beyoncé – has spoken out about the singer leaving out Lizzo’s name during a live rendition of ‘Break My Soul’, saying that the decision has nothing to do with recent allegations.Rumours about Beyoncé drawing reference to the recent controversy surrounding Lizzo arose earlier this week, when the ‘Single Ladies’ singer chose to omit the latter’s name from one of her performances.Performing at Foxborough, Massachusetts on Tuesday (August 1) as part of her hit ‘Renaissance’ tour, Beyoncé played ‘Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)’, which sees her begin to list off a number of iconic and boundary-breaking Black female artists.While the original lyric reads: “Rosetta Tharpe, Santigold, (Vogue) Bessie Smith, Nina Simone (Vogue), Betty Davis, Solange Knowles. Badu, Lizzo, Kelly Rowl”, fan-captured footage shows the singer skim over Lizzo’s name and instead repeat Erykah Badu’s name four times.Following the set, fans were quick to speculate that this was related to the recent allegations raised against Lizzo that same day – which see her accused of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.The ‘About Damn Time’ singer is being sued by three of her former dancers, who recall her pressuring a co-worker to touch a naked performer in an Amsterdam club and subjecting dancers to “excruciating” auditions.

Beyonce appears to reacting to the accusations made against Lizzo.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic You can easily hear the impact of Tina Turner in the music of Yola, one of the greatest singers of our generation. But it goes far beyond any basic level of influence for this British-bred, now Nashville-based powerhouse. Before becoming a recording artist and Grammy nominee, back in her native U.K., she was a teacher and lecturer in vocal biomechanics who would instruct young singers in how to emulate Turner’s singular voice… or at least how to try. Yola spoke with Variety about Turner, who died May 24 at age 83. These are some of her thoughts, on everything from Tina’s pure technique to the unique challenges she faced as a Black stylist without parallels or filters to her place in genre-bridging musical history.

and women, ultimately marrying his bride Ernestine.Richard Wayne Penniman, who died in 2020, was many things, hence the revealing new documentary Little Richard: I Am Everything, directed and produced by Lisa Cortés (All In: The Fight for Democracy), who sought to capture the mercurial musician’s many contradictions and put into perspective his undeniable cultural impact.“I realized that in looking at Richard’s history, he’s like, I always say, a pendulum,” says Cortés. “He’s going back and forth. He’s out, he bursts on the scene.

A warren of characterful Victorian streets and alleyways was sacrificed for the building of Manchester's Arndale Centre.

The Guardian.“If so few Black artists, so few women of color, are being inducted, then the voting process needs to be overhauled. Music is a lifeforce that is constantly evolving — and they can’t keep up.” The 58-year-old “Miss Narcissist” singer’s damning essay lists industry pioneers and visionaries like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Chaka Khan, and Kate Bush as women who have been overlooked for years by the Rock Hall’s nominating board and voting body.

Julia MacCary editor Courtney Love has taken aim at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, penning a scathing essay that calls out the dearth of women and Black artists showcased in the Cleveland-based organization. “If so few women are being inducted into the Rock Hall, then the nominating committee is broken,” Love wrote in an op-ed for the Guardian. “If so few Black artists, so few women of colour, are being inducted, then the voting process needs to be overhauled. Music is a lifeforce that is constantly evolving – and they can’t keep up. Shame on HBO for propping up this farce.” Love did not hold back when calling out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Barely 8% of its inductees are female. The canon-making doesn’t just reek of sexist gatekeeping, but also purposeful ignorance and hostility,” wrote Love, a musician, songwriter and actor who led the 1990s band Hole and was married to the late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain (who was posthumously inducted).

Lizzo is clapping back at the haters.

Lizzo regularly faces criticism targeting her body, sense of style and everything else under the sun, but the perception that disturbs her «the most» is that she makes music for a white audience. In a new cover story for, the «About Damn Time» singer addressed the oft-repeated judgment that her music is somehow geared toward white listeners, noting that it's «such a critical conversation when it comes to Black artists.»«When Black people see a lot of white people in the audience, they think, 'Well this isn't for me, this is for them.' The thing is, when a Black artist reaches a certain level of popularity, it's going to be a predominantly white crowd,» she explains. «I was so startled when I watched [YouTube clips of gospel great] Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who was an innovator of rock and roll.

Willow Smith has spoken out about claiming space in rock in a new interview, saying that all people should “be allowed freedom to express ourselves in all kinds of different ways”.The star, who will release her latest album ‘<COPINGMECHANISM>’ next month, shifted into the rock genre with her 2021 album ‘lately I feel EVERYTHING’.Smith has previously spoken out about the reaction to her wanting to make a rock record from music industry executives, citing her race as a Black woman as the reason behind their response.“When I wanted to do a rock album, there were a lot of executives that were like, ‘Hmm…’,” she told Glamour earlier this year. “If I had been white, it would’ve been completely fine; but because I’m Black it’s, ‘Well… maybe let’s just not’ – and making it harder than it needs to be.”Speaking to the Observer recently, the 21-year-old described her claiming space in rock as a politically-charged move that is “about stepping into places where marginalised communities haven’t been accepted and saying: I’m human, and I’m allowed here, too”.“All of us should be allowed freedom to express ourselves in all kinds of different ways, and one of those ways is rock music,” she said.

“Elvis” biopic officially has a HBO Max streaming date.The Austin Butler-led film will be streaming on HBO Max next Friday, Sept. 2, 70 days after the film’s opening in theaters on June 24.

Beyoncé is sharing how grateful she is with Madonna for their recent collaboration, after the release of the singer’s new ‘Break My Soul’ remix, using the iconic melody from the popular song ‘Vogue.’“Thank you, Queen,” Beyoncé wrote in a heartfelt note for Madonna, sending her white roses to show her appreciation. She continued, “I’m so grateful for you.

Beyoncé has united with Madonna for a supercharged remix of her hit, “Break My Soul.”

Ethan Shanfeld Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed “Renaissance” album has only been out a week, but the pop titan is already gifting fans with more to dance to.On Wednesday, the singer released an EP of “Break My Soul” remixes by Will.I.Am, Terry Hunter, Honey Dijon and Nita Aviance. Today, Beyoncé dropped yet another spin on the disco-inspired single, featuring none other than Madonna. However, it appears that Madonna did not record anything new for the remix beyond (possibly) a few spoken words, but rather had snippets of previously released, decades-old songs, particularly “Vogue,” dropped in.As of now, “Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)” is only available on Bey’s online shop for $1.29.

Austin Butler and Tom Hanks suit up sharp for the premiere of their new film, Elvis, held at BFI Southbank on Tuesday night (May 31) in London, England.

Elvis Presley biopic Elvis is taking place in London tonight (May 31) – you’ll be able to watch a livestream from the red carpet at BFI Southbank below.The new film, which will be released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on June 24, has been co-written and directed by Baz Luhrmann, whose previous work includes Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby.Elvis documents the life and music of the legendary Elvis Presley (played by Austin Butler) as seen through the prism of his relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks).Hanks, Butler and Luhrmann will be among the stars in attendance at tonight’s central London screening at BFI Southbank, with the red carpet proceedings set to kick off at 5:45pm local time this evening. You’ll be able to watch all of the action, which will feature interviews and be hosted by Yinka Bokinni, above.Butler and Hanks’ co-stars Olivia DeJonge (who plays Elvis’ wife Priscilla Presley), Yola (Sister Rosetta Tharpe) and Luke Bracey (Jerry Schilling) will also be walking the red carpet at tonight’s event.Furthermore, Catherine Martin, Elvis producer and production and costume designer, and producers Schuyler Weiss, Gail Berman and Patrick McCormick are set to be in attendance at the screening.

Warner Bros. is giving fans a new look at Elvis!

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music CriticThe full artist lineup for the “Elvis” soundtrack has been revealed — although still not the actual tracks they’re performing — and among those takin’ care of business on the album are Eminem, Tame Impala, Stevie Nicks, Jack White and Jazmine Sullivan.A handful of the artists named were already known, including Kacey Musgraves, who said on the Met Gala red carpet that she’ll be doing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the film; Maneskin, whose version of “If I Can Dream” was used in a recent teaser trailer; and Doja Cat, whose “Vegas” was already released as the album’s first single.But that still left room for plenty of surprises in Monday’s announcement. Along with the aforementioned, the lineup includes CeeLo Green, who is listed as a collaborator with Eminem on their mystery track; the combination of Swae Lee and Diplo; and Chris Isaak and Pnau, among others.

Zack Sharf Lisa Marie Presley is throwing Austin Butler into the Oscar conversation ahead of Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” world premiering at the Cannes Film Festival later this month. Butler stars as the King of Rock and Roll in the film, which also features Tom Hanks as Elvis’ infamous manager Colonel Tom Parker. Lisa Marie, the daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, saw Luhrmann’s movie twice and took to social media to rave about what she saw.“Let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular,” Lisa Marie said.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music CriticKacey Musgraves has recorded a version of the 1961 Elvis Presley classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the upcoming soundtrack to director Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” biopic, the singer has revealed.The country-pop star noted that she had covered the song Monday while walking the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala. Musgraves was there with Luhrmann, Priscilla Presley and members of the film’s cast.Details on the soundtrack have been hard to come by before now, with little publicly revealed beyond the fact that the first single from the album, Doja Cat’s “Vegas,” which includes an interpolation of the Presley hit “Hound Dog.” will be out this Friday.

pic.twitter.com/cjiec1Md0iTitled “Elvis,” the biographical film charts Elvis Presley’s life and career, specifically his relationship with his manager. Luhrmann co-wrote the screenplay with Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner.

Doja Cat’s highly anticipated single ‘Vegas’ will be leading Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie soundtrack, following the live debut of the track during the singer’s incredible Coachella performance over the two weekends of the music festival.The new single is set to be released May 6, and while this is an original song, fans of the singer and the legendary artist will get to hear snippets of the iconic song ‘Hound Dog’ in the track, and possibly of ‘Viva Las Vegas,’ however we still have to wait until we hear the final studio version.The acclaimed director attended Doja’s performance in Coachella, showing his appreciation and support for the rapper, and for two other artists involved in the long awaited project, including Shonka Dukreh, who portrays Big Mama Thornton, and Yola, who plays Sister Rosetta Tharpe.The movie is set to premiere in theaters on June 24, starring Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who was a very influential person in the life of the iconic singer.The original soundtrack is expected to be released this summer via RCA, with some details about the collaborations still under wraps.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music CriticDoja Cat’s single from Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” soundtrack, “Vegas,” has been given a release date — May 6 — after the singer-rapper debuted a live version of the tune at the Coachella festival over the last two weekends.The single precedes a full film companion album that has loosely been scheduled for summer by RCA, it was also announced Monday. That label news is not exactly unexpected, since RCA has been Elvis Presley’s label home since the late 1950s.Although “Vegas” is an original song, live snippets reveal the Doja Cat track does incorporate a Presley classic, “Hound Dog.” (Fans may have to wait till May 6 to find out whether “Viva Las Vegas” also appears in the final studio version, as might be expected from the title.) Luhrmann was out at Coachella for its second weekend, supporting three artists associated with “Elvis” as a film or soundtrack — including Yola, who plays Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the movie, and Shonka Dukureh, who portrays Big Mama Thornton, as well as Doja Cat.

Wilson Chapman editorThis June, acclaimed singer-songwriter Yola will be making her film acting debut in Baz Luhrmann’s hotly anticipated “Elvis” biopic. On the Grammys red carpet, Yola discussed her excitement about portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock and Roll, in the film.“It’s just the privilege I have to speak her name, and to speak on it,” Yola told Variety senior entertainment writer Angelique Jackson.

Sasha Urban editorElvis has entered the building. The first trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming biopic starring Austin Butler (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was released Thursday, and the resemblance is uncanny. The trailer also confirmed that the previously untitled Warner Bros.

Rebel Girls celebrate Black Girl Magic with 100 real-life tales and an appearance by Oprah Winfrey.

Chris Willman Music WriterYola first came into the consciousness of most music fans when she was nominated for a best new artist Grammy last year, among four attention-getting nods she picked up. Come 2022, she’s destined to capture the attention of movie fans when she appears in Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis Presley movie.

EXCLUSIVE: Four-time Grammy-winning recording artist Gary Clark Jr. is set to play American blues singer-songwriter Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup and four-time Grammy nominee Yola will play musical icon, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, in the Baz Luhrmann-directed Warner Bros Elvis biopic, which is currently shooting in Australia.

Chris Willman Music WriterBrandi Carlile, Cyndi Lauper, Cynthia Erivo, Yola and Laurie Anderson will be among the stars paying tribute to honorees like John Prine, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Philip Glass, Chicago and Philip Glass in “Great Performances: Grammy Salute to Music Legends,” set to air Oct. 16 on PBS.The annual special, now in its fifth year, offers a fuller celebration of the Recording Academy’s lifetime achievement winners, after they are acknowledged earlier in the year in passing at the Grammys.

Lovecraft Country, HBO's gripping new horror series that's based on a novel of the same name by Matt Ruff, is packed to the Innsmouthian fish-person gills with allusions to classic horror, sci-fi, and adventure stories, as well as important works of Black literature and pop culture. The series premiere alone contains references to H.P.