January 11, 2023 - Music Observer

Poker Face Adds New Fresh Cast Members

Music Observer Staff on January 11, 2023

[credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Rian Johnson (6855052782), CC BY-SA 2.0]

As excitement builds for Rian Johnson’s upcoming Peacock series Poker Face, MusicObserver has learned that four new actors have been added to an already star-studded cast. Cherry Jones, Luis Guzmán, Hong Chau, and Reed Birney will join an ensemble helmed by Natasha Lyonne (Orange Is The New Black) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, last seen on the small screen playing Uber founder Travis Kalanick in Showtime’s Super Pumped. The show has been billed as a ‘mystery comedy-drama’ and will feature a new case each week. Also signed up are Ron Perlman, Nick Nolte and Simon Helberg – however whether these actors – or any of the new four – will be principal characters or one-off guest stars is a tightly kept secret at this stage.

Casting aces

Getting Guzmán could be seen as a coup for showrunner Johnson. He’s currently the talk of social media through his casting as Gomez in the new Addams Family show, Wednesday. Jones brings with her an assurance of quality – her TV projects have included Black Mirror, Succession and The Handmaid’s Tale, where she won an Emmy for her portrayal of Holly. Poker Face will be Chau’s only TV work of 2022, although she’s been seen on the big screen three times, in The Menu, Showing Up and Brendan Fraser’s return to leading roles, The Whale. Birney has plenty of experience in the mystery genre from two seasons playing Sylvester Lisko in Home Before Dark.

Writing winners

There’s a good reason for Peacock to have gone all in on Johnson with Poker Face. A fall of fantasy with both Game Of Thrones and Lord Of The Rings series may lead viewers to long for the less lavish, and a classic whodunnit might be playing their cards right. His last two movies as a director have been Knives Out, and its sequel, the imminent Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The Agatha Christie-esque storylines and impressive ensemble casts (headed up by Daniel Craig in both flicks) mean Johnson is in familiar territory. The show creator will direct and executive produce Poker Face, although it will be his first foray into writing a TV series. Given he scooped the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Knives Out and the format being self-contained episodes – little movies if you like – any concerns should likely be hastily folded.

Awaiting the deal

Why Poker Face though? With no leaks in potential plotlines (as befits a crime caper) we can only speculate. A poker face, of course, is one of the most popular poker terms, meaning the face one pulls when trying to hide emotions. Could it be referencing a suspect under questioning from a detective? Could it refer to the game itself? Perhaps – but card terminology has always spilled out through to popular entertainment. Think Lady Gaga’s song of the same name, or the classic 1980s-90s sitcom Full House. We can go back as far as 1946 to find Jack Carson and Joan Leslie in Royal Flush (and Eddie Murphy won’t tell you this, but Coming To America owes that movie quite the debt). With details on the upcoming series – even its release date – being currently kept locked behind a…well….poker face…from Peacock, fans should stay tuned to MusicObserver for the latest news.

Cher and Kelly Clarkson Shares Memories in Nelson’s Bus in ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

Music Observer Staff on January 11, 2023

Cher and Kelly Clarkson revealed anecdotes about Willie Nelson’s wild tour bus, filled with entertaining tales of a legendary cannabis icon traversing the country.

On Monday, NBC posted an additional video from Cher’s recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, during which the “Believe” singer discussed her four-piece Decades Eau de Parfum Collection with Clarkson.

The ’70s scent, created to reflect the aroma of the decades between the 1960 and ’90, contains notes of saffron wrapped in plush suede and musk. But, according to Clarkson, she was surprised that it “didn’t smell like marijuana.”

“I was like, ‘Oh, this one will obviously smell like Willie Nelson’s bus,'” Clarkson stated, pushing her guest to say, “Oh my God. I’ve been on Willie Nelson’s bus. It smells exactly like marijuana.”

Adding that Nelson had enough drugs to fill a store, Clarkson said she once “had a contact high” while riding on his bus.

“It was a terrible old bus, but he was great,” Cher recounted of her own encounters. “And just… drugs everywhere.”

Clarkson jokes: “When you walked out, you were definitely hungry.”

Marijuana Decriminalizing

Nelson, 89, a longstanding proponent of decriminalizing marijuana, established the cannabis business Willie’s Reserve in 2015 and discussed how the herb had helped him.

“I wouldn’t be alive. It saved my life, really,” the country star said in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2019.

“I wouldn’t have lived 85 years if I’d have kept drinking and smoking like I was when I was 30, 40 years old. I think that weed kept me from wanting to kill people. And probably kept a lot of people from wanting to kill me, too — out there drunk, running around.”

Later that year, he would admit that he had given up smoking because of his health.

“I have abused my lungs quite a bit in the past, so breathing is a little more difficult these days, and I have to be careful,” Nelson shared with San Antonio’s KSAT.

“I started smoking cedar bark, went from that to cigarettes to whatever. And that almost killed me. I don’t smoke anymore – take better care of myself.”

The Kelly Clarkson Show visit by Cher is available to watch here.

Kelly Clarkson Show Replaces Who?

Thank you very much, but Kelly Clarkson isn’t aiming to succeed Ellen DeGeneres.

When The Kelly Clarkson Show returns for its fourth season in the autumn, it will replace the long-running Ellen DeGeneres Show in the afternoon time period (3 p.m. in most areas).

While it could be frightening for some to succeed in a talk show veteran like DeGeneres, Clarkson recently told Variety that she is not aiming to fill those iconic white sneakers.

“Nobody is going to fill Ellen’s shoes,” Clarkson stated. “I hold the Oprahs and the Ellens in such high regard. Very few people can conquer what they conquered. My team is very stoked, and I believe in my team. But by no means am I filling anyone’s shoes — I don’t want that pressure.”

She recognizes that the time slot is “coveted,” but she also sees it as “an opportunity to reach more people.”

When asked if she felt pressured to accept the position, Clarkson shared this pearl of talk show knowledge.

“I remember Oprah had that spot forever. And then Ellen came in. And I think what’s helpful for me is that those two women are very different — how they did their shows was very different, how they connected with people was different, their humor was different,” she stated.

She even added: “To fill that slot doesn’t mean you have to do one thing — it’s important that we all stand out, and that we’re all different.”

No Pitting

And don’t even try to compare Jennifer Hudson or Sherri Shepherd, two other American Idol alumni who are now getting their own daytime TV series. Everyone has a place, Clarkson reassured.

“I am so excited for Sherri Shepherd. I’m so stoked for her. She’s one of my favorite guests,” she stated.

“And I’m so excited for Jennifer Hudson. Who would have thought two girls from Idol would be doing this type of thing? There’s room for everyone. I just wanted to say that because I don’t like how people pit us against each other. I want to be sure that everyone knows that we are supportive of each other.”

The Kelly Clarkson Show, which debuted in 2019, includes parts on ordinary people, segments with celebrity guests, and of course, music, such as the crowd-pleaser Kellyoke, which features covers by the Grammy winner.

Furthermore, 13 Daytime Emmy Awards have been earned by the program.

In addition to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, Kenan Thompson, Garth Brooks, and others, Season 4 premiered last September 12.

Clarkson Proves

Fans of Radiohead, get out of bed because Kelly Clarkson served you a rendition of their dramatic dirge “Exit Music (For a Film).”

In April, Clarkson gave the song a pop-octave makeover in an episode of her “Kellyoke” segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been listening to “Exit Music” since it played over the credits of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet or if this is your first time hearing it; it’s guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.

Both songs, “Exit Music” and “Karma Police,” are taken from Radiohead’s groundbreaking 1997 album OK Computer. “Exit Music” isn’t the first Radiohead tune to appear in “Kellyoke”; Clarkson also covered Karma Police in October.

Before performing a cover of Radiohead’s breakthrough song “Creep” in front of a crowd in 2012, Clarkson introduced herself as a “big Radiohead fan” and said she found leader Thom Yorke’s voice seductive.

“I’m not going to sound as sexy,” Clarkson said, “but I’m going to try my damndest.”

Legendary Singers Dionne Warwick and Dolly Parton Team Up for Charity Duet ‘Peace Like a River’

Music Observer Staff on January 11, 2023

Image commercially licensed from DepositPhotos

Legendary singers Dionne Warwick and Dolly Parton released a new duet titled “Peace Like a River.” The song, which Parton wrote, is an uplifting and hopeful ballad about finding peace and strength in difficult times.

The collaboration between Warwick and Parton is long-awaited, as the two singers have been friends and admirers of each other’s work for many years.

In a statement, Warwick described Parton as “one of the greatest talents of our time” and expressed her excitement about working with her on the song.

“Peace Like a River” has received widespread praise from fans and critics alike, with many praising the powerful vocals of both Warwick and Parton. The song’s message of hope and resilience is particularly resonant in the current climate and has quickly become a fan favorite.

In addition to its release on streaming platforms, “Peace Like a River” is also being made available as a charity single, with all proceeds going to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

The collaboration between Warwick and Parton is a testament to both singers’ enduring talent and influence, and “Peace Like a River” is sure to be a classic for years to come.

Warwick

Marie Dionne Warwick, known professionally as Dionne Warwick, is a renowned American singer, actress, and television host. With a career spanning over six decades, Warwick has become one of the most successful and influential artists in the music industry.

Warwick’s exceptional vocal range and ability to deliver emotionally charged performances have made her a favorite among fans and critics alike.

She has released numerous hit singles throughout her career, including “Don’t Make Me Over,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “That’s What Friends Are For.”

In addition to her successful music career, Warwick also appeared on television and in film. She has hosted her own talk show, Dionne & Friends, and has guest starred on popular TV series such as Glee and American Dreams.

Throughout her career, Warwick has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the music industry.

She has been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Warwick has also been recognized with numerous Grammy Awards and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

With a legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists today, Dionne Warwick remains one of the industry’s most respected and celebrated artists.

Records

Warwick is a legendary singer and actress who has had an impressive career spanning over six decades. Throughout her career, she has sold over 100 million records worldwide, becoming one of the most successful artists in the music industry.

Warwick’s talent and hard work have been recognized with numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards.

She has also been honored with inductions into various prestigious halls of fame, including the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Apollo Theater Walk of Fame.

In 2019, she received the coveted Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, further cementing her place as a respected and beloved figure in the music industry.

Besides her music career, Warwick has also made significant contributions to charitable causes.

She stood as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, using her platform to raise awareness about important issues and positively impact the world.

With her exceptional talent, dedication, and humanitarian efforts, Dionne Warwick is a true icon in the world of music. Her enduring influence and enduring popularity are a testament to her talent and industry contributions.

Parton

Parton is a living legend in the world of country music. Born on January 19, 1946, in rural Tennessee, Parton began her music career as a songwriter, eventually signing a record deal and releasing her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” in 1967.

Over the next decade, Parton experienced significant success as a solo artist and through a series of duet albums with fellow country musician Porter Wagoner.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Parton reached the peak of her career, releasing numerous hit songs and albums that sold millions of copies worldwide.

Despite a lull in popularity in the 1990s, Parton continued to record and perform, and in the new millennium, she experienced a resurgence in commercial success.

She has released albums on various independent labels, including her own label, Dolly Records, and has sold over 100 million records in total.

In addition to her musical career, Parton is also known for her philanthropy and business ventures.

She is the founder of the Imagination Library, a nonprofit organization that provides free books to children, and has also opened a dinner theater, a water park, and a theme park on her Dollywood property in Tennessee.

Parton’s talent, charisma, and enduring appeal have made her a beloved figure in the world of country music and beyond. She is truly one of a kind.

15 Songs That You Should Add To You Track List, Per Pitchfork

Music Observer Staff on January 11, 2023

2022 has been an unpredictable year filled with surprises, such as the iconic Kate Bush single from 1985 suddenly hitting number one on the charts.

Nothing sums up 2022 more perfectly than some of its best tracks feeling like wildcards that defied all expectations and genre conventions.

This past year was full of high-energy hip-hop, indie gems and experimental forays into the electronic realm.

R&B singers dazzled us with introspective tracks while major pop stars gave the nod to times gone by. From Glorilla, Flo Milli and Ice Spice in rap to Alvvays, Alex G and Amber Mark on R&B, plus Harry Styles, Beyoncé & Taylor Swift squeezing in some nostalgia – it went off.

Therefore, here are some of the best songs this year. (Note: “Running Up That Hill” is omitted as it was released in 1985.)

Top Songs that You Should Track:

“As It Was” by Harry Styles

“As It Was” is an upbeat, shimmering track known to get indie kids dancing for 20 years! A must-have addition to any DIY dance night.

“Welcome to Hell” by Black Midi

Black Midi’s “Welcome to Hell” is a chaotic and relentless musical experience. Its eclectic mix of fast-paced innovation plays like an intense yet comical infusion of sounds that leave you feeling as if you have just been thrust onto the Normandy beaches.

“Tonight” by Phoenix ft. Ezra Koenig

With 25+ years of experience under their belt, Phoenix still manages to stay perpetually cool. Their latest collaboration with Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig on the track “Tonight” is a prime example – lead singer Thomas Mars takes listeners through an entire relationship journey in one captivating night as he eagerly urges for good times ahead.

“happy accident” by Tomberlin

Tomberlin’s “happy accident” takes listeners on a sonic exploration of New York City with Cass McCombs’ winding guitar loop leading the way. The track details an unraveling relationship and Tomberlin’s questioning lyrics, steeped in weariness, drift through it like aimless footsteps on city streets.

This is a stirring tribute to discovering your home for what it is – beautiful and unpredictable.

“Pájaros en Verano” by Ela Minus / DJ Python

It can be hard to focus on the positives when our world seems hopeless, but Ela Minus invites us to come back down to earth and appreciate what truly matters.

Her track “Pájaros en Verano” celebrates simple joys like clouds in the sky, crickets singing their nighttime chorus, or just being able to sleep peacefully through it all.

A reminder that we can still find beauty if we only take a moment to look up from our worries and see past life’s struggles.

“May Brigade” by Horse Lords

From memorable melodies to captivating rhythms, Horse Lords’ past 12 years have been devoted to the mission of creating a musical utopia. With their unique spin on experimental rock, they craft compelling songs that inspire freedom and joy within listeners.

“Lydia Wears a Cross” by Julia Jacklin

With a mix of power and soul, “Lydia Wears a Cross” transports listeners to Julia Jacklin’s stirring exploration of religion from the perspective of an inquisitive adolescent girl.

She evokes vivid imagery that speaks to what it feels like to attend church without fully grasping its teachings – yet still coming away with moments filled with awe and vitality.

“Punish” by 4s4ki

4s4ki’s multi-genre electronic track “Punish” takes the listener on a nihilistic journey of self-reflection. Digicore, Japanese hip hop, and 4aki’s distorted yet clear vocals coalesce into an eclectic soundscape that highlights his unique style of hyper pop between fast paced beats and soulful melodies.

“Bull Believer” by Wednesday

Get ready to be taken on a tumultuous journey with Wednesday’s “Bull Believer.” Vocalist Karly Hartzman guides us through the highs and lows of Spanish bullfighting, as well as her experience at a party.

Weaving between abrasive riffs and solaceful balladry is powered by harsh guitars that back up her visceral screams – all culminating in an epic two-act grunge odyssey.

“Pods” by Two Shell

Two Shell’s music is a blend of UK bass and hyper pop, designed to make listeners smile – no trolling involved. A quick listen will prove just how creative their sound is.

“Pods” starts with an electrifying tremolo that accelerates like a spaceship at warp speed before taking you into the heart-pounding 15-second breakdown – it feels more like playing your favorite video game than anything else.

“bezhigo” by Joe Rainey

Joe Rainey’s debut album Niineta is a stirring tribute to the power of community and those who have passed on.

With collaboration from producer Andrew Broder, this track speaks for Ojibwe people – drawing inspiration from decades’ worth of pow-wow recordings as it celebrates togetherness and honoring ancestors.

“Diet Coke” by Pusha T

Pusha T has consistently pushed the boundaries of rap for two decades since his iconic “Grindin.”

His latest track, “Diet Coke,” is an homage to a classic beat produced by 88-Keys and features Push’s trademark nonchalant flow over vintage samples. He shows us again that drug culture in music transcends time with lyrics as timeless as the trade itself.

“Edge of the Edge” by Panda Bear / Sonic Boom

Taking inspiration from some of the greatest hits of decades past, Panda Bear and Sonic Boom have created an innovative new collaboration, Reset to capture a uniquely nostalgic soundscape.

Looping vintage opening moments, they’ve built entire compositions around timeless classics for a captivating listening experience.

“What I Want” by MUNA

From Jonathan Richman to MUNA, capturing love and joy on the dance floor has been some of pop music’s most satisfying offerings.

“What I Want” is an infectious ode to self-love, with Katie Gavin singing about wanting a girl that wants her back – no doubt inspiring waves of happiness in listeners.

“Strange Neighbourhood” by Burial

Burial’s “Strange Neighbourhood” and his production on Antidawn is a unique blend of eerie ambience.

As if you were walking in an abandoned graveyard hidden away, it features ghostly vocals that rise as embers and organ swells to create a melancholic atmosphere with all the creaks, stutters and glitches reminding listeners – like whispers from beyond- of its somber mood.

Vivienne Westwood Passes Away at 81

Music Observer Staff on January 11, 2023

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

The unconventional fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, who used her garments to help popularize the British punk movement, has passed away.

Westwood, 81, passed away today (December 29) “peacefully and accompanied by her family, in Clapham, South London,” according to a statement from her reps.

On April 8, 1941, Vivienne Isabel Swire was born in Hollingworth, England. After her family moved to Harrow, Middlesex, and she enrolled in a silversmithing school at the University of Westminster, she started making jewelry.

She gave birth to Benjamin Westwood, her first child, in 1962 after she wed Derek Westwood, an apprentice at a Hoover factory. After the Westwoods’ divorce a short while later, Vivienne wed Malcolm McLaren. In 1967, she gave birth to Joseph Corré, her second son.

Westwood quit her profession as a teacher in 1971 to focus solely on fashion design, with McLaren contributing to many styles.

The couple initially opened a store that specialized in revival clothing.

But it wasn’t until they changed the name to SEX and filled it with rebellious clothing—characterized by torn T-shirts, plaid patterns, integrated rubber, mohair tops, and safety pins as embellishments—that it really took off.

It became a popular gathering place for important figures in the music scene at the time, including Sid Vicious, Siouxsie and the Banshees guitarist Marco Pirroni, and the Pop.

Design Focus

Shortly after, McLaren took over as the Sex Pistols’ manager. The group began donning the couple’s creations, which helped popularize the British punk style and inextricably linked the two in history.

“It changed the way people looked,” Westwood told The Independent of her early punk clothing.

“I was messianic about punk, seeing if one could put a spoke in the system in some way. I realized there was no subversion without ideas. It’s not enough to want to destroy everything.”

Westwood’s design focus changed from the punk scene to mocking upper-class ladies in the 1980s. However, it was when Westwood unveiled her official clothing line, Pirates, in 1981 that she realized she was a fashion designer.

From then, she began testing the limits of clothes as a depiction of women’s sexuality by introducing the “mini crini,” an adaptation of the Victorian crinoline as a mini skirt.

In the years that followed, Westwood would go on to develop costumes for Virgin Atlantic flight crews, academic gowns for King’s College in London, and digital mock-ups for video game characters like Lunafreya Nox Fleuret from Final Fantasy XV.

Although Westwood is best remembered for her role in creating the so-called “look” of British punk, she insisted that no one style could adequately capture one’s identity or worldview.

“If you invest in art, if you study yourself, you become a freedom fighter immediately because your life changes, you get off the consumer treadmill, and you start thinking,” she said in a 2011 interview with The Guardian.

“My thing as a fashion designer [is] I said buy less clothes. Keep wearing things that you’ve really chosen that you really love. That is status. It’s not that you have to keep consuming. A status symbol is a book.”

Activist Platform

Westwood frequently used her platform as an activist throughout her career. She frequently spoke at environmental justice gatherings and was open about her support for Julian Assange, showing up at various public rallies.

She founded the Climate Revolution in 2012 as a campaign against climate change and global warming.

“Capitalism is as corrupt as a rotten apple,” Westwood said in a Climate Revolution manifesto writing. “It’s the economy, stupid! U accept because u think there’s no alternative. But we have hope (war is fought four lands + cheap labor). Change the economy – NO MAN’S LAND.”

The late fashion designer and her two sons, Ben Westwood and Joe Corré, were interviewed for the Wake Up Punk documentary, which Westwood debuted earlier this year. The interviews focused on the shape-shifting genre of punk.

Corré organized Burn Punk London in 2016, where he destroyed his priceless collection of punk artifacts, much of which had been given to him by his parents.

Many musicians have paid tribute to the late fashion designer since word of his passing spread, including the Blessed Madonna, Yoko Ono, Massive Attack, the Avalanches, Leon Vynehall, Garbage, Rachel Goswell of Slowdive, and Maggie Rogers.

Life Before Spotlight

Gordon Swire and Dora Swire (née Ball), who had wed two years earlier, two weeks after the start of the Second World War, were the parents of Westwood.

Her father had been a greengrocer before becoming a storekeeper in an aircraft plant at the time of Vivienne’s birth.

After taking a job in a factory and enrolling in a teacher-training college, she became a primary school teacher. During this time, she created all of the jewelry she sold out of a stall on Portobello Road.

Westwood’s creations were unique and reflected her own personal attitude. She occasionally collaborated with Gary Ness, who gave Westwood concepts and titles for her collections.

Richard Branson and Westwood collaborated extensively to create the clothes for the Virgin Atlantic crew. The female crew members wore red suits with deliberately placed darts around the bust area to draw attention to their curves and hips.

The guys wore a three-piece suit in burgundy and gray with accents on the lapels and pockets. Westwood and Branson employed recycled polyester because they were both concerned about using sustainable materials in their designs to lessen their negative environmental effects.

Adele Opens Up About Her Struggle with Sciatica and Chronic Back Pain

Music Observer Staff on January 11, 2023

Image commercially licensed from DepositPhotos

At her residency in Las Vegas, Adele will deliver an outstanding performance regardless of what.

The singer, who kicked off his The Weeknd With Adele concert in November, revealed he suffered from severe back pain that made it difficult to walk while performing at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum on New Year’s Eve.

In a video clip of the event obtained by The Daily Star, Adele can be seen limping across the stage after interacting with the audience. As she hurried to get from one side of the stage to the other, she elaborated, “I have to waddle these days as I have really bad sciatica.”

Adele’s performance was nothing less than amazing despite her back pain. The audience was on its feet singing and dancing along as she performed hit songs like “Hello” and “Rolling in the Deep.”

Adele’s Las Vegas residency was a highly anticipated event and it is clear that nothing can stop the singer from giving her fans the best possible performance.She is a true professional and we all give us inspiration.

Illness

Adele opened up about her battle with chronic back pain in a recent interview with The Face. The singer revealed that her back pain started after she slipped her disc in a violent sneeze when she was 15.

“I’ve been in pain with my back for, like, half of my life, really,” Adele said. “It flares up, normally due to stress or from a stupid bit of posture.”

Adele’s back pain is caused by sciatica, a health condition that affects the sciatic nerve in the body.

Sciatica can be caused by a “herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on part of the nerve,” according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and numbness in the lower back, hips, glutes, or legs.

Despite her chronic back pain, Adele has not let it stop her from performing at her sold-out, show-stopping concerts. She continues to deliver powerful performances, singing fan favorites such as “Hello,” “Set Fire to the Rain,” “I Drink Wine,” and “Rolling in the Deep.”

Adele recently posted a collection of photos from her performances on Friday and Saturday, including a photo of her wearing a “Happy New Year” headband.

Adele’s dedication to her craft is inspiring, and she continues to amaze audiences with her talent and determination. We wish her a fast recovery and hope to see her continue to deliver amazing performances in the future.

Adele Delays Show

Adele made a tearful apology to fans on the opening night of her residency, “Weekends With Adele,” at Caesars Palace. The singer had previously postponed the show just one day before its original run in January.

“I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience and any disappointment that I’ve caused, but we’re here tonight and together,” Adele told the audience, according to Variety. She added that while postponing the shows was difficult, it was “the best decision I ever made.”

Despite the delay, Adele’s Las Vegas residency has been highly anticipated, with tickets selling out almost immediately after they went on sale. The singer did not disappoint, delivering a powerful performance and belting out fan favorites such as “Hello” and “Set Fire to the Rain.”

Adele’s apology and dedication to delivering the best possible performance for her fans is a testament to her professionalism and commitment to her craft. We’re glad to see her back on stage and can’t wait to see what she has in store for the rest of her Las Vegas residency.

She also thanked Caesars Palace for their support, saying, “There has been a lot of s— written about me since I canceled those shows. I tell you — 90 percent of it is absolutely, completely made-up.”

In addition to her hits, Adele also regaled the audience with stories about her life and career.

She admitted that she had no idea when she wrote her album “21” that her life would become what it is today, and that while there have been amazing things about it, there have also been challenges.

Worst Moment

Adele has spoken out about her postponed Las Vegas residency, saying that it was the “worst moment” of her career.

The singer had initially been scheduled to perform at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in January, but announced just one day before the shows that they would need to be postponed.

In an interview with Elle, Adele said that she “went into hiding” after the shows were postponed, but that she has no regrets about the decision. “It was the worst moment in my career, by far,” she said. “By far. I was so excited about those shows. It was devastating.”

The phenomenal singer went on to say that the stage setup was not right, and that the shows lacked the authenticity and intimacy that she craved.

“There was just no soul in it,” she said. “It was very disconnected from me and my band, and maybe I tried too hard to give it those things in such a controlled environment.”

Despite the disappointment of the postponed shows, Adele is now back on stage and performing to sold-out crowds in Las Vegas.

Her residency, “Weekends With Adele,” has received rave reviews, and fans are looking forward to seeing what she has in store for the rest of the run.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Splashes Our Screens with Record Breaking Numbers

Music Observer Staff on January 11, 2023

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

This weekend, movie lovers went on a wild ride into the enchanting world of Pandora, helping James Cameron claim the throne at the top of the box office.

Avatar: The Way of Water found success with a remarkable $435 million worldwide opening weekend; Domestically, the film earned $134 million, and even more internationally, at $301 million per Comscore.

Sci-fi epics have been breaking box office records during the pandemic, and this latest release was no exception, ranking number three.

Spider-Man: No Way Home recently set a global debut record with $600 million in sales, but he soon rivaled Doctor Strange in his Multiverse of Madness, which grossed a staggering $442 million.

When Avatar premiered in 2009, it immediately made history.

Playing in over 3,400 theaters in the United States and Canada, its debut was a remarkable one. It grossed a staggering $77 million in its opening weekend, seven weeks at the box office before reaching his astronomical height of nearly $3 billion worldwide.

At 3 hours and 12 minutes long, it’s unclear whether the sequel will be as popular as its predecessor. Will audiences be able to withstand such a long game twice? Only time will tell.

Water World

Cameron insisted on a three-hour film, but received considerable opposition from everyone due to its long running time. Nevertheless, he felt a moral obligation to stick to his vision for the long term.

“Because it’s a complicated linear narrative, which is the worst scenario for trying to shorten, you’ve got a complex story servicing a lot of characters, and it’s like dominos falling: This has to happen for that to happen,” he stated.

“You’re not following a bunch of parallel plot lines in a way that you could take a lot out.”

Cameron is sure that viewers will stay captivated, ensuring an enriching experience for all.

“Equally important with length is pace — and the order of information and the engagement factor. As long as people are engaged, you’re good to go,” the director added.

“I feel like we managed to jump through all those hoops,” he said. “People seem pretty engaged.”

Meanwhile, after six weeks at the box office, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever continues its unstoppable reign, now earning a whopping $418 million. Last weekend alone saw an extra injection of cash to the tune of $5.4 million – that’s sure to leave fans in awe as this superhero sequel goes from strength to strength.

Additionally, Violent Night had a smashing debut as it entered the box office in third place with an impressive $5 million and took home nearly $34 million overall.

Completing the top five were Strange World, which earned over $5 million more to bring its total close to $34 million, followed by The Menu’s additional $2.2 and $1.7 million, respectively, power-punching them up to $33 million and $32 million.

How Production Went

Stephen Lang may have had it easier than his castmates from Avatar: The Way of Water.

Many stars flopped around in the depths, but not Lang – his character stayed mostly dry on set. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana were just a couple from an impressive lineup of talent that included Sigourney Weaver and Kate Winslet – all of whom plunged into the water.

“If he is in the water, he’d really like to get out of the water,” Lang said in an interview with EW of Col. Quaritch. “He’s never in there by choice, whereas there are many characters in this film who are water creatures. That’s where they exist.”

Cameron employed an innovative technique to capture the stunning underwater sequences of Avatar – performance capture. To ensure a truly authentic film, the cast underwent intensive training in free diving; no scuba gear was used.

With years of breath-holding experience, Cameron has explored the depths of ocean life as a free diver.

Lang proved to be a master at whatever challenge Quartich threw his way. She delivered the task with impressive skill and finesse.

“I did fine,” he stated modestly. “I can hold my breath in a static hold for probably five or six minutes. When I’m working, I can do a minute, minute and a half underwater when Jim says action, so I get the work done.”

Lesson in Freediving

The cast went on an adventure to learn the art of freediving from Kirk Krack, a renowned international master and explorer in incredible submarine territories.

Winslet’s remarkable skill on The Way of Water set made headlines as her ability to hold her breath for an astonishing seven minutes impressed the cast and crew.

“I think anything to do with water, it’s 10 times harder, whether you’re under it or whether you’re being drowned, sinking in it,” Worthington stated.

“The real challenge on this one was trying to preserve your character while you’re doing these things in water, because you could quite easily get caught up in your own head, which then takes you out of the scene, which takes you into your own fears, and then you’re not doing your job.”

Weaver, the ray of sunshine on set playing Jake and Neytiri’s adopted daughter Kiri, was always punctual, arriving to work with a 30-minute head start.

Training with her husband, Jim Simpson, in Krack breathing techniques soon became an essential point of focus for Weaver as she brought life and authenticity into her performance.

This technique of deep breathing allows you to take control of your heart rate before plunging into great depths, just as the film’s characters describe.

Avatar: The Way of Water is currently premiering in theaters.