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The Georgia runoffs are just a month away, with the outcome determining the outcome of the election and which political party will have control of the Senate. That’s why Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight is holding a star-studded Rock the Runoff virtual concert, with proceeds going towards the non-profit’s voter mobilization efforts.
Justin Timberlake, Michael Stipe, Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri, Monica, Earthgang, Indigo Girls and Audra McDonald have been added as performers for the event co-hosted by Abrams and Kerry Washington. They join previously announced performers John Legend, Common and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie.
“We are excited to bring together a diverse set of world-renowned talent for Fair Fight’s Rock The Runoff Virtual Concert. As we approach the January 5 Senate runoffs in Georgia, we must meet voters and supporters where they are; and reiterate how critical these elections are to the future of our nation,” Abrams previously said in a statement to Billboard. “The issues that are vital to the survival of our communities are on the ballot in January. Georgia has proven its ability to turn out the multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-generational coalition needed to win, and we are poised to do it again on January 5.”
Rock the Runoff airs Thursday (Dec. 3) at 9 p.m. ET, with tickets available here.
[Spoiler alert: This story contains the identity of the eliminated contestant on Wednesday night’s (Dec. 2) The Masked Singer.]
With just two weeks before the season four winner of Masked Singer is crowned, things got pretty intense on Wednesday night’s two-hour Super Six semi-final, where three obscured stars were sent packing, including the seemingly unstoppable Seahorse. After crushing it with an amped-up version of Britney Spears’ iconic “… Baby One More Time,” blowing minds with her powerful take on Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” and rocking Rihanna’s “Only Girl in the World,” Seahorse showed her dance moves on Wednesday’s show with a hip-swiveling take on Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like.”
Was it Sia-horse, as guest judge Craig Robinson suggested? Nope.
Alas, it wasn’t enough to save her rhinestone-encrusted skin, so when the horse head came off it revealed singer/actress/producer/songwriter and season nine American Idol semi-finalist Tori Kelly. It capped a pretty epic 2020 for Kelly, who recently followed-up her quarantine EP Solitude with her first Christmas album, the 13-track A Tori Kelly Christmas.
Billboard spoke to Kelly before she was sent packing to find out why she will always hold a little piece of the glittery sea monster in her heart.
How did you end up on this show? Were you a fan?
My dad was a big fan and it was so out there and crazy that I hesitated at first. I didn’t just want to say yes to say yes right away. But then I realized it could be a really fun opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and do something that’s not so safe. I could show the alter egos I have and play a character.
I know you have a choice of costumes, so what did you like about the Seahorse?
They showed me a sketch of the Seahorse and everyone liked the idea because it was the first time they were using airbrushing on a costume and there was a lot of details and it was super colorful. It was hard to tell from the sketch [what it would be like] but when I saw it in person I was blown away and was like, “This is my costume!” I was obsessed with it and there were just rhinestones everywhere! They kept adding more for every episode and it was so much fun to wear.
Did it feel like it said something about your personality? And did you have to tamp down any other part of your usual stage performance to throw people off the scent?
Yes. One of my goals for being on the show was to try a bit more choreo to my performances. So rather than dumbing down my personality I had to turn it up because when I put on the costume I was like, “this is where my sassy alter ego comes out. This is the girl who’s been hiding and needs to work the stage and strut all over and do hand movements.” My fans figured out it was me right away, but I think I stumped a lot of people by being super extra.
Your cover of Britney’s “…Baby One More Time” had a kind of rock vibe that really made it your own. How do you take on such an iconic song and not just make it karaoke?
It definitely had its own vibe and they have such a great music team over there who love making alternate versions of songs. I knew I wanted to show my Britney impression a bit, so we thought, “why not make it thematic” and a bit more rock n’ roll so you had the dancers with guitars and we had fun with it. We just tried to switch it up and make it our own.
And not for nothing, taking on Celine’s “My Heart Will Go On” is crazy brave.
That was a song I definitely wanted to do when I thought about all the songs that could showcase [my vocals] and all the styles I wanted to hit. That one felt like it could showcase a different style for me than people are used to hearing. I was definitely scared when I got on the stage for that and I was so nervous because it’s such a big song and I was not super used to moving in the costume yet on the second episode. I remember that whole song I was trying not to fall. I was walking really slowly and focusing on the song and trying not to slip with all the fog on the floor.
Were you surprised by any of the judge’s guesses?
The one I was actually so flattered by was when Ken Jeong said Christina Aguilera. He had some great guesses and I was flattered by all of them, which is part of the fun. I was purposely trying to change my voice a bit through every song because I am known as a singer and I didn’t want to make it easy for anyone. I was just happy to stump the two singers on the panel (Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke) because I’ve sung with both of them and met them and the fact that they didn’t get it until the end… mission accomplished!
Did you expect to make it this far?
I didn’t know what to expect. It’s such a unique type of show and I’m sure other contestants will agree with that of course winning anything is amazing, but this type of show you can’t really be sad. It didn’t feel like a loss when it was revealed because in some ways you get to show everyone that it’s really you and that’s really exciting. It’s not like a normal competition show where there is actual losing. If anything, being able to show off different sides of me was very liberating. I have so much more confidence [now] at the end of the day.
Did the people in your life figure it out pretty quickly?
I purposely didn’t tell my parents right away but they said, “oh, it’s you.” I just told them that they “might” want to watch and was super vague about it and right away they were like, “you’re Seahorse!” I had to keep it a secret, which was hard when people kept asking me. I just had to be like, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” [laughs]
What was the weirdest part of the costume? It definitely seemed less cumbersome than some of the others.
I feel like I got lucky with my costume because the body was really comfortable and easy to move around in… all the extra bits, the skirt and other stuff we clipped on afterwards. The main part was the bodysuit and everything else was clipped on. The mask was very top heavy, but it was really light and easy to carry around. It took some getting used to as far as moving my head around because it was so massive and I’m used to moving my head in a certain way when I sing.
Is this the weirdest thing you’ve done so far in your career?
Yes, this is officially the strangest, most unique, but absolutely most fun thing I’ve ever done in my career for sure. I don’t know how I’ll top Seahorse, Seahorse will come along with me for all my future performances.
Did you actually get to take a piece of Horse home with you?
I kept some rhinestones that fell off. At the end it was sad not to be Seahorse anymore. I love her so much and I really fell in love with the character, so the costume ladies gave me some rhinestones.
It feels like this is the perfect pandemic feel-good show, was that part of the reason you decided to do it?
Definitely. I remember thinking that I was just honored to be part of a show that was safely going on. Obviously there wasn’t a lot going on this year and so it felt really special because people are at home and it’s something to do with your family.
[Spoiler alert: This story contains the identity of the eliminated contestant on Wednesday night’s (Dec. 2) The Masked Singer.]
In two weeks we’ll find out which masquerading crooner will come out on top on the fourth season of The Masked Singer. But on Wednesday night it was time to party, and no one had more fun trying to make it to the finish line than judge’s favorite Popcorn during an intense semifinal showdown. The veteran vocalist made it to the Super Six with nuanced, powerful takes on Harry Styles’ “Falling” and Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” and a jaw-dropping cover of P!nk’s “What About Us.”
And while it seemed like her New Yawk attitude and major pipes would help click another major career win off Popcorn’s bucket list, even a showstopping take on Tina Turner’s “Better Be Good to Me” that had Ms. Turner’s signature smoky attitude wasn’t enough. Sadly, it was the end of the road on Wednesday’s two-hour, triple-elimination episode. Ken Jeong called the Turner turn a “religious experience,” inspiring guesses that ranged from Turner herself to Bette Midler and The Supremes’ Mary Wilson.
When the final kernel popped and the tub came off, though, it was none other than Taylor Dayne.
The singer, who has sold more than 75 million records worldwide thanks to such hits as “Tell It To My Heart,” “Love Will Lead You Back” and “I’ll Always Love You,” has done everything from touring with Michael Jackson to appearing on Broadway in Elton John’s Aida in 2001. But, she tells Billboard, it was her run on Masked Singer that really got her blood running during the pandemic lockdown.
Between this summer’s epic dance anthem “Please,” last year’s memoir Tell It To My Heart: How I Lost My S–t, Conquered My Fear and Found My Voice and recent studio sessions for fresh tracks, Dayne has plenty of things to be thankful for this year. Speaking to Billboard before her elimination, the singer described why she wanted to get under the bucket during these dark, dark times.
Why did you pick Popcorn? It seemed like a smart choice because it was the cutest and, seemingly, the least cumbersome.
Exactly what you just said. I thought she was adorable and available to the audience. She’s friendly and we had an election this year and everything was so doom and gloom and we all needed a fresh take on moving through the year. I love the familiarity and the smile on her face.
Were you watching the show before you agreed to be on it? What appealed to you?
Yes I have, and they said my name last season, so I was like, “Ohhhh… hello??” [The judges dropped Dayne’s name last season while guessing the identity of eventual season 3 winner Night Angel Kandi Burruss.]
The show feels like the perfect pandemic distraction. Was that part of the reason you did it, to give people something to find joy in during lockdown?
Yes, 100%. It’s just great, the chemistry is real and these guys are having a blast.
You’re known for being a dynamic, high-energy performer. Did you have to tamp down some of your signature stage moves so as not to be too obvious?
I think we did that with the material, and if you saw all the responses, you’d understand what I mean. We did it with the producers and the selection of songs. We went through the list and they’ve had some of the greatest voices of all time on the show, so they understand, and obviously my voice is very recognizable. On some level, between [judges] Robin [Thicke], Jenny [McCarthy] and Nicole [Scherzinger], I know these people and we’re not here to fool anybody. But I wanted [the performances] to be very enjoyable, so I chose material that was in my lane and some that wasn’t… that might throw people off. But I also didn’t want to dummy down my voice.
The guesses for you were all over the place, form Ken suggesting Tiger King’s Carol Baskin to Anita Baker, Katy Perry, Tina Turner, Molly Ringwald and Mary J. Blige. Were you surprised, horrified, delighted by those guesses?
Oh no! I’m telling you this show… every time I watch it, it cracks me up. It’s so well done you just have to laugh! I was just trying to breathe under the costume and I’m listening for the beat under a drum for a belly and making sure I can stand in place and see my feet.
It was interesting that you chose two songs by male singers. What was the challenge for you in singing those songs?
I’m a huge Bryan Adams fan and Harry Styles was a producer choice and I had to find the rhythm in that one. Once I found it and understood, I did what I have with Barry White and many other male vocalists I’ve covered. I did what I do, which is find the rhythm of it and understand where they’re coming from and the male perspective. I did it with the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge,” same thing.
Did you expect to get as far as you did? Were you planning to win?
These are challenging things, these competition shows, and you have no expectations. I had no idea who those Snow Owls were, but I’ll tell you those Owls were competition! Trust me. When the male owl was singing, I was like, “Okey dokey.”
You’ve done some other reality TV, Broadway, movies, but surely this was the weirdest thing you’ve done so far?
No, I would say there’s been some further weird things I’ve done, but it was definitely very joyful and something else. I loved being a part of it. it felt like it made sense. This was beautiful.
It’s been more than a decade since you released an album. Were you nervous at all to burst back into the public eye on the biggest reality show on TV? Do those old nerves come back?
No. Not nerves, just anticipation and the joy of it. I’m more than ready, I just have to train and get my voice into a place and that’s what you do: you stay ready. I’m always in a trained place and then you do what you do.
You have college-age twins. Did you tell them and how did they feel about you being on the show?
They’re 18 and they’re getting ready to go off to college and they’re so proud. They love it.
Blackpink in your area (virtually)!
The K-pop quartet announced on Wednesday (Dec. 2) that they’ll be teaming up with YouTube Music for their first-ever livestream concert. The event, aptly titled The Show, will take place on Dec. 26 at 9 p.m. PST/Dec. 27 at 12 a.m. EST. and comes just two months since the release of their highly anticipated The Album.
For the first time, the group will be performing songs from the debut project as a thank you to their dedicated Blinks. “We wanted to end the year with something very special for our Blinks who have been waiting so patiently for us,” said Blackpink in a press statement. “We hope everyone can comfortably enjoy our first-ever livestream concert The Show at home and hopefully join in on some special perks we’ve prepared for those who join our channel. Overall we’re super excited to share this fun moment with our Blinks and we can’t wait till The Show.”
Starting on Wednesday (Dec. 2), fans can purchase access to The Show here on desktop and mobile devices, or by clicking “Join” on Blackpink’s YouTube channel. The standard package is priced at $29.99 and includes access to the livestream, rebroadcast and custom emojis. For $39.99, the plus package includes added behind-the-scenes content.
Blinks can hear more about the livestream event from Blackpink themselves on Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. PST/Dec. 4 at 12 a.m. via their YouTube channel here. In the meantime, watch the trailer for The Show below.
Georgia is just one month away from holding its crucial runoff election, which could determine the Senate majority. To help spotlight the state, Death Cab for Cutie announced on Wednesday (Dec. 2) The Georgia E.P., out Dec. 4 for only 24 hours via Bandcamp.
The project will feature covers from Georgia natives, including TLC, R.E.M. and more. All net proceeds will benefit Fair Fight Action, Stacey Abrams’ voter rights organization.
“We created this exclusive EP of songs by some of our favorite Georgia artists for our friend Stacey Abrams and all the hard-working people at Fair Fight Action,” frontman Ben Gibbard said in a statement. “We strongly believe in the work Fair Fight has done to assure free and fair elections in Georgia and beyond and have been honored to assist them throughout the 2020 campaign.”
Gibbard will also participate in Fair Fight’s Rock the Runoff virtual concert on Thursday (Dec. 3), with proceeds going to the non-profit’s voter mobilization efforts leading up to the runoff elections. Other performers include John Legend, Common, Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake, Monica, Indigo Girls, Earthgang and more. Tickets are available for purchase here.
See The Georgia E.P. track list below.
1. Waterfalls (TLC cover)
2. The King of Carrot Flowers, Pt. 1 (Neutral Milk Hotel cover)
3. Fall On Me (R.E.M. cover)
4. Flirted With You All My Life (Vic Chesnutt cover)
5. Metal Heart (Cat Power cover)
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