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For a band that split in 1970, the Beatles seem to be everywhere right now.
Last year, the Fab Four released their final recording, “Now And Then,” which gave the band their first No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay in more than 50 years, a leader on the Official U.K. Singles Chart which extended their record as the British act with the most leaders (18). It was also the longest-ever gap between No. 1 singles for any act, at 54 years.
Then, last week, confirmation that Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s 1970 documentary Let It Be would be released for streaming on Disney+ from May 8, restored by Peter Jackson and the Kiwi director’s team.
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The Beatles’ music got another boost — and an update — during the Playoffs of NBC’s The Voice, when Nathan Chester ripped out a classic.
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For the latest episode, which aired Monday night (April 22), Chester gave an acrobatic performance of “Oh! Darling,” which appears on the Beatles’ Abbey Road album.
Chester, looking sharp in a retro, green suit, brought soul to his rendition, delivered high notes with style, and busted out some eye-watering splits. Think prime James Brown.
The Chicago, IL native hones his talents as a professional singer on cruise ships. It shows. During the Blind Auditions, he impressed with a performance of Al Green’s “Take Me to the River,” earning a two-chair turn.
“I’m always waiting for someone to inspire me, excite me,” coach John Legend said at the time. “When I heard you singing, I turned very quickly because I was like, this man’s got it.”
Guided by Legend, Chester performed Elvin Bishop’s “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” in the Knockouts.
And what is Chester comfortable singing? Jazz, opera, golden age of musical theater, funk, soul, Motown, he explained following his Blind Audition. It turns out, he’s just fine with the Beatles. And if he was to make an album, he’d want to bring back “the James Brown-style of Motown.” We got a glimpse of that on Monday night.
Watch below.
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Born: June 14, 2000 – Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Favorite Alums: Chris Daughtry, James Durbin
Musical Influences: Bon Jovi, Journey, Whitesnake, Queen, Ed Sheeran
First Idol Experience: “When Chris Daughtry got voted off, I wrote a handwritten letter to American Idol and said, ‘You made a mistake. This guy’s a star.’”
“I have older parents and they looked in the Yellow Pages to find a piano teacher. My dad said, ‘I want you to teach my son. He’s three years old. And the teacher said, ‘We normally like them to read English before they read music.’ My dad told him, ‘He reads, let’s get him in. We’ve got to start him early.’ So I went to his studio and my little legs didn’t touch the floor. I was swinging off the piano bench and I learned how to read music along with English. When I was 10, my parents asked if I actually liked taking lessons. I said, ‘I’ve been doing it forever, so I might as well keep doing it. It’s a part of my identity at this point.’”
Kayko says he was always a music kid. “I did classical piano competitions for a long time and then I always wanted to change the song and not play what’s on the page, so I did jazz. And I thought, ‘This really isn’t really my vibe. I’m a rocker. I would never do a singing competition, not even American Idol. I would never try out for that.’ And then I did theater.”
After appearing in musicals like Side Show, In the Heights, Ghost, Cabaret and 9 to 5, Kayko turned to YouTube and Billboard to see what music was popular and was inspired to record cover songs. “I was definitely a YouTube kid and that’s how I learned how to produce my own music.”
Kayko attended Berklee College of Music for three semesters, until he realized he didn’t want go to school. “I quit and moved to Nashville. I needed to write and produce my own songs. I needed to book live shows. I had no mentorship or insight, just a dream of being an artist and putting out music.”
Kayko’s audition for Idol was unlike most other tryouts but he assures Billboard that what was shown on television was 100% true. “I don’t know if the world will ever believe that. One of my very good friends from college, Abby Blake, got a call to do American Idol and they wanted her to prepare two songs but said the accompanist would only play one. She said, ‘I feel more comfortable with you in the room.’”
Kayko agreed to go with her. They woke up at 4 a.m. for the Nashville audition and sat in a room all day without ever seeing the judges. The producers asked Blake to come back the next day and Kayko said he would return with her.
“Abby’s voice was shot and she wasn’t feeling well that day and I was thinking I have to break the ice for her, so I was probably talking way more than any accompanist has ever done before. Abby sang her song and got a yes. Katy Perry looks at me and says, ‘There’s something about you. You look like an artist.’ I said, ‘No, I’m not doing this.’ Abby said I should sing for these three music legends. I played an original song and they look at each other and tell me I’m going to Hollywood. What?!”
But Kayko had a huge conflict. “I booked a job in New York playing guitar for a new off-Broadway musical, Hard Road to Heaven, and I had this in place for a year. The guy who got me the gig put his neck on the line for me and now I have to call him and say, ‘I don’t know what to do. Katy Perry just told me that I have a thing and I need to go to Hollywood Week and I could get cut and get no airtime and lose this thing, or it could be great.’ He said, “I would never hold you back from doing something like that.’ So I spent a week and a half in New York and flew directly to L.A. for Hollywood Week. The only reason I went was for that chance for airtime and the potential viral moment and for my friend Abby. She got cut in Hollywood and I’m still here.”
It could have been an awkward situation, but it wasn’t. “Abby and I are real friends and we’re both in the music industry and know that it’s not personal. I didn’t take her spot. My dad always said, ‘If Simon Cowell walked into the bar and you’re playing a lousy gig, are you going to blow him away?’ And it actually happened with Katy Perry.”
The stars came out as the Rock Hall class of 2024 was unveiled to the world Sunday night (April 21) during ABC‘s American Idol.
Another star-in-the making, Julia Gagnon, used the special occasion to announce herself as a strong candidate for this year’s title.
For a shot at the top 12, Gagnon, the college student from Cumberland, Maine, wore a long red dress and rows of pearls, and channeled the “greatest singer of her generation” — Whitney Houston.
Gagnon and the other top 13 contestants performed songs by Rock And Rock Hall of Fame inducted artists, and two more contestants were eliminated.
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Gagnon delivered with a rendition of “Run To You,” by class of 2020 singer Houston, which appeared on The Bodyguard soundtrack.
During the season 22 auditions, Gagnon shared the story of her tough upbringing. Born in Guatemala, and put up for adoption as a baby, the youngster was raised by a loving family in the U.S. At school, she experienced bullying, but she found her voice through singing.
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Curious of her background, Gagnon went and located her birth mother. The Idol stage would provide a platform for the contestant to “do something for” her birth mom. “I felt really helpless, because I can’t go to her in Guatemala. It’s really far. But she’s really proud of my voice,” she said during the auditions. “And she wanted to see me do something big.”
There was nothing small about her performance on Sunday night, which showcased her vocal power and range. A standing ovation awaited from the audience and the three judges: Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. And on she advances, into the final dozen.
Gagnon wasn’t the only must-see moment on Idol.
During the show, Ryan Seacrest and Rock Hall inductee Lionel Richie revealed the Rock Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024. As previously reported, Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, stalwart pop icon Cher, roots rock jam band Dave Matthews Band, stadium rock hitmakers Foreigner, guitar pro Peter Frampton, funky R&B legends Kool & the Gang, metal god Ozzy Osbourne and alt hip-hop progenitors A Tribe Called Quest are all entering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year in the performers category.
Watch Gagnon’s performance during the Rock Hall-themed episode of Idol below.
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DIRECTV is offering a homerun of a deal for sports and entertainment fans that’ll get you seven months of DIRECTV Sports Pack at no extra cost.*
DIRECTV Sports Pack will allow you to indulge in more than 20 channels including the MLB Network and MLB Strike Zone, so you can follow your team all baseball season long. The offer is only going on until April 30, which means you don’t want to wait too long before taking advantage of the limited-time promo.
*New resid. customers w/24 mo. agmt. DIRECTV Sports Pack auto-renews monthly after 7 mos. at then-prevailing rate (currently $14.99/mo. + tax) unless cancelled. Select sales channels only.
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Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply to all sports programming. Regional Sports Networks included with CHOICE Package or higher. Actual number of channels and games varies by market. Some channels may be incl in base pkg. Visit directv.com/sportspack for more info.
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How to Get 7 Months of DIRECTV Sports Pack at No Extra Cost
In order to score seven months of DIRECTV Sports Pack, new subscribers must sign up for the ENTERTAINMENT Package, CHOICE Package or ULTIMATE Package.
Get over 75 national, local and sports channels with DIRECTV’s ENTERTAINMENT Package including ABC, AMC, BBC, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNBC, CNN, Discovery, ESPN, Food Network, Fox News, FS1, HGTV, Lifetime, MSNBC, MTV, Paramount Network and many more.
$69.99/month* for 24 months + taxes and fees, with a 24-month agreement. Autopay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. is extra and applies.
If you’re looking for more content, the CHOICE Package has over 105 channels and offers regional sports networks including ACC Network, Big Ten Network, MLB Network, NBA TV and SEC Network. The package is $84.99/month.
$84.99/month* for 24 months, plus taxes and fees, with a 24-month agreement. Autopay and Paperless bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/month and Regional Sports Fee up to $15.99/mo. are extra and apply.
The DIRECTV ULTIMATE Package includes everything within the ENTERTAINMENT and CHOICE Packages as well as additional sports and movie channels like CBS Sports, Discovery Family, FX Movie Channel, NHL Network and more for a total of over 140 channels.
$114.99/mo.*for 24-months +taxes and fees, with a 24-month agreement. Autopay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo and Regional Sports Fee up to $15.99/mo are extra and apply.
*New approved residential customers, price inc. TV pkg & equip. fees for first TV. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Equipment lease req’d. Early agmt termination fee applies ($20/mo.) & add’l fee(s) may apply if equip.is not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply. $19.95 activation applies for satellite customers.
Cancel DIRECTV Sports Pack online or by phone. Offer subject to change. Some channels may be included in base package, visit DIRECTV.com/sportspack for more info.
Service subject to DIRECTV delivered via internet terms and conditions (see directv.com/legal/legal-policy-center/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. Early termination fees apply for a maximum of $480, prorated at $20 per month over the 24-month term. If you cancel your service within the first 14 days of ordering, a full refund of charges will be applied, and the early termination fees will be waived. If service is canceled after 14 days, you can continue to access DIRECTV through the end of the bill period, but there is no refund or credit for partial-month or unwatched content.Requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. Pricing: ENTERTAINMENT $69.99/mo.; CHOICE $84.99/mo; ULTIMATE $114.99/mo. PREMIER $159.99/mo. for two years. After 2 years, continues month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless cancelled. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Advanced Receiver Service Fee of $15/mo. (which is extra and applies to all packages) and Regional Sports Fee of up to $15.99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE pkg or higher. $7/mo. lease fee per each additional device will be charged on your account. State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information.
Equipment Non-Return Fees: If service is cancelled you must return the included and leased device to avoid a non-return fee of $120 per device.Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions.
DIRECTV SPORTS PACK 7 MONTHS ON US OFFER: Ends 4/30/24. With ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE or ULTIMATE package. Account must remain in good standing. DIRECTV Sports Pack auto-renews monthly unless you cancel online at directv.com or by calling 800.531.5000. However, once you’ve canceled, you can access it through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. If you cancel your service, you will no longer be eligible for this offer. Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply to all sports programming. Regional Sports Networks included with CHOICE Package or higher. Actual number of channels and games varies by market. Returning customers who disconnected service within previous 12 months are not eligible for offer. LIMIT ONE OFFER PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. May be combined with other promotional offers on same services. Offer may be changed or discontinued at any time.
DIRECTV Svc Terms: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreement. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DIRECTV TECH PROTECT, transactional fees, and Federal Cost Recovery Fee are not included in two-year price guarantee. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details.
All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com for details.
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ESPN is just one option for watching baseball, basketball and more — sports fans can watch exclusive games live including for the NBA and NHL on TNT. Unless you have cable though, your viewing options are limited. Cord cutters don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a cable package in order to get access to basketball games and other TNT content, there are affordable streaming options like live TV streamers that’ll give you instant access and for a fraction of the price.
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With current free trials and promos going on, you can livestream the NBA playoffs for free or for less than $100 a month. You’ll also get access to hundreds of other live TV channels that’ll expand your program options, so you can watch sports, reality TV and the latest dramas live and in real time.
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And, if you’re interested in catching NBA playoff games, TNT will be airing select matchups that are also going to be simulcasted on TruTV.
Keep reading to learn more about the current offers available.
How to Watch TNT Online for Free
You can get access to TNT and TruTV through live TV streamers such as DirecTV Stream, Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV. All options are currently offering either a free trial or promos that’ll reduce the cost of the platform and give you access to the NBA playoffs.
Below are all the ways to watch TNT online, including ways to stream TNT online for free.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is offering new users a five-day free trial when you sign up for one its four packages offered. All of the packages include TNT and TruTV so you can stream the channels online.
Plus, right now you can save $30 when you combine any streaming package with a “Sports Pack.” Currently, the Entertainment + Sports Pack is dropped down to $85 (reg. $95) for the first three months and comes with TNT and TruTV for simulcasted NBA playoff games. Once the three months are up you’ll be charged the subscription price based on what package you choose at checkout.
In addition to unlimited DVR storage, you’ll get access to local channels and the ability to stream on as many devices as you want.
Sling TV
You can take advantage of $10 off the first month of all of Sling TV‘s streaming packages, dropping the price down to $30 (reg. $40 a month). There are three package plans to choose from: Orange, Blue and Orange + Blue with every option including the TNT channel — only the Blue and Orange + Blue packages also include TruTV. After your first month is up you’ll be charged the regular subscription price based on the package you pick.
The Orange Package comes with 32 channels and can be streamed on just one device at a time. Included in the Blue Package is 40 channels including TNT and TruTV as well as FS1 and the NFL Network. Can’t choose? You can combine both packages and get all 68 channels and the ability to stream on up to three devices at once — and just for $45 for the first month (reg. $55).
Hulu + Live TV
For the most content offerings, you can sign up for Hulu + Live TV and get access to the Hulu library in addition to more then 95 live TV channels (including TNT and TruTV), and all for $77 a month.
And, for even more programming, Hulu + Live TV now comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, which will give you everything within the Hulu library in addition to exclusive content on the two other streamers.
Is TNT Free On Amazon Prime?
The TNT channel is not available on Prime Video, but Amazon does offer access to some of the TNT’s most popular programs like The Closer, The Librarians, Perception, The Alienist and The Last Ship. Prime members can watch the TV shows for free and get instant access to the programs through the Prime Video library.
Don’t have a Prime membership? New users are eligible for a 30-day free trial that you can sign up for here.
Can You Watch TNT On Hulu?
With Hulu + Live TV, you get access to 95+ channels of live TV channels including TNT and TruTV, so you can watch select NBA playoff games live and right from your couch. It doesn’t include a free trial, but once you sign up, you’ll get instant access to the channels — no add-ons required.
2024 NBA Playoffs Schedule
See below for the upcoming games or click here to see the full schedule.
Saturday (April 20)
Cavaliers vs. Magic at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN
Timberwolves vs. Suns at 3:30 ET on ESPN
Knicks vs. TBD at 6 p.m. on ESPN
Nuggets vs. Lakers at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Sunday (April 21)
Celtics vs. TBD at 1 p.m. ET on ABC
Clippers vs. Mavericks at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Bucks vs. Pacers at 7 p.m. ET on TNT
Thunder vs. West No. 8 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Monday (April 22)
Cavaliers vs. Magic at 7 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Knicks vs. TBD at 7:30 p.m. on TNT
Nuggets vs. Lakers at 10 p.m. on TNT
Tuesday (April 23)
Timberwolves vs. Suns at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Bucks vs. Pacers at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Clippers vs. Mavericks at 10 p.m. ET on TNT
Wednesday (April 24)
Celtics vs. TBD at 7 p.m. ET on TNT
Thunder vs. TBD at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Thursday (April 25)
Magic vs. Cavaliers at 7 p.m. ET on NBA TV
TBD vs. Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Lakers vs. Nuggets at 10 p.m. ET on TNT
Friday (April 26)
Pacers vs. Bucks at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Mavericks vs. Clippers at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
Suns vs. Timberwolves at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Dune: Part Two dominated the theater after its premiere, racking up close to $500 million at the global box office, according […]
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Cutting the cable cord doesn’t mean you have to give up watching your favorite shows and sports like Vanderpump Rules, 90 Day Financé or NHL games in real time — Sling TV is one of the affordable streaming options that’ll give you access to channels like ESPN, Bravo, E!, FX and AMC, among others, for one low price. The live TV streaming service is one of Shop Billboard‘s favorites for its ability to choose the channels you want without having to worry about paying extra for premium add-ons.
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In short, Sling TV delivers the best value for premium content, and is one of the best ways to stream live TV online. While Sling is already affordable at $40 a month, a new Sling deal gets you $10 off your first month — a 25% discount.
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Keep reading to learn more about Sling TV including the best deals and promos currently going on.
What Is Sling TV?
Sling TV is a TV streaming platform that’ll give you instant access to more than 30 live TV channels. Other streaming services like Apple TV+ and Netflix only provide you with on-demand shows and movies, but Sling TV will give you on-demand content and live TV channels to watch at your leisure. You can choose from three different packages: Orange, Blue and Orange + Blue depending on your budget and viewing preferences.
The Orange package is best for sports fans, as it includes channels like ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3, while the Blue package offers more entertainment channels such as Bravo, TLC and The Food Network. Each plan also includes DVR storage to record and watch programs later.
Don’t want to choose? You can also combine both with the Orange + Blue package, which will give you all 72 channels to livestream as well as the ability to stream on three devices at once.
What Are the Best Sling Streaming Deals?
There are a number of new Sling streaming deals online right now. New users can sign up here and take 25% off your first month of Sling TV. This promo is active on all three packages, which will knock the price down to as low as $30 (reg. $40). Since the Orange + Blue plan combines both packages, the price will be slightly more at $45 with the deal (reg. $55). Once your first month is up, you’ll be charged the regular subscription price based on the plan you choose at checkout.
The best part? No installation is required — once you sign up you’ll get instant access to live TV and on-demand movies and TV shows.
New users can also sign up for Discovery+ through Sling TV and enjoy a seven-day free trial of the streaming platform. Once the trial is over, you’ll be charged $4.99/month for the ad-supported plan or $6.99/month if you want to go ad-free. In order to activate the deal, you’ll need to sign up for Sling TV, then you’ll be able to add Discovery+ to your subscription.
The streaming platform comes with more than 70,000 channels and original content as well as 150+ live TV channels for streaming programs like Deadliest Catch, 90 Day Fiancé, Chopped, Naked and Afraid and MythBusters.
Sling TV is also rewarding new users who prepay for three months with an AirTV Anywhere and OTA Bundle for just $89. It’s only valid for new users and once your first three months are done, you’ll be charged monthly based on the package you choose at checkout.
With the AirTV Anywhere and OTA Bundle you’ll be able to watch TV shows and movies on up to four devices at one, stream live TV on the go through your mobile device and record local channels with the device’s built-in 1TB DVR.
Sports fans can also take advantage of four months of basketball coverage for only $120 when you prepay for four months of Sling Orange. The deal can save you $40 by deducting $10 a month for the first four months. It’s valid for new subscribers who sign up for the Sling Orange package at checkout and will give you access to more than 30 channels including ESPN, ESPN2 and TNT. Games that air on ABC will be simulcasted on ESPN3, which is also included in the Sling Orange package.
Does Sling Have a Free Trial?
The live TV streamer’s deals and promos change throughout the year — and that includes when they have a free trial. While you won’t be able to get a free trial with the best Sling TV deals going on right now, you can score a major discounted price on the platform compared to competitors that offer packages around $80 a month.
Can You Get Local Channels on Sling?
A few of the channels offered on the Blue and Orange packages are local like ABC and FOX. Not all of the channels will be local though. See below for a full list of channels included in each package.
Sling TV Orange Plan Exclusive TV Channels
ESPN
ESPN2
ESPN3
Disney Channel
Freeform
Motortrend
Sling TV Blue Plan Exclusive TV Channels
Fox News
MSNBC
Bravo
NFL Network
FS1
FX
USA
Discovery Channel
TLC
E!
SyFy
National Geographic
TruTV
HLN
Live TV Channels Included in Both Plans
TBS
TNT
CNN
HGTV
AMC
History Channel
ID
A&E
Food Network
QVC
Nick Jr.
Comedy Central
IFC
BBC America
TRVL Channel
Cartoon Network
BET
MGM+
Lifetime
Vice
AXS TV
Fuse
Bloomberg TV+
Local Now
Comet
Charge!
Spoiler alert: This story contains the identity of the contestant eliminated on Wednesday night’s (April 17) episode of The Masked Singer.
The 11th season of The Masked Singer has so far featured a very eclectic group of eliminated crooners, including comedian/actor Kevin Hart (Book); restauranteur Joe Bastianich (Spaghetti & Meatballs); TV personalities Savannah Chrisley (Afghan Hound), Billy Bush (Sir Lion) and Colton Underwood (Lovebird); as well as NFL hall of famer DeMarcus Ware (Koala) — and actual singer Sisqó (Lizard) too.
On Wednesday night (April 17), Ugly Sweater crushed it with some incomparable high notes on “Queen Night,” during a celebration of the iconic British rock group in the Group A finals. After wowing the judges in an earlier episode with a funk-forward cover of The Commodores’ “Brick House,” Sweater did it again with a sweet, soulful run through Queen’s 1984 power ballad “I Want to Break Free.”
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When it came time to guess, the judges were in the neighborhood, with Robin Thicke praising the singer’s signature “nasty” notes on “House” (and quickly guessing the singer’s identity), while judge Rita Ora speculated it could be Smokey Robinson, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Aaron Neville (after earlier guessing that Lionel Richie covered his own song) and always-wrong Ken Jeong aiming too young with New Jack swinger Johnny Gill.
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Who was that masked man who’s 13 Grammy nominations and has a lock as Billboard‘s top adult R&B male artist with the most No. 1s in that category to date? None other than former Gap Band lead singer and solo star Charlie Wilson, best known for such hits as “Party Train,” “You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” “Oops Upside Your Head” and his featured vocals on songs by rappers including Snoop Dogg, The Notorious B.I.G., Pharrell, U.G.K. and Tyler, the Creator, among many others.
In addition to his surprise appearance alongside Tyler at last weekend’s Coachella — where he performed on the rapper’s 2019 single “Earfquake” and did a bit of The Gap Band’s “Outstanding” — Wilson, 71, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January and is currently promoting his Billboard top five adult R&B chart solo single “Superman.”
Billboard spoke with Wilson before his elimination to hear about how T-Pain inspired him to get in the Masked game, how wearing the Ugly Sweater was no holiday, and what it felt like to slip onto the main stage at Coachella last weekend.
Be honest: Had you ever watched this show before they reached out?
Oh yeah! I saw the one when T-Pain won [in season 1 as Monster]. I was so excited for him. I know T-Pain, he did songs for me and he’s a very gifted young man. I saw that it was fun and I wanted to get to be a part of it, but it just took some time because I was busy doing shows and recordings. I thought, “I can do this,” so it finally dropped in my lap.
Some iconic old-school and new-school R&B greats have appeared on the show — Bobby Brown, Faith Evans, Toni Braxton, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Seal, Gladys Knight — so it seems like there’s no shame in the game of putting on that costume right?
Yeah, my costume was… oh my gosh. It was built for me and was one of the most expensive suits they’ve built for the show. The [showrunners] kept telling me to try and make sure I stay as long as I can because [they said], “We spent a lot of money on this suit!” It was so heavy! So, so heavy I could barely walk in it. The feathers on the head were 8 to 10 pounds a piece and they had to take some off. I could barely pick up my feet!
It seems like a great showcase for so many of those classic R&B singers, especially some of your old-school peers.
I don’t know about anybody else, but I didn’t think about it being a showcase for me, because I’m still making No. 1 records. In fact, I have a top five song this week with one of my records [Wilson is in the top five on Billboard‘s Adult R&B Airplay chart with “Superman”]. I’m the only one out there still making top five records in the business!
You’ve been at this for more than 50 years, so tell me: Is this the weirdest gig you’ve ever had?
It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time, because a lot of people don’t want to see me have these records do as well as they’re doing. All those people you mentioned all wish they had the records I’m having. So yeah, I don’t pop my collar all the time, but people bring it up.
The judges’ guesses were all over the place, but mostly in the pocket. I can’t imagine you were ashamed to be confused for Smokey, Aaron or Lionel?
[Laughs] No, Robin Thicke said, “That’s Charlie Wilson!” as soon as I opened my mouth. I was like, “Oh man, I’m toast!” as soon as I opened my mouth and sang! He said, “I studied his voice and know him like the back of my hand.” I was like, “Could you just be quiet for a second?” He was tearing me up.
Speaking of, how did it feel to sing that Commodores song? Was there any rivalry with them in your bands’ heydays in the 1970s and ’80s?
Oh man, it was always that [rivalry] because if bands are good, they are gonna be at it. I won’t stand around and have someone call me a bootsy [someone who is uncool or weird]. I’m gonna get you. I’m gonna come after you like y’all coming after us! It was all in fun, not hostile, we was all in fun. I love The Commodores.
You’ve had so much success collaborating with rappers over the years — especially Snoop and Tyler. What is it about hip-hop that appeals to you? And talk to me about joining Tyler at Coachella last weekend.
It is great anytime I sing with these rappers or anyone from back in the day is coming for me and it’s their idea. If they want to do it, I’m gonna do it. I’m so, so blessed to have rappers still coming for me.
04/17/2024
From assassinations to reveals to a lot of breastplates, the lip syncs of Drag Race season 16 gave audiences everything they could have hoped for.
04/17/2024
Jack Antonoff is bringing his distaste for Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) to national television. Speaking to Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday night (April 16), the producer took shots at the rapper while indulging in a mock-therapy session with the late-night host, likening the “Donda” musician to a fussy baby with an overly full diaper.
“There’s two people that I think are too oversensitive to even function, and it’s men and members of the music industry,” the Bleachers frontman explained on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, lying back in his chair while role-playing a patient in therapy. “The amount of sensitivity — it’s sort of like watching Kanye. If I saw Kanye, I’d run up to him and be like, ‘Your diaper is so full, we have to change your diaper. Your diaper needs to be changed, it’s a huge problem.’”
“The truth is, I’m not that offended,” Antonoff added, touching on Ye’s history of antisemitism, which last year cost the rapper multiple brand partnerships and led to the loss of his billionaire status. “I’m offended, but I’m not that offended, so I don’t like to play this character of overly offended. I prefer to sort of up the trolling.”
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It’s not the first time Antonoff, who is Jewish, has poked fun at Ye. In fact, it’s not even the first time he’s implied that the controversial figure is suffering from a loaded pull-up. In a February interview with the Los Angeles Times, the “Don’t Take the Money” singer quipped that the rapper “just needs his diaper changed so badly.”
“It’s been a long time since I would’ve taken Kanye’s call,” he added at the time when asked whether he’d ever work with Ye in the future. “I’m so incredibly bored when someone doesn’t have the sauce anymore, so they go elsewhere to shock. It’s just a remarkable waste of space.”
Aside from Ye’s hate speech, Antonoff has another big reason to oppose the hip-hop titan. The former Fun band member is a longtime friend and collaborator to Taylor Swift, whose tumultuous feud with Ye has been highly publicized over the years.
In January, Antonoff also called the “Gold Digger” artist a “little cry baby b—h“in a tweet upon finding out that Ye’s album Vultures 2 was slated to arrive on March 8, the same day Bleachers dropped its self-titled record. Bleachers debuted at No. 62 on the Billboard 200, while the Yeezy founder’s project was delayed.
Antonoff is fresh off his performance with Bleachers at the opening weekend of Coachella 2024, which was attended by Swift and Travis Kelce. The guitarist will take the Mojave Stage once again Saturday (April 20), when the festival resumes for a second weekend.
Watch Antonoff’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! interview above.