Entertainment
10 minutes with Victoria Monet as she prepares for the second weekend of Coachella
COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: <> April 19, 2024 in Coachella, California. (Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Heineken)
Victoria Monet is having her moment.
Fresh off winning multiple Grammy Awards, the singer reached one other milestone in her solo profession by closing out the Coachella stage. Her performance during Weekend 1 delighted her die-hard fans and won the hearts of many other viewers and live streams as she performed her hits.
ESSENCE caught up with Monét as she prepared to enter the iconic Heineken House and storm the Mojave stage once more during the festival’s second weekend to speak about nerves, improvement, and staying present on this magical moment.
First of all, congratulations in your first performance at Coachella! How did you’re feeling whenever you first stepped on the Coachella stage last weekend? You’re obviously a veteran, but did you experience any stage fright on a stage of this size?
I used to be definitely quite nervous. I know the way big Coachella is and you discover out about being part of the lineup in the summer, so I’ve been looking forward to the show for a protracted time.
So there’s quite a bit of emotion and it was very exciting, even knowing who had done it before. Having been in the audience at previous Coachellas and watching other people, I just desired to ensure that I evoked the same feeling. Overall there was quite a bit of excitement and nervousness, but it surely was really fun.
It’s like a celebration of all festivals. So it was definitely a dream come true.
Are you a “Coachella mom”? Over the years, we now have noticed that it’s becoming an increasing number of common to take babies with us. Did you bring Baby Hazel with you to see the show or did she stay home for the show?
She’s been in quite a bit of rehearsals, but this weekend at Coachella I assumed it might be best if she stayed home since it’s a couple of three-hour drive after which I would not be taking her to the festival, I’d actually be going to Palm Springs to hang around in home. My mom got here to look at it so she had some Grandma time, but she apparently watched the show and was locked out for 45 minutes of my live set. So she was still an element of him. She also appeared on the show as we used her vocals for the countdown and there was a visible of her on screen as well. So it was like she was there.
Which was too cute, by the way! What song were you most excited to perform last weekend and what was the best crowd response? What did you enjoy the most and what are you looking forward to performing this weekend?
I feel dance breaks are at all times really fun because I placed on other people’s music and just get the audience in a superb mood so I even have a superb time and dance really fast. But I definitely enjoy performing “On My Mama” simply because I feel it’s the song that individuals know best and I can see their faces light up. They perform choreography to the audience and just have a good time. And I’m very excited to do the show again. 45 minutes goes by quickly, so I’ll attempt to stay present on this set as well.
Heading into the second weekend, do you’re feeling like all the pressure is gone, or do you’re thinking that getting on stage will likely be different this time? How does it feel to be preparing to retread each stage of this performance?
The feeling is absolutely like this… I even have notes. I even have things I would like to repair. There were quite a bit of little things and I feel that is normal for festival shows, simply because it is not your environment and there are quite a bit of changes and performers in a single space. So I even have a couple of things I would like to repair, after which I even have more rehearsals to refine certain things and solve problems like set design flaws and wardrobe elements that we will improve. I’m just fine-tuning the set, so hopefully this weekend will likely be even higher than last. The pressure is absolutely to return back and do higher than the first weekend.
Now this yr you may be staying at the iconic Heineken House on the festival grounds. Who are you looking forward to performing?
I would love to see BIA! I like BIA. I like Channel Trés and I like Lupe [Fiasco] too, but I’ll be on the Mojave stage during Lupe’s performance. So I’m looking forward to introducing artists on Friday that I have not seen yet, in order that will likely be quite a treat. I can just watch and be part of an exciting environment and see other performers doing their thing, which sounds really, really fun.
Coachella can boast a protracted list of successes already in the first quarter of the yr. You’ve been working hard for years to turn into a solo star, and all of it seems to finally be happening in quick succession. How does it feel to have a lot come to fruition directly and what’s next for you?
There’s definitely a way that there are quite a bit of great things happening. So my fundamental goal is to simply stay present. Because there’s a lot to rejoice, but in addition a lot to do and work. So it’s kind of a balance between realizing that I’ve gotten to where I would like to be, but in addition knowing that there is still quite a bit of things that I would like to do, just having that duality and ensuring that I’m at all times grateful, but in addition still hungry and dealing on the next things.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
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