Celebrity Coverage
Simone Biles Creates HERstory (Again) During the 2024 Paris Olympics – and Admits It’s Because of Therapy – Essence
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 1: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Alternate version) Gold medalist Simone Biles of Team USA poses with the Olympic rings and a goat pendant on her necklace during the medal ceremony in the women’s all-around final in artistic gymnastics on day six of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Bercy Arena on August 1, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
There’s no denying her greatness, and Simone Biles is just the GOAT relating to her sport of gymnastics and track and field. On August 1, 2024, the nine-time Olympic medalist won gold after a difficult but good performance in Paris during the women’s all-around final.
She won, beating Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, who took silver, and U.S. teammate Suni Lee, who took bronze.
The gymnastics star made history once more by becoming the first woman since 1968 to win two all-around Olympic titles, having first won them in Rio in 2016. But her path to the 2024 Games has not been easy.
“Three years ago, I never thought I’d ever step foot on a gymnastics floor again, just because of everything that happened. But with the help of Cecile and Laurent (her coaches), I got back in the gym and worked really hard physically and mentally,” the 2024 women’s all-around Olympic gold medalist said after her historic event.
“Even this morning at 7 a.m. I met with my therapist and the time change happened. She’s amazing that she’s allowed me to do this the last few days in Paris. So she’s just making sure that I’m in good mental shape and I think that shows on the competition floor.”
This is Biles’ second gold medal at the Summer Olympics. She first won on July 30, 2024, in the U.S. women’s all-around final. Next week, Biles will compete in three additional equipment finals, which could bring her total number of Olympic medals in 2024 to 5.
After a somewhat shaky performance on the asymmetric bars during the individual finals, Biles was seen on the sidelines in a meditative state that was seen by those watching around the world as a return to zen, especially since she has been very open about her mental health — revealing that she sees her therapist almost day by day during the games and once per week overall.
“I’m not sure what the camera caught or what I was doing, but I was probably trying to focus and center myself. Because it’s not over until it’s over.”
The bars were the second event of the night, and the most decorated gymnast of all time was under pressure. Brazil’s Andrade also had something to prove, and based on Biles, she’s at all times the only woman in the sport who can truly match her. The two battled it out for 4 rotations, with the 25-yr-old Brazilian taking first place after rotation 3. It all got here all the way down to the freestyle, which proved to be the best event for each women.
With Beyoncé’s songs incorporated into each routines, the ladies gave it their all and left their hearts on the mat. In the end, Biles won gold together with her best floor performance of the Paris Games, scoring 15.066 points. When it was all said and done, the two ladies could possibly be seen embracing, genuinely blissful for one another despite the media’s attempts to pit them against one another.
“I don’t want to compete with Rebecca anymore, I’m tired,” Biles joked during a post-event interview. “She’s definitely too close, I’ve never been that close to any competitor, so that definitely put me on my feet. But it definitely brought out the best competitor in me and I’m proud to compete with her. I was.”
“Overall, I’m super proud of my performance today and the fight I’ve put in over the last three years, mentally and physically, just to get back to competing on the world stage. I couldn’t be more proud.”
With gymnastics competition coming to a detailed soon, fans are wondering what’s next for Biles. Will she officially retire from competition or proceed competing internationally? While nothing has been confirmed yet, she did say at the 2024 USA Gymnastics tryouts that she would deal with the 2024 Gold Over America Tour in Paris, and once that’s done, she’ll make a choice on what’s next.
Celebrity Coverage
Shaboozey on her YSL – Essence fragrance partnership
Courtesy of YSL
Masculinity just got a brand new scent – and that is what it smells like Shaboozey. Starring Lil Nas XPeso Pluma, Vinnie Hacker and The Kid LAROI in the newest Yves Saint Laurent fragrance project “Bar song (tipsy)” artist is the newest to define the meaning of “modern masculine” beauty.
“The collaboration with YSL Beauty is truly exciting because the company has always been at the forefront of culture, redefining what it means to be bold and timeless,” Shaboozey tells ESSENCE. The musician’s true self-expression, showcased within the brand’s digital design “Born MYSLF, No Matter What”, represents the message behind their latest men’s fragrance MYSLF Perfume.
“I liked how we explored the concept that being strong doesn’t have to mean fitting into a box,” he says, topping off the country music genre with bleached-tipped wicks. “It’s about owning who you are, being real, and YSL Beauty gave me the space to show that.”
Known for his 18-week #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (one week away from breaking Lil Nas the important thing to Shaboozey’s success is easy: balance.
From gym workouts to meditation sessions and knowing when to walk away, “for me, self-care was about finding balance,” she says, which is a chord that also strikes in the brand new fragrance. Vanilla bourbon in a YSL bottle, the extreme masculine aroma hits each floral and oud notes, providing sensuality and strength in equal measure. “She has that presence and stays with you, which is exactly what I need when I’m on the move.”
The global men’s grooming market is anticipated to be price $115 billion by 2028 (up 77 percent year-on-year) the boys’s cosmetics boom represents a obligatory shift not only from two-in-one shampoos and overpowering fragrances, but in addition within the definition of masculinity as an entire. According to Shaboozey, YSL’s latest fragrance is ahead of the curve. “YSL Beauty has a track record of pushing boundaries while staying classic, and that’s a vibe I’ve always admired.”
Celebrity Coverage
Kelis published her first children’s book, “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, inspired by her travels
Getty
Kelis is a lady of many talents, and her latest featured work is as a children’s book writer. The singer announced on Instagram that she has written a brand new book titled, which follows the adventures of foremost character Abel Sabbath Brown across the continent. The singer also announced in the identical breath that she had began a brand new company.
“I’m so happy to finally show you something I’ve been working on. I WROTE MY FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK!!! I started a company called MAKE IT BROWN,” she wrote within the caption on Instagram under a video during which she discusses the brand new book.
“We only aim to offer characters and stories about places and adventures that our youngsters can see themselves in. It’s all about love and representation. The inspiration to write down this story was my trip to Africa this yr,” she continued within the caption.
Over the past yr, Kelis has been giving us the travel content we didn’t know we wanted, documenting her travels across Africa. Artist Milkshake has traveled to places similar to Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Rwanda, immersing herself in local communities and agriculture.
The 45-year-old artist further wrote: “I traveled with my family and we were so grateful to see all the sweetness this continent has to supply. From the people to the bottom, it was just amazing. And I desired to share this with all of you and your families. I actually love us, so from the underside of my heart to you! Welcome into your heart THE SEVEN WONDERS OF AFRICA AND THE SABBATH BROWN. ❤️ #book #kids #To read #children’s book #Africa #eastafrica #to learn“
The latest writer also announced in a separate post that the children’s book is now available on her website in paper, digital and audio versions.
Celebrity Coverage
EXCLUSIVE: Bilal’s unfiltered genius comes to life live at Glasshaus – Essence
Grammy Award-winning singer Bilal doesn’t need an enormous arena to dominate the room – only a studio in Brooklyn, 100 devoted fans and collaborators who understand the soul of music. On a December night in 2023, energy at Glasshouse was electrifying, with stars like Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper gathered close together, exchanging riffs and jokes as if the audience wasn’t even there. Now this magic has been closed and awaits its premiere on November 20, 2024 on Glasshaus’ YouTube channel.
Bilal isn’t only a concert film – it’s a mirrored image of his journey as some of the progressive and underrated musical talents. Directed by Glasshaus founder Jarrett Wetherell, the 65-minute documentary takes us on a rare, intimate performance. Alongside such influential collaborators as Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper, Bilal delivers performances which might be raw and electrifying, filled with the vulnerability and soul that make him an artist artist. The film captures not only the music, but additionally the unspoken bond between these legends and highlights Bilal’s position as some of the influential voices of our generation.
“This film is a love letter to one of the greatest singers of our time,” Wetherell reflects. “Bilal conveys a sense of vulnerability during his performances and interviews, which is rare among artists today. It is an intimate way that puts you in the studio with five legends, immersed in their music and the moment.”
it is a masterclass in creativity, captured in real time. Questlove turns a six-minute anecdote concerning the making of “Sometimes” into an unforgettable lesson in musical storytelling, while Common blurs the road between audience and performer, breaking into out-of-the-box freestyles and revisiting timeless verses from “Reminisce” and “Funkowo for You.”
In essence, the film is a love letter to some of the influential artists of his generation. From his genre-bending debut to underground hits like and , Bilal returns to his catalog with a fresh twist, delivering long-awaited releases just like the business release of “Something to Hold” and “All For Love.” Split-screen cinematography enhances the intimacy, drawing the viewer into every subtle moment – the movement of fingers over the strings, the glances exchanged during improvisation – all highlighting the magic of the music and the deep connection between these legends.
It’s Bilal who finally gets the flowers and each moment seems late. As Questlove put it best: “He’s Beyoncé’s favorite singer.” The film doesn’t just showcase Bilal’s vocals – it shows him as a cornerstone of the Soulquarian movement, whose influence is woven into the material of up to date music.
For fans, the experience goes beyond the screen. The limited edition 2xLP vinyl offers a tangible piece of magic, while the live album, released earlier this yr, is essential for collectors.
Watch the premiere on November 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET Glasshaus YouTube channel. Watch the video below.
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