World of Wonder announced RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 on April 13. Eight winners from seven seasons alongside of its spin-offs, have re-entered the workroom for an entirely new interval. It premieres Friday, May 20 on Paramount+. Let’s meet the queens of All Stars 7.
Jinkx Monsoon
Original Season: 5
Seattle’s oldest milf, Jinkx Monsoon, enters the competition as one of the most celebrated winners. She became widely known for her eccentricity and underdog narrative. Notable performances include: her hilarious portrayal of Little Edie in the Snatch Game (one of the greatest of all time), her lip sync with Detox and her Rupaul Roast. Although she excelled at comedy, many fans became baffled with her design and makeup techniques.
Yvie Oddly
Original Season: 11
Yvie Oddly possesses an ecletic drag appeal and choreography, but snatched the crown with their flare for fashion. While making an entrance, she wore an unflattering green dress and confused everyone. Although she didn’t win many challenges, her lip sync with Brooke Lynn Hytes season standout.
The Vivienne
Original Season: Rupaul’s Dra Race Uk Season 1
The Vivienne is notorious for her snatch game. The predecessor of UK spin-off. It was the first time contestants battled it out for cash prize. Her impersonation of Donald Trump will forever be etched in our memories largely due to judge Michelle Visage. Lastly, the torment which heavily sits on her braud shoulders hasn’t lifted, since broadcasting to an international audience is demanding.
Raja
Original Season: 3
Ten years has passed, since Raja graced the runway. This OG fashionista earned the crown and slayed the wig challenge with her Marie Antoinette look. One the episode wrapped, she began hosting YouTube series Fashion Photo Ruview in tandem with Season 2 contestant, Raven. And, the series became an overnight sensation!
Shea Coulee
Seasons: Season 9, All-Stars 5
Shea Coulee, with three wins in a row, almost captured the crown. However, Sasha Velour’s rose petal lip sync derailed her win streak. She excelled various challenges: comedy, runway, makeup skills and fashion–her nylon nude illusion made jaws drop. With a clear and obvious winner in sight, the audience grew uninterested.
Trinity the Tuck
Seasons: Season 9, All-Stars 4
Trinity the Tuck, the co-winner of All Stars 4, held the title for most controversial. She was brilliant in the body, looks and comedy categories. And, Caitlyn Jenner hit a homerun for variety show performance. However, controversy began to bubble under with rumors of her impersonating a black trans, ultimately damaging her chances.
Just prior to the start of season 12, Jaida Essence Hall, became a member of the cast. Celebrated both for her trade challenges and hilarious debate, her seeming unpredictability is what makes people gravitate in her direction.
Photo: (L-R) The Vivienne, Jinx Monsoon, Raja, Jaida Essence Hall, Shea Coulee, Monet X Change, Yvie Oddly and Trinity The Tuck attend as RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 & The Trevor Project light The Empire State Building on May 09, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for ViacomCBS/Paramount+)
Ahead of the highly anticipated seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, the cast of all-winners took to the streets of New York City for a sickening week of fun events as iconic as the new season.
The cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 took the competition to new heights on Monday, May 9 when they visited the iconic Empire State Building ahead of the season premiere. The queens were joined by Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, for a celebratory lighting ceremony. PARAMOUNT GLOBAL (Nasdaq: PARA), too, visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on Tuesday, May 10th to have the cast ring the Opening Bell to open the markets.
In a first of its kind celebration in support of the iconic all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, a special event, too, was hosted at Saks Fifth Avenue, ruvealing exclusive window displays uniquely inspired by the season 7 queens. Each queen was on display in their custom designed window for the grand ruveal before walking the red carpet for photos and interviews. Check out each window below.
Finally, on May 10 in celebration of the upcoming all-winners season, an exclusive outdoor premiere screening event and panel discussion was hosted by resident judge Michelle Visage with each of the queens. They enjoyed the first episode under the stars, and then each queen discussed what it was like to join such a powerhouse cast and teased what viewers can expect with the season.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 premieres Friday, May 20th, exclusively on Paramount+.
2022 has proven to be nothing short of eventful with only one month under its belt. Below, we discuss and highlight the leading news stories for the month of love, February.
Rihanna pregnant with first baby
Esteemed musical artist, fashion and business icon Rihanna is expecting her first child with boyfriend A$AP Rocky. She debuted her baby bump for the first time while out in New York City – you’ve seen the photos; Rihanna looking effervescent in a long, pink jacket strolling through the streets of Harlem.
Whoopi Goldberg suspended from ‘The View’
The announcement of Whoopi Goldberg’s suspension from ‘The View’ came the evening of Tuesday February 1 following her stating that the Holocaust was “not about race.” She argued that both the Nazis and Jews were white on the programming, later apologizing for these comments.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, was invited to the show on Tuesday where he told Whoopi, “There’s no question that the Holocaust was about race. Literally, the first page of ‘Maus,’ the book you were talkingabout yesterday, Whoopi, opens with a quote from Hitler, and literally it says, ‘The Jews undoubtedly are a race, but they are not human.’ Hitler’s ideology was predicated on the idea that … the Jews were a subhuman race. It was a racialized anti-Semitism.”
Whoopi extended her apologies, stating, “So yesterday on our show, I misspoke… “I said that the Holocaust wasn’t about race, and it was instead about man’s inhumanity to man — but it is indeed about race, because Hitler and the Nazis considered Jews to be an inferior race.”
She continued, “Words matter, and mine are no exception. I regret my comments, and I stand corrected. I also stand with the Jewish people.”
US to deploy troops amidst Russia/Ukraine conflict
February 2, the Pentagon announced that United States President Joe Biden authorized the deployment of 3,000 US troops to Poland, Germany, and Romania. This repositioning of US military persons comes from the suspicion of a potential invasion of Ukraine initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This skepticism comes from the growing presence of Russian military near the borders. Which has caught the attention of Ukraine and fellow NATO allies. A total of 3,000 troops will be moved, with 2,000 leaving directly from the US and 1,000 troops already in Germany planning to relocate to Romania.
Pamela has voiced her disapproval of Pam & Tommy, while Tommy has been in support of the new show. An insider communicated that the robbed home video devastates Pamela and is a topic she does not wish to be rehashed.
The insider stated, “It was a violation having this tape taken. This was a very traumatic time in her life. And it’s shocking that they are recreating it.” They continued, referencing Pamela when saying, “apparently doesn’t deserve privacy because she’s a sex symbol. It’s a sad reflection of how far we’ve not come as a society. Where are the apologies owed to Pam?“
Tommy talked about the portrayal of their history, stating, “I think a lot of people would think that it’s one thing, but it’s really about privacy and how things got crazy then and there’s different laws now.” He continued, “It’s a cool story and people need to know. It’s cool. I’m stoked.“
Satellite images depict increasing Russian military presence in Belarus
Amidst the growing suspicion of a potential Russian military invasion into Ukraine, new satellite images from February 5 show an increase in intensity in Russian military sites in locations like Belarus. The images are assumed to be connected to combined efforts with Russian and Belarusian exercises.
Although these images may add to the rising awareness of Ukraine and NATO allies, further imaging also depicts camps being set up closer to Ukraine’s borders, far away from where the Russian/Belarus practices are set up.
Euphoria renewed for season 3
As the dramatic second season of the blockbuster HBO series Euphoria continues to air throughout the course of February, the show has been confirmed for a third season. As one of the most encapsulating series airing modern day, there was no question as to if the series would come back for a third series, but nonetheless this announcement gives us that reassurance we all were anticipating!
Peloton enlists new CEO and removes 2,800 jobs
Popular fitness company Peloton announced the removal of their former CEO John Foley for his replacement Barry McCarthy. McCarthy has worked for the likes of Spotify and Netflix as the brands chief financial officers, now taking on the title of CEO and president of Peloton on Wednesday February 9.
Peloton, too, announced their elimination of around 2,800 employees amidst new brand operation plans. Further projects include the limitation of warehouses that the brand owns and making the switch to broadening delivery arrangements with more third-party sources. All these changes come to amass a whopping $800 million saving in annual expenses.
The company also announced that their official first factory in the United States is almost ready to open in Ohio. The production of the factory, like the other changes to the company, aims to lessen costs and save around $60 million for Peloton.
12-year-old Black swimmer almost excluded from swim meet after wearing a ‘Black Lives Matter’ swimsuit
A 12-year-old Black swimmer was nearly disqualified from a Wisconsin swim meet for wearing a ‘Black Lives Matter’ swimsuit. The Duluth Area Family YMCA, who was in sponsor of the February 6 meet, stated an independent volunteer official tried to ban the student from the meet, asserting that the suit went in opposition to a USA Swimming rule that bans political language.
Sarah Lyons, mother of Leidy, argued that her daughter wore the suit to show her unwavering support for the Black Lives Matter movement, as it is in an important cause to her. Lyons stated, “She is very passionate about social justice. She has been through a lot already at a young age. It’s a big part of her, which I think is wild at 12,” she told CNN affiliate KBJR.
The YMCA overrode the threat from the official to exclude Leidy from the swim meet. They further issued a statement that read, “The Duluth Area Family YMCA is committed to being an anti-racist organization and stands with BIPOC communities throughout the Northland and throughout our country. We know that Black Lives Matter and we will continue to work to educate ourselves, to stand against inequality, and to strive to be active allies in the ongoing fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Book bans swarm US school libraries
The United States has reportedly seen a rise in the number of book bans, increasing from the end of 2021 to mid-February. Differing book bans in various places across the nation have been argued due to the contents of such books. Often, the books under fire contain some type of content relating to topics including race, gender and sexuality.
Local school boards and librarians have faced scrutiny and potential criminal charges from concerned parents. Bills in states such as Oklahoma have been created to outlaw public school libraries from housing books that had subject matter surrounding sexual activity/identity or gender identity. Another instance that had the nation, and Whoopi Goldberg, talking followed the exclusion of the ‘Maus’ from an eighth-grade module as voted on by the McMinn County Board of Education. The removal of the crucial Holocaust novel came due to “nudity and curse words.”
These book bans have been rather controversial due to the US’ protection of free speech under the first amendment. While conservative activists have been pushing for the restriction of books that delve into the US’ history of slavery and racial oppression, liberal activists have urged against books that may contain racist or insensitive material.
NYFW captivates NYC
New York Fashion Week commenced on Friday February in New York, New York. The week full of fashion commenced on February 11 and closes on February 16. An array of designers showcased at the shows in February, all elevating the world of fashion as we know it.
Shooting following Justin Bieber concert in LA
Saturday February 12, a shooting broke out at an afterparty following a Justin Bieber concert apart of the “Homecoming Weekend.” The shooting occurred on the outside of Beverly Grove restaurant. Police are still searching for the gunman who put at least four men in the hospital. Rapper Kodak Black was reported to be among the injured from the shooting.
Super Bowl LVI
February 13 at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA, the hometown Los Angeles Rams triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar all performed during the halftime show.
Bitcoin surpasses tech stocks by an average 12%
Though Bitcoin has suffering throughout the course of 2022, a substantial turnaround has been observed. Data in accordance with Finbold shows that as of February 13, Bitcoin outperformed leading tech stocks by an average return on investment (ROI) of 12.24%. Bitcoin surpassed six of the upper tech stocks, even including Amazon.
Sarah Palin x The New York Times defamation trial comes to an end
February 15 a Manhattan jury in the widespread Sarah Palin defamation trial against the Times ruled against the former Alaskan governor. This decision came following the judge’s decision to dismiss the suit on February 14. His reasoning stemmed from the fact that he believed that there was not enough suitable evidence to prove that the Times’ 2017 editorial in question defamed Palin.
Scientists may have a potential HIV cure
A New York woman may have been cured from HIV following an intensive stem cell treatment process. The treatment entails that patients must have a terminal cancer or condition that allows them to receive the full procedure.
While involving the use a radiation, the aim of the stem cell treatment is to replace the existing immune system with a new HIV resistant stem cells. This procedure has been proven effective in a total of three men, and a potential other two women.
Jasmine Kennedie Comes Out As Trans
Jasmine Kennedie, a contender on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14, recently came out as trans on Untucked. Untucked is a companion show to Drag Race, where you get to see the competitors after they’ve received critiques from the judges and before the two queens to be eliminated are announced. The queens will discuss their performance, and whether or not they think they will stay within the competition, among other things.
During episode seven of the series, in a tear felt confession, Jasmine Kennedie says that she was going to begin hormones before entering the competition, and after seeing fellow trans contestant Kerri Colby, she felt the need to come out.
Russia-Ukraine Offensive
Russian leaders announced that they have approved a full-scale attack on Ukraine, after Putin announced that the neighboring country poses a threat to them. Putin believes there is aggression near the country’s border. Russia’s embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, has been cleared out. Putin delivered a fiery speech in which he declared that Ukraine had no right to exist, most likely based on the fact that the country gained its independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Russian troops are continuously added to the country’s border, and The Pentagon has stated that the attacks might occur at any time.
Ukraine President Volodomir Zelenskyy stated that Russia has no reason to believe Ukraine poses any threat to them, and asked for a call to Putin, which was denied. Ukraine has now issued a State of Emergency and is preparing for the invasion. Many national leaders are deeming invasion imminent. Sanctions have been placed on several Kremlin officials as a warning. Vice President Kamala Harris stated the US response to Russia would be “swift, severe, and united.”
New South Park Episode
South Park is releasing their newest episode, “BACK TO THE COLD WAR,” at 8 PM ET on March 2nd via Comedy Central. In the episode, a lot is riding on Butter’s ability to crush the competition in the all-important dressage championship.
All-New Season Episodes will be Available to Stream in HD HERE and HERE, and the Comedy Central App post-premiere. Comedy Central’s South Park the series launched on August 13, 1997, and is based on the VHS-shared, animated short entitled “The Spirit of Christmas.” Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the co-creators of South Park. Parker, Stone, Anne Garefino and Frank C. Agnone II are the Executive Producers of the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning show. Eric Stough, Adrien Beard, Bruce Howell and Vernon Chatman are Producers. Christopher Brion is the Creative Director of South Park Digital Studios.
Press Room Bar and Alamo Drafthouse
For movie lovers, an elegant theater is tucked away in Lower Manhattan. We went for a private preview held by Press Room Bar and Alamo Drafthouse for signature cocktails, hip treats and typographic activation. The highly anticipated Liberty Street is the third location of the New York metropolitan area.
With 36 locations throughout the country, it was established in 1997 by the contractor and producer Time League. The home to both blockbuster and classic films, featuring a dine-in American cinema with seat-side service.
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, announced the nominees for the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 finalist Gottmik announced nominees in select GLAAD Media Awards categories live via GLAAD’s TikTok channel.
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues. Since its inception in 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annual LGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally. The 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Ketel One Family Made Vodka.
For a full list of nominees, see below or HERE. A tip sheet with a breakdown of nominations by media and trends among the nominees is available HERE.
The 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards nominees were published, released, or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2021. The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies, which fund GLAAD’s work to accelerate LGBTQ acceptance, will be held in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, April 2, 2022, and in New York at the Hilton Midtown on Friday, May 6, 2022.
“Media can create positive change and this year’s nominees represent powerful projects, stories, and creators that positively shifted culture and enlightened audiences with new and impactful LGBTQ stories,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “There are more nominees this year than ever before, highlighting a growing landscape of LGBTQ visibility, and serving as a reminder of the critical role that film, television, music, journalism, and other forms of media can play in growing LGBTQ acceptance in the face of ongoing attacks against our community.”
Streaming services saw a total of 63 nominees, with cable receiving 39 nominations, and broadcast networks receiving 17 nominations. HBO/HBO Max scored the most nominations of any network with a total of 19 nominees, followed by Netflix with 17 nominees. Hulu received 7 nominations, while ABC, MSNBC, and Peacock all received 4 nominations. In the Spanish-language categories, Univision and Telemundo both received two nominations.
During a year when anti-transgender violence rose and lawmakers across the U.S. introduced an unprecedented number of bills attempting to stop transgender youth from participating in sports and accessing gender-affirming healthcare, many of the nominees at the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards centered on transgender people and issues in timely, nuanced, and empowering ways. Of the 30 television shows nominated across Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Drama Series, and Outstanding New TV Series, 18 feature trans and/or nonbinary characters, including:
A large number of nominees at the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards also include powerful and impactful stories about LGBTQ people of color. In the film and television categories, those nominees include:
GLAAD announced 246 nominees in 30 categories, including two new categories: Outstanding New TV Series and Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology. As LGBTQ representation continues to expand across television and streaming, the Outstanding New TV Series recognizes scripted comedy or drama series in their first season that include impactful LGBTQ stories. The Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology category recognizes an original graphic novel or an anthology of short stories appearing in the same book released by a mainstream publisher and its subsidiary labels.
“After decades of LGBTQ characters being excluded, sidelined, or misrepresented on television, it is incredibly powerful to see how many series introduced fresh, impactful, and fully developed LGBTQ characters and storylines in their first season, many of which were some of the most beloved shows of the year,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “The introduction of the Outstanding New TV Series category recognizes the shows and creators getting LGBTQ inclusion right from the beginning and encourages other showrunners to include LGBTQ characters and stories that enlighten and entertain in new projects.”
Each year, GLAAD presents non-competitive Special Recognition Awards to media projects that do not fit into one of the existing GLAAD Media Awards categories. For the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, GLAAD is presenting Special Recognition honors to eight media projects that spotlighted diverse segments of the LGBTQ community in innovative ways. The eight media projects include: All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson [filmed reading + performance]; “Alok Vaid-Menon” 4D with Demi Lovato (Cadence13/OBB Sound/SB Projects); CODED: The Hidden Love of J.C. Leyendecker(Paramount+); Jeopardy! Champion Amy Schneider; The Laverne Cox Show(Shondaland Audio/iHeartMedia); Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson(ABC News); Outsports’ Coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics; and “Celebrando el Mes del Orgullo” (Telemundo). A full summary of the projects receiving Special Recognition can be found in the tip sheet with an additional breakdown of facts and figures about this year’s nominees available HERE.GLAAD’s Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media honors a pioneering individual, group, or community media outlet that has made a significant contribution to the development of LGBTQ media. The award is named after Barbara Gittings in recognition of her groundbreaking work as editor of The Ladder, and for her appearances as an out lesbian on national news media throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis serves as Executive Producer of the GLAAD Media Awards, alongside GLAAD staff Rich Ferraro and Anthony Allen Ramos. Spencer Harvey will serve as Producer, Juana Guichardo will serve as Associate Producer, and Wendy Shanker will serve as Headwriter.
Rupaul’s Drag Race, the hit competition series on VH1 revolving around drag queens, recently entered its fourteenth season. Fourteen new queens have set foot in the workroom over the span of two episodes, each from very different backgrounds and upbringings. Some are pageant queens (participants in drag pageants, similar to beauty pageants) and some are club queens (queens known for performing in clubs). Either way, they want to snatch the crown. Here is everything you need to know about this season’s competitors.
Alyssa Hunter
Alyssa is this season’s only Puerto Rican queen, though many queens from the island have been successful in the show, including Yara Sofia, Alexis Mateo, and Cynthia Lee Fontaine. Hunter competed in, and won, all four of Puerto Rico’s biggest pageants, and became known for her sense of fashion.
Angeria Paris VanMichaels
VanMichaels hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a pageant queen. Described as a “Southern Belle serving fierce fashion and face with a country charm,” Angeria already appears to be a frontrunner in the competition with a mini- and maxi-challenge win under her belt (and all in one episode).
Bosco
Bosco, from Seattle, has a lot to live up to given she’s from the same city as Drag Race royalty Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme. Bosco identifies as the “demon queen” and “skanky alternative girl” from Seattle. Her drag character is seductive and elusive, and she takes a lot of inspiration from movie villains. She considers herself a “millennial Elvira.”
Daya Betty
Daya Betty, the drag daughter of season 12 runner-up Crystal Methyd, is notable for her punk rock aesthetics. Betty has already produced several intriguing looks, including a stone bust look for her Entertainment Weekly interview.
Deja Skye
DeJa Skye is a camp queen from Fresno, California. She has a passion for, “food, makeup, and everything fabulous.” She works as a dance and cheer instructor during the day, so you’ll know she’ll produce some sickening dance moves on the main stage.
Jasmine Kennedie
Kennedie is this season’s only New York representation. In interviews with her competitors, the other queens noted her to be the season’s most dramatic queen, so it’ll be interesting to see how she’ll do.
Jorgeous
Jorgeous, from season 14, is both the youngest competitor (21) and the shortest. She’s a fashion queen from Tennessee, popular as a club queen as well as being a noted dancer.
June Jambalaya
One of the many Los Angeles-based queens to come out of this season, June Jambalaya is originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and is influenced by the South and The Real Housewives franchise, the latter being where she crafted her drag persona.
Kerri Colby
Colby, self-described as an “otherworldly ‘alien’ goddess from the ‘7th dimension,’” is notable as a pageant queen and the drag daughter of Sasha Colby, a famous drag queen and winner of Miss Continental 2012. She’s also a member of the Haus of Colby, a popular drag family. Known for her beautiful visage, she is a clear contender for the crown.
Kornbread “The Snack” Jete
Kornbread is a camp queen popular in the LA club circuit. She first gained internet notoriety acting in the videos of popular sketch comedian Brandon Rodgers playing various characters. Beloved amongst other LA queens for her energy and fun personality, it’ll be intriguing to see where this season takes her.
Lady Camden
San Francisco’s Lady Camden, originally from Camden town in England, is a British queen known for being ladylike in her fashion and choreography, but bawdy in her humor. A ballet dancer, she once performed in Smuin ballet. She is also the third ever queen from San Francisco (the other two being Rock M. Sakura and Honey Mahofany) and is the show’s oldest contestant at 31.
Maddy Morphosis
Morphosis, from Arkansas, is by far the most controversial queen of the season, and one of the most controversial contestants of all time in the series, for being the first cisgender straight man to enter the competition. Many fans of the show have spoken against her for this reason, given Drag Race is known as a safe haven for members of the LGBT community. She currently has a partner, who is also a drag queen, and worked at Target before entering the competition.
Orion Story
Michigan camp queen Orion Story describes her drag style as “chaotic,” and “what you get when you put Barbarella on a runway on Sesame Street.” She also won Miss Michigan Drag Queen of the Year, and is the first Michigan queen to grace the runway.
Willow Pill
Willow Pill is a comedy and camp queen from Denver, known for her offbeat sense of humor and surreal performances, such as in “Digital Drag Show,” a trippy, weird video on her Youtube channel. She is also the drag daughter of season 11 winner Yvie Oddly.
Mabel is back today with the brand new single “Let Them Know,” which is available now on Capitol Records. Listen here and watch the video here.
It’s the first new music of 2021 from Mabel, who in the last year or so alone has won the BRIT Award for Best Female Solo Artist, surpassed 4 billion streams and 2.2 million adjusted album sales for first album “High Expectations” (the biggest-selling debut by a British woman in 2019), and added to her formidable catalogue of smash hits like “Don’t Call Me Up” with 3 more top 10s under lockdown.
Futuristic, fearless and feel-good, “Let Them Know” is the unmistakable arrival of a new era and mindset for Mabel. Written alongside friends and close collaborators Raye, SG Lewis and MNEK, it’s an anthem about dressing up (with nowhere to go), and projecting confidence (even in times of trouble). On “Let Them Know” – and much more new music to come – Mabel’s girl-next-door candor remains, but her superstar-status shines brighter than ever before.
Mere weeks after she won her first BRIT Award – and midway through touring “High Expectations” – the world stopped: and for Mabel, a rare moment to pause and process an astonishing few years in the public eye came with it. At the beginning of the pandemic Mabel moved back in with her parents, threw herself into dance classes, and channeled everything she missed (close friends, the big night out, young love, feeling unafraid) into this brand new musical chapter. Within, songs distil the sweaty, grotty and frankly unglamorous side of noughties club land – as lost to the pandemic – alongside deeper cultural influences for Mabel: “Let Them Know”, for instance, was inspired by obsessively re-watching “Paris Is Burning,” “Pose” and “Drag Race,” while reflecting on dance music’s generational ethos of expression, liberation and inclusion.
While “Let Them Know” sounds, inadvertently, like the world opening up again, its unapologetic spirit is ultimately dedicated to anyone who’s ever felt less than. For herself as much as her legion of young fans, in 2021 it is time – finally – to “Let Them Know” that you’re that bitch.
“A warrior queen” – The Guardian
“Mabel is ushering in a new age of independent women in R&B” – The FADER
“Unflinchingly honest, earnestly positive, and resolutely single-minded” – Vogue
AREA15, the art and entertainment district located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, announces new and ongoing events and entertainment taking place this month.
AREA15 is open to the public at 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Mondays, 12 p.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Admission to AREA15 is free and will be limited to guests ages 21 and older after 10 p.m. every day.
“Vaccines After Dark” Vaccination Site
Date: Monday, June 14
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free. All visitors who receive a shot will be given complimentary ice cream from Emack & Bolio’s.
Description: In partnership with Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones and Touro University, AREA15 will host “Vaccines After Dark” – a COVID-19 vaccination site for Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. The event is offered for first and second dose vaccinations and will take place outdoors in the shade, located in AREA15’s outdoor venue, A-Lot. Guests are also encouraged to stay late for Industry Night and enjoy 25 percent off experiences and activations after 10 p.m. Those who plan to stay after receiving their vaccines can enjoy Industry Night entertainment at Oddwood featuring DJs GRECO, GMBT and 530 beginning at 10 p.m. Must present a valid Nevada I.D. to receive the discount. After 10 p.m. AREA15 is 21 years or older only.
Cost: General admission for ages 21+ are $15; General admission for ages 18-20 are $20. Click here to purchase tickets.
Description: Part of AREA15’s “A Series”, 4B and Disco Fries will perform live in the 32,000-square-foot, outdoor A-Lot. All shows are 18 years or older, with an outdoor beer garden open for guests ages 21 years and older.
About 4B: At 24 years old, DJ and producer Bobby McKeon, known as “4B”, has already spent 11 years relentlessly pursuing his sound and vision. During this period, he’s garnered significant support from industry heavyweights such as Skrillex, Diplo, Tiesto and DJ Snake.
About Disco Fries: Disco Fries, comprising Nick Ditri and Danny Boselovic, have become a staple in modern dance music by walking the sonic tightrope between mainstream and club-stream. Their music has been championed by some of the biggest names in dance: from artists such as Kaskade, Diplo, Steve Aoki and Hardwell to popular media outlets such as Billboard, MTV, Rolling Stone and Dancing Astronaut.
Father’s Day Whiskey Crawl
Date: Sunday, June 20
Time: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Cost: $32
Description: Treat Dad to a drink – or three – throughout AREA15. Guests can enjoy Toki Japanese Whisky at Oddwood, Jim Beam at The Beast by Todd English and Makers Mark outside in AREA15’s new Art Garden. For more information and tickets visit here.
Cost: General admission for ages 21+ is $20; General admission for ages 18-20 is $25. Click here to purchase tickets.
Description: Part of AREA15’s “A Series”, Morgan Page will perform live in the 32,000-square-foot, outdoor A-Lot. All shows are 18 years or older, with an outdoor beer garden open for guests ages 21 years and older.
About Morgan Page: Morgan Wolf Page is an American DJ and music producer. Page has received two Grammy Award nominations: a personal nomination for best remix with Nadia Ali and best remix for “The Longest Road” (deadmau5 Remix) in 2009.
Draganza: A FIERCE VARIETY SHOW
Date: Every Friday night
Time: Shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Doors open an hour before the show begins.
Cost: General admission tickets are $20; V.I.P. Queen Meet and Greet tickets are available $45 which include general admission seating and one photo with one of the Queens performing in the show; VIP table packages are available and require $300 beverage minimum. Click here to purchase tickets.
Description: Draganza is Las Vegas’ newest and fiercest drag variety show featuring the city’s most fabulous queens: Alexis Mateo, Coco Montrese, Kahanna Montrese and special guest Elliott with 2 T’s. Guests can join the queens every Friday in The PORTAL, AREA15’s 360-degree projection-mapped entertainment space, for a night of epic lip syncs, celebrity impersonations, surprise performances, friendly audience competition, drink specials and more. Must be 21 years of age or older. Valid ID required upon check-in.
AREA15 Industry Night
Dates: Every Monday
Time: 10 p.m. to closing
Description: Feel the beats from a variety of DJs on the decks and underneath the glow of Oddwood. Industry locals will enjoy a 25 percent discount on activations, experiences and libations inside AREA15 with a local I.D. every Monday night. Discounts during Industry Night include Wink World: Portals Into The Infinite, Museum Fiasco, Five Iron Golf, Dueling Axes as well as off food and drinks at The Beast by Todd English and Oddwood Bar. More information here. After 10 p.m. AREA15 is 21 years or older only.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Date: Throughout the month of June (dark on Fridays and after 6 p.m. on Saturdays)
Time: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; ticket times are every half hour. Cost:Click here to purchase tickets.
General admission adult tickets are $35; seniors 65 years and older and military are $28; children 12 years and under are $19.
VIP adult tickets are $45; seniors 65 years and older and military are $38; children 12 years and under are $29.
Discounts are available for Nevada residents with valid I.D.
Description:On view through July 30, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a timed experience encompassing 35 minutes and mapped specifically to fit the nearly 7,000-square-foot PORTAL. Guests take an awe-inspiring journey into the incomparable universe of Van Gogh, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. Explore his life, his work, and his secrets as never before through cutting-edge 360-degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind VR experience, and a uniquely atmospheric light and sound show. The exhibition is brought to you by the organizers of a collection of widely successful exhibitions present in cities across Europe, Asia and the Americas. General admission tickets include lounge seating where guests are enveloped in sensational artistry, while VIP tickets will include VR goggles to experience “A Day in the Life of the Artist in Arles, France,” a virtual stroll alongside Van Gogh himself to explore the countryside settings that inspired his artwork.
Starry Light Package: An Immersive Art Ticket Package
Date: Monday through Wednesday in June
Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person (equaling $20 off the full retail price). To book this package, click here.
Description: Enjoy all the art AREA15 has to offer with a bundled ticket package. Guests can experience Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, Wink World: Portals Into The Infinite and Museum Fiasco for one price.
Van Gogh Family Ticket Package:
Cost: $21.25 per person
Description: Includes tickets for two adults and two children ages 12 and under. Family Ticket Packs will be validated upon entry. No substitutions may be made.
Van Gogh Nevada Resident Family Ticket Package:
Cost: $15 per person
Description: Includes tickets for two adults and two children ages 12 and under. Must present a valid Nevada I.D. to receive entry. Family Ticket Packs will be validated upon entry. No substitutions may be made.
Kappa Toys Pop-Up:
Description: New to AREA15 is Kappa Toys. Kappa Toys is a design-minded toy store, with a wide selection of never-before-seen oddities combined with a carefully curated selection of nostalgic classics. This special edition Kappa Toys Glow location is dedicated to illuminated playthings for youngsters and the young at heart, from lava lamps to glow in the dark stars – if it is awesome and glows in the dark you’ll find it here! Visit Kappatoys for additional details.
AREA15 represents a collaborative venture between real estate development firm Fisher Brothers and creative agency Beneville Studios, both of New York.
Public Health Notice
AREA15 and all its experiences follow the latest recommendations of leading health experts and government authorities, including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AREA15 will no longer require face masks to be worn by guests who are fully vaccinated. For guests that are not fully vaccinated, AREA15 strongly encourages that masks continue to be worn. AREA15 employees will still be required to wear masks until further notice.
Six Cities Will Join AIDS Walks Across America For “AIDS Walk: Live at Home”, A Blockbuster Television and Streaming Event, May 16
We are excited to share that AIDS Walk: Live at Home will be returning on May 16 for it’s annual blockbuster event. As the world’s largest and most visible HIV/AIDS fundraising event raising over $155 million in its 35 years – the 2021 virtual event will continue to fundraise for vital services for people most vulnerable to HIV and COVID-19. This year marks the largest event yet with six cities including New York, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Austin, New Orleans and Seattle all participating.
GMHC of New York, NY, and Vivent Health of Milwaukee, WI, announced that they will be collaborating with Austin, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Seattle in addition to New York and Milwaukee for this year’s star studded event. The televised and streaming of AIDS Walk: Live at Home, will be bigger than last year’s virtual event, with the culmination of the fundraising efforts of six AIDS Walk events which encompass all corners of the nation. Funds raised will principally benefit GMHC, Vivent Health, CrescentCare, AIDS Walk San Francisco Foundation, Lifelong, as well as supporting dozens of other AIDS organizations.
“As we mark the fortieth year of AIDS in America, we are inspired by the coming together of AIDS Walks from all across the United States. The local community partners and I are so very excited to continue to work alongside these outstanding participating organizations. Together, we will continue to fight as one for an end to the AIDS epidemic,” said Craig R. Miller, the founder of the original AIDS Walks in the US, on behalf of the groups benefiting from this year’s event.
AIDS Walk: Live at Home will also feature performances and appearances by a select list of talent, who themselves have a history of association with HIV/AIDS charities, including: Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winning trailblazer, Billy Porter; Tony and Grammy Award winning actress Heather Headley; Oscar, Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winning legend, Rita Moreno; actor, singer, writer, producer, director and activist Tony Goldwyn; singer and actress Liz Callaway; actor and singer Alex Newell; Golden Globe and Oscar nominated, choreographer and community activist Rosie Perez; actor, designer and host Carson Kressley; actor, author and activist George Takei; and the stars from the Emmy award winning “RuPaul’s Drag Race”.
With live segments planned, including “Viewing Parties” from New York’s iconic Central Park Boathouse and the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, AIDS Walk: Live at Home will be broadcast on ABC7/KGO-TV in the Bay Area and streamed live on CBSN and AIDSWalk.net.
“AIDS Walk: Live at Home will reflect the strength and individual character of all six landmark events and the communities that embrace them year after year,” said Kelsey Louie, CEO of GMHC, Isaac Rodriguez of the AIDS Walk San Francisco Foundation, and Craig R. Miller, Founder of the AIDS Walks in New York and San Francisco among other cities.
“Vivent Health is pleased to join with the nation’s most visible HIV/AIDS fundraising events,” said Michael Gifford, President and CEO at Vivent Health. “Through partnership with AIDS Walk Wisconsin and AIDS Walk Austin – both part of the Vivent Health family – we will connect with other cities in our shared goal to end HIV/AIDS.”
“In Washington State and around the country, we continue to see Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities disproportionately impacted by new HIV cases,” said Claire Neal, Lifelong CEO. “We are excited to work hand-in-hand with like-minded organizations throughout the nation collaborating on AIDS Walk: Live at Home.”
“This is a brilliant opportunity for us to participate in a wide-scale effort that brings attention to the HIV crisis that still looms in this country,” said Noel Twilbeck, CEO of CrescentCare in New Orleans. “Together, our voices will be heard as one. HIV eradication is within our grasp.”
“As our nation’s only federally-designated memorial to AIDS and as stewards of the AIDS Quilt, we are honored to host this virtual Live at Home event in our beloved National AIDS Memorial Grove with the backdrop of Quilt displays to serve as inspiration and hope to all the walkers and their sponsors.” said John Cunningham, the Memorial’s Executive Director.
“The AIDS Walk events in each of the participating cities have their own unique characteristics. But the clients we serve all face very similar challenges. It makes sense for us to come together as one community and to unite some of the nation’s most powerful and effective AIDS fundraisers from all regions of the country.” said Louie.
“In doing this work, we have been brought together by one pandemic even as we continue to fight another. The public’s recent revelations about racism, bias and hate in America are in fact at the heart of what AIDS Walks have been working to expose, confront and change for decades.” said Miller. “We have long stood, walked and marched to oppose the racist, sexist, homophobic and transphobic disparities that persist in America and throughout our healthcare and criminal justice systems. Protecting people who have been singled out, harassed, scapegoated and underserved is what we do. It is our legacy and it remains our commitment.”
This month, AREA15, the immersive art and entertainment district located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, invites guests to enjoy an array of brand-new events, promotions and experiences.
EVENTS: Fridays in February – “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Viewing Party Hosted by Elliott with 2 T’s:
Every Friday evening, AREA15 invites guests to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Viewing Party hosted by Season 13 contestant Elliott with 2 T’s. Visitors can expect to view “Drag Race” like never before inside The Portal, AREA15’s 360-degree, projection-mapped room. VIP tables are available to reserve ahead of time, and require a $300 food and beverage minimum. Other tables are first come, first serve, and require a two drink purchase minimum per person. Guests must be 21 years or older to enter. Reservations can be made here.
Daily in February and March – ElectroRoll and ElectroRoll Disco: AREA15’s “ElectroRoll” features a pop-up, retro, glow-in-the dark roller skating rink located outside in AREA15’s open-air A-Lot. Suitable for all ages, guests can dip, spin and skate to the music, purchase specialty cocktails or enjoy food served rink-side from The Beast by Todd English. Each ticket includes entry to AREA15 and skate rentals in sizes for all ages. Monday through Friday, for every adult ticket purchased, one child, 12 and under, skates free. Featured themed nights such as Sunday Onesie skate parties and Throwback Thursdays highlight a variety of musical genres and will be held each week.
“ElectroRoll” is open now through March 28. Hours are Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for each 30-minute session are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and under and $13 for seniors ages 65 years and older. Purchase tickets here.
On Friday and Saturday nights now through March 28, guests can skate to 1970s and ‘80s disco-inspired hits with “ElectroRoll-Disco” available for ages 21 years and older. “ElectroRoll-Disco” tickets will include one free drink ticket, a sanitized silent disco headset and an extended skate session of 90 minutes. Entertainment by skate tricksters will also enliven the party. “ElectroRoll-Disco” takes place in two sessions on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets for each 90-minute “ElectroRoll-Disco” experience are $30 per person. Purchase tickets here.
PROMOTIONS: Brainfreeze: Guests who spend $10 or more at Emack & Bolios will receive one complimentary session at Brainstorm.
BirdBrain: For the price of a single ticket, guests receive unlimited experiences at three distinctive VR attractions: Birdly, Brainstorm and Oz Ride. The BirdBrain special is available Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $24 for children ages 12 and under.
Act’v Love: On Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb.12 – 14, couples are invited to experience an action-packed activation bundle for two. To purchase Act’v Love packages, click here.
Act’v Love “Package #1” is available for $80 per couple ($20 savings) and includes two tickets to Haley’s Comet as well as the VR attractions: Birdly, Brainstorm and Oz Experience.
Act’v Love “Package #2” is available for $140 per couple ($36 savings) and includes two tickets to Haley’s Comet, “Wink World: Portals Into The Infinite” and Oz Experience as well as unlimited access to Birdly and Brainstorm.
ElectroRoll + Gallerie 360 Bundle: Guests are invited to skate, rock and immerse themselves in an audio and visual experience featuring world-renowned digital artists inside The Portal, AREA15’s 360-degree, 3D projection mapped room. Tickets for the ElectroRoll + Gallerie 360 bundle are $30 per adult and $15 for children 12 and under.
NEW IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES OPENING IN FEBRUARY: Gallerie 360: “Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun” – A new 360-degree immersive audio and visual experience inside AREA15’s Portal, is a mesmerizing first-person journey of being on the deck of a spaceship and traveling to the center of the sun. Set to a soundtrack inspired by one of the most influential psych-rock bands in history, the program is narrated by Alan Watts, the acclaimed British “entertainment philosopher,” and fueled by a dynamic electronica-driven soundtrack. Tickets to the 25-minute show can be purchased here and include one complimentary cocktail.
The Beast by Todd English: TheBeast by Todd English is now open. Even the pickiest eater will find something mouthwatering within the fiery walls of The Beast. Renowned chef, restaurateur and four-time James Beard Award winner, Todd English presents this curated map of flavors to guests inside the world of AREA15. The Beast’s menu is available for delivery to other AREA15 experiences, including Emporium Arcade Bar, Five Iron Golf and Dueling Axes.
Emporium Arcade Bar: Spanning two floors and 10,000 square feet inside AREA15, the new immersive Emporium Arcade Bar + event venue features all types of games, including Killer Queen, pool tables, Skee-Ball, foosball, basketball and dozens of classic arcade games, as well as a curated craft beer and cocktail bar, amazing murals covering every surface created by 11 local artists, live shows and more. Las Vegas is its sixth location, joining its venues in Chicago, San Francisco and Oakland, California.
Five Iron Golf: Also, now open is Five Iron Golf, an urban indoor golf experience blending golf and entertainment with a community-focused mission to make the game for everyone. Featuring industry-leading golf technology and equipment, teaching professionals, a full bar and event space, guests can reserve a simulator by the half hour, compete in tournaments and leagues, host events and book private or group golf lessons.
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart: The Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company Meow Wolf will unlock the doors to Omega Mart on Thursday, Feb. 18. The one-of-a-kind supermarket store experience and portal to the otherworldly will anchor AREA15. With elevated narrative and tech elements, Omega Mart is the work of hundreds of creatives on staff and more than 50 collaborating visual and musical artists from all over the world. For more information and tickets, visit their website.
AREA15 represents a collaborative venture between real estate development firm Fisher Brothers and creative agency Beneville Studios, both of New York.
PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE
AREA15 and all its experiences follow the latest recommendations of leading health experts and government authorities, including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And true to the insatiable hunger for all things inventive and groundbreaking, AREA15 uses cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology to help implement these recommendations, including an AI-driven thermal scanning platform that screens temperature accurately and non-invasively, detects the absence of a mask, and alerts staff when social distancing thresholds are not being met.
