Latest news with #TheTemptations
Washington Post
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Sly Stone taught pop stars how to dress wild
In 1968, the Temptations were still performing in matching suits and the Beatles had just shed their pin-neat tailoring for the whimsical trappings of Carnaby Street. That same year, Sly Stone and his newly formed band, multiracial and mixed gender, posed in outfits as wild as those groups' seemed scripted: hippies and dandies and bohemians in peacock prints, optimistically borrowing garments and accessories from the Middle East and South Asia. Even amid this style splendor, Stone stood out: In the middle, he was stoic as a toreador prefight, his chest bare beneath an embroidered vest and a pile of chains. On his legs was a pair of breeches over knee-high socks and gladiator sandals. In one look, he combined ancient Roman battle gear, the snobbery of equestrianism, a then-trendy fervor for Indian styles and a prescient taste for hip-hop's gold chain obsession — a seemingly nonsensical mix that altogether, with Stone's prodigious touch, just worked. Stone dressed the way he made music. He grabbed at influences but understood them intuitively, never superficially, which allowed him to create songs — and outfits — that were so original that they made you feel good before you even understood what was happening to you. Jimi Hendrix shared and almost certainly influenced Stone's flamboyance, wearing large hats and decorating his bare chest with a long scarf and jewels. But if Hendrix was soft and romantic, with his tie-dyes and bell-bottom jeans, Stone was more mercurial, integrating glam, Edwardian melodrama and African diasporic styles into his foundation of funk. He wore his big sunglasses not, as Greta Garbo did, to shield, but to invite your gaze. Stone wanted your ears and your eyes. For a 1969 television performance, he dressed in a satin ocher blouse with a Draculoid collar, tying up the front to expose his chest and fabulous abs, seducing the audience at the piano with 'Hot Fun in the Summertime.' A few minutes later, he stood up for 'I Want to Take You Higher,' revealing that the shirt's bishop sleeves were festooned with lengthy black fringe that shimmied as he punched his arms through the air like a preacher sermonizing. We may not have seen that live fusion between clothing and music — not a marriage of music and aesthetic, as David Bowie pioneered, but a synergy between a song's message and a shirt's purpose — again until Beyoncé stepped onstage during her Renaissance tour in 2023, razzing her audience with mirrored alien wear as she wiggled between those robot arms. Before Stone, you could either assuage your audience with clothes — as many of Motown's acts did, as Black artists who sought to appeal to White audiences — or scare them, as Hendrix did with his ripped jeans, or Janis Joplin with her unkempt hair. Stone sketched out a third possibility: Your clothes could open up your music. His band was not focused on looking 'cohesive' visually; rather, its members' disparate and sometimes clashing ensembles emphasized their universe of inspirations. His own ensembles had the same smooth tension. The hippie style that Stone took to an intergalactic other place was about rebellion: that you could reject the values of your parents, of the clean-cut establishment, by wearing your jeans frayed, by not buying new things but patching or mending what was old, by wearing clothes from another time to show you longed for a simpler (if imagined) past. Stone's style was about freedom — the freedom to mix pieces from different centuries and cultures that seem to have little in common and to make them work, even sizzle. He could put on a rastacap and a black fringe suede suit and it just made sense. When he walked onstage in the mid-1970s, wearing a purple sequin jacket with orange flames and a silver sequin baker boy cap and little silver pants — well, that was wilder than anything the Sex Pistols or the New York Dolls were wearing at that time. Ripped jeans and safety-pinned T-shirts are nice poetry, but they don't require the courage that Stone's clothes did. A male rock star in women's clothes is often a gimmick. A male rock star in clothes that seem to defy the orders of mens- and womenswear but are undeniably sexy? That's bold. The door Stone karate-kicked open would shape the looks of some of the biggest pop stars of the late 20th century and early 21st. There was Prince and his feminized, feline sex appeal, then Rick James in his total commitment to exuberance. Then Beyoncé, of course, who, like Stone, is less interested in flouting her connections to designers or trends and instead committed to wearing clothes than enhance the experience of seeing her onstage. Perhaps the musicians most influenced by Stone are Andre 3000 and Big Boi, formerly of Outkast, who started off weird — Andre wore a lace-up skirt and T-shirt, and Big Boi a snakeskin short suit, to the Source Awards in 1999 — and then just kept getting freakier even as they became household names. As he moved beyond his musical prime in the 1960s and '70s and struggled with addiction, he remained glamorous. He wore furs and metallic jeans, Dior sunglasses and a big belt spelling out 'SLY' in silver studs. In 2010, he played Coachella, dressed in a police officer's uniform and a blond wig. It was weird, but it was like nothing else. Unlike Hendrix or Gram Parsons, who worked with Michael & Toni and Nudie Cohn, respectively, to create their custom pieces, Stone was never associated with a particular designer or store. Nor did he think about clothes the way Bowie or Madonna did — as tools to help create an era or mood that would mark a new stylistic experimentation. For Stone, dressing was something deeper than a designer or an exercise. He didn't just play with style. He lived it.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jamal Roberts? Here's all you need to know about the 'American Idol' 2025 winner who created history
Jamal Roberts , who is a 27-year old physical education teacher from Mississippi created history as he won the American Idol. He is the first black man to win this prestigious reality show in the last 22 years. Here's all you need to know about him after his inspiring win - from his journey to early life and his family. Jamal's historic win! Jamal won the 'American Idol' title on May 18, 2025. The first black male winner was Ruben Studdard in 2003. Jamal defeated many other talented finalists like John Foster and Breanna Nix. His win felt personal to the audience who connected deeply with him due to his background and humble beginnings. His musical journey Jamal's musical journey began on a religious note which also is a testament to the strong roots of his music. He began singing at a church. His grandparents were influential in his inclination towards music - one of them was a bishop and another a deacon. He started singing in the choir and performed covers of artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson . He said in an interview, "I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents discovered my voice, and I've been singing ever since.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 자신이 전략의 달인이라고 생각하시나요? 레이드 섀도우 레전드 무료 체험 Undo Pursuing music while being a physical education teacher Before gaining nationwide recognition, Jamal spent his days as a physical education instructor at Crestwood Elementary School. Even with the demands of a full-time teaching job, he remained deeply committed to his musical dreams. His pivotal moment arrived during his American Idol audition, where he captivated judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a moving version of Rick James' "Mary Jane." That standout performance marked the beginning of his remarkable run on the show, where he continually impressed with emotionally charged and vocally dynamic renditions. Family life Jamal is a married man and his wife likes to maintain a very private profile. They have three daughters - Harmoni (6), Lyrik (4), and Gianna Grace ( who was born just days before his Top 8 performance on American Idol in April 2025).
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jamal Roberts? Meet the 2025 American Idol winner, know about his family, and inspiring journey
Jamal Roberts In a moment that will be remembered in the annals of American Idol history, Jamal Roberts , a 27-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first black man to win the prestigious reality singing competition in 22 years. His victory in the 23rd season of American Idol, secured with a staggering 26 million votes, marks a significant cultural moment, following in the footsteps of Ruben Studdard, who claimed the title back in 2003. This historic achievement not only highlights Roberts' exceptional vocal talent but also reflects the diverse and evolving landscape of the American music industry. Here's a detailed look at his journey, early life, family, and the inspiring road that led him to this remarkable win. Jamal Roberts' historic win on American Idol 2025 Jamal Roberts made history on May 18, 2025, when he clinched the American Idol title, becoming the first black male winner since Ruben Studdard's victory in 2003. His powerful performances throughout the season resonated with millions of viewers, who were captivated by his soulful voice and emotional depth. The Mississippi native defeated talented finalists John Foster and Breanna Nix to claim the coveted title, a feat made even more remarkable by his ability to connect deeply with the audience despite his humble background. Jamal Roberts' early life and musical beginnings Jamal Roberts was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, where he developed a deep passion for music from an early age. Growing up in a tight-knit family with strong religious roots, Jamal's musical journey began in church. His grandparents played a significant role in nurturing his talent, with one being a bishop and the other a deacon. He started singing in the church choir as a toddler, performing hymns and classic covers by iconic artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson. In a 2025 interview with Billboard, Roberts recalled, 'I started singing at the age of two. My grandparents discovered my voice, and I've been singing ever since.' Jamal Roberts: The teacher who sang his way to fame Before rising to national prominence, Jamal worked as a physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary School. Despite his full-time teaching role, he never let go of his musical aspirations. His breakthrough moment came during his audition for American Idol, where he impressed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a soulful rendition of Rick James' "Mary Jane." This performance set the tone for his inspiring journey on the show, where he consistently delivered powerful performances that showcased his vocal range and emotional depth. Jamal Roberts' personal life Away from the spotlight, Jamal is a devoted family man. He is married to a woman who maintains a private profile, and together they have three daughters – Harmoni (6), Lyrik (4), and Gianna Grace, who was born in April 2025, just days before his Top 8 performance on American Idol. Despite his growing fame, Jamal remains deeply committed to his family, often sharing heartfelt posts about his children on social media. Impact and future prospects Jamal's victory on American Idol marks a significant cultural moment, inspiring aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams. His journey from a small-town teacher to a nationally recognized artist stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and raw talent. As he steps into the next phase of his career, Jamal aims to continue making music that resonates with audiences worldwide, potentially redefining mainstream soul and R&B in the years to come.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jamal Roberts Crowned Winner of American Idol 2025 in Record-Breaking Finale
The American Idol Season 23 finale delivered an emotional and star-studded night as Jamal Roberts , a 27-year-old father of three from Meridian, Mississippi, was officially crowned the winner . Competing against John Foster and Breanna Nix, who placed second and third respectively, Jamal sealed his victory with a powerful performance of 'Her Heart' by Anthony Hamilton. Host Ryan Seacrest described the outcome as the result of the 'biggest finale vote in show history,' with fans having less than three hours to cast their votes during the live event. The finalists began the night with a group performance of Queen's 'We Are the Champions', joined by the show's Top 14 contestants, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. Ahead of the finale, all three contestants visited their hometowns, a cherished American Idol tradition. Jamal's segment featured him singing 'Just My Imagination' by The Temptations, accompanied by touching clips from his visit home, where he expressed his hope to bring 'love, peace, and unity' to his community. Jamal, a physical education teacher by profession, now embarks on a promising musical journey. As per Newsweek, the American Idol winner receives a record deal with Hollywood Records , along with a $125,000 advance and an additional $100,000 upon completing an album, totaling $250,000. He will also be provided with a recording budget of up to $300,000, which serves as an advance recouped from future earnings. From his soulful voice to his heartfelt story, Jamal Roberts captured America's hearts—earning not just a title, but the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable musical career.
Mint
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
American Idol finale 2025: Who is the winner - Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, John Foster?
Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old dad of three, was crowned this year's American Idol. He competed against John Foster and Breanna Nix for the title, who placed second and third. Jamal sang 'Her Heart' by Anthony Hamilton to mark his win. The top 3 singers at the 23rd season of the show had less than three hours to earn viewers' votes during the star-studded finale. Jamal won following what was the 'biggest finale vote in show history', said the singing competition's host, Ryan Seacrest. Before tonight's finale, the contestants had returned to their hometowns for special visits, a tradition that adds a personal touch to the final stretch. Jamal, a resident was Meridian, Mississippi, told producers that his goal is to 'bring love and peace and unity' to his city. A physical education teacher by profession, he sang a rendition of 'Just My Imagination' by The Temptations with clips of his visit back home in the background. According to a Newsweek report from last year, the winner gets a record contract with Hollywood Records. Jamal will, therefore, receive $125,000 and an additional $100,000 after he completes an entire album, for a total of $250,000. Newsweek also said that the American Idol winner has a budget of as much as $300,000 to record that album, which is given as an advance that they will have to pay back against future earnings. The finalists performed their final along with group performances with the show's Top 14 contestants for a dazzling finale. They kicked off the live show singing Queen's 'We Are the Champions' together. The top 3 contestants also had the opportunity to perform with superstar guests like Brandon Lake, Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jennifer Holliday, Jessica Simpson, Josh Groban, Kirk Franklin, Myles Smith, Patti LaBelle, and Salt-N-Pepa. In addition, the judges themselves—Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie—will step out from behind the panel and onto the stage for special performances. Tune in to the Season 23 finale on ABC or stream it the next day on Hulu. American Idol will return for Season 24 on ABC.
