JamesG
04-17-2019, 02:16 PM
Khalid
by Alicia Keys, Grammy Winning Musician
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32688451707_801c8d89f9.jpg
I was first introduced to Khalid through his 2016 debut single, 'Location'. It kept showing up in my life, and I thought, “This song is so good — so understandable, emotional and soulful. Who is this?”
Khalid is totally unique. He’s a beautiful writer with the ability to take human concepts and make you understand and feel them. He has a full, powerful voice that is somehow unassuming and smooth at the same time. He’s accessible — almost like you’ve met somebody like him before, although there’s nobody else like him. He has his own style, and I think we’re all hungry for individuality right now.
I love that his first album didn’t have any features. It’s a beautiful, powerful statement: “Here I am. This is me.” I’m excited that he is so clear about who he is right now, and I hope he continues to trust that instinct. He has a beautiful journey ahead of him, and I hope he accomplishes things he can’t even imagine yet.
BTS
by Halsey, Grammy Nominated Singer and Songwriter
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33753636558_f5485eab89.jpg
How exactly does one accomplish world domination? Surely it takes remarkable talent, charm, kindness, altruism and dedication. But you’d still be missing a key component: a devoted community to uplift your efforts, soften your stumbles and shoot light from their eyes into the sky in your name every single night.
By these parameters, BTS has reached the top. Over the past few years, the K-pop group has taken the music industry by storm — shattering sales records, gathering accolades and performing across the globe for head-spinning audiences — all the while remaining exemplary ambassadors for their Korean culture.
But behind those three letters are seven astounding young men who believe that music is stronger than the barriers of language. It’s a universal dialect.
With positive messages of self-confidence, intricacies of philosophy hidden in their sparkly songs, true synergy and brotherhood in every step of their elaborate choreography, and countless charitable and anthropological endeavors, BTS have put their 14 best feet forward as role models to millions of adoring fans and anyone else who finds themselves drawn to BTS’s undeniable allure.
I have known “the boys” — as I and other fans affectionately call them—for years and had the pleasure of traveling to Korea to hang with them on multiple occasions. Outwardly, they are polished and professional, but hours of laughter, secret handshakes and gifts exchanged show those around them that underneath this showstopping, neatly groomed movement are just some guys who love music, one another and their fans.
For BTS, world domination is just another 8-count in the contemporary dance of life. But if you think that’s easy, you haven’t seen the love and effort these young men put into each and every step.
Ariana Grande
by Troye Sivan, Award Winning Singer and Songwriter
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32688477727_b95bbc6eba.jpg
Through just about the craziest storms and whirlwinds I can imagine, Ariana Grande remains the most real person I’ve met. I’ve always thought the world is privy to actual, genuine emotion — be it heartbreak, empathy, generosity, resilience, strength—and I believe that’s exactly why the world keeps falling deeper in love with Ariana.
Wearing her heart on her sleeve and in her work, she oozes those emotions in abundance. Armed with a full comprehension of how the world consumes music today, she is an industry game changer. Having released not one but two critically acclaimed, record-breaking albums just a few months apart—the latter, 'Thank U, Next', was written in just a few weeks — Ari is breaking the rules and is a force who understands how music should work in 2019.
Her love of her fans and of music guide her every move. But my favorite moments with Ari are the quieter ones. When I, like so many, have been inspired by that resilience, love, care and heart in someone I’m lucky to call my friend.
Now she’s the biggest artist in the world, and that’s kind of a no-brainer to me. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Ozuna
by Daddy Yankee, Grammy Nominated Musician
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33753665848_e509780021.jpg
I still clearly remember the chamaquito who came to my recording studio to ask me to be on a remix to his song 'No Quiere Enamorarse'. His name was Ozuna, and what got my attention was his tenacity, his sublime and unique voice, and his drive. He was fearless to ask a superstar to be part of his record. He gave me this vibe — I saw a reflection of myself in my beginnings. I could see he had the power to become a star.
Since then, Ozuna has experienced a lot of success, most recently with his hit album Aura and single 'Baila Baila Baila'. And I’m proud of what he has become. Imagine a shoeshine boy all grown up. That is Ozuna. He shows kids that anything is possible — that you can become a global star if you work hard enough.
He is a great competitor, a good friend, and he never hesitates to give back to his community. And even though he has broken records, he has the spirit to be bigger.
Taylor Swift
by Shawn Mendes, Grammy Nominated Musician
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47578206372_43805f71e4.jpg
I’ve been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until I met and got to know her that I understood how wonderful a person she truly is.
Taylor makes the job of creating music for millions of people look easy. It all comes from her—her belief in magic and love, and her ability to be as honest and raw as possible. She’s the master of putting the perfect amount of thought into not overthinking, and that’s why her music connects so well.
I was so lucky to be able to open for a handful of her stadium shows on the 1989 World Tour. And I quickly learned that the magic of Taylor Swift doesn’t come from the lights, dancers or fireworks (although all of that is incredible) but from the electrifying connection that she has with the people who are there to see her.
There’s an overwhelming feeling in the air. The feeling of your heart racing in your chest with *excitement — so much so that by the time you get to 'Love Story', all you want to do is pick up your phone and text every person you know to say how much you love them. The feeling is so thick, you feel like you could reach out and grab it to keep forever.
Taylor makes anyone older feel young again and anyone young feel they can do anything. It’s so rare and so special. If there is one thing I want to achieve in my career and life, it’s that.
Lady Gaga
by Celine Dion, Grammy Winning Singer
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46715454055_cdea1bc6f5.jpg
I love Lady Gaga, and I think she’s got one of the greatest voices in the world: powerful, convincing, passionate and sensitive.
She’s definitely one of the most inventive artists we’ve ever seen. Her artistic expression has no rules, no boundaries. When she first came on the scene with her outrageous style, she didn’t care what the critics said. She marched to the beat of her own drum, knowing that her message of individuality was a way to express her inner strength.
What makes her even more special, and such a powerful influence on society, is that she empowers her fans to adopt the very same values in their lives — to stand up for what they believe in, despite what others might think. By doing so, she gives her followers the strength and confidence to believe in themselves. Whether it’s her unstoppable support for the LGBTQ community, or her anti-bullying campaigning, Lady Gaga’s voice is being heard where it really counts.
Yes, she’s an amazing musician, composer, performer and, as we saw in A Star is Born, an incredible actress, but her legacy reaches well beyond show business. She will continue to inspire love and freedom around the world, for generations to come.
http://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/
by Alicia Keys, Grammy Winning Musician
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32688451707_801c8d89f9.jpg
I was first introduced to Khalid through his 2016 debut single, 'Location'. It kept showing up in my life, and I thought, “This song is so good — so understandable, emotional and soulful. Who is this?”
Khalid is totally unique. He’s a beautiful writer with the ability to take human concepts and make you understand and feel them. He has a full, powerful voice that is somehow unassuming and smooth at the same time. He’s accessible — almost like you’ve met somebody like him before, although there’s nobody else like him. He has his own style, and I think we’re all hungry for individuality right now.
I love that his first album didn’t have any features. It’s a beautiful, powerful statement: “Here I am. This is me.” I’m excited that he is so clear about who he is right now, and I hope he continues to trust that instinct. He has a beautiful journey ahead of him, and I hope he accomplishes things he can’t even imagine yet.
BTS
by Halsey, Grammy Nominated Singer and Songwriter
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33753636558_f5485eab89.jpg
How exactly does one accomplish world domination? Surely it takes remarkable talent, charm, kindness, altruism and dedication. But you’d still be missing a key component: a devoted community to uplift your efforts, soften your stumbles and shoot light from their eyes into the sky in your name every single night.
By these parameters, BTS has reached the top. Over the past few years, the K-pop group has taken the music industry by storm — shattering sales records, gathering accolades and performing across the globe for head-spinning audiences — all the while remaining exemplary ambassadors for their Korean culture.
But behind those three letters are seven astounding young men who believe that music is stronger than the barriers of language. It’s a universal dialect.
With positive messages of self-confidence, intricacies of philosophy hidden in their sparkly songs, true synergy and brotherhood in every step of their elaborate choreography, and countless charitable and anthropological endeavors, BTS have put their 14 best feet forward as role models to millions of adoring fans and anyone else who finds themselves drawn to BTS’s undeniable allure.
I have known “the boys” — as I and other fans affectionately call them—for years and had the pleasure of traveling to Korea to hang with them on multiple occasions. Outwardly, they are polished and professional, but hours of laughter, secret handshakes and gifts exchanged show those around them that underneath this showstopping, neatly groomed movement are just some guys who love music, one another and their fans.
For BTS, world domination is just another 8-count in the contemporary dance of life. But if you think that’s easy, you haven’t seen the love and effort these young men put into each and every step.
Ariana Grande
by Troye Sivan, Award Winning Singer and Songwriter
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32688477727_b95bbc6eba.jpg
Through just about the craziest storms and whirlwinds I can imagine, Ariana Grande remains the most real person I’ve met. I’ve always thought the world is privy to actual, genuine emotion — be it heartbreak, empathy, generosity, resilience, strength—and I believe that’s exactly why the world keeps falling deeper in love with Ariana.
Wearing her heart on her sleeve and in her work, she oozes those emotions in abundance. Armed with a full comprehension of how the world consumes music today, she is an industry game changer. Having released not one but two critically acclaimed, record-breaking albums just a few months apart—the latter, 'Thank U, Next', was written in just a few weeks — Ari is breaking the rules and is a force who understands how music should work in 2019.
Her love of her fans and of music guide her every move. But my favorite moments with Ari are the quieter ones. When I, like so many, have been inspired by that resilience, love, care and heart in someone I’m lucky to call my friend.
Now she’s the biggest artist in the world, and that’s kind of a no-brainer to me. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Ozuna
by Daddy Yankee, Grammy Nominated Musician
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33753665848_e509780021.jpg
I still clearly remember the chamaquito who came to my recording studio to ask me to be on a remix to his song 'No Quiere Enamorarse'. His name was Ozuna, and what got my attention was his tenacity, his sublime and unique voice, and his drive. He was fearless to ask a superstar to be part of his record. He gave me this vibe — I saw a reflection of myself in my beginnings. I could see he had the power to become a star.
Since then, Ozuna has experienced a lot of success, most recently with his hit album Aura and single 'Baila Baila Baila'. And I’m proud of what he has become. Imagine a shoeshine boy all grown up. That is Ozuna. He shows kids that anything is possible — that you can become a global star if you work hard enough.
He is a great competitor, a good friend, and he never hesitates to give back to his community. And even though he has broken records, he has the spirit to be bigger.
Taylor Swift
by Shawn Mendes, Grammy Nominated Musician
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47578206372_43805f71e4.jpg
I’ve been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until I met and got to know her that I understood how wonderful a person she truly is.
Taylor makes the job of creating music for millions of people look easy. It all comes from her—her belief in magic and love, and her ability to be as honest and raw as possible. She’s the master of putting the perfect amount of thought into not overthinking, and that’s why her music connects so well.
I was so lucky to be able to open for a handful of her stadium shows on the 1989 World Tour. And I quickly learned that the magic of Taylor Swift doesn’t come from the lights, dancers or fireworks (although all of that is incredible) but from the electrifying connection that she has with the people who are there to see her.
There’s an overwhelming feeling in the air. The feeling of your heart racing in your chest with *excitement — so much so that by the time you get to 'Love Story', all you want to do is pick up your phone and text every person you know to say how much you love them. The feeling is so thick, you feel like you could reach out and grab it to keep forever.
Taylor makes anyone older feel young again and anyone young feel they can do anything. It’s so rare and so special. If there is one thing I want to achieve in my career and life, it’s that.
Lady Gaga
by Celine Dion, Grammy Winning Singer
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46715454055_cdea1bc6f5.jpg
I love Lady Gaga, and I think she’s got one of the greatest voices in the world: powerful, convincing, passionate and sensitive.
She’s definitely one of the most inventive artists we’ve ever seen. Her artistic expression has no rules, no boundaries. When she first came on the scene with her outrageous style, she didn’t care what the critics said. She marched to the beat of her own drum, knowing that her message of individuality was a way to express her inner strength.
What makes her even more special, and such a powerful influence on society, is that she empowers her fans to adopt the very same values in their lives — to stand up for what they believe in, despite what others might think. By doing so, she gives her followers the strength and confidence to believe in themselves. Whether it’s her unstoppable support for the LGBTQ community, or her anti-bullying campaigning, Lady Gaga’s voice is being heard where it really counts.
Yes, she’s an amazing musician, composer, performer and, as we saw in A Star is Born, an incredible actress, but her legacy reaches well beyond show business. She will continue to inspire love and freedom around the world, for generations to come.
http://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/