Will Smith brought flames and faith to the BET Awards stage on Sunday.

Smith returns to his musical origins with the release of his new single, “You Can Make It.” In the gospel-inspired tune, Smith, accompanied by Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir, raps about perseverance.

Will Smith | CNN Image

Will Smith Debuts New Song In Fiery Performance At The BET Awards

“The darker the hell you gotta endure / The brighter the heaven you get to enjoy / The harder the fall, the higher you soar,” Smith rapped as spectacular fire engulfed the stage. His words, a testament to his resilience, echoed through the audience, inspiring them. “God opens a window when the devil closes the door / Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith / In the rearview, I see adversity was the gift / To lift me higher gifts requires faith.”

Smith’s performance at the BET Awards follows his surprising Coachella cameo in April when he appeared during J Balvin’s set for a boisterous rendition of his track “Men In Black,” which was first released in conjunction with his smash 1997 film of the same name.

The “Independence Day” star’s new song is his first solo material in nearly five years, a fact that has his fans buzzing with excitement. It marks his first significant release since 2005’s “Lost and Found” album, making it a highly anticipated event in the music world.

Smith has recently collaborated with other musicians, such as Bad Bunny and Marc Anthony. In 2017, he released the EDM single “Get Lit” and the track “Light ‘Em Up” with Sean Paul, which are on the soundtrack for his upcoming film, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”

Will Smith | EW Image

Will Smith Debuts New Song In Fiery Performance At The BET Awards

Smith is a four-time Grammy winner for rap performance, both solo and as part of a duo/group. His first win came in 1988 for the song “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” which he performed with DJ Jazzy Jeff as the Fresh Prince.

The pair also won for their 1992 single “Summertime.” Smith won back-to-back Grammys for rap performance in 1998 with “Men In Black,” followed by “Gettin’ Jiggy with It” the following year.

SOURCE – CNN

Willie Nelson is set to resume his tour soon after canceling several shows due to “doctor’s orders.”

Nelson, who turned 91 in April, could not return to the stage on Wednesday night.

Willie Nelson | CNN Image

Willie Nelson Cancels Recent Performances Due To Illness

“Willie Nelson will not be performing at tonight’s show in Virginia Beach,” a posting on Nelson’s social media pages stated. “We expect Willie to return to the tour shortly.”

Nelson postponed his Outlaw Music Festival Tour dates last week due to sickness. His management said in a statement, “We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and has been advised by doctors to rest for the next four days.” He is expected to recuperate quickly and rejoin the tour next week.

Willie Nelson | Country Living Image

Willie Nelson Cancels Recent Performances Due To Illness

Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, together with his band, all performed as planned.

Nelson’s next tour stop is in New York on Friday and Saturday.

Nelson released “The Border” in May and was featured on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album.

Willie Nelson | ABC News Image

Willie Nelson Cancels Recent Performances Due To Illness

He was honored in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year and has played alongside Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton, and Dave Matthews.

SOURCE – (CNN)

Cyndi Lauper is still going strong.

The singer and songwriter has a new documentary, is headlining the Royal Albert Hall in the UK this week, will perform at Glastonbury, and will embark on a farewell tour later this year.

Cyndi Lauper | CNN Image

Cyndi Lauper Never Wanted To Be Pitted Against Madonna

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Lauper discussed her route to success and some of the hurdles she has overcome along the way. Her advisors first tried to position her as the next Barbra Streisand.

“Look, you already had a Streisand,” Lauper remembered telling them.

Next, she claimed that they pitted her against Madonna because the two women rose to prominence around the same time.

“As if there could only be one successful lady. “What the hell is that about?” Lauper informed the publication. “That woman has entertained us for years. She’s written excellent pop songs. I want to be competitive, but not against other women. “I’m not into that.”

Lauper claimed her primary goal was the art hence she battled with management.

“It may have been easier for a while, but I wanted to learn.” And, honestly, I’ve always wanted to be a great artist,” she explains.

Lauper’s debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” featured big successes such as “Time After Time,” “She Bop,” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” which she claimed she rewrote lyrically to be more political and “champion female joy.”

Executives labeled it “disposable.”

“It didn’t matter about the suits,” she remarked. “So long as you can get by the gatekeepers, you’re OK.”

In 2022, Lauper founded the Girls Want to Have Fundamental Rights group to advocate for women’s rights and healthcare access.

“We do not have autonomy,” Lauper stated. “We pay the same taxes as any man, but that guy has autonomy while we don’t.” How does that sit with you? How does it feel to have the government in control of your body? It doesn’t feel nice to me. I want to be free and have the same civil liberties as everyone else in my country, and then we can achieve equality. If we aren’t equal, then none of us are because things can always turn against you.”

Cyndi Lauper is still going strong.

Cyndi Lauper | EW Image

Cyndi Lauper Never Wanted To Be Pitted Against Madonna

The singer and songwriter has a new documentary, is headlining the Royal Albert Hall in the UK this week, will perform at Glastonbury, and will embark on a farewell tour later this year.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Lauper discussed her route to success and some of the hurdles she has overcome along the way. Her advisors first tried to position her as the next Barbra Streisand.

“Look, you already had a Streisand,” Lauper remembered telling them.

Next, she claimed that they pitted her against Madonna because the two women rose to prominence around the same time.

“As if there could only be one successful lady. “What the hell is that about?” Lauper informed the publication. “That woman has entertained us for years. She’s written excellent pop songs. I want to be competitive, but not against other women. “I’m not into that.”

Lauper claimed her primary goal was the art hence she battled with management.

“It may have been easier for a while, but I wanted to learn.” And, honestly, I’ve always wanted to be a great artist,” she explains.

lauper

Cyndi Lauper Never Wanted To Be Pitted Against Madonna

Lauper’s debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” featured big successes such as “Time After Time,” “She Bop,” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” which she claimed she rewrote lyrically to be more political and “champion female joy.”

Executives labeled it “disposable.”

“It didn’t matter about the suits,” she remarked. “So long as you can get by the gatekeepers, you’re OK.”

In 2022, Lauper founded the Girls Want to Have Fundamental Rights group to advocate for women’s rights and healthcare access.

“We do not have autonomy,” Lauper stated. “We pay the same taxes as any man, but that guy has autonomy while we don’t.” How does that sit with you? How does it feel to have the government in control of your body? It doesn’t feel nice to me. I want to be free and have the same civil liberties as everyone else in my country, and then we can achieve equality. If we aren’t equal, then none of us are because things can always turn against you.”

SOURCE – (CNN)