 Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Moderators, Registered Joined: 18/02/2011(UTC) Posts: 28,583   Location: In between the couch cushions Thanks: 12032 times
Was thanked: 20896 time(s) in 8281 post(s)
|
 One of the leading acts of the last year and an anticipated performer tonight, Mercedes hits the carpet in a chic, high-glamour, all black ensemble. Her dress is given a dramatic flare with feathered arms and chest, while also boasting a glitzy collar around the neckline. She teamed her look with a pair of statement bejewelled heels, while accessorising with a pair of diamond hoop earrings and a selection of rings. The songstress has swept her platinum locks back into a half up half down do, but left some of the wavy strands to frame her heavily made up face.Mercedes, you're looking absolutely heavenly tonight. Talk us through the inspiration and design of the dress!"I had a vision in my head of what I wanted but when I was looking through archives and talking to designers, I just realised it'd be best to design and make it myself. I enlisted the help or arthritic elderly French dressmakers. Even though they developed arthritis during the process, they said it was well worth it."You're taking to the stage tonight for the first time in over 10 years. How are you feeling about that? How are the nerves?"It's all one big adrenaline rush. The nerves, the excitement, the anticipation. I'm channelling that into the performance. I'm really eager to get back out there. I feel like a lion just ready to burst out of its cage and back into the wild. Rehearsals have been so much fun and I'm gearing up to hit the road with Ryan soon so I'm in full performance mode right now."On top of your performance, you have been put forward for numerous awards; Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Collaboration of the Year. All of that in your comeback year after being away for so long. How does that make you feel?"It makes me feel truly blessed, darling heart. The nominations alone are rewarding enough. After everything that it took to get to where I am today, just being able to release music freely, all these things like the chart positions, the nominations, being asked to perform, it's the cherry on top. Such a rewarding payoff after all the grinding behind the scenes. I want to thank everyone who has supported and rooted for me along the way. If I come away with any awards tonight, I'll be sure to dedicate them to my people."You'll be performing with Riley later tonight and its your collaboration that is up for two awards. You are to internet's favourite duo at the moment. What has it been like sharing this experience with him?"Oh he is just the sweetest soul. I don't think I'd be here today in the midst of this campaign if it wasn't for him. You know, he really inspired me during a writing session and it was from then on and that everything just sort of fell into place. A real ripple effect. He's been such a rock throughout the whole thing and such a laugh as well! It hasn't felt like work at all. It's just been like a non-stop blast with your best mate and earning money from it, haha! Can't wait to take the stage with him."Is there anyone else you're rooting for and eager to see tonight?"Our good friend and new label mate Jack is up for a few awards and taking to the stage. He's such a gem. Hope tonight is a great success for the doll. Ryan, obviously. Such an icon and I can't believe my name is being mentioned in the same sentences as him. Atomic War Bride and Mariko have been put forward for awards as well. My heart would be so full if they swept some up. Also eager to see Face2Face on stage. I love a girl group."
 The man of the moment Riley Hamilton makes his appearance on the red carpet ahead of his first ever solo performance outside of Weekend. Looking as handsome as ever, the dapper singer wears a bespoke three-piece Hugo Boss suit, a company which Hamilton has a long-term affiliation and partnership with. His classic look is complete with a black-tipped white dress shirt. A chunky Boss watch adds finishing touches, also drawing attention to the dramatic tattoo art on the singer's hands.Riley, you're looking stunning tonight! Who is it that you're wearing?"Aw, thank you, love! Yeah, this is from the good folk over at Hugo Boss. I've done some modelling for a few of their campaigns and they've been really good to me over the years. Any time I'm in need of some sprucing up, they're my first call. Not going to lie, the shoes are killing me though. Why do we never learn? A bunch of us are all walking about in new shoes that aren't broken in yet. I can see all the gritted teeth. Madness!"How does it feel to not only be nominated for your own work but also to be taking to the stage for the first time without the Weekend boys by your side?"It's squeaky bum time as I so classily call it, haha! I'm really taken aback by how well our little song has done. I wasn't even meant to be on it in the first place! I was just helping Mercedes out in a writing session and here we are! It's mad but it's humbling too. Really honoured to be nominated and that it has been so well received. As for the performance, I know we're going to have a lot of fun. We always bounce off each other really well and the track is really energetic. Hopefully we'll see everyone on their feet."We were speaking to Mercedes earlier who was singing your praises. She said that all this hasn't felt like work with you by her side. What's been your experience on working with Mercedes on this music campaign?"Aw, she's such a sweetheart. Yeah, she hit the nail on the head. It hasn't felt clinic or procedural or owt like that at all. Had some laugh doing all this together. It's all just fell into place really naturally and again, I need to thank her for even wanting me to do this track with her. Was never my intention to do anything like this and because of her belief in me, I'm getting to experience a whole new side of things. It's been quite the whirlwind and to bring it to the UMA is the cherry on top."There are a host of stars all up for awards and taking to the stage tonight. Who else are you rooting for and excited to see?"Obviously my boy Jack who is now with us at Pesky. That lad is such a talent. I can't wait to see him on that stage and I'm sure he'll sweep up a bunch of awards. Another one of our acts, The Jollies are in for a big night too. They've got a big comeback performance ahead of them tonight. They always bring such great energy to everything they're involved in so I'm sure they'll smash it. My mate Elyar is up for a bunch of awards too. It's going to be a really exciting night for all involved!"Finally, will we be seeing any more solo work coming our way in 2026?"Oooh, you know all of us have always got pots and pans on the boil. I think my biggest focus this year will be with Weekend and all the big changes happening at Pesky. We're making huge moves with a lot more to come throughout the year. Like I said, I wasn't meant to be doing anything on my own. It was Mercedes who convinced me to jump on it but now that I know people are wanting to hear some stuff from little old me, who knows? Watch this space, eh?!"
 Despite having a relatively quiet 2025 in terms of solo output, Billy still arrives in support of his band mate and good friend Riley Hamilton. The star adorns a Valentino black suit with the quote "WE ARE SO OLD, WE HAVE BECOME YOUNG AGAIN" boldly printed on the jacket in white font. His look is completed with a thin black tie and a white shirt, and a pair of polished black shoes. The pop star's body art is still somewhat visible on his hands and his neck.Billy! Thank you for stopping. You are looking as handsome as ever. Who are you wearing can you talk us through your outfit a little?"No problem. Yeah, this is from Valentino. I'd love to say that it is bespoke and custom made especially for me but it's from one of his collections. I just thought it was really cool and makes a bit of a statement without being too out there, you know? Plus my family are always relieved to see I'm on camera while fully clothed."And on your jacket, there's quite a big slogan emblazoned on it. What's the meaning behind that?"Yeah, "We are so old, we have become young again". In all honesty, I didn't think too much about it when I first saw it. I just really liked the piece but I guess it does apply to me, and the boys, in where we are in live now. We're in our 30's and learned a lot, and survived a bunch of crap, over the last decade in a bit. We can take from that, put stuff to bed and just enjoy a new lease of life. A fun new chapter."You're obviously here to support Riley with his performance and nominations. You've spent a lot of time being the one up on the stage and now it's his turn. What are your thoughts on that role reversal?"It feels amazing, I can't lie. I'm probably more excited for him than I ever have been for any of my solo stuff. He's such a talent and a wonderful guy. Anything good that comes his way, it's totally deserved and I'm happy to play a part in supporting him. I'm glad that more and more people are recognising him for his talent and for just what a great bloke he is. Very proud."Is there anyone else you're here rooting for and looking forward to seeing perform tonight?"Well, the whole Pesky family, really. Nobody can win everything so I'm sure there will be a few disappointments here and there but I'm still championing all of our acts. Performance wise, again our folk are going to kill it. Also looking to see Milian on stage. I know she's got the moves. The main man Jadyn is up for a bunch of awards. He's been killing it lately and it wouldn't surprise me if he swept up a few big titles. My mate Jack is in the same boat too. Fun times ahead, for sure."Finally, 2025 was a quiet year for you in terms of solo music. Do you have anything up your sleeve for 2026? Will we be seeing you on stage at the nextUMA?"Haha, well just have to wait and see! I've got a bunch of stuff just simmering away. Timing, though. Timing is absolutely everything."
 Andrea decided to channel a rock 'n' roll aesthetic on the carpet as skipped a gown in favour of a Celine look featuring a black leather jacket zipped up over a crisp white shirt and decorated with an oversized brooch. On the bottom, she wore pleated pants and accessorized with black leather gloves, black sunglasses and black pointed-toe pumps.Andrea, you're looking fabulous tonight. Very rocker-chic. What was the inspiration behind the look tonight?"I always wanna do something different. I've done the skimpy ensembles, the big hair, the lavish gowns. I thought why not serve lesbian biker gang leader chic? Something different, you know? Plus it's February and freezing out so any excuse to wear a jacket. It's fashion but practical too, boo!"You have been put forward for Album of the Year with "Southern Belle". How does that feel after the battle to release it for so long?"It's the icing on the cake, hunny. I feel like this is the true full circle moment and the closure that album campaign needed for like 10 damn years! I doubt it'll win. It's an old album, really, come on! But yeah, the nomination is sweet enough. Feeling very fulfilled."You're also up for Best Female Artist and also Song of the Year with "WET AMERICAN DREAM". Do you still get nervous or feel a sense of rivalry after all these years?"Again, I'm just excited and grateful to be nominated, hunny! This damn industry really puts you through it. My limbs are stuck on with duct tape. These shades aren't a fashion statement, they're covering black eyes! Many people here know the feeling of being beat up by the game but we're all still here and that's what I'm celebrating most. Survival, baby!"Who are you most excited to see perform tonight?"I mean, my sweetheart Riley and the ultimate diva Mercedes. Come on! Couldn't be happier for them and their success. King Ryan Ross Hernandez is taking the stage too. Who wouldn't be excited for that? I don't think there will be a dry eye or seat in the house, baby!"And before you go, can you tell us what else you may have in store for us in 2026?"Oooooh y'all want an exclusive? Well, I've decided what my next single is gonna be. It'll be out real soon and it may feature someone very special!" |
WEEKEND: BILLY • DUSTYN • OSCAR • RILEY • SCOTT
THE STAT NERDS: BRIAN • CHRISTOPHER
THE ZONE: BLAKE • CHRIS • JASON • LIAM
JOSHUA GRIMMIE • LINCOLN • LAYLA • MERCEDES • MICHELLE GREEN
ANDREA • DENEIL • CHICAGO NOBODY • DANSE • ELLIE-GRACE SUMMERS
REUBEN • VICTORIA BLACK • MICAH DELISLE • BLOOM • KHALIL
JAMIE JACKSON • BEAR • PARKER
CHART HEAT • PESKY • HEART&SLEEVE
|
 5 users thanked BrownSugar for this useful post.
|
|
