Billie Eilish (Part 3)
Billie Eilish (Part 3)
On January 14, 2020, Billie Eilish made headlines as she was announced as the performer of the title track for the 25th installment in the iconic James Bond film franchise, "No Time to Die." This marked a significant milestone in her career as she became the youngest artist ever to write and perform a James Bond theme song, a remarkable achievement that further solidified her status as a musical prodigy.
The title track for "No Time to Die," which Eilish wrote and produced alongside her brother, garnered widespread acclaim and commercial success. It soared to the top of the British official charts, making it the second Bond theme song to achieve this feat and the first Bond theme performed by a female artist to reach number one. Additionally, it marked Eilish's first number-one single in the UK, further cementing her status as a chart-topping sensation.
Eilish's extraordinary talent and impact on the music industry were further recognized at the 62nd Grammy Awards, where she made history by becoming the youngest person ever to win the four main Grammy categories – Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year – all in the same year. This remarkable feat underscored her exceptional artistry and profound influence on contemporary music.
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eilish remained actively engaged in philanthropic efforts and virtual performances aimed at raising awareness and funds to combat the disease. She and her brother participated in iHeart Media's Living Room Concert for America and Global Citizen's Together at Home concert series, delivering heartfelt performances and covers to support the fight against the pandemic.
Continuing to captivate audiences with her music, Eilish released "My Future" in July 2020, her first original release since "No Time to Die." The accompanying animated video further showcased her artistic vision and creative prowess, earning acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Eilish's influence extended beyond music as she ventured into the world of fashion and merchandise collaborations. In September 2020, she released a collection of branded ukuleles in partnership with guitar manufacturer Fender, showcasing her multifaceted talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
With numerous accolades, chart-topping hits, and philanthropic endeavors under her belt, Billie Eilish continued to solidify her status as one of the most influential and acclaimed artists of her generation, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her future musical projects and endeavors.
In January 2021, Billie Eilish collaborated with Rosalía on the single "Lo Vas a Olvidar," featured on HBO's Euphoria soundtrack. This release came almost two years after the song was initially teased, delighting fans with its atmospheric and haunting sound. Additionally, the R. J. Cutler-directed documentary film "Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry" premiered on Apple TV+ and in select theaters, offering viewers an intimate and candid look into Eilish's personal life and rise to fame. The documentary received praise from both critics and fans for its insightful portrayal of the artist's journey.
At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, held in March 2021, Eilish secured two wins: the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media for her Bond theme, and the prestigious Grammy Award for Record of the Year for "Everything I Wanted." During her acceptance speech for Record of the Year, Eilish graciously acknowledged Megan Thee Stallion, expressing that she believed Megan deserved the win while still thanking her fans and her brother for their support.
Later in 2021, Eilish expanded her artistic endeavors with the publication of her personally curated book of photographs, titled "By - Billie Eilish." This comprehensive collection offered fans a unique glimpse into her life both on and off the stage, providing an intimate perspective on her journey as an artist.
April 27, 2021, marked a significant announcement from Eilish, as she revealed the release date of her highly anticipated second album, "Happier Than Ever," set to be released on July 30. Leading up to the album's release, Eilish unveiled five singles: "My Future," "Therefore I Am," "Your Power," "Lost Cause," and "NDA," generating excitement and anticipation among fans. The album's launch was accompanied by various formats, including collectible vinyl and cassette colors, showcasing Eilish's commitment to delivering unique and immersive musical experiences.
Throughout 2021, Eilish faced criticism and controversy, particularly regarding videos in which she mouthed the anti-Asian slur "chink" while lip-syncing to a song by Tyler, the Creator. She addressed these incidents with a public apology on Instagram stories, expressing her remorse and acknowledging her ignorance at the time. Despite these challenges, Eilish remained resilient and reflective, using her platform to address important issues and advocate for growth and understanding.
In December 2021, Billie Eilish began brainstorming ideas for songs for her third studio album in collaboration with her brother Finneas. In a July 2022 interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, she expressed her intention to commence writing the album in 2023, indicating her ongoing creative process and dedication to her music.
During 2022, Eilish achieved significant milestones in her career. She won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "No Time to Die," becoming the first individual born in the 21st century to receive this prestigious accolade. Additionally, she made history as the youngest headliner for both the Glastonbury and Coachella festivals, solidifying her status as a powerhouse performer on the global stage.
Eilish and Finneas also contributed to the soundtrack of the Pixar film "Turning Red," writing three songs performed by the film's fictional boy band 4*Town, further showcasing their versatility and talent as songwriters.
In June 2022, during a tour stop in Manchester, Eilish debuted the unreleased ballad "TV," which addresses the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a landmark case on abortion rights in the United States. The following month, she surprised fans with the release of the two-track EP "Guitar Songs," featuring "TV" and "The 30th." Eilish explained her decision to release the EP spontaneously, emphasizing the urgency and relevance of the songs' messages.
Eilish also collaborated with Apple Music to exclusively host a concert film of one of her Happier Than Ever tour performances, allowing fans to experience the showmanship and energy of her live performances.
Furthermore, Eilish expanded her artistic endeavors by making her acting debut in Amazon Prime Video's "Swarm," portraying the character Eva, the leader of a cult inspired by NXIVM. Her performance received positive reviews, showcasing her versatility and talent across different creative mediums.
References
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- ^ "Billie Eilish finds out she was conceived via IVF during Howard Stern interview". AOL. October 2, 2019. Archived from the original on June 14, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
- ^ Vanderberg, Madison (February 26, 2020). "From her real name to her natural hair color, here are answers to 13 questions you have about Billie Eilish". Insider. Archived from the original on February 23, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
- ^ "Get to Know: Billie Eilish". MTV UK. Archived from the original on May 16, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
- a b Trammell, Kendell (April 10, 2019). "This 17-year-old is the first artist born in the 2000s to have a No. 1 album". CNN. Archived from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
- a b c d Collins, Petra (July 31, 2019). "Billie Eilish And the Triumph of the Weird". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
- a b Gonzales, Erics (October 19, 2017). "Billie Eilish Is a 15-Year-Old Pop Prodigy—And She's Intimidating as Hell". Harper's Bazaar. Archived from the original on March 5, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2020.