July 11, 2025 • 18 mins
Rita Ora joins us to discuss her new single, "Heat"! Plus, we remember her dear friend Liam Payne and talks behind her experience as his friend.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
The Mercedes Benz Interview Lounge. We love it when Rita
Ara stops by. She's a good friend of the show.
She's got a list of things going on that's so
long she can't keep up with it. Ask her when
she comes in and ask her what she's doing. Well,
I'll ask her, We'll ask her, how are you doing?
She won't have an answer.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
There she is.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
I herew that.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
You smell wonderful. Yeah, I feel like I'm literally here
promoting something every.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Other day because you have a list of a thousand
things to promote.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
So I just want to say thank you for having
me back all the time when I come to New York.
It just doesn't make sense if I don't see you
and everybody, so thank you.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Ever I catch you in New York City and you
don't come to see us, it's over, actually immediate.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Beef, I know, right, but it's the only sort of
thing I really genuinely look forward to. It doesn't feel
like work.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
So well, hold on, what about tonight? You're doing the
big Wimbledon on the Hill.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Wimbledon on the Hill is sounds like a really exciting movie,
doesn't it like a horror movie?
Speaker 1 (01:06):
It does dombled tonight.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Yeah, I'm actually doing a complimentary performance.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Sorry wait, hold on, what does that mean you're not
getting paid? Wait no, no, no, my girl doesn't work
for free.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
But free is cheap and tawdry. That's why you said
it's another word for free.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Actually, rena means it's it's totally free to get in.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
It is, but it's it's alongside American Express. You understand
the complimentary word. But it's definitely a fun show. We're
on at nine pm. I think it's going to beautiful
under the Brooklyn Bridge. It's going to be stunning, and
then for the whole weekend everybody can come down and
watch the tennis if you're a tennis fan. So it's
gonna be a great, great day.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
This is the fourth time they've done this. By the way,
did you know.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
That when I do things, pretend like it's the first,
it's the first and only time.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
That's tonight, by the way, Yes, it's a freek Brooklyn concert.
Wimbledon's the Hill in New York Returns. It's happening at that.
Oh it's Brooklyn Bridge Park as you described. Yes, so
it's tonight. Okay, so let's check off the list of
things that reader's doing. Elvis, great, I do, I do, No,
I don't.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
That is a good answer. I do.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
My hair is falling out, my tits or sag and
it's not good. You'll be here one day, okay, so
let's talk about let's go backward a month to the
beginning of June. Oh my gosh, Yes, when you released Heat,
the song we're about to play in a few moments.
You actually released this on the same day you did
World Pride.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
If I recall, because I do everything for the guys.
So basically the story of my life is if there's
a Pride, I'll be there. And I just thought it
would make complete sense to put out my new single,
which is part of a bigger project album also coming
out later on. I would say in not this, I
can't say exactly when, but it's coming.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Okay, So I stopped there. We're up to three projects.
We're doing the concert, we're doing Heat, the single, and
then the new single into the new albums. We're up
to three.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Okay, just wait because there's more. So yeah, No, the
single was a good time to put out because it
was drawing a heat wave, which was really convenient, and
it was just a feeler to really connect people to
the energy of the album. And this next single, it's
definitely very sort of different for me, and I'm really
excited for it to come out.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Okay, is it a ballad?
Speaker 2 (03:26):
No? Actually it's more of a waltz. No. No, but
that kind of feels like the right tempo. Actually, Okay,
if you can kind of imagine a poppy.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Version of I'm ready for it.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
But it's really interesting and I hope that people really
see a different side of me. But I'm very looking
forward to this record.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
Actually, the thing I love about Heat, it's about your
heat is on me. Yeah, Okay, I started thinking about
all the other things that you could put on someone.
I could put my heat on you. Some people put
their stink on you. Yeah, you know, I've got a grip.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Bad juju, Yeah, bad Joe. We don't like bad juju.
But this song is sits strictly about sweat and sunlight
and a golden sort of cover all over your body.
And the album isn't all based off summer, but I
just felt like Heat and it coming out in the
summer made complete sense. And it's very sexy.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
Okay, And choice of Vonn had something to.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Do and choice ofvonn Co wrote this with Leland and
he's a great friend of mine, and I just really
was inspired by their energy of feeling super unapologetic about
their sexuality and I love that and what it means
to exist like as a pop star now in my
kind of mid thirties, and how I have grown and matured,
have been doing this now for over a decade, and
(04:40):
there's not a lot of artists that can say they've
had many life times in a career, especially nowadays, and
so I just feel so lucky, grateful, but also really
proud that I get to still be here and do
what I do.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
And we're so grateful to be able to have a
fifty yard line seat to watch you do that. And
so that's why if you ever come to New York
and you don't come see us, find you, I.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
Know, but I actually think you are a big part
of my journey, you know, a big part of my growth, Yeah,
as a person as an artist, helping me get out there,
especially here in America. And I don't forget those things,
and I just don't think I over will so.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
So sweet and I know you're doing a million things,
and I have seen you in a hundred different stories
right now, great ones and so many that I'm like,
I need to ask her about that when she comes in. Specifically,
I don't even know where to start because I know three.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
There are three I want to do.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
But you said something that I think a lot of
people would be so jealous of that. Beyonce was once
your protector because there was a rumor when that Lemonade
album came out.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
I know that you were Becky with the good hair.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
I mean a lot of other people, well, I think named.
Speaker 4 (05:47):
You can ask me, I would know, Okay.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Like I said when I mentioned it previously with a
friend of mine, I was doing a podcast. It's definitely
the first time I felt like, oh, okay, this is
what it feels like to be like a famous person
under some real heavy light, you know. But I was protected,
as I said, but previously by Beyonce, and I think
that it just it's really interesting. That was the first
time I experienced something that crazy, for sure, and on.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
A massive level.
Speaker 4 (06:14):
Because those Beehive people, they will come to stay with
no knowledge.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
But it was always love and they brought me into
the game. You know, they really found me when I
was eighteen and I love them forever as family, and
you know, they always check on me.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Never messed with the high people. But I have.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
A can I answer Descendants question? Or please?
Speaker 3 (06:35):
I know you have another movie on the way.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Has your life changed it all with.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Maybe the younger generation since you've been the Queen of
Hearts and Descendants?
Speaker 2 (06:42):
I have five year old fans. It's amazing. Like I
go to restaurants and these kids run up to me
and they're like off with his head that yeah, no,
it's so completely fun. I mean, it's really changed. And
again that's kind of what makes me want to do
music still because it's almost like I'm reintroducing myself now
to a whole new fan base, you know, And I think,
like I want to give people inspiration that you have
(07:04):
lots of different lives that you can live in a
creative entertainment industry. You just have to be willing to
like put yourself out there and to do this like
villainy role. It wasn't on my cards, but when I
got offered and I just thought, why wouldn't I do this?
I love Rubul's drag Race. It's all the inspiration behind
the Queen of Hearts. For me, it was all based
off drag and that incredible kind of drama that comes
with the show, and I took so much inspiration. It
(07:27):
was a great challenge to do something different.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
It's about moments as well. You can create reader as
you so well do. You can create the vibe of
feelings showing your pride for a group of people, and
it makes people think about the whole global aspect of it.
But the moment when that little five year old sees
you as the Queen of Hearts, there's that moment they'll
never forget for the rest of their lives. Now, when
you go out on the stage at World Pride, there's
that moment when you walked out on the stage. Everyone
(07:50):
watching that was like, that's that moment, those little blips
in time that are so important forevermore.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
And that day I did Washington, it was a Washington
World Pride. The music cut out, it overheated, all the machinery,
it was like completely everything just died and I just
sang it all a capilla and you know what, they
showed up for me and everybody was like cheering me on,
And it was actually that it turned out for the
best and I'm really happy I was able to sing
it live because the mic is always on.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
Honey, I want to move to this for a second.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Wait, New Descendants is coming out. Just okay, we've done that.
Now Cale's is coming out.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Do you have a date?
Speaker 2 (08:28):
How do you even keep dates straight?
Speaker 4 (08:33):
Disney?
Speaker 2 (08:33):
It's a very lick lipped down machine. So we'll see. Well,
they'll announce it soon. I'm sure.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
An interesting moment is occurring probably very soon on Netflix
with Building the Band, with Liam Payne in that as
as a as a guest judge. I believe we're a consultant.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
About that show. Actually they asked me to.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
Do it, you know what. And but seeing Liam again,
I know so many of Liam's fans are so excited
to see him on this show. It's going to you
very surreal. Have you? Are you gonna think about watching
it or seeing what it's all about? Will watch it?
Speaker 2 (09:05):
That's a really great friend of mine. I still sort
of sort of feel him anyway, So it's fine. I mean,
I have the last song that I think we did
together as a duo, and I sing it all the time,
and it just feels like he's just right there. And
we always do like a cute little moment of the
photo of him, and it feels fantastic to just feel
(09:26):
like he's still around through music like that. That's why
music is so powerful, Like it really does bring back
a person a memory of feeling. I don't know, And
so yeah, I have this incredible memory with him with
for you, our song together, and yeah, I'll always have that.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
Let's go ahead.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
So the first one premiered this week. Oh, I haven't
seen it yet, and Nicole Suerzinger was talking about being
there with him, and she said his whole his family
was there with him. So it was like the most
surreal thing. Like after the fact, she on the show too.
I think she is on definitely they watch it.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
Sorry, I haven't seen it.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
They asked the family's permission to actually show it because
they wanted to make sure they were okay well.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
To have him sure.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Yeah, well after you pass to make sure, they went
ahead with showing it.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
So yeah, And I think what's great about this, it's
a very positive piece of positive energy is what are
we doing, each and every one of us, What are
we doing in our lives as we affect other lives?
So if and when a refrigerator falls out a window,
it takes us out. We're still We're still there, you know,
you know what, vibrations will still be here after we're gone.
(10:27):
And I think that's what well every morning reader, when
you wake up, it's like what am I going to
do today to to be here forever?
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Right? But also just to make a memory for yourself. Absolutely,
It's also kind of like you don't want to over
exhaust your limits and you know you are enough, and
I think at some point you need to just make
sure you make yourself happy whatever that means, you know,
even if it's just getting up and getting out of bit,
or if it's like going for a walk and feeling
the air and all of that. You know. So definitely
(10:56):
I'm more of a spiritual and I believe in you know,
faith and all of that, and so I I have
my own conversations at times, and I love them, like
you know, with my friends and my people in.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
My brain, I have those two. Sometimes sometimes I do
that in front of other people, like yes, easy on
his talking to someone and you know what, and I'll
say this about you when Rita Aora comes in and
does an interview and a conversation with us, When you
leave the room, you're the vibration is still here and there.
There are only a handful of people that we've talked
to in this room that are able to do that.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
So well, your heat is on me, and I'm going
to keep my heat on you.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Have you talk about the legacy you're leaving? I mean,
I know we're talking about about death.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
No, no, no, we're talking also about moments.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
What do you think your legacy will be? It may
be something you really don't predetermined.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
I've always been an open book. I don't know. I
think for me, I can't exactly. I wish it can
be that people feel like I'm their friend, like I've
always been the girl next door. I'm not here to
sort of preach or teach people anyway. I just know
from my own experience, I'm here to listen. I'm a
great listener, great friend, and I'm also I stick up
for the ones that I love. So I hope I
(12:03):
go away with this idea of she was always opinionated,
a confident and supported what she believed in. You know,
I think that's all you can do.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Really well, You're accomplishing this mission already.
Speaker 4 (12:15):
That's exactly the vibe I would get from you because
somebody said, what's your idea of reader, Aura, That's what.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
I would say, Oh, thank you.
Speaker 4 (12:20):
It's true because you have gone through so many things
and you've come out of so many things, whether it
was being in like musical prison for a short amount
of time.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
That's a part of this record. It's so interesting you
said that, I've been going through these sort of promo,
I guess interviews, and I've just been like, look, it
has been tough. Like I've always felt like I've had
to fight a lot of artists I think feel the
same way, but I felt like I always had to
fight for my music or the support that I specifically needed,
or there was a block. I had label problems, issues
(12:47):
and this and that, and you know, I can still
say I'm here, like it's crazy. I've got girls and
artists that came out the same time as me, and
you know, they're not really doing it as much, and
I just am. So it's because I'm a survivor. I've
got crazy work ethic. I'm proud of how hard I work,
like I don't get knocked down easily. And maybe because
I'm Albanian and I know New York.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
Because a lot of them.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
So I saw that you were the one who proposed
to your husband. Oh yeah, And when I tell you,
I love that so much because how many people do
we know who are like, I'm in love, but I'm
just leaning for him to pop the question.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
It's crazy, wait, gonna wait. It just picked up so
much by the way I did this three and a
half years ago. Guys, like the fact that people are
just now talking about it. I'm like, hello, I literally
don't see a big deal or not. I feel like
people think it's so unusual now, but I just feel
like we should make it a more normalized thing. I
don't if you love somebody, whether it's from the male's
(13:43):
perspective or female. I know there's traditions. I did grow
up with morals, et cetera, et cetera, But I do
believe in also trying to make your future reality when
you have the power to do that, right, So I
just didn't think that much about it. So I just
was like, I want to lock him down and let's
just see what he says.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Well, do you think he would have done it it
soon if you hadn't done it.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Then, I mean, he's only human.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
It was coming.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
You know, no, I hope, I hope he wouldn't ask. Yeah,
I kind of didn't think about it. I just knew
I wanted it to happen. And you know, he was like,
what are you doing? Get up?
Speaker 1 (14:18):
Okay was what you're envisioning? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Weird? Get up? Yes, okay, get up?
Speaker 1 (14:24):
What was the same thing with Alex and me? Were
two guys? Okay, Well, traditionally, you know, what do we do?
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Do you?
Speaker 1 (14:30):
You do it? You do it, and it turned into.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
It you both do it at the same time. Did
you give him an engagement gift?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
Because I gave my husband a computer for our engagement
were round in a new computers.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
That's what I got. Practical we still just do my
I would have just wedding gifts. We don't do sort
of the engagement process.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
How are you supposed to That's what I had heard,
that you give an engagement gift because we get the ring.
Well maybe not in your case, because it was.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
I made myself.
Speaker 1 (14:59):
He it's even better.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
But then obviously the wedding he got me an incredible wing.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
So like, these are the good things we talk about
all the time. If you wait for the moment to
be right. You can spend your whole life just waiting
on things and you could die tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
Anything could happen.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
So if you want something to make it happen.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
Yes, And I do think that comes with conversations like
I know some people aren't as confident or you know,
don't believe in themselves that much, but it really is
out of your control. If you can't control it anyway,
then what is the point on dwelling on it?
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Amen? So you're going out to Fire Island this weekend?
Speaker 2 (15:27):
How do you know?
Speaker 1 (15:28):
Don't tell you?
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Is there like a whispering in the Fire Island?
Speaker 1 (15:33):
You're all talking about the busy? Are you going to
cherry go over the pines? Which one are you going to?
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Okay, I don't know, I've never been, but everybody's telling
me to just buckle up.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
I hope you.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Really so much fun?
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Are you performing or just going to performing?
Speaker 2 (15:46):
And I'm going to go and get my best life?
And it's in the afternoon. I love a good day
drinking and then I'm just going to sort of potentially
pass out because I'm awfu on Sunday. So I'm going
to really go for it.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
You're gonna love it. I'm so excited many times.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Really, is it fun?
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Yeah? It is fine from what I recall.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
But everyone tells me it's literally a game changer, so
I'm really.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
Excited it is. It puts a gay in game changer. So, okay,
before you leave, this album is coming out at some
point soon. I'm assuming I tell you everything. What's going on?
You don't have to give us a date. That's cool,
But what's going on in this album? From your point
of view? When we listen to it, we may hear
something totally different, but from your point.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
Of view, you know, when you drink a really cold
drink and you get a brain freeze, it's that. Is that?
Speaker 1 (16:28):
Good?
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (16:28):
And bad, which is what I love.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
I wanted people to feel a little bit uncomfortable. Let's
not use the word bad because that's negative. Just let's
say uncomfortable. I wanted people to feel like, what's you know?
I wanted it to have that feeling of like, what's that? Okay,
I get it? So, you know, I think that there's
an essence of different definitely different production, incredible challenging kind
(16:50):
of vocal ability, Like I'm not sort of blasting as
much vocally, I'm way more talking using my accine. I
feel like I'm whispering in your ear. There's way more
into see. I'm celebrating my sexuality as a woman. I'm
feeling kind of in my body. You know. My last
album called You, and I was really inspired by my relationship.
You know, I got married around that period. Blah blah
blah blah, boring, boring, boring stuff now and I just
(17:12):
wanted to feel really in my skin. And that's what
this album is about.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
It's about that, and it's coming out sometime.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
It will be out probably near the for Sea in future,
because when I do my announcement ever, I guess I'll
be right right here.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
Okay, Okay, I said it tonight.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
I was like, hey, by the way, I'm coming back
because I have an album coming out and I've got
the film coming out. Maybe Descendants will be coming back,
so you know, you'll see me probably in a couple
of weeks.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
Okay, it mame up tomorrow, but tonight is the night.
Of course, it's Wimbledon. H what's the thing called the
hill in New York. It's under the bridge, on the
Brooklyn Bridge, and of course it's complimentary for you.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
Please come down and like if if you have some
time in your evening, come and watch. It's a great show. Buckalo,
we're gonna have some fun. And if you haven't seen
me before, please come and watch.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
It's an experience excellent. We always love when red, always
love
The Mercedes Benz Interview Lounge. We love it when Rita
Ara stops by. She's a good friend of the show.
She's got a list of things going on that's so
long she can't keep up with it. Ask her when
she comes in and ask her what she's doing. Well,
I'll ask her, We'll ask her, how are you doing?
She won't have an answer.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
There she is.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
I herew that.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
You smell wonderful. Yeah, I feel like I'm literally here
promoting something every.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Other day because you have a list of a thousand
things to promote.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
So I just want to say thank you for having
me back all the time when I come to New York.
It just doesn't make sense if I don't see you
and everybody, so thank you.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Ever I catch you in New York City and you
don't come to see us, it's over, actually immediate.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Beef, I know, right, but it's the only sort of
thing I really genuinely look forward to. It doesn't feel
like work.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
So well, hold on, what about tonight? You're doing the
big Wimbledon on the Hill.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Wimbledon on the Hill is sounds like a really exciting movie,
doesn't it like a horror movie?
Speaker 1 (01:06):
It does dombled tonight.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Yeah, I'm actually doing a complimentary performance.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Sorry wait, hold on, what does that mean you're not
getting paid? Wait no, no, no, my girl doesn't work
for free.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
But free is cheap and tawdry. That's why you said
it's another word for free.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Actually, rena means it's it's totally free to get in.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
It is, but it's it's alongside American Express. You understand
the complimentary word. But it's definitely a fun show. We're
on at nine pm. I think it's going to beautiful
under the Brooklyn Bridge. It's going to be stunning, and
then for the whole weekend everybody can come down and
watch the tennis if you're a tennis fan. So it's
gonna be a great, great day.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
This is the fourth time they've done this. By the way,
did you know.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
That when I do things, pretend like it's the first,
it's the first and only time.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
That's tonight, by the way, Yes, it's a freek Brooklyn concert.
Wimbledon's the Hill in New York Returns. It's happening at that.
Oh it's Brooklyn Bridge Park as you described. Yes, so
it's tonight. Okay, so let's check off the list of
things that reader's doing. Elvis, great, I do, I do, No,
I don't.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
That is a good answer. I do.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
My hair is falling out, my tits or sag and
it's not good. You'll be here one day, okay, so
let's talk about let's go backward a month to the
beginning of June. Oh my gosh, Yes, when you released Heat,
the song we're about to play in a few moments.
You actually released this on the same day you did
World Pride.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
If I recall, because I do everything for the guys.
So basically the story of my life is if there's
a Pride, I'll be there. And I just thought it
would make complete sense to put out my new single,
which is part of a bigger project album also coming
out later on. I would say in not this, I
can't say exactly when, but it's coming.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Okay, So I stopped there. We're up to three projects.
We're doing the concert, we're doing Heat, the single, and
then the new single into the new albums. We're up
to three.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Okay, just wait because there's more. So yeah, No, the
single was a good time to put out because it
was drawing a heat wave, which was really convenient, and
it was just a feeler to really connect people to
the energy of the album. And this next single, it's
definitely very sort of different for me, and I'm really
excited for it to come out.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Okay, is it a ballad?
Speaker 2 (03:26):
No? Actually it's more of a waltz. No. No, but
that kind of feels like the right tempo. Actually, Okay,
if you can kind of imagine a poppy.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Version of I'm ready for it.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
But it's really interesting and I hope that people really
see a different side of me. But I'm very looking
forward to this record.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
Actually, the thing I love about Heat, it's about your
heat is on me. Yeah, Okay, I started thinking about
all the other things that you could put on someone.
I could put my heat on you. Some people put
their stink on you. Yeah, you know, I've got a grip.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Bad juju, Yeah, bad Joe. We don't like bad juju.
But this song is sits strictly about sweat and sunlight
and a golden sort of cover all over your body.
And the album isn't all based off summer, but I
just felt like Heat and it coming out in the
summer made complete sense. And it's very sexy.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
Okay, And choice of Vonn had something to.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
Do and choice ofvonn Co wrote this with Leland and
he's a great friend of mine, and I just really
was inspired by their energy of feeling super unapologetic about
their sexuality and I love that and what it means
to exist like as a pop star now in my
kind of mid thirties, and how I have grown and matured,
have been doing this now for over a decade, and
(04:40):
there's not a lot of artists that can say they've
had many life times in a career, especially nowadays, and
so I just feel so lucky, grateful, but also really
proud that I get to still be here and do
what I do.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
And we're so grateful to be able to have a
fifty yard line seat to watch you do that. And
so that's why if you ever come to New York
and you don't come see us, find you, I.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
Know, but I actually think you are a big part
of my journey, you know, a big part of my growth, Yeah,
as a person as an artist, helping me get out there,
especially here in America. And I don't forget those things,
and I just don't think I over will so.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
So sweet and I know you're doing a million things,
and I have seen you in a hundred different stories
right now, great ones and so many that I'm like,
I need to ask her about that when she comes in. Specifically,
I don't even know where to start because I know three.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
There are three I want to do.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
But you said something that I think a lot of
people would be so jealous of that. Beyonce was once
your protector because there was a rumor when that Lemonade
album came out.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
I know that you were Becky with the good hair.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
I mean a lot of other people, well, I think named.
Speaker 4 (05:47):
You can ask me, I would know, Okay.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Like I said when I mentioned it previously with a
friend of mine, I was doing a podcast. It's definitely
the first time I felt like, oh, okay, this is
what it feels like to be like a famous person
under some real heavy light, you know. But I was protected,
as I said, but previously by Beyonce, and I think
that it just it's really interesting. That was the first
time I experienced something that crazy, for sure, and on.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
A massive level.
Speaker 4 (06:14):
Because those Beehive people, they will come to stay with
no knowledge.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
But it was always love and they brought me into
the game. You know, they really found me when I
was eighteen and I love them forever as family, and
you know, they always check on me.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Never messed with the high people. But I have.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
A can I answer Descendants question? Or please?
Speaker 3 (06:35):
I know you have another movie on the way.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Has your life changed it all with.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Maybe the younger generation since you've been the Queen of
Hearts and Descendants?
Speaker 2 (06:42):
I have five year old fans. It's amazing. Like I
go to restaurants and these kids run up to me
and they're like off with his head that yeah, no,
it's so completely fun. I mean, it's really changed. And
again that's kind of what makes me want to do
music still because it's almost like I'm reintroducing myself now
to a whole new fan base, you know, And I think,
like I want to give people inspiration that you have
(07:04):
lots of different lives that you can live in a
creative entertainment industry. You just have to be willing to
like put yourself out there and to do this like
villainy role. It wasn't on my cards, but when I
got offered and I just thought, why wouldn't I do this?
I love Rubul's drag Race. It's all the inspiration behind
the Queen of Hearts. For me, it was all based
off drag and that incredible kind of drama that comes
with the show, and I took so much inspiration. It
(07:27):
was a great challenge to do something different.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
It's about moments as well. You can create reader as
you so well do. You can create the vibe of
feelings showing your pride for a group of people, and
it makes people think about the whole global aspect of it.
But the moment when that little five year old sees
you as the Queen of Hearts, there's that moment they'll
never forget for the rest of their lives. Now, when
you go out on the stage at World Pride, there's
that moment when you walked out on the stage. Everyone
(07:50):
watching that was like, that's that moment, those little blips
in time that are so important forevermore.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
And that day I did Washington, it was a Washington
World Pride. The music cut out, it overheated, all the machinery,
it was like completely everything just died and I just
sang it all a capilla and you know what, they
showed up for me and everybody was like cheering me on,
And it was actually that it turned out for the
best and I'm really happy I was able to sing
it live because the mic is always on.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
Honey, I want to move to this for a second.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Wait, New Descendants is coming out. Just okay, we've done that.
Now Cale's is coming out.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Do you have a date?
Speaker 2 (08:28):
How do you even keep dates straight?
Speaker 4 (08:33):
Disney?
Speaker 2 (08:33):
It's a very lick lipped down machine. So we'll see. Well,
they'll announce it soon. I'm sure.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
An interesting moment is occurring probably very soon on Netflix
with Building the Band, with Liam Payne in that as
as a as a guest judge. I believe we're a consultant.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
About that show. Actually they asked me to.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
Do it, you know what. And but seeing Liam again,
I know so many of Liam's fans are so excited
to see him on this show. It's going to you
very surreal. Have you? Are you gonna think about watching
it or seeing what it's all about? Will watch it?
Speaker 2 (09:05):
That's a really great friend of mine. I still sort
of sort of feel him anyway, So it's fine. I mean,
I have the last song that I think we did
together as a duo, and I sing it all the time,
and it just feels like he's just right there. And
we always do like a cute little moment of the
photo of him, and it feels fantastic to just feel
(09:26):
like he's still around through music like that. That's why
music is so powerful, Like it really does bring back
a person a memory of feeling. I don't know, And
so yeah, I have this incredible memory with him with
for you, our song together, and yeah, I'll always have that.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
Let's go ahead.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
So the first one premiered this week. Oh, I haven't
seen it yet, and Nicole Suerzinger was talking about being
there with him, and she said his whole his family
was there with him. So it was like the most
surreal thing. Like after the fact, she on the show too.
I think she is on definitely they watch it.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
Sorry, I haven't seen it.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
They asked the family's permission to actually show it because
they wanted to make sure they were okay well.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
To have him sure.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Yeah, well after you pass to make sure, they went
ahead with showing it.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
So yeah, And I think what's great about this, it's
a very positive piece of positive energy is what are
we doing, each and every one of us, What are
we doing in our lives as we affect other lives?
So if and when a refrigerator falls out a window,
it takes us out. We're still We're still there, you know,
you know what, vibrations will still be here after we're gone.
(10:27):
And I think that's what well every morning reader, when
you wake up, it's like what am I going to
do today to to be here forever?
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Right? But also just to make a memory for yourself. Absolutely,
It's also kind of like you don't want to over
exhaust your limits and you know you are enough, and
I think at some point you need to just make
sure you make yourself happy whatever that means, you know,
even if it's just getting up and getting out of bit,
or if it's like going for a walk and feeling
the air and all of that. You know. So definitely
(10:56):
I'm more of a spiritual and I believe in you know,
faith and all of that, and so I I have
my own conversations at times, and I love them, like
you know, with my friends and my people in.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
My brain, I have those two. Sometimes sometimes I do
that in front of other people, like yes, easy on
his talking to someone and you know what, and I'll
say this about you when Rita Aora comes in and
does an interview and a conversation with us, When you
leave the room, you're the vibration is still here and there.
There are only a handful of people that we've talked
to in this room that are able to do that.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
So well, your heat is on me, and I'm going
to keep my heat on you.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Have you talk about the legacy you're leaving? I mean,
I know we're talking about about death.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
No, no, no, we're talking also about moments.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
What do you think your legacy will be? It may
be something you really don't predetermined.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
I've always been an open book. I don't know. I
think for me, I can't exactly. I wish it can
be that people feel like I'm their friend, like I've
always been the girl next door. I'm not here to
sort of preach or teach people anyway. I just know
from my own experience, I'm here to listen. I'm a
great listener, great friend, and I'm also I stick up
for the ones that I love. So I hope I
(12:03):
go away with this idea of she was always opinionated,
a confident and supported what she believed in. You know,
I think that's all you can do.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Really well, You're accomplishing this mission already.
Speaker 4 (12:15):
That's exactly the vibe I would get from you because
somebody said, what's your idea of reader, Aura, That's what.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
I would say, Oh, thank you.
Speaker 4 (12:20):
It's true because you have gone through so many things
and you've come out of so many things, whether it
was being in like musical prison for a short amount
of time.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
That's a part of this record. It's so interesting you
said that, I've been going through these sort of promo,
I guess interviews, and I've just been like, look, it
has been tough. Like I've always felt like I've had
to fight a lot of artists I think feel the
same way, but I felt like I always had to
fight for my music or the support that I specifically needed,
or there was a block. I had label problems, issues
(12:47):
and this and that, and you know, I can still
say I'm here, like it's crazy. I've got girls and
artists that came out the same time as me, and
you know, they're not really doing it as much, and
I just am. So it's because I'm a survivor. I've
got crazy work ethic. I'm proud of how hard I work,
like I don't get knocked down easily. And maybe because
I'm Albanian and I know New York.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
Because a lot of them.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
So I saw that you were the one who proposed
to your husband. Oh yeah, And when I tell you,
I love that so much because how many people do
we know who are like, I'm in love, but I'm
just leaning for him to pop the question.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
It's crazy, wait, gonna wait. It just picked up so
much by the way I did this three and a
half years ago. Guys, like the fact that people are
just now talking about it. I'm like, hello, I literally
don't see a big deal or not. I feel like
people think it's so unusual now, but I just feel
like we should make it a more normalized thing. I
don't if you love somebody, whether it's from the male's
(13:43):
perspective or female. I know there's traditions. I did grow
up with morals, et cetera, et cetera, But I do
believe in also trying to make your future reality when
you have the power to do that, right, So I
just didn't think that much about it. So I just
was like, I want to lock him down and let's
just see what he says.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Well, do you think he would have done it it
soon if you hadn't done it.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Then, I mean, he's only human.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
It was coming.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
You know, no, I hope, I hope he wouldn't ask. Yeah,
I kind of didn't think about it. I just knew
I wanted it to happen. And you know, he was like,
what are you doing? Get up?
Speaker 1 (14:18):
Okay was what you're envisioning? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Weird? Get up? Yes, okay, get up?
Speaker 1 (14:24):
What was the same thing with Alex and me? Were
two guys? Okay, Well, traditionally, you know, what do we do?
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Do you?
Speaker 1 (14:30):
You do it? You do it, and it turned into.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
It you both do it at the same time. Did
you give him an engagement gift?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
Because I gave my husband a computer for our engagement
were round in a new computers.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
That's what I got. Practical we still just do my
I would have just wedding gifts. We don't do sort
of the engagement process.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
How are you supposed to That's what I had heard,
that you give an engagement gift because we get the ring.
Well maybe not in your case, because it was.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
I made myself.
Speaker 1 (14:59):
He it's even better.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
But then obviously the wedding he got me an incredible wing.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
So like, these are the good things we talk about
all the time. If you wait for the moment to
be right. You can spend your whole life just waiting
on things and you could die tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
Anything could happen.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
So if you want something to make it happen.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
Yes, And I do think that comes with conversations like
I know some people aren't as confident or you know,
don't believe in themselves that much, but it really is
out of your control. If you can't control it anyway,
then what is the point on dwelling on it?
Speaker 1 (15:25):
Amen? So you're going out to Fire Island this weekend?
Speaker 2 (15:27):
How do you know?
Speaker 1 (15:28):
Don't tell you?
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Is there like a whispering in the Fire Island?
Speaker 1 (15:33):
You're all talking about the busy? Are you going to
cherry go over the pines? Which one are you going to?
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Okay, I don't know, I've never been, but everybody's telling
me to just buckle up.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
I hope you.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Really so much fun?
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Are you performing or just going to performing?
Speaker 2 (15:46):
And I'm going to go and get my best life?
And it's in the afternoon. I love a good day
drinking and then I'm just going to sort of potentially
pass out because I'm awfu on Sunday. So I'm going
to really go for it.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
You're gonna love it. I'm so excited many times.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Really, is it fun?
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Yeah? It is fine from what I recall.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
But everyone tells me it's literally a game changer, so
I'm really.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
Excited it is. It puts a gay in game changer. So, okay,
before you leave, this album is coming out at some
point soon. I'm assuming I tell you everything. What's going on?
You don't have to give us a date. That's cool,
But what's going on in this album? From your point
of view? When we listen to it, we may hear
something totally different, but from your point.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
Of view, you know, when you drink a really cold
drink and you get a brain freeze, it's that. Is that?
Speaker 1 (16:28):
Good?
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (16:28):
And bad, which is what I love.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
I wanted people to feel a little bit uncomfortable. Let's
not use the word bad because that's negative. Just let's
say uncomfortable. I wanted people to feel like, what's you know?
I wanted it to have that feeling of like, what's that? Okay,
I get it? So, you know, I think that there's
an essence of different definitely different production, incredible challenging kind
(16:50):
of vocal ability, Like I'm not sort of blasting as
much vocally, I'm way more talking using my accine. I
feel like I'm whispering in your ear. There's way more
into see. I'm celebrating my sexuality as a woman. I'm
feeling kind of in my body. You know. My last
album called You, and I was really inspired by my relationship.
You know, I got married around that period. Blah blah
blah blah, boring, boring, boring stuff now and I just
(17:12):
wanted to feel really in my skin. And that's what
this album is about.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
It's about that, and it's coming out sometime.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
It will be out probably near the for Sea in future,
because when I do my announcement ever, I guess I'll
be right right here.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
Okay, Okay, I said it tonight.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
I was like, hey, by the way, I'm coming back
because I have an album coming out and I've got
the film coming out. Maybe Descendants will be coming back,
so you know, you'll see me probably in a couple
of weeks.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
Okay, it mame up tomorrow, but tonight is the night.
Of course, it's Wimbledon. H what's the thing called the
hill in New York. It's under the bridge, on the
Brooklyn Bridge, and of course it's complimentary for you.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
Please come down and like if if you have some
time in your evening, come and watch. It's a great show. Buckalo,
we're gonna have some fun. And if you haven't seen
me before, please come and watch.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
It's an experience excellent. We always love when red, always
love
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