In the world of entertainment, this year has seen remarkable achievements for young talents. Two prominent figures, Ariana Grande and Timothée Chalamet, have garnered Oscar nominations for their performances in Wicked and A Complete Unknown. Behind their success lies the guidance of Eric Vetro, a renowned vocal coach who has shaped the vocal prowess of numerous Hollywood stars. Vetro’s expertise extends beyond just these two celebrities, having worked with an array of A-list actors including Angelina Jolie, Renée Zellweger, and Emma Stone.
The Art of Vocal Mastery: Shaping Future Legends
Vetro’s approach to vocal coaching is both meticulous and personalized. He emphasizes the importance of preparing the actor’s natural voice before they can fully embody their character. This preparation phase can last anywhere from three to nine months, depending on the project's demands and the actor's availability. During this time, Vetro focuses on enhancing the actor’s vocal range, flexibility, and overall performance quality. For instance, when working with Grande, he spent months refining her operatic style for her role in Wicked. His dedication ensured that she could seamlessly transition between musical styles without compromising her comedic timing or vocal strength.
Grande’s transformation under Vetro’s tutelage was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite her already celebrated musical career, playing Glinda required a new level of vocal control and expressiveness. Vetro recounts how they worked tirelessly to prepare her for the role, ensuring that every note she sang felt authentic and powerful. Grande’s ability to effortlessly perform complex songs like “Dancing Through Life” showcased not only her vocal talent but also her comedic flair. Vetro notes that Grande’s confidence in her vocal abilities allowed her to focus on delivering a nuanced and hilarious performance, which resonated deeply with audiences. He even compares her to Judy Garland, praising her exceptional pitch and wide vocal range, qualities that make her a standout performer in today’s industry.
Guiding the Next Generation: Lessons Beyond the Stage
Vetro’s influence extends far beyond Hollywood’s elite. Recognizing the demand for his expertise, he has partnered with BBC Maestro to offer online courses that teach vocal techniques to aspiring singers worldwide. These courses provide bite-sized lessons on warm-up techniques, vocal strengthening, and effective communication through lyrics. By making his knowledge accessible to a broader audience, Vetro aims to empower individuals who may not have the opportunity to work directly with him. His commitment to nurturing talent is evident in the way he tailors each lesson to meet the unique needs of his students, whether they are seasoned professionals or beginners.
Timothée Chalamet’s preparation for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown exemplifies Vetro’s holistic approach to coaching. Chalamet immersed himself deeply into the character, capturing Dylan’s essence without resorting to imitation. Vetro helped him understand the nuances of Dylan’s speech patterns and cadence, enabling Chalamet to deliver lines with authenticity. The actor’s dedication to mastering Dylan’s vocal mannerisms paid off, resulting in a performance that felt genuine and captivating. Vetro’s guidance in this process highlights his ability to bring out the best in his students, transforming them into versatile performers capable of tackling any challenge. Through his online platform, Vetro hopes to inspire the next generation of artists, offering them the tools to succeed in their own right.
The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and as anticipation builds, the Hollywood Reporter (THR) has released its latest Red Carpet Power Rankings. These rankings, based on data from Launchmetrics, provide insights into fashion, watch, jewelry, and accessory brands that made a significant impact at the recent Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. The event not only highlighted fashion trends but also revealed which brands and celebrities garnered the most media attention. With the Oscars looming, these rankings offer a valuable preview of what to expect on the grandest night in cinema.
Launchmetrics uses its proprietary Media Impact Value (MIV) algorithm to analyze and rank brands and stars seen on red carpets across various categories. This sophisticated system assigns monetary values to social media interactions, posts, and editorial stories, providing a comprehensive measure of brand influence. At the SAG Awards, several notable moments stood out, including Jane Fonda's viral appearance in a custom Armani gown and Dior's dominance with multiple high-profile appearances.
Jane Fonda's presence at the SAG Awards was nothing short of iconic. Even before she received her Lifetime Achievement Award, Fonda had already captured widespread attention with her stunning coral silk gown adorned with sequins and beading. Her impassioned speech about empathy further extended the conversation, leading to extensive coverage post-event. Brands like Dior also shone brightly, with actresses such as Nicola Coughlan, Pamela Anderson, and Monica Barbaro showcasing the brand's versatility in both color and design. Meanwhile, Elie Saab dressed Sofia Carson and Leighton Meester in looks that perfectly reflected their individual styles.
In the world of watches and jewelry, Tiffany & Co. edged out Cartier for the top spot, thanks largely to Demi Moore's choice of pieces from the Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany collection. Pandora benefited from Pamela Anderson's ambassadorship, while Lagos Jewelry made its debut in the rankings with jewels worn by Danielle Deadwyler, Luke Newton, and Lilly Singh. Notably, Fonda once again appeared in Pomellato jewelry, solidifying the Italian brand's place among the top ten.
When it came to accessories, Christian Louboutin ruled the roost, particularly through Cynthia Erivo's exclusive use of the designer's shoes for 26 appearances. However, Kathy Bates introduced a surprising twist with her choice of Sneex sneakers, earning the brand considerable engagement and attention. Among the women, Keke Palmer's vintage Chanel gown became a story unto itself, revealing an unexpected connection to Jamie Lee Curtis and Eddie Murphy. For the men, Timothée Chalamet's continued dominance was evident, especially with his Chrome Hearts outfit and long-standing relationship with Cartier.
The SAG Awards provided a compelling glimpse into the power dynamics of fashion and branding on the red carpet. As the industry looks ahead to the Oscars, the significance of these rankings cannot be overstated. The larger audience and heightened media scrutiny promise even greater opportunities for brands and celebrities to make lasting impressions. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal more surprises and unforgettable moments, setting the stage for another historic awards season.
As the world eagerly anticipates the 2025 Oscars, excitement is building for a night filled with glamour and accolades. Emilia Pérez leads the nominations with an impressive 13 nods, followed closely by The Brutalist and Wicked, each earning 10 nominations. This year's ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, who promises to bring his unique blend of humor and charm to the event. Despite recent wildfires in Los Angeles, the city is ready to shine as it hosts Hollywood's most prestigious night. Viewers around the globe can tune in via television or online platforms, depending on their location.
The Oscars have become a truly international affair, reflecting the global nature of the film industry. In the United States, ABC will broadcast the ceremony live, available through various streaming services including Hulu, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Verizon, and Sling. For those outside the U.S., numerous broadcasters and streaming platforms will carry the event. Notable exceptions include China and Russia, which will not air the Oscars for the fifth consecutive year. From Canada to Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, local networks and streamers are preparing to deliver the red carpet and awards presentations to eager audiences worldwide.
This year marks significant changes in how viewers can experience the Oscars. In the United Kingdom, ITV and its streaming service ITVX will broadcast the event, reaching millions of viewers. Jonathan Ross will return as host, providing live commentary and interviews with celebrities on the red carpet. Across Europe, from Albania to Norway, public and private broadcasters are gearing up to bring the ceremony to their respective audiences. In Latin America, Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT and HBO Max will provide live coverage. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and Africa, MBC and DStv will ensure that fans can enjoy the festivities. In the Asia-Pacific region, Seven Network in Australia, Star Movies in India, Wowow in Japan, and CJ ENM in South Korea will offer comprehensive coverage of the event.
The 97th Academy Awards celebrate the power of cinema to unite people across borders and cultures. It highlights the universal appeal of storytelling and the importance of recognizing excellence in filmmaking. As the world comes together to honor this year's nominees, the Oscars serve as a reminder of the shared human experience that movies capture so beautifully. Through laughter, tears, and applause, we celebrate not only the achievements of the past year but also the hope and inspiration that cinema brings to our lives.