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Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet the glam guru who refused to give up, even during chemo
This story is brought to you by our partners at day Etienne Ortega bought his mother a house, he wasn't thinking about glam. He was thinking about a promise. 'I told her when I moved to L.A. that I'd do it,' Ortega says. 'And by 26, I did.' It's the kind of moment that reflects everything Ortega brings to his work: determination, intuition, and an unshakable sense of self. A moment that, like the refined confidence of a Lexus gliding down Laurel Canyon, speaks volumes without ever needing to raise its voice. Today, Ortega is a celebrity hair and makeup artist with clients like Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Lana Del Rey, founder of his brand Ortega Beauty, and a cancer survivor. But rewind two decades, and he was just a kid in Ventura County, Calif., cutting rubber bands out of his mom's bathroom drawer to do his sister's ponytails before school. 'I had no idea beauty was going to be my career,' Ortega says. 'But I used to sit at the salon for hours watching this woman named Hilda work — highlights, cuts, eyebrows. I was fascinated. She saw something in me.' That early spark evolved into an unmistakable signature — bold lips, glowing skin, and a style clients now instantly recognize as his. But Ortega didn't fall into the glam chair by accident. He earned it through years of work, a mix of hustle, faith, and a fearless drive that began when he left home at 17 with no clear roadmap, only ambition. 'I had no fear,' he says. 'Just this pull. I'd help my friends get ready for prom, charging $10 a face. It wasn't even about the money. I just loved the transformation — not just how someone looked, but how they felt.' Ortega, who was born in Guadalajara in Mexico, moved to the United States with his family at age 7. He describes his upbringing as full of love but shaped by machismo — a cultural environment that initially made him question if beauty could ever be his future. 'I didn't want people to say it was gay,' he says. 'That fear held me back. But then I realized — everything I loved, everyone I looked up to, were icons in beauty, in fashion, in music. And they stood for being unapologetically themselves.' Years later, Ortega now calls many of those idols clients, mentors, and friends. Working with Aguilera wasn't just a career high — it was destiny. 'I used to say I'd work with her one day. People thought I was crazy,' he says. 'But I knew. I manifested that before I even knew what manifesting was.' It hasn't been all highlights and lipstick, though. In 2021, Ortega was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer. The news came unexpectedly after what he assumed was a pulled muscle. 'You never expect to hear that from a doctor,' he says. 'But it shifted my entire perspective.' Even as he endured two surgeries and chemotherapy, Ortega rarely slowed down. 'Work was healing for me. It helped me feel strong. I'd sit in chemo and see babies, older people getting treatment — I thought, if they're not complaining, neither am I.' Through that battle, he continued building something bigger — his namesake beauty brand, Ortega Beauty. 'It took six years,' he says. 'There were bad partnerships, setbacks. But I couldn't quit. Anything I start, I have to finish.' Launching his own beauty brand wasn't just a business decision for Ortega— it was a reclamation of power, of vision. 'I'd spent years executing other people's creative direction,' Ortega says. 'This time, it was all mine. I chose everything — the formulas, the textures, even the soundtrack to the launch video. Christina helped write the voiceover. Mariah approved the edit. It was surreal.' And like any good artist, Ortega doesn't just create — he gives back. He runs a series of beauty education classes called Maestro Workshops, helping emerging artists develop their own voice. 'I never had the chance to assist when I was coming up,' he says. 'Now I try to give others what I didn't get — mentorship, encouragement, a safe space.' Safety, in fact, is something Ortega revisits often — not just in physical comfort, but emotional energy. 'You can't underestimate how important it is to feel safe,' he says. 'I try to create that with every client. Whether they're famous or not, I want them to feel ready, confident, supported. Like they're about to walk into the world as the best version of themselves.' That's not just good glam — that's what Ortega considers the standard of amazing: Whether it's performance, style, or presence, both Ortega and Lexus know that what truly moves us is more than appearance — it's how we feel along the way. This article originally appeared on Out: Meet the glam guru who refused to give up, even during chemo
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Barbra Streisand on Her Long-Awaited Bob Dylan Duet: ‘I Saw It As An Acting Piece'
A robin redbreast has alighted on Barbra Streisand's windowsill. Sitting with Jay Landers, her A&R executive at Columbia Records for three decades, the multihyphenate legend, 83, is taking a moment amid her busy schedule to appreciate the little gifts nature provides. Her new album, The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two (out June 27), is her first since 2018's Walls and a sequel to 2014's Partners. The duets project finds her singing old chestnuts ('The Very Thought of You' with Bob Dylan) and songs written by her collaborators ('My Valentine' with Paul McCartney and 'Letter to My 13 Year Old Self' with Laufey). It also features a few new tracks, such as 'To Lose You Again' with Sam Smith and 'One Heart, One Voice,' a cross-generational collaboration for the ages that teams her with Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande; both songs were co-written by Walter Afanasieff, who co-produced the album with Peter Asher. More from Billboard Will Barbra Streisand Win Her First Grammy in 39 Years for 'The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two'? Lil B & Kevin Durant Reignite Feud After NBA Star's Trade: 'You Was Once a Thing, I'm Still That' Mick Ralphs, Founding Member of Bad Company & Mott the Hoople, Dies at 81 In your 2023 memoir, , you wrote that Bob Dylan wanted to sing with you in the '70s but you demurred. How did it feel finally singing with him? Barbra Streisand: The interesting thing is that I saw it as an acting piece. It's two different people, how they were feeling each other out: what kind of emotions are going on when two people have known of each other for such a long time but never met. It was wonderful to work with him, actually. I did my part earlier in the day, and it worked out perfectly with his. I'm ever the director. And he wanted direction, which was so lovely: 'What do you think? What do you want?' He just was so open to trying this or trying that. It was really easy. Both your careers began around the same time, just blocks away from each other 60 years ago in New York. Streisand: I talked to him about our pasts; we never met but we were in Greenwich Village at the same time, finding our way, unknown — me at the Bon Soir [a defunct nightclub] and him with his guitars playing his clubs. It's interesting we finally met. Josh Groban features on 'Where Do I Go From You' and is the only singer here who also sang on . What is it about him? Streisand: He had the voice for it. I always loved that song — it was from a Broadway play that never got onstage [Beba's Mambo] — and somehow, we made it into a duet. Everybody who I worked with was wonderful. It was easy and enjoyable, which I loved about it. I hadn't sung in a while, so I didn't even know if my voice was going to show up. I gave a little prayer to God as I approached the microphone that first time, and somehow, even not having sung for a while, my voice was there. How long had it been since you had sung prior to recording this? Streisand: I can't even imagine. When did I make my last album? I don't keep track of myself, actually. Jay, do you know what my last album was before this? Jay Landers: Your last album was Walls in 2018. Two years into the Trump administration. And here we are again. How are you keeping sane during these times? Streisand: Well, I write my tweets. I try to keep calm. I try to know time will go and things will change again. I have to keep hoping. You have to keep sanity in your mind. I pray a lot. Prayer helps, I'll tell you that. That's all I can do right now. This story appears in the June 21, 2025, issue of Billboard. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Controversy Is Sabrina Carpenter's ‘Best Friend' With Scandalized Reaction to New Album Cover
At this point, we should be conditioned to expect pop stars to behave in a controversial manner. And yet, when Sabrina Carpenter released the cover for her upcoming Man's Best Friend album, social media was up in arms about the provocative artwork, which features the singer/songwriter on all fours with her hair being grabbed by a faceless person. On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking about the loud reaction to the album art — including the women of The View debating its feminist merits — and why the buzz plays directly into Carpenter's hands. (Did you know Sabrina had a new album coming out on Aug. 29? Now you do!) More from Billboard Sabrina Carpenter to Follow 'Short n' Sweet' With New Album 'Man's Best Friend': Here's When It Arrives John Mayer Shares His New Dating Philosophy at 'SmartLess Live' Podcast Taping: 'Vulnerability Is the Sh-' Seth MacFarlane on Channeling Frank Sinatra for 'Lush Life' & Who Will Be His 'First Call' If He Uncovers a Lost Sinatra Duet Also on the show, we've got chart news on how Carpenter's 'Manchild' debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, scoring the singer her second chart-topper; Mariah Carey lands her 50th Hot 100 hit with the debut of 'Type Dangerous'; and Lil Wayne, ENHYPEN, Addison Rae, My Chemical Romance and Turnstile shake up the top 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Plus, we're remembering Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson, who died last week at age 82. The Billboard is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard's weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard's executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard's managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on or or your favorite podcast provider. ( on Best of Billboard Drake's Historic Chart Week: How He Matched The Beatles' 57-Year-Old Record How Elton John Keeps Up His Hot 100 Hot Streak With Dua Lipa Duet 'Cold Heart' Pink's 'All I Know So Far' Has Us Looking Back at the History of Live Music on the Charts
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Whitney Houston's ‘The Bodyguard' Extends Its Lead as the Highest RIAA-Certified Soundtrack of All Time
Whitney Houston's 1992 The Bodyguard soundtrack extends its lead as the top-certified film soundtrack in RIAA history. On Wednesday (June 25), the album was certified for U.S. shipments of 19 million units. Six other soundtracks have been certified Diamond (10 million or more): the Bee Gees-led Saturday Night Fever (16 million), Dirty Dancing (14 million), Prince & the Revolution's Purple Rain (13 million), Forrest Gump (12 million), Titanic (11 million) and The Lion King (10 million). More from Billboard Whitney Houston's 25 Best Songs: Staff Picks Sabrina Carpenter Unveils Alternate 'Man's Best Friend' Cover - and This Time, It's 'Approved by God' Cardi B Shows Off Castle That Boyfriend Stefon Diggs Rented for Her in France: 'This Is Insane' Houston holds another singular RIAA distinction: She is the only Black artist with three Diamond albums. Her 1985 debut album Whitney Houston stands at 14x platinum. Her 1987 sophomore album Whitney is at 10x platinum. Three other Black stars – Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and 2Pac – have each had two Diamond albums. The certification levels of 10 Houston singles were also upgraded on Wednesday. The affected singles are 'I Will Always Love You' (11x Platinum); 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)' (8x Platinum); 'I Have Nothing' (4x Platinum), 'Higher Love' with Kygo (released on Kygo/RCA Records) and 'How Will I Know' (each is 3x Platinum); 'Heartbreak Hotel,' 'My Love Is Your Love' and 'Saving All My Love for You' (each is 2x Platinum); and 'Run to You' and 'Count on Me' (each is Platinum). 'I Will Always Love You,' 'I Have Nothing' and 'Run to You' are all from The Bodyguard soundtrack. 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody,' from her sophomore album, ranked No. 1 on Billboard's 2023 megalist 'The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List.' This year marks the 40th anniversary of Houston's breakthrough. Whitney Houston was released on Feb. 14, 1985. The album first cracked the top 10 on the Billboard 200 on the chart dated Aug. 31, 1985, and first reached No. 1 on the chart dated March 8, 1986. These new RIAA certifications only include the U.S. numbers. In the U.S. alone, Houston's RIAA-certified units total 114.5 million across 38 titles (27 singles plus 11 albums). Houston died on Feb. 11, 2012, at age 48. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. 'I know that Whitney would be happy to know of the impact that her music has made globally,' Pat Houston, Whitney Houston's sister-in-law, executor of her estate and the president of The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, said in a statement. '… She would be delighted to know that her loyal and worldwide fans have continued to love her and carry on her musical legacy through the generations. She would want us to say thank you to every person that contributed to her recordings, her productions, and the marketing of all her records, especially to Clive Davis and the extraordinary team of Arista Records through her many years at the label.' RIAA president and COO Michele Ballantyne said in a statement: 'Whitney Houston's iconic voice and powerful songs have carried her legacy across generations. With 11 new certifications, RIAA is proud to celebrate how her enduring impact is still felt throughout the music industry and as the Estate's partnership with Sony finds moments to reach new fans. We are grateful for the remarkable gift Whitney left for us all!' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Barbra Streisand goes viral for thinly-veiled dig at Wicked and Ariana Grande
Barbra Streisand went viral on Tuesday for making a thinly-veiled dig at Wicked, the hit big-screen adaptation of the 2003 Broadway musical starring her upcoming duet partner Ariana Grande. 'I showed it to my grandchildren,' the 83-year-old EGOT champ told the Just for Variety podcast on Monday. 'They loved Wicked.' When asked again directly if she enjoyed Wicked, Barbra avoided expressing her opinion but offered: 'I was just watching their reaction and they were totally fine with the witches. I was surprised. A four- and a six-year-old, you know?' At that, X user @TomZohar mocked up a movie poster topped by Streisand's unenthused pull quote 'totally fine' along with the caption: 'Wicked's marketing team after reading this interview.' X user @HeyBuckHey tweeted a meme of Aretha Franklin similarly responding to the Wall Street Journal in 2014 about how she felt about Taylor Swift: 'Great gowns. Beautiful gowns.' 'Honestly the funnier part to me is the implication that children wouldn't be okay with/enamored by witches and magic,' X user @BenWambeke tweeted. 'As if Harry Potter, Frozen etc never existed LOL!' X user @norabird gushed: 'God she's perfect!' 'I love her,' X user @kikiballchange agreed. The Brooklyn-born grandmother-of-four enlisted the 31-year-old pop star's four-octave soprano pipes as well as Mariah Carey's five-octave soprano pipes to help her sing One Heart, One Voice on her 37th studio album The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume Two, dropping this Friday. 'They're the hottest, biggest, most wonderful voices. And they both said yes to join me,' Barbra gushed of Ariana and the 56-year-old R&B diva who collaborated on a Yes, And? remix last year. 'They brought me people that were just superb. Everyone was different and yet marvelous.' Streisand's collection of duets also features Hozier, Paul McCartney, Sam Smith, Bob Dylan, Laufey, Tim McGraw, James Taylor, Sting, Josh Groban, and Seal. It marked Grande's (born Butera) third time performing with Carey, who hired her and Jennifer Hudson to appear in her Apple TV+ Magical Christmas Special in 2020. 'Honestly the funnier part to me is the implication that children wouldn't be okay with/enamored by witches and magic,' X user @BenWambeke tweeted. 'As if Harry Potter, Frozen etc never existed LOL!' On May 30, the two-time Grammy winner was cast as Henry Focker's ball-busting fiancée in John Hamburg's untitled fourth Meet the Parents movie already scheduled to hit US theaters November 25, 2026. Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, and Owen Wilson have all signed on to reprise their roles in the Universal Pictures comedy. But don't expect the Yentl director-star to reprise her part as frizzy-haired matriarch Roz Focker from Meet the Fockers in 2004 as 'They'd have to pay me a lot of money.' 'I didn't get paid what the other people got paid and so I'm pi**ed off,' Barbra scoffed. 'I was in the time when women were getting paid less than the men. The head of Universal was Ron Meyer at the time, and he actually sent me a bonus check. It was very sweet.' The prior three Meet the Parents films, spanning 2000-2010, amassed a combined $1.1B at the global box office. Meanwhile, Streisand - whose memoir My Name Is Barbra was published in 2023 - is currently in production on a multi-part documentary about her life directed by Frank Marshall. It marked Grande's (born Butera) third time performing with Carey, who hired her and Jennifer Hudson (L) to appear in her Apple TV+ Magical Christmas Special in 2020 July 1 will mark the 29th anniversary of the Love Will Survive singer and second husband James Brolin's first blind date after they were set up by a mutual friend following his 1995 divorce from second ex-wife Jan Smithers and her 1971 divorce from ex-husband Elliot Gould. The 84-year-old Emmy winner had to ask for Barbra's hand in marriage three times before she agreed, and they reportedly did not have sex until their wedding night. Streisand has sold over 150M records worldwide and topped the US Billboard Hot 100 five times throughout her six-decade career. Fans can catch more of Ariana as the Good Witch of the South Galinda Upland in Jon M. Chu's $150M-budget sequel Wicked: For Good, which hits US/UK theaters on November 21. The first fantasy flick received critical acclaim and amassed $756M at the global box office.
