Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States from September 21 to 23, an NRI has said that a trip by Modi to LA in the 1990s was a referral point for this project
Billy Porter, a true force in the world of entertainment, turns 55 today, and his incredible journey as an actor, singer, and performer deserves to be celebrated. From his early days on Broadway to his powerful roles on television, Porter has left an unforgettable legacy in the industry with his unique style, immense talent, and fearless approach to every role he takes on.
Known for pushing boundaries and breaking norms, Porter has captivated audiences worldwide with his unforgettable performances in shows like Pose and American Horror Story as well as in films like Cinderella. His versatility and ability to command the screen in any genre, from musicals to drama to comedy, showcase his wide-ranging talent.
On this special day, let’s look back at six of his best performances that have solidified his place as one of the most dynamic and influential figures in entertainment.
Billy Porter’s portrayal of Pray Tell in Pose is nothing short of iconic. Set in the vibrant yet challenging ballroom scene of 1980s New York, Porter plays a flamboyant emcee who becomes the emotional anchor of the series. What makes Pray Tell unforgettable is his complex combination of strength, vulnerability, and charisma. Through this role, Porter explores deep themes of identity, love, and survival within the LGBTQ+ community, bringing raw authenticity to every episode. His stirring speeches and moving narrations elevate Pose to new heights, often serving as the emotional core of the show.
His performance resonated with audiences worldwide and earned him an Emmy Award, solidifying his place as a powerhouse actor. Pray Tell is not just a character; he is a symbol of resilience, and Porter’s performance will forever be tied to the show’s lasting impact on television. This is undoubtedly one of his most defining roles.
Billy Porter’s guest appearance in Law & Order: SVU Season 11, Episode 15, is a perfect example of his versatility as an actor. Playing a counselor who finds himself embroiled in a complex case between a sexual assault victim and a powerful corporation, Porter brings a distinct intensity to his performance. Unlike his more flamboyant roles, this appearance showcases his ability to dive into serious, emotionally charged storylines.
His character demonstrates empathy, strength, and a deep understanding of the justice system, making him stand out even in a show known for its high emotional stakes. This episode proves that Porter can command attention in any role, effortlessly transitioning between television drama and his musical roots. It is a performance that left a lasting impression on viewers and added another layer to his ever-expanding list of talents, showing that his acting range goes far beyond Broadway stages.
In 80 for Brady (2023), Billy Porter lights up the screen as Gugu, a flashy Super Bowl halftime performer with a flair for theatrics. Though his screen time is limited, Porter makes every second count with his signature charm and larger-than-life presence. The film revolves around four friends who embark on a journey to watch the Super Bowl and meet their hero, Tom Brady.
Porter’s character, Gugu, injects a burst of energy into the movie, adding a fun musical element to the lighthearted comedy. Despite being surrounded by a star-studded cast, Porter manages to stand out with his vibrant performance, bringing a sense of joy and spontaneity to the film. His role, though small, is essential in keeping the story moving, and his magnetic presence leaves a lasting impact on the audience. 80 for Brady proves that even in brief roles, Porter can steal the show.
Billy Porter redefined the classic fairy godmother role in the 2021 live-action remake of Cinderella, where he played Fab G, a gender-neutral fairy godparent. This role allowed Porter to bring his unique blend of humor, warmth, and wisdom to a timeless tale, breathing new life into a character that audiences have known for decades.
Fab G’s vibrant costumes and Porter’s undeniable charisma created an unforgettable performance that resonated with viewers of all ages. His portrayal added modern-day relevance to the story, making it more inclusive and reflective of contemporary society. Porter’s version of Fab G was not only magical but also deeply empowering, embodying the spirit of transformation and self-belief that lies at the heart of Cinderella.
With this role, Porter demonstrated his ability to take beloved characters and turn them into something entirely fresh, further cementing his status as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
Billy Porter’s performance as Teen Angel in Grease: Live was short but undeniably memorable. Taking on the role of the iconic musical number Beauty School Dropout, Porter brought his signature flair to the stage, blending nostalgia with his unique style. His rendition of the classic song was a standout moment in the live production, combining humor, charm, and vocal brilliance in a way that only Porter can.
Although his appearance was brief, he managed to steal the spotlight with his larger-than-life presence, making the character his own. Fans of the original musical were treated to a fresh, modern take on Teen Angel, and Porter’s performance was widely praised for its energy and charisma.
It’s another example of how Porter can take on any role, big or small, and elevate it to something unforgettable. His contribution to Grease: Live was yet another testament to his versatility and star power.
In American Horror Story: Apocalypse, Billy Porter steps into the eerie world of witches and supernatural forces as Duhold Chablis, a wizard with a pivotal role in the unfolding mystery. Set in a dark, apocalyptic future, Porter’s character is integral to unraveling the plot surrounding the Antichrist, Michael Langdon. His performance in this twisted, supernatural drama showcased a different side of Porter, one that combined intelligence with intensity.
Chablis is a character full of secrets, and Porter plays him with just the right amount of mystery, keeping viewers on edge throughout his scenes. Critics and fans alike praised his ability to seamlessly fit into the horror genre, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
This role added a new dimension to Porter’s already impressive resume, proving that he can thrive in any setting, from the glamorous world of Pose to the dark and enigmatic atmosphere of American Horror Story.
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Jason Derulo, one of the most popular and skilled pop stars of our day, has over a decade long music career. Derulo has continuously produced hit after hit, from his upbeat party bop to his romantic love anthems, achieving multiple platinum certified songs in his discography.
In this article We’ve compiled a list of the artist’s top ten songs from Talk Dirty to Marry Me in honor of his 35th birthday. Let’s have a quick look-
We’re starting with this platinum plaque-earning track featuring 2 Chainz. The song incorporates elements of electronic, hip-hop, and pop, creating an infectious beat. Its lyrics are catchy, with an explicit rating. The story goes like this: Derulo and 2 Chainz sing to their partners, asking them to “talk dirty” in the bedroom.
The song debuted at #1 on Australia’s singles chart, reached 3rd place on the US Billboard Hot 100, and was a massive hit in several countries, including the UK and Germany. The track cemented the artist’s spot in the industry while showcasing his versatility across various genres.
Don’t Wanna Go Home was released in 2011 as the lead single from Derulo’s second studio album, Future History. The song received mixed reviews, with some questioning its originality, but its appealing beat and relatable lyrics about staying out late partying made it a hit.
The track debuted at #39 on the US Pop Chart and later peaked at #10. Derulo sampled “Day-O” in the song’s chorus. With energetic vocals and a party vibe, the song reached #14 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Wiggle, featuring Snoop Dogg, is the anthem of every party, leaving no one standing still on the dance floor. Over a bass-heavy beat and funky flow, Derulo’s vocals sound incredibly smooth. The flirty lyrics include lines like: “Got me in this club, making wedding plans / If I take pictures while you do your dance / I could make you famous on Instagram.”
The music video shows Derulo and Snoop Dogg having a wild party with many beautiful women dancing. The track peaked at #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking another platinum hit in Derulo’s discography.
Jason Derulo celebrates the single life in this gold-certified song. With guitar beats and fluid vocals, Derulo sings empowering lyrics: “I’m feeling like a star, you can’t stop my shine / I’m loving cloud nine, my head’s in the sky / I’m solo, I’m ridin’ solo.”
Selling over 3 million digital copies in the US, Ridin’ Solo became Derulo’s third consecutive track to hit that milestone. The song also reached #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The music video, directed by Scott Speer, features Derulo playing the piano.
In his first collaboration with Caledonian beatmaker Nuka, Derulo released Love Not War as a single in 2020. The song was later included on his 2024 album Nu King. Originally, the track was an instrumental titled The Tampa Beat, which Nuka released in 2018.
The song earned a Silver certification in the United Kingdom after selling more than 200,000 units. The accompanying music video has garnered more than 215 million views on YouTube.
It Girl is the second single from Derulo’s studio album Future History. The lyrics perfectly depict how Derulo praises the qualities of his dream girl, whom he finds after a long search. The radio-friendly lyrics and catchy production garnered positive feedback from critics.
The song blends R&B and mid-tempo pop vibes, with the singer’s laid-back vocals complementing the track. Peaking at #10 on the US Pop Songs Chart and #17 on the US Billboard Hot 100, It Girl surpassed the commercial success of his first single, Whatcha Say.
Want You to Want Me, the lead single from Derulo’s fourth studio album Everything is 4, was the first song recorded for the album. Infused with a synth beat and Derulo’s smooth vocals, the lyrics are flirty and sensual, describing the singer’s feelings for the woman he desires.
A notable lyric from the song goes: “It’s too hard to sleep / I got the sheets on the floor, nothing on me / And I can’t take it no more, it’s a hundred degrees.” The track debuted at #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and sold 127,000 units in its first week. It also became a major hit on the UK Singles Chart.
As the title suggests, Marry Me lyrically portrays the journey of someone deciding to spend the rest of their life with their partner. Released as the second single from Derulo’s 2013 studio album Tattoos (the US version titled Talk Dirty), the song showcases a deeply personal side of the artist.
Jordin Sparks, known for her appearance on American Idol, stars in the music video, and the song was dedicated to her. Although not one of Derulo’s best-performing singles on the charts, the emotional depth and heartfelt representation make it a standout track. Marry Me also highlights Derulo’s adaptability to different genres.
Released as the second single from Derulo’s debut album in 2009, In My Head features a heavy electro and rock influence. The lyrics express his thoughts and feelings for a girl he likes, with lines like: “In my head, I see you all over me / In my head, you fulfill my fantasy / In my head, you’ll be screamin’ ‘Ohh’ / In my head, it’s goin’ down.”
The music video for In My Head showcases futuristic, neon-lit landscapes that complement the song’s upbeat, energetic vibe. The track performed exceptionally well on the charts, reaching #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a platinum certification.
In this collaboration, Derulo teams up with New Zealand music producer Jawsh 685 for the global hit Savage Love. The song peaked at #1 in 17 different countries, including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. A remix featuring the renowned South Korean boy band BTS helped the song reach the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Savage Love became a viral sensation on TikTok, especially among Gen Z, thanks to its infectious and rhythmic beats. The remix marked Derulo’s second number-one hit on the US charts, following his 2009 breakout single Whatcha Say.
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