February 24th 2025.
Mariah Carey, the iconic singer, is set to perform at the Royal Sandringham Estate for a summer concert. She will be joined by two guest acts, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Eternal. The event, taking place on August 15, is part of the Heritage Live concerts, which also feature performances by Stereophonics and Michael Bublé.
In an Instagram post, Mariah expressed her excitement about headlining the show and getting to see her "UK lambily" (a term used by her fans in the UK). While many fans were thrilled about the news, there were some who were critical due to Eternal's inclusion in the lineup. The band, which now consists of sisters Vernie and Easther Bennett and new member Christel Lakhda, has undergone changes since their debut in the music scene. Original members Kéllé Bryan and Louise Redknapp chose not to take part in the reunion.
In 2023, Louise's publicist made a statement claiming that Easther and Vernie did not want the band to perform at Pride or other LGBTQ+ festivals. It was alleged that they believed the gay community was "being hijacked" by the trans community. This caused a stir among fans, with some expressing disappointment and even suggesting that Eternal be taken off the lineup for Mariah's concert.
The announcement of Mariah's concert received a mixed response, with some fans expressing their support for the LGBTQ+ community and others criticizing Eternal's alleged comments. In 2023, talks for a reunion of the original band members were in the works, but Louise and Kéllé eventually decided not to be involved. Louise's publicist, Simon Jones, addressed the issue publicly, stating that Louise and Kéllé would not work with anyone who held such views and therefore the reunion as a four would not be happening.
Louise also took to Instagram to show her support for the LGBTQ+ community, posting a picture of the progressive pride flag with the caption "Always and forever." Kéllé also shared her thoughts, stating that as a mother, the right opportunity and timing for a reunion were difficult to arrange. She also affirmed her stance as an advocate for inclusion and equality for all.
Vernie, in a statement, expressed her gratitude towards the fans and her appreciation for the diverse and wonderful people she has met throughout her career. She also mentioned that she places the situation in God's hands and thanked those who continue to show love and support for her and her family.
Former manager Denis Ingoldsby, who now represents the Bennett sisters, called out Louise and accused her of throwing the band "under the bus." He accused her of bullying behavior and trying to get them "cancelled." However, Louise's representative disputed this and stood by their decision to address the issue publicly, stating that Louise would not agree to exclude the LGBTQ+ community from the band's touring plans.
Eternal rose to fame in the 90s with hit songs like "Just A Step From Heaven" and "Power Of A Woman," selling over 10 million records worldwide. The R&B band officially split in 2000 but briefly reunited in 2013 without Louise for the ITV show The Big Reunion. The current lineup of the group began performing together in 2024.
Mariah Carey, known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, is a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. She has publicly advocated for their rights and has even performed at Pride events. In an interview with Billboard, Mariah expressed her admiration for the community and their courage and resilience.
The Agency reached out to representatives of both Mariah Carey and Eternal for comment on this issue. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can contact The Agency entertainment team via email, phone, or by visiting their Submit Stuff page. They are always looking to hear from you.
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