Raise your hand if you had an event cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19. I bet almost everyone who is reading this has their hand up. This virus has taken a toll on the world as a whole, but has certainly stripped us from the entertainment we crave. If that show you planned on attending this summer was virtual, would you pay to watch?

The idea of virtual entertainment is one that could help change the industry, at least for the time being. What would draw fans in to pay money to view this type of entertainment? Many celebrities have been doing at home events since the start of Covid. What would a paid for event entail? Would this be a success for both the performer and their audience?

I am an avid Taylor Swift fan and was supposed to be travelling to Boston to see her in early August. I have considered if I would pay now to see her virtually or if that would not be as good as being in the stadium with her. As I continued to think about this, I wondered how a virtual “meet and greet” might sweeten the deal and make a paid for virtual event worth it. If I knew that Taylor was picking her most loyal fans to receive a zoom call after the event, I would definitely see the value in a ticket to that virtual show. I would even find value in paying for the zoom call, although I am aware that spots would be limited. Other ways to interact would be song voting where the audience could interact with her. There can also be a message board where she could read fan messages. Because the event was paid for, it would eliminate the “hate” or negativity she may otherwise have in a similar platform, such as an instagram live. Merchandise could still be purchased for the event. Another unique feature could be creating an “avatar” to virtually enter the audience with. This avatar could potentially interact with other avatars to make the fan interaction still alive and well. This feature would open up hours before the event to allow fans to make friends and “sit” with whomever they wanted.

This idea is very abstract considering the shows we are all accustomed to, but it would change how we watch shows and attend events. Even once Covid-19 is a thing of the past, this option could be available to those who may not be able to attend the regularly scheduled events. The cost of this ticket would be lower with potential upgrades available, but all and all it could be a way to provide us with entertainment during this time when we so desperately want it.

Would you be willing to give it a shot?

The month of June is recognized worldwide as pride month in support of the LGBTQ community. All throughout the entertainment world we have representation from the queer community who have advanced us with their talent and it is important that they are recognized. One singer who has made waves in her career as well as with her platform is Halsey and today we recognize her for it.

Halsey first started her singing career with videos she posted on social media of her singing covers of popular songs. One of her most famous was her cover of “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift. Soon after she got discovered and started to gain notoriety with her duet with the Chainsmokers with the song “Closer,” even though he had already had a studio recorded first album. This song earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duet/ Group Performance in 2016. In 2017 she released her song album called “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom” with songs that were viewed as “much more radio friendly.” This album focuses on Halsey’s bisexuality and other bisexual characters. The second single off the album “Bad at Love” which peaked at 5th in the US, spoke about her sexual orientation and relationship history.

Halsey was able to use her new platform in 2016 to speak out in support of presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. In July of that year, she performed at an event called “Hands” with 26 other artists in order to pay tribute to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. She had struggled with mental illness in the past and in 2017 she participated in the mental health and suicide prevention awareness campaign called “I’m Listening.” Halsey is a self proclaimed feminist and was active in the Women’s March 2018. At this March, she delivered a powerful poem to over 200,000 protesters in which she told personal stories of sexual assault and violence throughout her life. Halsey has continued to be an activist for the causes she believes in and In June 2020, she launched The Black Creators Fund, which will provide financial support, resources and a platform to black creators.

Halsey is an incredible talent and uses her platform to deliver a powerful message to all who will listen. She is never concerned about the backlash she might get and continues to back the causes she supports. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and stands as a role model for all. Her catchy songs deliver an undeniable source of entertainment while her lyrics provide a much needed message in this world today.