Billy Porter reveals ‘he had no intention of coming back to the industry’ after Celine Dion recorded his song
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Billy Porter has reflected on the challenges he faced early in his career in the music industry.
Calling his experience in the industry “traumatic,” the 54-year-old singer spoke candidly in an interview with Vulture about the difficulties in realizing his aspirations as a musician due to the widespread “homophobia” he experienced.
Also Read: Celine Dion Sings at a Hockey Game in Her First Public Appearance While Diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome
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Billy Porter felt defeated after Celine Dion recorded one of his songs
Porter, who received an honorary master’s degree in culture from the publication, further recalled his frustration with his song “Love Is On the Way” attributed to Celine Dion.
“It was traumatic. The industry was very homophobic,” Broadway Porter said of his quest to be a solo artist after winning Star Search in 1992, as well as his early success on Broadway, marred by resistance from the music industry to its identity.
Also Read: Celine Dion Enjoys an NHL Game with Her Kids in Las Vegas, 4 Years After Stiff Person Syndrome Diagnosis
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“It was about making the world believe that I was straight, that I was masculine enough to exist,” he said.
Also read: ‘There’s not much we can do’: Celine Dion’s sister Claudette praises the singer as she battles a ‘terrible illness’
Porter recounted his breaking point when he realized his authenticity was being compromised, saying, “Then my label gave my song to Celine Dion for The First Wives Club!.”
He expressed frustration with the soundtrack Dion recorded and presented on her 1997 album “Let’s Talk About Love.”
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“They gave it to him! Same producer [Ric Wake] I produced it for her. I was like, “I didn’t come here to be a demo singer for f*****g Celine Dion!” I’m done!'” the “Pose” actor said.
“It came to that point and I said, ‘I’m done. If that’s all the music world has to offer me, I’m done. She can have it , you can all have it, I’m leaving.’” he continued.
Billy Porter is frustrated with the industry’s ‘systems of oppression’
Porter clarified that his frustration was not directed at Dion but at systemic problems in the music industry.
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“I love her, no shade, she’s fabulous, it’s not about Celine Dion. It’s about the systems of oppression that mutate and reject our contribution to the world,” he said .
Porter, who is now a famous star and artist, “had no plans to return to the music industry in a traditional way” at the time.
However, after years of success on television and Broadway, he made a return to music by releasing his new album “Black Mona Lisa” on Friday, November 17.
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“She’s free, bitch!” the artist joked that he creates music on his own terms today.
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