In the electrifying world of Broadway, few stars shine as brightly as Caroline Tesfaye. A triple threat who has captivated audiences as an actress, fashion designer, and popstar, Tesfaye's journey is a testament to her unparalleled talent and relentless dedication. Her career catapulted to new heights when she joined the original cast of "Hamilton," portraying the iconic role of Eliza Schuyler. Sharing the stage with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tesfaye etched her name in Broadway history as the only performer to ever grace the stage with the entire original ensemble of the groundbreaking musical.
Today, Caroline Tesfaye's career continues to ascend as she steps into the vibrant role of Vanessa in the highly anticipated film adaptation of "In the Heights." This casting marks yet another milestone in her illustrious career, showcasing her versatility and ability to breathe life into diverse characters. As she transitions from the historical depths of "Hamilton" to the lively streets of Washington Heights, Tesfaye brings a fresh, dynamic energy to her performances, further solidifying her status as a multifaceted star in the entertainment industry.
In this exclusive feature, we delve into Caroline Tesfaye's remarkable journey, exploring her evolution as a performer, her creative ventures in fashion design, and her impact on the pop music scene. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of this extraordinary artist, who continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide with her indomitable spirit and exceptional talent.
What was it like stepping into the iconic role of Eliza in Hamilton, especially with the original cast? Can you share any memorable moments or challenges you faced during this transition? Oh god, it was incredibly intimating. These are people who I consider as the most talented people in entertainment right now. I never expected to take the role when Phillipa couldn’t return. I felt so incredibly lucky that these people saw what I didn’t see in myself and gave me the opportunity. Everyone was so kind, and they were all offering me little tips, and just cheering me on. I’ve never been in such a loving atmosphere where there’s no competition, everyone wants everyone to succeed. People who aren’t in the musical theater world really don’t understand how hard it is to be on Broadway, like it’s incredibly physical, and you don’t get takes, so you have to get right every single time, every single night. You also have to learn how to mess up, but recover, because we’re all human, but the crowd can’t know!
Did you feel any added pressure taking over a role that had such a significant impact on Broadway? How did you prepare for it? I did feel so much pressure, I wasn’t even sure if I could do it. My first instinct was that Lin was joking, I was like, “Oh he’s making a joke!!!” I was like when Patrick Swayze said to Baby in Dirty Dancing where he’s like,”oh, do you want to do it?” but he was serious. I had to spend sometime in the studio and hear my own voice to prove to myself first before I could set on proving myself to the cast. Eliza is literally my dream role, I love Eliza and I love Hamilton. So, to make my broadway debut with a role that means so much to me, I’m so incredibly lucky. To prepare, I took voice lessons. I would run on the treadmill and sing to make sure that I never lost my voice. Eliza is the only character in the show that never raps, so I wanted to make sure my voice was smooth. I studied the Disney plus movie recording of the show, and I wrote down little things that Phillipa did that made Eliza who she is. I think I ran the show with Phillipa a few times, she’d come to rehearsals and we’d run the show and she’d be like, “breathe here. Watch out for this person.” and Renee would sort of put her arm around me to help me reach my marks until it was muscle memory. It’s a lot of work, but it’s so much fun. I’m so lucky.
How did the dynamics of the original cast influence your performance as Eliza? Were there any particular cast members who offered you valuable guidance or support? Like I said, this cast is the kindest people I’ve ever met. These people truly are my friends. They never made me feel like an outcast or anything, even though I was the youngest person in the cast. I mean, Daveed and Lin literally came to my album release party, and Renee, Lin and him came to Noelle’s birthday party. As far as during the show, they were all so kind. Okieriete is like my biggest cheerleader, when I finally felt like I hit “Burn” the way that I wanted, here comes this huge man screaming, “YESSSSS LET’S F***ING GO, WIDDO BEBE.” Birdie has everyone calling me “Widdo bebe”. Everyone was so chill about answering all my questions. The entire cast traveled to Puerto Rico to perform some numbers from Hamilton and to see us announce “In The Heights.”It was also my first performance as myself and they all had “Gaslight” t-shirts on and were singing the lyrics to my songs. I mean, MY SONGS. It was crazy. But I can’t talk enough about Lin. He’s truly part of my family. Him and his wife are such blessings to know. You have a close relationship with Lin Manuel Miranda. How has his mentorship influenced your career? Can you share any special moments or advice he’s given you? I adore Lin Manuel Miranda so much. He’s such a creative genius and he’s the kindest person I know. He’s literally kind to his bones. He has such love and passion for giving voices to the people who don’t get them. He’s always been very much ready to help me with anything. He’s sort of given me this mindset that I’m capable of anything. He’s been one in my corner to be like, “No, Caroline, you have the talent, you have the passion, do the damn thing.” He’s influenced me incredibly, he’s made me think a whole lot more about what I can do with my platform that’s for the good. He’s the most special person. He told me once, “As long as I have a job, you have a job.” So, I think for the rest of my career, any time Lin calls, the answer is, “yes.” Collaborative Process: What was it like working so closely with Lin both on Hamilton and In the Heights? How does his creative process inspire your own work? He’s just so passionate, he loves every bit of the process. You can tell he is just nothing but joy in his lyrics and in his ability to tell a story. He does something no one else is able to do with his writing. He’s really given me the confidence to try, to stand up and force people to embrace my culture. Without him, I’m not sure anyone would have ever paid attention to the Mexican side of me. It’s the most precious part of who I am, and I’ve been quietened for so long and he doesn’t let me take that. Role in the Movie Adaption of "In the Heights" Transition to Film: How did you find the transition from stage to screen in the movie adaptation of In the Heights? What were the biggest differences you experienced? I think they did a fantastic job translating it. It’s the same heart, the same story, the same characters, but it’s bigger. It’s like they took exactly what was in his head and put it on screen, it’s truly magical. I unfortunately haven’t gotten to play Vanessa on stage, I would love to, though. Maybe Nori and I can do a run on Broadway, I think he’d love it. It’s closer to what he does on stage normally. But in the movie, we do get takes, so it’s nice to be able to be like, “woah, hold up, can I do that again, please?”
Tell us about your portrayal of Vanessa in In the Heights. How did you make the role your own, and what aspects of the character resonated with you the most? Vanessa is a hard worker, and her biggest dream is to be a fashion designer, and that’s the core of my career is fashion. I might not get to do as much costume designing and styling as I used to, but the very first award I ever won was a costumers guild award. And I’ll never stop making clothes. Fashion is walking art, and I appreciate it so much. She’s this girl with big dreams and Usnavi says that she’s tough as nails. I think Vanessa is the closest to myself that I’ve gotten to play. I think I might’ve added a little more sweetness to Vanessa, but either way, I love her. I’m so lucky.
Your best friend Nori Jusino plays Usnavi in the movie. How did your real-life friendship influence your on-screen chemistry and performances? Chemistry is something you either have or you don’t, and our real life relationship made it that much easier. We sort of got to skip the nerves, because we already knew each other and we have the most trust. I think we’re able to play a little more, and it makes every day so much fun. I hope we get to work together more.
Throughout your career, you've often been labeled as white despite being Mexican. How has this affected your career and the roles you’ve been offered? I really didn’t get the opportunity to be able to play someone who felt like me culturally until Lin. It wasn’t something that I didn’t want to do because it’s all I’ve wanted to do. I just sort of been typecast in my real life. I’ve spoken a bunch about my heritage, and my mom, and it’s those lines that seemed to get cut from interviews. It’s been really nice to have been offered this role that says, “I see you. I know who you are. I know you have talent. You’re more than who you were on Tik Tok three years ago.”
How important is it for you to represent your Mexican heritage in your work? Are there particular roles or stories you are passionate about bringing to the stage or screen to highlight this aspect of your identity? It’s the most important to me. It’s how I keep my mother’s memory alive. It’s how I honor her and it’s most authentically me. I’m really happy to be able to take my first role that does this, and it’s not just the sassy best friend. I am really dying to be in West Side Story. I really would like my chance to be in Encanto, too, it’s coming to the stage.
Can you share any details about upcoming Broadway shows or projects you’re involved in? What roles or stories are you most excited about exploring next? I can! I will be doing the TV Live version of Rocky Horror Picture Show as Janet in October, and I’m really excited about that. I’m doing quite a few projects with Birdie. You’ll be able to see us in a horror movie, which I can’t say much other than it’s called, “X”. I’ll still be Eliza on Hamilton for as long as they’ll have me.
Are there any dream roles or shows you’ve always wanted to be a part of? What attracts you to these particular roles? I have so many dream roles, I am such a dreamer when it comes to the stories I’d love to be a part of. I am dying to be Eurydice in Hadestown. I’d love to be in & Juliet, that is a show I’ve seen a few times and got to meet the cast. I'd love to get to do that for a run. I really was serious when I said I’d love to be in Encanto, that’s towards the top of my list. And Chicago. I would die to be chicago. Oh, and burlesque. Broadway Evolution: How do you see Broadway evolving in the next few years, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution? I think broadway is going to keep evolving to include stories that aren’t getting told. I think Broadway is a place where all cultures should be celebrated and I think Lin is the forefather of that, and I think we’re going to continue pushing people to tell all of their stories, not just those that are of only white descent. I think we’ll see more people of color taking on roles that were traditionally casted only by white people. I hope that I can use my platform to keep demanding it happen. I hope I get the opportunity to share the stage with people who have finally gotten the respect they deserve.
Who are some of the people, both within the theater community and outside of it, who inspire you the most? I don’t need to mention Lin again, but you guys know, he’s the blueprint. I really look up to Bianca Marroquín, she's an incredible mexican broadway actress and she was “Roxie Hart '' in Chicago for twenty years. She’s one of the only actresses to ever play both female leads in that show. I, of course, look up to Phillipa Soo, she’s the original Eliza and taught me so much, she sings like an actual angel. Olga Merediz was in the original run of In the Heights and in our movie version, she’s one of the wisest people I know. Outside of the theater community, I really look up to Chappell Roan, she literally is so much herself, and she’s making music that's so unique and fun, and I’m obsessed with her. Also, my grandmother, Dolly, which y’all would know her as Dolly Parton, but she’s just Golly to me. She’s amazing. She’s so talented and she sings better than anyone I know even at her age. She's a love incarnate.
What advice would you give to young performers who aspire to follow in your footsteps and make it on Broadway? Don’t underestimate the amount of work and respect Broadway deserves. It’s so hard but in the best way. It’s something that takes more dedication than anything. Most importantly, don’t stop dreaming. Broadway is built on dreams, and if you’re not dreaming, you’re missing the one thing that unites all of us, from the actors to the crowd. Take voice lessons, don’t rely on pure talent, because it’s technical, too. Try and prepare audition songs from most genres, and try not to choose something too popular but nothing unknown.
How do you balance the demands of a busy career in theatre and film with your personal life? What keeps you grounded and motivated? I think I am just really lucky to be surrounded by people who love me and love that I’m chasing my dreams. Abel brings London to see me at rehearsals, Golly comes and sees me, she hasn’t missed a single show. My best friend in the world, Birdie, if she can, comes to watch my shows and hangs out with me behind the scenes, she’s my biggest cheerleader, she’s the best. She comes and threatens every single cast member like, “you better be nice to my widdo bebe.” I’m lucky that Nori and Noelle both were in “In the heights” so we didn’t even need a babysitter for her, and that was super special. I just try to make sure once a day, I find time to just be “Caroline” and nothing else. I think the motivation comes simply from loving it so much. I love being on stage or on set.
Can you both share what initially drew you to the project of "In the Heights"?
NJ: Initially, I was just happy for Caroline. She’s on a career high right now, cuando ella y mi tia vinieron a decírmelo, I was happy. And just like Caroline, Lenore is my manager, she does everything for me. I had zero idea they wanted me to be in it as well. So, when they finally said I’m going to be Usnavi, it was really exciting. Especially with this being my first big role. I was ecstatic! This still doesn’t feel real. Se siente como un sueño. It still feels that way!
CT:I knew that Lin was in the works of taking "In The Heights" from the stage to the big screen but I was really surprised when I got the call. Lin calls me and he's so excited because "In The Heights" is like his baby. So, he's like, "As long I have a job, you have a job. Do you want to be Vanessa in this movie?" And of course, it was an instant yes. este musical es mi sueñitos. To be able to embrace my culture, work with Lin again, and be a musical that I get to star in with one of my favorite humans, mi mayor logro hasta ahora.
How does your real-life friendship influence your on-screen chemistry in the movie?
NJ:Usnavi is a little awkward because he has such a big crush on Vanessa, but he can’t act on it. Or won’t, I should say. And so, having to flirt with my best friend definitely makes me a little awkward sometimes. It definitely helps with the cluelessness when it comes to anything romantic that happens between the two.
CT:It works in our favor! I think, and it's a little fun to sort of have swapped places. I am way more shy than Nori in the real world. I'm much more awkward, but Vanessa isn't shy at all really. She's very much assertive about what she wants, for the most part, so it's fun to sort of have swapped. I think it makes for also a level of trust that we didn't have to build as strangers to be able to throw ourselves in head first. We didn't have to build that rhythm, chemistry is something you either have it or you don't, so we didn't have to sit through chemistry tests or anything. Trusting your co-star makes the acting so much easier, and makes every single day on set super fun.
What was it like working together on a musical that celebrates Latin culture and heritage?
NJIt felt very important to do! Especially because it’s what I do for myself already. Yo soy Boricua!I’m very proud to be Puerto Rican. I’m proud of my heritage and where I came from. And I’ve passed that on to my daughter as well. It’s also really important that Caroline gets to speak her truth. Every one just bypasses the fact that she is in fact Mexican, and that she keeps that dear to her heart because it’s how she keeps her mom’s memory alive and Noelle is half Mexican, so to have both her cultures being uplifted, represented, todo eso, it makes me happy.
CT:It's both so meaningful for us and fun! I have always embraced who I am despite not getting the chance to do so. It's so fun to be able to work on a project where we're not cast as "a sassy best friend" or some stereotype. Latin music is superior and I love being able to dance with such passion. It's honestly so exciting that a musical about Latin culture is getting the opportunity to be a big-budget deal. It's long overdue.
"In the Heights" is a story about community and dreams. How do these themes resonate with your own lives and careers?
NJ: For me, it just reminds me of when I was growing up. I always grew up in areas that were similar to the connections in the movie. Even now, it’s a little different but my friends son como mi familia. And that’s exactly how it felt being on set.
CT:I think the community is something that especially is super important to us. We are a village in our little family, and we rely on each other it's especially wonderful for me who didn't have a family growing up. As far as dreams, dreams are the reason I've done anything. I started dreaming up clothes for my dad to compete in, and I think dreams are the most powerful thing, we as humans do.
Can you describe a memorable moment or favorite scene you both shared during the filming?
NJ:My favorite scene, I think, would have to be during Champagne. That was like the most Nori and Caroline scene you’ll get from us. I’m just focused on opening the champagne bottle and the fact we don’t have cups, Caroline is trying to talk to me but I’m like yeah! Like I hear you but I gotta open this damn champagne. And then I apparently got really into it, and was like “how do you take this gold sh*t off?” we just busted out laughing.
CT:I also really love the "How do you take this gold sh*t off?". I was so happy that they were going to leave it because it's just precious. But because I don't wanna be an imitadora. I love any scene that we got to do with Noelle, I was crying each time because I felt so honored to be in her first movie with her. But as far as like, funny moments, there's a scene in "Black Out," where we're sort of in a fight, and Nori has to say, "I've been tryin' all night, you've been shaking your ass for like half of the heights" and as soon as it ends, he's immediately like, "I'm so sorry!!! I don't think that!!!" because he felt so bad having to say something degrading. A sweet whittle Noris.
Questions for Nori Jusino,
Nori, as the "King of Modern Reggaeton," how did you incorporate your musical background into the role of Usnavi?
NJ: I started taking vocal lessons, actually. Musicals are waaaay different, you gotta make sure everyone’s on point, and if you sing the wrong note, people will notice and you gotta start over. I started my music career just by putting myself out there and getting the right connections, and just pure luck. For this I HAD to really elevate my vocals, and while I think I still sound the same. I have better control of my voice now than I did when I started my career.
Usnavi is a character with big dreams and a deep love for his community. How did you prepare to embody this role?
NJ: It didn’t take much! Lin had a vision, and like Usnavi, I love my community, I love my people, where I come from. All of it. So in that aspect, Usnavi and I are the same, I just had to rep Dominican Republic instead of Puerto Rico. Pero mucho amor a la república dominicana.
What challenges did you face transitioning from reggaeton music to performing in a musical?
NJ:With reggaeton, it’s usually just me. I’ll do features here and there y ya. Pero, with musicals. You’ve got Caroline singing one thing, Corey’s signing his verse, Stephanie, Dashca, and Daphne are singing their verse, and so on and so on. But we’re all doing it at the same time. It’s easy to get lost in it when you’re not use to it, but you get use to it, and once it sticks it sticks. Another thing is performing it. Dancing, acting, singing. I can’t rely on the backing track. I can’t miss a word or it throws it off. When I’m on stage for concerts, if I stop singing I have the crowd screaming back at me. That’s not the case for In The Heights.
How does it feel to represent Puerto Rican culture in such a prominent way through this film?
NJ: It allowed me to explore como se dice? Different genres, the dancing is different. It’s got that urban vibe, but it’s still different than what I’m used to. You also get to see me acting, I had two cameos on Sky Rojo and The Queen of Flow, but nothing major. But this movie, I’m the main character. The story is following Usnavi, for the most part. So you really get to see my acting skills be put to the test.
Questions for Caroline Tesfaye,
Caroline, you've had a remarkable career in both acting and music. How did your experience playing Eliza in "Hamilton" prepare you for the role of Vanessa?
CT:Honestly, I feel very lucky because this is my second Lin Manuel Miranda musical role, so I've already gotten used to the fast pace of it. But Eliza and Vanessa never really rap, so I didn't have to learn that I was able to throw myself into Vanessa and we sang all of the songs live, so I didn't have as much of a problem being able to keep my voice strong while dancing, I was already used to singing for hours, but I get to dance more as Vanessa and that's a lot of fun. I always joke that I make my career as being stingy Puerto Rican men's love interests.
As someone who is white-passing but proudly Mexican, how important is it for you to embrace and represent your culture through this film?
CT:It's so important for me. I have never pretended to not be Mexican, but people have always tried to shove me in this box and not listen to what I'm saying. My mom was an immigrant, and this culture feels like her. I feel like she's with me with him singing in Spanish, I feel like the world gets to hear her voice through me and immigrants are silenced so much, and my mom passed away, this is me doing something for her. I want to break out of the mold and just be Caroline. I have a platform and I don't want to abuse it by not forcing people to see who I am.
You're very active in Nori's daughter's life. How does this close-knit bond influence your collaborative work on screen?
CT:It's very easy for us to play parents because we do parent together. I don't say that lightly, Noelle is one of the most important people in my life. I am truly honored and I don't want to say blessed because it's more than that, but honestly, being able to be there for her in the ways that my mom was before she passed away and give her what I didn't have. Single dads are amazing, but every little girl needs a woman and I've never or will never will never hesitate to step up when she needs.
Questions for working with Lin Manuel Miranda,
Both of you have worked with Lin-Manuel Miranda in different capacities. How was it working with him on "In the Heights"?
NJ: Lin is incredible! He’s one of the nicest people I’ve met since my career started. He feels familiar. Es como un tío para mí. Having him on set, everyone’s at ease. There’s no hostility. He’s just a guy you wanna be around. There’s no negativity. Anything is flipped to a positive. If you’re having a bad day, he’s there with a pep talk. Such a good dude to work with, I’m blessed to be able to work with him on In The Heights.
CT:I think I have a tiny bit of an advantage because I've acted alongside him so I can sort of follow his train of thought and take direction in almost a shorthand because I have seen how his brain works. He's so positive and he's not arrogant enough to be like actually, I know I wrote it this way, but let's try it this way. It's a lot of fun. It's cool because we both have these different advantages to working with Lin. After all, Lin had originally played Usnavi, so he can come in with tips that only someone who's stepped into the role can give.
What impact do you think Lin-Manuel's vision and creativity have had on the film and your performances?
NJ:He’s super involved. He’d started writing this back when he was still in college! So this is like his baby. It’s almost like a passion project for him. Whenever he felt like we needed a little more oomph, he’s like well let’s try it this way and see if it works better. He’s on set day in and day out, in between takes he’s just making sure everyone is good, everyone is happy and having fun.
CT:Lin is on set every day, this movie like we both said is his baby. He loves it. He's just so grateful to be able to see his vision in the grandest of ways. I'm not sure he ever truly thought he'd get to see this show performed to the max. We're out here with these huge dance numbers, it's crazy. Every day feels like a parade or something, and everyone's so happy to be there. It's such a positive fun set.
Questions about the movie's impact,
What do you hope audiences take away from "In the Heights"?
NJIWe don’t have to sit back and conform to what people think we should be. Si tienes un sueño, go for it. Do what makes you happy! Never lose who you are. No matter where you go, or what people may think of you, you are always going to be you, don’t change that for other people, and never forget where you came from.
CT:Never ever stop chasing your sueñitos. Don't let the world's harshness dim your light of dreaming and embracing your culture. I also think another message that you can find in it is about community and happiness. I think the best way I can describe it is to quote Lin, again, from Moana and say, "you must find happiness where you are."
How do you think this film will contribute to the representation of Latin culture in mainstream media?
NJ: It’s good to see us being represented in a positive and uplifting life. We tend to get type casted into these roles because of what we look like or how we sound. Lin bringing everyone together for this project goes to show you, you can look like me or Caroline and not be drug dealer number three, or the sassy best friend. It’s definitely a step in the right direction for representation of Latine culture.
CT:I think it's nothing but positive for the Latin culture. A lot of times in movies we're casted a certain way, we've both mentioned that but it's also the real life prejudice that we and so many people like us have to face. In the Heights showcases how we are intelligent, talented, hardworking and joyful people. Immigrants can sometimes be labeled as lazy, and everything else under the sun, and it's simply not true. We need more media and entertainment that shares the truth of our people. We deserve to be able to pick up a feel good movie and see people like us, people like our families and kids can see themselves in us. It's important.
Are there any specific messages or themes in the movie that you both feel are particularly timely or relevant today?
NJ:There’s mentions of gentrification throughout the movie. That is a constant battle for a lot of people of color, not just Latine people. Our people are being pushed out of their neighborhoods and the rent is skyrocketing, it’s unfair. So I think that is one of the more important messages within the movie. Another one would be just being proud of yourself, your home, where you came from. Our culture shapes who we are and it’s best to embrace it, even when it feels like you’re sticking out like a sore thumb.
CT:I think that the hamster wheel of working so hard for the Latin community to be continously ignored, put down and stereotyped. It's still a thing, this entire block is being screwed over and it happens so often. It's nice to see a story where these people still get a happy ending despite the fact that this country isn't always kind to us. The community, the family, these people are there for each other and want to see each other succeed. It's a love letter to the Latin community, and I'm so happy that little boys and little girls like our Noelle gets to see themselves in this movie. And Noelle gets to seriously do it because she's in it, but still, it's a project that has made me the most proud of anything I've ever worked on.
Hiiiiii! It's again, Birdoline coming at you from the very beautiful. very hot. very fun La Parguera. It's day something, we're hot, but we're not tired! And like all things Birdoline, it's time to spice things up a little bit and bring in a special guest that I think is really cute and I would totally already have his baby, please give a very warm Isla Vibras welcome to the chest hair millionaire himself, my husband, Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye." Caroline says to the camera and to her best friend and husband. The table is set up with the limited edition "XO" tequila in both cocktail and shot form. "We're going to play a super fun game of Truth or Drink. The game is simple, we had Jordan," Caroline pauses and the camera shows the Tesfaye's body guard who loves the attention too much, "Back over here. thank you. gather tweets from fans with some hard hitting questions and you can either choose to answer the question or take a shot. easy peasy." Caroline says, though she can't help but laugh a little. "Birdie and I have been training for this our whole life, so I hope you're ready, babe." ;
"We are very hot and very not tired! I don't even think I've slept since I've arrived." Birdie states matter of factly with a shrug of her shoulders, it's all vibes."It's El Fin De Semana!!" Birdie exclaims, clearly quite proud of herself for pronouncing it correctly. "And if you think I won't be calling you that all fin de semana-" She pauses to laugh at her own joke before continuing on. "You're very sadly mistaken." As the camera pans to Jordan, Birdie exhales a long dramatic sigh directly into the microphone. "Don't give him too much attention, his head is big enough as it is." As the camera pans back to the trio, Birdie is wearing a wide enthusiastic smile, clearly excited for this challenge. "I did make sure to have Jordan pick a few of the more wild questions, just so you know." She waves her cue cards, looking between her best friend and Abel. "Let's get right to it, shall we? Pick your poison, El Fin De Semana!" She gestures to the variety of shots and cocktails displayed before them. "Alright, we'll start with a tame one; from user star g-one-rl...oh starg1rl..okay 'When is the new album coming? Give us the date Abel Lynn!'"
"I don't think y'all have let me sleep since we got here," Abel joked, pulling the mic away from his mouth just enough to plant a quick kiss on Caroline's cheek and whisper a soft 'I love you, baby,' in her ear. Pulling back, Abel raised a brow as he glanced between Caroline and Birdie, unable to repress a laugh as his wife referred to him oh so lovingly as chest hair millionaire. "That ain't right, Sugar Glider," He then turned to Birdie. "El Fin De Senmana," He repeated, nodding. "Yeah, yeah, I know. The more ya' drink, the less it'll sound like The Weeknd in Spanish," Abel rolled his eyes when the camera panned to Jordan who, unsurprisingly, was checking out a woman just out of view. "You need help," Abel shook his head, turning to Birdie and Caroline once again, pushing the thought of Jordan trying to get laid out of his mind. "Alright, alright, I think I can do this, I'm pretty open. I mean, half of the world has seen mine and Caroline's sex tape, so there ain't much being kept a secret anymore," He joked. Listening to the first question, Abel narrowed his eyes. "Sometime in 2024," He shrugged, "I can't give exact dates but that is technically a date," Abel hoped that it would be vague enough, because if not, he'd already be taking a shot of their exclusive XO Star Fruit & Pineapple Tequila. "Next question?" He asked, hopeful that he had successfully outsmarted Birdoline for the first question, although he knew if he got lucky this time, it would be short-lived.
"Caroline begins to chant, "sleep is for the weak! sleep is for the weak!" knowing that Birdie will always be there to continue the chant because who can sleep when there's so much fun to be have? and so much work, but shhh. "En Fin De Denmana, Millonario de pelo en el pecho." Caroline said with a small laugh though she was the only one who spoke pretty close to fluent Spanish. "Don't call me sugar gliderrrrrr on the internettttttt" she whined, she did not want to answer such things, but she would because it was very true. "Hahah, Birdie called you big head." Caroline mocked from where she stood and enjoyed a little middle finger from the security guard who was a big tit baby all the damn time. "Don't any of you nasties tweet us to see the rest of the tape. We don't need to be teachin' y'all have to have babies." she said narrowing her eyes at the camera and giving them the firm "Mom-finger" to show that she was serious. "BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Doesn't count, baby, too vague. Drink up. Then you can ask me, birdie, or birdoline a question next to keep it fair." she said taking the bottle. "Look how pretty, this is ours. We'll tell y'all about it at the end, but we made this. and it's very yummy, and it's from our brand." she said as she poured the shot glass full and handed it to her husband. "bottoms up, babe."
As anyone could have predicted, Birdie joined in on the chant with her arms raised above her head with enthusiasm; "sleep is for the weak! sleep is for the weak!" The comment in fluent Spanish went over her head, visible confusion on her face as her arms drooped back into her lap. "Yeah, I dunno about all that." How exactly was she supposed to interview multiple musicians who spoke almost exclusive Spanish? Time would tell.
The warning prompted Birdie to quickly shuffle through the index cards with tweets that had been pre-typed on each of them, stopping at a specific one and ripping it in half before tossing the pieces over her shoulder. "Yeah, ya nasties!" She shot a glare over towards Jordan for allowing that one in, who held his hands up in defense with a sh*t-eating grin on his face.
"No vague answers, that's cheating fin de semana del día conmemorativo!!" Birdie exclaimed, clearly she had plenty of spanish nicknames tucked away for this occasion thanks to Nori. "Bottoms up, Trey Songz."
Abel couldn't help but roll his eyes. "You know I can't answer those questions. I am under contract. Things do need to be kept under wraps. Giving you a year is the best I could do," He shrugged his shoulders, reaching for the shot of their XO tequila that Caroline had poured for him. "I swear, you're getting me drunk on purpose," he then nodded toward Birdie, "And she's just here for the ride. I don't know what the hell y'all are callin' me either so that's kinda rude,"
With that, Abel held the shot glass to his lips and let the liquid slide down his throat, as he tilted his head backwards. With a quiet gulp, the shot was gone and he gently placed the shot glass down on the table. "Alright, I'm.. actually sort of curious. So, Caroline, what's your favorite Harry Styles song? And Birdie, what's your favorite song I've released? No bullsh*t. Blinding Lights and Watermelon Sugar are wrong answers, 'cause that's what me and Harry hear all the time,"
"Contract Sm-tract." Caroline says with hands her hips though she laughs, "I'm kidding, don't break contractal agreements kiddos, it's not good and court is not fun. Birdoline will not be your lawyer, we do not have law degrees yet." She warns, sliding the glass over, watching carefully to ensure that all the liquor left the glass. "Us? Me? Us? We're angels. We would never play such games. You're a honest man, Abel Lynn." She teased, though getting drunk is always preferrable outcome for content and for the fact she liked the laugh. "Yikes. I guess I'm gonna drink on this one." She said before laughing, "I'm kidding. Easy peasy." she said, "I did want a shot though." she pretended to pout. "I think I know Birdie's answer but I'm going to zip lip cause I wanna see if I'm right . BUt my favorite Harold song is probably Golden. Or Treat People With Kindness. I love both equally, but TPWK feels like Harry as a person, and Harry and I are very similar humans."
