Beauty

Megan Thee Stallion’s Choreographer JaQuel Knight on That Epic AMAs Performance

After giving the world the iconic dances from “Single Ladies” and “WAP,” Knight teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion for a game-changing live set….

Megan Thee Stallions Choreographer JaQuel Knight on That Epic AMAs Performance — Photo: Emilio Coochie

Having a diverse skill set allows Knight to pull off arresting moments like Megan’s American Music Awards set, which utilized video, dramatic transparent costumes, and a smoke-filled stage to set a mood. When he began working with the artist at the tail end of 2019, he was keen on taking her live performances to the next level. “It’s just teaching her stage etiquette, “ he explains. “The tools required for superstardom, to become a household name, and soar freely on and off the stage.” The dance was an essential element, one that required daily practices that began in the wee hours. “There has to be a commitment to the art form; it all starts with them,” Knight says of the line between a good and great performer. “Meghan is putting in the hours, she’s working hard, and this is all happening incredibly fast for her. Because she’s such a natural, it can look easy, but this is a first for her, and she’s learned so much about how to execute [a performance] on a high level.”

She may have gone from college student to hip hop superstar seemingly overnight, but when it came time to master the physically demanding choreography for “Body,” Megan was up to the challenge. A mix of NOLA bounce and stomp and shake styles, the routine ranks among Knight’s best—a version of it is featured in Megan’s music video for the song as well—and was a 180 from some of the star’s previous performances. “[Before] we saw one side of Megan with the twerking, and that’s kind of where people were starting to write her off,” says Knight. “My goal was to allow people to realize that she’s so much more than that.” Pushing into new territory wasn’t always easy. “There were some things that she was terrified of,” he says of the rig that descended from the ceiling in the show’s opening, and tackling new styles of dance. “To see her commit to the process and to doing whatever it takes to deliver that knockout, stellar performance was beautiful. She’s not playing—we put on a show like nothing we’d ever done before.”

With the #Bodyodychallenge already spreading on TikTok and Instagram, Knight’s work appears to be done, but there’s plenty more he’s eager to tackle soon—TV, film, music, it’s all on the table as long as it connects with his audience. “My biggest thing is creating formats that speak to people who love the arts,” he says. “The sky is the limit; in the last 12 years, I’ve been able to do so much, but I’m just getting started—this is the only the introduction, my opening number.”

Below, Knight shows Vogue a few behind-the-scenes moments from the rehearsals for last night’s performance.

Knight backstage during rehearsals.

“This takes place at the beginning of the first hook. Here we see the dancers strutting forward, off of the platforms.”

“This is at the beginning of the second hook and the move is inspired from New Orleans movement, The NOLA Bounce.”

“The group groovin’ and rockin’ during the second pocket of the second verse.”

“This is called the Stomp & Shake and it’s from HBCU (Historically Black College and University) culture.”

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Artist Spotlight

How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status

Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.

1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.

A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.

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2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success

Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.

Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.

3. Strong Financial Growth

The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.

This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.

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4. Media Attention and Public Interest

The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.

5. A Commitment to Mental Health

In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.

Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.

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Artist Spotlight

Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” Reigns as the Ultimate Summer Soundtrack

Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” is a catchy new summer soundtrack. It evokes the sunshine, excitement of nightlife, and happiness that come with a true summer song. Co-written with the talented Mark Ronson, “Dance The Night” is a full-on experience that has quickly become the standout track of the season.

Not only is Dua Lipa a massive music star with multiple number-one hits, but this summer, she also made her acting debut as Mermaid Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie. It was only natural for her to be part of the film’s soundtrack, and she truly delivered. “Dance The Night” captures the fun and energy of her previous hits while turning it up with even more sparkle and good vibes, making it impossible not to dance along.

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“Dance The Night” was on the fast track to success. It quickly climbed to the top of the music charts, marking Dua’s fourth number-one song and adding to her growing legacy with hits like “New Rules,” “One Kiss,” and “Cold Heart.” This is about creating a lasting impact.

“Dance The Night” became the soundtrack for fun moments, whether at parties or dancing alone in your room. It’s the perfect song to play when you want to dress up, grab your friends, and dance the night away, just like Barbie does in the movie.

No summer track is complete without a great music video, and “Dance The Night” doesn’t disappoint. Featuring eye-catching visuals, impressive dance moves, and even a surprise appearance from the director, Greta Gerwig, the video captures all the exciting energy of the song. It also shows Margot Robbie’s Barbie living her best life, reminding us that having fun and being confident is always in style.

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What makes “Dance The Night” the ultimate summer song? It’s upbeat and instantly lifts your mood, making you want to dance. Its lyrics invite you to enjoy the moment, and it succeeds on all fronts. Dua Lipa has a knack for creating both familiar and new songs. With its lively disco sound, beautiful strings, and catchy rhythm, “Dance The Night” pays tribute to the classic dance music of the past while still feeling modern. It’s vibrant, exhilarating, and simply irresistible.

In a summer filled with movies, exciting pop moments, and unforgettable times, “Dance The Night” shines as the perfect soundtrack. Whether you’re watching Barbie on the big screen or dancing under the stars, Dua Lipa has given us another fantastic song to which we’ll keep dancing even as summer ends.