Mariah Carey Is Waging A War On Bad Lighting - Eps. 53

Welcome to Episode 53 of the irl Media NEWS Podcast, I'm your host Chris Thompson, and today we discuss Mariah Carey’s war on fluorescent lighting, MrBeast goes on a startup shopping spree to acquire Vouch, Abu Dhabi is getting their own Sphere, David and Victoria Beckham buy a $72.3 Miami Beach spec mansion, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and the NFL Sign Super Bowl Halftime Show contract extension.

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Chris Thompson
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Transcript

Welcome to Episode 53 of the irl Media NEWS Podcast, I'm your host Chris Thompson, and today we discuss Mariah Carey’s war on fluorescent lighting, MrBeast goes on a startup shopping spree to acquire Vouch, Abu Dhabi is getting their own Sphere, David and Victoria Beckham buy a $72.3 Miami Beach spec mansion, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and the NFL Sign Super Bowl Halftime Show contract extension.

Business

MrBeast just went on a shopping spree and acquired a startup named Vouch, which is a hiring platform for content creators. It’s just another piece of the larger puzzle of MrBeast’s growing media empire.

Vouch enables creators to post job openings and leverage AI tools to match applicants with roles like video editors, content strategists, and managers. Financial terms of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, industry experts estimate this deal could be valued in the range of $10 million to $20 million, considering Vouch’s venture backing and user base of over 35,000 registered candidates.

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, began his YouTube journey in 2012 with small-scale gaming videos. His big break came in 2017 when his video, “Counting to 100,000,” went viral, earning millions of views and establishing his reputation for creating eye-catching stunts and challenges. MrBeast's main YouTube channel boasts over 185 million subscribers, while his collective subscriber count across multiple channels exceeds 318 million. His content, known for its elaborate challenges and philanthropic initiatives, has accumulated over 40 billion views, making him one of the most successful YouTubers ever.

Beyond his YouTube ad revenue, which is estimated to earn him around $3-5 million per month, MrBeast has diversified his income streams through strategic business ventures. In 2023, Forbes estimated his total annual earnings to be around $100 million, primarily from ads, brand deals, and merchandise sales. With Vouch, MrBeast plans to streamline hiring for his team and other creators, making it easier to find talent for specialized roles like thumbnail design or social media strategy. This acquisition complements his broader strategy of building businesses that cater to the unique needs of content creators.

Vouch, launched in 2021 by Marty Pesis, a former Cameo executive, quickly became a go-to hiring platform for creators seeking skilled professionals. With an emphasis on user-friendly job postings and AI-powered recommendations, the platform has attracted top content creators like Yes Theory, Danny Duncan, and the Stokes Twins. Before its acquisition, Vouch received backing from venture capital firms like Seven Seven Six and Liquid 2 Ventures, adding to its credibility within the industry. The platform’s robust network of over 35,000 candidates has made it a valuable resource in the creator economy.

Adding Vouch to his portfolio is just the latest in a series of business ventures for MrBeast. In 2020, he launched MrBeast Burger, a virtual restaurant chain that operates through partnerships with existing kitchens. Within a year, the chain expanded to over 1,000 locations across the United States, Canada, and Europe, generating millions in revenue. In 2022, he further diversified with the launch of Feastables, a chocolate brand that raked in over $10 million in sales within the first few months. His brands, which leverage his massive online following for marketing, are estimated to contribute significantly to his net worth, which industry analysts place at over $500 million as of 2024.

By acquiring Vouch, MrBeast is expanding his suite of tools for the creator economy, making it easier for creators to find the right talent to grow their channels. This acquisition aligns with his broader strategy of providing services that address the unique needs of content creators. In addition to Vouch, MrBeast co-founded ViewStats, a platform that helps creators better understand their performance analytics on platforms like YouTube. ViewStats offers insights into video engagement, audience demographics, and revenue analytics, allowing creators to optimize their content and maximize their growth potential.

The combination of Vouch and ViewStats adds valuable resources to the creator ecosystem. Vouch simplifies the hiring process by connecting creators with top talent, while ViewStats enables them to better understand and leverage their data. Together, these platforms empower creators to scale their teams efficiently and make data-driven decisions, ultimately helping them succeed in an increasingly competitive digital space. By integrating these services into his business portfolio, MrBeast is creating a more comprehensive support system for those looking to thrive in the creator economy.

This latest acquisition represents another step in MrBeast's ambitious plan to build a business empire that extends far beyond content creation. The deal comes amid a period of rapid growth in the creator economy, which was valued at over $250 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting it could reach $480 billion by 2027. As more brands and creators seek professional services tailored to the digital space, MrBeast is positioning himself as a leading figure in this evolving market.

With Vouch under his umbrella, MrBeast now controls a tool that could change the hiring dynamics for creators, making it easier to find talent quickly and efficiently. It’s a natural extension of his existing ventures and a strategic move that solidifies his role not just as a content creator but as a savvy entrepreneur shaping the future of digital media. As he continues to expand his portfolio, MrBeast’s influence in both the entertainment and business worlds shows no signs of slowing down, positioning him as a visionary in the ever-changing landscape of online content.

Tech

A new Sphere is coming to Abu Dhabi, marking the second of its kind and the first one outside the United States. This new venue represents a significant step in the expansion plans of its developer, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. Abu Dhabi's Sphere aims to replicate the technological marvel and entertainment experience first seen in Las Vegas, taking the immersive entertainment concept to the Middle East and creating a new hub for live events, interactive media, and digital art.

The original Sphere venue, known as the MSG Sphere, opened its doors in Las Vegas in September 2023 after years of anticipation. Located near the Venetian Resort, it instantly became a landmark in the Las Vegas skyline, with its massive dome shape and vibrant LED displays. The Sphere's exterior measures 366 feet in height and 516 feet in width, making it the largest spherical structure in the world. Its development cost MSG Entertainment a reported $2.3 billion, but the investment has really paid off as it quickly attracted global attention, both for its unique design and the technology embedded within it.

At the heart of the Sphere's appeal is its groundbreaking technology, which makes it an unparalleled venue for live events and immersive experiences. The Las Vegas Sphere boasts a 160,000 square foot LED display wrapping around its exterior, capable of showing stunning visuals visible across the Las Vegas Strip. Inside, the immersive screen measures 160,000 square feet and offers 16K resolution, delivering visuals that are hyper-realistic and envelop the audience in ways that traditional concert venues cannot. The Sphere's audio system, developed by German acoustics firm Holoplot, features beamforming technology, which allows precise audio targeting to each seat, ensuring an unparalleled sound experience for every attendee. The venue also incorporates a state-of-the-art haptic system, allowing viewers to feel the vibrations of sound, adding a tactile element to concerts and events.

The tech infrastructure extends to the Sphere's ability to run complex AI systems that adjust visual and audio elements in real time, offering creators the flexibility to produce dynamic, live-adjusted content. The building's exterior, sometimes referred to as the "Exosphere," is composed of 1.2 million LED pucks, each capable of displaying 256 million colors, creating stunning, ever-changing visuals on the exterior of the Sphere. This exterior has become a digital canvas for everything from live event promotions to dazzling artistic displays that are visible from miles away.

Since its opening, the Las Vegas Sphere has hosted a range of high-profile advertisements and events that have leveraged its unique capabilities. Major brands like Apple, Tesla, and Google have taken advantage of the digital real estate on the Exosphere, using it to showcase massive advertisements that dominate the Las Vegas skyline. In 2023, the Sphere played a major role during the inaugural Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix, with the event's branding and graphics lighting up the exterior, making it a focal point of the race. Musically, the venue has been a stage for some of the world’s most famous performers. U2 inaugurated the Sphere with a series of concerts that leveraged the venue's immersive capabilities, creating a show that blended live performance with digital art in ways never before seen. Other artists like Coldplay, Adele, and The Weeknd have been rumored to be in talks for performances, looking to use the Sphere's advanced tech to redefine their live shows.

MSG Entertainment, the company behind the Sphere, has been a significant player in the entertainment and live events industry for decades. With roots in managing iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and the Radio City Music Hall, the company's venture into the Sphere project represents a bold step into creating immersive and technologically advanced entertainment spaces. After the successful launch of the Las Vegas Sphere, MSG Entertainment announced their intention to expand internationally, with Abu Dhabi being the first destination outside the United States. This move is part of a broader strategy to establish a global network of Sphere venues, providing a consistent yet customizable platform for concerts, esports, and immersive experiences.

The new Abu Dhabi Sphere is expected to feature similar technological specifications as the Las Vegas venue, but with modifications tailored to the local market. Although specific financial details have not been disclosed, industry analysts estimate that the project will cost between $1.5 billion to $2 billion, reflecting the investment needed to replicate the advanced technology and high standards of the original. The Abu Dhabi venue is set to benefit from the region's thriving tourism industry and its strategic location, making it accessible to audiences from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Additionally, the collaboration with local entities in Abu Dhabi highlights MSG Entertainment's approach to international partnerships, aiming to integrate the Sphere into the cultural and entertainment fabric of its new home.

This second Sphere venue is scheduled to begin construction in early 2025, with a projected opening in 2028. The Abu Dhabi Sphere is anticipated to host a wide range of events, from concerts and sports to international film premieres and digital art installations. MSG Entertainment sees this as the first step in a long-term vision of bringing the Sphere experience to major cities around the world. The Abu Dhabi project is expected to pave the way for future locations in Europe and Asia, as the company seeks to tap into new markets and continue pushing the boundaries of immersive entertainment. With its blend of cutting-edge technology and stunning architectural design, the Sphere promises to revolutionize the entertainment industry not only in Las Vegas but across the globe.

Entertainment

Mariah Carey, the queen of high notes and holiday hits, has just shared what might be the most quintessential diva complaint of the year. She’s not a fan of the lighting in public spaces. That’s right - Mariah Carey finds the lighting in public spaces to be, and I quote, “less than flattering.” So, while the rest of us worry about things like paying the bills, buying groceries, and remembering our passwords, Mariah Carey is out here waging war against...bad lighting.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Of all the things in the world to be worried about, lighting? But leave it to Mariah Carey to be troubled by something so hilariously specific. Mariah Carey has reached such a level of fame that her biggest complaint is how public lighting makes her look.

In typical Mariah Carey fashion, this comment isn't just a one-off quirk. This is the same Mariah Carey who demands that her dressing rooms be filled with white roses, that her dog has its own chauffeur, and that Christmas should basically be renamed “Mariah Carey Season.” She once reportedly requested a butterfly release during a concert. Butterflies, people. Released on cue. Because why not? This is also the same Mariah Carey who probably sings her own name when no one is listening, because when you’re Mariah Carey, you apparently can get away with that.

So, is it really a surprise that she’s upset about the lighting in public places? Absolutely not.

Let’s just imagine for a second, how this plays out in Mariah Carey’s day-to-day life. She walks into a grocery store, grabs a basket, and BAM - fluorescent lighting. A tragedy of epic proportions. Instead of focusing on what she came for, maybe another bottle of champagne for her luxurious bubble bath, she’s mentally cursing the cruel lighting gods for casting her in such a harsh glow. Can’t a diva get some mood lighting while picking out produce? Is that too much to ask people?

And let’s not forget the audacity of public transportation; as if Mariah Carey would ever stoop to such a level. Just the thought of the harsh, cold light on a subway, must make her faint. How dare they! Clearly, the world is not prepared for someone of Mariah Carey’s stature to be exposed to such mediocre lighting conditions. She probably avoids airports for this very reason, unless they’ve agreed to install a soft ring light that follows her from terminal to terminal. I guess this is why she flies private.

Mariah Carey’s latest comments just further solidify her status as the ultimate diva, and you can’t even be mad at her about it. I mean, bad lighting affects us all, and too many of us suffer in the shadows. But for Mariah Carey, in her mind, it’s not just a minor inconvenience. It’s a personal affront. And while we mere mortals continue to face the grim reality of bad lighting in public places with a shrug and a sigh, Mariah Carey is out there fighting the good fight - one perfectly illuminated selfie at a time.

Real Estate

David and Victoria Beckham just made headlines for buying a $72.3 Miami Beach mansion on spec, meaning the place hasn’t even been built yet! Talk about a real estate baller move!

This power couple has shelled out a record breaking $72.3 million dollars for a waterfront mansion in Miami Beach. The soon to be built mansion is located on North Bay Road, and promises to be an opulent addition to their already impressive real estate portfolio. The Beckhams’ purchase not only reflects their keen eye for prime properties but also their growing ties to Miami, a city that has played an increasingly important role in their lives.

This new mansion sits on a 0.6-acre lot and is designed to epitomize modern luxury. The home, developed by Bart Reines and designed by Choeff Levy Fischman in collaboration with the Antrobus Design Collection, spans 14,270 square feet of living space. It features 9 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and 4.5 half-baths, making it a palatial retreat. With 124 feet of water frontage, the home is tailor-made for Miami’s outdoor lifestyle, complete with a swimming pool, spa, gym, home theater, and extensive outdoor entertainment areas. The mansion’s design emphasizes open spaces and natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing stunning views of the waterfront.

The property was initially listed for $80 million, which makes the Beckhams' purchase slightly below asking, but still a record-breaking figure for the area. The spec mansion was built to attract high-end buyers, and the Beckhams’ investment underscores the allure of Miami Beach’s luxury market. It is clear that their confidence in the area is strong, as this is not their first significant purchase in Miami. In 2020, the couple bought a full-floor condo in the One Thousand Museum tower, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, for nearly $19.8 million. This condo features 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a spacious 5,000 square feet of living space, with amenities such as a private helipad, a stunning rooftop pool, and an aquatic center, signaling their commitment to luxury living.

David Beckham has become a global icon not just for his prowess on the soccer field, but for his brand-building capabilities off it. After rising to prominence playing for Manchester United, where he helped the team secure numerous titles, David Beckham went on to enjoy a celebrated career at other top clubs, including Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain. With an impressive collection of league titles across multiple countries, David Beckham was one of the highest-paid athletes in the world during his playing career. His fame transcended soccer, as his good looks and charisma made him a favorite for endorsement deals. Throughout his career, David Beckham has forged lucrative partnerships with global brands such as Adidas, H&M, and Gillette. His lifetime contract with Adidas is reported to be worth a staggering $160 million.

Beyond sports and endorsements, David Beckham co-founded Inter Miami FC, an MLS soccer team, which has quickly become one of the most valuable franchises in the league, further boosting his fortune. Between his business interests and endorsements, David Beckham’s net worth is estimated to be around $450 million.

Victoria Beckham, once known as “Posh Spice” from the iconic 1990s pop group Spice Girls, successfully transitioned into the fashion world. The Spice Girls sold over 100 million records globally, making them one of the best-selling female groups in music history. After the group disbanded, Victoria Beckham refocused her career on fashion, launching her eponymous fashion label in 2008. Her designs, known for their sleek and modern aesthetic, have won critical acclaim and built her a loyal following among celebrities. While her fashion label has faced challenges in terms of profitability, it remains an integral part of her brand, contributing to her personal net worth, which is estimated at around $100 million.

Together, the Beckhams boast a combined net worth of approximately $550 million, positioning them among the wealthiest celebrity couples in the world.

The Beckhams are no strangers to luxury real estate, with a portfolio that spans some of the most coveted cities and locations around the globe. Their London residence, dubbed “Beckingham Palace,” is an opulent mansion in the prestigious Holland Park neighborhood. Valued at around $40 million, the home underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation to reflect the couple’s sophisticated tastes. It boasts six bedrooms, five bathrooms, extensive living spaces, a gym, a wine cellar, and even a separate space for staff, embodying the height of luxury in one of London’s most exclusive areas. The expansive grounds include beautifully landscaped gardens and a tennis court, providing a private retreat within the city.

In the English countryside, they own a breathtaking estate in the Cotswolds, valued at approximately $8 million dollars. This charming property, purchased in 2016, features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and has become their family’s serene escape. Complete with a lake, a barn-style home with modern amenities, and impeccably landscaped grounds, the estate exudes English countryside charm while offering the privacy and exclusivity the Beckhams seek. This picturesque retreat is the perfect place for the family to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside.

Their real estate empire also extends across the Atlantic. Their Miami portfolio also includes a $19.8 million condo in the prestigious One Thousand Museum tower. In Dubai, they own a luxury penthouse, which has views of the Arabian Gulf, high-end finishes, and expansive living areas, adding to their global holdings. Additionally, the couple once owned a sprawling mansion in Beverly Hills, California, which they sold for $33 million in 2018 after originally purchasing it for $18.2 million in 2007. That property featured 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, a pool, a home gym, and a spacious outdoor area, reflecting their taste for lavish living.

It’s not every day that a power couple like David and Victoria Beckham makes headlines for a property purchase of this magnitude, but their $72.3 million investment in a Miami Beach spec mansion is remarkable even by their standards. This record-setting transaction solidifies their presence in the city and underscores the continued allure of Miami as a luxury real estate destination. The Beckhams' latest acquisition is a testament to their ability to blend opulence with strategic investment, further enhancing their global real estate footprint. Whether for business or pleasure, the Beckhams’ lifestyle and investments continue to inspire fascination around the world.

Sports

The NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation have officially extended their partnership to produce the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which has been one of the world’s most high-profile collaborations in sports and entertainment. This extension is exciting news, especially given how previous Super Bowl Halftime Shows produced under Jay-Z’s supervision have captivated global audiences. Since Roc Nation took over the production of the show in 2019, the bar for halftime performances has consistently been raised, with massive acts like Rihanna, Shakira, The Weeknd, and Usher headlining the events.

When Jay-Z and Roc Nation first teamed up with the NFL in 2019, it was part of a broader initiative aimed at bringing more diversity and cultural relevance to the league's entertainment offerings. Financially, the original deal was reportedly worth $25 million over five years. Though specifics of the new extension remain undisclosed, the partnership has undoubtedly proven lucrative for both sides, with the NFL benefiting from increased viewership and cultural cachet while Roc Nation continues to cement its status as a leader in both music and social activism. The financial success of this collaboration is apparent, with each Super Bowl Halftime Show drawing millions of viewers worldwide and contributing to the NFL's immense advertising revenue.

Throughout Jay-Z's tenure, the halftime shows have featured some of the most celebrated artists in music. The 2020 show, co-headlined by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, set a high standard with a dazzling performance that blended Latin culture with mainstream pop. In 2021 The Weeknd took the stage with a unique, visually stunning show that reportedly cost him $7 million of his own money to enhance. In 2022, a historic hip-hop lineup featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar delivered an unforgettable performance, further solidifying Jay-Z’s commitment to bringing diverse and powerful acts to the Super Bowl stage. Rihanna’s 2023 performance marked her return to live music after several years, once again showcasing Roc Nation’s ability to bring top-tier talent to the event. And Usher’s 2024 Halftime show was a huge hit, and had fans singing along to all his hits.

As for the newly extended deal, while financial details are scarce, the original agreement between Roc Nation and the NFL was a five-year contract valued at $25 million. This partnership has proven highly beneficial, and both the NFL and Roc Nation are eager to continue their collaboration. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell described the relationship as mutually positive, with both parties expressing satisfaction. Beyond entertainment, the partnership plays a crucial role in the NFL’s social justice efforts, notably through Roc Nation’s involvement in the “Inspire Change” initiative, which has distributed $375 million in grants to support racial equality causes. This blend of high-profile performances and a focus on social justice has helped the NFL reshape its image, particularly after facing criticism for its response to player protests.

What’s particularly noteworthy is how each year’s halftime show seems to surpass the previous one. Whether through innovative staging, iconic artist collaborations, or the incorporation of social messages, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has become much more than just a musical performance—it’s a cultural touchstone. With Jay-Z now extending his deal with the NFL, fans can expect even more groundbreaking performances in the coming years. His ability to blend music, entertainment, and activism ensures that the halftime show will remain a must-watch event, not only for football fans but for anyone interested in live entertainment on a grand scale.

As we look to future Super Bowl Halftime Shows, Jay-Z’s continued involvement means we can anticipate even bigger productions, with more diversity, creativity, and impact. The evolution of the halftime show under his direction has been remarkable, and with this new chapter, the NFL is poised to continue delivering one of the most iconic live performances of the year, with Roc Nation at the helm. The excitement surrounding this announcement shows just how much the Super Bowl Halftime Show has grown, becoming a centerpiece of both the sports and music industries.