In the fifth-season premiere of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman, out now on Netflix, Letterman asked Cyrus about her famous friends. Specifically, he asked, “That night at the [2024] Grammys, it seemed like an enormous celebration of women in music. Are you friends with all of those women?”
Cyrus candidly responded, “I am not very active, I would say, or very a part of my community of other artists and entertainers and celebrities. It just doesn’t feel like my people when I’m in that room. But there are certain artists, like Beyoncé, who — like us — we’ve known each other for a long time.”
The multi-platinum-certified singer continued, “When I was probably 15, I performed with Beyoncé. I was sandwiched between, you know, Rihanna and the Queen Bey, and they’re fully grown up, gorgeous, probably similar to my age now. Towering over me, completely stunning. I am super small, have acne, have braces on the back of my teeth, and I’m standing next to Mariah Carey, who is dripping in diamonds. Beyoncé was so kind to me, and now, just from seeing her, I’ve created a relationship — maybe a bit more in-depth. […] The kindness and the consistency is everything, so I’m a part of my community in that way, but again, it’s all quality, not quantity. I’m not very active in that.”
Letterman’s reference to the 2024 Grammys concerned Cyrus’ first-ever Grammy wins (Record Of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance), thanks for “Flowers,” which was the root of her show-stopping performance.
Beyoncé welcomed Cyrus as a featured artist on her Cowboy Carter album, and “II Most Wanted” stands to be nominated for Record Of The Year at the 2025 Grammys.
“I wrote that song, like, two and a half years ago,” Cyrus recently told W. “My mom would always go, ‘I love that song so much.’ So when Beyoncé reached out to me about music, I thought of it right away because it really encompasses our relationship. I told her, ‘We don’t have to get country; we are country. We’ve been country.’ I said, ‘You know, between you being from Texas and me being from Tennessee, so much of us is going to be in this song.’ Getting to write a song, not just sing, for Beyoncé was a dream come true.”
David Letterman’s early years were rooted in the heartland of Indianapolis, Indiana. Born in 1947, he developed an affinity for communication, influenced by his father’s humorous storytelling and his mother’s nurturing spirit. Graduating from Ball State University, his first steps into the professional world were as a weatherman, where his comedic inclination already began to shine.
Hosting a radio talk show, he sharpened his skills further, ultimately finding his way to Los Angeles. A handful of appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson followed, culminating in his own show, Late Night with David Letterman. The emergence of a new late-night host was underway, leading to an impressive net worth of $400 million in 2024, according to WealthyGorilla.
A Symphony of Satire: Career Highlights & Accolades
David Letterman smiles as he hosts the premiere of his talk show on NBC television, “Late Night With David Letterman” in the NBC studios in New York City, New York.
The quintessence of wit and wisdom, Letterman’s approach to late-night television was a breath of fresh, albeit sometimes biting, air. Over 6,000 episodes across his tenure in various shows, his format became a lodestar for late-night comedy. The Late Show with David Letterman was more than a talk show; it was a nightly congregation of the culturally curious.
Further, Letterman’s signature segments became a part of American pop culture. His interviews, far from mere promotional pit stops, were engaging dialogues that revealed his guests’ hidden facets. Awards and honors flowed, including 10 Primetime Emmy Awards, but they were never the story; the story was the man behind the desk, disarming and discerning, comedic yet candid.
Beyond The Laughter Lines: Personal Life & Highlights
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 07: Paul Shaffer, 2017 Inductee Nile Rodgers, and presenters Pharrell Williams and David Letterman attend the Press Room of the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. The event will broadcast on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
The offstage Letterman, away from the applause and the laughter, is a composition of contrasts and colors. The long-term marriage to Regina Lasko, the joys of fatherhood, and his ongoing battles with health issues, offer a more three-dimensional view of the man. His advocacy for climate change, passion for racing, and openness about his struggles with mental health have added layers to his persona. Letterman’s life is not confined to the confines of a television studio; it spills over into real-world concerns, real human connections, and real causes.
Investing In Chuckles: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 06: David Letterman speaks onstage at Spike TV’s “Don Rickles: One Night Only” on May 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spike TV)
The comedic maestro is also a capitalist with a keen sense of business. His company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated, has been instrumental in producing his shows and other critically acclaimed series like Everybody Loves Raymond. His investments extend beyond the entertainment world, reflecting a business acumen as sharp as his wit.
Philanthropy is not a mere footnote in his life; it’s a chapter. Whether supporting educational causes or environmental conservation, his generosity speaks as loudly as his humor. His dollars do more than accumulate wealth. They contribute, they care, and they commit to a better world.
Conclusion
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 07: Presenter David Letterman speaks onstage at the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. Debuting on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
The story of David Letterman is a tapestry of humor, intelligence, candor, and compassion. His influence on late-night television is immeasurable, but his impact on those who watched him night after night is even more profound. Through jokes, conversations, and moments of introspection, he’s turned television into a communal experience, a gathering of minds and hearts united by laughter and thought.
The magnitude of his net worth is but a numerical testament to a career that transcended mere entertainment. It’s a celebration of a man who has consistently been more than just a host; he’s been a friend, a critic, a thinker, and a comedian who could make America laugh, think, and sometimes even shed a tear. In the chronicles of entertainment, his name will remain etched as a beacon of brilliance, a symbol of what television can achieve when the hands of a master guide it.
Republicans have long had trouble courting the youth vote, but lately they’ve decided to torch their chances for good. Today’s rightwing have declared Taylor Swift, arguably the most popular pop star on the planet right now, Enemy Number One. They hate that she’s a Biden supporter, and they especially hate that her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, is Super Bowl-bound. Some have even hatched tinfoil hat conspiracy theories about her. But at least Taylor and Travis have one supporter who really matters: Daivd Letterman.
“We live in a world now where all we hear is nonsense and ugliness,” the former late night king said in a post on Instagram, per Variety. “Now here’s Taylor Swift, who is a glowing bright light of goodness in the world and she starts dating Kelsey Grammer.”
Producer Barbara Gaines quickly corrected him, though Letterman stood his ground and kept saying the name of the Trump-voting Frasier star.
Letterman then described how these two very different worlds — the world of football and the world of pop star — have felt like strange bedfellows, sometimes even attack each other, wishing Swift and Kelce weren’t an item. Well, Letterman’s had enough of all that.
“This is such a lovely thing. Shut up!” he charged. “It’s good for the footballers. It’s good for Taylor Swift. And it’s something positive and happy for the world, in a world that generally, typically just sucks gas.”
Letterman concluded, “God bless, Taylor Swift and Kelsey Grammer.”
Hear, hear. And you know what, God bless Kelsey Grammer, too, no matter who he votes for, because Frasier Crane is god, even on his so-so revival.
David Letterman’s early years were rooted in the heartland of Indianapolis, Indiana. Born in 1947, he developed an affinity for communication, influenced by his father’s humorous storytelling and his mother’s nurturing spirit. Graduating from Ball State University, his first steps into the professional world were as a weatherman, where his comedic inclination already began to shine.
Hosting a radio talk show, he sharpened his skills further, ultimately finding his way to Los Angeles. A handful of appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson followed, culminating in his own show, Late Night with David Letterman. The emergence of a new late-night host was underway, leading to an impressive net worth of $400 million in 2023, according to WealthyGorilla.
A Symphony of Satire: Career Highlights & Accolades
David Letterman smiles as he hosts the premiere of his talk show on NBC television, “Late Night With David Letterman” in the NBC studios in New York City, New York.
The quintessence of wit and wisdom, Letterman’s approach to late-night television was a breath of fresh, albeit sometimes biting, air. Over 6,000 episodes across his tenure in various shows, his format became a lodestar for late-night comedy. The Late Show with David Letterman was more than a talk show; it was a nightly congregation of the culturally curious.
Further, Letterman’s signature segments became a part of American pop culture. His interviews, far from mere promotional pit stops, were engaging dialogues that revealed his guests’ hidden facets. Awards and honors flowed, including 10 Primetime Emmy Awards, but they were never the story; the story was the man behind the desk, disarming and discerning, comedic yet candid.
Beyond The Laughter Lines: Personal Life & Highlights
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 07: Paul Shaffer, 2017 Inductee Nile Rodgers, and presenters Pharrell Williams and David Letterman attend the Press Room of the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. The event will broadcast on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
The offstage Letterman, away from the applause and the laughter, is a composition of contrasts and colors. The long-term marriage to Regina Lasko, the joys of fatherhood, and his ongoing battles with health issues, offer a more three-dimensional view of the man. His advocacy for climate change, passion for racing, and openness about his struggles with mental health have added layers to his persona. Letterman’s life is not confined to the confines of a television studio; it spills over into real-world concerns, real human connections, and real causes.
Investing In Chuckles: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 06: David Letterman speaks onstage at Spike TV’s “Don Rickles: One Night Only” on May 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spike TV)
The comedic maestro is also a capitalist with a keen sense of business. His company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated, has been instrumental in producing his shows and other critically acclaimed series like Everybody Loves Raymond. His investments extend beyond the entertainment world, reflecting a business acumen as sharp as his wit.
Philanthropy is not a mere footnote in his life; it’s a chapter. Whether supporting educational causes or environmental conservation, his generosity speaks as loudly as his humor. His dollars do more than accumulate wealth. They contribute, they care, and they commit to a better world.
Conclusion
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 07: Presenter David Letterman speaks onstage at the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. Debuting on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
The story of David Letterman is a tapestry of humor, intelligence, candor, and compassion. His influence on late-night television is immeasurable, but his impact on those who watched him night after night is even more profound. Through jokes, conversations, and moments of introspection, he’s turned television into a communal experience, a gathering of minds and hearts united by laughter and thought.
The magnitude of his net worth is but a numerical testament to a career that transcended mere entertainment. It’s a celebration of a man who has consistently been more than just a host; he’s been a friend, a critic, a thinker, and a comedian who could make America laugh, think, and sometimes even shed a tear. In the chronicles of entertainment, his name will remain etched as a beacon of brilliance, a symbol of what television can achieve when the hands of a master guide it.
David Letterman’s early years were rooted in the heartland of Indianapolis, Indiana. Born in 1947, he developed an affinity for communication, influenced by his father’s humorous storytelling and his mother’s nurturing spirit. Graduating from Ball State University, his first steps into the professional world were as a weatherman, where his comedic inclination already began to shine.
Hosting a radio talk show, he sharpened his skills further, ultimately finding his way to Los Angeles. A handful of appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson followed, culminating in his own show, Late Night with David Letterman. The emergence of a new late-night host was underway, leading to an impressive net worth of $400 million in 2023, according to WealthyGorilla.
A Symphony of Satire: Career Highlights & Accolades
David Letterman smiles as he hosts the premiere of his talk show on NBC television, “Late Night With David Letterman” in the NBC studios in New York City, New York.
The quintessence of wit and wisdom, Letterman’s approach to late-night television was a breath of fresh, albeit sometimes biting, air. Over 6,000 episodes across his tenure in various shows, his format became a lodestar for late-night comedy. The Late Show with David Letterman was more than a talk show; it was a nightly congregation of the culturally curious.
Further, Letterman’s signature segments became a part of American pop culture. His interviews, far from mere promotional pit stops, were engaging dialogues that revealed his guests’ hidden facets. Awards and honors flowed, including 10 Primetime Emmy Awards, but they were never the story; the story was the man behind the desk, disarming and discerning, comedic yet candid.
Beyond The Laughter Lines: Personal Life & Highlights
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 07: Paul Shaffer, 2017 Inductee Nile Rodgers, and presenters Pharrell Williams and David Letterman attend the Press Room of the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. The event will broadcast on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
The offstage Letterman, away from the applause and the laughter, is a composition of contrasts and colors. The long-term marriage to Regina Lasko, the joys of fatherhood, and his ongoing battles with health issues, offer a more three-dimensional view of the man. His advocacy for climate change, passion for racing, and openness about his struggles with mental health have added layers to his persona. Letterman’s life is not confined to the confines of a television studio; it spills over into real-world concerns, real human connections, and real causes.
Investing In Chuckles: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 06: David Letterman speaks onstage at Spike TV’s “Don Rickles: One Night Only” on May 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spike TV)
The comedic maestro is also a capitalist with a keen sense of business. His company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated, has been instrumental in producing his shows and other critically acclaimed series like Everybody Loves Raymond. His investments extend beyond the entertainment world, reflecting a business acumen as sharp as his wit.
Philanthropy is not a mere footnote in his life; it’s a chapter. Whether supporting educational causes or environmental conservation, his generosity speaks as loudly as his humor. His dollars do more than accumulate wealth. They contribute, they care, and they commit to a better world.
Conclusion
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 07: Presenter David Letterman speaks onstage at the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. Debuting on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
The story of David Letterman is a tapestry of humor, intelligence, candor, and compassion. His influence on late-night television is immeasurable, but his impact on those who watched him night after night is even more profound. Through jokes, conversations, and moments of introspection, he’s turned television into a communal experience, a gathering of minds and hearts united by laughter and thought.
The magnitude of his net worth is but a numerical testament to a career that transcended mere entertainment. It’s a celebration of a man who has consistently been more than just a host; he’s been a friend, a critic, a thinker, and a comedian who could make America laugh, think, and sometimes even shed a tear. In the chronicles of entertainment, his name will remain etched as a beacon of brilliance, a symbol of what television can achieve when the hands of a master guide it.
David Letterman’s early years were rooted in the heartland of Indianapolis, Indiana. Born in 1947, he developed an affinity for communication, influenced by his father’s humorous storytelling and his mother’s nurturing spirit. Graduating from Ball State University, his first steps into the professional world were as a weatherman, where his comedic inclination already began to shine.
Hosting a radio talk show, he sharpened his skills further, ultimately finding his way to Los Angeles. A handful of appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson followed, culminating in his own show, Late Night with David Letterman. The emergence of a new late-night host was underway, leading to an impressive net worth of $400 million in 2023, according to WealthyGorilla.
A Symphony of Satire: Career Highlights & Accolades
David Letterman smiles as he hosts the premiere of his talk show on NBC television, “Late Night With David Letterman” in the NBC studios in New York City, New York.
The quintessence of wit and wisdom, Letterman’s approach to late-night television was a breath of fresh, albeit sometimes biting, air. Over 6,000 episodes across his tenure in various shows, his format became a lodestar for late-night comedy. The Late Show with David Letterman was more than a talk show; it was a nightly congregation of the culturally curious.
Further, Letterman’s signature segments became a part of American pop culture. His interviews, far from mere promotional pit stops, were engaging dialogues that revealed his guests’ hidden facets. Awards and honors flowed, including 10 Primetime Emmy Awards, but they were never the story; the story was the man behind the desk, disarming and discerning, comedic yet candid.
Beyond The Laughter Lines: Personal Life & Highlights
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 07: Paul Shaffer, 2017 Inductee Nile Rodgers, and presenters Pharrell Williams and David Letterman attend the Press Room of the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. The event will broadcast on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
The offstage Letterman, away from the applause and the laughter, is a composition of contrasts and colors. The long-term marriage to Regina Lasko, the joys of fatherhood, and his ongoing battles with health issues, offer a more three-dimensional view of the man. His advocacy for climate change, passion for racing, and openness about his struggles with mental health have added layers to his persona. Letterman’s life is not confined to the confines of a television studio; it spills over into real-world concerns, real human connections, and real causes.
Investing In Chuckles: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 06: David Letterman speaks onstage at Spike TV’s “Don Rickles: One Night Only” on May 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spike TV)
The comedic maestro is also a capitalist with a keen sense of business. His company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated, has been instrumental in producing his shows and other critically acclaimed series like Everybody Loves Raymond. His investments extend beyond the entertainment world, reflecting a business acumen as sharp as his wit.
Philanthropy is not a mere footnote in his life; it’s a chapter. Whether supporting educational causes or environmental conservation, his generosity speaks as loudly as his humor. His dollars do more than accumulate wealth. They contribute, they care, and they commit to a better world.
Conclusion
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 07: Presenter David Letterman speaks onstage at the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. Debuting on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
The story of David Letterman is a tapestry of humor, intelligence, candor, and compassion. His influence on late-night television is immeasurable, but his impact on those who watched him night after night is even more profound. Through jokes, conversations, and moments of introspection, he’s turned television into a communal experience, a gathering of minds and hearts united by laughter and thought.
The magnitude of his net worth is but a numerical testament to a career that transcended mere entertainment. It’s a celebration of a man who has consistently been more than just a host; he’s been a friend, a critic, a thinker, and a comedian who could make America laugh, think, and sometimes even shed a tear. In the chronicles of entertainment, his name will remain etched as a beacon of brilliance, a symbol of what television can achieve when the hands of a master guide it.
NORE has a bone to pick with artists who choose to grant interviews to more mainstream outlets. The rapper turned podcaster’s show Drink Champs has become a well of viral moments in hip-hop over the past few years. However, there remains a certain class of artists who offer first looks to shows such as David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Zane Lowe’s Apple Music show, or CBS Mornings with Gayle King. This has apparently stuck in NORE’s craw, and he made his feelings known on Twitter last night.
“I have been the best to this culture,” he began. “I have always put hiphop first and I see u guys go to Ellen and David letterman’s and Zane lows and treat them wit more respect then the culture but u say u want black excellence.” He continued, name-checking another few well-known hosts. “Imma be honest even going to Oprah or gal is trash at this point !!! We control our in culture why go outside of it!!! David letterman is my favorite but man why go there or Ellen before million dollars worth of game or joe or the champs or even twitter sh*t!!!”
I have been the best to this culture I have always put hiphop first and I see u guys go to Ellen and David letterman’s and Zane lows and treat them wit more respect then the culture but u say u want black excellence
Aside from the obvious answer, which is that all of those shows have way bigger audiences and reach than the handful of hip-hop-focused podcasts NORE mentioned, it’s worth noting some recent history in searching for an explanation. In recent months, artists like Ari Lennox and Kehlani have both spoken out about feeling disrespected in interviews.
Contrast that with Letterman’s laid-back softball style in his recent interview with Cardi B or King’s empathetic treatment of Megan Thee Stallion‘s shooting injury. Could it be that these women looked at how their peers were treated over such sensitive topics as gender identity and sexual activity and decided to forego the possibility of being publicly embarrassed?
How vulnerable could they be with the rowdy hosts of these podcasts talking over them, gaslighting them, and trying to be “funny” about being shot or dealing with criticism as a woman in hip-hop? Even Nicki Minaj has spoken out before about feeling disrespected by “for the culture” outlets and preferring the professional tone of “white outlets.”
It’s easy to understand where NORE is coming from. Why don’t hip-hop artists do hip-hop media? After all, who helped them get to the upper echelons of pop culture? It can feel like artists are avoiding the scrutiny from the audiences who know them best, only seeking out positive coverage from mainstream media. And that’s valid.
But when the hip-hop-centric media are only interested in goading their subjects, looking for viral moments or juicy gossip, we can’t be surprised when it turns out that professional artists don’t enjoy the less-than-professional atmosphere these shows create. There’s probably a middle ground, but with trust eroded on both sides, it’ll probably take a while for artists to feel like “the culture” gives as much as it takes.
David Letterman’s Netflix show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, premiered its fourth season last Friday, tapping musical guests Cardi B and Billie Eilish, actors Ryan Reynolds and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and NBA star Kevin Durant for in-depth conversations and hilarious shenanigans. One guest who straddles the line between actor, musician, and even athlete is Will Smith (y’all saw that episode of Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air where Will is his school’s basketball star), who discusses the audition for his game-changing sitcom, going to therapy, and his rap origins.
Emerging in the late ’80s as one-half of the often-comedic rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince, Smith rose to stardom behind such wholesome hits as “A Nightmare On My Street.” However, as rap had begun to take a turn into harder-edged fare, the Grammy winners were often ridiculed for being “soft,” something that Smith has admitted in the past weighed on him. When Dave asks whether Will and Jeff felt any pressure to change lanes, Will offers that while he didn’t feel any pressure to change, he disliked that characterization.
“I hated that, being called soft,” he says. “The origin of my style and why I pursued it in that way [is] when I was about 12, my grandmother, she found my first rap book… I couldn’t even curse well. It was like, ‘Shit ass damn/Will, you the man.’ Not even good cursing. My grandmother found my rap book and wrote a letter in [the] front of my book and said, ‘Dear Willard, truly intelligent people do not have to use words like these to express themselves. Please show the world that you’re as smart as we think you are. Love, Gigi.’ And that was the reason I never cursed in any of my records.”
