fly — Iseult had two goals in mind when she walked out on stage for the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Sunday: to use the world’s spotlight as her megaphone to shine a light on France, while also advancing her music and modeling careers in the United States and around the world.
The Parisian entertainer took to the center stage of the Stade de France to perform live, then strutted down a platform in a way she’s famous for at major fashion runway shows, including Balmain and Balenciaga. It was a big moment for the singer, who sang the Frank Sinatra classic “My Way,” based on the French song “Comme d’habitude” written by Jacques Levaux and Claude François.
“The lyrics fit my career perfectly,” Isold told The Associated Press in an interview on the rooftop of a luxury hotel in Paris. The singer said she chose Sinatra’s popular 1969 ballad over the French version because it sounded more “bold, fierce and tough.”
“I love the fact that this is me, this is who I am,” she said. “I’m not perfect, but I’m doing it my way. The Frank Sinatra version is more intense and powerful. The French version is more like a sad love song.”
After Yseult’s performance, her next goal is to capture hearts in the United States, starting with her new album “Mental,” which is out on September 20. Her upcoming projects are all part of her plan to become a global force in entertainment and fashion.
Isold spoke to AP about her new album, her successful modeling career, and maintaining her mental health while dealing with online bullying.
In France, Iseult is known for her unapologetically honest lyrics, fearlessly speaking about her experiences as a black woman and openly addressing issues like racism and discrimination.
But Yseult’s outspoken nature has seen her encounter some online trolls who have targeted her plus-size body. She said the comments have shaken her mental health, but she wouldn’t say whether she’s sought or received any help.
“Being publicly bullied is very painful as a human being,” she said. “It’s painful as an artist. … Everyone has negative thoughts about you. It’s very difficult because people already have stereotypes about black women and curvy women. The hate towards me is growing.
“But I’m proud of myself, because I’m strong and resilient, so I don’t care.”
Instead of fighting back on social media, she opened up about how it affected her mental health and let her friends speak for her on her 12-track album, “Mental,” which is led by the single “B(asterisk)(asterisk)(asterisk) You Could Never.” Her new project will also feature English lyrics for the first time.
“In my last project, I talked about my skin, my hair, my family, and my struggles. My vulnerability,” Yseult said of her 2020 extended play “Brut.” “It was important for me to talk about my mental health and share where I am at in this project.”
Yseult has a killer voice, but she’s also a top-notch fashionista. She’s walked the runways of Balmain, Mugler, McQueen, and Balenciaga and is respected in the modeling industry.
The singer is a global ambassador for L’Oréal and caused a sensation on the red carpet at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
As Yseult gets closer to stardom, she knows there will be more pressure. But she feels ready for the challenge of inspiring curvaceous black women like herself.
“I embrace my fears and I embrace the fact that I’m not perfect,” she said. “If I inspire some women, I’m happy. That’s great, but it’s also a huge pressure.”
Iseult, who performed in a Dior Haute Couture ensemble, wants to create her own unisex brand, and her connections in the fashion industry make it a reality.
Iseult believes that French artists are as talented as anyone in the world.
The opening ceremony featured performances by some of the country’s top performers across a variety of musical genres, including Aya Nakamura and Godzilla.
The final celebration was Iseult’s turn.
“Here is the face of France,” she said. “Diverse. Let’s be proud of our inclusion. Our diversity. Even if you feel a little resistance behind each fight. We always win. That’s why I’m here. I’ll stand. I’ll sing. It’s already a victory. This is France.”
Even though she can’t fully understand the French lyrics, Iseult believes the emotions in the songs speak for themselves.
“You can feel the vibe, the attitude, the personality,” she said.
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
