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The Mystery of André 3000: Why He Stopped Making Music

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André Lauren Benjamin – also known as André 3000, or simply ‘Dre’ – is widely recognized as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Born on 27 May 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia USA, he gained fame as half of the southern hip hop duo named Outkast, alongside fellow Atlanta-based rapper Antwan Patton, also known as ‘Big Boi.’

Their unique blend of funk and hip-hop, coupled with André’s impressive lyrical ability and creative vision, set them apart from their peers and made them one of the most influential acts of the 1990s and 2000s.

In spite of being celebrated as a pioneer of the genre, André hasn’t released a full-length album in over 15 years, meaning he actually has zero albums to date. His absence from the music industry has left fans confused, and craving new material from the enigmatic rapper.

In a 2019 interview with GQ, André revealed that he struggles with confidence in his creative abilities and has found it difficult to produce new music, lending some idea as to why he might’ve halted the grind. A great many die-hard fans are still rather hopeful that André will return, since he’d built his own little empire in music.

The impact and legacy of Outkast

Outkast were formed in 1992, releasing their first album, “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” in 1994, and subsequently gaining significant recognition for their bold and innovative direction in southern hip hop.

Their approach was characterized by a focus on melody, intricate lyrics, and thicker arrangements, as opposed to the aggression and negativity customary among their colleagues. The album was undeniably praised, and Outkast went on to release seven more albums, with their biggest commercial success being their fourth release.

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The magnum opus

This is, of course, “Speakerboxxx / The Love Below” in 2003, considered a masterpiece of hip hop with its unconventional mix of rap, soul, funk and jazz. The album is divided into two parts, with Big Boi taking on the “Speakerboxxx” side and Dre performing “The Love Below.”

The album features unrepeatable hits such as “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move,” having won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and being certified diamond with over 11 million copies sold in the US alone.

“Hey Ya!” was an avalanche of its own proportions, becoming an instant classic all around the world. With its infectious hook and irresistible dance beat, the song was heard everywhere in the fall of 2003. 20 years down the line, almost everyone has heard it at least once, which is a true testament to the immortality of Outkast’s creative works.

One of the most striking things about the album is how different the two sides are, with Big Boi’s half being more straightforward, sporting hard-hitting beats and aggressive rhymes. Dre’s half, on the other hand, is more experimental, especially for its time, with lush, orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics. Together, the halves almost represent a battle of the creators, offering most any listener at least one track for their momentary feelings to latch onto.

Regardless of the album’s sprawling length and genre-hopping tendencies, it received universal critical acclaim upon its release, with very few, if any negative comments from even the harshest music critics.

Dre’s premise for the whole project, in its infancy, was the idea of doing something to stand out in the overcrowded rap market, which bore fruit of a magnitude neither of the two could have imagined.

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The long farewell

At the time unbeknownst to millions of fans, Outkast would release their final album to date, entitled “Idlewild,” on 22 August 2006. The album was also the soundtrack to their eponymous film, which was set in the 1930s and focused on the lives of the people in Idlewild, a small town in Michigan.

The album featured collaborations with artists such as Macy Gray, Janelle Monáe, and Sleepy Brown, and had a mix of genres, including hip-hop, jazz, blues, and funk. The lead single, “Mighty O,” was a catchy upbeat song that showcased the duo’s one-of-a-kind gimmick.

While the album failed to achieve its predecessor’s levels of success, receiving mixed reviews from critics, it still debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2007.

The album also marked a departure for Outkast, as it was their first album in three years, following their critically acclaimed masterwork. The duo officially went on hiatus after the release of “Idlewild,” with André focusing on acting, and Big Boi pursuing a solo career.

Even without releasing any new music as a duo ever since, Outkast’s influence on hip-hop and popular music remains undeniable. Their innovative and genre-bending style paved the way for future artists to experiment with different sounds and styles.

The group’s far-reaching influence that will serve to inspire many generations of musicians can be heard in the work of artists such as Childish Gambino, Tyler, The Creator, and Kendrick Lamar, among others.

While fans may still be holding out hope for a reunion and a new album from Outkast, their legacy in the world of music is secure, which their fourth and fifth albums did the heavy lifting for.

Showing up show business

Big Boi and Dre’s success didn’t stop with just the music industry, as they have also been recognized for their contributions to film and television. The duo starred in their own aforementioned musical from 2006, which was directed by Bryan Barber. The film didn’t really dazzle every critic in Hollywood, but certainly showcased Outkast’s talents as both actors and music performers.

André definitely proved to be more drama-oriented, however, with his first significant acting role secured in 2005, when he portrayed Percival in the film “Be Cool.” Percival was a quirky musician who added comic relief to the movie, and André’s portrayal was widely praised. The movie was also filled with superstars of the industry, featuring John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Vince Vaughn, while André held his own amongst the A-list cast.

In 2007 André took on a more dramatic role in the film “Battle in Seattle,” which chronicled the protests against the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Seattle in 1999. André played a character named Django, who was caught up in the chaos of the protests. The movie was quite successful, and André received many a positive opinion from the critics.

He continued to take on challenging roles, and in 2013 ended up playing Jimi Hendrix himself in the film “Jimi: All Is by My Side.” The movie chronicled Hendrix’s life before he became famous, and André’s portrayal was widely praised, earning him an Independent Spirit Award nomination in the Best Male Lead category. André immersed himself in the role to the point of method acting, learning to play the guitar left-handed, and adopting Hendrix’s mannerisms.

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In 2018 André appeared in the science fiction film “High Life,” directed by Claire Denis. It tells the story of a group of prisoners sent on a dangerous mission to explore a black hole, in which André played the character named Tcherny, who was one of the prisoners. Again, there were only good things to say about the way André carried his character throughout the film’s duration.

In 2022 he was cast as Eric in the A24 comedy drama “Showing Up”, which told the story of an artist who is struggling to complete a project. André’s role was the third most important one, with significant screen time.

Seeing how André’s Hollywood appearances have no clear-cut pattern, he could show up in another title at any given time, but there are none set to feature him in 2023. With that said, his current acting career has been marked by a consistent willingness to take on challenging and diverse roles, which makes him a favorite among directors.

From comedies to dramas and science fiction, he sports a diverse range of characters and an extensive acting portfolio. Whether the legendary hip hop artist plans on only doing films for the rest of his career is anyone’s guess, but none would be opposed to that idea.

An eternal namesake

All in all, Outkast’s influence on hip hop is undeniable, and their success nothing short of outstanding. They’ve been credited with introducing southern hip hop to a larger audience, and paving the way for future generations of southern rappers, as well as recognized for their positive message and inventive sound, which challenged the stereotypical ideas of what hip hop could and should be.

It also can’t be left out that some of today’s most successful hip hop artists have in one way or another emulated the brave decision to stray from the stereotype, thus creating art that warranted the attention of the wider world, instead of just the hip hop crowd. In doing so, individuals such as Childish Gambino had to become stereotype-‘outkasts’ themselves, further immortalizing their perpetual legacy.

The grand reunion

In 2014 Outkast came as close as it probably ever will to getting back together, much to the excitement of millions. They celebrated the group’s 20th anniversary with an all-encompassing tour, which included performances at Coachella and other major music festivals.

The news attracted massive crowds, with fans from all corners of the world flocking to see the legendary duo perform live. It also prompted numerous high-profile news outlets to rave about it, including even Time magazine. With that much extra publicity, it’s clear that a lot of pressure was on Dre and Big Boi’s shoulders.

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However, the delivery of what was promised didn’t seem to go as smoothly, with André himself being rather disappointed when all was said and done. He told The Guardian that there was significant discomfort in performing songs whose heyday was decades ago, and his confidence plummeted, as he didn’t know how to represent them in the modern era.

He also admitted that he felt like a sell-out for even accepting the gig, citing the expenses with an almost-adult son in the household as the financial incentive that unfortunately won over artistic integrity. He openly admitted to not even wanting to do the tour, and using creative costumes to substitute his excitement for the performances.

A legend through and through

André’s fans continue to hold him in high esteem and celebrate his past contributions music, holding fast to the idea that Outkast will surely return one day. The sad truth is that some trends simply get worn out over time, and, considering his comment given to The Guardian on the songs, André isn’t one to dwell on former projects, regardless of how successful they are.

Thus, very simply put, the reason that Outkast isn’t likely to ever reform again is the fact that its time has passed, and André simply doesn’t have enough of an interest in revitalizing their image with a vibe and look that would fit the 2020’s. He also doesn’t have to, as there are many more things he is celebrated for.

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For example, XXL Magazine compiled a list of little-known facts about the rapper in honor of his 45th birthday, highlighting his versatility as an artist and his willingness to explore true individuality in any medium. From his iconic fashion choices to his foray into acting, André 3000 has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the arts.

Beyond that, he has also made a name for himself as a Grammy-winning producer. He played an instrumental role in producing Outkast’s most successful albums, and helped shape the sound of southern hip hop as a whole.

Ultimately, fans have expressed frustration at André’s absence from the music industry, but many also acknowledge the importance of allowing artists to create on their own terms. Many of his supporters have also suggested that André deserves respect precisely because he doesn’t greedily milk every last penny out of his brainchildren, which is by all means a rare quality in the entertainment industry nowadays.

While it still remains to be seen whether André will begin making music again, either as an Outkast member, or in a completely different arrangement, it doesn’t seem very likely that he will ever go back to just producing music.

As the Managing Editor at The Legit, I direct a dynamic team dedicated to creating rich content that profiles the lives and accomplishments of influential figures. My commitment to detail and storytelling drives the production of biographies that truly engage our audience. I manage all aspects of the editorial process, from conducting thorough research to crafting vivid narratives, all while ensuring the accuracy and quality of our work. At The Legit, our goal is to offer our readers comprehensive profiles that provide deep insights into the realms of business, entertainment, and more. Through diligent research and engaging storytelling, we highlight the exceptional journeys and achievements of those who both inspire and intrigue us.

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How is Tim Malcolm from “90 Day Fiancé” doing today?

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Tim Malcolm is one of the many colorful characters in the “90 Day Fiancé” universe. Born in late June 1980 in North Carolina, USA, the director and entrepreneur has many varied interests. be it horror conventions, pro wrestling, crypto, or nonfungible token (NFT), the TV personality can hold a conversation about pretty much everything.

The North Carolina native is also known for his unironic philosophical quotes, with a fan favorite being: “I can get seriously lost for hours pondering the universe, space, and why we as human beings are here. The purpose of life is the one question I would like the answer to before death.” However, Tim isn’t on “90 Day Fiancé” to find the purpose of life, but rather a companion and spouse.

Tim joined the reality TV franchise years after he began dating Veronica Rodriguez, an outgoing brunette who hails from Florida but has Cuban roots. Veronica and Tim met at a bar when she was 23 and he was 28; soon afterwards, he began being a father figure towards her young daughter Chloe. According to Veronica, that fateful evening she intended on finding the “sexiest” man in the bar and going up to give him a kiss – and for her, that person was Tim.

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After the honeymoon stage, Veronica and Tim went through a rough patch due to him allegedly being obsessed with his business. Despite calling it quits after being together for six years, the pair remain on cordial terms and have, strangely enough, described their current relationship as that of siblings. To this day, Tim is present in Chloe’s life, which has come to negatively affect his dating experiences when potential girlfriends become jealous of the bond between him and Veronica.

Of course, Veronica’s love life has also been impacted. In a joint confessional, Tim expressed his doubts after the single mother told him that she’d met a man online. “I just want Veronica to date the same person for longer than six months,” he explained to producers. “She’s very independent, which, especially here in the south, men aren’t huge fans of.”

Since ending her engagement with Tim, Veronica has dated financial professional Grant Glaser, a mysterious vegan man named Justin who has two children, and Jamal Menzies, the adult son of her fellow franchise co-star Kim Menzies.

Tim himself first appeared in the fourth season of “90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days” with his Colombian girlfriend, a model and single mother named Jeniffer Tarazona. Perhaps as was to be expected, Jeniffer became jealous of the bond between Veronica and Tim, and turned out to be a gold-digger who was using the entrepreneur as a means to an end. When Jeniffer broke up from Tim after the latter refused to pay for her V-1 visa, she soon moved on with Jesse Meester.

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As for Tim, he became famous on “Pillow Talk”, and is now starring in “90 Day Fiancé: The Single Life”, alongside his former fiancé Veronica. In March 2021, the wrestling fan introduced his 25-year-old girlfriend Linda Ramirez to the public for the first time. Despite being in a fledging relationship with Linda, Tim began inadvertently causing problems in Veronica’s dating life when Justin, her boyfriend at the time, complained about the lack of boundaries between the exes.

In October 2021, Tim was forced to make a public statement regarding his relationship with Linda. More and more netizens wanted him to get back together with Veronica, and he replied by updating his Facebook relationship status, and openly claiming Linda. Following a relatively tranquil period in Tim and Linda’s partnership, rumors about Tim’s sexuality began circulating online, with hundreds of people speculating that he was gay, or even transgender.

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The outlandish theory was backed up by the fact that Tim refused to have sexual relations with Jeniffer when they were together. Jeniffer also told him to “man up” many times during their brief relationship, and said that he was “very delicate” and not her type. In response to the rumors, Tim posted a photo of Linda on social media, adding: “She not only gets me but she’s helped me laugh for over three years, which is the only thing that heals our souls.”

Tim was already forced to address the gay rumors way back in late 2019, when he referred to the situation with Jeniffer by saying: “I think it’s strange that society just thinks that if a man says no then he’s gay. If a woman says no, it’s fine.” According to Tim, sex isn’t as important to him as it used to be, and he’s more concerned with building a long-lasting foundation and eventually marrying.

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The “90 Day” alum also confirmed that he isn’t gay or transgender, despite having feminine traits, and laughed at fans who had gone so far as to screenshot scenes of him in the hot tub to look for signs of breast removal scars. During the season nine Tell-All episode of the show, he was also ridiculed online for wearing black knee-high boots with grey jeans, with one Twitter user saying: “The amount of Gay Panic that Tim has unleashed by simply having style without being gay is kind of disturbing”.

Nevertheless, Tim has reportedly been single since February 2023, when he changed his Facebook relationship status and stopped mentioning Linda, having a month prior returned to host the “Pillow Talk” podcast with Veronica. It’s unclear how Tim feels about Veronica’s current boyfriend, but he did previously reveal that the pair made a pact to marry if they were both single at 50 years of age.

In mid-May 2023, Tim was spotted filming in Charlotte with a mystery woman. A reddit user uploaded photos of the TV star and the attractive brunette chatting with drinks in their hands, while surrounded by a camera crew. It’s possible that Tim’s storyline on upcoming seasons of the “90 Day Fiancé” shows will heavily feature this new relationship, so we’ll make sure to follow up with any developments.

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Pedro Jimeno from “The Family Chantel” – New Girlfriend and Net Worth

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Faithful fans of the highly successful and controversial reality TV series “90 Day Fiancé”, and its spin-off “The Family Chantel”, were caught by surprise when Pedro Jimeno was seen dating a completely different woman, mere months after filing for divorce from Chantel Everett in 2022. The news came amid a rather dramatic split between the two stars, fraught with polarization of the two camps, and allegations of adultery.

The mysterious new brunette was posted in various selfies on Pedro’s Instagram stories, all of which have since expired and can’t be pointed to. While the ex-husband himself has remained mum on the topic, many members of the show’s vast audience continue to demand answers as to the extent of his romantic involvement with the woman in question.

As a result, it can’t be confirmed whether Pedro was indeed in a new relationship upon posting the now infamous selfies, but most have already come to their own conclusions. It’s noteworthy that Everett herself had nothing nice to say on the matter, but also refrained from jumping to conclusions about her former partner’s love life.

Some have theorized that Chantel has already said enough, referring to the fact that a potential lawsuit might be brewing in the office of Pedro’s attorneys, considering the various accusations against him that she seems to perpetuate in public. Although nothing can be said for certain until being proved in the court of law, there are indeed verified bits and pieces of the couple’s history that could hint towards the truth of the matter.

That said, Pedro seems to be doing well for himself financially, with his previous TV presence garnering a significant audience, among whom is a slew of potential customers to Jimeno’s lucrative real estate business that looks to be going stronger than ever. His newfound wealth has also become a hot topic in the media, leading some to wonder whether financial success was his only real reason for marrying Chantel in the first place.

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Digging through the dirt

It’s vital to take a peek at the skeletons in the “90 Day Fiancé” and “The Family Chantel” closets, in the process of determining whether any of the cheating allegations hold merit, as the history of Pedro and Everett contains relevant information regarding their habits and morals. It’s perhaps best to first mention that, for a lot of people in situations similar to Jimeno and Chantel’s, show business comes before love.

Questions about the authenticity of their relationship abounded from the get-go, with many viewers speculating that the couple’s union was motivated more by a desire for fame and fortune than by genuine affection for one another. Almost as if in perfect alignment with what keeps a show relevant, the two’s relationship became increasingly more dramatic as time went on, but drawing in ever more viewers.

Their story started in season four of “90 Day Fiancé,” in which Pedro, a gamer from the Dominican Republic, fell in love with Chantel, a nursing student from Georgia USA, whom he met on a language website. Their encounter would’ve remained out of the limelight if not for the fact that they got serious rather quickly, becoming engaged just a short while following the outburst of chemistry.

Becoming a legal immigrant

The couple were thrust into “90 Day Fiancé” immediately after Pedro received what the premise of the entire series is based on – the K-1 visa. While there are normally a number of pre-requisites for granting any non-US citizen the right to live in the country for a while, the K-1 visa pretty much skips most of them.

The history of the K-1 visa dates back to the Immigration Act of 1924, which established the requirement for a visa for foreign nationals seeking to enter the US for the purpose of marriage. The specific document in question was created in 1970 as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments. The K-1 visa is designed for foreign fiancé(e)s of US citizens who wish to enter the country for the purpose of marrying.

It allows foreign nationals to come to the US for up to 90 days, during which time they must wed their citizen fiancé(e). Once in matrimony, the foreign national can then apply for a marriage-based green card, which will allow them to remain in the country permanently. The K-1 visa is an important option for couples who wish to be together in the US, as it provides a way for them to legally enter and reside in the country.

The document was actually designed by the US government to pacify numerous angry US military personnel following their service in the Vietnam War, after which inevitably some also had future spouses to bring ‘home’, ie the US.

Immigration laws at the time didn’t provide a lot of opportunities for couples of this type, as the Vietnamese citizen had to acquire an exit visa from the Vietnamese government, as well as an immigration visa from the US embassy. This was a time-consuming process that depended on detailed medical and police records guaranteeing clearance to the immigrant, as well as notarized US embassy certificates.

The government was subsequently inundated with requests from over 100 angered veterans, who were doing anything in their power to bring their partner over from Asia. Congress thus passed Public Law 91-225 on 7 April 1970, which altered the Immigration and Nationality Act from 1952, thus birthing the K-1 visa.

From out of state to the big screen

The popularity of this particular document has increased in recent years, due to its portrayal in the reality TV show “90 Day Fiancé.” The show follows couples who have applied for the K-1 visa, and have 90 days to marry before it expires. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, with spin-offs and merchandise, making the document itself a well-known concept in popular culture.

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As is the case with any reality TV series, it has also faced significant backlash and criticism over the years, although some would argue that’s exactly what helped it grow an audience. Naysayers blame the show for its premise and the way it portrays the legal process, opening many foreigners to the idea of exploiting a US citizen romantically in order to skip the green card application procedure.

However, as anyone with such intentions would quickly find out, obtaining this document is no simple task either. The K-1 visa process can be a lengthy and complicated one, as US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must first approve the petition filed by the citizen. The foreigner must then apply for the K-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate in their home country, which entails a medical exam, an interview, and extensive documentation to prove the legitimacy of the relationship.

Once the K-1 visa is issued, the foreign fiancé(e) can travel to the US, then and wed within the 90-day period. After the marriage takes place, the foreign national can apply for a marriage-based green card. The process can take several months to complete, and there are many potential pitfalls along the way.

Those in support of Chantel have made it clear that they believe Pedro simply took advantage of her US citizenship, using this complex loophole to gain permanent citizenship a lot faster than it would normally take. If this is to be believed, it becomes rather logical that fidelity in the relationship hung pretty low on his list of concerns.

In fact, it could be that Jimeno simply waited for the most opportune moment to end the marriage, giving Chantel increasingly more reasons over the years to become emotionally unstable and disruptive in their union. This newfound toxicity in his partner’s behavior would then give Pedro a perfectly sound reason for ending the marriage, which supposedly just ran out of love.

Off on wrong feet

As if the potential benefits for Pedro and his future in the US didn’t cast enough doubt and strain on the relationship, it was also obvious that the Everetts and the Jimenos really didn’t like each other, with the exception of Pedro and Chantel. Strangely, it was siblings and not parents, on both sides who least approved of the relationship.

Chantel’s brother River had no nice words to say about Pedro, and Jimeno’s sister Nicole was more than happy to be rid of Chantel’s presence whenever the two would wind up in the same room. It wasn’t exactly clear why there was such animosity, since the couple themselves had virtually no issues at the time.

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The rampant disdain became rather apparent as “The Family Chantel” progressed, leading to more than a verbal altercation during one of the show’s key moments. This event was immortalized on TLC UK’s YouTube channel, in the video entitled “Physical Fight Breaks Out At Chantel’s Family Dinner | 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?”, which garnered over 6.5 million views from its release on 1 August 2018.

It shows the Everetts preparing for a classy and extravagant dinner, which Pedro and his sister are also supposed to attend. The event starts off sourly though, since they still hadn’t shown up 15 minutes after the agreed time. River is already agitated at that point, making it clear that he doesn’t intend to wait for them before he starts eating.

Meanwhile, Chantel tells her mother about a disturbing event that occurred earlier that morning, explaining that Pedro’s sister thanked God and began clapping right as the bride-to-be closed the door and departed for school. Karen Everett really didn’t appreciate hearing about this rude gesture, and made it her mission to confront Nicole at dinner.

The Jimeno sister presents herself very amicably right through the door, giving the viewers no reason to believe that she has any dislike for the Everetts. After some compulsory complimenting of the food and appearances, Chantel’s mother gets down to business and pre-emptively asks Nicole whether she enjoys spending time with her daughter.

In spite of the sister’s warm response and assurance that she’s rather happy in the current conditions, Karen pushed on with the questioning, eventually re-telling the entire event that she heard from Chantel. Tensions immediately went through the roof, with Pedro inadvertently confirming the story by asking his fiancée why she told her family about it.

He then denied it, however, right in Chantel’s face, while Nicole seemed to be outraged at the accusation, and shocked that anyone could think that of her. In spite of mild yelling and finger pointing, the conversation remained civil for the most part. That is until River spoke out with plain frustration, uttering various curse words at Nicole.

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Pedro then stood up from the table and challenged River to repeat his insults, to which the energetic Everett slapped the chandelier in Pedro’s face, and a fist fight broke out. TLC’s crew had to step in and break up the altercation, causing Pedro to kick various plates of food off the table in a last-ditch effort to inflict some sort of discomfort on River. Chantel then broke down in tears, and the Jimenos were led off the Everett property.

The potential new girlfriend, and brand-new business

As the years went by and the couple drifted further and further apart, it became clear that the union was no longer sustainable. Chantel was the first to suggest that divorce was their only option, and Pedro agreed shortly afterwards. He was subsequently seen taking a selfie with a certain Coraima Morla – his sister’s best friend.

This isn’t the first time that the two were linked in a morally dubious situation, as Coraima was previously accused of dancing inappropriately on Pedro’s lap during a party in the Dominican Republic, while he was married to Chantel. She also expressed on numerous occasions how Nicole’s brother should be with a Dominican woman instead, as he’s likely to be misunderstood by those unfamiliar with his language and culture.

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Although there isn’t much else to go on, fans believe that Pedro posting a selfie with Coraima on his Instagram account is a sign of much more than friendship, believing that it has been a long time coming. Still, without further confirmation by either of the reality TV stars, nothing can be said for certain about Jimeno’s current love life.

What is very easy to see, however, is the fact that Pedro has successfully penetrated the real estate market, running his own realty company for numerous homes in the state of Georgia, especially around Lawrenceville, Buford, and Norcross. His net worth in mid-2023 is estimated at up to $5 million, virtually all from his efforts in the real estate market..

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The Singer Who Can Switch Between Male and Female Voices – AGT Star Marcelito Pomoy

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There’s no such a thing as an impossible dream, and Marcelito Pomoy is living proof of that. Despite the difficult and enduring times he faced during his childhood, and the fact that his ability was overlooked by many, Marcelito ultimately overcame all difficulties with his talent and charisma.

Though winning “Pilipinas Got Talent” was only the first step in accomplishing that, he would gain worldwide fame with his performances in “America’s Got Talent”, leaving audiences equally amazed and shocked at hearing his operatic voice and unmatched ability to sing with female and male voices.

Marcelito’s talent is memorable on its own, making it no wonder that there are many people not only interested in his current whereabouts and future problems but also in his life, history, and other professional endeavors.

So who is Marcelito Pomoy? Read on to learn all!

Who Is Marcelito Pomoy?

The words dazzled and impressed wouldn’t be enough to describe the reaction that audiences had at hearing Marcelito Pomoy sing on the stage of the second season of “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” in 2020.

Nonetheless, before setting foot in America, Marcelito was already well known in his native Philippines for his unbelievable talent, which includes switching from a tenor voice to female sounding soprano. That being said, Marcelito’s singing prowess wasn’t the only thing to take audiences by storm, as his sad but incredibly inspiring back story not only gained him the hearts of everyone who came upon it, but also led to him encountering his long-lost family again.

Marcelito’s vocal skills and unmatched charisma won him “Pilipinas Got Talent” in 2011, so quickly becoming a celebrity, and finally turning his long dream of releasing music into a reality.

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Years later, Marcelito debuted in “The Champions” and took the American audiences by surprise, but despite not winning that competition, it wasn’t the end for Marcelito. From then on, he turned into an international singing sensation by touring the US and expanding his reach to other Asian countries besides the Philippines.

All in all, Marcelito is one of the most impressive talents to ever come out of the Got Talent franchise, but he’s also worked hard to be where is today.

His Current Projects & Life

Thanks to his unbelievable talent and hard-working ethic, Marcelito Pomoy has remained relevant in the music industry by making constant appearances in TV shows, staging live concerts, and joining charity events.

As seen on his social media accounts, Marcelito has been very busy headlining shows both in Asia and the US, on top of taking care of his Philippines-based businesses. As well, in April 2023, Marcelito was awarded a Metro Excellence Leadership Award in the category of Outstanding Male Performer of the Year. This recognition came only a couple of months after receiving a 2022 Asia Music Icon Award for his excellence as a world-class Filipino artist.

While Marcelito’s recent career accomplishments are great on his own, in early 2023 he faced some mildly serious health issues when he was diagnosed with kidney stones. Though the condition isn’t serious and he was undergoing a non-invasive treatment to cure it, ill-intended assumptions about his health were soon to be spread before he revealed the entire truth to his followers, asking them not to ‘believe fake news’ through a Facebook post.

Overall, everything seems to be going great with Marcelito’s life, as seen in the regular updates about his family, vacations, and everyday life that he shares on social media.

Beginnings

Though Marcelito Pomoy nowadays enjoys international fame and the recognition of his fellow singers and musicians, the years before he rose to popularity weren’t pleasant at all.

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As Marcelito has revealed since his beginnings, his early life in the province of Cavite was full of enduring situations such as the abandonment by his parents and poverty. At only six months old, his mother abandoned him and his three older siblings to his father, who had been incarcerated not long before. Having no other place to go, Marcelito and his siblings lived in their father’s prison cell. and for some time struggled to feed themselves. The grueling situation came to an end when a police officer adopted Marcelito and his siblings, finally allowing them to find shelter and a family for some time.

With barely any memories of his early childhood, years later Marcelito left his adopted family to look for his real father, but the son and father encounter didn’t last long, as the man already had a new family with whom Marcelito didn’t quite get along.

Taking once again another hard decision at an early age, a teenage Marcelito left his father’s home and sustained himself with several odd jobs, going from selling local farm products to working at a bawling shop.

Rise To Fame

Although Marcelito Pomoy’s situation still wasn’t the easiest one, the young man found solace in singing for himself. It was during the time he worked at a poultry farm that Marcelito passed from having chickens as his first audience to attracting the attention of his co-workers, who complimented his skills despite Marcelito’s disbelief about having an uncommon ability.

While Marcelito was convinced that everyone could sing, he eventually tried his luck when he entered several local competitions, regardless of the fact that he didn’t always have any luck. His first TV appearance was in the local talent show “Talentadong Pinoy”, and he didn’t make it to the end, but the experience inspired him to audition for “Pilipinas Got Talent” at 25 years old.

It didn’t take long for Marcelito to equally captivate and surprise “Pilipinas Got Talent” audiences, securing a spot in the semifinals after receiving standing ovations and approval from the judges. His following performances in the show only served to cement his popularity, and spread the word about his talent, eventually winning not only the competition but also being able to reconnect with his mother through the show.

Marcelito’s prizes from the competition included two million Philippine pesos, and the release of his debut album “Duet Yourself” in 2011.

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Career & “America’s Got Talent”

During his time in “Pilipinas Got Talent”, Marcelito Pomoy sang the English-Italian song “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. That one performance led to his win, and also encouraged him to incorporate female and male voices further into his repertoire.

After a couple of years touring the Philippines and enjoying the newly found fame that his victory brought him, in 2013 Marcelito released his second album “Split” under the label Star Records. Nonetheless, at that point, he felt his career had stagnated and he didn’t release any further albums.

However, in 2018, one of his performances at the local radio station Metro Manila became viral, attracting the attention of Ellen DeGeneres, who quickly invited him onto her show. That one appearance opened many opportunities for Marcelito, who despite being skeptical about joining “America’s Got Talent” for his fear of losing, in 2019 auditioned with the song “The Prayer”, instantly gaining standing ovations from American audiences.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdrKmNrrPt7/

Marcelito’s following performances in the show were all female and male duets, such as “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, and “Beauty and the Beast” by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson. In the end, he was placed fourth in the overall competition, but the mark Marcelito left in the show is unerasable.

Business and Charity

Using the money from his “Pilipinas Got Talent” prize, in 2012 Marcelito Pomoy started his business in the province of Rizal. Named Pomoy’s Commercial Hardware, his small company expanded quickly, and a second location was opened in 2013.

Despite his status as an international celebrity, Marcelito and his family manage the business themselves, and also pay lots of attention to the needs of their workers. As seen in early 2023, Marcelito started a basketball team with his employees, joining them in local championships in which they faced teams from other businesses. This project was started by Marcelito following his own experience as a former hard-working employee, insisting it could help them to motivate themselves, and make the work environment an ‘enjoyable one’.

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Knowing how difficult it is to grow from the ground, Marcelito also supports local charities and people in need, even going as far as entirely building houses for elderly people in his community, undoubtedly changing their life forever.

Personal Life & Future Projects

Although Marcelito Pomoy’s early life was an enduring one, these days he’s not only proud about reconnecting with his family, but also creating one of his own. In 2014, Marcelito tied the knot with his girlfriend Joan Paraiso, with whom he welcomed daughters Marcella Janiah in 2015, and Marchesa Janoah in 2022.

Regarding his mother and siblings, Marcelito is in contact with them, even sharing their special moments together through social media, such as the birthday of his mother Anecita in April 2023.

What does the future have in store for Marcelito professionally? It seems that Marcelito’s career schedule will keep him quite busy for a while with international shows. He’s also constantly uploading videos of his most recent performances onto his YouTube channel, gaining quite a huge audience on the platform with over 400,000 subscribers to date.

All in all, from Marcelito’s humble beginnings and the difficult times he and his siblings endured, to being adopted and joining the workforce at a young age, before finally becoming a recognized singer, there’s a lot to learn from Marcelito’s inspiring story.

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