Kelly Ellis has worked with Queen legend Sir Biran May countless times throughout her career as a musical theater actress. So, it comes as no wonder that the “Bohemian Rhapsody” hitmaker hopped on board as soon as he got invited to play on Ellis’ lead single from her new album titled Kings and Queens. The song is called “Battlefield,” and it’s exciting, to say the least!
Kelly Ellis Was Inspired by Brian May
Kelly, now 44, said that she was inspired to create something that she’d actually really love listening to and performing live. That’s probably why the album feels much more laid-back and relaxed than some of her earlier works. Of course, having the chance to collaborate with one of the greatest guitar players alive certainly is inspiring in its own way.
The collaboration with Sir Brian May kind of happened on its own, too. Kelly went to his studio to play the album and threw her ideas at him. While that might not have been just what she expected in return, the Queen legend embraced all her suggestions and said he’d love to be part of making the album.
A Brief Overview of Kelly Ellis’ Career
Beginning her rise to fame back in 2002, Kelly starred in Queen’s musical We Will Rock You before nailing down various other prominent musical roles that helped her become one of the most prominent stars of the West End.
She’s admitted that she likes a good challenge. That’s precisely the reason why she’s decided to take on yet another exciting role, this time that of Titania in a production of one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated plays.
Kings and Queens is now out, and fans can listen to the lead single “Battlefield” online. It’s the one featuring Queen legend Sir Brian May.
John Mayer’s ‘Sob Rock’ Cries All the Way to the Bank, and to No. 1 on Album Chart
John Mayer has had major success with his new album, Sob Rock, which was at the top of the Rolling Stone album chart with robust 101,500 units. Included in the tally were 56,700 copies in pure album sales, showing that fans really liked his ’80s-themed album, it’s retro stickering, and the nice price.
John Mayer Also Succeeded On the Stream Front
Apparently, John Mayer’s album was successful both on the sale and stream fronts. Although it didn’t hit the highest streaming numbers, Sob Rock attracted nearly 27 million individual song streams and 9,200 track downloads. No. 2 on the chart was Pop Smoke’s second posthumous release, Faith, with its 84,100 album-equivalent units. In contrast, the streaming numbers there were about four times as many as Mayer’s. This was balanced by the fact that album sales were at a minimum with just 3,600.
Clairo’s Sling Was Another Successful Debut of the Week
Clairo’s Sling is the third-highest debut of the week. Produced by Jack Antonoff, it came in at No. 20 with its 17,300 album-equivalent units. Album sales hit 8,900 and her streams for the week were at 8.3 million. Other significant new releases included Willow’s album at No. 34 and Ksi’s at No. 31. The top of the Rolling Stone songs chart remains the collaboration between Justin Bieber and the Kid Laroi. Their song Stay remains on top for a second week with 25.3 million individual song streams and 205,200 song units.
One new song debuted in the top 20, and it was Wildside by Normani and Cardi B. It reached No. 10 with its 9.9 million streams and 90,500 song units. The other songs and artists on the list include Olivia Rodrigo’s Good 4 U at No. 2. Two tracks of BTS are at positions 3 and 4, namely Butter and Permission to Dance. They are followed by songs from Dua Lipa, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, Walker Hayes, and Doja Cat again.