NEWS
Evanescence
Nick FancherFour years after Evanescence first covered The Beatles‘ “Across the Universe,” the rock band is bringing their version to streaming services for the first time ever Friday (Dec. 17).
The Little Rock-based unit first performed “Across the Universe” in 2018 during its Synthesis World Tour. Then in spring 2021, Evanescence exclusively released a studio version of their cover on the deluxe box set for the band’s recent studio album The Bitter Truth, which went No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Hard Rock Albums chart.
“It was such a pleasure to cover this legendary song,” the rock band wrote on Twitter, adding that its version of “Across the Universe” can finally be found on all digital streaming providers.
Amy Lee and co. deliver an emotive, sweeping performance of the oft-covered Beatles classic, as Lee belts the chorus “Nothing’s gonna change my world” with her mighty soprano and leaves listeners in tears.
“Across the Universe,” which was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was first released in 1969 under the charity compilation album No One’s Gonna Change Our World, and a different version later appeared on The Beatles’ studio album Let It Be in 1970.
Listen to Evanescence’s version of “Across the Universe” below.
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
