Last night's epic showcase at the Toyota Oakdale Theater for 96.5 TIC's Deck the Hall Ball was a night to remember! Amidst the stellar performances by Phillip Phillips, Parmalee, and One Republic, there was an unexpected thrill for all attendees.
Surprise! The crowd went wild as TikTok sensation and rising artist, Paul Russell, took the stage as an unannounced special guest. Russell — known for his chart-topping track "Little Boo Thang" which has been dominating the radio waves — didn't disappoint getting the audience out of their seats and dancing to his hit tune.
"Little Boo Thang" originally made waves on TikTok, where it racked up over 10 million views. The song samples the 1977 hit "Best of My Love" by the Emotions. In a backstage interview with Christine Lee, Paul shared a fun tidbit about how some fans are unaware of the track's origins, thinking the Emotions actually ripped HIM off!
Paul Russell went on to hilariously recount his encounter with the Swifties, jokingly expressing his nervousness when "Little Boo Thang" managed to break into the Top 10 charts amidst Taylor Swift's domination during the release of "Taylor's Version" of the 1989 album.
Paul teased that he's diligently crafting new music set to drop in early 2024, clarifying that it won't solely rely on sampling. Check out Christine's engaging interview with Paul Russell below for all the inside scoop and a glimpse into his upcoming projects!