Jessica Mauboy, the singer and host of That Blackfella Show, Australia's first First Nations variety program, opened up about her journey to hosting the show, her most cringe-worthy celebrity encounter, and her controversial pop culture opinions in a recent interview.
Hosting That Blackfella Show
Mauboy admitted to experiencing impostor syndrome when she received the call to host the show. However, she quickly embraced the opportunity, saying, "I told Jessica to leave the body and bring Jess back and I said, 'Abso-freaking-heck yeah.'" She described the experience as familiar, likening it to going back to Darwin and meeting different Indigenous communities. "This show is celebrating the oldest living culture in the world – that got me emotional," she said.
Go-To Karaoke Song
Mauboy's family encouraged her singing from a young age by signing her up for karaoke at the Darwin airport hotel. Her go-to karaoke songs are "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper and "Love Is a Battlefield." She praised the 1980s as "on fire sonically" and said the era's production and sound "brings out the extra in me."
Strangest Recognition
Mauboy recalled being recognized by police while being pulled over for a speeding ticket. "I was freaking out, while also going, 'Yeah, I'm Jess Mauboy! That's me!'" The officers asked for a photo even after writing the ticket. "I was just like, 'Well, yay, I'm not going to jail!'", she said, adding that the experience taught her a lesson and she has kept to the speed limit since.
Favorite Album
Mauboy named Mariah Carey's MTV Unplugged as the album she always returns to, citing Carey's pure vocal performance and banter with the audience as inspiring. "She can do it all! She's my perfect dream diva," Mauboy said.
First Nations Musicians to Watch
Mauboy expressed excitement about Drifting Clouds, who will perform on That Blackfella Show, and Terry Guyula, whom she described as the next generation sharing Yolngu knowledge and stories. She also fangirled over Barkaa, calling her "intelligent and powerful" and praising her for lifting up Indigenous communities. Mauboy noted that when she started in pop music in 2009, she didn't have such role models and had to pave the way herself.
Secret Talent
Mauboy revealed she loves painting and drawing with acrylics, a hobby she has had since childhood. She once showed one of her paintings during a song on her 2017 tour but had to build up courage to do so.
Song She Wishes She Wrote
Mauboy said she wishes she had recorded or written "I Will Always Love You," written by Dolly Parton and famously performed by Whitney Houston. She expressed a desire to have been in the room when the song was made.
Chaotic Stage Moment
In 2009, during one of her first tours, Mauboy experienced a wardrobe malfunction when her fly was down during a ballad performance. She recalled turning around while still singing to zip herself up, causing the song to be restarted. "It made me realize nothing has to be perfect. The show will go on," she said.
Controversial Pop Culture Opinion
Mauboy criticized the current state of hip-hop and rap, describing it as "slurry" and lacking articulation. She contrasted it with past eras featuring artists like Tupac, Wu-Tang, Coolio, LL Cool J, Nelly, and Ja Rule. "I don't remember it being this slurry. Some rappers sound like they're mumbling in their sleep," she said, adding that Kendrick Lamar is an exception who articulates well. She predicted the trend will "fall off."
Most Cringe-Worthy Celebrity Encounter
Mauboy recalled doing a kookaburra call for Ellen DeGeneres when she appeared on her show in 2013. "Why did I do a bird call? Out of all the tricks and the singing ability that I have, I chose a bird call to show her?" she asked. DeGeneres tried to mimic the call, which made Mauboy feel better. She admitted she will likely watch the clip back and find it embarrassing.
That Blackfella Show with Jessica Mauboy airs on Wednesday 8 July at 9.10pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. Mauboy's The Story of Me tour is heading to Hobart, Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong, and Melbourne later this year.
