Natalie Cole has some advice for young singers. That includes you, Justin Bieber.
The nine-time Grammy award winning singer and 60-year-old music business veteran dished to Niteside during the Exploring the Arts Gala fundraiser to support art education in public schools at Cipriani Wall St. Monday night and said some musicians are rushing into fame too fast.
“It could get kind of cold when you start young,” said Cole, whose hits include “This Will Be (Everlasting Love)” and “Unforgettable.” “I started in my mid-20s. ... Their careers, you know, they’re that [small], they can only do so much. They really need to explore and experiment, and draw it out. And have fun with it.”
When asked what youngsters she thought looked promising, she referenced everyone’s favorite golden-haired, pre-teen crush.
“I just thought of Justin what’s-his-face,” the singer said, laughing. “I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do in about 10 years.”
There was just one extra thing Cole recommended for the dreamboat shorty: "I’ll like it when he changes his hair,” she said.
The event was hosted by another singing classic, Tony Bennett, and his wife Susan Benedetto. They raised $1 million dollars for Bennett’s non-profit called Exploring the Arts, which aims to strengthen arts curriculums in public schools.
Other attendees included Alec Baldwin, James Gandolfini, Harvey Weinstein and Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra. Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett performed.
