DIRTNOW SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW WITH KELSEY HUDSON: take one
“Let’s talk about the fame. How has it changed you?”
“Well, I hope it hasn’t changed me too much. Obviously, the life I live now is a lot different than the life I had growing up, but I think receiving recognition for my work has just made me a little bit more confident about myself. The people that I know, know me. And as long as I don’t lose sight of myself or the people in my life don’t think that I have, I think everything else will just work itself out.”
“Why go into this specific career?”
“I’ve loved Broadway since I was a little kid. I didn’t grow up too far from Manhattan and where Broadway was, but to me it was a completely different world. I just think that there’s something so magical about it, the ability to inspire people, and make them laugh and make them cry, there’s really nothing else like it. Where I grew up, the arts weren’t really very valued, and I always understood why. Getting to perform, and even getting to experience the arts is such a privilege.”
“What are the current projects you’re working on?”
“I’m very excited about my upcoming role in the Broadway adaption of Moulin Rouge, where I will be playing Satine. I’ve always been a really big fan of movie to musical adaptions, so I’m very lucky to be working on it, and I really love that it’s what brought me to Los Angeles.”
“How do you feel about your fans?”
“I love them. Plain and simple. I know that definitely worked very hard to get where I am today, but I don’t think that I would’ve had the strength to keep going if it weren’t for all the support I have. So, I appreciate them so very much.”
“Speaking of fans, what is your most memorable fan encounter?”
“It’s super cheesy, I know, but I’ve had a few people tell me how I’ve inspired them, and it just it means the world to me. A part of me telling my story, and sharing that I didn’t exactly have a traditional route, I think the biggest thing that I wanted to do was to let people know that it doesn’t matter what your situation is, because the only thing that’s stopping you is yourself. So, it’s just really special to hear that it resonated with my fans, and that my story could help push them to whatever they want to do in life.”
“How’s your personal life? Are you seeing anybody special?”
“No, I’m not, but uh, even if I were, I think I’d probably be keeping it myself, sorry.”
“How does it feel to be in the limelight with paparazzi watching your every move?”
“As crazy as it sounds, I still see myself as a normal person when I’m off the stage. I don’t know, I just think it’s a little weird, but I guess it’s the price you pay for having a job this amazing, so I deal with it. People will say whatever they want about me, and even though I’m not the kind of person that is okay with badmouthed, I also know that the biggest opinion that matters about me is my own.”
“Let’s talk about the fame. How has it changed you?”
It hasn’t. The ambitious, work driven, mess before you is how I’ve always been.
“Why go into this specific career?”
I grew up around Broadway, so that was an easy choice. I knew since I was a kid that I wanted to be on stage. Voice acting was a surprise, honestly, I just thought it could be a fun thing to audition for and I ended up liking it a lot.
“What are the current projects you’re working on?”
Owl House season 2, I’m not going to be a major character or anything but it’s super fun so far.
“How do you feel about your fans?”
I love my fans. Though, are there people that don’t? From the Broadway fans to the little kids that know Varian and Sea-Hawk, they’re all the best.
“Speaking of fans, what is your most memorable fan encounter?”
I had a kid come up to me after a show and tell me that I was her biological dad. She was very adorable, I’m very sad I had to tell her that I’m not her dad.
“How’s your personal life? Are you seeing anybody special?”
Not right now, I’ve gone on a few dates but nothing serious as of yet.
“How does it feel to be in the limelight with paparazzi watching your every move?”
I think I’m used to it now. It’s a little different in LA than in NYC so that was an adjustment but it’s not that big of a deal to me.
Let’s talk about the fame. How has it changed you?”
“I really have tried my best for it to not change me in any unpleasant way, but I do think it has made me more capable of making a change in different causes that I hold close to my heart. It gave me new opportunities and clearly, a life that I would never take for granted”
“Why go into this specific career?”
“Well, it’s sort of where I grew up! Beauty pageants were something that made me and my mom really close and something that we both loved too much. It was easy to follow that path and I’m incredibly grateful.
“What are the current projects you’re working on?”
“I don’t think I can tell you! But like always, it involves lovely clothes that I’m able to use”
“How do you feel about your fans?”
“It was so surprising to see that I had so many fans when I finally joined social media a couple of years ago. I thought there were so young people that were interested in me when I won, but to see that they have followed my career and always have nice things to say about what I do, it’s truly wonderful.
“Speaking of fans, what is your most memorable fan encounter?”
“I know this one. A couple of years ago, I was invited as a guest judge on Project Runaway Kids and there was this girl that told me that she wished I used one of her designs, that it was her dream. It warmed my heart and of course, I did. It’s one of my favorite dresses up to this day.”
“How’s your personal life? Are you seeing anybody special?”
“Love comes when you are least expecting it, so I’m just letting this wonderful life play ahead and we will see!”
“How does it feel to be in the limelight with paparazzi watching your every move?”
“At the end of the day, they are just doing their job, in the same way I’m doing mine. It may be a bit uncomfortable at times, but I understand it’s what they have to do”
“Let’s talk about the fame. How has it changed you?”
“I’d like to believe it hasn’t. Not in any way that’s negative, anyway. With my parents working in the professions they are and my big brother acquiring his own when I was still growing, fame isn’t something I’ve ever been a stranger to. If it has changed me in any way, it’s due to the positive environment of self-love my fans and I have cultivated. I’ve never felt more comfortable with who I am or free to just be myself, and that confidence is something I can certainly owe to my fame.”
“Why go into this specific career?”
“All of my current projects are based around subjects that I have a passion for and have some part of me in them. I want to truly put my all into everything I create and put out into the world. I feel it’s important for me to love my work in order to achieve that, so that’s really my only reason for doing the things I do. Because I enjoy them, and I’m blessed enough that others enjoy me doing them.”
“What are the current projects you’re working on?”
“Currently, I have my Instagram account, which was where my following first took off, and my three YouTube channels, where I post videos on various topics. My most active is currently documenting my adventures ghost hunting, as well as discussing various internet conspiracy theories I come across and find interesting.”
“How do you feel about your fans?”
“Oh, I adore them. How could I not? I couldn’t be more thankful for their support, or for the community they’ve formed. I love each and every one of them, from the bottom of my heart.”
“Speaking of fans, what is your most memorable fan encounter?”
“A fan of mine had created a little plushie of me as a gift, and it was one of the sweetest fan encounters I’ve ever had. I still have my adorable little Blaine now. He sits on my bed with a few of my other plushies, and I’m likely to treasure him for a very long time.”
“How’s your personal life? Are you seeing anybody special?”
“Ah, now we’re getting to the real questions, I see. Nobody at the moment, I’m afraid, though that doesn’t mean I’m not open to the idea of dating. I just haven’t come across the right person, just yet.”
“How does it feel to be in the limelight with paparazzi watching your every move?”
“It can be a little stressful at times, I won’t lie. Even the most social of butterflies need their privacy every now and then, but I do my best to take it in stride. After all, I do appreciate that they’re getting my name out there and extending my fan base even further.”
“Let’s talk about the fame. How has it changed you?”
Fame. Fame Fame. It’s given me the ability to have all these shiny nice things so that’s been a big, welcoming change. I also never have to wait in lines for the bathroom. Do you know how many people will let you piss before them all because you’re Wildling? It’s fucking amazing!
“Why go into this specific career?”
Why interview me? I assume because you enjoy it, right? And if you don’t, what the fuck are you doing here? Let’s get this woman a new career!
“What are the current projects you’re working on?”
I’ve got a few collabs in the works and I’m also headlining Electric Zoo at the end of the month. Might have a few surprises up my sleeve for those who come out! I think there’s still tickets available.
“How do you feel about your fans?”
I feel soft, warm and fuzzy about them.
“Speaking of fans, what is your most memorable fan encounter?”
Ooooh last year I was doing a show at Exchange in LA and this girl came up on stage and just decked me right in the fucking nose! Apparently she was so excited and didn’t know how to fucking deal with it and it came out as physical violence. Luckily my nose was okay, and then she flashed me.
“How’s your personal life? Are you seeing anybody special?”
Of course I am. Everyone I see is special, baby.
“How does it feel to be in the limelight with paparazzi watching your every move?”
Wanted. It’s like having a bunch of little stalkers who love you so much they want to get pictures of your every move!
“Let’s talk about the fame. How has it changed you?”
Part of me would like to go the cliche route and say that no, it hasn’t changed me at all. I’m still so super headstrong and confident in my abilities and the fact that I get stuff done. I’m still silly and goofy and posting silly pictures and eating cereal in my pajamas at three am. The thing is though, being the child of Broadway stars and then going to Broadway yourself are two vastly different things and it does change your perspective! With fame comes a platform, and that platform is important. It’s caused me to think more and to try and do better at helping others. I want to share that confidence with others, and show girls that they can be confident and creative and accomplish whatever they set their minds to. I guess it’s made me a bit more aware of myself, and of others, and how I can do good and be good.
“Why go into this specific career?”
I grew up in acting. My parents were on Broadway and we basically lived and were raised backstage. It was the most amazing sort of family experience and I couldn’t imagine anything better. Being an actress was always what I wanted to do, and what I knew in my bones I was going to be. I knew I was born to be an actress, and to take on those fun and challenging and emotional roles that are all so important. Specifically on Broadway, but also elsewhere, it’s always been my life and always will be my life. I don’t think there was every any other option for me, except to act. When you know you’re good at something, and when you love something, then there’s no other choice but to go after what you want, and to have fun with it.
“What are the current projects you’re working on?”
So, season two of The Politician just dropped not to long ago on Netflix. I’m not sure about any plans for a season three yet, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed! After all, McAfee has a lot more story to be told, as do the rest of the characters. As for anything else? Well, I’m always auditioning and taking in information, and looking for the next big thing to do. I’m excited for all the opportunities that are out there, and I’m hoping I find the right one! Not to mention I’ve been brushing up on other skills and learning new ones as well.
“How do you feel about your fans?”
My fans are the absolute best, and I won’t let anyone argue that. They are so sweet and kind, and anyone who can take following my twitter or insta and seeing me acting as goofy as I do and not unfollowing me? Absolute angels. Truly, I would be lost without them. They are legit some of the coolest people ever, and I love getting to sit and read their comments, and getting to see how I’ve inspired them, or made them laugh. They make me smile when I’m feeling a little upset, and they’re so creative! I love getting to see the things they come up with, and hearing their stories.
“Speaking of fans, what is your most memorable fan encounter?”
Oh man. Okay, so most memorable has to be the day I ran into a couple of fans at the store. I was feeling lazy and decided to just wear one of my favorite onesies to try and hide and, you know, be comfortable and all. I’d forgotten that I’d recently done an insta live in that exact same unicorn onesie, and so I was walking down the aisle and heard someone sputter and say my name. I turned, only to see a girl who was wearing the exact same unicorn onesie. We were both laughing then, and she said she’d bought it because she’d seen mine, and we thought it was pretty hilarious that we’d both worn it out that day. She was super sweet and it was a great encounter.
“How’s your personal life? Are you seeing anybody special?”
This is where I make absolutely everyone disappointed. I am not seeing anyone, and I’m not actually in the market for looking for someone. Honestly, I’d like to focus on my career and what I’m doing currently, before I open myself up to having a romantic experience or attraction. Would I love to fall in love? I mean, of course, I’m a romantic at heart and I look forward to the day when I have a partner that I adore. However, I’m not sure if right now is the correct time for me to be getting into that situation. Also, for the record, I’ve never dated anyone.
“How does it feel to be in the limelight with paparazzi watching your every move?”
Honestly? It might sound weird, but it feels almost comforting sometimes. Overwhelming other times. When you know you’re going into the business, then you have to realize that this is part of the business. I remember going to the stage door with my parents or their co-stars when I was really little, and the crowd and the flashing lights and people yelling. Back then it used to be so scary! But it’s a part of that love that I’ve grown up with, and so it doesn’t bother me as much anymore. I mean, like everyone I’d rather have some privacy and the flashing lights can be startling, but I like knowing that there are people who care, if that makes sense?
“Let’s talk about the fame. How has it changed you?”
I think it’s calmed me down, actually. More eyes on me, less likely to get into trouble. Other than that, I don’t think I’ve changed at all.
“Why go into this specific career?”
Making videos was always a hobby of mine, originally my parents wanted me to do promo videos for their church but eventually I graduated to other things and now I’m here. Horror has always been my favorite genre and I’m happy to contribute to it.
“What are the current projects you’re working on?”
There’s been some conversations about me directing a remake of one of my personal favorite horror classics but until anything’s concrete, I’ll keep it to myself.
“How do you feel about your fans?”
My fans are the coolest, they’re great. Insert corny “I wouldn’t be here without them” here but since people can just choose to hate my movies and not watch them, it’s true.
“Speaking of fans, what is your most memorable fan encounter?”
This 10 year old girl that came up to me in a diner with her mom and said that she loved my movies. Little kids watching my stuff is probably something I should worry about scarring them over but I was watching horror movies at her age too so I just thought it was really cool.
“How’s your personal life? Are you seeing anybody special?”
My personal life is going great, no one special, I think I’ve been single my entire life. I’m chill with that though, no need.
“How does it feel to be in the limelight with paparazzi watching your every move?”
That is the weirdest part about all of this. I’m from the Midwest, my parents are the modest religious types, paparazzi watching my every move is so strange. But I’m getting to used to it, price of fame and all that.
“Let’s talk about the fame. How has it changed you?”
I like to think that I haven’t changed much. My taste has always been rather refined, though I did go through an experimental ascot phase in high school that I’ve definitely grown out of.
“Why go into this specific career?”
I grew up passionate about a lot of different things. Music, writing, and obviously clothes. But I spent a significant amount of time in my childhood shadowing my mother at runway shows and photoshoots and fell in love with the fashion industry. I spent weekends as a teenager pulling fabrics and making my own clothes, so it only seemed right that I try my hand at making them for other people. Even though she’s passed, engrossing myself in the industry has brought me closer to my mother. I know that she’d be proud. And it seems to have worked out well for me, hasn’t it?
“What are the current projects you’re working on?”
My sophomore collection will show at New York Fashion Week in September. I’m currently filming guest spots on a few different reality competition shows – I’ve always wanted to try those extravagant cakes they always show on The Food Network. And I have a semi-secret project in the works that will be announced in the new few weeks.
“How do you feel about your fans?”
I’m very appreciative of their support, from the show to my first line and i can’t wait to see what they think of what’s coming next. I hope to make them proud.
“Speaking of fans, what is your most memorable fan encounter?”
The first time I saw someone that wasn’t famous wearing one of my pieces. Working as a personal designer and stylist, most of my current clothes are custom for celebrity clients. Seeing a fan wearing something that I designed – a jacket from my first collection – made everything more real than it had been before.
“How’s your personal life? Are you seeing anybody special?”
I’m too busy for a personal life, so, no, there isn’t anyone special at the moment. Not to say that I’m entirely opposed to the idea.
“How does it feel to be in the limelight with paparazzi watching your every move?”
It’s not entirely unfamiliar, though I will never get used to the blinding flash of cameras in the dark. I’m not sure what’s so interesting about stepping out for a coffee, but I’ve learned to mostly ignore it.
