Welcome to the world of weird celebrity demands! We’re used to hearing about celebs flying across the world just because they have a sweet tooth. Now we’re flipping the script and focusing instead on celebs that have insane riders. Some of them are fun and endearing, like having a dozen of hyperactive puppies to play with. Some of them, a bit much, to say the least. Some leaked, some admitted by the celebs themselves. We have it all, the best of the best when it comes to weird celebrity demands.
Madonna’s standards
Apparently the girl demanded a brand-new toilet seat at every venue. Brand-new, as in seal intact. This was a weird one not because you would imply they would use a new toilet seat every time. Buut, here comes the shocker: she also asked that her down home furniture be shipped to each venue on her tour. And because she has to be connected at all times, she went big and asked for 20 international phone lines. Hmmmm….
Beyoncé really knows what she wants
Beyoncé has a thing for creating the perfect environment. It was reported that she demanded her dressing room be kept at precisely 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 degrees Celsius) and considering just how great she is on stage, we think we’re gonna do the exact same. Next up, red toilet paper because apparently this is the go-to for a diva of her caliber. Don’t forget to check out our Beyoncé Trivia!
Katy Perry’s no carnations policy
Katy Perry isn’t a fan of carnations, of that we’re positive. In her rider, it’s explicitly stated that venues should not include any carnations in her dressing room or backstage area. We’re dying to know the backstory!
Prince
Or as he was most recently known, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, was a stickler for his own preferences. “All items in dressing room must be covered by clear plastic wrap until uncovered by main artist. This is absolutely necessary.” We kid you not, this is what his rider said. We’re absolutely positive they must have known just how much effort this would involve if they had to add that “absolutely necessary” there.
Mariah Carey
The first celebrity we think of whenever the term “diva” pops up, she never disappoints with her outlandish and frankly, a bit weird celebrity demands. She asked for 20 white kittens and 100 white doves for her Westfield shopping center event. And this was on top of a Rolls-Royce, pink carpet and a pink podium to match. However, her zoo demand was disproved on health and safety grounds, but the others were a go.
Cher sure loves her wigs
Rumors have it that Cher insists on having a separate room for her wigs. Her rider includes a detailed list of exactly how the room should be set up, including lighting setup.
Van Halen
Famously known for their “no brown M&Ms” clause, Van Halen’s rider included this demand to ensure the venue had read and complied with their extensive safety requirements. This weird request was actually a clever way to make sure they’re not cutting corners.
Drake’s large liquor list
Drake’s backstage demands reportedly include an extensive list of alcohol options, including top-shelf liquors like Dom Pérignon, Hennessy, and Patron. It seems the rapper likes to keep the spirits high #punintended
Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s hospital preferences
When Jay-Z and Beyoncé welcomed their daughter Blue Ivy in 2012, reports surfaced that they have their own suite and insisted on a bulletproof door. The surrounding windows were blacked out with tape to add extra privacy both for her family and for those VIPs coming in and out of her suite. It was a lot!
Jennifer Lopez’s white obsession
Jennifer Lopez reportedly requests an all-white dressing room, from the curtains to the furniture, and even the flowers.
Joe Jonas and his puppy obsession
And he made it public record when he stated: ‘I’ve had 12 puppies on the rider for a while.’ Come on, who can blame the guy? A healthy dose of serotonin and dopamine is just what you need before performing in front of a huge crowd.
Well, that’s all our ridiculous celebrity backstage demands or weird celebrity demands whatever you want to call them. Some of them are funny, others not so, the idea is almost all celebrities have one or more such requests that probably allow them to perform at their best. What’s you favorite one?
