Long before she wielded cosmic power as Captain Marvel, Academy Award winner Brie Larson lived a surprising past life as an aspiring pop star, even opening for Jesse McCartney on his 2005 Beautiful Soul Tour. Larson recently reflected on this unexpected chapter, calling it a “fever dream” and “bizarre” during an appearance on Kylie Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie podcast, offering fans a unique glimpse into her multifaceted journey to stardom.
For many fans, Brie Larson is synonymous with her powerhouse acting career, culminating in an Oscar win for Room and her iconic role as Captain Marvel. However, a recent revelation on Kylie Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie podcast has shone a spotlight on a fascinating, lesser-known chapter of Larson’s early career: her stint as a burgeoning pop star in the early 2000s, including a memorable tour opening for teen sensation Jesse McCartney.
From Disney to Debut Album: Larson’s Foray into Music
The journey into music began for Brie Larson, now 36, around 2003. After signing on for the Disney Channel Original Movie Right on Track, she swiftly secured a record deal. By 2005, Larson released her debut studio album, Finally Out of P.E., which featured her single “She Said.” This period marked a significant pivot, showcasing her ambition beyond acting.
Later that same year, an exciting opportunity arose: she was invited to open for Jesse McCartney, who was touring in support of his immensely popular Beautiful Soul album. Recalling her reaction to Kylie Kelce, Larson exclaimed, “I was out of my mind. Are you kidding? I was so excited. I was going on tour. I had a tour bus.” The dream of a pop star life, complete with the quintessential tour bus, was momentarily a reality for the aspiring artist.
The “Fever Dream” and Divergent Paths in the Music Industry
Despite the initial excitement, Larson described her pop star chapter with a sense of surreal detachment. “That’s like stuff of dreams. Like that part of my life, this like brief part of my life where I was a pop star, is such a fever dream and so bizarre and such a weird detour that’s so funny and weird,” she told Kelce on the podcast. The experience, while captivating, ultimately led her to a crucial realization: “It’s just bizarre. The whole thing is just bizarre, but the music industry… it wasn’t for me.”
Her frustrations stemmed from a desire for creative autonomy. Signed to Casablanca Records after posting song clips online, Larson envisioned herself as a songwriter and performer on her own terms. However, as she candidly shared on her MySpace page in 2010, there was a disconnect with her label’s vision. She recounted wanting to “wear sneakers and play my guitar” while “they wanted heels and wind blown hair,” highlighting the artistic compromises that ultimately steered her away from a full-time music career.
A Lasting Appreciation for Pop Music
Even though she chose to shift her focus to acting, Brie Larson’s admiration for music, particularly pop music, remains strong. She articulated her deep respect for the art form, stating, “Still to this day, I think it’s one of the highest art forms.” Larson sees parallels between pop music’s ability to convey universal messages accessibly and her own work in character-driven roles.
She elaborates on this connection, explaining that pop music achieves a unique balance: “But to have universal messages that are told in a way that’s accessible to people in a way that’s like clear, but abstract enough for people to make it their own, that’s such a gorgeous art form that’s similar and also completely different from mine.” For Larson, pop stars are not just entertainers, but genuine “heroes” for their capacity to connect with vast audiences through their craft.
Jesse McCartney Reflects on the Enduring Legacy of “Beautiful Soul”
Meanwhile, Jesse McCartney, whose Beautiful Soul Tour provided Larson with her pop star experience, has also reflected on the enduring impact of his music. Speaking to People in 2024, 20 years after the song’s debut, McCartney reminisced about the whirlwind success. “It was such a whirlwind. I was literally in math class and then suddenly I’m in Japan and singing for an audience of people that don’t speak English, but they can sing the song,” he recalled.
He expressed gratitude for the track’s longevity and its multi-generational appeal. “It was pretty amazing and also strange… We never really knew what kind of impact that song would have then, let alone now, that it stood the test of time and became multi-generational,” McCartney added. He noted how original fans now bring their children to his shows, all singing along to “Beautiful Soul,” affirming that “that song took on a life of its own, and I’m very grateful for it.”
Shared Past, Different Futures
The shared experience of Brie Larson and Jesse McCartney on the Beautiful Soul Tour highlights two distinct artistic journeys. While McCartney continued his successful music career, Larson’s “bizarre detour” ultimately led her to the silver screen, where she has achieved critical acclaim and global recognition. Their intertwined past serves as a fascinating reminder that paths to success are often winding, filled with unexpected turns and invaluable learning experiences.
For fans, Larson’s candid reflections on Kylie Kelce’s podcast offer a deeper understanding of the actress’s foundational years, adding another layer to the story of one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.
