Bridesmaids is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Paul Feig and written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. The movie tells the story of Annie, a single woman in her thirties whose life is a mess, including her love life and career. Being best friends with the bride-to-be, Lillian, Annie is chosen to be her maid of honor, and from there on, hilarity ensues.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when the bride and her bridesmaids perform a cover of “Hold On” by the vocal group Wilson Phillips in the middle of a busy street. But who is Wilson Phillips, and how did they end up being featured in this comedy movie?
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the history of Wilson Phillips, their involvement in Bridesmaids, and the impact of their music on the entertainment industry in the late 80s and early 90s.
The Beginning of Wilson Phillips
Wilson Phillips is an American vocal group composed of Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips. The trio’s parents were all established musicians; they were the daughters of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas.
The group started singing together in the late 80s and quickly became one of the most successful acts of their time. In 1990, they released their eponymous debut album, which included the hit singles “Hold On,” “Release Me,” and “You’re in Love.” The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and became a massive commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
The group’s impressive debut was followed by two more albums, Shadows and Light and The Wilsons, before they took a break in 1993 to pursue their solo careers.
Their Role in Bridesmaids
In Bridesmaids, the bride-to-be Lillian and her five bridesmaids decide to take a trip to Las Vegas for the bachelorette party, where they end up getting drunk and causing chaos. As they try to navigate their way back to the hotel, they come across a bar where a band is playing, and they decide to join them on stage for a singalong.
The band playing in the bar is none other than Wilson Phillips, who were happy to participate in the movie’s scene. The group appeared on camera, performing their hit “Hold On,” with the bridesmaids providing the backing vocals. This scene has become one of the most iconic moments in the movie, and the song’s popularity skyrocketed once again after the film’s release.
In an interview with HuffPost, Chynna Phillips talked about the experience of being in the movie. “It was a true honor and a privilege to be included in such a great movie,” she said. “The scene was so much fun, and we were thrilled to be a part of it.”
Impact on the Music Industry
Wilson Phillips’ music had a significant impact on the entertainment industry in the late 80s and early 90s. They were one of the few all-female groups that achieved mainstream success during that period, selling millions of records and winning multiple awards.
Their music was a breath of fresh air in a time when the music industry was dominated by male performers. Their harmonies were beautiful, and their lyrics were relatable, particularly to young women.
In recent years, Wilson Phillips’ music has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in large part to the film Bridesmaids. “Hold On” has been used in several TV shows, movies, and commercials, reminding people of the group’s immense talent and impact on music history.
Conclusion
Wilson Phillips’ appearance in Bridesmaids was a delightful surprise for fans of the group and the movie alike. Their performance of “Hold On” in the street was a standout moment in the film, and it has contributed to the song’s continued popularity even thirty years after its release.
Wilson Phillips’ music paved the way for future female artists to succeed in the music industry, and their songs continue to be cherished by fans worldwide. They are a testament to the power of great harmonies and relatable lyrics and will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic groups of their time.
FAQ
Who is the singing group in the Bridesmaids?
In the popular 2011 comedy film “Bridesmaids,” there were several memorable scenes, but one in particular came at the very end of the film, when members of the American singing group Wilson Phillips made a surprise cameo. Wilson Phillips is an American vocal group formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1989. The group consists of Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips, all the daughters of well-known musicians. The group is known for their pop rock and adult contemporary music, with their self-titled debut album being a massive success, spawning several hit songs including “Hold On,” “Release Me,” and “You’re in Love.”
In the final scene of “Bridesmaids,” Wilson Phillips performs at the wedding reception, bringing the crowd to their feet with their singing. According to interviews with the group, they were contacted by the filmmakers of the movie and invited to make an appearance in the film. They agreed to the offer, and filming took place on location in Los Angeles. The group’s appearance in the movie was a surprise to many viewers, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.
In the years since the release of “Bridesmaids,” Wilson Phillips has continued to perform and release music, although their popularity has waned somewhat from their peak in the early 90s. Nonetheless, they remain a beloved group, known for their beautiful harmonies and catchy pop melodies. Their cameo in “Bridesmaids” will always be remembered as a great moment in cinema history, and a wonderful example of the power of unexpected surprises in film.
Was any of Bridesmaids improvised?
Bridesmaids is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Paul Feig. The movie features a group of women who come together to plan a wedding for their friend. The film was widely praised for its humor, and many people wondered if any part of the movie was improvised.
In fact, the movie did feature improvisation from the actors. The movie’s script was written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, but they encouraged the cast to improvise during the filming. This allowed the actors to come up with more natural and spontaneous dialogue that often led to some of the funniest moments in the movie.
Director Paul Feig explained the process of shooting improvisational scenes in an interview, saying that they never shoot a scene without knowing its “emotional roadmap.” This means that while the actors were given freedom to improvise, they still had a basic idea of what the scene was about and where it needed to go emotionally. This allowed for a balance between improvisation and following the story.
One example of an improvised scene is the airplane scene where Kristen Wiig’s character, Annie, gets drunk and causes a commotion on the plane. The scene was largely improvised by Wiig, with some input from other cast members. The result is a hilarious moment that is a standout in the film.
While the film did include improvised moments, it was still heavily scripted. The improvisation was used to enhance the comedy and add a level of authenticity to the dialogue. Bridesmaids remains a beloved comedy classic, in part due to the mix of scripted and improvised moments that made it so memorable.
