Ben Winston, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, recently shared insights into his multifaceted career, touching on his involvement with the Grammys, the Kardashians, Ellen DeGeneres, and the upcoming Olympics. Winston, who has been a key player in producing some of the most memorable moments in recent entertainment history, continues to shape the landscape of television and live events.
One of the standout moments of the 2024 Grammy Awards was the unexpected duet between Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs. Chapman, who had been out of the public eye for 15 years, joined Combs on stage for a rendition of her iconic song “Fast Car.” This performance was a significant achievement for Winston, who had been skeptical about securing Chapman’s participation until the very last moment. The duet not only captivated the live audience, including notable figures like Taylor Swift, but also contributed to the show reaching its highest viewership in four years.
Winston, who recently concluded his tenure as the showrunner for James Corden’s “The Late Late Show,” reflected on the challenges and triumphs of producing the Grammys. He emphasized the unpredictability of securing artists for the event, noting that many plans often fall through. Despite these challenges, Winston and his team managed to create a night filled with unforgettable performances, including a highly anticipated appearance by Joni Mitchell.
In addition to his work on the Grammys, Winston is also deeply involved in other high-profile projects. He is currently producing Hulu’s “The Kardashians,” where filming for the new season has resumed. Winston expressed his admiration for the Kardashian family, highlighting their hard work and dedication to the show. He described the series as a docuseries that delves into the lives of six successful businesswomen, offering a more nuanced portrayal than traditional reality TV.
Winston is also producing Ellen DeGeneres’ upcoming comedy special. He praised DeGeneres as one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time and expressed his excitement about working with her. The special, which is billed as DeGeneres’ final stand-up performance, promises to be a poignant and humorous reflection on her career.
Looking ahead, Winston is also involved in a special project for the upcoming Olympics. He is producing the handover ceremony from Paris to Los Angeles for the end of the Summer Olympics. This 15-minute segment, which will be part of the closing ceremony, is a significant undertaking, and Winston is enthusiastic about the creative possibilities it presents.
Winston’s career is marked by his ability to innovate and adapt to different formats and genres. His work on “The Late Late Show” with James Corden was widely praised for its departure from the traditional late-night format. Winston believes that the key to successful television is building around the unique talents of the host, as demonstrated by the success of Corden’s show and John Mulaney’s recent foray into late-night television.
Despite his busy schedule, Winston remains passionate about his work and is always looking for new opportunities to create memorable content. His involvement in a wide range of projects, from music and comedy specials to reality TV and live events, showcases his versatility and commitment to excellence in the entertainment industry.
As Winston continues to shape the future of television and live events, his contributions to the industry are undeniable. His ability to bring together diverse talents and create moments of unity and collective enjoyment is a testament to his skill and vision as a producer. Whether it’s orchestrating a surprise duet at the Grammys, capturing the lives of the Kardashians, or producing a historic Olympic ceremony, Winston’s work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
