Unforgettable Night: Emma Stone, Billie Jean King, and Paul McCartney's Impromptu Performance at Club Cumming
Ta-Nehisi CoatesAuthor and journalist whose work on culture, race, and history includes writing for Marvel's "Black Panther."
Alan Cumming, the charismatic host of "The Traitors," recently recounted an extraordinary evening at his New York City establishment, Club Cumming. This unique venue, soon to be featured in a docuseries, became the stage for an unforgettable celebrity convergence, culminating in an impromptu musical performance that dreams are made of.
Celebrities Converge for an Unforgettable Night at Club Cumming
In a recent interview with First We Feast, Alan Cumming shared a truly remarkable experience from his New York City nightclub, Club Cumming. The tale began when acclaimed actress Emma Stone, with whom Cumming had collaborated on the 2017 film "Battle of the Sexes" (where she portrayed tennis icon Billie Jean King and Cumming played Ted Tinling), extended an unexpected invitation. Following a Paul McCartney concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Stone and King decided to continue their evening at Cumming's club for a nightcap. Billie Jean King, having never visited, was eager for the experience. Cumming excitedly informed his club patrons of the impending high-profile arrivals, cautioning them to "be cool."
However, the night took an even more astonishing turn when Cumming learned that the two women would be bringing an incredibly famous plus-one. After their concert, Stone and King had gone backstage to meet the legendary former Beatle, Paul McCartney, who, upon learning of their plans, decided to join them. This led to three black SUVs pulling up to the intimate Club Cumming, as Cumming humorously described it, creating a scene like a classic joke: "Paul McCartney, Emma Stone, and Billie Jean King walk into a bar."
The climax of the evening occurred during the club's open mic session, where guests would often take turns singing to piano accompaniment. When Cumming offered McCartney the chance to perform, the music legend initially declined, citing his recent three-hour performance. Yet, perhaps feeling a touch of remorse, McCartney then offered to accompany Cumming if he wished to sing. Seizing the incredible opportunity, Cumming, joined by Emma Stone, took the stage. Together, they delivered a memorable rendition of "Part of Your World" from Disney's "The Little Mermaid," with Paul McCartney himself providing the enchanting harmonica accompaniment. As Cumming enthusiastically declared, "Dreams do come true."
This extraordinary event perfectly encapsulates the vibrant and inclusive spirit of Club Cumming, which Cumming envisions as a safe and dynamic space for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. It’s a place where unexpected collaborations and magical moments can spontaneously ignite, transforming an ordinary night into a cherished memory.

