We all encounter demanding personalities in our daily lives—whether it’s the colleague who insists on their morning coffee, the one who tweaks the thermostat to extreme temperatures, or the individual who nitpicks about parking spots. While these everyday irritations can be frustrating, they pale in comparison to the requests of some celebrities.
Stars often come with their own set of demands that can make or break a show. Managers, promoters, and venue staff must navigate these whims to ensure everything goes smoothly. From peculiar food preferences to extravagant dressing room setups, the world of celebrity rider requests can be quite surprising. Dive into this list to uncover the most temperamental stars and their astonishing demands!
Beyoncé
Beyoncé, a global icon celebrated for her incredible music and magnetic presence, is no stranger to unique demands. Her rider includes some curious stipulations that reflect her celebrity status. For starters, she insists that her dressing room temperature be a precise 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, she craves chicken thighs seasoned generously with cayenne pepper and prefers the ambiance set with rose-scented candles.
Notably, Beyoncé’s contract requires her to avoid Coca-Cola products altogether; she is only allowed to be seen with Pepsi, showcasing the often surprising contractual agreements that come with stardom. These requests highlight how her fame comes with its own set of peculiarities.
Rihanna
Rihanna, a multi-millionaire through her successful singing career and thriving businesses, has shifted her focus toward her lingerie and makeup brands in recent years. However, that hasn’t stopped her from making some extravagant demands when it comes to her concert performances.
The pop sensation requests blue or black silk curtains to adorn her dressing room, creating a luxurious ambiance. In addition, she insists on having an animal print rug and a dozen specific candles to enhance her comfort. Rihanna prioritizes her environment and is willing to invest significantly to ensure it meets her standards. These demands reflect her desire for both style and relaxation, showcasing her unique approach to concert preparations.
Paul McCartney
Legendary Beatles bassist Paul McCartney has amassed a fortune throughout his illustrious music career, but his true passion lies in defending animal rights. A staunch advocate for veganism, he prohibits fur, leather, and meat from any of his accommodations, reflecting his commitment to animal welfare. McCartney has a particular fondness for plants, insisting that his surroundings be filled with greenery.
In addition to his love for flora, he requires dimmable halogen bulbs for all lamps and demands that only animal-friendly materials, such as cotton, denim, and velvet, be present in his dressing room. Even his limousines must be free of leather. It’s clear that hosting Paul McCartney at a steakhouse would be a monumental misstep!
Jay Z
Often hailed as the king of rap, Jay-Z has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest musicians in the world, with a net worth nearing a billion dollars. His celebrity status comes with a range of specific demands for his rider. Jay-Z insists on having more than seven dressing rooms available to accommodate his team and personal comfort. He also specifies that the temperature be set to a comfortable 77 degrees Fahrenheit, complemented by a large sofa for relaxation.
For hydration, he requests 48 bottles of Fiji water, along with 6 cans of Coke, 6 cans of Red Bull, and 6 bottles of vitamin water. Interestingly, unlike his wife Beyoncé, Jay-Z doesn’t share the same Pepsi-only clause, showcasing his own unique tastes!
Celine Dion
Celine Dion, beloved for her angelic voice and chart-topping hits, has captivated audiences worldwide. While she is often praised for her down-to-earth demeanor, she is also known to demand quite a lot when it comes to her touring needs. At the top of her extensive rider is a private jet to ensure her travels are comfortable and efficient.
Additionally, she requires 75 first-class hotel rooms for her production team, reflecting the scale of her touring operations. Celine also insists on a presidential suite for herself and her son, along with a specific room temperature of 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit. With such lavish requests, it’s clear that she prioritizes creating the best possible environment for herself and her family while on the road.
Cher
Cher, a multifaceted talent who began her career as a singer before transitioning into television and film, has captivated audiences for decades. While she is often described as a pleasure to work with, her rider includes some rather unusual demands that reflect her iconic status. One of her most peculiar requests is a separate hotel room exclusively for her wigs, which are a crucial part of her signature look.
In addition to this unique requirement, Cher insists on having aloe vera tissues available at all times, showcasing her attention to skincare. She also requests that all cups be black, adding a specific aesthetic touch to her environment. With such distinctive needs, it’s clear that Cher takes her image and comfort seriously!
Mary J. Blige
Singer Mary J. Blige has one of the most unusual demands in the entertainment industry: she insists on having a brand new toilet seat installed at every location where she performs. This unique request is her top priority and has been consistently asked for in all the cities she visits.
Interestingly, this is one of her few requirements, making it relatively easy for venue staff to accommodate her. As a result, she is not generally perceived as a demanding diva. On one tour alone, Mary performed in 36 different cities, resulting in the installation of an impressive number of new toilet seats—proof that even the smallest details can matter greatly to a superstar!
Will Smith
Will Smith is often seen as a laid-back and approachable star, but he has some substantial demands when it comes to his filming conditions. For one particular movie, he went all out by having a custom two-story trailer built, costing an impressive $2.5 million. This lavish trailer features a luxurious $200,000 kitchen and its own dressing room, showcasing his desire for comfort and convenience while on set.
After the trailer was constructed, his primary requirement became ensuring that there was enough space available to park his impressive vehicle. With such grand requests, it’s clear that Will Smith values both style and functionality in his work environment, proving that even the coolest celebrities can have high standards!
Barbra Streisand
While millennials and Generation Z may not be as familiar with Barbra Streisand, her legendary status is well-remembered by many. During her touring years, she had a rather extraordinary request: a police dog to sweep the premises before her arrival. This demand might seem excessive, but it reflects her concerns for security and safety.
Streisand, with her immense fame, harbored fears that someone might wish to sabotage her career, perhaps through harmful means. Fortunately, her apprehensions never materialized, and she celebrated her 80th birthday this year, proving that her legacy continues to thrive. Her unique demands serve as a testament to the pressures faced by superstars in the spotlight.
Prince Rogers Nelson
The Artist Formerly Known as Prince was notorious for his bold backstage demands. During a performance in London, he made a striking request for a luxurious five-bedroom house to be constructed near the O2 Arena, showcasing his desire for comfort and exclusivity.
In addition to the house, Prince also requested an impressive 192 bath towels. His insistence on having a fresh towel for each use reflects his meticulous attention to cleanliness and hygiene. This dedication to detail is evident in his public appearances, where he always presented himself impeccably. Prince’s unique demands underline the extravagant lifestyle he embraced, ensuring that every aspect of his environment matched his high standards.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey has long been celebrated as a diva, known for her impressive talent and equally extravagant demands. Among her rider requests, she asks for a bottle of champagne served with flexible straws, but perhaps the most unusual requirement is her request for an assistant dedicated solely to disposing of her chewing gum.
According to Marie Claire, this assistant’s job is highly specific, reflecting Carey’s aversion to touching gum, even if it’s her own. While hiring an assistant for such a task may seem extravagant, it’s a testament to Mariah’s desire for comfort and her preference for a hands-off approach to the more mundane aspects of life. With a price tag of $50,000, it’s clear that she values having someone to manage her needs with precision!
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez, affectionately known as “La Diva Latina,” embodies extravagance in every aspect of her career. As one of the hardest-working women in showbiz, she has earned her lavish lifestyle and the unique requests that accompany it. Among her rider demands are white flowers, tablecloths, curtains, candles, sofas, and low-wattage light bulbs to create the perfect ambiance.
However, the quirkiest request on her list is for her coffee to be stirred counter-clockwise. While the reasoning behind this peculiar demand remains largely a mystery, it likely stems from superstition or a belief that it enhances the quality of her brew. J. Lo’s attention to detail ensures that everything meets her high standards, proving that even divas have their own unique preferences!
George Clooney
George Clooney, known for his impressive acting career and directorial ventures, made quite the splash in Alfonso Cuarón’s acclaimed film Gravity, where he portrayed astronaut Matt Kowalski. Although his character’s time on screen is brief, Clooney’s demands were anything but. For his time on set, he requested a full yard complete with a basketball court and a beach cabin constructed right next to his trailer, all at a staggering cost of $200,000.
This extravagant setup reflects Clooney’s desire for leisure and comfort even amidst the intense backdrop of space. It showcases his unique approach to balancing work and play, ensuring that he had the perfect environment to unwind during filming, even if his role was short-lived!
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise has built a remarkable career, renowned for his unwavering work ethic and commitment to performing his own stunts. However, he is also known for his particularity, often exhibiting diva-like tendencies on set. One of his most unique demands is a collection of specially designed underwear crafted from specific materials to ensure maximum comfort and flexibility during his high-octane stunts.
Cruise prefers to wear a fresh pair for each shoot, which can amount to as many as 50 pairs per movie. The $5,000 cost for this custom underwear may seem extravagant, but for Cruise, it’s a small price to pay to prevent chafing while leaping from helicopters or speeding on motorcycles. His attention to detail reflects his dedication to both performance and comfort in every action-packed scene.
