Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell brought their musical magic to Garvanza Elementary School when they stepped in as substitute teachers, recently showcasing their unique bond and creative prowess.
Arriving at the Los Angeles school, the Grammy-winning duo was tasked with teaching exuberant first graders the fine art of songwriting. The reaction from the students was predictably enthusiastic, with one wide-eyed child exclaiming, "Am I dreaming right now?" as Billie and Finneas shared tips on how to craft catchy tunes.
Finneas kicked things off by playing some piano chords, inviting input from the students about which ones they preferred. From spooky ghosts to Kendrick Lamar, the whimsical suggestions flowed freely. Eventually, the class settled on writing about the wintry topic of snow, leading to the creation of their collaborative song titled, "I’m Just a Polar Bear." This charming tale follows the life of a lonely polar bear who, feeling heartbroken and disregarded, finds solace and friendship with a snowman.
The chorus, "I’m just a polar bear, but nobody cares and it’s just not fair," encapsulated the playful yet poignant essence of their classroom creation. Students proudly performed their original track, with their teacher Ms. Fowler and the show's host, Julian Shapiro-Barnum, cheering them on.
The timing of this whimsical classroom episode coincides with Eilish's current arena tour, "Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour," which is set to culminate at the Kia Forum on December 21, 2024. Just moments after their warm-hearted classroom exchange, both artists embarked on their respective musical journeys, with Billie set to kick off her international tour next year.
Reflecting on their dynamic sibling relationship, Finneas has experienced notable independence, choosing to tour solo for his album, "For Cryin' Out Loud!" His decision to pursue his own tour stems from the practical reality of balancing their flourishing careers—he can’t be at both Eilish's shows and his own. Speaking on the Therapuss podcast, he expressed this bittersweet sentiment, stating, "It’s been very bittersweet. I only decided to do it because I knew I couldn't be in two places at once. I don’t want to prevent her from touring as much as she wants to!"
Despite his absence from Eilish's performances, Finneas remains invested in her success and artistry. "I’ve seen the show a few times and it’s amazing. I just think her show is incredible. It doesn’t suffer at all because I’m not there," he added appreciatively, highlighting his sister’s growth as a solo performer.
With Eilish's tour running from September 29, 2024, to July 27, 2025, and Finneas's own shows scheduled between January 7, 2025, and May 9, 2025, the pair is clearly carving paths marked by both collaboration and individual artistry. Eilish’s performance, infused with her characteristic flair, stands as one of her best yet—a fact Finneas wholeheartedly supports.
Growing up together, homeschooling forged the foundation of their artistic interests, allowing them the freedom to explore their creative expressions. Now, stepping back to share their talent and experience with the next generation, both siblings acknowledge the deep and relentless curiosity found within children. Reflecting on the classroom experience, Eilish offered some simple yet powerful advice for future celebrity substitutes, stating, "Let the kids do their thing, I guess."
This sharing of insights highlights the reciprocal nature of their music career. Finneas, whose role as older brother has been both supportive and at times independent, is deeply connected to Eilish, calling her often and ensuring she is managing her health and well-being.
Finneas elaborated, saying, "I just make sure she's doing okay. I’ve always said, leading up to it and since she left, ‘If you ever need some company, I’ll jump out and just come hang out with you, keep you company on the road.’” This enduring support exemplifies their unique and deeply-rooted familial bond even as they navigate their paths.
With their multifaceted projects and individual tours taking off, it remains clear: Eilish and Finneas are not just stars shining brightly—they are also devoted siblings who inspire each other both personally and professionally. The blend of their various engagements—from teaching songwriting to pursuing solo careers—paints a vibrant picture of musical collaboration and the cherished ties within their family. What remains constant is their commitment to creating music, sharing experiences, and celebrating their artistry together.
