Once known as a global advertising and media festival, Cannes Lions 2025 has officially transformed into an influencer playground — and no one’s mad about it. From poolside panels to red carpet photo ops, this year’s Cannes buzz wasn’t about brands or agencies — it was all about the creators.
👑 Emira D’Spain: “Haters Pay the Bills”
With over 1.3 million followers on Instagram, Emira D’Spain lit up the internet with her now-viral quote:
“Haters pay the bills.”
The comment came during an exclusive panel when she was asked how she deals with online negativity. The line instantly trended across TikTok and Threads, embraced by both fans and fellow influencers as a badge of unapologetic success.
🧠 Jake Shane Talks Mental Toll
Jake Shane, who boasts over 3.6 million fans, opened up about the emotional challenges of creator life — especially the pressures of touring. His vulnerability stood out amidst the glitz, reminding everyone that even viral success comes at a price.
🌟 Haley Kalil & Brandon Edelman Drop the Numbers
Model and content queen Haley Kalil was also spotted proudly celebrating her Forbes recognition, while Brandon Edelman shocked the internet by revealing he made $768,000 in the past year, pocketing a cool $300K after expenses. These figures are changing the way we think about the influencer economy.
“People think we just post selfies,” Edelman said. “But there’s a real business behind the aesthetic.”
📸 Not Just a Backdrop Anymore
While Cannes has long been a destination for brands and agencies, this year’s creator-focused panels, meetups, and brand collabs showed just how central influencers are to today’s media landscape. What was once background noise has become the headline.
🔥 Final Word
From viral quotes to jaw-dropping income reveals, Cannes Lions 2025 proved that influencers aren’t just attending — they’re running the show. And if you ask Emira D’Spain, every like, troll, and meme is just more fuel for the flame.