#MAGFAB: Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal on WICKED, GLADIATOR II and “Glicked” for VARIETY Magazine
In a new conversation for VARIETY’s Actors on Actors issue, Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal discuss the “Glicked” phenomenon, the audition processes for “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” Grande changing her voice to sound more operatic, their costumes, Mescal’s training, and more.
Grande: “I feel like our movies are strangely similar…I know that sounds absolutely absurd, but I really do feel like they are, because there are strong themes of evil versus good and dictatorship…They feel thematically intertwined.”
Mescal: “And also, not to sell the whole ‘Glicked’ thing, but in terms of a double feature—thematically similar, but then also totally different meals.”
Grande on the audition process for “Wicked”: “I mean, it was really insane. It was a three-and-a-half-month period of time…I was filming ‘The Voice,’ so I was going from my vocal coach to my acting coach to doing the live shows. I was so nervous about my voice being in good shape because my audition was the next day. And I was on set doing ‘The Voice,’ and I asked them to cut the air conditioning. They keep it really cold to keep the live audience awake. I had to sing opera the next day. I had to sing ‘No One Mourns the Wicked,’ and people started to notice. I was like, ‘It’s my fault.’…I was like, ‘I’m so sorry!’ That was my first audition, and then I had a callback where I had to do some scenes and more songs…[Cynthia Erivo and I] never chemistry read together. It was three rounds for me, and I read with two different actresses. I stayed for three and a half hours the final day, and I had cried so much. We did ‘Popular,’ ‘Defying Gravity,’ ‘For Good.’ And I left my lashes on the mirror, because I left everything else in the room.”
Mescal on how “Gladiator II” came into his life: “I met Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher. Doug was the producer on the first ‘Gladiator.’ I met them at Sunset Tower, and that was the first instance that I knew ‘Gladiator II’ was getting made. Then it went quiet for a little while. I was like, ‘They’ve gone to somebody else.’ Then I got a message from my agent being like, ‘Ridley Scott wants to Zoom.’ At that point, I was like, ‘This is fucking great!’ We spoke for half an hour. We spoke for 10 minutes about the film, 10 minutes about his dog and 10 minutes about the sport that I played growing up. In your head, you’re like, ‘Of course there’s going to be camera tests, auditions,’ but there just wasn’t any of those things.”
Grande on changing her voice for “Wicked”: “I was hunting Marc Platt down for an audition. As soon as I found out that it might be happening, I told my team, ‘Be on high alert, please. And I know this has to be earned. So when they start seeing people, can I please go in? I’ll do anything.’ And I worked really hard with a vocal coach and an acting coach to get ready, because Glinda’s vocal track is very different than what I usually sing…It’s very operatic and very classical sort of coloratura, which is different from doing a falsetto and whistle tones. It’s a totally different placement in the voice. I wanted to sound authentic in singing opera, and I started two months before my first audition.”
Mescal on training for “Gladiator II” and wearing his costume for the first time: “I initially decided when I’d first been cast—which was very naive—I was like, ‘I’m just going to go for normal “Gladiator.” The way my body is is the way my body is.’ And then I was like, ‘That’s not the film we’re making.’ So I went into the gym, but I hadn’t tried on the costumes yet, and when I put the costumes on, I was like, ‘This is miles away from anything I’ve ever done.’ I didn’t recognize the way my body was in the clothes that I was wearing, and that created a distance from who you feel like the world expects you to be as a performer. That got me excited. And then we had some dodgy wig fittings, and I’m not a fan of a wig.”
Grande on her costume for Glinda: “Paul Tazewell, our incredible costume designer, he is so immersed in this world. Every single detail, there’s a reason. And my bubble dress, he was consumed with the question of ‘How do I make it seem like it’s floating?’…I had my corset, and then they had snaps. There were 16 different layers that got snapped on. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it feels really lightweight and just kind of like a bubble itself. My favorite thing about that costume is just how light it is compared to what happens to her when she’s wearing it. It feels like the perfect representation of what Glinda’s magic is—which is her ability to take darkness and figure out how to make it light.”
Mescal on doing as much of his own stunts as possible: “Because the way Ridley shoots, he’s shooting eight cameras. So you’re not typically able to get a stunt double in. While he’s on your close-up, he’s also on your back, so you can’t really do a swap.”
Mescal on when he fell in love with acting: “When I did ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ I was 16. I was in transition year, which is like two years before finishing school. And I remember being wheeled out on this fake organ and fucking not having a clue how to play the organ. I have this theory: My parents met onstage doing ‘Pirates of Penzance’…So I have this weird thing that somewhere in my blood, or in my heart or head, that the act of being onstage feels like an important place.”
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Makes Surprising Reveal About RHOA Season 16: "I Kid You Not..."
The mom of one was previously on RHOA from Seasons 5 through 13, and in spite of her experience with being in front of the cameras, she admitted that she was just a little rusty to be back in front of them after her two year hiatus. Porsha caught up with People at Bravo Fan Fest on Nov. 23, where she opened up about how hard this had been for her.
"The first day of filming, I kid you not, I felt like a rookie," she explained. "I promise you, I stopped midway, and I was like, 'Am I supposed to be looking this way?' It took me a minute to recalibrate and make the cameras invisible again."
Porsha Williams says she put up boundaries while filming RHOA Season 16
Once she got used to the cameras being there, Porsha was able to then allow herself to be vulnerable in front of her fellow RHOA Season 16 cast members, but she was also firm with her boundaries. She told the publication that she was selective with what she talked about with her cast members — like her ongoing divorce from Simon Guobadia.
Porsha Williams wearing a black outfit and statement earrings.
"I really got into therapy and a big part of therapy was her suggesting self-preservation, which is hard to do when you're in an ensemble cast and you have to speak about your life," she explained. "But I really had boundaries about what I would open up to with some of the other girls and what I would not. So just kind of like being and protecting myself, but also being with everyone else has been a good thing for me."
An unseen clip from RHOA Season 16, released during Bravo Fan Fest and posted to Bravo's Instagram account, revealed that Porsha will be talking about her divorce from Simon on the show. In the clip, Porsha can be seen heading to her lawyer's office to discuss her divorce.
"In my relationship with Simon, I felt like that if I had him by my side, we would conquer anything," she explained during a confessional. "However, I started just realizing a lot of different things that turned out to be untruth."
During the #NoFilter panel at Bravo Fan Fest, Porsha also admitted that she feels at home being back in front of the cameras. "Maybe I'm just made for this," she said. "I wanted to be unfiltered this season."
#NewMusic from Coco Jones Releases Video For Holiday Single “Santa Is Me”
With Christmas only two weeks away, the new holiday tunes keep rolling in. Coco Jones has contributed four new songs to the Christmas carol canon with her new EP, Coco By The Fireplace. On the focus track, “Santa Is Me,” Ms. Jones takes a different tack from the Eartha Kitt classic “Santa Baby,” declaring her independence with a self-love anthem about supplying all the presents under her own tree.
“Nothing else on my wishlist / Got all I want this Christmas / I get it for myself, ‘cause baby Santa is me,” she sings on the chorus, noting in the second verse, “Don’t need to hide boxes / ‘Cause I know who bought it.”
Coco is a year removed from the tour for her debut EP What I Didn’t Tell You, and kicked off the anticipation for its follow-up with her new single, “Here We Go,” this May. In the meantime, she also made an appearance on Latto’s new album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea. For now, there’s no telling what the new year might bring, but fans can enjoy the gift Coco’s just dropped off as they await updates on her eventual album release.
Watch the visualizer for Coco Jones’ “Santa Is Me” BELOW
The single was included on Coco’s recently released Christmas project “Coco By The Fireplace” which released last month.
#HipHopNews: ASAP Rocky’s ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ To Arrive In “Early 2025” After Another Round Of Delays
“The release date has been rescheduled to early 2025. We will refund your order and invite you to reorder when the album is available,” the notice read. “As a thank you for your patience, please enjoy the attached coupon for a gift upon release."
The LP was initially scheduled to drop on Aug. 30 before its release date was pushed back to the fall. However, with the holiday season approaching quickly, the Harlem native’s longtime supporters will now have to wait until the new year, presumably within the first quarter.
Aside from a few promotional singles, not much is known about Don’t Be Dumb. In September, ASAP Rocky told Dazed that listeners could “expect the unexpected.” Regarding the first round of delays, he explained, “I got a chance to reassess the bit and do some finishing touches before we actually put it out, and I just wanted to release the music and content in the meantime. So that’s what we're in the process of right now.”
To date, he’s heightened anticipation for the body of work with “HIGHJACK” featuring Jessica Pratt and the J. Cole-assisted “Ruby Rosary.”
According to REVOLT, ASAP Rocky previously teased collaborations between him and Lil Yachty, Thundercat, Miguel and frequent collaborator Tyler, The Creator at one point. Production is expected to be handled by the likes of Mike Dean, Hitkidd, Madlib, Metro Boomin and Pharrell Williams, with whom he worked on 2023’s "RIOT (Rowdy Pipe'n).”
Early 2025 will also see the father of two stand trial for allegedly shooting ASAP Relli. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a firearm, though a Los Angeles judge and jury is expected to examine the facts starting on Jan. 21.
Christina Milian defends Blue Ivy Carter against backlash for dress
Singer Christina Milian defended Blue Ivy Carter after she got backlash for the elegant gown she wore to the premiere of the Mufasa: The Lion King on Dec. 9.
Detractors decried that Blue Ivy — who accompanied her parents Beyoncé and Jay-Z on the red carpet — wore a strapless gown that was too risqué for a prepubescent girl.
On the “Sherri” talk show, Milian told critics that Blue’s outfit was “gorgeous” and to “mind their own business.”
Sherri Shepherd inquired about Milian’s thoughts as she visited the set to promote her show, “Dexter: Original Sin.”
“Earlier in the hot topics, we were talking about the backlash that Blue Ivy was getting for the dress that she was wearing for the Mufasa [The Lion King] premiere,” Shepherd began.
“Oh, my God!” Milian sighed as she rolled her eyes.
“You are the mother of a teenager. So what do you think of the dress?” Shepherd asked.
“With my motherly protection [mode], I immediately get turned up quick,” Milian began. “First of all, [Blue Ivy] looked gorgeous. And I think that anyone who has anything to say about anyone’s daughter — a minor — just mind your business.”
“She’s talented. She toured the world with her mom,” Milian continued. “There’s nothing you can say. You can’t dim that shine. Let that baby glow.”
“She’s so poised. She’s doing her thing,” the singer added.
Kamala Harris honors Shirley Chisholm with Congressional Gold Medal
Shirley Chisholm: A trailblazer in politics
Chisholm made history in 1968 as the first African American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s 12th Congressional District. Her legacy continued to grow when she became the first Black woman to run for president in a major party in 1972. Chisholm’s advocacy for racial and gender equality, early childhood education and child welfare has left an indelible mark on American politics.
The signing ceremony
On Dec. 9, 2024, Vice President Harris proudly signed the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act on Capitol Hill. During the ceremony, she also swore in Senators-designate Andy Kim, D-N.J., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Senator-elect Pete Ricketts, R-Neb. Harris emphasized the importance of personally signing the bill, stating that it was a meaningful gesture to honor Chisholm’s legacy.A Legacy Remembered
The bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., has been years in the making. Lee, a mentee of Chisholm, stood alongside Harris during the signing. She expressed that the Congressional Gold Medal is not just a tribute to Chisholm’s legacy but also a reminder of her significant contributions to the nation and the world.
Throughout her two decades in Congress, Lee has worked tirelessly to honor Chisholm’s legacy, including commissioning a portrait of her for the halls of Congress and creating a U.S. postal stamp in her honor.
Chisholm’s enduring influence
Chisholm, who died in 2005, was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the only female member at its inception. Her commitment to racial and gender equality continues to inspire many, including Vice President Harris, who has often acknowledged Chisholm’s influence on her political journey. During her presidential campaign in 2019, Harris highlighted Chisholm’s strength and the profound impact she has had on women and people of color in politics.
Looking ahead
Despite her unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2024, Harris remains committed to carrying forward Chisholm’s legacy. Congresswoman Lee believes that Chisholm would be proud of Harris’ efforts, stating in an interview with theGrio, “Kamala picked up that baton, and she’s still running.” Lee expressed optimism that one day, a woman of color, specifically a Black woman, will hold the presidency.
The awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Chisholm is a significant step in recognizing the contributions of Black women in American politics. As Vice President Harris continues to pave the way for future generations, the legacy of Shirley Chisholm serves as a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead.
Spike Lee Confirms A$AP Rocky Will Star In His Latest Film Alongside Denzel Washington & Ice Spice
Spike Lee is back with another major project, reuniting with Denzel Washington for their fifth collaboration, alongside A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice.
During his appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival, Spike Lee shared, “This is not a remake; this is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s great film,” revealing that Highest 2 Lowest is inspired by the Japanese director’s 1963 thriller High and Low.
In the updated story,“Denzel Washington is a music mogul with his own label and his reputation as the best ears in the business.”
Spike Lee confirmed that A$AP Rocky will take “the main role,” while Ice Spice also has a part. The film will hit theaters next summer through a partnership between Apple Original Films and A24, with a global launch on Apple TV+.
Randy Moss’ son Thaddeus calls report on his father’s health ‘disgusting,’ ‘not true’
On Tuesday night, surprising source Larry Fitzgerald Sr. (the long-time reporter, columnist, and radio host, and father of former NFL receiver and current media figure Larry Fitzgerald Jr.) put out an apparent report on just what that challenge was. He said he learned at the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame ceremony (involving both Fitzgerald Jr. and Moss as inductees, as well as many others) that Moss had liver cancer.
That report from Fitzgerald Sr. was then shared widely, including from NFL aggregators MLFootball and “Dov Kleiman.” (They did not spell out which Fitzgerald it was.) They eventually deleted those tweets, but they’re preserved here as screenshots of Slack embeds
But all of that saw massive criticism from Moss’ son Thaddeus (the former college, NFL, USFL, and CFL player) early Wednesday morning.
Thaddeus Moss also responded to Favre, but in a nicer tone. And that led to Favre (who also made news on other social media fronts Tuesday night) editing his tweet (which was just relaying the information from Fitzgerald and those aggregators), responding back with praying hands, and Moss thanking him.
In terms of how we got here, Randy Moss said on Sunday NFL Countdown (where he’s the longest-tenured current figure, working there since joining ESPN in 2016) on Dec. 1 that he and his family are “battling something internally.” He said then that’s why he would wear glasses throughout the show that day.
ESPN then put out a statement on Friday (Dec. 6) that Moss would “step away for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge,” noting that he had the company’s full support. And the Sunday NFL Countdown cast and crew offered massive on-air tributes to him this Sunday, as did many others.
We send Moss and his family all the best as they deal with this health challenge that he’s facing.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs accuser speaks out for first time: 'I felt powerless'
An accuser in the sprawling case against Sean "Diddy" Combs is speaking out publicly for the first time.
The man, known only as John Doe, opted to remain anonymous and spoke to CNN from a darkened room in his New Jersey home. One of hundreds of accusers, he alleges that Diddy drugged and assaulted him in the early 2000s at one of the music mogul's famed "white parties."
In a lawsuit filed earlier this year, lawyers for the accuser allege he was hired to work as security for Combs' 2006 party. After the rapper offered him a few drinks, he began to notice something was off.
"It wasn't until the second drink, and it was already too late, that I realized that there was something wrong with the drinks," the man told CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister in the interview Tuesday.
"It was just an amazing level of incapacitation that I had never experienced before and I felt powerless," he said.
The complaint then alleges Diddy pushed the accuser into a car, held him down and sodomized him.
Diddy arrest punctuates long history of legal troubles: Unraveling old lawsuits, allegations
"I was screaming, I was telling him to stop. It was incredibly painful, and he was acting like it was nothing. And he seemed to be disconnected from it, but it was abusive beyond belief," he told CNN.
There were several inconsistencies in the story the accuser relayed to CNN and the one told in the civil complaint. The lawsuit claims the party took place in 2006 and that the accuser has never been married, in part due to the distress of the assault. In the interview, the man revealed the incident had taken place in 2007 and had left him so ashamed he had kept it a secret from his then-wife.
In response to CNN pointing out the discrepancies, lawyers for the accuser amended the complaint and confirmed mistakes were made in the original filing in the rush to get it to court.
Doe's story represents one small dot in a constellation of legal challenges faced by Combs, who is now awaiting trial in federal prison. The music mogul is accused of sex trafficking and racketeering in a wide-ranging system of abuse that allegedly spanned decades.
Over the weekend, fellow rap icon Jay-Z was ensnared in the case when one of the complaints against Combs was amended to reveal the Roc Nation founder as a previously unnamed celebrity accused of assaulting a victim alongside Diddy.
Jay-Z has vehemently denied the claim and taken his own legal action to dismiss the suit.
"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," the rapper, who is married to singer Beyoncé, wrote in a statement at the time.
The rapper also accused the lawyer in the case, Tony Buzzbee, of being an "ambulance chaser." Buzzbee represents several of Diddy's alleged victims, including the one who spoke to CNN, and is known to take on high-profile cases.
After Diddy's indictment, Buzzbee held a news conference in October in which he solicited clients with a 1-800 number − urging them to call if they wanted to come forward. He also alluded to other powerful people in Diddy's orbit who should be on watch.
"The day will come when we will name names other than Sean Combs," Buzzbee said at the conference. "The names that we're going to name, assuming our investigators confirm and corroborate what we’ve been told, are names that will shock you."
While the accuser who came forward on CNN was allowed to remain anonymous, both on camera and in court filings, the same may not be true for all alleged victims.
Earlier this month a judge ruled that one of Diddy's accusers, who filed a suit against the rapper and the former president of Bad Boy Records Harve Pierre, alleging a gang rape in 2003, must come forward.
The plaintiff's real name was revealed to be Anna Kane. Kane alleges she was 17 at the time of the assault, and lured to Combs' recording studio on a private jet by Pierre.
"I had hoped to use a pseudonym in pursuing justice for what happened to me as a teenager. Defendants' demand that I use my name was an attempt to intimidate me, but I am not intimidated. I am prepared to proceed and hold accountable those who have harmed me," Doug Wigdor, Kane's lawyer, shared as a statement on her behalf Friday.
NBA YoungBoy Sentenced To Prison On Gun Charges After Guilty Plea
On Tuesday, December 10, a Utah federal judge sentenced Gaulden to 23 months in federal prison, with credit given for time already served. This date extends back to May 2024 following a raid on his Utah residence. The raid uncovered a semi-automatic pistol in Gaulden's bedroom, alongside evidence implicating him in a large-scale prescription drug fraud ring.
Gaulden has been in and out of custody over the past few years, having already served seven months for the prior Louisiana charge. Given his accumulated credit for time served, he might be released much sooner than his 23-month sentence suggests, potentially to a halfway house as early as next year
Despite the grave legal repercussions that could have led to maximum sentences of 10 and 15 years from dueling gun charges, Gaulden's defense team successfully negotiated a much more favorable deal. "This has been a long road that involved extensive litigation and ultimately extensive negotiation. Kentrell's defense team is very happy for Kentrell and we look forward to his many future successes," said defense lawyers Drew Findling, Jeremy Delicino and Jon Williams in a statement to Rolling Stone.
The rapper admitted in his plea agreement that he was a felon in possession of a Masterpiece Arms 9 mm gun and a .45 caliber Glock Model 21 pistol when arrested during a music video shoot in Baton Rouge on Sept. 28, 2020. Additionally, he confessed to "knowingly possessing" a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his Utah home.
Authorities raided Gaulden's Utah home in April while investigating claims he was impersonating a doctor to obtain prescription painkillers. Besides the federal charges, Gaulden faced dozens of allegations involving forgery, identity fraud and unlawful pharmacy practices. In a separate state prosecution, he pleaded no contest to 10 of these charges in November, resulting in the dismissal of the remaining allegations.
Under the plea deal in the federal case, the state prosecution involving the gun found during the Utah raid has also been dismissed. Post-release, Gaulden is set to serve a 60-month probation term and is required to pay a $200,000 fine. His prolific music career, highlighted by hits and positive reviews for his album "The Last Slimeto", continues even as he navigates these legal challenges.
Former Milli Vanilli Member Fab Morvan Shares Behind Story Of Grammy Reversal
More than three decades after their scandal rocked the music industry, Milli Vanilli is experiencing a resurgence thanks to their inclusion in "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story". Fab Morvan, surviving member of the group, has opened up about the controversy and the misconceptions surrounding it.
On February 21, 1990, Milli Vanilli won Best New Artist at the Grammys, but it was later discovered that they had lip-synched throughout their records and live shows. The Recording Academy promptly rescinded their award.
However, Morvan claims that during a 1990 press conference, he and his partner Rob Pilatus had intended to voluntarily return the trophy. He says the media spread the false narrative that the Grammys had forcibly reclaimed it from them.
"We did it to say, 'We know we were wrong, and we came here to let you know, Hey, we want to give this Grammy back,'" Morvan explained. "That's what we wanted, because we didn't think we deserved it, and it didn't feel like it belonged in our house."
Despite attempts to salvage their reputation, Pilatus died of a drug overdose in 1998. Morvan continued his career but faced ongoing criticism. However, thanks to recent projects like Monsters and a documentary, Morvan is seeing a renewed interest in his music and style.
"Now I feel like I've got a chance to go into a new and exciting story," he said. "A new chapter, and people are slowly starting to read it. I've been working on that chapter for a long time."
Morvan's revelation sheds new light on the Milli Vanilli scandal and the aftermath that followed. It is a reminder that even in the face of public condemnation, the truth often has a way of emerging.
Floyd Mayweather Denies Being Attacked In London, Blames 'Jealousy' For 'False Stories'
The 47-year-old made use of his Instagram account on Tuesday, December 10 to share his side of the story after footage of the alleged incident surfaced online. He said in a statement, "Let me set the record straight...there's no truth to rumors going around. I wasn't punched or touched in any way. What you're seeing is just my security doing their job to keep things under control."
The former world champion explained his visit to the country, "I was in the U.K. for a quick 48-hour stop to do some shopping, and unfortunately, people let jealously and negativity fuel false stories. I'm perfectly fine, and there's really nothing more to it."
Floyd issued the statement after it was reported that he was targeted while shopping for jewelry in Hatton Garden, London over his support for Israel. According to The Sun which first reported the story, he was confronted by a mob as his bodyguards bundled him out of a top jewelry store and into a waiting black car.
In the video, the former professional boxer was visibly angry as he and his security were followed in the capital. Members of the mob, allegedly of around 30 people, could be heard taunting the billionaire before he was eventually ushered into the 4x4. The car sped off down the street, leaving some of his security and entourage left behind.
Someone who filmed the incident told the publication, "There were maybe about eight to ten people involved in going after him, and about 20 or 25 watching on. Mayweather's security team were outnumbered."
"Someone said that Mayweather had been shopping when he was asked why he supported Israel. He doubled down and said he was proud to support the Jews," the eyewitness recalled. "Then someone took a swing at him because of that. It looked very targeted.""He was bundled out of the shop but by then there were multiple people trying to hit him, and pushing his security guards," the eyewitness continued. "Floyd took a few hits during it, but his security was trying to push people back."
"I couldn't really see Floyd trying to throw any punches back. His guards were just trying to get distance between him and them," the source said, before noting, "It was over within two minutes."Meanwhile, a source close to Floyd insisted that at no point during the chaos was the fighter touched. They also claimed members of the crowd "used racial slurs" towards him.
Taye Diggs Makes Rare Appearance with 15-Year-Old Son Walker
Taye Diggs‘ son is almost as tall as him now! The 53-year-old actor walked the red carpet with his 15-year-old son Walker Diggs while attending The Critics Choice Association’s 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television on Monday night (December 9) at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
Taye shares his son with ex-wife Idina Menzel.In a recent interview, Taye opened up about being a father to a teenage boy.
“I try not to show him how excited I am just when he says three words to me, but it can be difficult,” Taye joked with People. “It’s very humbling because I feel like a 12-year-old girl that’s out with a senior boy. Anything I say could ruin the date. I’m so tentative.”
He added, “It’s a trip. I’m an adult and I’m hanging on every word of this 15-year-old. It’s fun. It’s really, really fun and eye-opening.”Floyd Mayweather Denies Being Attacked In London, Blames 'Jealousy' For 'False Stories'
Taye Diggs‘ son is almost as tall as him now! The 53-year-old actor walked the red carpet with his 15-year-old son Walker Diggs while attending The Critics Choice Association’s 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television on Monday night (December 9) at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
Taye shares his son with ex-wife Idina Menzel.In a recent interview, Taye opened up about being a father to a teenage boy.
“I try not to show him how excited I am just when he says three words to me, but it can be difficult,” Taye joked with People. “It’s very humbling because I feel like a 12-year-old girl that’s out with a senior boy. Anything I say could ruin the date. I’m so tentative.”
He added, “It’s a trip. I’m an adult and I’m hanging on every word of this 15-year-old. It’s fun. It’s really, really fun and eye-opening.”Floyd Mayweather Denies Being Attacked In London, Blames 'Jealousy' For 'False Stories'
Kylie Kelce’s Podcast Beats Joe Rogan, Tops Spotify & Apple Charts
Curious how Kylie Kelce’s podcast skyrocketed to the top of the charts on Apple and Spotify? With a debut episode that ousted Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” from its longstanding No. 1 spot, “Not Gonna Lie” quickly became a podcasting sensation, sparking conversations about its rapid rise and cultural impact.
Here’s what we know about its impressive launch, the topics it explores, and how it’s reshaping the podcasting landscape.
Kylie Kelce’s debut podcast, Not Gonna Lie, has launched to widespread acclaim.
As per TheWrap, Kelce’s podcast has reached the No. 1 spot on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts charts. The first episode aired on December 5, 2024, pushing “The Joe Rogan Experience,” to second place. This accomplishment also outperformed other well-known podcasts like “Crime Junkie” and “Call Her Daddy.”
Kylie Kelce, married to former NFL player Jason Kelce and sister-in-law to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, launched her podcast to share insights on family life, women’s sports, and charity work. In the debut episode, she discussed her transition into the public eye and reflected on her struggle with unwanted attention. The second half featured an interview with Kaitlin Olson, the star of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
The Not Gonna Lie podcast’s instant success highlights Kelce’s growing influence in pop culture and sports-related media. Her decision to launch the series came after fans encouraged her to share more of her life and perspectives. The show promises to feature exciting guest appearances and will release new episodes every Thursday.
Kylie Kelce’s rise to the top of the podcast charts underscores her ability to connect with audiences through relatable narratives and engaging conversations. Her achievement is significant, considering she surpassed established names in the podcasting space.
In a broader context, the Swift-Kelce connection has drawn considerable attention, further amplifying the reach of her endeavors. With the success of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and recent highlights in the Kelce family, Kylie Kelce’s podcast debut adds another milestone to a banner year for their circle.
Curious how Kylie Kelce’s podcast skyrocketed to the top of the charts on Apple and Spotify? With a debut episode that ousted Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” from its longstanding No. 1 spot, “Not Gonna Lie” quickly became a podcasting sensation, sparking conversations about its rapid rise and cultural impact.
Here’s what we know about its impressive launch, the topics it explores, and how it’s reshaping the podcasting landscape.
Kylie Kelce’s debut podcast, Not Gonna Lie, has launched to widespread acclaim.
As per TheWrap, Kelce’s podcast has reached the No. 1 spot on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts charts. The first episode aired on December 5, 2024, pushing “The Joe Rogan Experience,” to second place. This accomplishment also outperformed other well-known podcasts like “Crime Junkie” and “Call Her Daddy.”
Kylie Kelce, married to former NFL player Jason Kelce and sister-in-law to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, launched her podcast to share insights on family life, women’s sports, and charity work. In the debut episode, she discussed her transition into the public eye and reflected on her struggle with unwanted attention. The second half featured an interview with Kaitlin Olson, the star of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
The Not Gonna Lie podcast’s instant success highlights Kelce’s growing influence in pop culture and sports-related media. Her decision to launch the series came after fans encouraged her to share more of her life and perspectives. The show promises to feature exciting guest appearances and will release new episodes every Thursday.
Kylie Kelce’s rise to the top of the podcast charts underscores her ability to connect with audiences through relatable narratives and engaging conversations. Her achievement is significant, considering she surpassed established names in the podcasting space.
In a broader context, the Swift-Kelce connection has drawn considerable attention, further amplifying the reach of her endeavors. With the success of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and recent highlights in the Kelce family, Kylie Kelce’s podcast debut adds another milestone to a banner year for their circle.
Rita Moreno Celebrates Her 93rd Birthday at Mardi Gras-Themed Party: 'Still Enjoy All the Good Things in Life!'
Rita Moreno brought a bit of New Orleans to Northern California as she celebrated her 93rd birthday.
The West Side Story icon was the guest of honor at a Mardi Gras-themed birthday party in the Berkeley area on Dec. 7, four days before her actual birthday.
Moreno dubbed the day — complete with purple, green and gold color scheme — “Fat Saturday,” a play on “Fat Tuesday,” the final day of Carnival and the Christian feasting period before the start of Lent.
“How remarkable it is to be 93 and still enjoy all the good things in life!” Moreno tells PEOPLE. “I am particularly grateful for my family and friends who have filled my life with love and laughter.”
Those 60 friends and family members who helped mark the occasion included her daughter Fernanda, former One Day at a Time costar Justina Machado and the Netflix comedy’s executive producers Brent Miller and Mike Royce.
The West Side Story icon was the guest of honor at a Mardi Gras-themed birthday party in the Berkeley area on Dec. 7, four days before her actual birthday.
Moreno dubbed the day — complete with purple, green and gold color scheme — “Fat Saturday,” a play on “Fat Tuesday,” the final day of Carnival and the Christian feasting period before the start of Lent.
“How remarkable it is to be 93 and still enjoy all the good things in life!” Moreno tells PEOPLE. “I am particularly grateful for my family and friends who have filled my life with love and laughter.”
Those 60 friends and family members who helped mark the occasion included her daughter Fernanda, former One Day at a Time costar Justina Machado and the Netflix comedy’s executive producers Brent Miller and Mike Royce.
During the lively evening, a brass band played several songs, including a special rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and a handful of guests offered sweet toasts to the EGOT winner, who wore a purple sequin jacket emblazoned with Queen of Mardi Gras on the back.
In lieu of a cake, Moreno had a chocolate fountain with strawberries, pretzels and other items for dipping.
At one point, Moreno, spurred on by others, yelled out her catchphrase from the 1970s educational program The Electric Company, “Hey you guys!”
Moreno also celebrated — and showed off — her Barbie tribute doll from Mattel, which launched Nov. 20.
"I was a girl who decided to go for it, and despite the challenges I faced, I never gave up on my dreams. That’s what I hope this doll inspires in each and every girl today: to live their life with courage and resilience so that they can make their dreams a reality," she said in a statement in November.
Moreno has always been one to enjoy a good party. Last year, ahead of her 92nd birthday, she told PEOPLE she was considering multiple events.
“Here's the problem now: I have a condo that I absolutely adore. It's beautiful, but it won't hold all of the people that I have for my birthday, because I always have fabulous birthdays,” she said.
Moreno had at least one bash: at a dinner in London with fellow theater stars Patrick Wilson, Audra McDonald, Daniel Dae Kim and Aaron Tveit, who were all across the pond to sing at The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert, which featured Moreno as a surprise performer.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to Make BROADWAY DEBUT in ‘& Juliet"
Ketanji Brown Jackson is set to fulfill another one of her life’s goals. The first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court is set to appear in a Broadway show on Saturday (12-14-24) when she takes the stage in a one-night performance in “& Juliet.”
It’s a walk-on role for the 8 p.m. ET show, and Jackson will participate in a talkback with the audience following the performance, the show shared in an Instagram post on Monday.
The show did not share details about Jackson’s role. The entertainment publication Deadline reported that the justice will take on an ensemble spot that was created for her.
In her memoir “Lovely One,” which the show cited in its announcement, the justice shared that, in her application essay to Harvard University, where she earned her undergraduate and law degrees, she wrote that it was her fantasy to be “the first Black, female Supreme Court justice to appear on a Broadway stage.”
“Let’s make that teenage dream come true, Justice Jackson,” the show said in the post.
In September, Jackson expressed her love for the theater during a press tour for her memoir, singing a few lines from “The Wiz” during a sit-down with former CNN host and current “CBS Mornings” anchor Gayle King at the famed Apollo Theater, according to The Associated Press.
She revealed in a separate interview that, as a student at Harvard, she was a scene partner to future Academy Award winner Matt Damon. She recalled that the scene went well for her and she received rave reviews from her professor, who was less impressed with Damon’s performance.
“I was like, ‘Oh my god, I was better than Matt Damon in a scene,’” Jackson told CBS.
“& Juliet” is a modern take on “Romeo and Juliet,” and it rewrites the ending of the Shakespeare tragedy, exploring what would have happened if Juliet had not died, according to the show’s website. Described by The New York Times in its review as a “super-poppy production,” the show features pop hits such as Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.”
Ketanji Brown Jackson is set to fulfill another one of her life’s goals. The first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court is set to appear in a Broadway show on Saturday (12-14-24) when she takes the stage in a one-night performance in “& Juliet.”
It’s a walk-on role for the 8 p.m. ET show, and Jackson will participate in a talkback with the audience following the performance, the show shared in an Instagram post on Monday.
The show did not share details about Jackson’s role. The entertainment publication Deadline reported that the justice will take on an ensemble spot that was created for her.
In her memoir “Lovely One,” which the show cited in its announcement, the justice shared that, in her application essay to Harvard University, where she earned her undergraduate and law degrees, she wrote that it was her fantasy to be “the first Black, female Supreme Court justice to appear on a Broadway stage.”
“Let’s make that teenage dream come true, Justice Jackson,” the show said in the post.
In September, Jackson expressed her love for the theater during a press tour for her memoir, singing a few lines from “The Wiz” during a sit-down with former CNN host and current “CBS Mornings” anchor Gayle King at the famed Apollo Theater, according to The Associated Press.
She revealed in a separate interview that, as a student at Harvard, she was a scene partner to future Academy Award winner Matt Damon. She recalled that the scene went well for her and she received rave reviews from her professor, who was less impressed with Damon’s performance.
“I was like, ‘Oh my god, I was better than Matt Damon in a scene,’” Jackson told CBS.
“& Juliet” is a modern take on “Romeo and Juliet,” and it rewrites the ending of the Shakespeare tragedy, exploring what would have happened if Juliet had not died, according to the show’s website. Described by The New York Times in its review as a “super-poppy production,” the show features pop hits such as Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.”
Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves, and Jim Carrey Dazzle at ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Premiere
Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves attend the “Sonic The Hedgehog 3” UK Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on December 10, 2024, in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)
*Some of the biggest names in Hollywood dazzled at the “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” premiere in London last night (December 10), lighting up Leicester Square with their charisma and style.
Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves turned heads on the blue carpet, looking effortlessly handsome and commanding attention with their sleek ensembles. Co-star Jim Carrey brought his signature charm to the event, joining the cast of the new animated feature, including Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Tika Sumpter.
Speaking to reporters at the event, Carrey revealed why he returned to reprise the role as Doctor Robotnik.
“I came back to this universe because, first of all, I get to play a genius, which is a bit of a stretch. And, you know, it’s just… I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly. Yeah,” Carrey told the Associated Press.
When Carey promoted the sequel to “Sonic the Hedgehog” in 2022 he announced his retirement from acting.
“I’m being fairly serious,” he said in an interview with Access Hollywood at the time. “It depends. If the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink, that says to me that it’s going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road. But I’m taking a break.”
When the AP mentioned his remarks during the premiere last night, Carrey said, “That might have been hyperbole.”
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is the third installment of the action-adventure film. Per the synopsis: “Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.”
The movie hits theaters in the U.S. on December 20.
*Some of the biggest names in Hollywood dazzled at the “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” premiere in London last night (December 10), lighting up Leicester Square with their charisma and style.
Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves turned heads on the blue carpet, looking effortlessly handsome and commanding attention with their sleek ensembles. Co-star Jim Carrey brought his signature charm to the event, joining the cast of the new animated feature, including Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Tika Sumpter.
Speaking to reporters at the event, Carrey revealed why he returned to reprise the role as Doctor Robotnik.
“I came back to this universe because, first of all, I get to play a genius, which is a bit of a stretch. And, you know, it’s just… I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly. Yeah,” Carrey told the Associated Press.
When Carey promoted the sequel to “Sonic the Hedgehog” in 2022 he announced his retirement from acting.
“I’m being fairly serious,” he said in an interview with Access Hollywood at the time. “It depends. If the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink, that says to me that it’s going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road. But I’m taking a break.”
When the AP mentioned his remarks during the premiere last night, Carrey said, “That might have been hyperbole.”
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is the third installment of the action-adventure film. Per the synopsis: “Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.”
The movie hits theaters in the U.S. on December 20.
Montell Jordan Advocates Prostate Cancer Awareness After Personal Battle
*Singer and songwriter Montell Jordan is advocating for prostate cancer awareness and emphasizing the importance of early detection, particularly among Black men, who face an increased risk. His efforts come in the wake of his personal experience with the disease.
Jordan, known for his hit song “This Is How We Do It,” was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in January 2024. After having a radical prostatectomy on November 5, doctors discovered additional cancer, upgrading his condition to stage 2. Despite this, Jordan revealed in a recent update that the cancer was fully removed during the surgery. The artist recently celebrated his 56th birthday by spreading prostate cancer awareness.
“Today is my birthday. I love you. I’m doing something unthinkable. I need your help. I only have a few simple requests,” said Jordan in the video, Survivornet reports.
In the video, Jordan holds up cards detailing his health journey. He explained, “Today, Tuesday Dec. 3, is my birthday. I’m 56 years young. I’m grateful to be alive. January 2024 I was diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer. Yes. Earlier this year.”
Jordan continued, “Early Detection help saved my life. My wife, my kids, my close family and friends have been my tribe … our church.”
He added, “I have an amazing community. I learned I can do hard things. I cannot do hard things alone. We have been documenting this journey. We researched and reviewed all options. We prayed hard.”
When he underwent surgery last month to have his entire prostate and surrounding tissue removed, including the seminal vesicles— that’s when his medical team discovered more cancer.
“It was more aggressive, it was undetected, it was more like stage two. But they got it all. THEY GOT IT ALL,” Jordan added. “Jesus saved my soul. Early detection helped saved my life.”
He concluded, “I’m now cancer free.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, Black men face prostate cancer death rates that are more than double those of white men, per Survivornet. Prostate cancer screening guidelines recommend that Black males start screenings at age 40—10 to 15 years earlier than those at average risk.
*Singer and songwriter Montell Jordan is advocating for prostate cancer awareness and emphasizing the importance of early detection, particularly among Black men, who face an increased risk. His efforts come in the wake of his personal experience with the disease.
Jordan, known for his hit song “This Is How We Do It,” was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in January 2024. After having a radical prostatectomy on November 5, doctors discovered additional cancer, upgrading his condition to stage 2. Despite this, Jordan revealed in a recent update that the cancer was fully removed during the surgery. The artist recently celebrated his 56th birthday by spreading prostate cancer awareness.
“Today is my birthday. I love you. I’m doing something unthinkable. I need your help. I only have a few simple requests,” said Jordan in the video, Survivornet reports.
In the video, Jordan holds up cards detailing his health journey. He explained, “Today, Tuesday Dec. 3, is my birthday. I’m 56 years young. I’m grateful to be alive. January 2024 I was diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer. Yes. Earlier this year.”
Jordan continued, “Early Detection help saved my life. My wife, my kids, my close family and friends have been my tribe … our church.”
He added, “I have an amazing community. I learned I can do hard things. I cannot do hard things alone. We have been documenting this journey. We researched and reviewed all options. We prayed hard.”
When he underwent surgery last month to have his entire prostate and surrounding tissue removed, including the seminal vesicles— that’s when his medical team discovered more cancer.
“It was more aggressive, it was undetected, it was more like stage two. But they got it all. THEY GOT IT ALL,” Jordan added. “Jesus saved my soul. Early detection helped saved my life.”
He concluded, “I’m now cancer free.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, Black men face prostate cancer death rates that are more than double those of white men, per Survivornet. Prostate cancer screening guidelines recommend that Black males start screenings at age 40—10 to 15 years earlier than those at average risk.
Judy Garland’s Iconic Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” Shatter Records with $32.5 Million Auction Sale
After initially estimated to fetch six figures, the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” have raked in millions.
The legendary shoes sold at auction for $32.5 million on Saturday, setting a new record as the most valuable movie memorabilia ever auctioned.
One of only four surviving pairs from the 1939 film, these slippers have a storied past, including being stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005. The auction’s winning bid of $28 million, plus $4.5 million in fees, eclipsed previous records.
“No other pair of ruby slippers has gone for close to that amount,” Heritage Auctions announced, emphasizing their unmatched value.
Bidding began at $1.55 million and quickly surpassed the initial $3 million estimate. The slippers also helped Heritage Auctions achieve a record-breaking $40 million total for the event, which included the Wicked Witch’s hat, sold for $2.9 million.
The slippers’ fame grew during their theft and recovery saga. In 2005, 77-year-old Terry Jon Martin used a hammer to steal the shoes, later abandoning them after learning the “jewels” were merely glass. Thirteen years later, the FBI recovered the stolen pair in a sting operation, confirming their authenticity by comparing them with a pair at the Smithsonian. Returned to original owner Michael Shaw in 2023, they made their way to the auction block.
Despite fundraising efforts, the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota failed to secure the slippers, which had drawn community and legislative support. “Sadly, we didn’t win,” the museum shared post-auction after raising funds through donations and their annual Judy Garland Festival.
The slippers’ journey from cinematic artifact to global auction star underscores their enduring allure. As Heritage Auctions noted, no other memorabilia item has captivated collectors quite like Judy Garland’s magical ruby slippers.
The legendary shoes sold at auction for $32.5 million on Saturday, setting a new record as the most valuable movie memorabilia ever auctioned.
One of only four surviving pairs from the 1939 film, these slippers have a storied past, including being stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005. The auction’s winning bid of $28 million, plus $4.5 million in fees, eclipsed previous records.
“No other pair of ruby slippers has gone for close to that amount,” Heritage Auctions announced, emphasizing their unmatched value.
Bidding began at $1.55 million and quickly surpassed the initial $3 million estimate. The slippers also helped Heritage Auctions achieve a record-breaking $40 million total for the event, which included the Wicked Witch’s hat, sold for $2.9 million.
The slippers’ fame grew during their theft and recovery saga. In 2005, 77-year-old Terry Jon Martin used a hammer to steal the shoes, later abandoning them after learning the “jewels” were merely glass. Thirteen years later, the FBI recovered the stolen pair in a sting operation, confirming their authenticity by comparing them with a pair at the Smithsonian. Returned to original owner Michael Shaw in 2023, they made their way to the auction block.
Despite fundraising efforts, the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota failed to secure the slippers, which had drawn community and legislative support. “Sadly, we didn’t win,” the museum shared post-auction after raising funds through donations and their annual Judy Garland Festival.
The slippers’ journey from cinematic artifact to global auction star underscores their enduring allure. As Heritage Auctions noted, no other memorabilia item has captivated collectors quite like Judy Garland’s magical ruby slippers.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Can I have some?
I think this is too sweet?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
