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Smile 2: Unmasking the Real-Life Singer Who Inspired Skye Riley’s Character! ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Smile 2 dives back into the eerie world where unsettling grins hold dark secrets. The sequel to Smile picks up with new characters haunted by the sinister, cursed Smile that seems to linger like a bad omen. The main character of Smile 2, Skye Riley, has drawn inspiration from several real-life singers.

The movie continues targeting Riley, a booming yet tormented musician played by Noami Scott. She is haunted by guilt over a tragic car crash that killed her boyfriend and battling chronic back pain. Due to her history of substance misuse, Skye struggles to find effective pain relief and seeks help from an old high school friend for Vicodin. Tragically, he becomes another victim of the haunting Smile curse and takes his own life right before her eyes, marking Skye as the demon’s next prey.

Lil Nas X and Azealia Banks had an exchanging of words on X/Twitter on Sunday (October 27)!

The 25-year-old “Old Town Road” hitmaker quoted a post from the “212″ rapper about him and said she’ll never have a small portion of the success that he’s had.

Then, she responded and added several more insults, digging into him even more than before.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Lil Nas X really fell off so hard. Lmfao that little c–trag swore she was the tea. B-tch has No Bars. Hahahahaahahahaa,” Azealia initially wrote.

Lil Nas X responded, saying, “azealia i could never make a hit song again and you would still never in ur b-ssy soap selling chicken sacrificing botched body hating a– miserable life reach a 10th of my success.”

He closed off his reply by adding he likes her work – “Love ur music btw.

Lil Nas X congratulated Kendrick Lamar and Shaboozey after “Not Like Us” and “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” finally broke two chart records that Nas’ breakthrough behemoth, “Old Town Road,” had held since 2019.

Last week, “Not Like Us” surpassed “Old Town Road” to set a new record for the most weeks at Number One on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart. “Old Town Road” held the previous record with 20 weeks atop that chart, while “Not Like Us” — Lamar’s scathing Drake diss — has now officially notched 22 weeks at Number One on Hot Rap Songs.

Gen Z social media star Quenlin Blackwell has signed with CAA.

Also known as Quen Blackwell, she has 16 million followers across platforms, including 2.4 million followers on Instagram and another 10.6 million on TikTok. CAA will focus on boosting strategic brand partnerships and strategy around new intellectual property and business ventures for Blackwell, especially as an online influencer.

Having got her start with comedy skits on Vine, Blackwell was recently cast to guest star in Shiva Baby star Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO comedy pilot. The untitled series follows a group of codependent friends who reunite after some time apart, navigating how the separation, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.

Sennott wrote the show’s pilot and executive produced it with Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers (both alums of Barry) and director Lorene Scafaria (Succession).

Blackwell also appeared in Charli Xcx’ music video “360” and others like “90s Baby” by Jt and...

Riot Games has released the official anthem for the 2024 League of Legends World Championship, “Heavy Is the Crown,” by Linkin Park. One day away from the beginning of LoL Esports’ biggest event of the year, Riot has shared the anthem which will accompany the top 20 teams through the highest competition of the year.

The official confirmation that Linkin Park would perform the 2024 Worlds anthem arrived this Sunday, following speculation that began in early September when LoL Esports’ social media accounts interacted with the band’s comeback announcement. The news was...

“Weird Al” Yankovic has lined up a massive 2025 tour that promises to feature his biggest hits alongside fan favorites and live rarities. Visiting a total of 65 cities, “The Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour” also teases an elaborate production including a giant video wall, multiple costume changes, and an eight-piece backing ensemble featuring Yankvoic’s original band. The 7-foot sad clown Puddles Pity Party will serve as the special guest throughout the tour.

The “Bigger & Weirder” tour officially kicks off on June 13th with five nights at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas. Subsequent stops include New York City, Toronto, New Orleans, Austin, and Nashville. See the full list of dates below.

Get Weird Al Yankovic Tickets Here

A Live Nation ticket pre-sale begins Wednesday, September 25th (use access code Setlist), with a public ticket on-sale taking place on Friday, September 27th at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.

“This is kind...

It’s been a little more than 10 years since Riot Games shared the first anthem for the League of Legends World Championship, Imagine Dragons’ 2014 track “Warriors.” The song from the then-rising band spearheaded a decade of epic music collaborations crowning League of Legends‘ biggest competitive moments. Now, the honor is being bestowed on yet another legendary group as Linkin Park’s new song, “Heavy Is the Crown,” becomes the soundtrack for one of the biggest esports events in the world.

Rumors of a possible collaboration between League and Linkin Park...

Sometimes, seemingly inoffensive music inspires a lot of controversy. For example, Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” has received criticism for its similarities to Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.” This controversy is overblown.

Why people think Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’ is too similar to Bruno Mars’ ‘When I Was Your Man’

“When I Was Your Man” has the lyrics “I should’ve bought you flowers / And held your hand / Should’ve gave you all my hours.” “Flowers” has “I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand / Talk to myself for hours.” Similar? Yes. Plagiarism? No.

At most, “Flowers” is an homage to “When I Was Your Man.” That’s not a crime. Most of music is built on homage. Beyond that, “When I Was Your Man” is a slow pop ballad and “Flowers” is a disco track. The tunes have entirely different melodies. Nobody could possibly confuse one song with the other.

What happened to Ellen DeGeneres and her career is the stuff of legend.

The journey from beloved comic to blacklisted, queer pariah, to television’s most beloved host to total disappointment has been well documented by everyone, except Ellen herself.

But all of that is about to change as fans around the world will finally get to watch Ellen’s last ever stand up special on Netflix this month.

And no topic is off limits.

US comedian Ellen DeGeneres introduces Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Robyn Beck / Afp) What Happened To Ellen & Her Talk Show

Back in 2020, Ellen DeGeneres found herself at the center of a surprising scandal.

After nearly 20 years on the air with her talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the comedian walked away from the spotlight forever.

Part of the decision was...

Tyla stood out for several reasons at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards last night. The South African singer won Best Afrobeats at the annual event. She expressed gratitude for the recognition while respectfully defining the meaning of Afrobeats. Tyla exemplified grace and eloquence while catching every eye with her gorgeous shredded dress. Later, she chose another deconstructed look for a VMA afterparty.

Tyla wins Best Afrobeats at the VMAs Singer Tyla at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Tyla asked Lil Nas X to hold her Moonman award, playfully saying, “I’m not strong enough,” as she accepted her award. Then, the 22-year-old explained how winning to Best Afrobeats for “Water” was “special but also bittersweet.” Tyla explained, as she posted on Instagram, “The global impact that ‘Water’ has had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music, too.”

Tyla accepts the...

Typically, the MTV Video Music Awards follow an expected rhythm. Taylor Swift sweeps, there’s an R&b throwback and tried-and-true favorites dominate. Yet that wasn’t exactly the case for the 2024 VMAs, a ceremony that celebrated newcomers Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Benson Boone as loudly as old favorites like Eminem and Katy Perry.

In some cases, the new faces actually scored louder applause than the old.

This year, TheWrap was there to witness it all. From secret stages and specialty cocktails to surprising celebrity appearances, here’s what went on behind the scenes of MTV’s iconic awards show during its 40th year.

Sasha Colby at the VMAs (Photo Credit: MTV) Chappell Roan brought drag icons aplenty

Sasha Colby may have stole some spotlight by dubbing Chappell Roan “your favorite drag queen’s favorite artist,” but the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner was far from the only drag queen at the VMAs.

Last night, Tyla was awarded her first-ever VMA at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. After the South African pop star was presented the award for Best Afrobeats Video for “Water” by Halle Bailey and Lil Nas X, she asked the rapper to hold the heavy trophy while she delivered her speech. A brief moment of confusion about who she was asking for help from sent some viewers searching for crumbs of drama — but Tyla dismissed their speculation quickly.

“Y’all make everything weird… I was not asking my girl Halle…...

The MTV Video Music Awards have celebrated the best in the medium for almost as long as music videos have been a thing. Scroll down to see watch every single winner of Video of the Year. What years did the VMAs get it right, and what years were they shockingly out of tune?

SEEBeyonce songs, ranked: Counting down her greatest hits 2024: Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone, “Fortnight”

Other Awards Won:

Best Direction

Best Editing

Song of the Summer

Who Else Was Nominated:

Doja Cat, “Paint the Town Red”

Billie Eilish, “Lunch”

Eminem, “Houdini”

Ariana Grande, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”

Sza, “Snooze”

2023: Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”

Other Awards It Won:

Song of the Year

Best Pop

Best Direction

Best Cinematography

Best Visual Effects

Who Else Was Nominated:

Doja Cat, “Attention”

Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”

Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl”

Olivia Rodrigo, “Vampire”

Sam Smith and Kim Petras,...

Halle Bailey and Lil Nas X get excited while revealing a winner at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at Ubs Arena on Wednesday (September 11) in Elmont, New York.

The two hit the stage together as presenters – announcing Tyla as the winner of Best Afrobeats for “Water”!

Just less than two weeks ago, Halle debuted her new song “Because I Love You,” while Lil Nas X has teased new music and recently revealed he fired his whole team and is starting over.

In case you missed it, Halle is set to appear in Pharrell Williams‘ upcoming star-studded musical film, which is inspired by his childhood. She revealed back in June that she wrapped filming on the project.

Fyi: Halle is wearing a Sophie Couture look with Jimmy Choo shoes and Pandora jewelry.

Check out the gallery to see 20+ photos of Halle Bailey and Lil Nas X at the MTV VMAs…...

There are so many celebs expected to attend the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards and we’re recapping every star spotted on the red carpet!

The VMAs are being held this year on Wednesday (September 11) at the Ubs Arena in Elmont, New York.

Megan Thee Stallion is hosting the event, which will air live on the east coast at 8/7c and delayed on the west coast. We’ll be live blogging the event, so stay tuned for all the coverage!

Make sure to check out the full list of performers and celebs guests, plus look back to see who is nominated for awards this year!

Head inside to check out the full list of celebs attending the event…

Keep scrolling to see all of the looks from the red carpet…

Taylor Swift

Fyi: Taylor is wearing Dior.

Sabrina Carpenter

Fyi: Sabrina is wearing a vintage Bob Mackie dress from Tab Vintage.

One of the year’s biggest nights in music has arrived once again: the 2024 Video Music Awards.

But first, we’ve got ourselves a red carpet to enjoy. MTV is kicking things off early at 6/5c with an official pre-show, featuring interviews with this year’s nominees, performers and presenters, as well as performances by K-pop girl group Le Sserafim. The two-hour live event will be hosted by Dometi Pongo, Kevan Kenney and Nessa.

More from TVLineSabrina Carpenter Gets Freaky With an Alien at 2024 VMAs - Watch and Grade Her PerformanceEminem Opens 2024 MTV VMAs With New Army of Slim Shady...

It’s the day of the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards and so many stars are expected to be in attendance to celebrate the past year in music!

The show is happening at the Ubs Arena right outside of New York City and the show was rescheduled to be held one day later due to the presidential debate.

Megan Thee Stallion will make her hosting debut at the show and an incredible lineup of entertainers will take the stage throughout the night for performances.

Katy Perry is being honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and she’s expected to give us a medley of her greatest hits.

Head inside to check out the full list of celeb performers, presenters, and guests…

Keep scrolling to see who will appear at the VMAs…

Pre-show Performers

Le Sserafim

Main Show Performers

Eminem – Opening!

Anitta ft Fat Joe, DJ Khaled + Tiago Pzk

Benson Boone...

While Los Angeles suffers from a late summer heat wave, New York is also turning up the temperature thanks to the current star-packed parade happening at fashion shows across the city.

New York Fashion Week — happening now through Sept. 11 — is hosting shows from some of the industry’s top designers, and actors, artists, influencers, sports stars and even a First Lady (Dr. Jill Biden) have been on the scene to catch the debut of designs from the front row.

Below, The Hollywood Reporter takes a look at the stars sitting front row during New York Fashion Week.

Derek Blasberg, Alessandra Ambrosio, Joan Smalls, Ayra Starr, Tinashe and Coco Jones at the Off-White show on Sept. 8, 2024. Sunisa Lee, Eva Chen, Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, Zayn Malik, Camila Cabello, Paris Jackson and Ddg attend at Off-White. Fresh from winning the U.S. Open, tennis star Aryna Sabalenka poses with Zayn Malik at Off-White.

Eminem is set to open the 2024 MTV VMAs with the first TV show performance from his latest album, The Death of Slim Shady.

The rapper is nominated for eight VMAs this year, including video of the year, best hip-hop, song of the summer and VMAs’ most iconic performance for his 2000 medley of “Real Slim Shady” and “The Way I Am,” which included more than 100 look-alikes.

Currently tied with Peter Gabriel for the most VMA wins by a solo male artist in show history, Eminem could break that record with just one win this year. He also holds the record for most wins by a rap artist with 13 VMAs and is the second most nominated artist in VMAs history with 67 nods, trailing only Madonna with 71 nods.

Eminem joins a performers lineup that includes Anitta (featuring Fat Joe, DJ Khaled and Tiago Pzk), Benson Boone, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Halsey, Karol G,...

Some very big stars will take the stage to present awards at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards next week!

The annual awards show will take place on Wednesday (September 11) at the Ubs Arena.

On Friday (September 6), MTV revealed the list of presenters as well as the hosts of their pre-show and the stars who will perform from the Extended Play Stage during the show.

Keep reading to find out more…

The list of presenters for the year includes: Addison Rae, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Carson Daly, Cyndi Lauper, Damiano David (Måneskin), Danna, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, Halle Bailey, Jordan Chiles, Lil Nas X, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Suki Waterhouse, Thalía and Tinashe.

The pre-show will be hosted by Nessa, Dometi Pongo and Kevan Kenney with a special performance from rising K-Pop girl group Le Sserafim. Jessie Murph and Teddy Swims...

Even before Sabrina Carpenter blew up and became one of Gen Z’s biggest stars, she was already making a name for herself with her early work. That’s how she slowly climbed to stardom and ended up as a target for famous pranks. The thing is, even though pranks like this are pretty common, sometimes people can go a little overboard.

Sabrina Carpenter in the official music video for ‘Feather’ (Credits: Youtube)

MTV used to be one of the platforms that loved to mess around with stuff like this, with shows that were always pretty light-hearted. It was on one of those shows that Carpenter became the target of one of the most elaborate pranks, but also one of the most over-the-top, especially given her frantic reaction.

Sabrina Carpenter Falls For An Intense Prank By Chance The Rapper Still of Sabrina Carpenter on Punk’D (Credits: Quibi)

Punk’D was a...

Former president Barack Obama finally addressed skeptics who questioned if he really listens to every track on his 2024 Summer Playlist released last month. The annual list included a mix of classics, Nineties hits, indie rock, and current pop tracks like Billie Eilish’s “Chihiro,” Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and Charli Xcx’s “365.”

During an appearance on the “I’ve Had It” podcast released Thursday, Obama sat down with co-hosts Angie “Pumps” Sullivan and Jennifer Welch and was asked to answer whether he’d “had it” or “hit it” on a variety of topics.

Camila Cabello isn’t ready to say goodbye to the C, Xoxo era just yet, although the lyrics to her new song are aimed at someone she’d rather leave behind. On Friday, the pop star announced that she’ll expand C, Xoxo with its “Magic City” edition, and drop single “Godspeed,” on Sept. 6.

“I wish you well, but far away from me,” she captioned a video post announcing the upcoming track. The moody clip sees the singer inside a dark pool at night while wearing a sparkly silver dress.

Country singers say the darndest things. Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” was his signature hit, but Cyrus didn’t see it that way. In fact, he seemed to take more pride in a song he wrote about the Vietnam War that wasn’t even a single.

Billy Ray Cyrus said ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ didn’t touch people like another 1 of his songs did

For over 25 years, “Achy Breaky Heart” was the most famous Billy Ray Cyrus song bar none. It had its fans, it had its detractors, and it inspired a “Weird Al” Yankovic spoof called “Achy Breaky Song” that showed up on the same album as his Jurassic Park parody. By most metrics, “Achy Breaky Heart” would qualify as a hit.

During a 2009 interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Cyrus disputed that. “I had three No. 1 [country] records and one of the most significant patriotic songs of all time, the title track of that album,...

At its juiciest, country music is full of surprises. For example, the success of Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road” made the latter want to leave the music industry. Here’s why that didn’t happen.

Billy Ray Cyrus didn’t think something like ‘Old Town Road’ was possible

To many, Cyrus was known for two things: his 1990s country novelty “Achy Breaky Heart” and the 2000s Disney sitcom Hannah Montana. Nobody was expecting a new smash single from him in 2019. Somehow, he defied the odds by appearing on a remix of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” that became a juggernaut.

During a 2019 interview with the New York Post, Cyrus was asked if the success of “Old Town Road” made him want to collaborate with other young artists. “I was thinking about retiring, because to me this is the perfect way for me to go out,...

Katy Perry’s latest music video, which features her enjoying a beach setting, is under investigation for allegedly being filmed in a restricted area without the necessary permits.

In a press release written in Catalan, the Balearic Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday that it has initiated an investigation into the production of the “Lifetimes” music video.

The ministry claims that the production company did not secure the required authorization to film at Ses Salines Natural Park, located between Ibiza and Formentera, an area recognized for its sand dunes.

The ministry emphasized that this incident is not considered an environmental crime. Reports from The Guardian and Billboard indicate that the restricted area is marked off with ropes.

Capitol Records’ Response

A spokesperson for Capitol Records, Perry’s music label, provided a statement to USA Today on Wednesday, explaining, “The local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secured.

Lil Nas X is heating things up with some very sexy new thirst traps on social media!

The 25-year-old “Industry Baby” hitmaker stripped down to his underwear and showed off his muscular physique in some hot new pics of himself posing for the camera.

Head inside to see Lil Nas X’s pics…

He shares the photos on Instagram, captioning them, “fuhhhk it thirst trap on main.”

In the pics, Lil Nas X is wearing a pair of gray boxer briefs and posing for some playful selfies in his bathroom mirror. The final picture is a close-up shot of him wearing a sparkly face mask.

Of course, this isn’t the first time that the hitmaker has shared hot pics with his fans.

If you missed it, the rapper recently alluded to the size of his member in a new song. He’s also one of a few out celebrities...

The world of country music is friendlier to covers than other genres. For example, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” was a cover. Here’s what the song’s writer thought when Cyrus redid his song.

Billy Ray Cyrus’ ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ once had a different title

Cyrus had nothing to do with the writing or production of “Achy Breaky Heart.” The tune was penned by Don Von Tress and produced by Joe Scaife and Jim Cotton. The Marcy Brothers originally recorded it under the title “Don’t Tell My Heart” for their self-titled record. During a 2019 interview with The Tennessean, Von Tress discussed the writing of “Achy Breaky Heart.”

“It was 27 or 28 years ago,” he recalled. “My buddy, Russ Zavitson, who was based in Muscle Shoals, came up and was running Harold Shedd’s publishing company. I’d been that guy that was wanting to hear a song of mine on the radio.

Exclusive: Iceland’s No. 1 rock star is making an appearance on CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful.

Jökull Júliusson, who leads the band Kaleo, will pre-tape his episode today. He will play himself and perform one of his hit songs, “Way Down We Go.”

The episode will air Sept. 27.

Júliusson was approached about making a cameo last year by a B&b producer while both were attending an Andrea Bocelli concert. Bocelli also made an appearance on the sudser in June of 2023 when it traveled to Rome for a week of episodes.

Other rock stars have appeared on the B&b in the past, including Lil Nas X and Usher. Constantine Maroulis from American Idol also showed up for a guest spot.

After stopping by the set of B&b today, Júliusson will tape an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Aug. 20. His show at The Troubadour on Aug. 21 is sold out.

The list of people, places, and things having a Brat summer continues to grow. You know by now, we’re sure, that Vice President Kamala Harris is bumpin’ that. But would you believe that Barack Obama is, too?

The former president included Charli Xcx’s “365” near the very top of his annual summer playlist, released on Aug. 12. The song appeared next to Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Those two choices at the top show us that Obama is both a man of the people — Shaboozey recently went to...

Several members of Hollywood and the music industry are pledging their support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential ticket in the 2024 election. Celebrities from Charli Xcx and Barbra Streisand to Sheryl Lee Ralph and Kerry Washington shared their Harris endorsements on social media after President Joe Biden announced that he would not be seeking reelection.

On Aug. 5, actress and fierce environmentalist Jane Fonda shared her official Harris endorsement, saying she was voting for the Vice President “not just because Donald Trump would be a total disaster for our democracy and our planet,...

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

There are many different skincare products and beauty services on the market that all promise to make you appear younger and slow down the effects of aging; we see countless procedures, such as botox injections or facelifts, being done almost routinely on shows like The Real Housewives, not to mention an entire industry of multivitamins.

While there have been amazing strides in the plastic surgery industry to make...

From Brat Summer to Hot Girl Summer: Megan Thee Stallion will join Vice President Kamala Harris during a rally in Atlanta on Tuesday. The rap star will appear for a “special performance” as the vice president hits the campaign trail in Georgia, a source confirmed to Rolling Stone Monday.

Shortly after the announcement, Megan promoted her upcoming appearance on Instagram, writing, “Atl Hotties See You Tomorrow,” and listed the performance for 7:30 p.m. Et on Tuesday.

Harris’ Georgia arrival will mark her first visit to the state since President Joe Biden...

The shocking truth about Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus’ feud has finally been revealed. It appeared that, once he started dating Firerose, who was not much older than Miley, things unraveled. Yet, that may not necessarily be the case. So, what is real and what is false? Keep reading for more details on the father-daughter duo.

Shocking Truth About Billy Ray & Miley Cyrus Feud Revealed

Since Tish Cyrus filed for divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus in early 2022, things appeared to have fallen apart. Though this was the third time they filed, it was ultimately the last time. Yet, Miley Cyrus seemed to side with her mother whereas Billy Ray moved on with young, Australian musician Firerose. The two had known each other for around a decade and put out a decade in 2021. They soon were engaged and married by the end of 2023. As for Tish, she found love with Prison Break...

The music world, like the entirety of the United States, was stunned to learn of President Joe Biden’s decision to not seek re-election Sunday, with many artists turning to social media immediately after to thank Biden for his service and his decision, or throw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

Cher was among those conflicted by Biden’s decision, saying she “loved” Joe while also recognizing he was unlikely to defeat Donald Trump come Election Day. “In my heart I’m tortured, because I don’t believe the...

Country music is fusing with hip-hop more than ever before following the release of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” Shaboozey is a big name name in this fusion. Still, Shaboozey feels that he’s very different from Lil Nas X. Interestingly, Shaboozey said he identifies heavily with “the rebels, the outlaws, [and] the outliers.”

Shaboozey wasn’t sure Lil Nas X was dedicated to county after ‘Old Town Road’

Lil Nas X made his debut with an unassuming country-trap song called “Old Town Road,” which turned the industry upside down and became one of the biggest surprise hits of all time. Since then, he has performed other country songs and branched out into red-meat hip-hop and pop. Shaboozey, on the other hand, made country music for years, even appearing on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, before breaking through with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

During a 2014 interview with Harper’s Bazaar,...

In decades past, “Weird Al” Yankovic would release new albums parodying the most ubiquitous pop hits released since, well, his last album. But as our collective attention span becomes increasingly frenzied, who’s got the time for a dozen song send-ups?

Fear not, song parody fans — ”Weird Al” has a solution. Rather than a new collection of goofs, the polka parodist is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his #1 album Mandatory Fun with a single song that combines takeoffs on a dozen hits from the past decade.

Play

“Polkamania!” gives the “Weird Al” treatment to recent hits by Billie Eilish, Adele, Miley Cyrus, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Cardi B. and Megan Thee Stallion, Ariana Grande and, of course, Taylor Swift.

The joke is straightforward — it’s pretty fun to hear “Shape of You” as if an oompah cover band was...

Ten years ago this week, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Mandatory Fun became the first comedy album to top the Billboard album chart since Allan Sherman’s My Son, the Nut in August 1963. The years following that triumph have been a busy time for Yankovic, marked by multiple world tours, a stint as the bandleader on Comedy Bang! Bang!, the recording of “The Hamilton Polka,” and the release of Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, a brilliantly twisted biopic starring Daniel Radcliffe that racked up many awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie.

“Weird Al” Yankovic has five Grammys, an Emmy, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the first comedy album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. He’s a living pop culture legend — and he’s probably the only such artist who could get generations of fans excited by releasing a polka. But here were are in the year 2024, “Weird Al” is back with “Polkamania,” and we couldn’t be more pumped to get down with the oom-pah-pah.

“Polkamania” arrives to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mandatory Fun, “Weird Al’s” last album and his only No. 1 record. The mashup marks his first polka medley since he contributed “The Hamilton Polka” to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamildrop” series in 2018, and his first to feature songs from different artists since Mandatory Fun’s “Now That’s What I Call Polka.”

This time around, he’s given the accordion makeover to...

The best rappers are full of surprises. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” shocked everyone by turning J-Kwon’s “Tipsy” into a country song. J-Kwon had some strong opinions on this development.

Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ is part of the biggest trend in country music

In recent years, combining country music with elements of hip-hop and R&b has become a major artistic trend. Lil Nas X scored a huge hit with “Old Town Road,” Post Malone has straddled the lines between country and rap, and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter became one of the most critically acclaimed albums in recent memory.

One of the little-known guest stars on Cowboy Carter was Shaboozey, an alternative country singer who appeared on the track “Sweet Honey Buckiin’.” Shaboozey introduced himself to a much larger audience with his hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” a simple country song that interpolates elements of J-Kwon’s crunk hit “Tipsy.

Luke Gilford heard Dolly Parton’s voice over the speakers while attending a 2016 Pride event in Northern California, so he followed the music. Once he located the source, he also discovered a group of people that would change his life and the trajectory of his career.

“It was this electric charge,” explained Gilford of seeing members of the International Gay Rodeo Association in a booth. “I could tell that they were real cowboys and not the Village People, and it blew my mind. I think that’s many people’s first reaction because you realize that there really are gay cowboys. They convinced me to go to New Mexico the very next weekend. I went and it blew my mind and my heart wide open. I was hooked.”

The chance encounter led to a four-year journey during which time Gilford criss-crossed the Southern United States while accompanying the group to...

In early April, JoJo Siwa debuted a glaringly different new look: She showed up at the iHeartRadio Awards in a black and silver superhero-esque costume with makeup that made her look like she was in a Kiss cover band. Gone were her signature hair bows and her blindingly colorful outfits. For all intents and purposes, Siwa was kicking off her own Reputation era — even channeling the dark palette from Taylor Swift’s sixth studio album, which has become synonymous with rebellion. It was supposed to be an “edgier,” more “mature...

TikTok has become one of the young artist’s most reliable vehicles to music stardom in recent years, but it could soon be a relic of the past. The platform that helps artists reach over 150 million American users each month is in danger of being banned in the United States, a potentially massive shift in music marketing and promotion.

Annabelle Kline, a music manager, and founder of media platform That Good Sh*t, tells Rolling Stone that the loss of TikTok would have ramifications beyond just the music world. “TikTok...

“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is building out its freshman class.

Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, and George Hawkins have all been cast as cadets in the upcoming Paramount+ series. The trio join previously announced stars Holly Hunter, who will play the captain and chancellor of Starfleet Academy, and Paul Giamatti, who will play the season’s main villain.

The official logline for the show states that it “introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.”

Shepard will make her return to Paramount+ with “Starfleet Academy,” having previously starred in the streamer’s series “Wolf Pack.” She previously starred in shows such as “Two Sides,...

Axel Foley is back for another onscreen mission, and he brought another nostalgic figure we never thought we’d see again.

In celebration of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Netflix has teamed up with early aughts ringtone icon Crazy Frog for a music video that pits him against the titular detective reprised by Eddie Murphy.

The pairing might appear random, given that Crazy Frog was a Swedish CGI-animated Eurodance character created in 2003, nearly a decade after Beverly Hills Cop III was released in 1994. But the character created by Erik Wernquist noted in the description of the YouTube video that he and Axel F “have been an iconic duo since 2005.”

Crazy Frog previously released a cover of ‘Axel F’, the original 1984 movie’s electronic theme song by German musician Harold Faltermeyer, which reached the top of the charts across most of Europe in 2005. His latest video offers a whole new remix of the track.

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If you’ve been anywhere in the vicinity of TikTok or Instagram over the last couple of years, you’ve probably heard of Solawave, with their handheld beauty wand coveted by celebrities like Sydney Sweeney, and the glam teams of Nicole Kidman and Lil Nas X, just to name a few.

But when they’re not helping celebrity faces glow on the red carpet, the skin savior is...

Cue the Beverly Hills Cop main theme, the Pointer Sisters’ “The Neutron Dance” and many more as Eddie Murphy reprises his role of Axel Foley in the fourth film installment — Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F — 40 years after the first film came out in 1984.

In addition to Murphy, Paul Reiser, Judge Reinhold and Bronson Pinchot returned to the Netflix film to reprise their roles from previous films. The cast also recruited Kevin Bacon, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Taylor Paige to star. Luis Guzmán, Affion Crockett and Nasim Pedrad also guest star.

The Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F soundtrack contains hit songs featured in previous films as well as a brand new original song, “Here We Go!” by Lil Nas X. The film also includes songs from Bob Seger, Billy Idol, Big Sean, Mary J. Blige, Hall and Oates and more. For the full Beverly Hills: Axel Foley soundtrack, read on.

“The Heat...

Nostalgia, when it comes to reviving an old movie series, can be axiomatic. Every so often you see a genuine great piece of nostalgia — like “Creed” or the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot or the 2014 “Godzilla.” But then there’s the kind of nostalgia represented by “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” Plotted like a generic police-corruption thriller, lit with cruddy efficiency, pausing every 10 minutes or so for a “light” moment, the movie is no “Beverly Hills Cop.” But it’s better than the ballistic noise orgy that was “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1986) or the clunky retro mess of “Beverly Hills Cop III” (1994), so I guess we should be grateful. And I suspect that a lot of viewers who grew up in the ’80s will be.

Let’s be clear, though, about the level of nostalgia this movie is aiming for. “Axel F.” is studded with moments that are designed to be time-machine triggers,...

There are a few valid reasons to make a sequel four decades down the track from an action-comedy blockbuster that left an indelible pop-cultural imprint: 1. A smart script with a completely fresh take on a formulaic genre. 2. Writing that digs into the ways an iconic character known for his rule-breaking irreverence adjusts to the social shifts of a different century. 3. New technology that allows for more explosive thrills. 4. The nostalgia of audiences for whom the original holds enduringly fond memories. 5. Lil Nas X agrees to write and perform a song, spinning rap verses around synthmeister Harold Faltermeyer’s catchy theme tune.

Sauntering along 30 years after the third installment opened to scalding reviews and underwhelming grosses, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F justifies its existence only with points 4 and 5. Which will likely be enough to satisfy diehard fans. Directed with journeyman efficiency by first-timer Mark Molloy and written by a committee that...

From ‘Old Town Road‘ to Beverly Hills Cop, it seems Lil Nas X is coming for all of the Village People’s jobs.

The Grammy Award winner released his latest track ‘Here We Go!‘ on Friday, a theme song for the upcoming Netflix sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which premieres Wednesday on the streaming platform.

His song features the instantly recognizable electronic riff from the original 1984 movie’s theme by Harold Faltermeyer. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.

Lil Nas X previously admitted that his first time hearing the Beverly Hills Cop theme was in a Family Guy episode as he sat down with Axel F stars Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Taylour Paige for an interview with Netflix.

“It’s Peter Griffin from Family Guy,” he said in the conversation. “He was doing the hum to it and I was like,...