Academy of Country Music Awards

Academy of Country Music Awards Celebrates 2025 Honorees

The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony took place on May 8, honoring the brightest stars in country music across multiple categories. Hosted by Reba McEntire, the event showcased both established artists and emerging talent in the genre.

Lainey Wilson emerged as one of the night's notable winners, joining other celebrated artists including Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, and Old Dominion. The ceremony also recognized rising stars like Ella Langley and Zach Top, alongside veteran performers Brooks & Dunn.

In a memorable red carpet moment, singer Jessie Murph arrived with an unusual guest - a pig named Wilbur - creating one of the evening's most talked-about entrances. Following the main ceremony, winners visited the official portrait studio for exclusive photographs commemorating their achievements.

The annual event continues to be one of country music's most prestigious ceremonies, highlighting exceptional musical contributions across the industry while creating memorable moments for fans and artists alike.

Amanda Holden

Amanda Holden's Close Bond with Britain's Got Talent Winner Sydnie Christmas

Amanda Holden, Britain's Got Talent judge, has revealed that 2024 winner Sydnie Christmas is set to make a surprise return to the popular ITV talent show with a special semi-final performance. Sydnie, who was Holden's Golden Buzzer act last year, has maintained a close relationship with the judge since her victory.

"I feel like a proud BGT mum," Holden shared about Sydnie's upcoming return to the stage. The pair have developed a significant bond that extends beyond the show, with Holden revealing they have even holidayed together and created viral content.

The announcement comes as Sydnie continues her post-win success, which will eventually include performing at the Royal Variety Performance in front of King Charles.

Meanwhile, Holden continues to make fashion headlines, recently sporting a red tweed co-ord from Karen Millen that garnered praise from fans who called her the "lady in red" and described her look as "presidential."

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck Responds to Single Life Questions Following Jennifer Lopez Divorce

Ben Affleck has been fielding questions about his newly single status following his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, which was finalized in January.

When approached by TMZ photographers outside LAVO restaurant in Los Angeles, Affleck was asked if he "still likes Latinas" after his split from Lopez. The Oscar-winning actor and director responded affirmatively in Spanish, saying "yes."

In a separate encounter with TMZ, when called "Hollywood's most eligible bachelor," Affleck offered a simple two-word response: "Muy bien," meaning "very good" in Spanish.

These brief interactions mark some of Affleck's first public comments regarding his personal life since the high-profile divorce. The former couple, nicknamed "Bennifer" by media and fans, ended their marriage after less than two years together.

Meanwhile, it appears there may be some confusion in reporting, as a different Jennifer Affleck, who stars in Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," recently celebrated a baby shower for her third child with husband Zac Affleck. This Jennifer Affleck is unrelated to Ben Affleck's former spouse, Jennifer Lopez.

Blake Lively

Taylor Swift Subpoenaed in Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni Legal Dispute

Taylor Swift has been drawn into the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni related to their film "It Ends With Us." Swift received a subpoena from Baldoni's legal team seeking information about what Lively may have told her regarding the case.

The legal dispute, which appears to involve allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, has escalated with this high-profile development. According to sources, Swift's representatives view the subpoena as a publicity stunt, stating that her only role in the project was licensing a song and denying any creative involvement.

A representative for Lively has strongly criticized Baldoni's legal team not only for subpoenaing Swift but also for allegedly suggesting that Lively's deposition could be turned into a ticketed event at Madison Square Garden.

The lawsuit is currently scheduled to go to trial in March 2026. Swift's potential testimony would bring additional attention to what is already becoming a contentious celebrity legal battle involving Lively, who is known to be close friends with the music superstar.

Brooklyn Beckham

Brooklyn Beckham Caught in Escalating Family Feud with Parents

Recent reports suggest a significant rift has developed between Brooklyn Beckham and his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, with tensions appearing to escalate publicly. The family discord became particularly noticeable when Brooklyn was absent from his father David's 50th birthday celebrations.

Sources close to Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz have made serious allegations against the Beckhams, claiming they exhibited "emotional abuse and toxic behaviour" toward their eldest son. Friends of the Beckhams have vehemently denied these accusations, calling them "ludicrous and untrue."

According to several reports, Brooklyn and Nicola now view David and Victoria as "toxic parents," with sources citing alleged verbal berating and claims that Nicola has been scapegoated by her in-laws.

The family tension appears to have affected Brooklyn's siblings as well. Cruz Beckham seemingly referenced the situation in a recent Instagram post where he wore a "STRESS" t-shirt, widely interpreted as a subtle comment on the ongoing family drama. Additionally, there are rumors of separate issues between Brooklyn and his brother Romeo, reportedly involving Romeo's relationship with Kim Turnbull.

Despite the reported conflict, David Beckham was seen smiling at a recent Nespresso boutique launch in London, maintaining a public appearance of normalcy amid the family turmoil.

The public exchange of accusations has further intensified what was already a complicated relationship between the Beckham and Peltz families, with no immediate signs of reconciliation.

Denise Alexander

Veteran Soap Opera Actress Denise Alexander Dies at 85

Denise Alexander, the beloved soap opera actress known for her iconic roles on "General Hospital" and "Days of Our Lives," has passed away at the age of 85. Alexander died on March 5, 2024, though her death was not publicly announced until May.

Alexander made a significant impact on daytime television, particularly for her portrayal of Lesley Webber on ABC's "General Hospital," a role that endeared her to generations of viewers. She was also well-known for playing Susan Hunter Martin on NBC's "Days of Our Lives," cementing her status as a soap opera veteran.

Throughout her career, Alexander was recognized as a pioneering actress in daytime television, bringing depth and nuance to her characters across multiple long-running series, including "Another World."

The announcement of her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike, who remember her contributions to the genre and her lasting legacy in television history.

Donald Trump

Trump Makes Key Appointments and Meets with Film Producers

Former President Donald Trump has been actively making appointments and engaging with various industry representatives as he prepares for his return to the White House.

New U.S. Attorney for D.C.

Trump announced the appointment of Fox News host and former prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, replacing Ed Martin. Pirro, a prominent Trump supporter, was previously named as a defendant in the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit regarding 2020 election claims.

Surgeon General Nomination Controversy

In another recent appointment, Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General, initially praising her qualifications on social media, saying she could be "one of the finest" in history. However, as scrutiny mounted over her medical background—including her not completing residency and lacking an active medical license—Trump appeared to distance himself from the nomination, telling reporters, "I don't know her." This contradictory stance has raised questions about the vetting process for key appointments.

Film Industry Discussions

On the economic front, Trump met with film producers Steven Paul and Scott Karol at Mar-a-Lago to discuss boosting U.S. film production. Following the meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social about potential tariffs on foreign-made films, though the producers expressed hope that tariffs would not be "the final takeaway" from their discussions about encouraging domestic film production.

These recent activities highlight Trump's focus on staffing key positions and engaging with industry representatives as he shapes his upcoming administration's policies.

Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola Criticizes Trump's Movie Tariffs as 'Megalopolis' Gains Post-Election Attention

Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola has spoken out against former President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films, arguing that such measures would harm the American economy and create uncertainty in an otherwise prosperous film industry.

"They're not good for the economy," Coppola stated regarding the tariffs. The director drew a contrast between the proposed policies and previous economic approaches, suggesting the new measures could disrupt the film industry.

Meanwhile, Coppola's latest film "Megalopolis," which initially struggled at the box office, appears to be finding new life following the 2024 election. The director claims the film is now "selling out screenings" and gaining cult status as audiences find its themes about American decline increasingly relevant.

"After the election, there's more interest in the film," Coppola noted, suggesting that viewers are connecting with what he describes as the movie's prophetic nature regarding America's trajectory.

Despite the film's poor initial commercial performance, Coppola remains committed to theatrical exhibition. The director, who self-funded "Megalopolis," is actively touring with the film and has refused to release it for home viewing on streaming platforms or DVD, insisting that it should be experienced in theaters as intended.

Isabel Hodgins

Emmerdale Star Isabel Hodgins Marries Adam Whitehead in Manchester Ceremony

Emmerdale actress Isabel Hodgins recently tied the knot with PE teacher Adam Whitehead in a beautiful ceremony at the Castlefield Rooms in Manchester. The wedding was attended by several of Hodgins' Emmerdale co-stars, including Eden Taylor Draper, Danny Miller, Mark Jordon, Laura Norton, Jeff Hordley, and Zoë Henry.

The ceremony featured a memorable moment when Adam, overcome with nerves, forgot his own name during the wedding vows. This lighthearted blunder added a touch of humor to the special day that guests are likely to remember.

The celebration took place in April, with many of the actress's longtime colleagues from the ITV soap joining to witness the couple's union. According to reports, the newlyweds are also looking toward their future together, with plans to start a family following their wedding.

Hodgins, who has been a familiar face on Emmerdale, celebrated her special day surrounded by friends and co-stars who have become like family throughout her career on the popular soap opera.

Janhvi Kapoor

Janhvi Kapoor Remembers Mother Sridevi on Mother's Day with Emotional Tribute

Actress Janhvi Kapoor honored the memory of her late mother, iconic actress Sridevi, with a touching tribute on Mother's Day. Janhvi shared a fan-created video featuring Sridevi's song "Andalalo" from the film "Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari," where Sridevi starred opposite Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi.

The emotional tribute highlights the deep bond Janhvi shared with her mother, who passed away unexpectedly in Dubai in 2018. The young actress has often spoken about her mother's influence on her life and career choices, following in Sridevi's footsteps in the Indian film industry.

This gesture comes as Janhvi continues to establish herself as a prominent figure in Bollywood, balancing her growing career while maintaining connections to her family legacy. Sridevi, considered one of India's most celebrated actresses, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema across multiple languages during her decades-long career.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber Reportedly Cuts Ties with Friends amid Pastor Controversy

Justin Bieber has reportedly severed relationships with longtime friends and business partners, including Ryan Good and former manager Scooter Braun, while deepening his connection with pastor Judah Smith and the controversial Churchome organization. Sources close to the singer have expressed concern that Smith may be manipulating Bieber, contributing to his isolation from his former inner circle.

The situation has allegedly created tension in Bieber's marriage to Hailey Bieber, with insiders worried about the growing influence of Churchome, which faces accusations from critics of operating like a cult and has been embroiled in scandals.

Adding to fans' concerns, Bieber recently posted a series of cryptic messages on Instagram that included personal confessions. In these posts, the singer admitted to "hurting others," feeling "selfish," and being "used." The unusual and revealing nature of these statements prompted worried followers to ask "what's happening?" in response to the star's apparent emotional distress.

These developments mark a significant shift in the pop star's personal relationships and have sparked speculation about his current mental state and the influences in his life.

Kanye West

Kanye West's Cease and Desist Letter to Kim Kardashian Revealed as Hoax

Reports about a cease and desist letter allegedly sent from Kanye West's lawyer to Kim Kardashian regarding their children have been confirmed as a hoax. According to TMZ, both Kim's team and Kanye's representatives stated that the letter was fake.

The fabricated letter had claimed that West was accusing Kardashian of neglecting their daughter North during the 2025 Met Gala by leaving her in a car, and also alleged that Kardashian was denying West access to their children. These claims were part of what appeared to be an ongoing custody dispute between the former couple.

In other news surrounding the rapper, NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has publicly reaffirmed his support for West despite recent controversies. Brown mentioned upcoming content with West and potential collaborations.

"He can do what he wants," Brown stated, standing by West amid what sources describe as "controversial and antisemitic actions" by the rapper.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes Debuts New Curly Hairstyle, Sparks Online Buzz

Actress Katie Holmes has unveiled a striking new hairstyle that has quickly captured public attention. Holmes recently debuted long, wavy locks with bronde highlights while promoting the second season of Peacock's "Poker Face" in New York City.

The transformation, styled by hair expert DJ Quintero, was first revealed during a promotional event for the series, in which Holmes appears alongside creator Natasha Lyonne. Holmes later shared photos of her new look on Instagram on May 6, acknowledging her styling team including Quintero and makeup artist Genevieve Herr.

"Thank you @djquintero @genevieveherr @brie_welch @nlyonne," Holmes wrote in her Instagram post.

This isn't the first time Holmes' style choices have generated significant online response. According to reports, her fashion and beauty evolution continues to attract substantial interest on social media, with her latest hairstyle quickly going viral after its debut.

The new look coincides with Holmes' appearance in the upcoming second season of "Poker Face," adding a fresh visual element to her promotional activities for the Peacock series.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus Reunites with Father Billy Ray Amid Family Tension Reports

Miley Cyrus has reunited with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, during a celebration for her brother Braison Cyrus's 31st birthday. The gathering, which included Miley's boyfriend Maxx Morando, was documented in a family photo shared by Billy Ray on social media.

The public reunion comes amid ongoing speculation about strained relationships within the Cyrus family, particularly following Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus's divorce and their subsequent new relationships.

Adding to the family drama, reports surfaced that Miley's mother, Tish Cyrus, had unfollowed her daughter on Instagram. However, Tish has since denied these claims, attributing the situation to a technical issue. "It was an error that has been fixed," according to sources close to Tish.

Meanwhile, Miley continues to focus on her music career, recently releasing the song "More to Lose" from her upcoming album. Fans have been speculating that the lyrics may reference her past relationship with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.

The birthday celebration, which notably did not include Tish Cyrus, suggests possible steps toward healing some of the reported rifts within the famous family, particularly between Miley and her father.

NBC

NBC Cancels Five Shows in Major Primetime Shakeup

NBC has announced the cancellation of five scripted series as part of a significant restructuring of its primetime programming lineup. The canceled shows include "Suits: LA," "Found," "The Irrational," "Night Court," and "Lopez vs. Lopez."

This programming shift comes as NBC prepares to make room for upcoming NBA broadcasts in its schedule. While these five shows face the axe, the network has confirmed renewals for several fan favorites, including the "One Chicago" franchise and the "Law & Order" series.

The cancellations mark a substantial change in NBC's programming strategy as the 2024-2025 television season approaches. Shows like "Night Court," which featured talents such as Melissa Rauch and John Larroquette, and "Lopez vs. Lopez," starring George Lopez and Mayan Lopez, will not be returning.

Additionally, cast changes are occurring in some of NBC's continuing series, with Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett reportedly departing from "Chicago Fire."

The network's decision reflects broader shifts in television programming priorities as traditional broadcasters adapt to changing viewer habits and new content distribution strategies.

Night Court

NBC Cancels 'Night Court' Revival After Three Seasons

NBC has officially canceled the revival of the popular sitcom "Night Court" after three seasons. The revival, which starred Melissa Rauch and original cast member John Larroquette, will not be returning for a fourth season.

According to reports, the cancellation is primarily attributed to NBC's scheduling adjustments to accommodate upcoming NBA coverage. The decision comes as particularly disappointing to fans as the show recently ended on a cliffhanger involving the main character's secret marriage.

The modern iteration of "Night Court" featured notable reunions with cast members from "The Big Bang Theory," which had been a highlight for viewers. The revival had aimed to capture the spirit of the original series while introducing the show to a new generation of viewers.

The original "Night Court" ran from 1984 to 1992 and was set in a Manhattan municipal court's night shift, becoming a beloved sitcom of its era before being revived for modern audiences.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV Becomes First American Pope Amidst Unique Election Circumstances

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American to lead the Catholic Church. The former Archbishop, who has ties to Villanova University and the Order of St. Augustine, has drawn significant attention since his surprise selection by the College of Cardinals.

According to his brother John Prevost, the newly elected pontiff watched the film "Conclave" shortly before the papal election, reportedly "so he knew how to behave" during the process. This anecdote stands in stark contrast to Cardinal Vincent Nichols' description of the actual conclave as a deeply "fraternal and spiritual" experience that bore little resemblance to the dramatic portrayal in the film.

"There was no lobbying or rancor among cardinals," Cardinal Nichols stated, offering a firsthand account of the solemn process.

News outlets have begun analyzing Pope Leo XIV's past social media activity, particularly his tweets, to understand his perspectives on American politics, nationalism, and social issues. These analyses suggest his leadership could represent a potential shift in the Catholic Church's stance relative to American society.

The election has also revealed personal connections of the new pope. Rev. Rob Hagan, a longtime friend of Robert Prevost, expressed both surprise and joy upon learning of his election. "I sent him a congratulatory email," Rev. Hagan shared exclusively, "but my pal 'Bob' hasn't responded yet." This personal glimpse highlights the sudden transformation in the life of the man who now leads 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

QCinema International Film Festival

QCinema Launches Industry Platform at Cannes, Strengthens Southeast Asian Film Hub Vision

The Philippines' QCinema International Film Festival is expanding its reach with the launch of "QCinema Industry," a comprehensive year-round platform that will make its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This strategic initiative aims to establish Quezon City as a significant hub for Southeast Asian cinema.

The new platform encompasses several programs designed to nurture the regional film ecosystem, including the Project Market, Dokyu Days, and the Asian Next Wave Film Forum. According to festival organizers, QCinema Industry will focus on fostering co-production opportunities, talent development, and policy dialogue to strengthen Southeast Asian representation in global cinema.

"This expansion represents a commitment to building sustainable infrastructure for filmmakers across Southeast Asia," said Ed Lejano, QCinema's festival director. The initiative has garnered support from key industry figures including Liza Diño, highlighting the collaborative approach to regional cinema development.

By launching at Cannes, QCinema demonstrates its ambition to connect Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers with international opportunities, potentially opening new avenues for funding, distribution, and creative partnerships across borders.

Rylan Clark

Rylan Clark Returns to Music with Legendary Songwriter Diane Warren

Television presenter Rylan Clark is making a significant return to the music industry, reportedly collaborating with acclaimed songwriter Diane Warren in Los Angeles. This marks a notable comeback to singing for Clark, approximately 13 years after his appearance on The X Factor.

The former X Factor contestant, who has since built a successful career in television and radio presenting, traveled to a Los Angeles studio last month to work with Warren, who has written numerous hits for major artists throughout her career. Interestingly, Warren has previously written a song for Claire Richards, who is known to be a friend of Clark's.

This musical venture aligns with Clark's previous revelation that he has secretly released music under a different name. The collaboration with such a legendary figure in the music industry suggests Clark is seriously pursuing a return to his original musical ambitions, potentially leveraging his established media presence to relaunch his singing career.

The partnership represents a significant step for Clark, who has transformed his early reality TV exposure into a respected presenting career before this apparent return to his musical roots.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift Subpoenaed in "It Ends With Us" Legal Battle Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni

Taylor Swift has been pulled into the ongoing legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni regarding their film "It Ends With Us." Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, subpoenaed Swift as a witness in the case, which involves allegations of misconduct, defamation, and creative differences during the film's production.

According to Baldoni's legal team, Swift allegedly supported Lively's script rewrites and was present at a key meeting where Lively pressured Baldoni about creative decisions. In court documents, Baldoni claims Lively referred to Swift as a "dragon" in text messages and used her friendship with the pop star to gain control over the film's production.

Swift's representatives have responded forcefully to the subpoena, calling it a scheme to generate "tabloid clickbait." In a statement, Swift's spokesperson emphasized that her involvement with the film was minimal and limited to licensing a song:

"Taylor's only involvement with the film was licensing a song. She has never read any version of the script, has never seen the movie, including the final cut (which she didn't see until weeks after release), and has never been involved in the production or release of the film in any way."

The legal battle also includes Ryan Reynolds, Lively's husband, and references to other celebrities like Hugh Jackman. The dispute has expanded to include sexual harassment claims and allegations about creative control of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel.

The subpoena brings additional scrutiny to what has already become a high-profile Hollywood legal confrontation between the film's star (Lively) and its director (Baldoni).

The Royals

'The Royals' Cast Teases Season 2 Possibility as Netflix Show Gains Attention

The cast of Netflix's romantic comedy series "The Royals" has been making headlines during their promotional interviews, with lead actor Ishaan Khatter potentially letting slip news of a second season. During a recent Filmfare interview, Khatter mentioned performing a new stunt in "Part 2," suggesting the recently premiered series might already be renewed.

The show, which stars Khatter alongside Bhumi Pednekar and veteran actress Zeenat Aman, has the cast discussing both the on-screen dynamics and their personal takes on royalty. In one promotional interview, cast members playfully assigned royal titles to one another, with Khatter suggesting Zeenat Aman would make the perfect "Royal Advisor." Meanwhile, co-stars Dino Morea and Nora Fatehi were dubbed "Royal Rivals" by their castmates, hinting at their characters' relationship in the series.

When asked about how they would feel about being actual royalty, Pednekar and Khatter shared their likes and dislikes about royal life. The ensemble cast of "The Royals" also includes Vihaan Samat, Sumukhi Suresh, Lisa Mishra, and Kavya Trehan, all of whom have been actively participating in the show's promotion.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise Sidesteps Trump Tariff Question During 'Mission: Impossible' Press Tour

During a recent press event in Seoul for the upcoming "Mission: Impossible" film, Hollywood star Tom Cruise declined to address questions about former President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign-shot films.

When asked about the potential impact of these tariffs on the film industry, Cruise diplomatically redirected the conversation, stating, "We'd rather answer questions about the movie." The moment highlighted the actor's preference to keep the focus on his film rather than delve into political discussions.

The proposed tariffs could significantly impact global film production, particularly franchises like "Mission: Impossible" that frequently film in international locations. The franchise has previously utilized filming locations across the United Kingdom, Norway, and South Africa, among others.

The exchange comes amid growing industry uncertainty about potential policy changes that could affect international film production and distribution, particularly as major industry events like the Cannes Film Festival approach.

Tommy Fury

Tommy Fury Wins Boxing Match in Hungary, Honors Molly-Mae in Emotional Speech

Tommy Fury claimed victory in his recent boxing match in Hungary, using his winners speech to pay tribute to his partner Molly-Mae Hague and their daughter Bambi. In an emotional moment following the fight, Fury opened up about recent personal struggles, suggesting he had temporarily been separated from his family.

"I've turned everything around," Fury declared in his post-fight address, reflecting on a period where he had "lost his family for a little bit" before apparently reconciling. The speech has fueled speculation that the couple has reunited after a reported split, with both parties now working through their relationship challenges.

Meanwhile, it was revealed that Fury was banned from appearing in Molly-Mae's Amazon Prime Video reality show "Behind It All" due to contractual obligations with the BBC. The boxer, who is filming his own documentary with the British broadcaster, was only able to make a brief appearance via FaceTime call in Molly-Mae's show, as the BBC holds exclusive rights to his story for the upcoming documentary.

The couple, who met on Love Island, continue to navigate their public relationship while balancing their respective media commitments.