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No genre of music knows romance like rock does.

On Valentine's Day, Collider ranked the 10 greatest romantic classic rock songs ever made, organizing a list of the best of the best among rock romance. Beating out both Queen's 1975 hit "Love of My Life" at No. 8 and the Beatles' 1969 song "Something" at No. 6, Chicago took the top spot with their 1969 classic "Beginnings."

Produced by James William Guercio via Columbia Records, the classic song was featured on the band's debut album, Chicago Transit Authority. While now recognized as one of the band's standout hits, it was initially unsuccessful. It wasn't until 1971 when Chicago re-released the track as a single that the song took off. Paired with the bands song "Colour My World," the two tracks made waves as a double-smash hit, reaching the No. 7 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Easy Listening chart.

Recognizable for its acoustic intro and extended percussion-heavy coda, "Beginnings" became a staple for the band's early jazz-rock sound. Aside from the stunning instrumentation, the track also resonated with audiences due to its lyricism, which highlighted optimism around romantic connections.

Written by Robert Lamm, the song shares the joy of falling in love with every listener, showcasing the hope surrounding fresh relationships. Lamm wrote: "Only the beginning of what I want to feel forever / Only the beginning / Only just the start / I've got to get you into my life."

Chicago in 1971, Robert Lamm, Peter Cetera, James Pankow, Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider and Keith Seraphine.

Chris Walter/WireImage

The Legacy of Chicago

Chicago was formed in early 1967 by musicians Walter Parazaider, Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, Robert Lamm and Peter Cetera. The lineup met at DePaul University and in the Chicago area, wanting to form a rock and roll band that featured a horn section. Between 1969 and 2022, the band has released 38 albums, achieving widespread success from their nearly six-decade-spanning career.

Throughout the band's career, they have sold over 100 million records, securing 21 top-10 hits, 11 No. 1 singles and five consecutive No. 1 albums. In addition to their chart success, they have earned two Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award) and have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying themselves as one of the greatest American rock bands of all time.

Related: Iconic ’70s Rock Band Announces Update Amid 2026 Tour

Paul McCartneyhas been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—as a member of the Beatles in 1988 and 11 years later as a solo artist.

His other band, Wings, has yet to be inducted into the Rock Hall, but the institution will be giving them some love in May.

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McCartney and Wings will be the subject of an exhibition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum that opens on May 15.

“‘Paul McCartney and Wings’ will trace the arc of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles reinvention – from his self-titled 1970 debut album through the formation of Wings to the band’s dissolution in 1981,” reads an announcement from the Rock Hall. “The exhibition will feature numerous never-before-displayed artifacts, including instruments played in Wings’ recording sessions and in concert performances, clothing worn by the band, handwritten lyrics, original artwork, tour memorabilia, and previously unseen photography – presented within an immersive experience incorporating archival video, audio and images.”

Related: This ‘60s Rock Icon Had the #1 Top-Grossing Tour for November

The exhibit comes as there is a flurry of activity surrounding McCartney’s post-Beatles career. Paul McCartney: Man on the Run, a new documentary chronicling the rise of Wings, from Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning director Morgan Neville, will be released on Prime Video on Feb. 27.

Fans can see an early screening of the film at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum on Feb. 21 at the Foster Theater. The film is also being shown in select theaters in special one-night-only screenings on Feb. 19 via Trafalgar Releasing.

“In my film, Man on the Run, I wanted to look at Paul’s impossible run from that long shadow of The Beatles,” Neville said in a statement. “It was a journey full of unlikely choices - a van tour! Bruce McMouse! Nigeria! Thrillington! A Scottish anthem! - but looked at together, the madness of those choices actually started to seem sane. How else could one deal with the weight of such expectations than by doing the unexpected?”

A soundtrack from the film, Man on the Run - Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, is due on Feb. 27. Along with such hits as “Band on the Run” and “Coming Up,” the album includes rarities, such as a live version of “Live and Let Die” from the 1980 concert film Rockshow and a demo version of “Silly Love Songs.”

A book documenting the band’s legacy, Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, written by McCartney and edited by Ted Widmer, was published last year.

Last week's episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy might have been the most intense one yet after our students found themselves literally between life and death after a training exercise goes awry. This week, as they deal with the aftermath, a welcome long weekend doesn't mean rest and relaxation for our cadets. While one is called to fulfill a long-promised obligation, another looks to right a mistake made prior to the beginning of term.

Here’s everything to know about Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1, Episode 7, airing Thursday, Feb. 19 on Paramount+.

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What is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy about?

This new Paramount+ series follows a 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 will discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers. But as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries and first loves, the cadets must also face a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.

What happened in last week's episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy? Holly Hunter as Captain Nahla Ake. Credit: John Medland/Paramount+

"Come, Let's Away," last week's episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy was my favorite so far in the series. Our cadets joined their counterparts from the War College on their first training mission, but soon found themselves in mortal danger as they encountered a savage new enemy in the Furies (who reminded me of the Reavers from Serenity).

Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+

The students took a field trip to a ship graveyard to participate in a training exercise on an out-of-commission ship, the U.S.S. Miyazaki. Once aboard though, our cadets are taken hostage by the Furies and their lives threatened and a ransom demanded. Their training instructor Tomov (Jeff Teravainen) is killed trying to get them to safety and the students are alone to fend for themselves. They've barricaded themselves on the bridge, but if they don't get the force field back online, the Furies will get in and it's cadet stew for dinner.

Tomov is shot out of the airlock and Nahla (Holly Hunter) and all those on the bridge of the Athena know the threat is all to real and the clock is ticking on the cadets' lives. Between swallowing her comm badge on her first day to witnessing the death of one of the training officers, I don't think Cadet Pickford (Raffa Virago) will be returning next semester. Cadet Master Thok (Gina Yashere) sends the panicked cadet to the med bay and that's the last we see of her this episode.

Having made a love connection with Caleb (Sandro Rosta) at the beginning of the episode (which begs the question, where were Caleb's roommates?), Tarima (Zoe Steiner) had made a mental connection with him as well. In a moment of fear, Tarima feels Caleb's fear and loss at what to do. With the Furies having blocking all comms and transport between the Athena and the Miyazaki, Tarima is the only way the students can communicate with the Athena.

Sandro Rosta as Caleb. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+

Vance (Oded Fehr) suggests that Nahla cut a deal with Nus Braka (Paul Giamatti) to get intel on how to stop the Furies. Nahla is reluctant to do it but her cadets lives are at stake. After she negotiates with Braka and learns the Furies are like bats and apparently can't stand high-pitch frequencies, they soon realize the hostage situation was planned by Braka himself and that it was all a ploy to get Starfleet to pull the Sargasso, an Intrepid-class ship away from a starbase for experimental platforms and weapons systems.

Paul Giamatti. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+

The cadets are able to get the Miyazaki online and the force field back up. B'Avi (Alexander Eling) runs the "Tiny Fireflies" program which gets the singularity drive back up which once crippled the Miyazaki. The Furies get through before the cadets can beam out and as they try to fight back B'Avi saves Caleb from being killed by a Fury by putting himself between them, taking the full brunt of the kill shot. B'Avi died in the melee while SAM (Kerrice Brooks) was injured. We'll see in upcoming episodes if she recovers fully or if even a photonic can suffer PTSD.

L-R: Alexander Eling as B'Avi and Kerrice Brooks as SAM. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+

It turns out the hostage situation wasn't the endgame. It was the starbase where the Sargasso was. It was ransacked for its top secret tech after the Sargasso left to help Athena and the cadets.

Alexander Eling as B’'Avi and Raoul Bhaneja as Chancellor Kelric. Photo Credit: John Medland/Paramount+

If you're wondering if there's any coincidence between the U.S.S. Miyazaki and the "Tiny Fireflies" program, wonder no more. We asked to see if the writers were fans of Hayao Miyazaki and his film, Grave of Fireflies, and indeed they are! The callouts in the episode were a nod to Miyazaki and the film.

Also, the title of the episode, "Come, Let's Away," is a line from King Lear which is more about Tarima than anything else in the episode. It's about her hyper-betazoid abilities and how she had to find a safe space (the field of flowers) in the chaos to find peace and calm herself and her abilities.

Braka escapes and becomes the most wanted man in Starfleet. Vance orders Nahla and Kelric return with their cadets to Earth where trauma counselors will be awaiting them. There's going to be a lot of therapy sessions for these cadets after what they experienced in their first semester in school!

First off, am I the only one that thought B'Avi's name was Bobby this whole time and wasn't it weird a Vulcan was named "Bobby"? I just assumed it was a nickname and didn't think anything of it. Secondly, did Ocam (Romeo Carere) grow up in Long Island and not on Betazed? Asking for a friend.

Related: Every ‘Star Trek’ Captain, Ranked

What happens in this week's episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?

In "Ko'Zeine," this week's brand new episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, it's been about a month since the events of the training mission and the cadets head home for a long holiday weekend during where they must choose between family expectations and dreams. Darem (George Hawkins) is called up to fulfill some obligations much sooner than he expected and unexpectedly drags Jay-den (Karim Diane) along for the ride.

When does the next episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy drop?

Season 1, Episode 7 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy—titled "Ko'Zeine"—premieres on Thursday, Feb. 19 on Paramount+.

Does Parade have a sneak peek of the upcoming episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy?

We do! In this Parade exclusive sneak peek of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Jay-Den accidentally witnesses Darem being kidnapped and forgoes his holiday to save his friend. Take a look below.

PARADE Exclusive - Star Trek: Starfleet Academy - Episode 107 - Sneak Peek (1:12) How to watch Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

Starfleet Academy streams exclusively on Paramount+.

What time do new episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy come out?

New episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy drop Thursdays on Paramount+. Episodes typically become available on the streamer at 12:00 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET on Thursday mornings.

Related: Holly Hunter Reveals the Unexpected Challenge of Her New ‘Star Trek’ Role

Check out images from the next episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

Take a look at some select images from next episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in the gallery below.

Star Trek: Starfleet AcademyParamount+ L-R: Sandro Rosta as Caleb and Bella Shepard as Genesis. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+ Sandro Rosta as Caleb. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+ Bella Shepard. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+ L-R: Sandro Rosta as Caleb and Bella Shepard as Genesis. Photo Credit: Brooke Palmer/Paramount+ Kerrice Brooks as SAM. Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+ L-R: Bella Shepard as Genesis and Kerrice Brooks as SAM. Photo Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+ L-R: Bella Shepard as Genesis, Holly Hunter as Captain Nahla Ake, and Tig Notaro as Reno. Photo Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+ L-R: Tig Notaro as Reno and Bella Shepard as Genesis. Photo Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+ L-R: Karim Diané as Jay-Den and George Hawkins as Darem. Photo Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+

Paramount+

L-R: Karim Diané as Jay-Den, and Dale Whibley as Kyle. Photo Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says he believes the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie was a targeted attack.

Nanos shared his belief during an interview with NBC which aired on the Today Show on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

“I think this was an individual who had a target for whatever reason, and he has made it tough, but I’ve got some pretty tough investigators too,” Nanos said.

Between the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the FBI, and other agencies, there are upwards of 400 investigators working on the case. As of Wednesday, the search for Nancy has been going on for 18 days—and counting.

“As long as we have the ability to chase a lead, it’s not cold,” Nanos added. “We’re not going to give up. We’re going to find Nancy, and we’re going to find out who did this.”

RELATED: Sheriff Investigating Nancy Guthrie Case Reveals Why Her Family Was Cleared as Suspects

In another interview with NBC News published on Tuesday, Feb. 17, Nanos confirmed law enforcement are looking to match the gun holder that the alleged suspect had on their belt in a video taken by Nancy's doorbell camera.

“We know he had a gun. We know he had a holster that had some pretty unique characteristics,” Nanos said. “We can’t quite identify it yet, but that’s being worked on. So naturally, we go to our gun shops everywhere and say: ‘Have you seen this guy? Can you help us identify this weapon? Can you help us identify this holster?’”

Police are also looking to identify the backpack the alleged perpetrator is wearing in the doorbell camera video.

“That backpack, we could positively now identify as a backpack that is sold at one place only. That’s Walmart,” he told NBC News. “So we’re working with our Walmart managers all across the state to try to find out how many sales were there of that backpack in the last 20, 30 days, the last 60 days.”

“And can we do something with that? Can we break it — maybe we’ll find a credit card or a bank card. Maybe we’ll find a video of the guy walking in," Nanos added.

The FBI urges anyone with tips or leads to call 1-800-CALL-FBI in addition to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office number, 520-351-4900. An $100,000 reward is currently being offered to anyone with information leading to Nancy or the arrest of her kidnapper.

RELATED: Sheriff Investigating Nancy Guthrie Case Reveals His Brother Died a Day After Her Disappearance

While Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten first started playing music in her childhood, it wasn't until decades later that she truly established her prowess as a folk revolutionary.

Born in January 1893, Cotten began working domestically at the age of nine. After leaving school for work and saving a bit of money, by age 12, she purchased her first guitar.

A left-handed individual, Cotten's self-taught method saw her playing the guitar upside down.

While learning dance and ragtime music, Cotten had begun writing her own—"Freight Train," one of her most widely-recognized songs, was written around this time.

"I've heard ‘Freight Train' so much, that's not my favorite any more," said Cotten, during an interview with the San Diego Reader in 1981.

"I've had to play it so much. I wrote that song when I was living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I was ten or eleven and I didn't have a guitar yet.

She continued: "There was a place not far from home where we would stand, and when the train would go and come we would wave at the train. There was only but one track. I always liked trains anyway."

As a teenager, she married a man named Frank Cotten. She gave up music to raise a family in the church, and did not touch an instrument for over 20 years.

While working at a department store nearly 30 years later, Cotten helped a lost young girl relocate her mother. They exchanged contacts, and the mother—who just so happened to be Ruth Crawford Seeger—basically hired her as a housekeeper on the spot.

After working for the family—which also included Charles Seeger (father of PeteSeeger), and his and Ruth's children; Mike, Peggy, Barbara and Penelope—for about five years, Cotten began playing the instruments available around the house.

She reportedly "had almost forgotten how to play," but having "all those instruments around reminded her and she just took them down and started to play," according to Mike Seeger. He began recording with Cotten shortly thereafter.

"We recorded her whole album with her on the second floor of her house, with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all hanging around while we were recording late at night. It was very homey," he said, to the San Diego Reader.

"That got the idea around, the idea that she could play. At that time there was no possibility of playing concerts; people just didn’t do that. A couple of years later, largely as a result of that record, we had a possibility of putting a concert on together and so we did."

Cotten's first live show was at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania; she later went on to play the major folk festivals, including UCLA, Smithsonian, Philadelphia, Newport, and Chicago.

In 1972, Cotten was awarded the National Folk Burl Ives Award for her contribution to American folk music. She went on to win a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording in 1985, around the age of 90.

In 1987, just a few weeks before she died, Cotten played her final show in New York City. She passed away on June 29, at the age of 94.

Her legacy lives on: covers of her songs include "Oh, Babe, It Ain't No Lie," by the Grateful Dead, "Shake Sugaree" by Bob Dylan, and her classic, "Freight Train" by many—reportedly even The Beatles, according to author Mark Lewisohn'sThe Complete Beatles Chronicles, though a recorded version is yet to be unearthed.

Cotten was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Journey has a big show on the horizon—and I'm not talking about their farewell tour.

The rock band took to social media to share the latest update with fans, writing, "Sturgis, we’re headed your way."

The rockers behind some of the biggest hits of the '70s and '80s, like Don't Stop Believin' and Anyway You Want It, will be playing a special standalone show at Full Throttle Saloon on August 11, 2026, as part of the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The post noted that side stage pit passes, VIP & Bridge Access are on sale now. More information will be available here.

View this post on Instagram What is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the largest motorcycle rally in the world, held annually in the Black Hills and in Sturgis, South Dakota. It spans 10 days, from Aug. 7 through Aug. 16 this year, boasting races, rides and many concerts.

It was first started by local Indian dealer Pappy Hoel in 1938, marking its 86th year in 2026.

The 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Brings Plenty of Big Names in Music

In addition to Journey, the annual motorcycle rally week will see some of the biggest names in rock and country music.

David Lee Roth, rock singer and former frontman of Van Halen, will close out the first official day of the rally on Aug. 7. The rest of the weekend brings greats like Megadeath and Sammy Hagar, along with Jamey Johnson, who has "served as country music’s north star for nearly two decades."

Lynyrd Skynyrd hits the legendary stage at Sturgis Blue Chip on Aug. 11, which is where country darling Lainey Wilson will bring Bell Bottom country for her performance the following day.

Other acts include Rob Zombie, Collective Soul and Jackyl.

Journey's Final Tour

Journey's stop in Strugis will follow the band's 60-city farewell tour, which is set to kick off in Hershey, Penn. on Feb. 28, and wrap up in Laredo, Tx on July 2.

"This tour is our heartfelt thank you to the fans who've been with us every step of the way—through every song, every era, every high and low," founder and guitarist Neal Schon stated in a press release. "We're pulling out all the stops with a brand-new production—the hits, the deep cuts, the energy, the spectacle. It's a full-circle celebration of the music that's brought us all together."

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After decades of rock memories, the current lineup stands at Schon, Jonathan Cain (keyboards, backing vocals), Arnel Pineda (lead vocals), Jason Derlatka (keyboards, vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, vocals) and Todd Jensen (bass).

As for what the setlist may include, fans can expect plenty of timeless anthems and classics, including "Faithfully," "Lights," "Open Arms" and "Separate Ways."

Tickets went on sale shortly after the tour was announced in Nov. 2025, with the tour expected to extend into 2027 as additional legs are added.

Next, ’80s Rock Icon Announces Retirement Plans: ‘I’ll Be Saying Goodbye’

There are some pairings that instantly bring back memories, and grilled cheese with tomato soup sits near the top of that list. It’s a simple, familiar meal many of us grew up with, and on a cold winter night, it still delivers the same warm, satisfying comfort.

Costco appears to be leaning into that nostalgia with a new heat-and-serve dinner spotted in stores this week: Kirkland Signature Tomato Basil Soup paired with four grilled cheese sandwiches. The ready-to-heat combo was shared in a February 17 Instagram reel from @discovering_costco, giving shoppers a closer look at the latest prepared foods addition.

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According to the post, the meal is priced at $4.99 per pound and comes in a container weighing roughly 3½ pounds, bringing the total to just under $18. The package includes four grilled cheese sandwiches and a generous portion of Kirkland Signature Tomato Basil Soup, making it an easy option for feeding a family without turning to takeout.

Related: A Fresh New Bakery Find at Costco Brightens Winter Mornings

The sandwiches are made on brioche bread with cheddar and American Swiss cheeses, along with Kirkland Signature salted butter to help achieve a golden, crisp finish when heated. The tomato basil soup provides the classic dipping companion, balancing the rich, buttery sandwiches with a smooth, savory flavor.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup make a timeless comfort-food pairing.

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Instagram users reacted quickly to the post. @costcofindsnortheast wrote, “Omg this is amazing! Hope to see it at my store soon!” While @lilluvvegas commented, “Super nostalgic combo….But I don’t see how the bread could not be soggy, even if you re-toast it.” That is a fair concern.

Grilled Cheese Can Be Reheated Successfully With the Right Method

For anyone worried about soggy bread, testing shared by Treehugger found that leftover grilled cheese can reheat surprisingly well using a few simple methods. Re-grilling the sandwich in a hot pan with a little butter and a loosely placed lid produced the best results, restoring crisp bread and fully melted cheese while preventing the sandwich from drying out.

A toaster oven also melted the cheese and crisped the bread, though it tended to dry the sandwich slightly. Baking at 350°F created a crisp exterior but left the cheese less evenly melted. The pan method produced the closest texture to a freshly made grilled cheese, while the toaster oven offers a convenient alternative when time is tight.

That means if you have leftovers or want to crisp the sandwiches further, a quick pass in a skillet can help restore the texture we all love.

With familiar flavors, simple preparation, and enough portions to feed a family, this latest Costco prepared meal taps into a timeless comfort pairing while making dinner feel effortless on a cold winter evening.

Jelly Roll is opening up about his wife's memoir.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the country star's wife Bunnie XO released her debut memoir Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic.

The book, which was described in a press release as a “modern-day rags-to-riches story,” chronicles her past struggles with drug addiction, mental health challenges, and Jelly Roll’s infidelity, among other hardships that ultimately shaped the person she is today.

While speaking with People at the season 1 finale of Netflix's Star Search reboot on Tuesday, Feb. 17, the country star admitted it was “rough” for him to read the memoir as he was reminded of difficult times they had experienced together.

“It was rough at times just for me to read it. You know what I mean? We went through a lot of pain and having to go through it together, but reading the whole book and seeing where it ended at is really touching,” Jelly Roll said, before praising his wife for being “brave” by sharing her story with the world.

“I'm just proud of her for telling her story so unapologetically,” he continued. “I mean, she talks about everything fearlessly, from domestic assault to sexual assault. I'm just proud of her. She's so brave.”

RELATED: Jelly Roll Allegedly Confronted Reporter Who Asked Him About ICE at the Grammys

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO first met after she attended one of his concerts at Las Vegas’ Country Saloon in 2015. The couple married on August 31, 2016 in a Las Vegas courthouse after Jelly Roll proposed on stage earlier that night. 

Bunnie XO is the stepmother of Jelly Roll's two children from previous relationships: daughter, Bailee, and son, Noah. The couple also recently shared that they're planning to grow their family by welcoming a child via surrogate.

Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic is currently available on Amazon.com or wherever books are sold.

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It's no secret that people love to read romance novels. They've taken over BookTok and pop culture as one of the most popular genres right now, and over the years fans have been able to enjoy hundreds of beautifully written romance novels that allow the reader to experience love in ways they might not have ever imagined.

Last week, Cosmopolitan released a list of the top 58 romance novels of all time, pulling the best releases over centuries — from old classics to new works — that resonated the most with romance enjoyers.

"Romance novels take all the steamy sex scenes and heart-melting moments you've seen in your fave rom-coms and turn 'em up to level 1,000—though they tend to have a lil more heart and a lil less bodice ripping than erotic novels," Cosmopolitan writes.

Beating out fan-favorites such as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017) by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Pride and Prejudice (1813) by Jane Austen, the No. 1 best romance novel of all time, according to Cosmopolitan, is Emily Henry's 2021 release People We Meet On Vacation — a story about two best friends with opposite personalities who have taken yearly summer trips together for a decade try to repair their estranged relationship and explore their unspoken romantic feelings during one last, pivotal vacation.

The story is written from the perspective of Poppy Wright, a travel writer for R+R Magazine and an adventurous spirit. Her best friend, Alex Nilsen, is more on the reserved side, tending to prefer staying home over constant travel. Their love story is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers tale defined by deep emotional intimacy, years of pining and plenty of miscommunication.

After the book was released in 2021, it received an overwhelming amount of positive reviews, eventually earning the honor of being a No. 1 New York Times bestseller. In 2026, Netflix adapted the novel into a film starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, which officially released on Jan. 9.

People We Meet on Vacation took over BookTok as a must-read romance novel and is credited with introducing so many new readers to the genre, making it a modern classic.

Related: 'People We Meet on Vacation' Author Dishes on How Much Say She Had in Choosing Movie Cast

Carol Alt has legs for days, and she's not afraid to show them off.

Alt kick-started her modeling career in the late 1970s, but rose to stardom in the ’80s when she hit the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Known as “The Face” thanks to her gorgeous looks, the beautiful brunette graced hundreds of magazine covers throughout the ’80s and went on to a successful acting career, with appearances on everything from animated series like King of the Hill to reality shows like The Celebrity Apprentice in 2008. A uterine cancer survivor, Alt attributes her excellent health to her raw food regimen. As anyone can see from her latest Instagram reel, her health regimen is likely working just fine.

"Zip it up! Do as I say, not as I do. Happy Chinese New Year. Wear light colors and bring in happiness and health," she captioned her latest reel, which shows the stunner sprawled in a chair. Panning upward from her toes to her beautiful face, the ageless beauty sports black pumps, black hosiery, and a black silk top.

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The Unhealthy Modeling World

While Alt was one of the most famous models in the world, she struggled tremendously to stay on top. That meant starving herself to stay thin.

“I suffered through my modeling career because I was always tired, and I was always malnourished. I was always trying to keep my weight down,” she told Fox News in 2023. “I didn’t eat, and when I ate, I ate garbage because I really did not know what to eat.”

That all changed when alt discovered a raw food diet. She found a doctor whom she referred to as a “guru” who guided her through the process.

“I didn’t know what to eat in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, how much, and what would keep my energy going, and there were so many times I suffered,” Alt noted. “I wish when I was 18, 19 years old and somebody said to me, ‘You should eat your vegetables raw.”

Related: Legendary Supermodel Carol Alt, 65, Is Ageless in a Minidress and Pink Heels in Fun New Year’s Video

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Ever dreamed about having a kitchen island but don’t want to renovate your home, or simply don’t have the space? If so, this Spanspace Rolling Kitchen Island at Walmart might just be the addition that your home needs. Designed for easy portability while offering additional countertop space, it’s a practical shortcut that’ll bring you one step closer to your dream kitchen.  

The best part? You can snag it on sale for a whopping 53% off right now! This kitchen island normally retails for $190, but it’s now marked down to just $90. It’s available in black and white, and has a sleek design that’ll complement the aesthetic of your kitchen. 

Spanspace Rolling Kitchen Island, $90 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

As chic as it is functional, this island will completely elevate the style of your kitchen. With a modern farmhouse-inspired design, it features a wood-grain countertop for a natural feel and vertical planks on the side cabinet as a decorative accent.  

Measuring around 23 inches wide, 14 inches long, and 32 inches tall, this kitchen island is ideal for both small and large spaces alike. With a three-tiered shelf on one side, it offers plenty of storage space for spices, tools, gadgets, and everything in between. To maximize storage, the shelves are spaced at different heights with approximately 5 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches between the shelves, respectively, to accommodate items of various sizes. The shelves are open for easy accessibility, with each tier boasting a guardrail ensuring that everything stays securely in place. 

The opposite side of the island is equipped with a removable, rounded bar that you can either use to hang kitchen towels or hold a roll of paper towels. The countertop measures approximately 16 inches by 19 inches, providing an ample amount of space for you to prep meals or hold appliances. It also includes a drop-leaf if you want to extend the countertop by 7 inches. 

Spanspace Rolling Kitchen Island, $90 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Because garbage bins can be an eyesore, this kitchen island boasts a tilt-out cabinet, designed to hold and conceal a trash can. You’ll be able to throw out trash and scraps while you’re prepping dishes and when you’re finished eating. You can also use it as an additional storage cabinet to hold appliances that don’t fit on the shelves. The island also has a drawer above the cabinet, where you can store anything from utensils to miscellaneous items that currently live on your countertops. 

This island is fixed with four 360-degree swivel wheels for easy portability. You can easily move it to the side when you need the extra kitchen space and even use it to transport dishes to the dining room in just one trip! If you want the island to stay in place, you can just lock two of the casters to secure it. 

Related: Walmart's 'Cute' $90 Pantry Cabinet Exudes Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen Vibes

“It’s perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, or anyone who needs a bit more organization and counter space,” one reviewer raved. They mentioned they purchased this island for “extra prep space and storage” and said that it allows them to keep things “more organized without cluttering their counters.”

Shop More Deals 

• Oannao 3-Piece Double-Sided Cutting Board Set, $26 (was $46) at Walmart
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Equal parts practical and stylish, the Spanspace Rolling Kitchen Island at Walmart is a must-have for anyone who wants to add a functional farmhouse-inspired piece to their living space. Don’t hesitate to grab it while it’s still on sale for just $90! 

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Heat star Tom Noonan was known for various roles throughout his career and died at the age of 74. The news was announced on social media, with no cause of death officially confirmed.

According to The Monster Squaddirector Fred Dekker, where Noonan played Frankenstein's monster, the actor died on Saturday, Feb. 14. His fellow co-star, Karen Sillas, also confirmed the news of his death, calling him a "dear friend" and having "peacefully" died on Valentine's Day.

"It’s with great sadness that I share the passing of Tom Noonan … Tom’s indelible performance as Frankenstein in The Monster Squad is a highlight of my modest filmography, doubtless aided by the masterful make-up designed by Stan Winston, sculpted by Tom Woodruff Jr., and applied by Zoltan Elek," wrote Dekker on Facebook.

The director went on to describe having wanted Noonan for the role after being "knocked out" by his performance in Heat. He recalls Noonan finding the makeup "arduous" and "annoying," but loving it all the same.

"But all in all, he was the proverbial gentleman and scholar, and the world has lost a great talent… R.I.P. Tom. Thanks for the great work," said Dekker.

Having worked with Noonan in the 1994 movie What Happened Was…, Sillas said it "was a turning point for me and my career that still resonates throughout my life and work as an actor."

"Little did I know when we shot it as a film a year later, we would be creating one of 1990’s most iconic Indies in American cinema. What a privilege and crazy fun it was working with this man and calling him my friend to the end… may his Legacy continue to shine on," she added.

Related: James Van Der Beek Revealed He Got Little to No Residuals From ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Years Before His Death

The actor made headway after starring in the original Off-Broadway production of Sam Shepard’s famous play Buried Child in 1978. Noonan soon earned a reputation for being one of the scariest on-screen villains in many of his famous works. His breakout role was as the antagonist Francis Dolarhyde in the crime thriller Manhunter.

He went on to star in well-loved roles like Cain in Robocop 2, The Ripper in Last Action Hero with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kelso the hacker in Heat, the Pallid Man in the 12 Monkeys series, and Mr.Ulman in The House of the Devil. His last big-screen role was in 2017 in Wonderstruck as Older Walter, and later voiced a character in the TV series Animals in 2018.

Noonan was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, and leaves behind his two children, whom he shared with his ex-wife Karen Young.

In the high-stakes theater of NASCAR, the Harley J. Earl Trophy is the ultimate validation, but for Tyler Reddick, his historic 2026 Daytona 500 win was instantly eclipsed by the digital age’s favorite pastime: the frame-by-frame deconstruction of a ten-second clip.

The footage, which has performed a scorched-earth tour of social media since Sunday, shows team co-owner Michael Jordan interacting with Reddick’s six-year-old son, Beau, during the ice-soaked chaos of Victory Lane. By Monday, the narrative had spiraled, forcing Reddick to address the "creep" allegations head-on during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Stephen A. Smith Show.

“From my perspective, I've gotten to know Michael and his family very well over the years I've been here with 23XI, and I don't see what other people see when it comes to this,” Reddick told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “For me, it’s a huge moment; this is the biggest moment of my career. It’s a huge moment for my family and for his family, and I just put that off to the side and think about the look on (Michael Jordan’s wife) Yvette’s face and the whole family and his whole group when they got to victory lane too, and just how happy everybody was celebrating together. So, that’s where I’m at with it.”

Reddick’s attempt to ground the conversation in the reality of the families' multi-generational bond has done little to quiet the internet, which has split into two irreconcilable camps. For the defenders, the context is as clear as the champagne spray.

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“This was such a nothingburger,” argued one Reddit user in a thread currently dominating the NASCAR sub. “Jordan is close with the family, he was removing ice and water from Tyler's son; he had just been doused in a gatorade dunk. Someone who has never, ever been accused of inappropriate behavior with children - not even rumors - did not 'sexually assault' a child on national TV when he's been in the limelight for many years and knows there are a gazillion cameras on him.”

However, the climate of 2026 is one of deep-seated skepticism toward seemingly untouchable elites. A dissenting voice on the same thread countered with a more cynical view: “That video was weird af, and I think he’s a creep. Also ‘he’s never had allegations’ isn’t the defense you think it is, especially when it’s a billionaire with unlimited cash to burn who was once revered by every man in the world.”

Wider angles of the broadcast feed appear to support the ice theory. In the full 30-second sequence, a massive cooler of ice water is dumped over Reddick and Beau just seconds before the interaction. Jordan is seen laughing and pulling the back of Beau's shirt away from his skin—a common reflex to help a child deal with the shock of ice down their back—while simultaneously reaching for a towel held by a crew member out of frame.

Savannah Guthrie's Today show colleagues are showing their support for Nancy Guthrie in a meaningful new way.

As the search for Savannah's missing mother continues into its third week, the Today anchors at NBC incorporated a powerful new detail into the broadcast on Wednesday, Feb. 18, to express their love and support.

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While Hoda Kotb joined Today's Craig Melvin on Wednesday's episode, they were both seen sporting yellow ribbons in solidarity with the Guthrie family, while the show's studio was also filled with bouquets of yellow flowers in Nancy's honor.

Members of the community in Tucson, Ariz., where Nancy was taken from her home on Feb. 1, have been leaving yellow flowers near the home and around the city to show their support for Nancy and the Guthrie family—prompting Savannah's Today show family to follow suit.

View this post on Instagram

"We have yellow roses around Studio 1A and we are all wearing ribbons as we send our love to Savannah and her family," Kotb said on Wednesday, noting that they received the idea as a suggestion from one of their viewers.

Kotb and Melvin were also joined by Carson Daly during the broadcast, who called their new ribbon pins, "a nice symbol" of hope.

"This is our missing mom," Daly stated.

Melvin, who insisted that cases like Nancy's "get solved every day," went on to say, "We remain hopeful."

Savannah has said that she and her family "still have hope" in the wake of Nancy's disappearance, stating in an Instagram video earlier this week, "We still believe."

"To whoever has her or knows where she is, it's never too late," she said in the clip. "It is never too late to do the right thing."

As the search for Nancy continues, investigators are still asking anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Related: 'Good Morning America' Host Lara Spencer Announces Mother's Death

A piece of wisdom from Brian Wilson’s mom became the secret inspiration behind one of the Beach Boys’ most iconic songs.

"Good Vibrations" was the band's third No. 1 single, but its origins came from a statement made by Wilson's mom, Audree Wilson, who told her son about the importance of "vibrations." American Songwriter quoted Keith Badman's book, The Beach Boys, where Wilson discussed the moment his mother explained the concept and how it affected him.

"My mother used to tell me about vibrations,” Wilson said, as reported in Badman's book. "I didn’t really understand too much of what it meant when I was just a boy."

"It scared me, the word ‘vibrations.’ She told me about dogs that would bark at people and then not bark at others, that a dog would pick up vibrations from these people that you can’t see but you can feel," Wilson continued.

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A video was posted to Wilson's YouTube channel in 2014. In a clip, the musician elaborated further about the inspiration behind the song and how writing it came to be.

"When I was around 10, 12 years old, my mom and I were walking to the market one day. And a dog started barking at us," he began.

"'Mom, why is that dog barking at us?' I asked. "She goes, 'Son, because some dogs pick up vibrations from some people and not from other people."

He continued, "When they pick up bad vibrations, they bark. So I said, 'What about good vibrations?' She said, 'Well sometimes, they pick up good vibrations.'"

"So one day I was with Mike Love in my house, and I told him I had a song. I told him I would like to call it 'Good Vibrations,'" he concluded of the song that would first be released as a single and ultimately be included on the band's 12th album, Smiley Smile, released on September 18, 1967.

RELATED: Brian Wilson’s Least Favorite Beach Boys Song Came From the Band’s Most Acclaimed Album

The track would go on to become one of the group’s most celebrated and enduring songs, reaching the top spot in December 1966 and staying on the charts for 14 weeks, per Billboard.

Odd food mashups are one of my favorite things. Some feel like they were meant to be, while others sound downright questionable. For me, food "rules" don’t matter as much as curiosity does. And I'm willing to try pretty much anything once.

I’ve always been a sucker for these kinds of combinations. I’ve tried fries dipped in milkshakes (an instant classic), hot honey on pizza and sour cream and onion potato chips stuffed into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a la Julia Roberts. And then there were the PBJ-topped hard-boiled eggs that were making the social media rounds. Hmmm. Some experiments were instant wins, others were one-and-done, but that’s half the fun of trying them. Mashups invite play, and they reward a little culinary chaos.

And classic dishes are the perfect jumping off point for mashups. Take the grilled cheese, for example. It's iconic, beloved, delicious and primed for customization. The viral French onion grilled cheese was a big hit here at Parade, but I wasn't sure about another creative sandwich spin I ran across recently: crème brûlée grilled cheese.

It's a concept that sounds wild at first, but the longer I thought about it the more I wanted to try it. Why? Grilled cheese is one of my favorite foods, crème brûlée is my favorite dessert and I love a sweet-and-savory combo.

So when I saw a stripped-down, no-frills version, shared by record producer, songwriter, and artist Benny Blanco, it felt less like a stunt and more like an invitation to try something fun. Sometimes the weirdest ideas are just familiar flavors meeting in a new place. Here's what happened when I made this sandwich in my kitchen.

Related: This Oregon-Famous Grilled Cheese Has Been Ordered More Than 78K Times—We Tried It To See What the Hype Was About

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What Is Crème Brûlée Grilled Cheese?

Crème brûlée grilled cheese takes the defining element of the classic French dessert—crunchy caramelized sugar—and applies it to the outside of a grilled cheese sandwich. Instead of plain buttered bread, the exterior gets a buttery sugar coating that toasts into a crackly, golden crust as it cooks.

Courtesy Angel Albring

Some versions online go all out, calling for heavy cream, brioche or challah, fancy cheeses and a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar. While those look decadent and absolutely worth trying someday, they also feel more like a weekend project than a quick lunch.

Blanco's version caught my attention because it leaned into simplicity, using pantry staples and a skillet. I had everything I needed on hand, which immediately lowered the barrier to actually trying it.

@itsbennyblanco

crème brûlée grilled cheese

♬ Little Things - Adrián Berenguer

Related: The Clever Whisk Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

Ingredients Needed

To make this viral sandwich, you'll need bread, cheese slices, sugar, melted butter and cinnamon. Blanco suggests Wonder Bread and Kraft singles, but I had sourdough and sliced cheddar on hand, so I went for a slightly more upscale version. I also added a splash of coconut coffee creamer to mine for an extra boost of flavor and to dial up the crème vibes.

Courtesy Angel Albring

How To Make Crème Brûlée Grilled Cheese

Start by mixing melted butter with sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. If you’re using creamer, add just a splash. The viscosity of the butter and sugar mixture will determine the thickness of your brûlée crust. Mine was on the thinner side, but if you want a more substantial crust, add a bit more sugar to the mixture. Just keep in mind that the more sugar you add the more likely the brûlée layer is to burn so you'll need to lower the heat in the pan and keep a close eye on the sandwich.

Courtesy Angel Albring

Spread the butter and sugar mixture generously over one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice, sugar-side down, into an oiled, preheated nonstick skillet. Top it with slices of cheese, then add the second slice of bread on top, sugar-side up.

Courtesy Angel Albring

From there, cook it like a normal grilled cheese, keeping the heat at medium or medium-low. This part matters because the sugar needs time to caramelize without burning. Let the sandwich cook until it's deeply golden and crisp, then flip and repeat on the other side.

Courtesy Angel Albring

The result is a sandwich with a crackly, caramelized exterior and a gooey, savory center.

Related: I Tried the Boxed Mac and Cheese Hack That’s Going Viral and It’s a Total Game-Changer

Crème Brûlée Grilled Cheese: My Honest Thoughts

Courtesy Angel Albring

Surprisingly, this was really good! The contrast is what makes it work so well. I loved how the crunchy, sweet crust played against the melty, salty cheese. It hits the same pleasure points as dipping fries into a milkshake or adding honey to something cheesy.

This isn’t an everyday grilled cheese replacement, but it’s a fun, fast twist when you want something familiar that still feels exciting. If you love grilled cheese, love dessert or just enjoy trying things that sound a little unhinged but are actually totally delicious, this is it!

Up Next:

Related: You Make Me Melt! The 10 Best Types of Cheese for Grilled Cheese

The impressive wins scooped up by The Revenant at the 2016 Academy Awards were notable for several reasons. First, it marked three years in a row that director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki won Best Cinematography, having claimed the prize the previous two years for Gravity and then Birdman.

Plus, the film's Best Director win in 2016 meant that Alejandro Iñárritu had now won two years in a row, since he took home the same trophy in 2015 for Birdman.

And finally, there's Leonardo DiCaprio, who — at long last — nabbed an Oscar for Best Lead Actor thanks to his astounding work in The Revenant, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary in multiple ways.

Next week, 20th Century Studios and New Regency will mark the milestone with a return to theaters. IMAX is set to screen The Revenant on Thursday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, March 1. The film will also be released internationally in the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. More info on ticket purchasing can be found here.

Alongside the theatrical re-release is the announcement of two limited editions of the exclusive, making-of books full of never-before-seen images and created hand-in-hand with director Iñárritu. Check out a preview image of the upcoming releases below.

(Insight Editions)

The Limited Edition is a premium, collector-level set featuring copies signed by director Iñárritu, 62, DiCaprio, 51, and Lubezki, 61. Housed in a bespoke clamshell box, the clothbound collection includes:

• two debossed, foil-stamped hardcover volumes
• a traditionally bound facsimile of the original shooting script, and a reproduced facsimile of Iñárritu’s rare photography book — originally created as a personal wrap gift for cast and crew
• The Making of The Revenant by Gina McIntyre, offering an in-depth look at the film’s production, creative vision, and behind-the-scenes journey through detailed commentary and striking photography

Then there's the Signed Print Edition (numbers 1–150), which includes an exclusive 16” x 20” giclée print on archival Hot Press Bright paper, signed by DiCaprio — making this an essential acquisition for serious collectors.

Legendary crooner Pat Boone is a lifelong Republican and friend of President Donald Trump. However, the singer isn't afraid to voice his criticism of POTUS.

Boone, 91, was once known as a teen idol and hosted The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom, a variety series, from 1957 to 1960. While often pitted against Elvis Presley, the two eventually became dear friends. While his singing career continued for decades, he became increasingly popular for his conservative politics, and occasionally popped up on TV to share his perspective.

In a new interview, Boone opened up about his friendship with Trump and stated that while he considers the President a friend, he has some strong feelings about the way he does things.

"He's doing great things, but he won't wait for other people to brag on him. He wants to make sure you know, and he wants his name on too many things. And I think he doesn't seem to grasp that that's turning off more people than it is attracting," Boone told the Daily Mail in a revealing new interview.

Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin on Getty Images

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Boone Calls Trump a "Genius"

Boone went on to say that while "It's obvious he's a genius at what he does," he "feels like he's his own worst enemy, though, at the same time."

Boone said he wished Trump would adopt the methodologies of another president: Ronald Reagan.

"I wish he had more of the calm of Ronald Reagan. I mean, still do great things, but let it sneak up on us, so that people say: 'Hey, he did what he said.' He doesn't have to yell it to us and make sure that we know. But he's in his heart and mind, his purpose is to be a great leader and to help the country and to be famous for being great. Well, it's hard to keep on being great if you keep talking about it. At least that's my view."

Boone concluded by sharing that he wished Trump would adopt a sense of humility. When asked for his hopes for Trump's next three years in office, the singer stated that he hopes for a sense of stability and reason.

"I would want him to say: 'Well, I did good and I did what I promised I'd do and I was humble and wise enough to see if I was going too fast or too far and pull back and let the public catch up with what I'm trying to do,'" Boone concluded.

Related: '50s Icon Pat Boone Recalls Major Compliment He Got From Elvis Presley: 'I'll Never Forget'

From Disney Channel star to pop star, Hilary Duffhad more than a few hit songs in the 2000s, especially her "With Love" single. She reveals that throwbacks to her live dance routine for the song, becoming viral memes, wasn't the best experience for her.

The single was released in 2007 as part of her fourth studio album Dignity, and Duff appeared on talk shows like The Tonight Show when she was only 19 to promote the track. Years later, her dance routine for "With Love" became a viral sensation for her lackluster enthusiasm and the dance moves that worked for the era.

Duff admitted in an interview with Glamour that she wasn't that fond of the performance being shared across social media. While fans had fun with the memes and the song gained resurgence, she saw it through a more critical lens.

"That has not been a fun thing to follow me around," she said.

"[I] didn’t want to be there, doing this dance that I probably didn’t want to be doing, and didn’t feel good at the time," she added. "I know people don’t look at it like that, and it’s this funny thing, but that’s how I used to look at it."

Related: Tyra Banks' Shocking Comment on Shandi Sullivan’s Milan Assault in Netflix’s Docuseries

Duff also admits that her thoughts on the memes also stemmed from how people saw her image in the 2000s. She went from starrring at a teen in Lizzie McGuire to embarking on a music career with a more grown-up edge. She says people still labeled her as the "good girl" who wasn't oversexualized and was a "totally normal teenager doing normal teenager things."

Since the viral dance memes, the pop singer has come to terms with its popularity and relishes how much fans have embraced one of her hit tracks. During the flurry of TikTok and Instagram videos of fans recreating the routine, Duff also posted her own video with a fellow fan.

"With Love" gained praise from critics at the time and became her highest-peaking single, entering the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Duff might bring back the viral dance moves as she teased that her upcoming "Lucky Me" world tour will bring back some of the most iconic eras of her career.

We thought we'd tried every viral Trader Joe's soup dumpling trend under the sun, but TikTok pulled us right back in. You may have loved the five-minute soup hack or baking these dumplings in a creamy sauce, but this one is taking off fast. This time, rising TikTok creator Courtney Cook Bales introduced a surprisingly simple but undeniably intriguing new way to eat the freezer-aisle favorite.

The star of the recipe is raw onion. Yep, you read that right. Onion layers are cut into bowl- or cup-shaped pieces and used to cradle the dumplings for a one-bite snack. From there, she adds a mix of condiments, such as Kewpie mayo and soy sauce, to enhance the creamy, salty and savory elements. But are these onion cups genius—or a total flop?

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Why Onion Cups and Soup Dumplings Make Sense @courtneylcook

These were extra fabulous today #onioncups #soupdumplings #chilicrunch #foodtok #snacktime

♬ original sound - Courtney Cook

Courtney Cook Bales has been on a roll lately, with viral hits like her cheese-stuffed sweet potatoes and her take on a Ploughman's lunch, the British classic made with bread, cheese and pickles. This time, she takes a longtime TikTok favorite from Trader Joe's and adds her own quirky twist.

She uses Trader Joe's frozen soup dumplings, available in chicken, pork and ginger, and vegetable varieties. That said, you could easily swap in other brands like Bibigo, MiLa, Laoban, or frozen dumplings from your local Asian grocery store.

The process is simple: cook the dumplings according to the package directions, then cut a thick onion layer into a chunk that resembles a cup—just big enough to hold a dumpling. But here's the key: it's not just any onion. Some users have tried plain white onions and found them harsh, even throat-burning. Cook's tip is to use sweeter options like Vidalia onions, a type of yellow onion grown in low-sulfur soil.

On top, she adds Bachan's Japanese barbecue sauce, Kewpie mayo, a splash of soy sauce, Great Value Thai-style sweet chili sauce (basically sriracha) and chili crunch. That's it. She'll occasionally finish with fried red onion crisps. Each dumpling is eaten in one bite, which feels like the best way to get the best experience.

Related: 12 Celebrity McDonald's Orders You Can Actually Try—From Kim K to Shaq

Why Fans Are Loving the Onion Cup Trend @smallersam_pcos

Trying Courtney’s viral dumpling onion cups + kimchi pickles 🧅🥟🥒 (it’s delicious and it’s low cal) @Courtney Cook #lunch #viral #dumplings #onion #fastfood

♬ original sound - SmallerSam_PCOS

Unsurprisingly, fans are into it. The original TikTok video has racked up nearly a million likes so far. "Never craved an onion until I started watching your videos," one commenter wrote. Others have put their own spin on the idea, like roasting the onion cups first. Another viral TikTok creator, SmallerSam_PCOS, suggested adding kimchi pickles and Hellmann's Light mayo for those eating in a calorie deficit.

Of course, not everyone is sold. "Babe, do we even taste the dumpling anymore?" one commenter asked—and it's a fair point. With all the mayo, chili and sauces, the soup inside the dumpling can take a back seat.

There's also the onion issue. Using the wrong kind has led to some pretty unappetizing results. "Do onion cups only taste good with the onions you use? Because I tried red onion and felt like I ate a battery," one commenter declared. Cook recommends sticking with Vidalia or Peruvian onions to keep things on the sweeter side.

Related: Jack in the Box Is Bringing Back One of Its Most Requested Burgers Ever for Its 75th Anniversary

Other Onion Cup and Soup Dumpling Ideas Worth Trying @purewow

This Trader Joe’s soup dumpling bake is viral for a reason — it’s that good. 🔥 Ingredients: -1/4 cup Soyaki -3/4 bottle Thai-Style Red Curry Sauce -1 cup coconut milk -1 clove garlic, minced -1/2 cup water -3 cups spinach -1 package frozen vegetable gyoza -sliced green onions -chili crunch #viral #traderjoes #dumplingbake #tjs #recipes

♬ Cozy Day (Lofi) - The Machinist Beats

If onion cups and soup dumplings aren't your thing, there's still plenty of inspiration here. Cook's onion cup flight is another must-try. It features a mix of fillings like deviled egg, spicy chili with cheese and sour cream, smoked salmon with cream cheese, cauliflower cheese and kimchi ramen, topped with a soft-boiled egg and furikake. Basically, onion cups can be a vehicle for just about anything.

As for other soup dumpling ideas, there's always the baked approach. For a soup dumpling bake, you'll need chili crunch oil, coconut milk, Soyaki and Thai-style red curry sauce—all easy Trader Joe's finds. Mix the sauces, pour them into a baking dish, add a bed of spinach, nestle the dumplings on top, and bake. Finish with green onions once they're out of the oven.

If nothing else, these trends prove there's still plenty of room to get creative with traditional comfort food—and a willingness to experiment goes a long way.

Related: Why Kudos Bars Disappeared and How to Make Them at Home