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Debbie Gibson has a surprise in store for fans, and she can't resist teasing everyone with what she's been working on. What we know for sure is that she's working under a tight deadline and that it's not her next album.

Gibson shared a video of herself on Instagram. In it, the sound was turned off to keep whatever she's up to a secret. She wore big, white headphones and held a silver microphone as she spun in a circle, showing off the room around her as well as the laptop she was using to record.

In the caption, she wrote, "Sound OFF !!! 🔇 And what are you doing tonite ?!? 😉 Hint : This is not my next full length pop album I’m working on… it’s a special project 🎵 Any guesses ?!? 🕵️‍♀️"

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In the comments section, a fan asked the "Foolish Beat" singer what she was up to and she quickly wrote back, "Yoooou’ll see ! Been working for a while ! And the deadline is coming up sooooon to get it in for a certain reason 😉"

Even more fans weighed in with their guesses, which ranged from some believing she's doing a movie or a soundtrack to possibly even a singing competition series. Though she never confirmed what the actual project is, Gibson did post again, this time saying, "Oooh somebody here in the comments is onto it …!!!"

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Whatever the project is, the Debheads will definitely be excited when Gibson finally shares what she's been working on. Though it seems like she never really stops, the "Electric Youth" singer most recently attended the "I'm Still Standing" fundraiser in Las Vegas. She also worked alongside Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler to help find homes for the beagles rescued from Ridglan Farms.

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Gibson's extensive work in dog rescue and her love of animals has not gone unnoticed. The pop singer was honored this year at the Bubbles Dog Rescue Gala 2026, where she was named the Rescue Star of the Year.

We've all heard someone talk to a dog or cat (maybe even a horse, guinea pig or bunny) in a higher-pitched voice before, whether it was intentional or not. You know: they might yell "Come here, boy" or "Look how cute you are!" in a baby voice or a higher pitch than normal. In many cases, this comes as second nature to both pet owners and animal lovers, but have you ever stopped to question why some people do this? 

Well, similar to how some people celebrate their pets' birthdays or say goodbye to their pets before leaving the house, those who frequently speak to pets in a higher-pitched voice tend to share characteristics, like maybe they're more empathetic, for example. This isn't always the case across the board, of course. However, that's a pretty common trait you'll find in people who engage in this type of behavior. (They're probably similar to the personality traits of people who speak to babies in a higher-pitched voice with wide eyes.)

Ahead, Parade spoke with a psychologist about what it's called when you speak to pets this way, why some people tend to talk to their furry friends in this manner and seven common traits of people who always speak to pets in a higher-pitched voice. Spoiler alert: You might be more playful than others. 

Related: Psychologist Says if You Give ‘People Names’ to Your Pets, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

What’s It Called When Humans Speak To Pets?

There is actually a name for the way many humans speak to pets: it's called pet-directed speech. 

"Pet-directed speech usually includes talking in a higher pitch, at a slower pace and with a more exaggerated intonation," says Dr. Michele Goldman, psychologist and media advisor at Hope for Depression Research Foundation. "It is most used with dogs and cats, although also used by some who interact with horses and birds." 

For example, the exaggerated intonation (rise and fall of pitch) in pet-directed speech (PDS) can be heard in the common phrase, “Who’s a good boooy,” which some humans frequently say to their pets.

"That exaggeration has a common sing-song element to it, which is specific to pets. Also, there is usually a repetition that occurs with pet-directed speech, where a human will make the same statement multiple times," Dr. Goldman tells Parade. "For example, a simplification of 'walkies' or 'treat' can be said three, four, even five times to increase the pet’s excitement and engagement with the human."

One study showed that pet-directed speech helps draw attention from dogs more effectively than adult-directed speech. It's not just something people do, but it's actually been shown to be beneficial. After a greeting that involves eye contact and a high-pitched voice, dogs are more likely to follow the human gaze, similarly to how young children do.

Related: People Who Sleep in the Same Bed as Their Pets Often Display These 10 Traits, Psychologists Say

Don Mason/Getty Images

Why Do People Talk in a High-Pitched Voice to Animals?

According to Dr. Goldman, some people speak in a high-pitched voice to their pets in order to communicate affection, safety, warmth and more, as it is generally considered to be a less intimidating or threatening noise for pets.

"There are also some individuals who use a higher-pitched voice for pets during training," she adds. "It can be used as a part of positive reinforcement, a higher-pitched 'yes' when a pet does something positive, as the higher pitch tone indicates praise." 

It's important to add that culture and societal influence can also be variables in whether or not people use pet-directed speech with their pets.

"In some communities, speaking to animals like babies might be out of the norm, or even seem odd," she states. "All this to say, there’s no one right way to engage with your pet and [there are] many ways to show love to animals." 

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Green, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

7 Traits of People Who Always Speak To Pets in a Higher-Pitched Voice, According to a Psychologist1. They are nurturing 

As you can probably imagine, those who speak to pets in a higher-pitched voice tend to be more nurturing.

"People who use PDS are more so treating the pet as part of the family, and the high-pitched tone of PDS is often very similar to how adults speak to babies, which is tied to bonding and nurturance," says Dr. Goldman. 

2. They are empathetic and warm

According to Dr. Goldman, people who are expressive with their language are more likely to be empathetic and warm.

"They are comfortable showing affection, including to their pets," she explains. "People who use PDS with their pets are attuned to their pet’s wants and needs." 

3. They are more playful

People who use a more sing-song tone with their pet, as seen with pet-directed speech, might be a little more lighthearted and a little softer with their furry friends.

"There can be a playfulness or an element of levity with their pet," says Dr. Goldman. "There can also be ways in which the pet responds to the human’s high-pitched tone that feels like a dialogue and the pet’s own version of playfulness."

4. They may be more social 

According to Dr. Goldman, many people prefer pets to humans because they are not social beings; however, folks who use PDS might be more outgoing, more likely to talk to other pet owners and more comfortable talking about their pet to others

5. They are more comfortable and confident 

People who use these types of higher-pitched voices with their pets are thought to feel more relaxed and at ease, not stressed.

"These people do not worry about how they are being perceived by others, because the relationship that matters is between them and their pet," Dr. Goldman tells Parade. "There is comfort in that relationship, and it extends to a level of confidence of not caring how they appear to others."

6. They are more expressive

Even if it might seem silly to talk in a high-pitched voice to a pet in front of others, many pet owners do not care because they are comfortable expressing loving emotions and warmth towards their pet.

"They can show affection openly, communicate emotions in an animated way, and are comfortable with being expressive," says Dr. Goldman.

7. They are more affectionate 

In the same vein as being more comfortable or empathetic, people who speak to their pets in a higher-pitched voice tend to be more affectionate.

"This level of dialogue with a pet increases people’s affection towards their pets," says Dr. Goldman. "Some people speak to their pets in full sentences, ask them questions, etc., and it highlights the bond between pet and human."

Up Next:

Related: 7 Traits of People Who Talk to Their Pets Like Humans, According to Psychologists

Sources:

• Dr. Michele Goldman is a psychologist and media advisor at Hope for Depression Research Foundation.
• Jeannin, S., Gilbert, C., Amy, M. et al. Pet-directed speech draws adult dogs’ attention more efficiently than Adult-directed speech. Sci Rep 7, 4980 (2017).

Actors already have a tough task remembering and delivering their lines. Adding choreography and singing is an even harder task.

There are a select few actors who made the hardest dance routines look easy and fun. But there is one musical that was ranked number one for having the most difficult dance routine.

'Make 'Em Laugh' in 'Singin' in the Rain' Is Ranked No. 1

MsMojo released a list of top 20 difficult dances for a role. Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing placed number 10 since she wasn't a dancer unlike Patrick Swayze going into the role. She was hesitant about the iconic lift, but pulled it off, leading to one of the most iconic movie moments.

The list wouldn't be right without including Dick Van Dyke, who placed third for his routines in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He said the timing was hard to nail because of the props in the latter's Me Ol' Bam-Boo scene. That's impressive since Dyke wasn't considered a dancer at the time.

Related: Robert Shaw’s Strange Reaction to the ‘Jaws’ Boat Sinking

But number one went to Donald O'Connor for Singin' in the Rain. The actors had to dance so fast and hard that they sustained injuries. "Make 'Em Laugh" is full of violent stunts that is hard on a body, but fitting for a cartoon. This is why it's considered the hardest dance to learn for a movie.

O'Connor told Roger Ebert that Gene Kelly used a stunt man named Russ Saunders for the car scene. However, O'Connor couldn't do the same for "Make 'Em Laugh."

"'Make 'Em Laugh' is really a throwaway," he said. "I’ll tell you, it was wonderful. Cole Porter was walking into a soundstage with Roger Eden, and Roger came to me and said, 'I’ve got a great number for you.' They were going to do a picture together, and he said, 'Come on, I'll play it for you.' So he played 'Make ‘Em Laugh,' and right away, it writes itself."

That "throwaway" number is one of the most difficult to learn from O'Connor walking up a wall to walking into one.

Related: 1955 Comedy Ranked No. 1 for Most Iconic Movie Dress

It looks like the Trump family may have already started sharing pics fromDonald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s wedding. On Monday evening, Ivanka Trump and her sister-in-law, Lara Trump, both posted photos of their tropical weekend getaway. 

Bettina Anderson’s Photos

Along with the sisterly snapshots, Anderson added her own image—a piece of white satin fabric with the name “Mrs. Trump” embroidered at the center. She also shared what appears to be a napkin-sized piece of white cloth with a quote from Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”: “My heart is, and always will be yours.” 

Ivanka posted a similar photo, but with a quote from Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables”: “To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.” 

Ivanka Trump’s Photos

President Donald Trump's eldest daughter shared a series of pictures on her Instagram Stories on Monday evening, starting with a glam girls’ shot of herself and her niece, Kai Trump. Ivanka also featured several looks from the weekend, including a strapless yellow floral mini dress, a long red strapless gown paired with metallic strappy sandals (with husband JaredKushner, in a casual navy button-down and white pants), a polka-dot-patterned tank-style mini, and a silky beach-inspired mini. 

But Ivanka didn't spend the whole weekend in fashionable fits. She also added a photo of herself and her niece, Kai, paddling in the sapphire-blue ocean (looking sporty in bikinis), with the caption, “the best paddle board partner!”

Lara Trump’s Photos

Of course, Ivanka wasn’t the only Trump to share pics of the family event. On Memorial Day evening, Lara Trump posted photos of herself in a striking orange gown (standing with husband Eric Trump, in a light button-down and casual pants), a group shot with Ivanka and Tiffany Trump, a beach selfie with Tiffany, and a second group pic (this time also with Kai). 

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While most of Lara’s photos are of family members, eagle-eyed Instagrammers caught a view of what looks like a wedding reception-style buffet in the background of one photo. This, coupled with the recent nuptial news, may have led to comments such as, “At Don Jr.'s wedding?” and, “I can’t wait to see more pictures. Y’all look like you had a blast!” 

Eric Trump’s Photos

Even though Eric is in some of his wife’s pictures, the only photo he added is an aerial view of an island surrounded by dazzling blue water. Hmm…could it be the Bahamas? As of now, fans are still waiting for Don Jr. and Bettina to share more from their reported Memorial Day weekend ceremony!

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Maintaining an organized living space can really help streamline your routine. A tidy atmosphere makes all the difference anywhere in the home. If it's tough to find a good spot for the miscellaneous items that clutter your kitchen, bathroom, craft room, or virtually any other space, a handy all-in-one utility cart can make all the difference. 

It's best to find one that not only corrals everything, but that also keeps it safe if you decide to move the cart somewhere else. The Flycity Rolling Organizer Cart is built with protective guardrails that keep everything right where you want it. Featuring three tiers, it's the perfect mobile tool for quick and easy decluttering. Reduced from $70 to only $32 at Walmart, it's an outstanding value that comes just in time for spring cleaning.

Flycity Rolling Organizer Cart, $32 (was $70) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Unlike ordinary utilitarian-style carts, this one offers a more decorative design with a delicate floral-cut pattern on each tier. In crisp black, it fits nicely into most interior spaces while instantly enhancing your space with storage and functionality. The topmost basket is 15.8 inches wide, the middle tier comes in at 16.1 inches, and the lower level is 16.3 inches. Each is 2.8 inches deep, making the cart suitable for holding bottles, jars, and other substantial items with ease.

That versatility is a big part of its appeal. This durable metal cart is especially useful in compact kitchens that could benefit from some more storage. At 13.4 inches wide, it can easily roll right into any nook while keeping items contained and out of the way. It offers you an easy way to free up valuable counter and cabinet space while maintaining a little more order.

Related: Clarks’ Cloud-Like Sandals Are Perfect for Warm Weather and Just $33 at Walmart

With a 100-pound weight capacity, the cart can be useful even outside of more conventional spaces. It's great for keeping jewelry and accessories in one place, holding gym and workout equipment, or organizing your arts and crafts supplies. If you have kids or pets, it can serve as the perfect hub for their everyday essentials, from baby products to pet toys. The cart is resistant to corrosion, so you could even park it in a laundry room or basement where temperatures might fluctuate.

Many shoppers praised the design, with one reviewer noting describing it as "so spacious and sturdy." Others marveled at its capacity. "It's perfect — easy to assemble, the quality is great, and it can hold a lot of things." Several people also commented on the quick and easy assembly process.

Shop More Deals

• Phancir Metal Paper Towel Holder, $19 at Walmart
• Black+Decker QuickClean DustBuster Cordless Vacuum, $27 (was $33) at Walmart
• Workpro Mini Tool Box, $30 (was $59) at Walmart

Whether you have a specific purpose in mind or just want to increase storage in your home, the Flycity Rolling Organizer Cart makes an ideal solution. It's cleanly designed, stylish, and sized just right for virtually any space. At this price, you could even pick up a couple without breaking the bank!

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Not every rock band is lucky enough to have their debut single be a massive success. Even some of the most iconic groups in history spent years paying their dues before scoring a hit tune...but in the case of Bad Company, the band's first single ever released wasn't just popular, it ended up becoming their biggest hit of all time.

Then again, Bad Company's instant success might have had something to do with the fact that the band was a supergroup, made up of former Free members Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke, Mott the Hoople's Mick Ralphs and King Crimson's Boz Burrell.

Clearly, these guys already knew how to rock when they released their self-titled debut album in 1974 — and the record's first single, "Can't Get Enough," was proof.

Written by Ralphs, "Can't Get Enough" shot to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it came out, and in the years since, it's only grown in popularity (as anyone who's ever listened to classic rock radio knows).

Malcolm Dome of Classic Rock called "Can't Get Enough" one of "the most recognized songs not just of Bad Company’s career, but of the era it came from."

"As soon as the opening guitar chord is struck you know exactly what’s in store," Dome wrote. "No wonder it was the band’s biggest hit single, because it combines a shuffling riff with a classy melody, all done with a big production that still sounds intimate."

Mick Ralphs

Photo by Fin Costello on Getty Images

As the late Ralphs explained in an interview with Vintage Guitar magazine, that trademark riff originally sounded a bit different.

"When we did 'Can’t Get Enough' and 'Movin’ On,' Paul liked the songs, but he wanted me to change the key," Ralphs said. "So we ended up doing them in the key of C. I used a Strat or a Tele and I had to put really light strings on it and tune it up to the key of C – C, C, G, C, E, C."

"That’s quite high, but it gives a very unique sound," he continued. "It never really sounds right in standard tuning. It needs the open C to have that ring, but it makes the tension on the strings feel really tight. I play the solo in the end in the open tuning, but Paul’s guitar is tuned in standard tuning. It’s really hard for me to bend when I get to the end of that solo, but I’ve gotten used to it. I just have to remember not to hit the guitar too hard or I might break the strings if I’m not careful."

Together, Rodgers and Ralphs made musical magic happen. "Can't Get Enough" might have been Bad Company's biggest hit, but it certainly wasn't their last.

Related: Bad Company Frontman Paul Rodgers, 75, Gives Unexpected Performance of Iconic Hit and Fans Can't Get Enough

Fifty-four years ago, '70s rock band Big Star created "In the Street," a song that would go from a commercial flop to a cultural phenomenon after being featured in a hit 2000s sitcom.

Released in August 1972 as the third track on the band's debut album, #1 Record, "In the Street" was initially a major commercial miss. The song failed to chart, as it was not an A-side single, and the album itself suffered greatly from a lack of marketing and a severe lack of radio play. The track's poor distribution resulted in only about 10,000 sales globally, despite earning raving critic reviews.

It was not until 26 years later that the song finally gained mainstream traction when it was commissioned as the theme song for one of the era's biggest television shows: That '70s Show. The song was originally covered by Todd Griffin for the first season, but it would reach its full cultural potential during the second season when it was rerecorded by the rock band Cheap Trick.

Chris Bell, Jody Stephens, Andy Hummel and Alex Chilton of the influential alternative rock band Big Star pose for a portrait circa 1972.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Image

Cheap Trick's version of the track was ultimately the final push that launched the song into the mainstream success. Although it was not the original version that had the initial big break, the alternative rendition showcased the song in a new light, appealing to a larger audience and exposing a new generation of listeners to Big Star. The opportunity managed to transform the band from an underground group into a foundational pillar of alternative rock.

Big Star's newfound popularity eventually led to widespread critical recognition, and in 2025, #1 Record was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame—a major feat for an album that could barely hold its own at the time of its release. Since then, the band has been commonly cited as a massive influence in the alternative rock space, with many foundational bands like R.E.M., The Replacements and Teenage Fanclub coming forward about Big Star's profound impact on their own music.

Today, "In the Street" remains one of Big Star's most enduring songs. Its cultural influence is undeniable, shaping the alternative rock genre with its lyrical themes and unique power-pop soundscapes. On Spotify, the original track holds a stream count of 6.7 million, while the iconic Cheap Trick cover version has racked up over 77.9 million plays.

Related: 1973 Power Ballad Became a Soft Rock Classic and Breakthrough Radio Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1

Steak 'n Shake is giving away free burgers on Thursday, May 28!

On Sunday, May 24, the restaurant chain announced they would be celebrating National Hamburger Day by offering free Double Steakburgers for one day only.

According to Steak 'n Shake's website, the burger comes with two thin, crispy-edged beef patties seared on a flat top with cheese and your choice of toppings. Pricing for the item a la carte ranges from $5.79 to $7.20, depending on the variation you order.

How to get a free Double Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake

On May 28, customers just have to wear or show any American flag item—like a hat, shirt, or pin—to score a free Double Steakburger.

The promotion is valid in-store only and is limited to one per person.

Steakburgers on the menu include the Original Double 'N Cheese, Double Steakburger Double Cheese, Bacon 'n Cheese Double Steakburger, Butter Double Steakburger, Garlic Double Steakburger, and the limited-edition Bitcoin Steakburger featuring a Bitcoin logo stamped directly onto the top bun.

RELATED: Domino’s Is Giving Away $1 Million in Free Pizzas—Here’s How to Claim Yours

More National Hamburger Day deals ahead

Multiple other burger joints are offering deals on or around May 28 to celebrate the holiday—check out the list below!

• Shake Shack: Use code FREEBURGER in the app, online, or at an in-store kiosk to score a free ShackBurger with a $10+ purchase through Sunday, May 31.
• Burger King: Get a free hamburger with any $3+ purchase through the app or website at participating locations.
• Sonic: Rewards members can get a free burger with a $5+ purchase through May 31.
• Jack in the Box: Rewards members can get a free Jr. Jumbo Jack with any $1+ order in the app on May 28.
• Dairy Queen: Rewards members can get $1 off any Signature Stackburger from Monday, May 25 to May 31.
• Checkers & Rally’s: Customers can get buy one, get one free classic burgers on Wednesday, May 27 and May 28.

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If you're in the process of refreshing your summer dress wardrobe, there are a ton of cute, inclusive options that are seriously flattering. From sophisticated linen dresses to flirty fit-and-flare styles, there's a little something for everyone and every occasion. For me, I love a dress that can easily go from day to night. The kind where you can just swap out the shoes and accessories, and all of a sudden you have an entirely new look for dinner.

Anthropologie is one of those stores where I almost find myself confronted with too many options, but that's a good problem to have. And while the retailer isn't always none for having the most affordable inventory in the world, I've recently stumbled upon dresses for as little as $55, so it's always worth a peek (especially the sale section). Right now, I'm covering a little black-and-white polka-dotted number at Anthro, and judging by the reviews, I'm not alone.

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Steve Madden Dasia Mini Dress, $99 at Anthropologie

Anthropologie

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The Steve Madden Dasia Mini Dress is the sweet spot between preppy and comfortable, which isn't always easy to find. The cotton-heavy fabric gives it a breathable, easy-to-wear feel you want when it's warm out, while the tiny bit of spandex adds just enough stretch so it doesn't feel stiff or restrictive after an hour. It's also lined, which is always appreciated, so that you don't have to worry about it turning see-through in sunlight.

There's a side zip that keeps the fit clean and flattering without bulky seams, plus a belted detail that adds a little extra flair. The adjustable spaghetti straps also make it so much easier to make the dress look custom for your body.

Related: Old Navy Is Selling a Breezy, Lightweight Tank Top in the Cutest Boho Style

But here's the practical part I love—it's machine washable. Because as pretty as a dress may be, if the care instructions feel stressful, it somehow ends up living in the back of the closet forever (or waiting to be taken to the dry cleaner).

If you take a look at the reviews section, Anthropologie shoppers are super pleased with this pic.

"Cutest dress ever," says a customer. "Who doesn't love navy and polka dots? I plan to wear with cute flats and a navy cardigan."

It's currently available in sizes small through extra large, so pick up your size before it sells out. (Unfortunately, the extra small is already out of stock.)

Related: Kohl's Shoppers Say These Cute 'Comfortable and Supportive' Clark's Sandals Are Great for Wide Feet

People are putting far more effort into their homes lately, but not in the way they used to. Instead of large renovations or expensive furniture upgrades, the focus has shifted to smaller details that create a high-end feel without breaking the budget. Tablescapes, layered decor and elevated hosting styles have taken over social media feeds. Even simple weeknight dinners are now getting a luxury-inspired touch.

Beautifully layered dining tables, textured decor pieces and metallic accents are being used to make spaces feel polished without feeling overdone. More people are hosting at home and turning simple meals into experiences. Decorative table accessories have become one of the easiest ways to make a dining setup feel more expensive and visually complete.

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Gold Hammered Charger Plate, $1.99 At Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby

That's exactly why the Gold Hammered Charger Plate from Hobby Lobby is getting so much attention right now. At just $1.99, it delivers that bold luxury-inspired look people usually expect from high-end event decor. The hammered metallic finish catches light in a way that instantly warms up a table and adds depth, so even a simple setup starts to feel more layered and intentional.

Gold accents continue to dominate interior styling because they bring in that sense of richness without requiring a full redesign. You can keep everything neutral and minimal, but the moment a metallic base is added underneath the dinnerware, the entire table shifts. The hammered texture also makes this piece feel more elevated, giving it a more handcrafted appearance.

Charger plates are trending again because they completely change the way a table presents itself. They act as the foundation of each place setting and create that stacked designer look that people keep saving online. Once a dinner plate is placed on top, everything suddenly feels more complete, more styled and more intentional, like something you would see at a high-end restaurant or a well-curated dinner event.

Related: Shoppers Are Grabbing Target's Adorable $5 Scalloped Basket Before It Sells Out Again

The darker detailing woven into the gold finish helps balance everything so it does not feel too loud or overly flashy. Instead, it brings a more modern grounded feel that allows the charger plate to work across different aesthetics. It fits just as easily into glam-inspired dining setups as it does into rustic farmhouse tables, moody modern interiors or seasonal holiday hosting.

Another big factor driving the rise of decorative tableware is affordability. People want that luxury-inspired home aesthetic, but they also want it to stay realistic and within reach. Spending under $2 on something that can instantly elevate holiday dinners, birthday parties, bridal showers, or even everyday meals feels like an easy win for anyone trying to refresh their space without overspending.

While the charger plate is not meant for direct food use and requires hand washing, it still delivers exactly what people are looking for right now. It brings that affordable luxury look with a strong visual payoff. It is a reminder that small decorative choices can completely change the atmosphere of a space without needing a full redesign.

For less than the price of a fast-food meal, this gold-hammered charger plate taps into the growing obsession with elevated entertaining and designer-inspired home styling without the designer price tag.

Related: This Best-Selling Outdoor Chair at IKEA Is Back—and It Might Be the Most Comfortable Seat on Your Patio

The Force is strong on this day for more reasons than one.

Monday, May 25 marks exactly 49 years since the very first Star Wars film hit theaters, ultimately launching a massive franchise that's still going strong.

Just look at the Memorial Day weekend box office, for example. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is currently dominating in theaters, opening to $102 million domestically (still a healthy number, though on the lower end for the franchise).

But it was Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) that takes the cake in terms of influence. Sure, some fans might prefer the sequel, but there are plenty of die-hards and critics that say George Lucas' original film — released on May 25, 1977 — is the best in the franchise.

Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, A New Hope currently sits at No. 21 on Rotten Tomatoes’ list of 300 Best Movies of All Time. Here's the website's offered synopsis of the iconic space opera:

"The Imperial Forces — under orders from cruel Darth Vader (David Prowse) — hold Princess Leia (Fisher) hostage, in their efforts to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker (Hamill) and Han Solo (Ford), captain of the Millennium Falcon, work together with the companionable droid duo R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) to rescue the beautiful princess, help the Rebel Alliance, and restore freedom and justice to the Galaxy."

And while we're on the topic, can you imagine anyone other than Ford, 83, portraying Solo? What if it were, say, Michael Corleone piloting the Millennium Falcon? In all seriousness, Al Pacino was once offered the role — but it turns out this was an offer he could, in fact, refuse. While opening up to Deadline about the decision, he said in part that he "can’t play something if I don’t speak the language." Find out more here.

Detectives who are investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will request files on Andrew's late accuser Virginia Guiffre from the Metropolitan Police.

They will also speak to Andrew's former royal protection officers who stayed with Andrew at properties owned by the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Thames Valley police branch is currently investigating Andrew on suspicion of misconduct while in public office. He is alleged to have passed on confidential information to Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.

Virginia Guiffre, who died in 2025, claimed she was forced into several sexual encounters with Andrew at the age of 17 after being sex trafficked by Epstein.

Related: Is Prince William Invited to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding This Summer?

In 2021 she sued Andrew for sexual assault and the case was settled out of court, with Andrew paying a £12m ($15) settlement to Guiffre.

Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday after emails in the Epstein files appeared to show him sending reports to Epstein about his visits to various countries while he was trade envoy and details of investment opportunities.

It was the first time a senior member of the British royal family had been arrested since King Charles I was taken into custody in 1647.

The role of a trade envoy is to promote British business and trade interests abroad.

In November 2025 King Charles officially stripped his brother of both the titles prince and Duke of York.

The Letters Patent read, ""The King has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 3 November 2025 to declare that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor shall no longer be entitled to hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of 'Royal Highness' and the titular dignity of 'Prince'."

Andrew was also evicted from his home of Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, a 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park that Andrew had shared with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

Royal Lodge began as a small brick house built in 1662 and was rebuilt in the 1800s. Andrew's mother Queen Elizabeth II spent a lot of time there as a small girl, visiting Windsor frequently with her father King George VI, her mother Queen Elizabeth, and her sister Princess Margaret.

Related: King Felipe and Queen Letizia Celebrate 22 Years of Marriage—and Her Wedding Dress Still Stuns

Her mother passed away at Royal Lodge in 2002 at the age of 101.

Andrew signed a 75-year lease at Royal Lodge and moved in there with his daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice in 2004. Sarah Ferguson moved in as well a few years later.

When it was time for Andrew to take his leave of Royal Lodge he seems to have stolen away in the night.

“Leaving was so humiliating for him that he chose to do it under the cover of darkness,” a source told The Times. “He didn’t want to have a big emotional goodbye, even though Royal Lodge is a place where he had so many family memories.”

Andrew subsequently relocated to Wood Farm on King Charles' Sandringham estate, which was home to Andrew's father Prince Philip for several years until his death in 2021.

He then moved to nearby Marsh Farm.

King Charles is visiting Sandringham this week and stayed at Wood Farm but has no plans to see his brother over the May bank holiday weekend.

Next,Princess Diana’s Most Famous Cannes Dress Just Made a Stunning Return to the Red Carpet

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You could be drinking a plain, old iced tea, but if it's in a pretty glass, it feels more special, right? It doesn't even have to be anything particularly ornate—the shape itself can be simple, but a menagerie of colors will do all of the heavy lifting. Particularly during the spring and summer, when everything feels a little brighter, a little airier, it's nice to have glasses that match the vibe.

IKEA never shies away from adding a little color to, well, anything and everything. From dinnerware to furniture, the furnishings retailer knows how to liven things up with unexpected hues. And their new drinkware collection? Oh, it leans into this idea in the best way.

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PAPPERSBJÖRK Glass, 4-Pack, $14.99 at IKEA

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These PAPPERSBJÖRK glasses from IKEA are such an easy way to make everyday drinks feel a little more fun. The set comes with four colorful glasses that instantly spruce up a table setting, and the different shades coordinate really nicely together. They've got a casual, cheerful vibe that works just as well for iced coffee in the morning as it does for sparkling water, cocktails or juice when friends come over.

At 10 ounces, they're a really practical everyday size too—not giant, not tiny. Plus, they're dishwasher-safe, which is always a win because nobody wants high-maintenance drinkware cluttering up the sink.

Related: Dollar General's $3 Kitchen Must-Have Will Keep Your Countertops Clean and Look Cheeky Doing It

IKEA shoppers are loving the look of this set, but at least one customer warns it's better to head in-store to buy them as opposed to having them delivered for an important reason.

"The glasses are cute, and only one out of 12 arrived broken in shipping," they wrote in their review. "But they are more fragile than I would have expected (from what I'm used to being Ikea's quality). That's on me for ordering online though—I usually go into the store. Cute, but fragile."

While you're at IKEA shopping for the PAPPERSBJÖRK Glass Set, browse the showroom and marketplace to check out some other really great finds available now. There's a really clever new KALLAX insert that will make the storage unit even more versatile than before. If you're looking to add even more color to your space, a playful pink glass cabinet is just the thing to add a blush hue to any room. Last, but certainly not least, a sculptural accent chair adds a hint of sophistication to your living room.

Related: Celebrating National Wine Day? Try This Under $20 Bottle That Will Transport You to Portugal

Is Taylor Swift at the 2026 American Music Awards? Fans of the pop superstar are clamoring to see her and her NFL beau, Travis Kelce, at the red carpet event.

On Monday, May 25, the AMAs were set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET. Celebrities were dressed to the nines as they started arriving at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., well before then. So, was Swift among them?

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Is Taylor Swift at the 2026 American Music Awards? Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Wembley Stadium on Aug. 15, 2024, in London, England. (Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management )

As of writing, Swift has not made an appearance at the 2026 AMAs, on the red carpet, or elsewhere.

Multiple outlets—including E! News and People— reported that the "Shake It Off" singer would skip the star-studded event, hosted by Queen Latifah. But it looks like Swifties will have to wait and see what happens, as Swift has not publicly stated her plans for May 25.

Was Swift Nominated for Any Awards at the 2026 AMAs?

The "Life of a Showgirl" songstress, 36, is nominated for a staggering eight awards at the 2026 AMAs, including Artist of the Year, as well as Album of the Year and Best Pop Album for The Life of a Showgirl. Swift also scored nominations for Song of the Year, Best Pop Song, and Music Video of the Year for "Fate of Ophelia," Song of the Summer for “Elizabeth Taylor," and Best Female Pop Artist.

Swift Last Attended the AMAs in 2022

Related: Taylor Swift Countdown: Fans in a Frenzy Over Since-Deleted Timer & Possible Toy Story Connection

The last time Swift attended the AMAs was in 2022. That year, she snagged six awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year honor. Additionally, she won in the following categories: Favorite Pop Album, Favorite Country Album, Favorite Music Video, Favorite Female Pop Artist, and Favorite Female Country Artist.

Catch the 2026 American Music Awards at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming the next day on Paramount+.

Next: Taylor Swift’s High School Teachers Share Honest Opinions of Her as a Teenager

There's one 1980s song that hits the ground running every single time, and that's the 1984 power pop hit “Holding Out for a Hero" by Welsh artist Bonnie Tyler. Right out the gate, the song delivers immediate excitement and drives your adrenaline through the roof, and many Gen X fans of the '80s movie Footloose and millennial and zillennial fans of 2004's Shrek 2 have an added nostalgic foothold in the iconic song, too.

There's no escaping the explosive energy of “Holding Out for a Hero” once it starts. The pounding production drops immediately and then builds until the chorus escalates into the soaring, "Do-do, do-do." Once Tyler’s bold and raspy vocals strike with lyrics that plead, "Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods?" off we're swept into the high-energy power ballad.

The “Holding Out for a Hero” track works because it feels desperate and triumphant at the same time. The chorus delivers such a monumental payoff, "I need a hero! I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night!" Tyler's vocals combined with the pulse-pounding music push the lyrics through the ceiling. In a song that seems to beckon for rescue, it lands emotionally more like an anthem for empowerment and strength.

"Holding Out for a Hero" was released in January 1984, as part of the original soundtrack for Footloose, just a month ahead of the film's release. That's why for many '80s fans the song will forever converge with the movie's highly charged "tractor chicken" scene that was so perfectly matched with the song. In the scene, Ren (Kevin Bacon) and Chuck (Jim Youngs) face off in a dangerous game, driving two tractors head-on toward each other to see who "chickens out" and swerves first. Of course, a shoelace stuck on one of the tractor pedals intensifies everything.

“Holding Out for a Hero” kept up its heart-pumping momentum beyond the '80s, too. Many younger audiences rediscovered the song in Shrek 2 (2004) when Fairy Godmother hit the stage with a thunderous cover of “Holding Out for a Hero” (sung by Jennifer Saunders). During the movie's nerve-racking climax, Shrek and Donkey race on a giant gingerbread man to save Fiona at the royal ball.

The tireless ballad also appeared more recently in the Marvel movie Loki (2021) and in a sequence on HBO's Euphoria (2022). In fact, the song is so well-repurposed, it actually warranted an entire Collider piece titled, "Best Holding out for a Hero Uses, Ranked."

Related: 1982 Cover Song Became One of Rock’s Dreamiest Love Anthems

Four decades later, it's not uncommon for the catchy song to pop up in sports arenas, karaoke bars, memes, and intense workout playlists. On TikTok, a search on the tag #holdingoutforahero delivers more than 11K posts.

“Holding Out for a Hero” not only earned its nostalgia label across generations, but it's proven it can be reinvented time and time again. Fans of all ages continue to tune in for its message of empowerment and intense emotional release. To date, the power pop song has over 95 million streams on Spotify.

Today's fans have voted “Holding Out for a Hero” to No. 112 of 199 on Ranker's "The Best Rock Songs Of The '80s," so it doesn't appear to be going anywhere soon. Bonnie Tyler wasn't kidding when she decided to "go big or go home" with this larger-than-life power anthem. The pulse-pounding rhythm, the huge operatic payoff, and Tyler's electrifying vocals continue to make the song one of the most adrenaline-fueled songs of the ’80s.

Watch the official music video for "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler:

Now watch the adrenaline-fueled "Tractor Chicken Scene" from Footloose:

Check out the memorable Shrek 2 scene that reignited Tyler's "Holding Out for a Hero":

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Despite its release 30 years ago, beloved ska band Sublime's 1996 album, also named Sublime, is back on the charts. During the week of May 23, 2026, Sublime was sitting at the 27th spot on Billboard's Top Rock & Alternative Albums. 11 months after its release, the record climbed up to the number 13 spot on the Billboard 200 in July 1997.

The album was recorded by the band's founding members, Bud Gaugh, Eric Wilson, and Bradley Nowell, who died on May 25, 1996, at the age of 28. In a 2021 Rolling Stone interview, in celebration of the album's 25th anniversary, Gaugh, the band's drummer, shared insight into how the record came to be.

According to Gaugh, he, Wilson, and Nowell weren't all that prepared when they traveled to Austin, Texas, to record the band's third album.

"Flying out here to Austin to do this recording, I'm on the plane with Eric. And before, what we would do is we would have everything all rehearsed, ready to go, and into the studio, we would start recording. Bam, bam, bam. In and out," recalled the drummer, now 58. "And flying here out to Texas, we got maybe two or three songs worked out. 'What the hell are we going to do?' You know? Eric was like, 'I don't know. We'll just figure it out when we get there.' And that's basically what we did. We got set up. And we went down to the studio. And we started banging out tracks."

Gaugh also shared that he and his bandmates knew they had made something special after completing the record.

"That album was on fire. There was so many good tracks. You could tell just from the rough cuts. Couldn't wait to blast it in our cars. That was the sound we were trying to achieve from the very beginning," said Gaugh in the 2021 interview with Rolling Stone.

Sublime also featured hits like "What I Got," "The Wrong Way," "Santeria," and "Doin' Time."

Country Joe McDonaldof the psychedelic rock band Country Joe and the Fish developed a popular track that would be a concert hit. His track became one of the most recognized protest songs against the Vietnam War, with a chant that led to a TV ban.

"I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag" became known for its lyrics using dark humor and ragtime rhythm. It gained traction when it was released as part of the band's second album in 1967, but was first composed two years earlier. What caught attention amongst fans was its message of America's involvement in the Vietnam War. McDonald himself enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 and served for three years, stationed in Japan.

The track was developed after McDonald founded and edited a local counterculture magazine called Rag Baby that had a left-wing agenda. He wanted to develop a "talking issue" of the magazine and worked on an early recording of "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag" in 30 minutes. Its purpose was to reflect the growing escalation of soldier involvement in Vietnam, which was heavily opposed by younger adults.

According to SongFacts, the track was an attempt to blame the war on politicians and US military leaders who profit from it, and not those who enlisted and soldiers fighting the war. Its lyrics also address the horrific reality of war by using "GI Humor," a dark, sarcastic form of humor used to help a soldier from going insane.

"I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag" never landed on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, but became a staple for the band's live performances.

The track led to an altered cheer that banned them from TV

The now-known protest track became a hit among audiences during the band's live performances. Not only because of its subject matter, but because the band would start the song with a "Fish Cheer." They would have audiences spell out "fish" like a football cheer. In the summer of 1968, the cheer was altered during the Shaefer Summer Music Festival in New York to say "F*ck," per the suggestion of drummer Gary "Chicken" Hirsh.

The altered version was popular among the fans and led to the album getting more radio exposure. It was sadly not well-received by the higher-up executives ofThe Ed Sullivan Show. According to reports, the executives were at the concert and weren't happy with the use of profanity and barred the band from their scheduled TV appearance and any future appearance on the show.

Years later, McDonald would perform the song with the profanity chant at Woodstock in 1969. He would tell Entertainment Weekly that  "My most famous song really couldn't get airplay. It got me banned from municipal auditoriums for a long time after. So I paid a price. But I'm proud to say that I've carried with me the reality of the Vietnam War. I'm the elephant in the room." He would add before his death that the chant "ruined" his career.

Related: 1970 Folk Rock Classic, Misinterpreted as an Anti-War Anthem, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’

April showers bring May … roses. With thorns. At least, that’s how it is in our fantasy, during which Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” plays on a loop. 

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The track — written by frontman Bret Michaels about his own heartbreak — is one of the greatest power ballads of all time, according to Ultimate Classic Rock, but not only because of its delicate acoustic guitar and aching vocals. Because it’s also one of the only tracks ever to top the pop, rock, and country charts at the same time.

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“It’s a tale as old as time: Boy falls in love with an exotic dancer, boy goes on tour with his rock band then calls her from the road, boy hears another man’s voice in the background and realizes she is cheating on him,” UCR wrote. “That was the scenario for Poison singer Bret Michaels, who turned his heartache into the hugely successful power ballad ‘Every Rose Has It’s Thorn.’” 

Recalling turning his devastation into the ultimate power ballad to Rolling Stone in 2010, per Songfacts, Michaels said, “I remember using a pay phone to call this girl I was dating. We were on the road, touring in our Winnebago, and my relationship was falling apart. I still have the yellow legal pad I wrote it on. There are, like, a bazillion verses that I later edited down.”

Good thing he stuck with the version we hear today. Released in October 1988 as the third single off their Open Up and Say... Ahh! album, the track achieved the rare feat of topping multiple charts at the same time. In addition to topping the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and becoming the glam band’s only No. 1 hit, the crossover track charted on Mainstream Rock Tracks and Hot Country Songs, peaking at No. 11 on both.

“Like, real pop radio at the time, which at those times was Madonna, George Michael, Prince. That’s who you were going up against. And all of a sudden, it was a No. 1 song at pop radio, and at rock radio, and it crossed over into top 40 country,” Michaels told Billboard in 2018. “And so you definitely felt — it wasn’t a shift, let’s call it an addition to the fan base. There was a massive addition of people who became interested in Poison, interested in going to see the concert.”

Today, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" remains the band’s signature hit, despite Poison being better known for hard-rock party anthems like "Talk Dirty to Me" and "Nothin' but a Good Time." With its vulnerable lyrics, bittersweet melody, and lighter-waving singalong chorus, the song ultimately became one of the definitive power ballads of the 1980s.

The latest episode of HBO's Euphoria had us all reeling when one of its most beloved characters and actors met a grisly end.

Season 3 of the drama has ramped up the ante for its characters, with our favorites now involved in criminal gangs and drug cartels. Nate Jacobs, played by Oscar-nominated Jacob Elordi, has gotten himself in trouble this series after getting into debt with the wrong people.

Spoiler Alert! In the penultimate episode of this third series, the man Nate had accumulated debts with, Naz, dug a grave and buried Nate alive. While they left him a pipe to the surface to help him breathe and prolong his suffering, unfortunately, a rattlesnake crawled down it and killed him.

It's a nasty death for the character, for whom audiences had been slowly feeling empathy in this series. But Sam had always intended to play with the audience's emotions by giving Nate a redemption arc before killing him.

"I know what the audience wants in terms of justice or karma and with that in mind, I always think, 'Well, how can I give it to them? How can I give them what they want, but make it so horrific and anxiety-inducing that by the time it happens, the audience isn't so sure they wanted it?'" he told Esquire.

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Sam explained why he chose to kill off this leading character, who wed Cassie in a chaotic wedding that ended with him losing his toe. "That feeling of complicity with the audience is always an interesting note to play inside of this sort of larger structure. You end up going, 'Oh God, I don't know. Should he have had it better? Did he deserve it?'"

Although Nate's death was always going to happen, Sam originally planned to have the character to die of suffocation or heat. But then, the writer/director thought about the season's Western influence, which inspired the use of the rattlesnake.

The showrunner also explained how they created those horrifying finale moments of the seventh episode. He revealed that they used a real venomous rattlesnake for some shots, but did use a non-venomous substitute to film with Elordi in the coffin.

Jacob Elordi agreed with his character's end. “Nate is someone who’s made so many mistakes and made so many dark choices. It’s cool to see it all come to what it’s come to,” he said in a post-show interview for HBO.

Euphoria concludes its third season next week on HBO.

Related: This A-List ‘80s Actor’s Son Just Had a Racy Scene With Sydney Sweeney in ‘Euphoria’

When Kate Middleton visited Italy earlier this month, there was one item in her wardrobe that especially caught the fashion world's attention: a covetable powder-blue Aspen purse.

The purse is a brand new Asprey London 167 Mini and retails at $3,600. It was chosen to match the hue of the Princess of Wales' blue suit.

But she seems to have committed something of a fashion faux pas when she crouched down to speak to preschoolers during a visit to the town of Reggio Emilia: she placed the purse on the ground in front of her.

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Putting one's bag on the ground is considered bad luck across many cultures, and more specifically seen as a faux pas by etiquette experts.

Related:Princess Diana’s Most Famous Cannes Dress Just Made a Stunning Return to the Red Carpet

Kate's trip to Italy marked her first international trip since she underwent treatment for cancer two years ago.

She was in the northern Italian town to learn more about the renowned 'Reggio Emilia Approach' when it comes to early childhood education, which centers the natural development of a child's personality through discovery, play, and relationships with other children.

Hundreds of people gathered in the town square to greet the princess's arrival.

On the second day of her visit Kate chose to showcase an Italian brand by wearing a floral fabric bracelet by Atelier Molayem.

She commissioned the designer to add three gold cubes to the bracelet bearing the initials of her three children George, Charlotte, and Louis.

That afternoon Kate rolled up her sleeves to help prepare fresh pasta for families in Reggio Emilia. The type of pasta she was shown how to make it called tortelli and is local to the region.

Related:King Felipe and Queen Letizia Celebrate 22 Years of Marriage—and Her Wedding Dress Still Stuns

As she kneaded flour with water and oil she said, "It’s a good workout!”

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The Princess of Wales' Italian trip was widely seen as a success.

“It’s the first time she’s out officially,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The New York Times. “And she’s obviously grown in strength."

After returning to the UK, Kate shared a heartfelt post on Instagram about her Italian trip.

"Over the past two days in Reggio Emilia, I have seen first hand the power of nature and creativity that put human connection at the centre of a child’s world," she wrote.

"I have had such a deeply moving and unforgettable time here. Thank you to the people of Reggio Emilia for welcoming me into a culture of care with such warmth and generosity.

"Our collective work in early childhood must be to protect and nurture the connections that form the foundations of life-long wellbeing.

"Grazie di cuore,
C."

Next,Queen Elizabeth II Fashion Exhibition Extended After “Unprecedented” Demand