Parade

Subscribe to Parade feed Parade
Your daily destination for celebrity news, videos, entertainment, food, recipes, health tips, fitness, and games from America's most popular magazine.
Updated: 22 min 3 sec ago

Margaritaville at Sea Debuts Three Big-Budget Production Shows on New Flagship

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 9:10am

Anyone who loves a cruise knows that the onboard entertainment completely sets the vibe for your trip. For a long time, the name Margaritaville has meant one very specific thing: a breezy, low-stress, acoustic-guitar-by-the-pool kind of vacation. It’s a super relaxed formula that people absolutely love. But as cruise lines keep pushing what's possible out on the water, Margaritaville at Sea is proving that a laid-back state of mind can still deliver some serious, big-budget theater.

The cruise line just unveiled three brand-new, completely original production shows that will debut aboard its upcoming flagship, Beachcomber, when it launches in January 2027.

This is a major step up for the brand. While its other ships lean into casual, impromptu poolside music, the massive Beachcomber—which will be the line’s largest ship yet—is bringing in high-tech staging, complex visual effects, and serious production design. It’s a smart move, especially since the ship is built to run longer, 7-to-10-night Caribbean itineraries straight out of PortMiami.

Related: :Margaritaville at Sea Just Announced Its Largest Wellness Deck Yet—Complete with a Permanent Tattoo Studio

Margaritaville-at-Sea

The three main-stage shows will run multiple times per sailing, so it’s easy to fit them around your dinner plans. Here's a look at what's coming:

  • Friday Night Country: This one is designed to feel exactly like a live outdoor music festival. Expect a mix of modern country radio hits, massive audience sing-alongs, high-energy choreography and even some acrobatics.
  • Red, White & Margaritaville: For classic rock fans, this is the most narrative-driven show of the bunch. It follows a small-town band chasing their big break, packed with a high-octane setlist of American rock anthems, large-scale staging and some unexpected illusions.
  • Club Fuego: This is a sultry celebration of Latin nightlife, drawing its style and music from the iconic club scenes in Miami, Havana and Puerto Rico. In a clever twist, the show will offer a high-energy performance for all ages early in the evening, followed by a separate, steamier, adults-only edition later that night.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea's Newest Ship Is the Ultimate 'License to Chill' for the Whole Family

"Live music and original entertainment have always been central to the Margaritaville at Sea experience," says Karen Maybury, Vice President of Entertainment. She notes that these new productions are all about capturing that signature sense of fun while giving guests even more ways to immerse themselves the second they step aboard.

These big, technical shows match the rest of the Beachcomber’s updated layout, which includes massive entertainment hubs like the open-air Six Strings Stage on the pool deck and the signature Zac Brown’s Same Boat music venue.

At the end of the day, this lineup shows that Margaritaville at Sea is finally ready to compete with the big guys when it comes to high-end shipboard entertainment. You no longer have to choose between a cruise line with massive, stadium-level theatrical productions and the signature, carefree vacation vibe that Margaritaville fans love. With this new flagship, you can officially get both.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea Just Cut Cruise Prices in Half—and Teased a Massive New Upgrade

Beloved Rock Band Announces Update on 2026 Tour: ‘I'm Forced to Cancel’

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 9:05am

Fans of indie rock band Pinback received disappointing news after frontman Rob Crow announced that he is canceling all touring plans for the foreseeable future due to chronic tinnitus, a condition that has made daily life increasingly difficult.

The update was shared through social media, where Crow explained the severity of his condition and confirmed that all scheduled and upcoming performances, including previously announced Plosivs tour dates, will no longer take place.

In a statement posted online, Crow wrote, "Sorry, guys, Due to chronic tinnitus, I'm forced to cancel all touring for the foreseeable future.”

The announcement comes after several performances were previously canceled because of what was described as an "unforeseen medical emergency." Crow has now confirmed that chronic tinnitus is the reason behind the band's withdrawal from all remaining commitments.

Rob Crow a member of the band Pinback preformed a recent show at the Fillmore.

Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Crow shared details about the challenges he is facing while managing tinnitus, describing the ringing in his ears as "a constant screaming pitch around 11.1 kHz."

View this post on Instagram

The musician said he is currently trying multiple forms of therapy in hopes of improving his condition. However, he noted that even routine daily activities have become difficult.

The decision affects not only Pinback but also Plosivs, another project involving Crow. Previously announced appearances have been canceled as a result of the health issue.

Despite stepping away from live performances, Crow indicated that fans may still hear new music in the future. He revealed that there are "a couple finished records forthcoming," though he expressed uncertainty about longer-term plans.

"I don't want to stop, but i just don't have any choice for the short-term," Crow wrote.

The musician also asked for understanding from fans whose travel and concert plans may have been disrupted by the cancellations.

The touring pause raises questions about the future of Pinback, one of the most respected indie rock bands to emerge from San Diego.

Formed in 1998 by Rob Crow and Armistead Burwell Smith IV, Pinback has built a loyal following through albums including Blue Screen Life, Summer in Abaddon, Autumn of the Seraphs, and Information Retrieved. The band's last studio album, Information Retrieved, was released in 2012.

While Crow's latest statement did not confirm whether one of the completed records is a new Pinback release, his comments suggest that recorded music remains possible even as live performances are suspended.

Crow has remained active across numerous musical projects throughout his career. In addition to Pinback, he is known for his work with Team Sleep, Plosivs, Heavy Vegetable, Goblin Cock, Optiganally Yours and several other bands.

For now, fans will have to wait for further updates regarding any future concerts. Although the cancellation of touring plans is a significant setback for both Pinback, Crow ended his statement with a message centered on optimism.

"Like i said, ijust wanna stay positive."

Related: ’90s Rock Band Replaces Key Member Amid 2026 Tour

Meghan Trainor, 32, Looks Unrecognizable After Shocking New Hair Transformation

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 9:03am

Meghan Trainor just debuted a brand-new hairstyle on her Instagram and TikTok. The video, which she posted on June 18, revealed that she cut her long hair and is now rocking a ‘mom bob.’

As her caption said, “I got a mom bob and only Daryl Sabara noticed bahaha thank you @stylebymaciel I love it so much!”

The accompanying video captures the singer showing off the fresh new cut to her husband, Sabara, whom she has been seeing for about ten years. They married in December 2018 and welcomed their first child, Riley Thomas, in 2021. Their second, Barry Bruce, was born in 2023, and they recently welcomed their newest baby, Mikey Moon, in 2026.

When Trainor showed the haircut to her husband, he noticed the change right away. “Wow,” he said. “I love it.”

@meghantrainor

I got a mom bob and only @darylsabara noticed haha thank u @stylebymaciel I love it so much!

♬ Golden Days - Nerin

She also tried capturing her children’s reactions to the big change, but they didn’t seem to notice a difference at first.

“What's different about Mama? Do you see anything different about me?” she asked them.

“I don't know,” one child answered.

“Look at me, what looks different?” she prodded before he realized her hair had changed.

The new cut was done by Anyssa Maciel, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist. Although the change might not be noticeable to some, Trainor said, “Dude, it's so different. I cut off a whole body.”

Related: Valerie Bertinelli Shares Throwback Photo With Wolfgang Van Halen, Who Looks Just Like His Dad

Fans have been loving the new look as well. The singer's Instagram post has nearly 70,000 likes, with one commenter saying, “Stop! I love it! This cut looks so great on you! Forever in her mom era, and it’s the best one!” Another said, “The cut, the glasses, the personality! It fits you so well, mama!”

Although the cut is a big change for Trainor, one change she won’t be making anytime soon is dyeing it a new color. When speaking with Allure in 2023, she said, “I'm going to stick to being a blonde. I went red once, and that did a lot of damage to my hair. I'm a blondie, and I'm going to always be a blondie. My poor hair gets styled almost every day and undergoes so much damage, so I'm constantly looking for products to save and take care of it.”

She also admitted that she used to prefer long hair. “I also used to think, ‘I need extensions; I need to have super long hair,’” she said. “But I finally let go of that, and my hair grew so significantly when I stopped wearing extensions. Now I'm confident going to Target with my natural hair down because I let it live and grow."

Who Is Wyndham Clark's Girlfriend? Meet Emily Tanner, the Entrepreneur Turning Heads at the U.S. Open

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:57am

As Wyndham Clark battles for another major championship at the 2026 U.S. Open, golf fans are taking an interest in the woman cheering him on from outside the ropes.

The 32-year-old PGA Tour star burst onto the national stage with his victory at the 2023 U.S. Open and has since added several more wins to his resume, including the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May 2026.

Among those supporting him this week is girlfriendEmily Tanner, a Los Angeles-based influencer, entrepreneur and co-founder of Over Social Agency.

Related: Caitlin Clark Shares Rare Insight Into Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Romance

Emily Tanner Is a Content Creator and Business Owner View this post on Instagram

Tanner's Instagram bio describes her focus as "Beauty, Fashion, Health & Wellness," while also identifying her as the founder of Over Social Agency.

According to the agency's website, Tanner spent nearly a decade building a career as a content creator before launching the business. Her brand partnerships have included companies such as Celsius, Revolve and Manscaped.

Over Social Agency specializes in influencer marketing, content creation and social media strategy. The company says Tanner's experience working with major brands inspired her to help others achieve their own digital marketing goals.

The agency was founded alongside Nancy Nguyen, a content creator and social media manager whose clients have included Calvin Klein, Rémy Martin, Amazon and hospitality brands.

Related: ‘Downright Nasty’: Why One Lifelong Fan Just Sold Every Piece of His ‘Rudy’ Memorabilia

Her U.S. Open Fashion Video Has Fans Talking View this post on Instagram

While Clark has been making headlines on the course, Tanner has been drawing attention online.

In a recent Instagram video captioned "What I'm wearing to the US Open," Tanner showed off several outfits she planned to wear during tournament week.

The post quickly attracted enthusiastic reactions from followers, with commenters writing things like "love," "slay," "fire" and "obsessed!"

One commenter even dubbed Tanner "My WAGGGGG," using the popular sports acronym for "wives and girlfriends" of professional athletes.

Related: Bengals QB Joe Burrow Helping 50,000 Families in Need Ahead of the Holidays

She Has Been Supporting Clark During the 2026 Season View this post on Instagram

While it's unclear exactly when Tanner and Clark began dating, the golfer first appeared on Tanner's Instagram account during Masters week in April 2026.

Since then, Tanner has shared glimpses of life on the PGA Tour with her followers and has been spotted supporting Clark at tournaments.

Clark was previously linked to Alicia Bogdanski, who was by his side when he won the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.

Wyndham Clark Is Chasing Another Major Title

Clark enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023, winning both the Wells Fargo Championship and the U.S. Open. He followed that with a victory at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am before adding another title at the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

The Colorado native has become one of the PGA Tour's biggest stars, thanks in part to his powerful game and dramatic rise from promising prospect to major champion.

Now, with another U.S. Open title potentially within reach—he's currently leading at -6 on day 2 as of this writing—fans are learning more about the entrepreneur and content creator supporting him during one of the biggest weeks in golf.

Related: Netflix Lands Iconic Sports Show in Major Streaming Deal

'Star Wars' Actor Peter Serafinowicz Slams George Lucas Over Low Salary Payout and Calls the Series the 'Biggest Disappointment of My Life'

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:51am

It's been over 25 years since Star Wars' polarizing prequel trilogy, but to this day fans continue to furiously debate about the quality of George Lucas's Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

While some viewers hold a largely positive view of the trilogy, one person who is not a fan of the series is prequels actor Peter Serafinowicz.

Appearing on a recent episode of the Classic Clown podcast, Serafinowicz reminisced about his brief role as the voice of the iconic Star Warsvillain Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace, a character who was physically played by Ray Park in the films.

“It was weird. This character Darth Maul… I don’t know what I thought,” Serafinowicz revealed. “The design of it… I wasn’t that into it. When I saw the film it was the biggest disappointment of my life at that point. It really was. I mean, have you seen it? It was so exciting that even being in it... doing this thing, what I thought would be this iconic thing. Just unimaginable."

Despite his initial excitement for the project, Serafinowicz ultimately left the series far more disillusioned than he initially thought, thanks in large part to the weaker reception of the film compared to the originals, Maul's unexpected death in the movie's climax and his overall low salary from George Lucas.

James Earl Jones has got the best voice of any human ever, right?” the actor continued. “Then, suddenly there I was with George Lucas, and he was like saying, ‘Well, Peter, you’re the new James Earl Jones,’ and I was like, ‘F**king hell, am I? Then why are you paying me such s**t money, George?”

Serafinowicz's tenure in the Star Wars franchise would be largely fleeting, with the actor contributing only a handful of lines in The Phantom Menace. Though he did record Maul's dialogue in Solo: A Star Wars Story, the studio would end up using actor Star Wars: The Clone Wars actor Sam Witwer's recordings instead.

USA vs. Australia: What Time Is Today's World Cup Match?

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:29am

After a dominating performance in their World Cup opener against Paraguay, the United States will face off against Australia in a Group D matchup at Seattle Stadium on Friday, June 19.

The game will take place at 3 p.m. ET and be broadcast on FOX.

However, the United States might be without one of its star players as Christian Pulisic has been training separately from the main squad in the week leading up to the game after dealing with an injury to his left calf. At his pregame news conference, United States manager Maurico Pochettino addressed Pulisic's status.

"I think tonight, or the day before the game, we have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess the whole group, the players, and tomorrow we will communicate and see all the things that [we] can agree [on] tonight," Pochettino said. "He's evolving. He's much better from Friday. We'll see. I think at the moment, if we see he's not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game.

"I think he's doing a massive effort trying to be ready. I think for every single player that love their country it's an amazing opportunity to know, to enjoy and to help the team to perform and to win games. When this type of thing happens, always is painful, but I think Christian is strong and with great mentality and is doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready as soon as possible."

If Pulisic can't go, all eyes will be on Brenden Aaronson, the 25-year-old midfielder for Leeds United.

"I'm the type of guy that I'm always trying to be as calm as possible," Aaronson said. "I don't let any of the emotions of the game get to me at all. I kind of take it day by day and if that opportunity comes, I'll always be ready. That's the kind of player I am. I always am ready to start games, play games, give my best and give my all. I'm looking at it the same way. it's a game to play and whatever role I'm given, I'm going to give it my best. It's just the player I am."

2000s Rock Band Announces First Album in Seven Years

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:27am

California punk rock veterans Ceremony have announced their first studio album in seven years. The band revealed that its seventh full-length record, Tell Me Your Dream, will arrive on Aug. 7 through Relapse Records.

Alongside the album announcement, Ceremony released a new single titled “Death Destruction Mayhem,” giving fans another look at the band's latest musical direction ahead of the record’s release.

The upcoming album follows 2019’s In the Spirit World Now and marks a major return for the group, which has spent more than two decades evolving its sound while remaining one of punk’s most distinctive acts.

Ceremony’s current lineup features Ross Farrar, Anthony Anzaldo, Andy Nelson, Justin Davis and Jake Casarotti.

Vocalist Ross Farrar of Ceremony performs at The Fillmore on March 06, 2020 in San Francisco, California.

Photo by Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic

Ceremony Returns With First New Album Since 2019

According to the band, Tell Me Your Dream is the culmination of 21 years of making music together. The 10-track collection blends elements of hardcore punk and post-punk while drawing inspiration from influential anarcho-punk groups such as Discharge and Crass.

View this post on Instagram

The album includes the previously released song “Other Hells” and the newly unveiled “Death Destruction Mayhem,” which has been described as an anthemic post-punk track.

According to Chaoszine, vocalist Ross Farrar shared the inspiration behind the album’s title and message:

“Tell me your dream in a time when intimacy and vulnerability seem neglected. Tell me your dream when reciprocity has become a contract. Tell me your dream when they ask, ‘What do you do?’ Something untrained by the mind that sparks inspiration.”

The band also addressed the themes explored throughout the record.

“We’re living in an era of mass uncertainty,” Farrar said. “In punk, I don’t see how you can’t respond. It’s taken over our lives in so many different ways — economically, politically, spiritually. We want people to wake up and get into what’s happening."

Guitarist Andy Nelson pointed to the song “Madness” as an example of the album’s direct approach.

“Why aren’t punk bands actually saying the word ‘Palestine’ on their records?” Nelson said. “We didn’t want to make anything that felt light, or empty, or apolitical. Our intent is to not waste anyone’s time, and to encourage people to think about what they settle for."

New Album Reunites Ceremony With Producer John Reis

For Tell Me Your Dream, Ceremony reunited with producer John Reis, who previously worked with the band on its acclaimed 2015 album The L-Shaped Man.

Anthony Anzaldo explained the importance of bringing Reis back into the studio.

“John sort of joined the band on this one,” says guitarist-keyboardist Anzaldo. “We could not respect him more as a guitarist, as a singer, as a songwriter. He understands what it’s like to be in every position. So we really gave him the keys.”

The album also reflects the long-standing bond between the members, whose history stretches back to childhood friendships.

“We’re bound together like family,” says Anzaldo. “Our relationships are beyond the band. CEREMONY is going to live no matter what. We’ve shifted into this dynamic where the choice isn’t ours anymore.”

The record contains 10 songs:

  1. Prograde
  2. Other Hells
  3. Madness
  4. Dark Summer
  5. Deep Down Where I Belong
  6. Antenna
  7. Justify
  8. Death Destruction Mayhem
  9. 10 Planets
  10. Paradise

Following the album release, Ceremony will launch a North American tour beginning Sept. 9 in Montreal. The run includes stops in Toronto, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles and several other cities through November.

View this post on Instagram

The tour announcement comes after the band played back-to-back weekends at Coachella earlier this year.

Since forming in Rohnert Park, California, in 2005, Ceremony has built a reputation for constantly reinventing its sound. Across six studio albums, the group has explored hardcore punk, garage rock, post-punk, indie rock and new wave influences. 

With Tell Me Your Dream, the band appears ready to continue that evolution while reconnecting with the intensity that first established its reputation in punk music.

Related: ’70s Rock Band Reimagines Classic Song 65 Years Later

1965 Classic Wedding Anthem, Inspired by a Flirting Grandfather, Became One of Motown’s Biggest Hits

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:25am

“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” was recorded by the Four Tops in 1965. It was one of the biggest Motown hits of all time, earning the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and the No. 1 spot on the R&B chart for nine weeks. Billboard ended up ranking it the second biggest single of the year and the biggest R&B single of the year.

“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” was written and produced by a team that consisted of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, and Eddie Holland. Dozier spoke about the humorous origin of the lyrics in an interview with American Songwriter.

“I stayed with my grandmother when I was a kid,” Dozier explained. “She owned her own home beauty shop, and when the women would come up the walkway to get their hair done, my grandfather would be piddling around in the garden. He was a bit of a flirt and would say, ‘How you doing, sugar pie? Good morning, honey bunch.’ He was one of those types of guys. My grandmother had a big bay window to the front of the house. She’d say, ‘Look at that old codger. He thinks I don’t see. I know what he’s doing.’”

He continued, “He was just flirting with his big smile. I’m sitting there on the porch watching this. I’m probably 11 or 12. I was like a sponge, soaking it up. Years later, at Motown, I’m sitting at the piano. I’d take these mind trips back to my childhood, and I’m trying to see what this piano part is telling me. Sure enough, there my grandfather is, piddling in the garden. That memory comes to my mind’s eye, and I know where the song is supposed to go.”

Related: 1977 Soft Rock Song, Which Was a Hit Three Times, Became a Feel-Good Anthem

The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. They were also listed as one of the “Greatest Artists of All Time” by Rolling Stone. Some of their other big hits included “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Ain’t No Woman,” and “Baby I Need Your Loving.”

The Four Tops stayed together for decades. However, they disbanded after one of the members of their quartet, Lawrence Payton, died in 1997. The last surviving member of the group, Abdul Fakir, retired in 2024. He died two days later.

1976 TV Talent Show, Known for Its Wildly Offbeat Format, Remains a Cult Classic 50 Years Later

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:23am

Long before American Idol, decades before America’s Got Talent, there was The Gong Show. The offbeat TV talent show, created and hosted by Chuck Barris, premiered on June 14, 1976, on NBC daytime.

The Gong Show featured a bizarre mix of amateur talent acts and a panel of celebrity judges, often including Jaye P. Morgan and Arte Johnson, who would strike a supersized gong to end the misery. The best act won a prize of $516.32 on the daytime version of the show.

Featuring bad comedy, musical jugglers, singing dogs, and geriatric dancers as well as recurring acts like The Unknown Comic (Canadian comedian Murray Langston),The Gong Show became a cult favorite entry into the ‘70s game show genre. At the height of the show’s popularity, Barris was even nominated for an Emmy Award, per IMDb.

Barris, who died in 2017 at age 87, once told The Television Academy Foundation that the show started out with a different host (John Barbour), but that because he was auditioning the acts and getting to know them, he felt he would be better suited to be on the show with them.

“As it turned out, I don’t think that was the best idea,” he admitted. "I think I would have been more surprised if I came on the show and saw the act performing.”

RELATED: Iconic ‘70s Sitcom Featured One of the Longest Laughs in TV History

Barris also revealed that he was nervous onstage, thus his multiple wardrobe changes throughout the show.

“I wore a tux to start out with, and soon I began to take off the tie and put on another kind of jacket or a hat. … There was a reason [the hat got lower over the eyes]. I was scared to death of the audience, so I  just didn't want to see them, so I wore this hat low over my eyes.”

When asked how he would categorize The Gong Show, Barris said, “I'm not sure what The Gong Show was. … I know what I wanted, and that's all I know.”

He also clarified that he decided to end the show in 1980.

“The end of the show came because of me,” he said. “I think that I had some kind of a like a small nervous breakdown out there, doing strange things. When I see films of the last shows I was, you know, I was walking around busting up flats on the air, and that was not the behavior of a host. That was the behavior of a host who was bored to death, who was ratcheting up his performances every year, and that wasn’t good.”

Barris, who also created the 1978 pageant parody, The $1.98 Beauty Show, also advised other game show hosts not to go over the top as he did.

While Barris was sometimes roasted as a host, he once received a compliment from an EFOT-winning composer.

“When we auditioned for The Gong Show, the number of people who would sing 'Feelings' was remarkable,” Barris told Philadelphia magazine in 2003. “One day I decided to do a show entirely of acts that did ‘Feelings.’ I thought that was hysterical. It was about the third act into the show that they realized they were all singing ‘Feelings.’ Marvin Hamlisch bumped into me a hundred years later and said, 'I’ll never forget that show.'"

Fifty years after its debut, fans still reminisce about The Gong Show. The quirky classic TV show is a recurring topic on Reddit, and reruns sometimes air on the Game Show Network.

Related: Beloved '70s TV Star, Known for Iconic Role, Reveals ‘Awful’ 'Dating Game' Experience

‘70s Rock Legend Shares the Bob Dylan Lyrics That Left Him Stunned

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:20am

Bob Dylan has always been your favorite artist's favorite artist. His widespread influence has affected all parts of the music industry. This is especially true when it comes to the artists who were getting their start just after Dylan's massive rise to success. Of course, one of the biggest stars of that generation is Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin.

While not immediately apparent, there's no doubt Dylan had some level of influence on Plant as a songwriter. Both come from some similar inspirations in classic American blues music. You can see shades of Dylan on a song like "That's the Way," which features this heavy acoustic instrumentation and a set of lyrics that live in this emotional yet abstract place. In a new interview clip, Plant revealed a Bob Dylan song that has impacted him a lot, and that is "Masters of War."

View this post on Instagram

"Masters of War" is classic early Dylan. I wish I could avoid common descriptors of this period of his career, but the song is both a stingingly timely piece of writing for the time it was created, as well as a prophetic piece of protest songwriting that feels infinitely relevant. As Plant says in the interview, "His eloquence throughout this song, is in time immemorial."

Plant details how the lyrics are accurate to the state of the world today, showing his appreciation for the songwriting talent of the superstar. "Masters of War" is one of my favorites from this early period of his career. The song is a direct attack on the military industrial complex, and the common person who gets caught up in the middle and shredded by the war it facilitates. The lyrics find Dylan in this intensely angry place that really captures how it feels to exist right now. Here's just a taste of the song with my favorite verse of the song:

You've thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain't worth the blood
That runs in your veins

The hope is that we may one day live in a world where this song no longer holds any relevance, but as Plant says in the interview, "nothing's changing."

Related: At His Lowest, Bob Dylan Made His Darkest Album — Then It Won Album of the Year

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

'Queen of the Box Office' Turns 49

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:16am

Undisputed box office queen Zoe Saldaña—who was given the title after dethroning Scarlett Johansson to become the highest-grossing lead actor of all time with the release of Avatar: Fire & Ash—is celebrating a new year of life today.

The record-breaking actress turns 49 on June 19, 2026, and is still very much at the height of her career. Originally a trained ballet dancer, Saldaña was born in Passaic, New Jersey, in 1978, and raised between Queens, New York, and the Dominican Republic. After transitioning into stage acting, she was discovered by a talent agent during her time with New York Youth Theater, according to Biography.com.

The star snagged her first role with a guest spot on Law & Order, and appropriately, made her movie acting debut with the 2000 dance teen drama, Center Stage. From there, she appeared in several smaller supporting roles, as well as standout performances in Crossroads, Snipes, Drumline with Nick Cannon—where she also tapped into her roots to portray the dance captain of an HBCU majorette squad—Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl with Johnny Depp, and The Terminal with Tom Hanks.

Her lengthy resume also includes Guess Who with the late Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher, The Skeptic, Star Trek, Death at a Funeral, Colombiana, The Words, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and more.

When 2025's Avatar: Fire & Ash crossed $1 billion worldwide in its third weekend and pushed the Premium actress' total global box office numbers past $15.46 billion, the film world recognized Saldaña with a new title. "We've got a new Queen of the Box Office. 👑🎥," Boardroom captioned a video breaking down Saldaña's hit films, which include James Cameron's Avatar and Avatar: Way of Water (Neytiri) films, Avengers: Endgame (Gamora), and more.

BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FRANCE - DECEMBER 05: Zoe Saldana attends the European Premiere of 20th Century Studios "Avatar: Fire and Ash" on December 05, 2025 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. (Photo by Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images for Disney)

At the time of writing, she had earned an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, two Critics' Choice Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a SAG Award, and a Cannes Film Festival Award.

On the personal front, the screen queen has built a family life that she keeps largely private, with her husband and sons making some appearances on red carpets, for special occasions, and via social media. Saldaña tied the knot with Italian artist, filmmaker, and former pro athlete Marco Perego in 2013, and she is mom to three young sons: identical twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio, and Zen Anton Hilario.

Happy 49th birthday, Zoe!

Related: Long-Awaited '70s Film Finally Gets Official Release Date — 54 Years Later

Your Favorite Boutique Hotel Brand Just Joined Marriott Bonvoy

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:10am

Anyone who loves to travel knows the ultimate struggle: finding a super chic boutique hotel that also lets you cash in on major loyalty points. Usually, you have to choose: do you book that charming, independent boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet side street, or do you stick to a big chain just to rack up points? But if you love unique design, local culture and a seriously good mattress, a massive new partnership is about to give you the best of both worlds.

Independent hospitality powerhouse Palisociety has officially signed a landmark agreement to bring 16 of its properties across nine major U.S. destinations into the Design Hotels global collection.

As part of Marriott International, Design Hotels is a curated collection of over 300 independent, architecture-driven spots around the world. This is actually the biggest expansion in the brand's history, pushing its total across the Americas past 100 hotels. The best part for travelers? Over the next few months, all 16 of these new spots will officially join the Marriott Bonvoy platform. That means you can finally check into a gorgeous neighborhood gem while racking up points, climbing elite tiers and redeeming rewards.

Related: The Surprising Retro Game Replacing Happy Hour at Luxury Boutique Hotels This Summer

View this post on Instagram

The massive rollout adds over 1,000 rooms across some of the country's biggest travel hotspots, split across Palisociety’s different sub-brands.

Heading to the West Coast? This rollout injects some serious style into Southern California with standout spots like the 95-room Palihouse West Hollywood, the chic Palihotel Melrose, and the elegant Hôtel Lili Beverly Hills.

If you’re planning a quieter coastal trip or a wine-country getaway, the partnership also includes several cozy, European-style inns under the Le Petit Pali banner. This means you can use points at spots like Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach or the brand-new Le Petit Pali St. Helena in Napa Valley.

Related: Hilton Launches 'Undergraduate' Hotels for Affordable College Town Stays

The expansion also hits major cultural hubs across the rest of the country. You'll now be able to use Bonvoy rewards at spots like Palihotel Seattle, the mid-century inspired ARRIVE Memphis, and the desert-chic ARRIVE Palm Springs.

"Design Hotels has always been a home for founders, visionaries and original thinkers," says Stijn Oyen, Managing Director of Design Hotels, noting that the immediate alignment came down to a shared belief that great hospitality must be distinctive and shaped by the people behind it. Avi Brosh, Founder of Palisociety, echoes that sentiment, calling the agreement a natural extension of a shared passion for design, culture and independence.

At the end of the day, this partnership shows a great shift in how travel rewards work. You no longer have to skip out on cool design, custom details and great local menus just to stay loyal to a major points program. It turns out the best way to plan your next weekend getaway is booking a unique boutique hotel, knowing you can enjoy an independent stay with total loyalty ease.

Related: Marriott Launches New Road Trip Planner to Make Traveling Route 66 This Summer a Breeze

Most Retirees Hit a 'Purpose Gap' After Leaving Work— Here's How to Close It

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:08am

You did everything you were supposed to by nurturing your portfolio, paying off debts, and organizing your last day of work. Retirement is supposed to be the relaxing time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but instead, you feel like something’s wrong. Psychologists call this the Purpose Gap. It’s a neurological response, and you can do something about it. 

📰 Get Parade's daily newsletter for the best stories delivered straight to your inbox 📰

What Is the Purpose Gap

Human brains are hardwired to thrive on structure and design. Careers provide a natural source of structure, identity, and a daily mission. When we’re suddenly thrown into a situation, like retirement, where that is gone, the void, or gap, left behind can make us feel unmoored.

The Oxford Academic published a study by Innovation in Aging that examined data from 1,975 adults, including 516 retirees, and found that a loss of purpose can lead to increased mental health issues. The results overwhelmingly showed that retirees had a lower sense of purpose than those still working. The result contributed to higher rates of depression and anxiety

The Purpose Gap isn’t just an anecdote; it’s a measurable reaction.

Related: The 'Retirement Void' Is Real—Here’s Why Experts Say Structure Matters More Than Ever

The Structural Loss Problem

Your career didn’t just provide you with an income. It offered you structure and purpose. The time architecture of a working person helps shape how their days and weeks are organized and unfold. If you don’t have a plan when you leave this environment, you can experience what psychologists call “retirement shock”.

Not only do our brains adapt to routine, but we also respond to the chemical reactions brought on by completing projects and tasks. Unstructured time is neurologically harder than it sounds because it deprives us of these natural reactions that stimulate our reward centers. When you completed an activity at work, your brain released dopamine. Without those triggers, your brain goes quiet.

If you feel like you’ve lost your sense of identity now that you’re retired, that’s not laziness; it’s a neurological response to your loss of structure.

Leisure Activities Won’t Fix It

The common assumption is that you deserve time to rest after a long career. Rest is absolutely restorative, especially in those first few weeks. However, when you have only unstructured leisure activities, your brain craves routine

How To Close The Gap

Just because your brain is craving structure doesn’t mean you have to return to work or plan every moment of your day. You are retired, after all, and should enjoy the time you have. In fact, finding a passion project, one with a deadline, can help you close the gap. Whether you’re learning an instrument and have a planned recital or are building a boat, the fact that the project has an end date is the point.

Volunteering is another way to include routine. Pick something you know well or are passionate about. You don’t have to go every day; even one day a week can help create a sense of routine and purpose. 

Whatever your personal time architecture is, it’s important to create a weekly rhythm for yourself. You don’t have to fill your calendar, but setting concrete dates and activities will help reestablish the routine your brain craves.

Related: 20 Inspiring Ideas to Make the Most of Your Retirement Bucket List

You earned your retirement, but you may not have fully planned for what it meant. By giving yourself back a sense of routine and purpose, you’ll be able to enjoy your next chapter to its fullest. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Sources:

Excitement as Selling Sunset Fan Favorite Films for the Netflix Show

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:04am

Christine Quinn has returned toSelling Sunset. She was recently caught filming new scenes for the Netflix reality show. The blonde bombshell was recently caught returning to The Oppenheim Group office to film season 10.

Christine first appeared in the real estate series when it premiered back in 2019, before dramatically exiting after the fifth season. Earlier this year, she confirmed she would be returning after six years, and fans can't wait.

On the way out of the office, TMZ asked why now was the time to return to the show. According to Christine, “the trash needed to be taken out.”

Related:‘Selling Sunset’ Fans Shocked Over Mass Firings and Christine Quinn’s Return: ‘How Did Jason Let His BFF/Soulmate Get Fired?’

She also admitted she could not return until her marital woes with Cristian Dumontet were over. She split with the businessman following his arrest for an alleged domestic violence incident in March 2024

Selling Sunset is having a cast overhaul, with Mary, Emma, Chelsea, Chrishell and Sandra reportedly exiting the series. Alongside Quinn, Heather Rae Moussa is returning to sell luxury homes to the rich and famous.

Christine embraced the role of Selling Sunset’s resident villain, even recently competing on VH1’s House of Villains. She was cagey when asked if she was bringing that energy back to the office, telling people to tune in before adding, "It depends on the day."

“This isn’t a rewind,” Christine told Tudum last month. “It’s a reintroduction.”

“[Creator] Adam DiVello and I reconnected after my divorce, and I really appreciate him extending the invitation to come back on,” she added, “I’m returning from a very different place, with more perspective, confidence, and clarity.”

Related: Mary Bonnet Reveals the Real Reason Behind ‘Selling Sunset’ Departure

Christine told the Netflix website that since she last appeared on the show, she has also “grown as an entrepreneur” and become more “strategic” and "intentional" about where she puts her time and energy.

The biggest difference in her life? Having her son, Christian. “Motherhood has a way of sharpening your priorities and changing how you move through the world,” she explained.

“I’m still ambitious and direct, but I think people will see a version of me that’s more centered and even more sure of herself,” Christine promises. “I’m hoping this chapter feels fresh and honest. I’m not coming back to play an old version of myself. I’m coming back to show where I am now and let the audience see that growth can still come with an edge.”

Related: Netflix Star Breaks Silence on 'Selling Sunset' Casting Rumors

This Actor Led Two Billion-Dollar Franchises — And His Next Gig Is for America 250

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:00am

What do the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Super Mario Bros. have in common?

It's an easy answer for all the cinephiles out there, with Chris Pratt being the star of both successful movie franchises.

And now, the 46-year-old actor has his next project lined up, and it's a rather unique one: a series of comedic shorts focused on American history, co-starring presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Variety reports.

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the shorts will reportedly follow Pratt as he attempts to share his passion for U.S. history, only to discover that his grasp of the facts may not be quite as strong as his enthusiasm. That's where, executive producer and sidekick Goodwin, 83, steps in — to help keep the lessons on track.

Variety also noted on Thursday, June 18 that the project has received funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Public Diplomacy and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, intended to “inform and engage foreign publics about America through international media engagement, educational and cultural exchange programs, digital communications, and outreach conducted through U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide,” according to an announcement.

The series was designed as a “public diplomacy initiative intended to engage international audiences with America’s constitutional values and history through modern digital storytelling,” producers told the magazine.

The still-untitled Pratt shorts have reportedly been nicknamed a “Faster Class” for U.S. history, with each episode explores a defining constitutional value through the story of a pivotal historical figure or happening.

Earlier this month, Pratt's ex Anna Faris revealed to Varietyhow she coped with one of the most difficult periods in her life. The Scary Movie actress, 49, revealed that her 2018 divorce from Pratt was one of the saddest moments of her life — but it led to something positive. Find out more here.

'Dutton Ranch' Episode 7 Ending Explained: Is Beulah Dead?

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:00am

Last week on Dutton Ranch, Episode 6, “A Cowboy Saint,” Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) found themselves in an unfamiliar position: stability. With Rip overseeing operations at the neighboring 10 Petal Ranch, the once-rival crews settled into an easy rhythm while Beth and Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening) continued building an alliance nobody could have predicted in the early episodes. The pair even traveled to Chicago and landed a major business deal built around the quality of their cattle and the 10 Petal Ranch’s nearly 190-year history before celebrating over drinks, where Beulah revealed more about her complicated family history. This included her telling Beth that Rob-Will's father died in a flood and that she had raised Joaquin as her own after his father ran afoul of the law.

Back in Texas, Carter (Finn Little), still shaken by Dwight’s (Ray McKinnon) death and wrestling with the uncertainty that comes with being 19, admitted to Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind) that he thought he loved her — only to hear her say that neither of them really understands love yet. Meanwhile, Rob-Will (Jai Courtney) manipulated disgruntled former ranch hand Chet (Hart Denton) into attacking Joaquin (Juan Pablo Raba). The confrontation ended with Joaquin wounded and Chet dead, but the biggest revelation came afterward when Rip finally learned who buried the body on Dutton Ranch back in Episode 1: Rob-Will — who Joaquin insists is finally out of their lives for good, although viewers know better.

Find out everything that happened in Episode 7 of Dutton Ranch, including if one major character kicked the bucket.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news& celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Dutton Ranch Episode 7 Ending Explained

Episode 7, “Den of Sin,” opens in Fort Worth in 1981 with a glimpse into Beulah Jackson’s past. A twenty-something Beulah (Rebeca Robles) is out with friends at the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas when her father assigns ranch hand Mariano (Bobby Soto) — Joaquin’s father — to keep an eye on her. But after Mariano gets distracted, Beulah is sexually assaulted by a cowboy she met at the bar, setting in motion a tragedy that continues to shape her decisions decades later.

Back in the present, Beulah hosts an extravagant celebration marking the 10 Petal Ranch’s 190th anniversary. While the event is meant to honor the ranch’s legacy and future, tensions simmer. Oreana spends more time reconnecting with a handsome former college boyfriend than paying attention to Carter, who doesn’t handle the rejection well and turns to drinking. Meanwhile, Beulah and Joaquin share a quiet moment as she’s preparing to hand him control of the ranch. But the plan is disrupted when Rob-Will unexpectedly arrives, furious at the idea of being passed over and threatening both Joaquin and anyone standing in his way.

What happens next shocks nearly everyone in attendance. During her speech, Beulah announces that she’s stepping aside but instead of naming Joaquin, she hands the future of the 10 Petal over to Rob-Will. The decision stuns Joaquin and alarms Zane Nash (Marlon Young), the Chicago businessman who had just entered into business with the family. 

Then things spiral completely out of control when a drunken Carter crashes the moment carrying Beulah’s prized mounted steer head and smashes it. Overwhelmed, Beulah collapses and is airlifted out by helicopter. The episode closes by returning to 1981, revealing the full truth of Beulah’s past: pregnant after the assault, she tells Mariano she needs to visit the child’s father but instead of talking shoots her attacker in the head, killing Rob-Will’s father.

Related: Every Taylor Sheridan Series Ranked—Including ‘Marshals’ and ‘The Madison’

Oreana has had enough

The Oreana we see in Episode 7 feels very different from the version introduced earlier in the season. The girl who chugged beers, shot bottles, fed a leopard, and flirted her way through fishing trips with Carter takes a backseat to someone more independent and fiercely self-assured. Oreana keeps her father’s return from Beulah and finally reaches her limit with Carter’s constant brooding, bluntly telling him, “You walk around with this wound, Carter, and you expect me to do something about it? Well, that’s not my f—ing job.”

Back in the premiere recap, it was suggested that Carter and Oreana might be shaping up to become Beth and Rip 2.0. Episode 7 only strengthens the case for Oreana. Like Beth, she refuses to carry someone else’s emotional baggage and expects the people around her to take responsibility for themselves. Carter, meanwhile, still has some growing up to do. Right now he feels less like young Rip and more like someone still trying to figure out who he wants to be.

Mysterious Mariano

Back in Episode 3, Mariano existed more as a presence than a fully formed character. We only heard the voice of the mysterious man who appeared to be one of the few people capable of telling Beulah what to do — and notably, the show never even said his name out loud. Unless viewers checked the credits, there was little indication who he actually was. Episode 7 finally puts a face and backstory to the voice, establishing Mariano as the top hand for Beulah’s father and the man assigned to protect her during that life-changing night in 1981.

The episode also raises an interesting question connected to Episode 6. During her conversation with Beth, Beulah shared that she effectively adopted Joaquin after his father got into legal trouble. Now that we know Mariano is Joaquin’s father and that Beulah killed Rob-Will’s father, it’s fair to wonder whether Mariano took responsibility for the shooting — or whether there’s another chapter of the story we haven’t seen yet. Either way, Dutton Ranch is making it clear Mariano’s role in Beulah’s life runs far deeper than viewers initially realized.

Did Beulah die on Dutton Ranch?

Episode 7 peels back layers of one of Dutton Ranch’s most fascinating characters, showing her first as a spirited young woman before revealing the trauma that shaped her. We watch her make impossible choices and carry a secret that altered multiple lives for decades. If there’s one thing this episode makes clear, it’s that Beulah Jackson is very good at keeping secrets.

But the biggest shock comes in the present. After making a stunning decision about the future of the 10 Petal Ranch, Beulah collapses in front of everyone. Will the show actually kill off one of its most layered characters? It's not hard to imagine, especially given how dramatically Dutton Ranch has already shifted course since the premiere. This season has proven it’s willing to zig when viewers expect it to zag. And if Beulah doesn’t survive, Carter may end up carrying the blame — fair or not.

Related: These 8 'Yellowstone' Characters Could Return in New Spinoff 'Dutton Ranch'

2006 Debut Hit, Written in 15 Minutes After High School Math Class, Launched the Defining Artist of a Generation

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 8:00am

While Taylor Swift had sung the National Anthem before the Detroit Pistons played the Philadelphia 76ers in 2002, it would be four more years before the entire world would begin to take real notice of the "All Too Well" singer. With the release of her debut single, "Tim McGraw," on June 19, 2006, the 16-year-old showed the first glimpses of her stardom that was to come.

Instant Chart Success

Most musicians and bands don't chart high immediately with an unknown song, but that's exactly what happened with "Tim McGraw." The song reached No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 35 weeks on the Country chart, peaking at No. 6.

"The song is based on true events — it happened in real life," Swift told Songwriter Universe in 2007. "I had a boyfriend and we had broken up. After the break-up, I wanted him to be reminded of me. The key lines in the song are: ‘When you think Tim McGraw/I hope you think my favorite song/The one we danced to all night long’. There was a specific Tim McGraw song which inspired me, it was 'Can’t Tell Me Nothin,' which was on his Live Like You Were Dying album."

The Toy Story 5 singer also explained in promotional materials (via Song Facts) that the song came together rather quickly while she was sitting in her high school math class. "After school, I went downtown, sat down at the piano, and wrote this with Liz Rose in fifteen minutes," she said. "It may be the best fifteen minutes I've ever experienced."

A String of Hits

Four months after the song came out, her self-titled debut album was released. Swift was given four more hits, with "Teardrops on My Guitar" reaching No. 2, "Picture to Burn" hitting No. 3, and both "Our Song" and "Should've Said No" making it to No. 1.

Ultimately, the rapid success of "Tim McGraw" laid the groundwork for Taylor Swift's meteoric rise. From her chart-topping country roots to her historic induction into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, that debut single marked the definitive arrival of a generational songwriting powerhouse.

Clarks' 'Perfect' Wedge Sandals Are Now 50% Off at JCPenney, and Provide 'Excellent Arch Support'

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 7:45am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

You don't want to be the person who has to change their shoes midday because they're super uncomfortable. Prevent having to keep another pair of footwear in your purse by investing in reliable styles in advance. One of our favorite go-to brands is Clarks, because they're known to be supportive, stylish, and perfect for all day wear. Luckily, JCPenney is selling the Clarks Merliah Bali Wedge Sandals for 50% off. 

The sandals originally cost $100, but have been reduced to just $50 duringin a limited-time doorbuster sale. The footwear is being sold in white and black, which is ideal for something that's in need of an everyday shoe that matches with everything. The sizes range from 5 to 12, including half sizes, and come in wide and medium widths. The shoes run slightly large, so it's recommended to consider a smaller size than your usual. 

Clarks Merliah Bali Wedge Sandals, $50 (was $100) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

These sandals are running out of stock quickly, with the wide offering currently available in just the white hue, so you'll want to add them to your cart sooner rather than later. The shoe design features a rounded toe, 2-inch platform heel, classic hook and loop closure, and an adjustable strap that you can alter to your comfort. The sandals feature gold- or silver-toned hardware, depending on which color you choose. 

Clarks Merliah Bali Wedge Sandals, $50 (was $100) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

There are three straps that cover the top of the foot and one back strap that keeps the heel secure during movement. The sandals are made of 100% leather with a lightweight foam polymer as the insole. The insole has targeted cushioning, which shoppers say provides "excellent arch support," "great flexibility," and relieves pressure on the foot. 

Related: JCPenney’s ‘Comfortable’ $41 Skechers Sneakers Are So ‘Easy to Put on’ and ‘Go With Any Outfit’

Other shoppers said that the sandals are "perfect for summer wear," and "very easy to keep clean" with "good traction" on uneven surfaces. Another reviewer wrote that they owned these sandals for eight years before purchasing a new pair. They're "very comfortable," "super lightweight," and don't need a break in period, so they're basically the ideal sandal. 

Shop More Deals

Shoppers love these sandals so much that they're purchasing both colors. Since they're versatile, they'll upgrade your look in a simple and chic way. Add these stylish Clarks sandals to your JCPenney cart while they're 50% off!   

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

’80s Rocker Announces Solo Album for the First Time in 10 Years

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 7:30am

Kai Hansen, widely considered the Godfather of European Power Metal, proved that some legends never slow down.

The iconic singer, who also co-founded two highly influential power metal bands, Gamma Ray and Helloween, is ready to make some noise once again after making an exciting announcement.

Although he never fully stepped away from the music industry and remained active on the road with Helloween following the band's 40th anniversary celebrations, he is now gearing up for his long-awaited solo comeback.

Hansen's new album, Born With A Hammer, is his first solo album in 10 years following the release of his solo debut studio album XXX - Three Decades in Metal in 2016.

Scheduled for official release on September 18, the upcoming album includes "Feeding The Beast" as its first single, which was released the same day as the album announcement.

Apart from this, Hansen's new album includes nine more tracks including "Welcome To Life," "Don't Care," "Wait And See," "Born With A Hammer," "I.D.G.A.F.," "End Of The Road," "Triple Trouble," "Invaders" and "Wonderland."

Kai Hansen perform at Forum on stage on November 18, 2017 in Milan, Italy.

Francesco Prandoni/Redferns

Listeners and fans will get to see the iconic rock star's bold, electrifying and deeply personal touch through his newly released album which brings together his identity as a solo artist.

The 10-song album will showcase his signature music with powerful heavy metal and pure guitar-driven energy, as well as the trademark voice that makes him a unique frontman.

As mentioned, Hansen was seen as a rising star back in the '80s when he formed Helloween together with Michael Weikath on guitar, Markus Grosskopf on bass and Ingo Schwichtenberg on drums as part of the original lineup.

At the time, the fan favorite "Ride the Sky" was widely known as the ultimate signature anthem of the band, featuring frantic riffing and Kai's signature screaming vocals.

After the success of the band's albums Walls of Jericho, Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I and Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II, Hansen left the band on Jan. 1, 1989, making the hit single "I Want Out" his resignation letter.

"I was feeling so confident and free," the singer and guitarist said regarding his departure, as cited by Louder Sound, adding, "On the other hand, I was, like, ‘S--t, it could have been great.’"

After leaving Helloween, he formed the power metal band Gamma Ray during the '90s. With his new group, Hansen delivered yet another acclaimed album, Heading for Tomorrow, followed by Land of the Free.

It was only in 2016 that he went solo in celebration of his 30 years in the industry and also rejoined Helloween for thePumpkins United reunion world tour.

Related: ’70s Rock Band Announces Update on 2026 Shows With Special Guests

Star Trek's Paul Wesley Says He's Ready for that Kirk Spinoff

Fri, 06/19/2026 - 7:12am

For four years, Paul Wesley has been the most vocal advocate for his own spinoff. At the FanX Comic Convention in Indianapolis this past weekend, he made that case again, and this time, he had a punchline ready to go.

When fans at a Vampire Diaries panel asked Wesley about the future of Star Trek: Year One, the proposed spinoff that would follow his version of James T. Kirk into his first year commanding the USS Enterprise, his answer was the same as it's been, just sharper. 'We always talk about how we'd love to do a spin-off,' Wesley told the crowd, 'and if they... if we get the phone call, we'll do it. But we haven't got the phone call yet.' He followed that with a joke. Paramount may have simply 'lost my phone number.'

The line got a laugh, but the reality is no joke. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is heading into its fourth season, premiering July 23 on Paramount+, and Wesley confirmed at FanX that the show has now wrapped production on that season. What he didn't confirm is what comes after Season 5, the series' planned finale. Both Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy have been cancelled following their current runs, with no replacement series yet announced by Paramount Skydance.

Strange New Worlds executive producers Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers have publicly described Year One as their '100 percent' dream plan, a show that would pick up where SNW leaves off, following Wesley's Kirk and Ethan Peck's Spock in the early days of the legendary Enterprise captaincy. Peck has said he'd return. Wesley has said he'd return. The creative team wants it. The fanbase wants it.

Related: 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Producers Reveal What Turns Captain Pike Into a Puppet

What's missing is a green light from a studio in the middle of a major corporate transition. Paramount's merger with Skydance has left the Trek TV franchise in a state of limbo, with the studio reportedly prioritizing new Star Trek films over streaming series. That could shift as Paramount has said more Trek will come, but as of yet, there's no indication they're willing to move ahead with Wesley's dream project.

Interestingly, the question that prompted Wesley's comment was about Thomas Jane and Kai Murakami joining the Strange New Worlds finale as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy and Hikaru Sulu. Having Bones and Sulu aboard the Enterprise, alongside Kirk and Spock, creates an obvious handoff moment to a Year One setup. Whether that's setup or simply a satisfying ending depends entirely on Paramount.

When Wesley was cast as Kirk in 2022, stepping into a role that William Shatner made iconic for three seasons of The Original Series and many following movies, the reception was skeptical. He earned it anyway. His performance in Season 3's retro-throwback episode earned him a Saturn Award for Best Guest Star. Shatner himself gave Wesley acting advice. That's not a small thing for a franchise that can be fiercely protective of its own history.

Season 4 of Strange New Worlds arrives next month. For now, that's the Kirk story that's actually happening.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Pages

Sullivan Independent News

Sullivan Independent News
411 Scottsdale
Sullivan, MO 63080

Phone: 573-468-6511
Fax: 573-468-4046

 

general@sullivannews.net
sports@sullivannews.net
advertising@sullivannews.net
billing@sullivannews.net