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Shopping for clothes online can feel like a gamble at times, but for petite shoppers (typically defined as 5 foot 4 and under), the process is uniquely challenging. Most standard sizing is designed around taller models, so simply ordering a smaller size doesn't always solve the problem. As a shopping writer, I spend my days researching clothing and reading customer reviews, and one thing I hear again and again is how difficult it can be for petites to find pieces that fit properly right out of the package.

Common complaints include waistlines that hit in the wrong spot, pants and sleeves that are too long, excess fabric through the hips or torso, and necklines or armholes that don't sit quite right. The good news is there are plenty of shopper-approved styles designed to work better for smaller frames. If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe this summer, we've rounded up eight petite-friendly finds from Amazon and Walmart, including lounge sets, jeans, rompers, and more, starting at just $15.

Lillusory Two-Piece Lounge Set, From $20 (was $45) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The Lillusory Two-Piece Lounge Set starts at $20, down from $45. Made from 60% polyester, 35% rayon, and 5% spandex, the machine-washable set comes in nine colors and offers a comfortable amount of stretch. It's versatile enough to wear while lounging at home, traveling through the airport, or heading out for brunch with a few accessories added.

Several reviewers specifically mention that the pants’ length works well for petite frames. One shopper said the “sizing is good for petite women,” sharing, “I am petite, and it is difficult to find clothes that fit me from Amazon. I am 5 foot 2 and weigh about 115 pounds. The extra small fits me perfectly. The pants do not drag on the floor and the top can be tucked in.”

No Boundaries Mid-Rise Baggy Jeans, $17 at Walmart

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Denim can be especially difficult for shorter shoppers since even small proportion issues tend to stand out. In general, you'll want to pay close attention to the waist, hip, and rise measurements when shopping to make sure the fit aligns with your proportions. 

The No Boundaries Mid-Rise Baggy Jeans help solve some of those challenges by offering three inseam lengths to accommodate different heights. Available in several washes and sizes 00 through 20, they feature a relaxed leg and classic five-pocket styling that pairs easily with everything from tanks to sweaters.

Btfbm Wrap Midi Dress, From $45 at Amazon

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Midi dresses can present their own challenges since what hits mid-calf on one person can look like a maxi dress on another. That's why adjustable silhouettes can be especially helpful. The Btfbm Wrap Midi Dress comes in sizes small through XXL and is available in 45 colors and prints, including florals, polka-dots, and solids. 

One reviewer wrote, “This dress is very cute. It fits perfectly and I got a ton of compliments. I am petite with a larger bust and tummy. The stretchy part under the bust gives the shape I need without being tight.”

Fantaslook Overalls Romper, $15 (was $28) at Walmart

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Rompers and jumpsuits are often considered one of the toughest categories for petite shoppers because the torso length has to be just right. That's why relaxed, overall-style designs tend to work best. The Fantaslook Overalls Romper is currently available in nine colors and sizes XS through XXL. 

The adjustable straps make it easier to customize the fit, while the loose silhouette eliminates the issue of a poorly placed waistband. One shopper shared, “I am petite, so nothing fits me properly. However, this Fantaslook Jumpsuit fits best so far. Adjustable straps are a must.”

Luvamia High-Waisted Denim Shorts, From $20 (was $30) at Amazon

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For summer, a good pair of shorts is essential. The Luvamia High-Waisted Denim Shorts start at $20 and feature a petite-friendly 3.5-inch inseam. Made from 98% cotton and 2% elastane, they're available in eight colors and sizes small through XXL. 

One reviewer wrote, “The shape is adorable, and they are the perfect length for a petite frame. They come up a little higher than my belly button. I’m 5 feet tall, around 120 pounds, and got a small size.”

Lands’ End Petite Starfish Mid-Rise Straight Leg Pants, $47 (was $70) at Walmart

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If you can find clothing offered in dedicated petite sizing, shopping becomes significantly easier. The Lands' End Petite Starfish Mid-Rise Straight Leg Pants are available in standard, petite, and tall sizing from extra small through extra large. Made from a jersey blend consisting of 89% cotton and 11% spandex, they're soft, breathable, and machine washable. 

One shopper said the pants were “perfect” for their 5-foot-3 frame, adding, “These pants are just wonderful! The fabric is a medium weight — smooth and comfortable. I ordered a petite extra large (my normal size) and they fit beautifully.”

Lk Luv High-Waisted Satin Midi Skirt, From $31 at Amazon

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A satin midi skirt is another wardrobe staple that's surprisingly versatile. The LK LUV High-Waisted Satin Midi Skirt comes in 28 colors and sizes extra small through XXXL. It can be dressed down with a simple T-shirt or elevated with a blouse for dinner and special occasions. 

The high-waisted design creates a flattering silhouette, while the length works particularly well for shorter frames. One reviewer shared, “This is so fun! I got plenty of compliments and I loved the way it looked on me. I’m petite so I always worry about length, and it falls in all of the right places!”

Puimentiua Cotton-Linen Pants, From $19 (was $30) at Amazon

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No summer wardrobe feels complete without a pair of breezy linen-blend pants. The Puimentiua Cotton-Linen Pants start at $19 and are made from 55% cotton and 45% linen. The tapered-leg silhouette helps prevent excess fabric from overwhelming a smaller frame, while the elastic drawstring waistband allows you to customize the rise and fit. 

One shopper wrote, “I absolutely love these cotton/linen pants. I am only 5 feet tall. It is hard to find pants with a rise and length that I do not have to alter. These pants are perfectly proportioned for my petite body type.”

Related: Mesh Ballet Flats Are Summer’s Sweetest Shoe Trend, and Amazon Has an ‘Adorable’ Pair for Just $26

Finding clothing that fits well shouldn't feel like a full-time job. Whether you're packing for vacation, updating your work wardrobe, or simply looking for comfortable everyday staples, these petite-friendly picks help take some of the guesswork out of online shopping. With prices starting at just $15 at Amazon and Walmart, refreshing your closet is easier and more affordable than ever.

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On July 16, 1981, the death of Harry Chapin shocked the world.

The legendary folk singer, known for his poignant, storytelling style, was just 38 years old when he died tragically in a car accident after being hit by a tractor-trailer on the Long Island Expressway in New York. According to an obituary posted by the New York Times, Chapin, a father of five, had been scheduled to perform at a free concert in Westbury, L.I., on the day he died.

Forty-five years after his death, Chapin’s music lives on.

Best remembered for the songs “Taxi,” “W.O.L.D.," the 1974 Billboard Hot 100 hit "Cat’s in the Cradle” and many more, Chapin was a master songwriter known for lyrics that became sadly prophetic.

His official website opens with a tearjerker line from his song "Wonder What Would Happen to This World”: “Oh if a man tried to take his time on earth, and prove before he died what one man's life could be worth, I wonder what would happen to this world.”

Chapin once said that many of his songs were based on real-life situations but weren’t completely autobiographical.

In an interview with Studs Terkel, he explained, “Well, the song is about 60 percent true. I believe that a performer owes only emotional reality to his songs, that he should talk about things that he understands intuitively, but doesn't have to make it literally [about] himself. Hopefully, a good song or a good work of art is like a well-brought-up child; it has reflections of the parent, but it's got its own personality, its own realities, and hopefully can be larger than the parent. And so when I start writing a song, if it tends to, you know, go in a different direction then it actually happened to me, I'm very willing to let it go because I hope it can be larger than me.”

Chapin was most often asked about "Cat’s in the Cradle,” his No. 1 hit song about a disconnected relationship between a father and son. According to Rolling Stone, the song was inspired by a poem written by Chapin’s wife, Sandy, which hit close to home given his busy career.

In a resurfaced interview, Chapin revealed that his wife often got on him for being away from the family and even sang the words to "Cat's in the Cradle" back to him when he made a call home from the road.

“So my son gets on the phone,” he shared. “He doesn't know what he's doing. He goes, ‘When are you coming home, Dad?’ And my wife…picks up the extension.  It was very quick. She goes, ‘Don't know when, but we'll have a good time then, son. You know, we'll have a good time then.’"

Chapin also said of the classic tune, “Frankly, the song scares me to death.”

In addition to his musical legacy, Chapin was a humanitarian. Fighting hunger was a cause dear to the late singer's heart, and in 1980, he founded Long Island Cares, a food bank that is still in operation today. Accoing to the Long Island Herald, an annual fundraiser for Long Island Cares is still held in Chapin's honor 45 years after his death.

Related: 1974 No. 1 Hit Named One of the ‘Saddest Songs of All Time’ Became Heartbreakingly True 7 Years Later

Will Ferrell made his name—and massive net worth—over the last three decades as one of America’s foremost comedians, a transcendent voice known for his physical humor, commitment to bits and iconic characters. He captivated older generations during his time in the 1990s on Saturday Night Live, then after several critically acclaimed cameos (like in Zoolander and Austin Powers), he officially made the jump to movies with the classic comedy Old School in 2003.

Since then, Ferrell has appeared in some of the genre’s most groundbreaking films, from Elf and Anchorman to Talladega Nights and Eurovision Song Contest. During this time, he also flexed his voice acting chops, appearing in animated movies like Megamind and The LEGO Movie. He often teams up with other famous stars in movies, such as John C. Reilly, Mark Wahlberg, and, recently, Reese Witherspoon in 2025's You're Cordially Invited.

It’s safe to say that Will Ferrell’s career is legendary (almost as legendary as those Ron Burgundy Anchorman best lines), but let’s take a look at his net worth and how he got started.

Related: All About Will Ferrell's Wife, Viveca Paulin

How did Will Ferrell become famous? 

Will Ferrell was born in Irvine, Calif., in 1967, the son of a teacher and a musician (who, funny enough, played for the Righteous Brothers). When he was 8 years old, his parents divorced, and he found solace in making others laugh.

“Growing up in suburbia, in safe, master-planned Irvine, there was no drama so we had to create it in our heads. My main form of entertainment was cracking my friends up and exploring new ways of being funny,” Ferrell said in an interview with the Orange County Register. “I didn't have to have the survival mode instinct like other comics, who grew up in tough neighborhoods. I had the opposite. For me, I grew up in Mayberry, and the humor broke the boredom. And there was a lot to make fun of.”

Ferrell’s interest in the arts grew along with his interest in sports, so when he enrolled at USC for college, he chose to study sports broadcasting. He received a degree and found an internship at a local television station, but decided it didn’t suit him. After his mother urged him to pursue a dream, Ferrell moved to Los Angeles and joined The Groundlings, an improvisational comedy group.

After minor successes that included small-time movie roles and shows across Los Angeles, Ferrell was invited to audition for Saturday Night Live. He joined the cast in 1995 and became one of the show's most famous cast members. 

In 2002, Ferrell left Saturday Night Live and began to star in movies. His first big film successes were the mid-life crisis examination of Old School (2003) and Elf (2003), the story of a man raised in the North Pole. And his success only built from there.

Outside of acting, Ferrell expanded to executive producing (The Other Guys, Succession and Eastbound & Down) and podcasting (The Ron Burgundy Podcast). He also launched Funny or Die with director Adam McKay in 2007, a website dedicated to comedic online shorts that launched the careers of many famous comedians today.

Ferrell never lost interest in sports. In 2016, he became a part-owner of the then-new Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC, along with other celebrity owners like Magic Johnson and Mia Hamm. He also bought a minority stake in the English football club Leeds United in 2024. 

Over the years, Ferrell has developed his own style of comedy and become a household name. We may be far from his Saturday Night Live stardom (creator Lorne Michaelsonce said he was in the top two or three comedians to ever be on the show), but he parlayed his successes into other great endeavors over the course of his long career.

Related: 20 Richest ‘SNL’ Cast Members of All Time, Ranked by Net Worth

What is Will Ferrell's net worth? 

Will Ferrell’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at a hefty $160 million. This comes not just from acting—at one point, he was one of the highest-paid actors in the world, making upwards of $20 million per film—but from other endeavors like Funny or Die, sports ownership, sponsorships and real estate.

How much does Will Ferrell make per movie? 

Will Ferrell has had a hand in over 80 movies and 55 television shows, spanning all budgets and styles. Because of that, the amount Ferrell makes per movie varies. While he's certainly acted in low-budget films, when he was among Hollywood’s highest-grossing actors in the mid-2000s, he demanded upwards of $20 million per role (for movies like Kicking & Screaming, Semi-Pro and Talladega Nights), one of the highest marks ever.

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy?

After the success of his major debut as a lead with Old School, Will Ferrell showed his big-screen success wasn’t a fluke as Ron Burgundy in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. He reportedly made $7 million for Anchorman, but that would be the last time for almost a decade that his salary would be that low.

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Elf? 

Elf was Will Ferrell’s second box office hit. He reportedly received a whopping salary of $17 million for that film alone, more on par with what his talents would dictate in the mid-2000s. He was allegedly offered $29 million to act in an Elf sequel, but couldn’t get his heart into it, so he turned it down.

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby? 

Will Ferrell captivated a comedic generation with the movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, a movie about a mentally underdeveloped but charismatic and successful NASCAR star. It’s reported that he made $20 million for the movie, as it came during one of his most successful eras. Ferrell dictated this salary for many other movies he did during the same era, such as Semi-Pro, Kicking & Screaming, Bewitched and Land of the Lost.

Related: Everybody Pays Chris! Find Out Chris Rock’s Net Worth

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Saturday Night Live? 

In 2001, Will Ferrell reportedly became one of Saturday Night Live’s highest-paid cast members, with a season salary of $350,000. Ferrell was on the show for seven seasons from 1995 to 2002, so he earned quite a nice sum negotiating his contract for the final years.

How much does Will Ferrell make on sports ownership and executive producing? 

Will Ferrell makes money off many other endeavors, including his part-ownership of the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC and minority stake in the English football club Leeds United, as well as his executive production roles in both television and film. It was reported in 2023 that Los Angeles FC was worth $1 billion, becoming Major League Soccer’s first billion-dollar team only nine years after it joined the league at a reported valuation of $110 million. At one point, Ferrell's digital web company Funny or Die was worth $300 million alone.

Ferrell’s real estate holdings also contribute to his net worth, with his Los Angeles property valued at around $20 million. 

Is Will Ferrell married?

Yes, Will Ferrell is currently married to Swedish actress Viveca Paulin. The pair tied the knot in 2000 and have three children together.

Related: Kevin Hart's Net Worth in 2026 and How the Hardworking Entertainer Got So Crazy Rich

Saturday Night Live’s Marcello Hernández had one job at the ESPYs: make people laugh. But after the comedian took a shot at last year's host Shane Gillis during his monologue, many viewers found themselves talking about something else entirely — who exactly is Marcello Hernández?

Hernández, who has become one of SNL's breakout cast members, joked about Gillis’ controversial past during the awards show, sparking a wave of reactions online. While some fans praised the roast and said Gillis himself would likely appreciate the joke, others were less focused on the punchline and more confused about Hernández’s rising profile, asking why they were just now discovering the 28-year-old comedian.

"Did he win a radio contest or something? The only offensive thing about this joke is how generic it is. Y'all have lowered the bar something fierce. Must have Mencia ghost writing for him," one person remarked on X.

"I also want to shout out last year's host, Shane Gillis. He is watching from home like a true American- on his couch, drinking a beer, while a Hispanic guy does his job."

- Marcello Hernández in his ESPYs monologue pic.twitter.com/Mcol5IYL5Z

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 16, 2026

Another person wrote, "I don't know who this Marcello fella is, but maybe I should learn, cause that s—t is hilarious!!!" Still, not everyone was impressed. Some viewers criticized the monologue, while others claimed they had heard similar punchlines before.

Hernández didn’t stop with Gillis. He also took a shot at golf legend Tiger Woods, referencing Woods’ past legal troubles with a joke about the “Grand Theft Auto” video game franchise. Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence following a rollover crash in Florida in March, marking his fourth reckless driving incident since 2009.

“I love you, Tiger,” Hernández said. “I’m a big fan, man. It was just written so well.”

The SNL comedian, best known for his character Domingo, also poked fun at longtime NFL coach Bill Belichick, the former New England Patriots head coach who made headlines last year for his relationship with 24-year-old former cheerleaderJordon Hudson.

During his monologue, Hernández joked about how much the sports world has changed, saying, “In 1973, hockey players didn’t wear helmets. Basketball had no three-point line. And in 1973, Bill Belichick was the age his girlfriend is now.”

While some viewers may not have known who Hernández was before the ESPYs, boxer Jake Paul, who was in the audience, played along with the comedian’s joke about his tendency to face older opponents in the ring. “My dad and my stepdad are both here, and they’re over 50, and I know that’s how you like ’em,” Hernández joked.

Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll may seem like friendly exes, but Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia thinks there's more going on with their divorce dynamic.

"She's still under the mind control of him," the Barstool Sports personality, 27, alleged during the Sunday, July 12, episode of her Plan Bri Uncut podcast, claiming that "all of [Bunnie's] closest friends" are reposting "the most asinine videos about Jelly Roll and how he’s the worst person and how people only like him because of Bunnie."

Related: Bunnie Xo Shuts Down Body-Shaming After IVF Weight Gain

"Bunnie is just doing the thing where she’s still protecting him," said LaPaglia, who said she had been through a similar experience of wanting to "protect" and "encourage" an ex when she wasn't "fully stepped out of the situation yet," seemingly referring to the tumultuous end of her relationship with singer Zach Bryan in October 2024.

LaPaglia also claimed that Jelly Roll's "only redeeming thing" was "how much he loved his wife," adding of the Grammy winner's 275-pound weight loss, "It’s like, to finally amount to this point of your life where you’ve made it, and then you lose all this weight and you start talking different, you start acting different and then you drop the woman that saved you and, kind of, made you. I don’t think there would be Jelly Roll at this level if it wasn’t for Bunnie.”

Jelly Roll, 41, filed for divorce from Bunnie, 46, in May after nearly 10 years of marriage, but the pair have maintained a positive relationship publicly. In June, Bunnie even revealed on her podcast that she and the "Save Me" singer were still planning on having a child together and co-parenting, calling him her "best friend," despite their split.

"Nobody cheated on the other person. It’s literally just we served our purpose for each other," Bunnie said at the time. "And I’m excited to discover myself single, and single and sober, which is crazy."

And while neither Jelly Roll nor Bunnie has addressed LaPaglia's criticism of their relationship, Jelly Roll told the audience at his concert last month that Bunnie "will probably be the only woman I’ll ever love the way I loved her," as per PEOPLE.

If your idea of a perfect vacation has shifted from packing every hour with sightseeing to unplugging completely in a place where your biggest daily decision is choosing a massage, you are part of a massive movement in travel.

The demand for dedicated wellness getaways is skyrocketing, particularly among women over 50 who are looking to trade standard sightseeing for a deeply immersive escape. Instead of trying to check every tourist box, these travelers are looking for a true physical and mental hard reset with a luxury experience that centers entirely on depth, presence, and coming home feeling whole.

But while the luxury wellness market is more crowded than ever, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and its signature AVI Spa stand out by completely redefining what holistic restoration looks like.

Suspended over the turquoise waters of the remote Raa Atoll, this stunning property has designed a retreat where wellness isn't just an item on an itinerary—it's woven into the entire island experience. The heart of this sanctuary is AVI Spa, featuring six private overwater treatment villas specifically built to harness the calming effects of natural light, ocean breezes, and the gentle rhythm of the waves.

We spoke with Jean Claire Riveral Sumayod, the property's Director of Spa and Wellness, about how the resort is leading the charge in this new era of personalized wellness.

Related: 15 Best Spa Retreats for Women Over 50

Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Wellness

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Step inside AVI Spa and you won't find a standard massage and treatment menu. Instead, the property focuses entirely on targeted wellness tracks built around personal recovery, clinical skincare, or energy work. Guests can choose custom tracks focused on deep relaxation, skin rejuvenation, or energy restoration, using formulas from world-class signature brands like Biologique Recherche, The Organic Pharmacy, and Margaret Dabbs London.

Whether you're looking to book an ancient Ayurvedic ritual like Shirodhara, a detoxifying body wrap, or a specialized facial, the program is designed to meet you exactly where you are. According to Sumayod, expanding these services was essential to capturing what true, modern wellbeing actually means: "At AVI Spa, we recognize that wellbeing means something different to every guest. Expanding our offering allowed us to create experiences that go beyond traditional spa treatments, supporting relaxation, movement, rest, and overall balance in ways that feel relevant to each individual."

Sumayod notes that this highly tailored, thoughtful approach is what ultimately separates Maamunagau from other luxury resorts in the region: "From therapeutic treatments and visiting practitioner residencies to sleep-focused experiences and guided movement sessions, each journey is shaped around the guest's needs and interests. Set within the natural surroundings of the Maldives and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Raa Atoll, AVI Spa offers a deeper connection to both place and self."

Related: You’ve Put Everyone Else First for Years—Why This Bahamas Resort Is the Ultimate Gen X Reset

Overwater Sanctuaries Built for Healing

AVI Spa at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

What makes a visit to AVI Spa so deeply therapeutic is the environment itself. The spa's overwater treatment rooms are designed so that the natural world actively participates in your healing process.

These stunning villas remain the ultimate draw for travelers looking to escape the noise of daily life. Sumayod explains why these spaces are so uniquely restorative: "Our overwater spa treatment rooms have been part of the AVI Spa experience since the resort's opening. Suspended above the turquoise lagoon, they provide a unique setting where the natural elements become part of the treatment itself. The movement of the water, the sound of the ocean, and uninterrupted horizon views create a profound sense of tranquillity, allowing guests to relax more deeply and engage more fully with the experience."

Related: Mexico's Newly Facelifted Resort is Perfect for Gen-X Travelers—And Here's Why

The One Can't-Miss Treatment for Women Over 50

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

For women navigating the unique transitions that come with being over 50, AVI Spa has introduced innovative, low-impact therapies that offer profound mental and physical relief.

If you only book one treatment during your stay, make it the resort's signature Floating Sound Therapy. It's an incredibly restorative sensory experience that combines the weightless, gentle support of warm water with targeted sound vibrations, breathwork, and guided mindfulness to quiet a busy mind.

Sumayod emphasizes how powerful this therapy is for women who simply need permission to stop rushing:

"Our Floating Sound Therapy is a particularly restorative experience. Combining the gentle support of water with sound vibrations, breathwork, and guided mindfulness, the treatment encourages deep relaxation, restful sleep, and a greater sense of balance. It offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and embrace a quieter pace—something many women come to value even more with time."

Related: I Often Travel with My 80-Year-Old Mom and Teens—Here’s the One Thing I Always Do Differently

The Ultimate Multigenerational Group Getaway

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Days can be spent practicing sunrise or sunset yoga, participating in guided meditation sessions, or even sharing a gentle wellness day with younger family members thanks to their dedicated Teen Spa. For those looking for a truly unforgettable bucket-list moment, the resort even offers a specialized "Swim with Nurse Sharks" package, allowing you to connect with the ocean's gentle giants in a completely immersive, safe, and educational way.

Ultimately, Sumayod believes that the true luxury of Maamunagau lies in the quietness of its protected marine surroundings, making it the premier destination for women looking to step back and reflect: "For many guests, the greatest luxury is the opportunity to pause. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a protected marine region known for its exceptional biodiversity, the resort offers a sense of calm and space that is increasingly difficult to find.

Whether celebrating a milestone, travelling with friends, or seeking time for oneself, guests can embrace experiences that encourage presence and reflection, from oceanfront yoga and spa rituals to encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and other gentle giants of the ocean. For many, these moments in nature become a meaningful part of the experience, offering a renewed appreciation for the world around them and a deeper sense of connection."

In a world where we are constantly rushing from one commitment to the next, a trip to this Maldivian sanctuary is more than just a vacation—it is a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and return home feeling genuinely whole.

Related: This Is the Top Multigenerational Trip According to New Research—And It’s Not an All-Inclusive or Vacation Club

Thirty-eight years after it reached the top of the charts, Cheap Trick's power ballad "The Flame" remains the band's only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and one of the defining rock songs of the late 1980s.

The song climbed to No. 1 in the United States on July 9, 1988, giving the Rockford, Illinois band its first chart-topper after more than a decade of success with fan favorites such as "I Want You to Want Me," "Surrender" and "Dream Police."

Released as the lead single from Cheap Trick's 10th studio album, Lap of Luxury, "The Flame" spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 before being replaced by Richard Marx's "Hold On to the Nights." The song also reached No. 1 in Australia and Canada.

For Cheap Trick, the achievement marked the end of several years of declining commercial success and launched one of the biggest comebacks of the decade.

By 1988, Cheap Trick had already built a reputation as one of America's most respected rock bands. The group had earned major hits and sold millions of albums, but a No. 1 single had remained out of reach.

Before "The Flame," the band's highest-charting hit was the live version of "I Want You to Want Me," which peaked inside the Top 10. After "The Flame," Cheap Trick would score only one more Top 10 hit, "Don't Be Cruel," which reached No. 4 later in 1988.

The success of "The Flame" also helped turn Lap of Luxury into the band's comeback album and returned Cheap Trick to mainstream radio and MTV audiences.

The song was written by British songwriters Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham and produced by Richie Zito.

Ironically, the band members were not excited when they first heard it.

Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick's longtime guitarist and principal songwriter, reportedly disliked the song so much that he "yanked it from the tape player and ground the cassette beneath his boot heel."

Producer Richie Zito later recalled having "some pretty good arguments" with the band over recording the track.

According to drummer Bun E. Carlos, the band was offered a choice between recording "The Flame" and another outside song, "Look Away."

Carlos told Songfacts,  "[Grierson] goes, 'I'll give you first pick. The other one I'm going to give to Chicago.' He played us 'Look Away' first, and we were like, eh. Then he plays us 'The Flame,' and we're like, 'Well, that ain't as bad as the first one.'"

"Look Away" later became Chicago's own No. 1 hit.

Epic Records had encouraged Cheap Trick to work with outside songwriters for Lap of Luxury as the label searched for a commercial breakthrough.

Although the band initially resisted the idea, Zito found a way to move the recording forward by convincing members to record their parts one at a time.

He began with lead singer Robin Zander, whose emotional vocal performance became one of the song's defining features.

Today, "The Flame" stands as one of the era's best-known power ballads and an important chapter in Cheap Trick's history.

While the song arrived during the peak of the power-ballad era, it became more than a radio hit.

It gave Cheap Trick their long-awaited chart breakthrough, introduced the band to a new generation of listeners, and secured a permanent place in their legacy.

The group continues to perform and tour decades later, including an expanded North American run in 2026, but "The Flame" remains the song that delivered the milestone they had chased since forming in 1973.

For Cheap Trick, the fire never completely went out.

Related: 1972 Rock Song With Zero Chart History Remains a Classic 54 Years Later

When Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, many believed the curtain had permanently closed on The Eagles. The legendary band had lost its co-founder and musical heartbeat, and filling that monumental void on stage seemed impossible.

However, instead of looking to the rock-and-roll world for a replacement, the surviving members made an unexpected call to a beloved country music giant. For Vince Gill, stepping up to help keep his late friend’s legacy alive was a "surreal" honor he never could have anticipated.

When Gill spoke to Taste of Country in 2018, he shared his genuine surprise and delight at being invited into the fold. The Eagles didn't just recruit him for his musical chops. They chose him because of his deep personal bond with Frey, long-standing friendships with Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit, and a warm relationship with Glenn’s son, Deacon Frey.

"Just gratitude that I was the guy they decided would work. Just that," Gill began.

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"Because Glenn was a great friend, and in my heart of hearts I wish I wasn’t doing it. That would mean Glenn would still be around, but life is what it is, and you just go do what you can do because of what happens. Those songs deserve to live on as long as they can," he continued.

Gill added, "I think they enjoy having me in the band and want me to stay as long as they want to do it. I think until they hang it up I’ll probably be around."

Additionally, the country superstar told The Los Angeles Times, “In my mind, I always thought I’d have made a good Eagle. In a million years, I never would have seen this coming. It’s pretty surreal."

The roots of Gill and the Eagles' unexpected partnership actually went back decades. He first crossed paths with their music catalog back in 1993, delivering a gorgeous cover of "I Can’t Tell You Why" for the tribute album Common Thread.

Years later, in 2016, Gill lent his signature guitar work and vocals to Henley’s solo album, Cass County. That same year, the country megastar stood on stage at the Kennedy Center Honors to perform a tribute to the Eagles, a moment the Los Angeles Times reported was the exact spark that convinced the band they had found their replacement.

Gill appeared on the Stephan Hogan Podcast in 2025, where he further discussed his work with the legendary country-rock band.

"What I do is important to make what they do work," Gill explained. He said Don Henley was asked, "Why did you get the country guy to be in your band?" Henley answered, "Cause he knows how to be in a band."

"I knew going in that what they needed was a singer," Gill added. "I think we were getting ready to do the first gig and Don heard me singing 'Whenever You Come Around' at soundcheck. He said, 'What's that?' I said, 'Its a song I had out 15 years ago.'"

Henley wanted to include the song in the set, but Gill responded, "With all due respect, I'd rather not. I don't want to give these people one more reason to not like me. I don't want anyone sitting there to hear [my] songs.' They came to hear The Eagles."

Vince Gill continues to tour with The Eagles. He will perform with the band on select dates during their residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, in November and December this year.

Related: Forgotten 1980 Country Pop Hit Made Vince Gill Famous Before Anyone Knew His Name

Maggie Grace is most well-known known for her iconic role as Shannon Rutherford on Lost, but she also starred in Fear the Walking Dead, Taken, Taken 2, and Taken 3. The actress, who is now 42, filed for divorce from her husband in the state of Washington in May 2025 after 8 years of marriage.

Grace and Brent Bushnell got engaged in early 2017 and had their wedding in May of the same year. The pair welcomed a son in October 2020. They also share a daughter who was born in 2023.

Related: Season 1 ‘American Idol’ Star Splits From Wife After 15 Years of Marriage

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, “the marriage is ‘irretrievably broken.’ The filing says she and Brent actually began living in separate households in October 2024. The docs show the couple already worked out many of the details before heading to court, referencing both a premarital agreement and a property settlement and separation agreement signed in March 2025.”

The outlet continued, “According to the petition, neither Maggie nor Brent are seeking spousal support. Maggie is also asking the court to restore her legal name to Margaret Grace Ives. Brent signed the joint petition as well, signaling the divorce appears to be uncontested.”

Related: Stanley Tucci, 65, Discusses 21 Year Age Gap With His Wife: ‘We Had Nothing in Common’

In 2020, when their first child was born, Grace shared a photo of the baby on her social media. "The BEST mornings!” it was captioned, as reported by PEOPLE. “The shift to parenthood has been the most profound and beautiful experience of my life. 2020 is a wild time to have a baby. We long to offer him a better, more compassionate world, and we want to equip him to make it better. Let's elect leaders our kids can look up to. Please vote.”

She concluded the post by showing her support for President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris.

Grace is an award-winning actress who won a Screen Actors Guild Award along with the cast of Lost for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. She also received a Teen Choice Award nomination and a nomination for a Young Artist Award.

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With the beautiful weather outside, itonly makes sense that you're taking more walks. If you're hitting the pavement a lot this summer during runs or adventurous trips, then you'll want to invest in dependable footwear. Some of our favorite comfortable styles stem from Macy's sales section, because they're long-lasting and budget-friendly. We're currently eyeing the Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Style LaceUp Sneakers, which are 40% off now.

The sneakers originally cost $95, but have been reduced to $57. You can shop for the footwear in eight colors, ranging from minimalist to slightly more bold: light blue, black, navy, off-white, pale green, beige, light pink, and white. The classic colors are perfect for those who want an everyday shoe that matches with nearly every outfit, while hues like pink are fun for a bolder pop of color.

Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Style LaceUp Sneakers, $57 (was $95) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

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The sizes range from 5 to 12, including half sizes, with medium and wide widths available. Shoppers say that the sneakers are true to size, but sometimes Clarks shoes do run large, so we recommend utilizing the available size chart for best results. The style features a 1.625-inch flat heel, classic lace-up closure and a round toe. The upper is made of nubuck (which is leather), while the outsole is synthetic. 

Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Style LaceUp Sneakers, $57 (was $95) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

Due to the material, it's advised to spot clean the sneakers to ensure they keep their quality. The best part about this design is that the insole consists of soft foam layers underneath the foot that provide instantaneous comfort, whether you're walking for long periods or just heading to the store. The leather is perforated so that the shoe is breathable and your feet won't overheat — which is especially helpful during the summer. 

Related: Macy’s Charming $24 Comforter Set With ‘Unmatched Softness’ Channels the French Countryside at Home

Shoppers described the sneakers as "very supportive," "comfortable," "super soft," and "cloud-like." Some customers who need extra arch support may want to invest in orthotics that can be placed in the shoe, because they're fairly flexible. Reviewers wear them with both light and heavy socks, so you can easily wear them all year-long. 

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• Good American Straight Ankle Jeans, $119 (was $158) at Macy's
• On 34th Solid Crepe Mini Shift Dress, $54 (was $90) at Macy's
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Make your strides as comfy as possible with shoes that you can count on. These lightweight Clarks sneakers are so affordable and available in so many colors that you can even shop for a few pairs. Add them to your shoe collection while they're 40% off at Macy's!

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.

A 95-year-old pop culture icon is performing a heavy metal set at one of America's biggest rock festivals this September.

He'll have 35 musicians behind him. He's covering Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. He calls the entire project "chaos with purpose." And he'd very much like you to take all of this seriously.

His name is William Shatner, and if you think this is a joke, you haven't been paying attention.

Before you assume this is some novelty act, it helps to know what his musical history actually looks like.

His 1968 spoken word album "The Transformed Man" is still being discussed and argued about nearly 60 years after it was released. Shatner’s version of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" alone has generated more commentary than most artists produce in their entire career. In 1978, he performed Elton John's "Rocket Man" at the Science Fiction Film Awards as a dramatic monologue, cigarette in hand, staring into the middle distance. It became one of the most replayed clips in internet history before the internet even existed to replay it. In 2004, he released "Has Been," produced by Ben Folds, an album that critics who had every reason to write off ended up genuinely praising instead.

He's been making music that refuses to be predictable for nearly six decades. The heavy metal album isn't a left-turn choice. It's the next logical step for anyone who's never made the expected or traditional choice.

Shatner's been added to the Riot Fest lineup, the three-day festival running September 18-20 at Douglass Park in Chicago. The bill already had Tool, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce The Veil, Morrissey, Alanis Morissette, Patti Smith, the Pixies, Nas, and Rise Against. Then someone decided to book a 95-year-old with a full heavy-metal band.

Iggy Pop's also on the bill, and at 79, he'll be the next oldest performer by 16 years.

Related: 1979 Fleetwood Mac Album, Made After Lindsey Buckingham Refused to Make Another Rumours, Is the One He Actually Loved

Here's what Shatner had to say about it all.

"I've always believed that music, like space, is about exploration," he said. "Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We're bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. With this incredible band behind me, I expect nothing less than lift-off."

Lift-off from a 95-year-old at a heavy metal festival in Chicago this September.

The album doesn't have a title or release date yet, but according to what Shatner's shared so far, it’s genuinely extraordinary. He’ll be performing with thirty-five metal musicians. Covering Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest alongside original material he describes as "forged in the same cosmic fire."

"Thunderous guitars," he said. "Chaos with purpose. Loud imagination. Honest intensity. Unapologetic exploration."

Riot Fest will be the first public preview of what any of that actually sounds like.

At 95, He's Still Going Where No One Has Gone Before

Captain Kirk first appeared on NBC on September 8, 1966. The character was a man in his thirties, commanding a starship, making unexpected decisions under intense pressure, going where no one had gone before. The actor who played him just booked a heavy metal festival.

In October 2021, Shatner flew to space at age 90 aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, becoming at the time the oldest person to do so. After landing, he described looking up into the blackness of space and seeing death. "Deep into my bones," he said. Then he called it "the most profound" experience of his life. Apparently, when a 90-year-old man goes to space and comes back talking about death and the profundity of life, a heavy metal album at 95 is the only logical response.

Shatner doesn't do what people expect of him. He didn't in 1968 when he turned Beatles songs into spoken word performances. He didn't in 1978 when he performed "Rocket Man" as a dramatic monologue at the Science Fiction Film Awards, cigarette in hand. He didn't in 2004 when he made an album with Ben Folds that nobody could put in a box. And he didn't in 2021 when he flew to space at 90.

He's not going to start now.

Riot Fest runs September 18-20 in Chicago. The bill includes Tool, Alanis Morissette, Patti Smith, the Pixies, and Iggy Pop. Somewhere on that stage, a 95-year-old man with 35 musicians behind him is planning lift-off.

Captain Kirk would definitely approve.

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Long before he co-founded the Divinyls, guitarist Mark McEntee helped launch another legendary band.

McEntee, who turns 71 on July 16, was an original member of Air Supply, joining Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock after the trio met during the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar in the mid-1970s. As the band's original lead guitarist, he played on Air Supply's self-titled 1976 debut album before leaving later that year to pursue a different musical direction.

Although McEntee's time with Air Supply was brief, the band would go on to become one of the biggest soft rock acts in the world, selling more than 100 million records and scoring eight top-five hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," "Every Woman in the World" and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All."

In 1980, McEntee reunited with former Air Supply bandmate Jeremy Paul for a new project with an electrifying young singer named Chrissy Amphlett. The result was Divinyls.

As guitarist, songwriter and co-founder, McEntee became one half of the band's creative engine, co-writing many of its biggest songs with Amphlett. While the lineup changed repeatedly over the years, the two remained Divinyls' defining partnership, creating hits including "Boys in Town," "Science Fiction," "Pleasure and Pain" and, eventually, the international smash "I Touch Myself."

Released in 1990, "I Touch Myself" became the band's signature hit, reaching No. 1 in Australia, No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 10 in the United Kingdom. Its provocative lyrics made headlines around the world, but the song's infectious melody and fearless attitude helped cement the Divinyls' place in rock history.

Behind the music, McEntee and Amphlett shared one of rock's most famously complicated creative partnerships. The two met in 1980 and became romantically involved two years later after McEntee separated from his first wife.

In her 2005 memoir "Pleasure and Pain," Amphlett described him as her "most intense friendship," but acknowledged that their relationship was often fueled by alcohol, drugs and explosive arguments. She wrote that the pair endured "screaming matches" that sometimes escalated into physical fights, while longtime manager Vince Lovegrove later said their "weird, foaming-at-the-mouth furious, loving, hopelessly dependent relationship was the magic of Divinyls."

After the band split in 1996, McEntee and Amphlett barely spoke for years. The release of Amphlett's memoir created another rift, but they eventually reconciled when the Divinyls were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. The reunion led to a new single, a national tour and hopes of another studio album. Reflecting on their renewed partnership, Amphlett said, "When we play music, when we're together and we perform, that's what it's all about for us… The music is what brings us back together."

When Amphlett died in 2013 following battles with breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, tributes poured in from around the world. Hugh Jackman called her "one of a rare breed," while Russell Crowe remembered her as someone who loved life until the very end. Their loss underscored just how influential the Divinyls had become, not only in Australia but across the international rock community.

Today, McEntee's career stands as a remarkable bridge between two very different chapters of music history. He helped launch one of the world's most successful soft rock bands before co-founding one of Australia's most influential rock acts, leaving an enduring mark on both along the way.

Related: The Greatest Guitarist You've Never Heard Of Turns 67 Today

Billy Joelknew the moment he was done writing pop songs, and he can still name the exact feeling that told him.

In a new interview with music producer Rick Beato, Joel said that when he finished writing 1993's River of Dreams, something in him simply stopped. He didn't want to sit down and start another album from scratch. He had a wife and a young daughter, and the old life of disappearing into songwriting for months at a time no longer made sense to him.

Joel compared his own catalog to one of his biggest influences to explain the decision. He noted that the Beatles released 12 studio albums, and reasoned that if that body of work was enough for them, 12 albums was enough for him too. He said he didn't want to keep making records just because he was Billy Joel, and that he recognized his own motivation had changed.

The bigger fear, Joel explained, was what happens to artists who don't know when to stop. He said some musicians keep releasing albums well past their creative peak, and that doing so can end up diluting an artist's legacy rather than adding to it. "I didn't want to go like that," he said. Rather than risk it, he chose to walk away from pop songwriting after River of Dreams.

Related: Why Mick Jagger Calls Elon Musk a 'Mad Mogul' in New Rolling Stones Song

That didn't mean he stopped making music. Joel described turning instead to a full album of classical piano compositions, something he said he'd wanted to do for years. Because he doesn't read musical notation in the traditional sense, he said he taught the pieces to a classical pianist section by section, and the pianist then performed the completed compositions live in Europe, including in Germany, Austria and Spain.

Joel traced that same instinct for knowing when something is finished back to his songwriting method itself. He said he almost always writes the music before any lyrics, with one notable exception in "We Didn't Start the Fire," and that he considers a strong melody the foundation everything else has to serve. He also pointed to 1982's The Nylon Curtain as the album where the writing, playing and production came together most completely, even though he called it one of the hardest records he ever made.

Throughout the conversation, Joel traced that instinct for knowing when a song, or an era, is finished back to his earliest years learning piano by ear in his mother's house on Long Island, and to his lifelong habit of tearing apart his own performances in the studio rather than settling for good enough. He said a producer once had to talk him into keeping a piano solo he was ready to scrap, and that his own harshest critic has always been himself. More than three decades after River of Dreams, Joel has continued to perform live regularly, including a long-running residency at Madison Square Garden, without releasing another pop album. His decision to stop writing new pop material while continuing to tour has become a defining part of how he's discussed among musicians and songwriters who cite him as an influence.

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“Hanky Panky” was originally written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich for the Raindrops, their pop group. However, another version was much more popular. Tommy James and the Shondells released the song in 1966, and it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 60 years ago today.

In an interview with North Coast Music Beat, frontman Tommy James spoke about the recording of the song. “It was a song that I heard another group play,” he said. “I saw the reaction from the dancers, and they must have requested it a half a dozen times. I said, ‘We gotta record that.’ I had two little label deals before I got out of high school, and this was from the second one. Jack Douglas was a DJ who owned Snap records and he asked if me and my band would record a couple of sides. I said, ‘Hell yes!’ and one of those songs was 'Hanky Panky.' Two years later, I got a call from Pittsburgh saying ‘Hanky Panky’ was sitting at number one. I went there with the producer of the record, and outside the city limits I’m a nobody, but inside the city of Pittsburgh, I’m a rock star.”

James continued, “I can tell you right now, if we had been with any other label, we would have been lucky to have been one-hit wonders. Especially with a record like 'Hanky Panky.' Roulette did right by us on a creative level, getting paid was a whole other story. We ended up with twenty-three gold singles and nine platinum albums, and we sold over one hundred and ten million records.”

However, not everyone was a fan of the song, which only took 20 minutes to write. InThe Billboard Book of Number One Hits, one of the original writers, Barry, said it was “just a B-side.” He added, “As far as I was concerned, it was a terrible song.”

Barry is known for co-writing many hits, including “Tell Laura I Love Her,” “Chapel of Love,” “Then He Kissed Me,” “Sugar, Sugar,” “Leader of the Pack,” "River Deep - Mountain High,” and “Be My Baby.”

Related: 1972 Soft Rock Classic, From an 'Accidental' Duo, Became a Timeless Party Anthem

Tommy James and the Shondells also had several hits over the years. They include “Crimson and Clover,” "I Think We're Alone Now," "Mirage," "Mony Mony," "Sweet Cherry Wine," and "Crystal Blue Persuasion." James is now 79 years old.

Alan Fitzgerald launched his career with a bass, but some of his most beloved work was created after a shift to keyboards.

The musician, often referred to as "Fitz," turns 77 on July 16. More than five decades ago, he began a career that has stretched from Montrose's early hard-rock years to Night Ranger's MTV breakthrough, with additional work alongside Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, and the melodic rock supergroup Alliance.

Fitzgerald joined Montrose in 1974, replacing original bassist Bill Church. He played on the band's next two albums, Paper Money and Warner Bros. Presents... Montrose!. After leaving the group, he reunited with Hagar as the keyboardist in his solo band.

His change of instruments helped lead Fitzgerald into the most successful era of his career. In 1980, he and guitarist Jeff Watson joined three former Rubicon members in the lineup that became Night Ranger.

Fitzgerald's synth parts became an important part of the band's sound, working alongside its two lead guitars. He played throughout Night Ranger's original hitmaking run, which produced several rock favorites such as "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and the Top 5 ballad "Sister Christian."

Fitzgerald left Night Ranger in 1988, then returned for the band's reunion during the 1990s and recorded two more albums with the group. Beginning in the early '90s, he also handled live keyboards for Van Halen during the band's concerts through 2004.

He later became a founding member of Alliance with Gary Pihl, David Lauser and Robert Berry, all of whom arrived with experience in successful rock acts. Pihl recalled that the musicians first gathered at Hagar's home studio and began sharing their song ideas.

"The four of us met actually in Sammy's home recording studio and we showed each other all our song ideas," Pihl told MisplacedStraws.

Fitzgerald appeared on Alliance's first four albums before retiring from touring. His work also remains an important part of the Night Ranger catalog, which the band is revisiting with a new Best Of collection scheduled for release on Aug. 28.

At 77, Fitzgerald can now look back on a unique and prosperous career, finding major success first on bass and then all over again on keyboards.

Related: '70s Metal Rocker, Nicknamed 'The Animal,' Turns 70

If there was ever a celebrity crossover no one saw coming, it happened at a recent Yungblud concert.

Fans attending the show were treated to a surprise appearance from Steve-O, who briefly joined the British rocker, 28, onstage for a moment that was equal parts hilarious and completely on brand.

A video shared to Instagram shows the Jackass star, 52, emerging during the performance carrying a water bottle.

"Steve-O casually appearing to keep Yungblud hydrated?" text over the video reads.

Rather than simply handing it over, Steve-O poured the water directly into Yungblud's mouth while the singer remained in full performance mode before quietly slipping back into the wings as if nothing had happened.

The clip was captioned, "Steve-O disappearing into the shadows after keeping Yungblud hydrated," and it didn't take long for fans to flood the comments.

"SLC August 2025 show!" one fan chimed in, pointing out when the video was likely recorded. "This was the best."

"The world is healing," another commenter said.

"Steve-O just be doing random side quests," another joked.

The unexpected cameo felt perfectly suited to both personalities. Steve-O has built a career on outrageous stunts and unpredictable appearances dating back to MTV's Jackass, while Yungblud has become known for turning his concerts into energetic, anything-can-happen events that blur the line between rock show and spectacle.

That shared spirit made the brief interaction feel surprisingly natural, even if fans certainly weren't expecting to see the stunt legend playing the role of backstage hydration crew.

Although the appearance only lasted a few seconds and allegedly happened last year, it's resurfacing across social media as fans celebrated one of the night's most memorable moments.

Related: Elvis Presley’s First National Chart Hit, 'Baby Let's Play House,' Turns 71 Today

Between the New York Knicks recently snapping their legendary 53-year championship drought, Formula 1 taking over more U.S. cities than ever, and the massive anticipation building for the upcoming FIFA World Cup final on home soil, it's an absolute peak era to be an American sports fan. But actually securing a seat to watch these historic moments in person? That is a completely different story.

As ticket prices, concessions, and travel costs continue to skyrocket, fans are facing a very real financial phenomenon known as "fun-flation." New survey data from Intuit Credit Karma and The Harris Poll reveals that the price of keeping up with our favorite teams is officially forcing us to make some pretty wild financial tradeoffs.

"More than half of Americans (55%) say this is the most financially stressful summer they can remember, yet many are still prioritizing experiences," says Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate at Intuit Credit Karma. "While 45% have canceled travel plans because of rising transportation costs, others are stretching their budgets, or even taking on extra work, to make bucket list moments happen."

In fact, more than a third of sports fans (35%) admit they have blown past their budgets over the past year just to keep up with their fandom. Yet, even as everyday prices pinch our wallets, our emotional connection to our teams is overriding our logical budgeting brains. Nearly half of all sports fans (47%) say that if their favorite team made it to a championship game, they would find a way to be there in person—no matter the cost.

Related: Nickel and Dime Defense? Here's How Much Super Bowl Tickets Cost in 2026

How Fans Are Quietly Cutting Back

When it comes to the events we are most willing to totally ruin our bank accounts for, the NFL easily takes the crown, with nearly half of fans (45%) naming it the league they would most willingly splurge on, followed by the NBA and MLB.

Because we are saving our cash for those massive, once-in-a-lifetime championship games, the way we engage with sports on a weekly basis is dramatically shifting. Almost three-quarters of fans who spend money on their fandom (74%) say rising costs have changed their habits. Instead of buying the newest team jersey, nearly a third of fans (31%) are cutting back on official merchandise. Others are attending far fewer regular-season games in person (29%), skipping local sports bar watch parties (21%), or canceling their streaming subscriptions (20%).

According to Alev, this gap between daily budget cuts and big-game splurges comes down to the unique emotional draw of live sports: “As a historic summer of sports captures the attention of fans across the country, many Americans are trying to balance their passion for sports with rising costs. We’re seeing a divide between fans who are scaling back and those who are willing to make financial sacrifices to be part of the action. Sports can create meaningful memories and connections, but it’s important to be realistic about what you can afford," notes Alev.

Related: Why Someone Paid $1 Million for Knicks Game 3 Tickets

The Social Media FOMO is Real

It’s hard to ignore a big game when your entire feed is filled with friends screaming from the nosebleeds in real-time. This instant, digital jealousy is driving a lot of impulsive spending—about a third of younger sports fans (33%) say social media influences their decision to spend on major sporting events, and 45% of Gen Z say they've been influenced to spend money they don't have on travel and summer plans.

When you see a historic moment unfolding on your phone, the question quickly shifts from "Can I afford this ticket?" to "Can I actually afford to miss this history?" As Alev points out, social media has transformed how we experience that pressure:

“You're no longer hearing that a friend went to a big game or took a trip after the fact,” explained Alev. “Instead, you're seeing it unfold in real time, which can make it feel like everyone but you is having these bucket-list experiences... The key is planning and budgeting for an experience in advance rather than spending on an experience impulsively. You don't have to opt out of the fun; you just want to avoid letting FOMO dictate your spending.”

Related: Why Are 2028 Olympics Tickets So Expensive? Everything To Know About the LA Summer Games

How to Afford Your Favorite Experiences in the Age of "Fun-Flation"

Beating "fun-flation" doesn't mean sitting on the sidelines or skipping the events you love. The secret isn't cutting out the fun entirely—it’s just making sure the financial hangover doesn't ruin the memory. Here are a few smart ways to fit major bucket-list moments into your budget, according to Alev:

• Account for the Full Trip: Before hitting "buy," map out the true end-to-end total. Factor in gas or airfare, hotels, food, drinks, and merch alongside the ticket price so there are zero surprises on your billing statement.
• Prioritize the Unmissables: Instead of saying "yes" to every casual game, pick one or two non-negotiable bucket-list events for the year and build your fun budget around them.
• Hack Your Rewards: Tap into stored credit card points, airline miles, or travel credits to cover hotels and transit, leaving your cash free for stadium tickets.
• Look for Lower-Cost Alternatives: Catch a pre-season matchup, head to local minor-league games, or look for community watch parties where the energy is just as high without the major-league price tag.

At the end of the day, spending money on live experiences with the people you care about is one of the most rewarding ways to use your hard-earned cash. Credit Karma's data actually found that creating memories with loved ones is the number one reason fans splurge on major sporting events—ranking ahead of team loyalty or the game itself.

As Alev notes, making room for these moments is well worth the effort when done with a bit of foresight: “There's real value in these experiences, especially the ones that bring family and friends together. The goal isn't to avoid spending on what you value, you just don’t want to get off track financially... With a little planning, you can enjoy those once-in-a-lifetime moments without carrying the financial burden long after they're over.”

Related: 8 Motorsports Events for Racing Fans Hooked on F1, According To A Sports Tourism Expert

Before Elvis Presleybecame the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll, there was one song that quietly changed the course of his career.

On July 17, 1955, Elvis' single "Baby Let's Play House" entered The Cash Box Country & Western chart at No. 15. It marked the first time one of his records appeared on a national music chart.

While it wasn't his first recording or even his first regional hit, it represented a pivotal breakthrough that signaled Presley was no longer just a rising talent in the South. He was becoming a national sensation.

Originally written and recorded by blues musician Arthur Gunter in 1954, "Baby Let's Play House" was reimagined by Presley after he signed with Sun Records in Memphis. Produced by the legendary Sam Phillips and backed by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Elvis infused the song with an electrifying mix of country, blues and rhythm and blues that would soon become known as rockabilly.

The record became a favorite on Southern radio stations and helped introduce Presley to a wider audience beyond Tennessee.

Perhaps just as importantly, the single caught the attention of Colonel Tom Parker, the savvy promoter who soon became Presley's manager.

Parker recognized the young singer's star potential and helped orchestrate the next phase of his career, including his groundbreaking move from Sun Records to RCA Victor later that year.

His first RCA release, "Heartbreak Hotel," topped the charts in 1956, launching one of the most remarkable runs in music history. That success paved the way for classics like "Don't Be Cruel," "Hound Dog," "Love Me Tender" and countless others that cemented his status as one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.

Looking back, "Baby Let's Play House" doesn't always receive the same recognition as Presley's later blockbusters. But music historians often point to it as one of the recordings that defined his early sound.

Related: This Elvis Song Hit No. 1 69 Years Ago Today, Then Became a 'Full House' Favorite

Known for his high-energy, distinctive performances, drummerStewart Copeland helped to define an era of rock music.

The beloved musician turns 74 on July 16 and celebrates a shining career spanning more than 50 years. Born in Alexandria, VA, Copeland began drumming at the age of 12 and was playing for school dances by the time he was a teenager. In 1975, he joined the rock band Curved Air, which was his first professional drumming gig, before founding progressive rock band The Police in 1977.

Copeland later recruited singer-bassist Sting and original guitarist Henry Padovani, who was later replaced by Andy Summers. The band released the debut single "Fall Out" in May 1977, which failed to chart upon its initial release, but peaked at No. 47 on the UK Singles Chart when it was reissued two years later in 1979.

It was the trio's 1983 hit, "Every Breath You Take," that launched The Police to global superstardom, achieving chart dominance in the U.S. and becoming the rockers' signature song.

Last year, the track saw a resurgence as it became one of the most-played songs on music streaming app Spotify. On Sept. 23, 2025, the song was streamed more than 2 million times in 24 hours.

In 2003, Copeland was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was placed at No. 10 onRolling Stone's list of "100 Greatest Drummers of All Time."

Over the course of his career, Copeland has won a staggering seven Grammy Awards, both for his work as a drummer for The Police and beyond his time in the band.

Following The Police's disbandment in 1984, Copeland pivoted to composing and has scored some of the biggest titles in film and television. His most notable titles includeFrancis Ford Coppola’s 1983 teen drama noir film Rumble Fish, the 1987 crime thriller Wall Street, the 1999 teen classic rom-com She's All That, and more recently, 2015's We Are Your Friends.

"The main thing you want to do as a composer is create parts that are fun to play." he said in a 60 Minutes interview.

Related: '90s Rock Icon, Among 'Best Metal and Hard Rock Drummers of All Time,' Turns 54

For many Gen Xers, the death of former 120 Minutes host Dave Kendall feels like losing more than a beloved MTV personality. As news of his death spread, social media quickly filled with tributes from fans who credited Kendall and the groundbreaking late-night music show with introducing them to the bands, sounds, and subcultures that shaped their identities.

Former MTV 120 Minutes host Matt Pinfield announced Kendall's death on social media, remembering his former MTV colleague as "one of the true believers" who championed alternative music on 120 Minutes long before it entered the mainstream. No cause of death has been announced.

The outpouring of memories underscored the lasting impact 120 Minutes had on a generation of alternative music fans. Long before streaming algorithms and social media recommendations, Kendall served as a trusted guide to emerging artists, helping bring acts like Nirvana, R.E.M., The Smiths, Depeche Mode, and countless others into living rooms every Sunday night. In remembering Kendall, many fans said they were also celebrating the show that forever changed how they discovered music.

Writer and former MTV host Dave Holmes, who helmed shows including 120 Minutes, Say What? Karaoke and Total Request Live (TRL), shared the news of Kendall's death on Instagram, opening the floodgates of emotion from fans who reflected on just how much 120 Minutes meant to them and how it shaped their musical lives.

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Many fans said the show introduced them to alternative music, helped them find their identity, and even influenced their personal journeys. Others recalled Kendall's kindness in person and online, while several lamented the loss of "old-school MTV," calling 120 Minutes a generation-defining series whose impact on music and pop culture "cannot be stressed enough."

"120 Minutes was magic and then hearing him on Sirius First Wave later on was a rekindling with such musical regard. He was so kind and knowledgeable. Glad we had a little interacting later on FB and became friends there. He will always be cherished and forever missed. Rock in Peace, Dave," one person shared in the comments section.

Another person reflected on the impact Kendall had on their life. "One of the cool TV people who helped me find my own version of cool when I was young and searching," they wrote. "Gonna go listen to all the great bands he introduced me to and be thankful for the presence and life of Dave Kendall. Rest in Peace, sir. I hope the angels are kicking out all the jams just for you."

Fans also smiled through their grief by recalling Kendall's unmistakable on-air style. Some joked that they still pronounce bands the way he did on 120 Minutes, with one writing, "I still say Nitzer Ebb with his accent (not that I ever say that)," a nod to the British host's distinctive delivery that became inseparable from discovering alternative music in the MTV era.