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Ask almost anyone who grew up in the last millennium about fast-food french fries, and chances are you'll hear the same thing: they just don't taste the way they used to.

For years, that sentiment has been chalked up to nostalgia. After all, childhood memories have a way of making everything seem a little better. But when it comes to fast-food fries, nostalgia is only part of the story. The fries themselves really were different.

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During the golden age of the drive-thru, many of America's biggest fast-food chains relied on animal fats, prepared potatoes with different cooking techniques and served super-sized portions that would be almost unimaginable by today's standards. As health concerns over saturated fat gained momentum in the late 1980s and early 1990s, those practices began to change. Beef tallow gave way to vegetable oils, massive portions got downsized, and many chains streamlined kitchen operations in the name of efficiency and consistency.

That doesn't mean today's fries are bad. In fact, many restaurants have spent decades trying to recreate the rich flavor and crispy texture that customers remember so fondly. But between changes in ingredients, preparation methods and even the way our brains connect food with memory, there are plenty of reasons so many people insist fast-food fries tasted better a generation ago.

Here's why those fries left such a lasting impression—and why some restaurants are beginning to embrace old-school cooking methods once again.

The Golden Era of the Fast-Food Drive-Thru

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The 1980s and 1990s were a boom time for the fast-food industry. Drive-thrus became faster, national chains expanded into thousands of new locations and fierce competition sparked what became known as the "burger wars." While flashy new sandwiches grabbed headlines, french fries remained one of the industry's biggest battlegrounds. A great burger could bring customers through the door, but consistently hot, crispy fries kept them coming back.

Back then, many chains still cut, blanched and fried potatoes using methods that prioritized flavor over shelf life. Animal fats—including beef tallow at McDonald's and other chains, as well as pork lard at many restaurants, diners and local fast-food establishments—were very common. Those fats produced fries with a deeply savory flavor, crisp exterior and fluffy interior that many customers still remember today.

Fast-food companies weren't just selling a side dish—they were selling an experience. Pulling into the drive-thru after a Little League game, grabbing fries on a family road trip or sharing a supersized order with friends became ingrained in everyday life. Those memories are one reason the fries of that era continue to occupy such a special place for so many.

The Secret Ingredient We Lost: Beef Tallow

© Andrew Dolph / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Long before canola, soybean and other vegetable oils became the standard for commercial frying, many restaurants relied on animal fats to cook french fries. Diners often used pork lard, while numerous fast-food chains turned to beef tallow, prized for its high smoke point and the rich, savory flavor it imparted to everything from french fries to fried chicken.

No company became more closely associated with beef tallow fries than McDonald's. For decades, the chain fried its iconic fries in a blend that was approximately 93 percent beef tallow and 7 percent vegetable oil, creating the crispy exterior and unmistakable flavor that many customers still describe as the gold standard for fast-food fries. The method wasn't unique to McDonald's, but because of the chain's enormous popularity, it helped define what millions of Americans expected a french fry to taste like.

Beef tallow offered practical advantages as well. It remained stable at high frying temperatures, produced a crisp exterior while helping the inside stay fluffy and could withstand repeated use better than many oils available at the time. It also added a subtle beefy richness that vegetable oils simply couldn't replicate on their own.

Today, many chefs argue that beef tallow creates a more flavorful fry because it contributes both texture and taste. That's one reason why it's enjoying a resurgence at some restaurants, even as most major fast-food chains continue using vegetable oils. While the debate over the "best" frying fat is ultimately a matter of personal preference, there's little question that switching away from beef tallow fundamentally changed the flavor profile of America's favorite fast-food side.

Related: Fast Food Fans Are Debating the Best French Fries, and These Chains Came Out on Top

The 1990 Health Crusade That Ruined the Fry

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By the late 1980s, the conversation around nutrition had shifted dramatically. Health experts and advocacy groups were increasingly warning Americans about the risks associated with saturated fat and cholesterol, putting fast-food chains under growing pressure to rethink how they prepared some of their most popular items.

One of the loudest voices in that movement was Phil Sokolof, an Omaha businessman who became a passionate health advocate after surviving a heart attack. Sokolof spent millions of dollars on a national advertising campaign criticizing fast-food chains for cooking with animal fats, taking out full-page newspaper ads urging companies like McDonald's to change their recipes. His campaign generated widespread attention and helped intensify public scrutiny of the industry.

In July 1990, McDonald's announced it would replace its longtime beef tallow-based frying blend with 100 percent vegetable oil, saying the move reflected changing consumer preferences and nutritional recommendations. Other major chains soon made similar changes, marking the beginning of a new era for fast-food fries.

More than three decades later, the tallow debate continues. For some people, the switch represented a necessary step toward healthier eating. For others, it marked the moment America's fast-food fries lost the flavor that had made them legendary. Either way, the industry's move away from animal fats remains one of the most significant changes in fast-food history.

How Chains Tried to 'Fake' the Original Flavor

Manu Vega / Getty Images

Switching from animal fats to vegetable oils solved one problem for fast-food chains, but it created another: customers could tell the difference.

Over the years, many restaurants looked for ways to recreate the savory, satisfying flavor people associated with the old fries without returning to beef tallow. Some experimented with different blends of vegetable oils, while others adjusted frying temperatures or added coatings to help fries stay crisp longer. McDonald's famously added natural beef flavor to its fries after making the switch, a decision that remains part of the recipe in the United States today.

Preparation methods evolved too. Frozen fries became more consistent, allowing chains to deliver nearly identical products from one restaurant to the next. Advances in food science also helped fries retain their crispness longer, an important advantage in the drive-thru era. The result was a fry that was more consistent and easier to produce at scale, but many longtime customers felt something was lost along the way. While today's fries are engineered for consistency, fans of the old-school versions argue they lack some of the rich flavor and texture that made earlier generations so memorable.

Other Reasons '90s Fries Hit Differently

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Ingredients weren't the only thing that changed. The fast-food experience itself looked different in the 1990s.

Many chains still finished more of the cooking process in-house, and some restaurants relied on double-frying techniques that helped produce an especially crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Portion sizes were also significantly larger than they are today. McDonald's iconic Super Size option, introduced in the 1990s, became synonymous with an era when "large" wasn't large enough.

Then there's the factor no fryer can replicate: memory.

Researchers have found that taste and smell are among the strongest triggers of autobiographical memories, a phenomenon often referred to as the "Proust effect." A familiar flavor can instantly transport people back to childhood road trips, Friday-night football games or family vacations. In other words, part of what people remember isn't just the fries themselves—it's everything that came with them.

That doesn't mean the golden potatoes weren't genuinely different. Between beef tallow, different preparation methods and larger portions, there were real changes to how fast-food restaurants made their fries. But nostalgia may also be adding a little extra seasoning to those memories, making the fries of the '90s seem even more unforgettable.

Related: 10 Discontinued McDonald's Items We Need Back Immediately

Where Can You Still Get Beef Tallow Fries Today?

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

While most major fast-food chains continue to use vegetable oils, beef tallow has been making a quiet comeback in recent years. A growing number of independent restaurants, steakhouses and burger shops have embraced traditional frying methods, arguing that beef tallow produces a richer flavor and crispier texture than modern alternatives.

Some regional chains have also leaned into the trend. Earlier this year, Steak 'n Shake announced it would transition its fries to 100 percent beef tallow, citing customer demand for a more traditional cooking method. The move generated renewed interest in beef tallow fries and introduced a new generation of diners to an ingredient that was once commonplace throughout the fast-food industry.

Of course, not everyone agrees that beef tallow is the superior choice. Nutrition science has continued to evolve, and many restaurants prefer vegetable oils for health, cost or operational reasons. But for those looking to recapture a little of the flavor they remember from decades past, a growing number of restaurants are once again giving beef tallow a place in the fryer.

Why We Still Crave the Fries of the Past

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Ask a group of people whether fast-food fries tasted better in the 1990s, and chances are you'll hear plenty of passionate opinions. The answer, however, isn't as simple as nostalgia—or as simple as beef tallow.

The fries really were different. Animal fats, changing preparation techniques, and larger portions all helped shape the flavor and texture many people still remember. At the same time, those fries became part of countless everyday moments, from family dinners to late-night drive-thru runs, making them as much a memory as a menu item.

Whether today's fries are objectively better or worse is ultimately a matter of taste. But one thing is certain: the fries that defined the golden age of the drive-thru left an impression that's proven remarkably difficult to replace.

Related: This Fast-Growing 'Clean Cooking' Brand Is Now Hitting Stores Nationwide

"Lovin You" is one of the most iconic songs in history, mainly because of Minnie Riperton's vocal performance and that high note.

The 1974 song was written by Riperton and her husband Richard Rudolph, and was produced by Stevie Wonder.

The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, number three on the Billboard R&B chart and ranked number 13 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1975.

"Lovin' You" was originally written as a lullaby for her infant daughter, Maya Rudolph. Maya is now a highly respected actress, appearing onSaturday Night Liveand in movies like Bridesmaids and Grown Ups. The track started as a melody Riperton hummed to distract one-year-old Maya and her brother Marc so she and her husband could have "grown-up time".

If you listen closely, you can hear Riperton softly whispering "Maya, Maya" at the very end of the track.

Minnie Riperton, her husband Richard Rudolph and children Maya Rudolph and Marc Rudolph attend the Hollywood Christmas Parade in December 1978 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images)

Maya Rudolph didn't realize she inspired the much-loved soul ballad until she was an adult. “I didn’t really put together that ‘Lovin’ You’ was for me and my brother. I heard my name and was kind of like, ‘Oh that’s cool, it’s for us,’ but we didn’t really know,” she told uDiscover in 2019.

Rudolph is not surprised that the song is still played and loved, over 50 years after its release. “It’s amazing to me, though not surprising that it’s such an iconic song [‘Lovin’ You’] and record. It was the debut of this special quality my mother had and people were just… blown away," she told uDiscover. "So really, it was her big introduction to people. It just sounds like a perfect example of that time and everything coming together in the right way.”

Minnie Riperton tragically died from breast cancer in 1979, aged just 31. Maya was only six years old at the time, her mother passing away just two weeks before her seventh birthday

“Over the course of my life I’ve become a receptor to the world for people who want to tell me [or tell her] how great she was,” says Rudolph. “How much the song affected their lives, how much her music meant to them and how special her voice was."

Related: 1975 Romantic Smash, With the Highest Note Ever, Remains the Most Dazzling Vocal Performance in Pop Music History

It’s a boy! While Donald Trump and the rest of the White House insiders were busy watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals in New Jersey, Second Lady Usha Vance was quietly announcing the birth of her fourth child with her husband, Vice President JD Vance.

The VP shared the couple’s news just before 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19th, issuing a statement on X and Instagram that read, “We are excited to announce that our baby boy, Alec Neel Vance, was born this morning. Usha and the baby are happy and healthy, and our kids are overjoyed to meet their little brother.”

US Vice President JD Vance and US Second Lady Usha Vance. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)

Vance continued, “The incredible military doctors and staff members of Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit have been a blessing. We are deeply thankful for all they have done for our family.”

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While a new baby is always exciting, the Vances’ fourth kiddo is a little history-maker. Alec is the first child born to a sitting Vice President in over 150 years. Prior to Usha Vance, the last (and only other) Second Lady to give birth was Vice President Schuyler Colfax’s wife, Ellen, sometime in 1870. Colfax worked under President Ulysses S. Grant.

Fans, family, and friends flocked to the VP’s social media posts to congratulate the new parents with sweet sentiments such as “Welcome to the world, Alec Neel Vance. Your family adored you”, “Congratulations to the parents and siblings,” and “So happy that everyone is healthy and well!” 

The White House issued formal congrats to the Vance family on X, reposting the VP’s statement and adding, “Congratulations to Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on the birth of their fourth child!”

Congratulations to Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on the birth of their fourth child! 💙🇺🇸 https://t.co/2C4BkUOAi5

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 19, 2026

Before Alec’s arrival,  the Vice President and the Second Lady were already parents to three children: nine-year-old Ewan, six-year-old Vivek, and four-year-old Mirabel. 

The Vance family initially announced that Usha was expecting back in January, revealing, “We’re very excited to share the news that Usha is pregnant with our fourth child, a boy. Usha and the baby are doing well, and we are all looking forward to welcoming him in late July.” 

While the VP and Second Lady didn’t share Usha’s specific due date publicly, it looks like the general “late July” estimate was almost on point. 

Of course, the Vances aren’t the first family in the current administration to welcome a new baby while Trump is in office. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and her husband Nicholas Riccio announced the birth of their second child, daughter Viviana, in May (born May 1, 2026). A month later (on June 3), conservative podcaster Katie Miller and her husband, U.S. Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, welcomed their fourth child, son Hawthorn Hayes Miller. 

Raising Cane's is having a busy July.

The chicken-finger chain is opening five new restaurants across the country this month, and three of them are its first locations ever in those states.

The new spots are in Schererville, Ind.; Johnson City, Tenn.; Jacksonville, N.C.; Albany, Ga.; and Los Angeles. The debuts in Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia mark brand-new markets for the company, which is also reopening three remodeled restaurants the same month.

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A Chain on a Growth Tear

Founded in Baton Rouge, La., in 1996 by Todd Graves, Raising Cane's runs a famously short menu: chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast and its cult-favorite Cane's sauce. That tight focus has powered rapid growth. The company opened around 100 restaurants in 2025 and plans roughly 100 more in 2026, part of an aggressive expansion into new states.

Related: KFC Rival Opens First-of-Its-Kind Restaurant Complete With 24-Hour Service

When Each One Opens

The Tennessee restaurant in Johnson City opened July 7, as did the Jacksonville, N.C. location, on July 13. Georgia's first Cane's, in Albany, is the last of the batch, set to open July 21. An opening date for the Los Angeles location has not been announced.

Each new store brings the same tight menu that built the brand, plus the sauce fans line up for. The three remodeled restaurants reopening this month round out a stretch that has become routine for a chain adding locations at a pace of nearly two a week. For a company built on four things on a tray, Cane's keeps finding new corners of the map to plant them.

Next: Trader Joe’s Fans Will Be Drooling Over Cult-Favorite Fast Food Chain’s New Item

The match was certainly thrilling enough, going into extra time and all — though fans are still discussing the performances that surrounded the World Cup final.

There was the highly anticipated halftime show, of course, but also the star-studded opening ceremony at New York New Jersey Stadium, which Post Malone headlined on Saturday, July 19.

The beloved country-rock star, 31, expectedly played a couple of hits — "Wow" and "Sunflower" — but before he got to those, Malone debuted a brand-new song that he's been teasing all week, Rolling Stone reports.

Get a taste of "Chrome Heartbreaker" in the Grammy nominee's joint Instagram post with the official FIFA World Cup account below.

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Fans have already flooded the post's comments section to show their support for the "Circles" singer. "Chrome Heartbreaker is a great name," wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "🎵⚽️ So amazing Posty!!! You won today!!! 🏆💜"

By the time his mini-set concluded, one could argue Malone’s set lived up to the hype FIFA President Gianni Infantino provided earlier this week in a statement: “At a time when sport, culture, and global attention converge, Post Malone will deliver a performance designed to celebrate the tournament’s journey and ignite the atmosphere before the world’s attention turns to the two finalists."

Tom Cruise also made an appearance during the opening festivities, ahead of the release of his new movie, Digger. Jennifer Hudson delivered a memorable rendition of the U.S. national anthem, meanwhile, and YouTube star IShowSpeed performed his song "Champions."

Later on Saturday came the buzzy halftime show, which also featured big names such as Justin Bieber — though his return to the stage wasn’t what many fans expected. Instead of launching into one of his upbeat biggest hits, the singer decided to take things acoustic and performed his stripped-back song “EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH.” Placed between energetic performances from BTS and Shakira, the emotional ballad immediately stood out — and not everyone understood the choice. Find out more here.

We love a good talk show! And if our favorite celebrities are guest-starring, you can count us in on watching. If you’re a big fan of talk shows, Live with Kelly and Mark always has the laughs, the cool guest stars and a fun audience. And this week, you can count on the couple to have a number of fun guest stars to watch. 

Live with Kelly and Mark has been co-hosted by the husband-wife duo (Kelly Ripa and Mark Conseulos) since 2023, but the live television franchise has been on the air for over 40 years, with multiple sets of hosts. The show airs five days a week, Monday-Friday, with a new guest star each segment. The couple met on the soap opera All My Children and have been inseparable since. After 30 years together, their chemistry is still apparent on Live with Kelly and Mark, with flirting, banter and cute remarks during segments. 

This week’s lineup features a number of celebrities that we can’t wait to see. The week kicks off with Leslie Jones and Minka Kelly on Monday, July 20. We can expect them to chat with Kelly and Mark about Roast My Rental (season premiere on July 24) and Ransom Canyon (season two airing July 23). 

On Tuesday, Lauren Cohan and Wyclef Jean will guest star, where we can expect Cohan to chat about The Walking Dead: Dead City, with a performance from Jean. On Wednesday, Tom Holland will guest star, just in time for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which hits theaters on July 31. Pamela Adlon will also guest star, and we can expect to hear all about the new season of King of the Hill, which airs July 20 on Hulu and Disney+. 

Related: ‘Good Trouble’ Stars Cierra Ramirez and Sherry Cola to Host Disney+ Hulu Throwbacks

Thursday’s guest lineup includes Josh Duhamel, who stars alongside Kelly in Ransom Canyon. On Friday, Luke Bracey of Little House on the Prairie will make an appearance. Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends and Black-Ish) will also guest star, and we’re excited to hear all about season two of her show, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, which premieres on The Roku Channel tomorrow, July 20. 

Between hearing about Spider-Man’s webslinging adventures and Tracee’s solo travel escapades, this week’s lineup is worth clearing your calendar for and tuning in live. Previous guest stars include celebs like Tyler James Williams, Law Roach, Colman Domingo, Tina Fey, Brooke Shields and many more stars. To watch live, find your local listings or channels on livewithkellyandmark.com. 

Related: Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross Is Back for Season Two

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Your bathroom may be one of the most practical rooms in the house, but that doesn’t mean it can’t feel luxurious. If you’ve ever hopped out of the shower and immediately regretted stepping onto the floor, dripped water everywhere while washing your face, or done that awkward one-foot shuffle while trying to avoid a wet spot, you know the struggle is real. A good bath mat isn’t just a pretty bathroom accessory — it’s the unsung hero that keeps cold floors, soggy socks, and constant towel wiping at bay.

That’s where the Findosom 3-Piece Bathroom Rug Set comes in. Originally $56, it’s now marked down 64% to just $20 at Walmart, making it an easy way to give the three hardest-working bathroom zones a cozy upgrade: the sink, the tub, and the toilet. With three coordinating pieces designed to catch drips, cushion your steps, and make your space look more put-together, this set proves that a small upgrade can make a big difference in your daily routine.

Findosom 3-Piece Bathroom Rug Set, From $20 (was $56) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Available in 12 colors, this set makes it easy to refresh your bathroom without committing to a full makeover. Each rug features a layered border design, with a colorful rectangular frame around the outside and a smaller white rectangle tucked inside for a crisp, finished look. The center adds even more texture with a heathered blend of your chosen shade mixed with white, creating a soft, woven-inspired appearance that looks more like decor than a basic bath mat. Whether you’re going for calming neutrals, cheerful pops of color, or something in between, there’s a shade to match nearly every aesthetic.

Made from plush microfiber, these rugs turn stepping out of the shower from a chilly chore into a cozy little luxury. The velvety fibers create a soft, cushioned feel underfoot while helping keep toes warm when cold tile strikes in the morning. They’re also designed to handle the everyday splash zone, quickly absorbing water from wet feet after showers, baths, or sink-side routines to help keep floors drier. A thermoplastic rubber (TPR) non-slip backing helps keep the rugs in place on dry, smooth surfaces, while premium fiber-locking technology helps prevent shedding over time. When they need cleaning, simply toss them in the washing machine with gentle detergent and let them air dry. 

Shop More Deals

• Findosom 4-Piece Bathroom Rug Set, from $29 (was $56) at Walmart
• Tripumer 3-Piece Memory Foam Bathroom Mat Set, from 23 (was $33) at Walmart
• Findosom 3-Piece Striped Bathroom Rug Set, from $30 (was $50) at Walmart

The set comes in three size combinations. The most inexpensive $20 option includes an 18-by-26-inch bath mat, an 18-by-48-inch runner, and a 20-by-24-inch U-shaped contour rug. Another set includes an 18-by-26-inch mat, a 20-by-32-inch bath mat, and a 20-by-24-inch U-shaped rug starting at $25. The largest option includes a 20-by-32-inch mat, a 20-by-59-inch runner, and a 20-by-24-inch contour piece, priced at $35In other words, whether your bathroom has a tiny sink nook, a standard tub setup, or a long vanity that needs extra coverage, there’s a combination ready to cover it.

Reviewers loved the “fluffy” and “plush” feel of these rugs, saying they made stepping out of the shower a much more “enjoyable” experience. One shopper wrote, “The rugs are so very soft to the touch and are easily vacuumed and cleaned; I wish all my floors were covered in these rugs.”

Others highlighted how the design is truly non-slip, with a shopper sharing that you “don’t have to worry about them slipping” thanks to the “durable” rubber backing.

Related: Amazon’s $10 15-Piece Organizer Bins Set Is a ‘Must for Bathrooms, Offices, and Junk Drawers’

A softer step is just one click away. Grab the Findosom 3-Piece Bathroom Rug Set for $20 at Walmart while this 64%-off flash deal lasts!

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Before he was Odysseus struggling to get home and Jason Bourne trying to understand his identity, Matt Damon was a jobbing actor trying to find his big break.

Yet, Matt Damon turned down the chance to appear in a Sam Raimi-directed Western starring Gene Hackman and Russell Crowe. The young actor decided that The Quick and the Dead wasn't the career trajectory he wanted.

In 1995, before his Oscar win for co-writingGood Will Hunting, Damon had appeared in Walter Hill's 1993 historical Western Geronimo: An American Legend, which also starred Hackman and Robert Duvall.

According to Slash Film, Tri-Star offered Damon $250,000 to appear in Raimi's Western, but he was not interested. "I want the kind of career Robert Duvall has. I don't feel [that] chasing movies like this is going to lead to a 40-year career. I'd rather be broke," Damon boldly claimed.

Ironically, the actor who took on the role became as big a star as Damon, possibly more so. Leonardo DiCaprio took on the role of Fee "The Kid" Herod after the Interstellar actor passed. The young boy is convinced that the sadistic mayor, played by Gene Hackman, is his father.

According to The Unseen Force: The Films of Sam Raimi, Sam Rockwell also auditioned for the role of The Kid. DiCaprio and Damon would later go on to star in Martin Scorsese's 2006 crime thriller The Departed together.

“This kid named Leonardo DiCaprio was the only one who nailed the audition, in my opinion: he was the only one who came in and cried, begging his father to love him as he died in the scene,” Sharon Stone wrote, per Perisphere. “The studio said if I wanted him so much, I could pay him out of my own salary. So I did.”

Sharon Stone on the set of The Quick and the Dead directed by Sam Raimi. (Photo by Murray Close/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images)

The Quick and the Dead took the classic Sergio Leone Western genre and turned it on its head, having Sharon Stone as the gunslinger. When she arrives at the town of Redemption in 1881, she finds it under the control of an evil mayor.

Despite Damon's reservations, The Quick and the Dead made $47.2 million on a $32 million budget. While it wasn't a massive hit at the time, it has become a cult classic, mainly thanks to its memorable final shootout.

Related: Matt Damon Knows His 2016 Film Is Bad, and So Does His Daughter

It happened! The first-ever World Cup Final halftime show is in the books. And fans (of both music and soccer) have plenty to say about it.

Who performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show? Coldplay and The Muppets perform during the half time show for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)

The star-studded event was packed with performances galore. Seriously. If you were expecting a Super Bowl-ish show, you were in for a surprise. Instead of one performer and a few special cameos, this was a mash-up of fan favorites, includingMadonna, Shakira, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, BTS, conductor Gustavo Dudamel with the musicians from the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, and the PS22 Chorus featuring members of Coldplay.

Shakira and Burna Boy perform. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

But there’s more. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho joined Madonna, the Muppets (yes, those Muppets) rocked MetLife Stadium, joining an orchestral performance of ‘Seven Nation Army,’ and Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) and Willis Bears (Brendan Hunt) introduced Justin Bieber. 

What did fans think of the World Cup halftime performers?

Of course, the Internet has plenty to say about the World Cup final halftime show. Cue the critics…and the backlash. 

Immediately after the show, negative comments dominated Reddit threads. Commenters complained, “There was just too much going on. For me, if it had been Madonna, BTS, and Shakira, it would have been fine”, “Bad song choice for Justin,” and “That was so dull.” One Reddit user even wrote, “Hate hate hate hate HAAAAAATE it, may we never witness bu****** like this ever again,” while another asked, “What in the fever dream was that?”

Jin of BTS performs. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

But others applauded the event, writing, “Madonna and Shakira straight up carried”, “One positive thing, the Muppets were good,” and “The kids dancing with Shakira were cool.” 

Things didn't get better on other Reddit threads. Critics piled on the hate: “It was horrible. I can’t believe I had to sit through it,” and “I feel like my time was wasted.” 

Despite the backlash, some fans actually enjoyed the show. In contrast to the critics, one commenter wrote, “Probably an unpopular opinion but I thought it was great. Performers from around the world. Great message,” and “I loved it, hope they keep it going forward…helps make it more special and more entertaining.” 

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The reviews were also divided on Instagram. When House of Highlights posted pics of the half-time show, critics fired back with, “Might be the biggest snoozefest of a halftime show” and, “Never again should this happen.”

Some fans voiced (or rather, wrote) their support with comments like “Honestly, I thought it was incredible.”

What’s the verdict on the first World Cup final halftime show?

Gut reactions were not good. But that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone hated the show as a whole. While the critics did come out en masse, some fans backed up the performers and clapped back as steadfast supporters.

2016's The Great Wall is a bad film, and Matt Damon knows this. And if he didn't, his daughter would have reminded him.

A guest on a 2021 episode of Marc Maron‘s WTF podcast, The Odyssey actor admitted that his then-teenage daughter loves to give him a hard time for his less-than-stellar films.

“She’s playfully hard on me. She doesn’t go to see my movies on purpose, the ones she thinks might be good. She crushes me on the ones that don’t work,” the father of four told the comic.

One of those films was the 2016 poorly received and box office flop The Great Wall. “Whenever she talks about the movie, she calls it ‘The Wall.’ And I’m like, come on, it’s called TheGreatWall. And she’s like, ‘Dad, there’s nothing great about that movie.’ She’s one of the funniest people I know.”

He doesn't disagree with her. Damon admits he knew it would be bad once he learned that Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou had bowed to pressure from Hollywood backers, sacrificing his vision. He explained: “It doesn’t cohere. It doesn’t work as a movie.”

Pedro Pascal, director Zhang Yimou, actress Jing Tian and Matt Damon attend the premiere of Universal Pictures' "The Great Wall," February 15, 2017, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. / AFP / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

That didn't make the idea of filming a movie you know would be hated any easier. "I came to consider that the definition of a professional actor; knowing you’re in a turkey and going, ‘OK, I’ve got four more months. It’s the up at dawn siege on Hamburger Hill," he said.

"I am definitely going to die here, but I’m doing it,'” he said. “That’s as shitty as you can feel creatively, I think. I hope to never have that feeling again,” he added on the podcast.

The Controversy Behind 2016's 'The Great Wall'

The Great Wall wasn't just a box office flop, it also caused controversy. The movie saw Damon play a European mercenary warrior who helps the Chinese fight off an alien invasion.

The Bourne Identity actor admitted that he didn't consider the racial subtext and stereotypes when reading the script. “I saw the movie as the exact same plot as Lawrence of Arabia, Dances with Wolves, [and] Avatar. It’s an outsider comes into a new culture, finds value in the culture, brings some skill from the outside that aids them in their fight against whatever and they’re all changed forever.”

Luckily, his daughter has a much better response to his recent movie, Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of Homer'sThe Odyssey.

 “She saw The Odyssey, and at the end of it, she actually turned to me, and she said, ‘Dad, I’m proud of you,'” Damon told PEOPLE. “She’s never said anything like that because we joke around a lot, and so at that point, I was like, ‘I’m good,'” he said. “It was all worth it.”

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Ambiano's Black Blending Set is finally back in stores, and it compares favorably to a pricier name-brand version that costs three times as much. The versatile 10-piece set comes with everything you need to prepare yummy smoothies, juices, drinks and more.

Ambiano's Blending Sets rivals NutriBullet's Original Personal Blender, which retails for $59.99. Meanwhile, Ambiano's is just $19.99, which is a total bargain, especially given everything the set comes with:

• One stainless steel cross blade (four blades)
• Three cups (one large, two small and one party mug)
• Two solid lids
• Two comfort lip rings
• One flip-top to-go lid
• One recipe book

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Ambiano Black Blending Set, $19.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Ambiano's high-speed blenders are available in three colors including black, beige and blue. It won't be an eyesore on your counter, unlike some appliances, thanks to its sleek look. It is also compact enough to put inside a cupboard if you prefer. Each blender comes equipped with some great safety features, too, including a safety lock, overheat protection and non-slip feet.

Related: Anthropologie's Beautiful Wood Apothecary Cabinet Brings a Dash of Whimsy to Bathroom Organization

Whether you are trying to increase your fruit and greens intake or simply want an easier way to make Friday night margaritas, this Ambiano blender has you covered. You can find one of the sets at select Aldi stores right now as part of the retailer's current rotation of limited-edition Aldi Finds, products that come and go every single week.

Be warned, though; these tend to fly off shelves fast, so there is a possibility this might not be at your local store when you visit. It's always in your best interest to hit up your fave location whenever you know there is an Aldi Find you want. You can shop these specials in the center "Aisle of Shame," as fans refer to it.

If you are interested in other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out its versatile couch table that is perfect for small spaces, this pretty floral comforter that adds instant charm to any bedroom, this electric scrub brush that will help you reach even the most difficult-to-reach places or this vibrant new kitchen mat that looks similar to Rifle Paper Co. but for a far more affordable price.

Related: Martha Stewart's Dutch Oven at Kohl's Is Durable, Beautiful and Comes in 13 Vibrant Colors

The English rock band Talk Talk is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. The group's landmark 1986 album, The Colour of Spring, is turning 40, and in honor of the anniversary, Talk Talk is releasing a reissue of the record.

When The Colour of Spring came out in February 1986, fans and critics were surprised to hear a different sound from the band. Talk Talk, led by the late singer-songwriter Mark Hollis, decided to move away from the synthesizer-heavy sound that the band was previously known for.

The 1986 record was a huge success with both critics and fans. Singles from the album like "Life's What You Make It" and "Living in Another World" peaked in the Top 20 on music charts in several countries. It also became Talk Talk's highest-selling non-compilation album release.

As The Colour of Spring turns 40 this year, a unique vinyl reissue is coming out this September. Using the original tapes, the record was cut at half-speed by mastering engineer Matt Colton on 180g vinyl. The meaningful project was overseen by Talk Talk drummer Lee Harris and Mark Hollis' son Charlie.

The record will feature the songs "Happiness Is Easy," "I Don't Believe in You," "Life’s What You Make It," and "April 5th" on Side 1. The other side will include "Living In Another World," "Give It Up," "Chameleon Day," and "Time It’s Time."

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Related: 1969 Rock Song, Once Spent 15 Weeks Charting, Became a Timeless Anthem

Fans of the legendary rock band were excited about the news, with many praising the album in the comments on Instagram.

"If I were only able to keep one album the rest of my life, it would be this one hands down," said one fan, while many called the record a "masterpiece."

Another commented, "The Colour Of Spring is such a wonder for me. A perfect TT album."

The reissue of The Colour of Spring will be released on Sept. 4. It is available to preorder now.

Related: ’70s Rock Icon Returns for First Solo Shows in 16 Years

Everyone’s favorite fashion icon and traveling queen is back! Season two of Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross airs tomorrow, July 20, on the Roku Channel. In season one of the series, the Girlfriends and Black-Ish star and Pattern Beauty founder trekked across Mexico, Spain and Morocco, exploring cultural traditions, unwinding in chic bikinis and talking about overpacking. 

Season two includes trips to places like Australia, Thailand and Switzerland, where Ross will surf, eat and explore culinary traditions, all while doing it solo and encouraging viewers to do the same. 

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In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Ross spoke about her excitement for season two. “I didn’t think it could get better than Season 1! I had a blast in Australia, Thailand and Switzerland! There was shopping, skiing, surfing, sheet masks, elephants, first dips, delicious food, wine, cheese, chocolate and thirteen-year-old Tracee… All while enjoying my own company,” she said.

Recently, Ross guest-starred on Keke Palmer’s podcast (Baby, This is Keke Palmer), where she chatted with Keke about solo travel, memories from Girlfriends, dating, her Broadway debut, meeting Michael Jackson and being Diana Ross’s daughter. The actress also recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she spoke about season two of her show, internet rumors and Every Brilliant Thing.

We certainly can’t wait to see all of the food Ross tries and the destinations she explores in season two. Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross also recently received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Travel and Adventure Program. “There’s so much more to see and do — the world is our oyster! I can't wait to see where I’ll be going next and to bring all of you along,” Ross said in a press release statement. “Here’s to all the solo travelers out there, the aspiring solo travelers, those who share in the joy of solo travel by watching me do it, and, of course, to my fellow over-packers.” Tune in to season two of Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross on The Roku Channel tomorrow, July 20.

Justin Bieber's return to the stage during the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show wasn't what many fans expected.

Instead of launching into one of his upbeat biggest hits, the singer decided to take things acoustic and performed his stripped-back song “EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH” off his album SWAG II. Placed between energetic performances from BTS and Shakira, the emotional ballad immediately stood out, and not everyone understood the choice.

“I’m starting to believe Justin Bieber just has a hard time reading a room🫩,” one Threads user quipped.

“Justin Bieber just changed the whole energy of the half time show! Boo!” another wrote.

A third said, “Justin Bieber singing 'it’s my World Cup hallelujah' was the moment I turned inside out from embarrassment.”

“Man, Bieber just killed all the momentum this halftime show had,” replied a fourth.

Some were here for the performance, though.

“The fact that Justin Bieber has the range to do a full pop performance but he can also just come out with a guitar and mic and kill it,” someone said.

“Also Bieber has a beautiful voice and I thought his performance was actually really lovely,” another agreed.

READ MORE: Yes, Erling Haaland Has a Girlfriend — Here’s How She’s Supporting Him at the World Cup

Bieber's appearance was part of the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which took place Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium during the final match between Spain and Argentina.

One moment that did earn widespread praise online was Bieber's crossover with Ted Lassostars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt. Before Bieber took the stage, Lasso joked, "Coach, I gotta say, the first half of half-time darn knocked my socks off!" After Beard replied, "Spectacular, baby!" the beloved coach turned to Bieber with a pep talk: "Ok, young man, let's go. Your big shot. Ok, now listen to me. Go out there, don't be nervous. Nobody's watching. Make us proud!"

The historic 11-minute performance brought together a lineup of global stars, including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, internationally acclaimed conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and New York's PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The halftime show also supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world. Martin helped curate the performance.

In 1980, Benny Mardones released "Into the Night" and it looked destined to become another memorable one-hit wonder. The soaring power ballad climbed to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 before fading from the charts.

Then, nearly a decade later, something almost unheard of happened.

Related: 1981 Rock Classic Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 45 Years Later

Thanks to an unexpected revival at Phoenix radio station KZZP-FM, the original recording found a new audience in 1989, climbed back into the Hot 100 and eventually reached No. 20. The remarkable comeback made Mardones the only '80s artist to score two separate Top 40 runs with the same recording, a feat few songs in pop history have ever accomplished, according to Wayne Jancik's "Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders: Revised and Expanded,"

And according to Brent Mann's"99 Red Balloons and 100 Other All-Time Great One-Hit Wonders," what Mardones accomplished with "Into the Night" was "virtually unheard of" outside perennial holiday classics that return to the charts year after year.

The resurgence wasn't the result of a remix or a re-recording. It was the original 1980 version that listeners rediscovered after a Phoenix radio station unexpectedly put it back into rotation following a "Where Are They Now?" feature on Mardones. Arizona audiences embraced the song, other stations quickly followed and Polydor reissued the single nationally.

Related: 1976 Rock Classic, Named No. 1 Greatest Live Album, Spent 97 Weeks on the Chart

The renewed popularity was especially remarkable because Mardones was living in Paris without a recording contract when the song began climbing the charts again. He returned to the United States hoping to capitalize on the unexpected second chance, even though radio stations largely continued playing the original recording rather than his newly recorded version.

Related: ’80s Rocker Says Metallica ‘Always Had an Attitude Like They Were Better Than Everybody Else’

The enduring appeal of "Into the Night" wasn't an accident. One-hit wonder historian Mann argued that the song's greatest strength was its timelessness.

"'Into the Night' is one of those uncommon numbers that doesn't seem to belong to any particular era or genre ... It just as easily could have been initially released in the 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s—its sound is that hard to pin down and timeless."

Its staying power is reflected in radio airplay as well. Mann noted that the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) ranked "Into the Night" among the Top 25 most-played songs in American radio history, an extraordinary accomplishment for a song that never reached the Top 10.

Related: Southern Rock Pioneer, Who Launched Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Allman Brothers, Dies at 83

The song has long generated discussion because of its lyrics, but Mardones consistently explained that it was inspired by a real teenage girl named Heidi whose difficult home life moved him and co-writer Robert Tepper to write a song about protecting her, not pursuing her. That backstory has helped many listeners view the ballad through a different lens than its opening lines might initially suggest.

More than 45 years after its original release, "Into the Night" remains one of pop music's most unusual success stories. It wasn't simply a one-hit wonder. It became one of the rare songs to earn a second life on the charts, proving that great songs sometimes don't just survive the passage of time, they come back and make history all over again.

Related: '70s Legend, Nicknamed Rock's Most Famous 'Groupie,' Turns 73

In a true blast from the past, Brian Austin Green(Beverly Hills, 90210), Beverley Mitchell (7th Heaven), Jodie Sweetin(Full House), Melissa Joan Hart (Clarissa Explains It All), Matthew Lawrence (Boy Meets World), Keshia Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show) and Joey Lawrence (Blossom) will star in HGTV’s new six-episode renovation series Totally ‘90s House, premiering on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Jaleel White will host as the ‘90s icons are divided into two teams which will compete as they modernize dated ‘90s homes. The winning team earns a $25,000 prize for its favorite charity.

The six-episode renovation competition will follow the two celeb teams as they scour the country for houses stuck in the 1990s—think honey oak cabinets, sponge-painted walls and mirrored closets—with each team ultimately picking its perfect throwback in need of a major overhaul.  

“Everybody loves the ‘90s again,” says Jaleel. “The fits are back, the playlists are on repeat, and kids who weren’t even born yet are binge-watching the shows we made famous. But while some things from the ‘90s are timeless...some of y’all never got the memo that the decade ended. We asked America to show us the homes still living in the past, and the response was incredible. Now it’s time for the ultimate throwback transformation. Get ready for the biggest ‘90s house battle ever.”  

The celebs will tour their fill of valance window treatments, heavy carpets, and curved staircases before choosing which off-the-hook house their team will renovate. In week two, Jaleel will send VHS tapes to announce the colossal makeovers will kick off in the kitchen—and introduce the first ‘90s-forward challenge with free countertops up for grabs. 

Designer and guest judge Vern Yip (Home Reimagined) will determine who best brought the heart of the home, the kitchen, into the 21st century.  Married real estate developers Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt will decide which team delivered the ideal primary bedroom, complete with an upcycled item from the original room incorporated into the design. Next, 98 Degrees band member and reality TV star Drew Lachey will evaluate the excellence of the primary bathroom remodels. Home renovation and design dynamo Mina Starsiak Hawk will judge each home’s first impression when she assesses the foyer and office/den. Finally, television host and Broadway star Paige Davis  will critique crucial gathering areas, the dining and living rooms, before acclaimed designer Jonathan Adler (Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge) tours every space in the homes and crowns the Totally ‘90s House champion. 

Totally ‘90s House premieres on HGTV on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Streams next day on MAX.

Soccer stars aren’t the only celebs fans are spotting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19th. 

Which famous faces are in the audience, cheering Spain and/or Argentina along? From White House insiders to A-list actors, these celebrities are watching the match:

Donald and Melania Trump U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Donald Trump, his wife, Melania Trump, and their family attended the World Cup game. The U.S.’s Commander-In-Chief watched the event with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 

Several of the President’s adult children also got in on the World Cup action. Ivanka Trump posted a pic with little sis Tiffany Trump on her Instagram Stories, titling the snapshot, “On our way @fifa.” Eric Trump also shared a few BTS photos, including one of his children (eight-year-old Eric “Luke” Trump and six-year-old Carolina Dorothy Trump, both wearing Messi jerseys).

Tom Cruise Actor Tom Cruise. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

A-lister Tom Cruise did more than just attend the event. The actor also appeared during the closing ceremony, delivering an inspirational speech before the game got underway.

Matt Damon Luciana Barroso and Matt Damon at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Red Carpet held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Siegfried Anthony/Variety via Getty Images)

Actor Matt Damon took a break from his The Odyssey press tour to take in the game with his wife, Luciana Borroso Damon. Borroso sported blue-and-white stripes while cheering for her native country, Argentina. 

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)

While they didn't exactly get caught on the kiss cam,Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were spotted packing on the PDA during the World Cup final. 

Jalen Brunson Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks Brunson attend the FIFA Gold Carpet before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

He’s no stranger to high-profile sports events. New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and his wife, Dr. Ali Marks Brunson, attended the World Cup final together. 

Lindsay Vonn Skier Lindsay Vonn. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

The Olympic athlete wore red to the World Cup final. And that made fans wonder if Lindsay Vonn is rooting for Spain. 

Julia Garner Julia Garner. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

Actress Julia Garner looked absolutely adorable in a sleek black jacket and short set. 

Winnie Harlow Winnie Harlow. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Model Winnie Harlow brought some glam to the pitch, accenting her outfit with gorgeous gold earrings, an oversized charm necklace, and a metallic mini handbag. 

Kevin Hart Eniko Hart and Kevin Hart attend the FIFA Gold Carpet. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Comedian and actorKevin Hart attended the game with his wife, model Eniko Hart.

Gayle King Gayle King. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

CBS Morning co-host and Oprah’s BFF Gayle King was spotted at MetLife Stadium.

Post Malone Post Malone performs during the closing ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Post Malone performed at MetLife Stadium on July 19, headlining the World Cup closing ceremony event. 

Javier Bardem Javier Bardem at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Red Carpet held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Siegfried Anthony/Variety via Getty Images)

There’s no secret who Javier Bardem was there to see. The Spanish actor was obviously rooting for his home country to win!

Jon Hamm Jon Hamm. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

Today marks a special anniversary for actor Jon Hamm. Not only does he get the chance to watch this historic soccer match, but it’s also the 19th anniversary of Mad Men’s premiere.

Netflix has revealed its Top 10 most-watched films of 2026 so far, and Kpop Demon Hunters is still sitting on the list, despite being a year old.

The animated musical has made it to the Netflix Top Five with 130million views in just 2026 alone. It instantly smashed records when released, becoming the streamer's most-watched film ever.

KPop Demon Hunters has now notched up 648.7M views overall, and remains the streamer's most popular film of all time. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film focuses on a KPop trio who secretly lead double lives as supernatural demon hunters.

The song "Golden," which was written for and appears in the film, won two Academy Awards, a Grammy, two Golden Globes and topped the charts around the world.

Netflix have released their most watched movies of 2026 so far.

KPOP Demon Hunters is in the Top 5 for the third ratings report in a row. pic.twitter.com/lxW6lKXmPX

— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) July 16, 2026

The only films to surpass Kpop Demon Hunters in this recent streaming ranking were the animated comedy Swapped, in which Michael B. Jordan lends his voice, the crime drama The Rip, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and the military thriller War Machine.

Other films that made the newly revealed Top 10 included Apex – the horror flick with Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, Emily Henry adaptation People We Meet On Vacation, and survival-thriller Thrash.

This is followed by Jennifer Lopez rom com Office Romance, Peaky Blinders spin-of The Immortal Man and car crash documentary The Crash.

Netflix have confirmed that a Kpop Demon Hunters sequel is coming, not surprisingly considering the viewing numbers.

“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” Maggie Kang told Tudum. “There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”

Chris Appelhans added: “These characters are like family to us, their world has become our second home. We’re excited to write their next chapter, challenge them, and watch them evolve — and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation, and story can come together.”

Related: KPop Demon Hunters Is Going on a World Tour, and Here’s What Fans Need To Know

While most songs last only a few minutes, in 2002, progressive metal band Dream Theater unveiled an epic track that would have a run time of almost 45 minutes long.

The '80s rockers released "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" on Jan. 29, 2002 as part of the album of the same name. The track makes up the entirety of the record's second disc and, although it is split up into eight parts of easy listening, is considered by the band as one singular song.

"Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" explores the psychological struggles of the human mind. The opener, "Overture," is a power introduction setting up the six themes. "About to Crash" focuses on bipolar disorder, while "War Inside My Head" explores post-traumatic stress disorder. "The Test That Stumped Them All" is an exploration of schizophrenia. "Goodnight Kiss" takes a look at postpartum depression, while "Solitary Shell" places focus on autism, and "About to Crash (Reprise)" returns to the perspective of the bipolar disorder part. To close out the 42-minute track, "Losing Time / Grand Finale" is an exploration of dissociative identity disorder.

The concept anthem became a staple among fans, gaining recognition for its heavy themes and unique structure.

In 2010, Berklee College of Music student Eren Basbug went viral after he created his own orchestra to perform the 42-minute opus. "I was trying to pay tribute to music that I love, but hoping, in some way, it might get the band's attention," Basbug explained at the time.

And it did: in 2011, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess saw the videos and invited then-22-year-old Basbug to work with him on his solo project, which in turn led to the young musician writing and recording arrangements alongside the band for its 2013 self-titled studio album.

A year after the album's release, the band — which was formed by guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung and drummerMike Portnoy while they were studying at Berklee in the '90s — invited Basbug, along with the Berklee World Strings and Berklee Concert Choir on stage for the second half of its concert at the Boston Opera House.

"I seriously believe last night was my most inspiring in 16 years of managing the band," Dream Theater's manager, Frank Solomon, said. "Those [students] were so happy and played so well. I had tears in my eyes."

Related: Founding Member of Legendary ’80s Rock Band Behind One of the 'Greatest Metal Songs of All Time' Turns 59

Noah Kahan fans who missed Saturday night's canceled concert are now facing another hurdle if they still hope to see him perform this weekend: soaring resale prices.

Just hours before Kahan is set to take the stage for Night 2 of his sold-out Citi Field run on Sunday, July 19, tickets have become increasingly difficult (and expensive) to find. Ticketmaster currently lists the show as sold out, leaving many fans turning to resale marketplaces in hopes of securing a seat.

On StubHub, some resale tickets for the New York date have climbed well into the four figures, with premium seats listed for thousands of dollars. Even the cheapest available options were hovering around the $600-$700 mark on StubHub, including fees, at the time of publication.

For fans hoping to catch Kahan elsewhere on his Great Divide tour, the outlook isn't much better. Resale tickets for his July 22 show in Washington, D.C., start around $700, while his Raleigh, North Carolina, stop offers a bit more relief, with prices beginning closer to $400. 

Some fans on Threads are noting that the Citi Field box office has some tickets available for the show, but that information hasn’t been verified by an official source.

“Any Noah fans in NYC that still want to see the show tonight (Sunday) the box office has limited view tickets available and no line! 🐞,” one wrote.

The surge comes less than 24 hours after Saturday's show was canceled due to severe weather, leaving thousands of fans disappointed after many had already traveled to the venue.

READ MORE: Fans Left Fuming After Beloved Singer Abruptly Cancels Concert Without Rescheduling

On Saturday, Kahan shared the disappointing news with fans, writing that he and his team had "exhausted every option to make this happen" before ultimately deciding it was unsafe to continue with the show due to severe weather. "I am so incredibly sorry," he wrote. "We exhausted every option to make this happen. I love you guys."

Because the concert was canceled rather than postponed, ticket holders for Saturday's show are being refunded rather than automatically transferred to Sunday's performance. That has left many scrambling to find new tickets, and with some sunday night attendee’s feeling a sort of survivor guilt.

Some fans are still holding out hope that additional face-value tickets could become available closer to showtime through Ticketmaster's Face Value exchange system, while others have taken to social media and resale sites searching for more affordable options.