Parade

During the mid-1960s, the Byrds were flying pretty high (pardon the pun). Thanks to such hit singles as "Turn, Turn, Turn" and their cover of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man," they were one of the most popular bands of the era. But while the Byrds are still considered one of the most influential bands in rock history, by late 1966, the musical landscape was starting to shift, with manufactured pop bands like The Monkees climbing up the charts...and the members of the Byrds were getting fed up.

“We’d watched [The Beatles film] A Hard Day’s Night just as we were starting out and were so enamoured of it,” bassist Chris Hillman told Classic Rock in 2017. “Then it all did happen. We started doing shows and girls were running after us and jumping on the car. But within a matter of two years, all of a sudden we were like jaded old men who’d been around the block a few times. It was sort of comical.”

“We’d had such a quick rise to fame, and it went to our heads a little,” agreed guitarist Jim McGuinn in the same interview. “But by late '66, early '67, we were going out of business. We were up at Chris’s house and going through the pages of some teen magazine, cracking up at all these one-hit wonders who would be gone by the next week.”

Hillman and McGuinn's frustrations inspired the now-classic track, "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star," which was released as a single on January 9, 1967. The song's somewhat cynical lyrics get straight to the point:

Sell your soul to the company
Who are waiting there to sell plasticware
And in a week or two if you make the charts
The girls'll tear you apart

The price you paid for your riches and fame
Was it all a strange game? You're a little insane
The money that came, and the public acclaim

While it's been widely assumed over the years that "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" was directed specifically at the Monkees, Hillman insisted there was no ill will between the bands.

"The song was a slight jab — not at The Monkees as individuals, they actually had a very good gig making money, but at how contrived it was,” he said. “Roger and I weren’t blatantly writing about The Monkees. To me, it was more like we were jabbing at Hollywood’s smarmy, controlled process of that. It strips away all the soul and depth of the experience of a rock band. It makes it so vanilla, too clean and pretty. Since the late fifties, with songs like 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini,' manufactured pop music had been there. It all comes down to square one: profit.”

"I was friends with them — I knew Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith, we used to hang out together — so I wasn’t trying to put The Monkees down," McGuinn agreed. "The whole song was kind of tongue-in-cheek. It wasn’t a bitter condemnation of the music business. We found it funny; it was a superficial Beatles thing.”

Whether it was meant to be funny or not, "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" has definitely rung true for plenty of other rock stars. It's been covered by such musical icons as Patti Smith, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Nazareth, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, who covered the tune during their Southern Accents tour.

“I’ve always loved that track,” Hillman said. “We really nailed it.”

Related: 1979 Career-Defining Classic Was Turned Down by Another Band Before It Shot Up the Charts

The waters of today's NYT Connections puzzle might be a little rough, but you'll pocket a win if you follow the rubber ducky. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today's Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We've warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you've completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today's NYT 'Connections’ hints and answers for #1085 onSunday, May 31, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, May 31, 2026 / New York Times

New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Sunday's puzzle, you're not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Sunday, May 31

1. Typically associated with happiness.
2. Sharks with good aim.
3. Thar she blows!
4. "What kind of floors are these?! They're gorgeous!"

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Sunday, May 31:

1. THINGS THAT ARE YELLOW: BUTTER, PIKACHU, RUBBER DUCK, SCHOOL BUS
2. BILLIARDS TERMS: BREAK, CUE, POCKET, RACK
3. SLANG FOR A SAILOR: JACK, SALT, SEA DOG, TAR
4. KINDS OF WOOD PLUS "S": SASH, SOAK, SPINE, STEAK

How'd you do?

Up Next:

- 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT's 'Mini Crossword' Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: I Tried 10 Greek Yogurts From Aldi, and the Winner Won by a Landslide

For plenty early '80s music fans, just hearing the words "What about me? It isn't fair" is enough to transport them back in time. But one emotional rock anthem almost never happened.

Before becoming an international hit for Australian band Moving Pictures and climbing the charts around the world, "What About Me" came close to being left off the group’s debut album altogether.

Ironically, the track itself was inspired by a moment of being overlooked. Guitarist Gary Frost reportedly got the idea after noticing a young boy being ignored inside a Sydney corner shop while waiting for lunch, planting the seed for a song about wanting to be seen and heard.

"That image of someone being disregarded, yearning to be acknowledged became the opening line and set the tone for this track," according to Professor of Rock host Adam Reader.

As the song was nearly cut from the final tracklist on the band's debut album, producer Charles Fischer urged Frost and lead singer Alex Smith to record it, Reader explained.

The song became a hit almost immediately, topping the charts in Australia for six consecutive weeks. After gaining success internationally, "What About Me" peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. It re-entered the Billboard charts in 1989, peaking at number 46 during its resurgence.

You'll breeze through today's NYT Wordle answer if you're a fan of the New York Philharmonic. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1807 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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

How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There are three vowels in today's five-letter word.

What kind of letter does today's Wordle start with?

Today's Wordle begins with a vowel.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: Check my technique (musically).

OK, that's it for hints—I don't want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We'll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don't want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today's Wordle Answer for #1807 on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, May 31, 2026, is ETUDE.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Ninja's Newest Gadget Will Turn You Into a Certified Barista with Just the Touch of a Button

Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown has died, according to his brother, Bear Brown.

On Saturday, May 30, Bear took to social media to confirm that authorities have recovered Matt's body, three days after someone reported seeing him near the Okanogan River.

"They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as Matt. [Our brother] Noah [Brown] was with them and helped them pull the body out of the water," Bear said on TikTok.

@bearthekingofextreme

Matt update… #alaskanbushpeople #thelifeofbear #fyp #bearthekingofextreme @Noah Brown

♬ original sound - Bear Brown

"I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly," Bear continued, visibly emotional. "He struggled for a long time."

Bear went on to say that it does "appear as though the injury is self-inflicted." Authorities have not yet released a cause of death.

The tragic news comes just days after Bear uploaded another TikTok video in which he said that he had reason to believe that Matt, 43, "took his own life."

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said it received a call about the body of an unidentified male floating down the river with the current. Authorities launched a search and rescue effort, but it was called off on May 30 due to "dangerous river conditions and pending information to focus search efforts," according to a press release posted on the official Facebook page of the OCSO.

In an earlier update posted by TMZ, a family member allegedly claimed they saw Matt near Driscoll Island Wildlife Area in Oroville, Washington—about a mile from the Okanogan River.

Matt was on Alaskan Bush People from 2014 until 2019. Though the show continued through 2022, Matt had left to enter rehab for addiction, according to The Sun.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

On May 31, 1958, Johnny Cash appeared at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, adding another milestone to a career that was rapidly transforming country music.

By the late 1950s, Cash was already becoming one of the most recognizable voices in American music. With hits like "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Ballad of a Teenage Queen," his deep voice and stripped-down sound stood apart from many of the polished country acts dominating radio at the time.

So stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage carried enormous significance.

For decades, the Opry had been considered country music’s ultimate proving ground.

Long before it became a global tourist attraction and Nashville institution, the Grand Ole Opry began in 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance, a simple radio broadcast airing from the fifth-floor studio of the National Life & Accident Insurance Company in downtown Nashville.

What started as a regional radio program quickly evolved into the beating heart of country music, launching generations of stars and helping shape the genre itself.

By the time Cash appeared in 1958, the Opry stage had already hosted legends including Hank Williams, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Ernest Tubb.

For rising country artists, an Opry appearance often symbolized acceptance into country music’s inner circle. Cash’s relationship with the Opry would eventually become part of country music lore.

Though he became one of the genre’s biggest stars, Cash was never known for following rules. In one famous early incident, he reportedly broke stage lights after an energetic performance and was temporarily banned from the Opry, a story that only added to his outlaw reputation years later.

Still, Cash’s connection to Nashville and the Opry endured throughout his life and career. Over the following decades, he would become not just a country star, but a cultural icon whose influence extended far beyond Music City.

Related: The Heartbreaking Story Behind Hawkshaw Hawkins' Final No. 1 Song

Sara Bareilles has a little surprise up her sleeve, and her loyal listeners can't wait to hear what she's been working on.

The "Saint Honesty" songstress took to TikTok recently with a vague teaser about what she's been working on, directing her followers to her website to sign up for more information as soon as it's available.

In the clip, the Grammy-winning, Tony-nominated singer-songwriter danced into the frame on a sunny, blue-skied day, smiling brightly as she sang, “Something’s coming soon, something’s coming soon, something that I made, something just for you.” She held a folded piece of paper in her hand with quite a bit of typed print on it, but it was impossible to make out anything it said in the video.  

After signing up for her mailing list, another video appears on her website, which she describes as a “boilerplate teaser video” to announce that “finally, after many years, [she is] making art again.”

“All kinds of things” are coming up, according to the extended video, including a new record and a new tour. “One of the things is big,” she promised. “And it’s coming soon...stay tuned!” 

@sarabareilles

It's been a while...Head to sarabmusic.com to sign up and I'll tell you more soon.

♬ original sound - thesarabareilles

The news couldn't have come at a better time for many of her fans, who felt a new spring in their step over the prospect of new songs from the singer.

"I needed this today. 😍," one wrote, while others agreed that the news meant "LIFE IS WORTH LIVINGGGGGGG."

"New Sara music would heal me," another added.

"I...need it yesterday," someone else one-upped the other commenter, adding that they "might die of anticipation."

"SARA I CANNOT WAIT," fans continued to exclaim, with many noting, "I am SO READY," and, "This is THRILLING!!!!🥰🥰😊🥰😊🥰🥰🥰."

"It's been 84 years," one fan marveled, posting a gif from Titanic, while someone else joked, "sara bareilles summer starting soon."

"we are locked in sara let’s go!" one spoke for everyone else.

So locked in, in fact, that we weren't the only ones "trying to zoom in to read what’s on the paper just in case it’s a hint," but for now, all there is to do is wait.

It's been more than seven years since Bareilles' last studio album, Amidst the Chaos, so, naturally, fans of the performer have been starting to feel a little antsy to hear more from her.

Bareilles, who composed the music and lyrics for Waitress the Musical, is also working on the music for a new production based on Meg Wolitzer's bestselling novel The Interestings, which fans are also eagerly awaiting to hear more about. As of now, it's set to begin playing at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, Calif. on Jan. 31, 2027.

Related: The Chicks Had to Cut 'Wide Open Spaces' 3rd Verse Prior to Recording, and Now Fans Are Demanding a Re-Record

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

Getting outside for your daily walk is a lot easier when you have a cute outfit to sport. Should you be in need of new athletic clothing, Walmart has you covered with unbeatable prices on highly-rated wardrobe essentials (like this silky $8 workout T-shirt or incredibly comfortable Skechers sneakers). Now, we're adding the Neleus Workout Shorts to our carts while they're 38% off. 

The workout shorts originally cost $24, but have been reduced to just $15 during a limited-time flash deal. The bottoms are being sold in seven colors, including black, dark green, blue, gray, navy blue, pink, and maroon. The available sizes range from small to 2XL, with customers saying that the shorts run true to size overall. There's an available fit predictor and size chart in the product description to aid you in the buying process.  

Neleus Workout Shorts, $15 (was $24) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The shorts design features a wide leg with a 10-inch inseam that provides coverage and helps to prevent chafing. They fall below the mid-thigh area (which is especially helpful in the summer heat). There is one invisible zipper pocket on the back of the waist and two side pockets that can hold your phone, keys, chapstick, wallet, and virtually any other small miscellaneous items. 

Neleus Workout Shorts, $15 (was $24) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The beauty of these shorts is that they are moisture-wicking and offer a four-way stretch. There's even an elastic waistband that frames the silhouette and adds comfort. The fabric is 85% polyester and 15% spandex, so they're machine washable. Just make sure to do so according to the care instruction label for best results. 

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $190 Farmhouse Cabinet Is 'Very Sturdy' With 'Lots of Storage Space'

Shoppers said that the shorts "fit perfectly" and are "very comfortable," plus they’re made from a "smooth" and "stretchy" material. Other customers love the length because they're ideal for running and walking. "I was looking for shorts to wear while bike riding," another reviewer wrote. "I am very confident and comfortable wearing them while bike riding and during any casual activity."

Shop More Deals

• Cate & Chloe Corina White Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings, $18 (was $150) at Walmart
• Fantaslook Summer Casual Blouse, $12 (was $24) at Walmart
• Dakimoe Silk Satin Pajama Set, $18 (was $30) at Walmart

These classic workout shorts are going to become your go-to summer bottoms. Add them to your Walmart cart while they're 38% off! 

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

Jimi Hendrix made a mark in the music industry through his innovative sound and groundbreaking riffs, making him one of the “greatest guitarists” of all time.

In a ranking released by Rolling Stone, the publication named the top 250 best guitarists across different genres, including rock, blues, metal, punk, reggae, jazz, folk, country, flamenco, bossa nova and more.

Hendrix, widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in rock history, claimed the No. 1 spot on the ranking, surpassing fellow music icon Chuck Berry in second place and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page in third.

Rolling Stone described the late musician as a “true master of the guitar” who introduced musical styles and new guitar techniques by “popularizing the use of feedback, invented his own fusion of blues and psychedelia, and influenced the development of rock, metal, funk.”

Jimi Hendrix performs on stage on May 24, 1967 at Grona Lund in Stockholm, Sweden.

TT NEWS AGENCY/Svenska Dagbladet/AFP via Getty Images

In a 1968 interview with the publication, Hendrix highlighted his deep understanding of music and the emotions and artistic ideas behind his sound.

“The wah-wah pedal is great because it doesn’t have any notes,” he told Rolling Stone. “Nothing but hitting it straight up using the vibrato and then the drums come through and that there feels like … not depression, but that loneliness and that frustration and the yearning for something. Like something is reaching out.”

Despite being named the “greatest guitarist” of all time, Hendrix never had a chart-topping song during his lifetime.

Jimi Hendrix Never Had a No. 1 Hit Song, Yet He Became a Rock Legend

With his breakthrough in late 1966 through his hit single "Hey Joe" from his debut studio album Are You Experienced, it was his signature anthem "Purple Haze" that became his highest-charting UK single, peaking at No. 3.

In the United States, his biggest chart success came with his rendition of Bob Dylan’s "All Along the Watchtower," which reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time.

On the other hand, the success of his songs was also reflected in his albums, after his third and final studio album, Electric Ladyland, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

Released in 1968, the studio album represented who he was at the time.

“The album was precisely what Jimi had in his head,” longtime engineer Eddie Kramer shared in an interview as cited by Billboard. “You look at all the drawings and the way he laid out the way the whole album was supposed to be, the running order of the songs. He was very specific in how he wanted Electric Ladyland to look.”

The album, which is regarded as Hendrix’s masterpiece, includes hit songs such as "All Along the Watchtower," "Crosstown Traffic" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)."

Related: '80s Rock Band, Formed 42 Years Ago, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

Today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle might toy with you, but you'll get it in no time if you know how you like your steak. And if you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you're working on today's Mini on for Today's Mini Crossword on Sunday, May 31, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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

Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Sunday, May 31, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Ends of dress shirt sleeves — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

6 Across: Month when the N.B.A. and N.H.L. playoffs start, typically —HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

7 Across: Pilfered — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

8 Across: Played (with) — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

9 Across: "Well, isn't that the ___ calling the kettle black!" — HINT: Starts with the letter "P"

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Performers in a play — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

2 Down: "Gimme five!" — HINT: Ends with the letter "P"

3 Down: Soft serve alternative, familiarly — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

4 Down: Boneless steakhouse order — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

5 Down: Winter ride — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Sunday, May 31, 2026

Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Ends of dress shirt sleeves — CUFFS

6 Across: Month when the N.B.A. and N.H.L. playoffs start, typically —APRIL

7 Across: Pilfered — STOLE

8 Across: Played (with) — TOYED

9 Across: "Well, isn't that the ___ calling the kettle black!" — POT

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Performers in a play — CAST

2 Down: "Gimme five!" — UPTOP

3 Down: Soft serve alternative, familiarly — FROYO

4 Down: Boneless steakhouse order — FILET

5 Down: Winter ride — SLED

Related: Bad Bunny's Limited-Time Collection With Zara Gets Quiet Restock After Selling Out Almost Instantly

In 1973, The Sweet transformed a disastrous concert experience into one of the most recognizable songs of the glam rock era.

"The Ballroom Blitz" became a massive international hit after being inspired by a chaotic incident in which the band was forced off stage by an unruly crowd.

The song's origins trace back to a concert at the Grand Hall in Kilmarnock, Scotland, where violence reportedly broke out among audience members during a Sweet performance. As conditions deteriorated, the band had to abandon the show and leave the stage.

Rather than forgetting the incident, songwriting team Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman used the experience as inspiration for a new song. The result was "The Ballroom Blitz," which opens with one of rock's most famous introductions before launching into a frantic, high-energy tale of a concert spiraling out of control.

Musically, the song perfectly captured the excitement of glam rock.

Fueled by pounding drums, crunchy guitars, dramatic vocals and a relentless tempo, the track showcased the larger-than-life style that helped make The Sweet one of Britain's biggest bands during the early 1970s.

Frontman Brian Connolly delivered the song with theatrical flair, while the band's explosive performance helped turn it into an immediate crowd favorite.

"When we took the acetate into the RCA promotion department for the first time to let them hear what their next single was going to be, Bowie was there," Connolly told The Independent. "I remember him saying, 'That's a great song, that's definitely a winner.'"

"The Ballroom Blitz" became one of The Sweet's biggest hits and remains the song most closely associated with the group decades later.

The track also arrived during a golden period for glam rock, when artists such as David Bowie, T. Rex and Slade were helping redefine British rock music with flamboyant fashion, catchy hooks and arena-sized energy.

Over the years, "The Ballroom Blitz" has enjoyed a second life through movies, television shows, sporting events and video games, introducing the song to generations who weren't alive when it first topped charts.

Its explosive opening, memorable chorus and irresistible energy have helped it remain a staple of classic rock radio.

More than 50 years after its release, "The Ballroom Blitz" continues to stand as one of glam rock’s defining anthems, a song born from chaos that ultimately became one of the era's greatest success stories.

Related: 1970 Rock Classic, Famously Resurged Seven Years Later, Became an Overshadowed Radio Anthem

Rod Stewart announced a major setback, sparking disappointment among his fans.

The music icon, whose career spans decades, has postponed a couple of his Las Vegas shows.

The award-winning musician was scheduled for a two-night show over the weekend. Unfortunately, he had to abruptly cancel due to his health.

"Following his doctor’s advice, Rod Stewart has regretfully canceled his performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on May 29 and 30, but is scheduled to return with shows beginning June 2,” the singer’s representative told the Las Vegas Review.

Stewart also took the opportunity to express his regret following the unexpected change regarding the upcoming concert.

"My apologies to my family of fans. I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer.”

Rod Stewart performs onstage at the 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on April 26, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The scheduled two-day show is part of the 81-year-old singer’s The Encore Shows for his Las Vegas residency, which spans from May 27 to June 6 and will return from August 18 to 29.

In 2024, Stewart confirmed that he was stepping away from large-scale world tours, with his One Last Time tour serving as a farewell to extensive global runs.

However, he clarified that he will continue performing at select concerts, special events and residency shows.

"This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire," he mentioned on his social media. "I love what I do, and I do what I love."

Despite the announcement, the music icon is booked and busy with ongoing and upcoming shows.

Among them is the continuation of his world tour after it was extended due to demand.

For this year, the North American Arena and Amphitheatre tour kicked off on May 13 in Connecticut and will cover several states including Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and Arizona before concluding in Kansas City on Aug. 15.

He will be performing with special guest Richard Marx on selected dates.

Here are the remaining dates for the North American Arena & Amphitheatre Tour:

• June 8, 2026: Phoenix, AZ - Mortgage Matchup Center
• June 10, 2026: Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
• June 12, 2026: Chula Vista, CA - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
• June 15, 2026: Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• July 31, 2026: Wantagh, NY - Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
• August 1, 2026: Virginia Beach, VA - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

In addition, Stewart will have European shows this summer, with dates on June 27 in Lisbon, Portugal, June 30 in Valencia, Spain and July 2 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy.

Related: Beloved ‘70s Legend Looks 'Sexy' in Photo From Over 40 Years Ago

Jersey Shore’sMike “The Situation” Sorrentino for governor? Like fellow reality star Spencer Pratt, it looks like The Sitch could switch gears and make a jump from the small screen to the political arena.

Earlier this week, Sorrentino opened up during the VUE Magazine spring edition party, revealing to New Jersey’s News 12, “I’d like to save lives for the next three to five years with Archangel centers. I’d like to have an Archangel Center in every 50 states, and after that, you know, I’ll introduce everybody to Governor Situation.” 

ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and Lauren Sorrentino attend the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV)

Media personality to politician isn’t exactly a stretch. It’s not like Sorrentino would be the first reality star to make the leap. Along with The Hills’ Spencer Pratt (whose current campaign for the mayor of Los Angeles has gained major national attention), The Real World’sSean Duffy is now the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. And then there’s the president. Long before Donald Trump sat in the Oval Office, he was firing contestants weekly on The Apprentice. 

When asked if he’s a republican or democrat, Sorrentino explained, “I can’t announce it yet, but I think the um, the residents of New Jersey would like no property tax."

Mike Sorrentino's Background

Sorrentino has struggled with addiction and now uses his Jersey Shore fame to help others. As a co-founder of the Archangel Centers, The Situation spreads his message of healing. The celeb has shared his recovery story publicly, affecting change in the community and making a real difference in the lives of addicts in recovery. 

In 2024, he posted on Instagram (of his own recovery and mission to help others through the Archangel Centers), “Against all odds, I turned my life around. Today, I’m happily married with three amazing kids, a published author, nine years sober, and about to launch my own treatment centers.” 

The reality star added, “Today I’m on the front lines, ready to save lives. My experience, strength, and hope will help addicts find recovery, one day at a time.”

Potential future Governor Situation also shared with News 12 a bit about how he and his wife, Lauren Sorrentino live their lives, “Personally, we like to be on the path to self-improvement, which it’s mentally, physically, spiritually, personally, professionally, and any negativity we like to, you know, get rid of, and that is a lifelong journey that we love to be on.” 

Unfortunately, for two big musical artists who were set to perform at two different festivals one day after another in Reggio Emilia, Italy, their performances have officially been canceled after community groups and others voiced concerns.

The main artist at the center of the situation is controversial rapper Kanye West, who was scheduled to perform at the Pulse of Gaia festival at the RCF Arena in the middle of July. But now, the city's prefect, Salvatore Angieri, has officially canceled his show, as reported by The Guardian. Travis Scott, another popular rapper, was set to perform the same weekend at the same location, and his concert was also canceled.

The government of Reggio Emilia shared a statement about the decision, noting that they took part in meetings about "examining the public order and safety issues associated with the American artist’s (West) concert and the Travis Scott event" after people took issue with the scheduled performances. West, in particular, has become very controversial in recent years due to antisemitic comments and other problematic actions.

View this post on Instagram

“Based on the assessments made during the committee meeting and further investigations into safety and security aspects, the prefect … (ordered) the prohibition of both concerts," the statement said. It went on to note other factors, such as the large number of people who were set to be at both concerts in such close succession.

Related: ’80s Heavy Metal Band Announces First Regional Tour in Seven Years

In addition, the statement referenced past concerts of West's that were canceled, like London's 2026 Wireless Festival, saying, "The overall assessment also took into account the cancellation of previous concerts by the American rapper in other countries and the real risk of counter-demonstrations.”

Scott hasn't been without his own controversy either. In 2021, at his Astroworld Festival in Texas, there was a fatal crowd crush that led to 10 deaths and many injuries. It's unclear if this past incident also played a role in the decision to cancel his concert in Italy.

Related: ’80s Music Legends Tease New Music Ahead of First U.S. Tour in 15 Years

In 1970, Van Morrison released a song that would eventually become one of the most recognizable recordings of his career.

"Moondance" wasn't initially released as a major hit single, but it gradually grew into a classic rock and adult contemporary staple before experiencing a notable resurgence several years later.

The song first appeared as the title track of Morrison's acclaimed album, Moondance, which followed the success of Astral Weeks and helped establish him as one of the most respected singer-songwriters of the era.

"Moondance is classic," Morrison said in a 1977 Rolling Stone interview. "It's the first time that anybody had assimilated things that way. Not coming from the ego place now, but the way I did it was classic. I put things together that nobody's ever put together like that before. I’m proud of that."

Blending jazz, folk, blues and rock influences, "Moondance" stood apart from much of what was dominating radio in 1970. Built around a swinging rhythm, sophisticated arrangement and Morrison's distinctive vocal delivery, the song captured a romantic atmosphere that has made it a favorite for generations of listeners.

While the track was admired from the beginning, its popularity continued growing throughout the 1970s. By the late decade, roughly seven years after its original release, it experienced renewed attention through expanding radio playlists and increasing album sales, helping introduce the song to an even wider audience.

That delayed rise helped transform "Moondance" from an album track into one of Morrison's signature recordings.

The song's enduring appeal comes from its timeless quality. Unlike many songs closely tied to a specific era, "Moondance" feels almost suspended outside of time, thanks to its jazz-inspired sound and universal themes of romance and anticipation. Interestingly, Morrison produced the song, and the album for that matter, himself, a first in his career.

"It was the first time I had ever done it, and I had to tax my imagination for all sorts of stuff," he told Rolling Stone in 1970. "It was a big job for me - it was fun, but it was hard work. The reason I decided to do it in the first place was just that I couldn't find anyone else to do it. I looked around and I spoke to a lot of cats, and I had some people come up here to Woodstock, and we pushed around ideas, but no one knew what I was looking for except me, so I just did it."

Over the decades, "Moondance" has become a fixture on classic rock radio, wedding playlists and countless film and television soundtracks.

Ironically, the song has often been overshadowed by some of Morrison's other legendary recordings, including "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Into the Mystic."

Yet for many fans, "Moondance" represents Morrison at his absolute best, a perfect blend of songwriting, musicianship and atmosphere.

More than 50 years after its release, the song remains one of classic rock's most enduring radio anthems, proving that some classics don't need to be immediate chart-toppers to leave a lasting mark on music history.

Related: 1971 Rock Classic Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1

The 1965 hit song, "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)," has remained one of the most memorable tracks from theBeatles' discography.

In a 1971 interview with Rolling Stone,John Lennon revealed what inspired him to write the tune off the band's Rubber Soul album, which went number 1 on the Billboard 200 in January 1966. Lennon told the publication that he tried to make the lyrics of "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" ambiguous to conceal the fact that he was cheating on his first wife and the mother of his eldest son, Julian, Cynthia Lennon, whom he divorced in 1968.

"I was trying to write about an affair without letting me [sic] wife know I was writing about an affair, so it was very gobbledegook. I was sort of writing from my experiences, girls’ flats, things like that," said Lennon, who died in 1980 at the age of 40, during the Rolling Stone interview.

Paul McCartney Spoke About John Lennon's Motivation in Writing 'Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)'

Showbiz Cheat Sheet reported that Lennon's bandmate Paul McCartney spoke about his motivation in writing "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" during an interview for his biography Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now by Barry Miles.

 “It’s [John] trying to pull a bird, it was about an affair,” said McCartney in the book, published in 1997.

According to Showbizz Cheatsheet, McCartney said he knew why the song was titled "Norwegian Wood," despite Lennon saying he wasn't sure why he gave the tune that name.

“John told Playboy that he hadn’t the faintest idea where the title came from but I do. [Singer] Peter Asher had his room done out in wood, a lot of people were decorating their places in wood. Norwegian wood. It was pine really, cheap pine. But it’s not as good a title, ‘Cheap Pine,’ baby," quipped McCartney, now 83, while speaking to Miles for the biography.

Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mother, Nancy Guthrie, is still missing four months after her abduction in Tucson, Ariz.—and a retired FBI agent just weighed in on Savannah reportedly hiring a private investigator.

Recently, an insider reportedly told The U.S. Sun, that Savannah has paid roughly $500,000 in addition to the official investigation, which has not identified a suspect.

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

The report has not been officially confirmed by Nancy's family, the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the FBI, or anyone else. However, Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent, offered his thoughts on the possibility of a private investigator getting involved in the search for the 84-year-old.

"I have nothing but respect for that decision," Pack told Parade. "When it’s your mother, you exhaust every option available to you."

Additionally, he pointed out, "A well-resourced investigator can pursue leads and conduct interviews in ways that complement what law enforcement is doing without getting in the way."

View this post on Instagram

Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: New Theory Emerges Behind Abduction as Expert Weighs In

Pack concluded his thoughts on the move by speculating, "Overall, I think, despite the undertones and rumblings, that’s not a complete lack of faith in the investigative team, per se. I see it more a daughter and a family doing everything in their power. Many families do the same thing."

Nancy was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of Jan. 31. Despite Savannah offering a $1 million reward and the FBI releasing video clips and stills of a masked man on the 84-year-old's front porch, no suspect has been named.

Most recently, Savannah spoke out via Instagram about her missing mom on Mother's Day.

"Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie—we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you," she vowed. "We need help. Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800CALLFBI. You can be anonymous and the reward remains available."

To conclude her plea for information, Savannah told her followers, "Please keep praying. Bring her home. 💛."

Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff Offers New Comment on Ending Direct Communication With Guthrie Family

Starbucks is reportedly preparing to bring back a fan-favorite Frappuccino flavor that's perfect for summer: s'mores!

On Saturday, May 30, food blogger Markie_Devo took to Instagram to share the exciting news with coffee lovers.

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

"We’re closer to the good stuff!!👯" Devo declared. "Starbucks S’mores returns to locations in the U.S.! The returning beverage will be offered in Frappuccino and NEW cold brew."

He added, "Speculated to drop at Starbucks locations nationwide on June 30th. Stay tuned for [the] final update!"

In 2015, Starbucks first introduced the S'mores Frappuccino, which featured marshmallow-infused whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs. The coffee chain has brought back the drink inspired by the campfire treat several times since then, most recently in 2019.

View this post on Instagram

Related: Burger King Is Releasing a Brand-New Dessert That’s Exploding With Flavor

Although Starbucks hasn't officially confirmed the return of its S'mores Frappuccino, fans were immediately thrilled by the idea in the comments of Markie_Devo's update. One Instagram user exclaimed, "Omg finall, missed the s'mores 😍."

Another declared, "BEST NEWS EVERRRRRR."

Someone else wrote, "Been waiting for this announcement!" as another simply proclaimed, "OMGMMGMGMG."

A different follower shared, "Omg 😍the cold brew looks so dang good!!!!!!!!"

Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user promised, "I'LL BE FIRST IN LINE."

As coffee enthusiasts patiently await official news from Starbucks, they can snag other summery drinks from the chain, such as the Tropical Butterfly Refresher, the Iced Blue Coconut Matcha, or the Blue Coconut Refresher.

What do you think of the S'mores Frappuccino returning to Starbucks?

Next: Starbucks Summer Menu Introduces New Drink Bursting With Color & Flavor

When Heath Ledger died in 2008, he had appeared in fewer than two dozen films. But in that short span of a decade, he'd won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. He also won an Oscar posthumously for The Dark Knight. Even among die-hard fans of Jack Nicholson's Joker in Batman, his personification of the infamous villain was considered a worthy successor, if not superior, to Nicholson. Fans, friends, and co-stars were excited to see what the future held for the Australian actor.

One of those friends and co-stars is Paul Bettany, who appeared alongside him in 2001's A Knight's Tale.

"He was an incredibly creative force, and I find myself mourning the things that he didn't make," he said during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz. "Not just as an actor, he was just an incredibly creative human being."

"Whenever I think about him, I find myself sort of overwhelmed with sadness," Bettany explained. "When I have to sort of remember that he's dead."

Why Bettany Can't Rewatch 'A Knight's Tale'

In 2025, Bettany was asked about A Knight's Tale at the L.A. Comic Con. While he claimed to have seen it after its release, he admitted he couldn't bear to watch it again.

"It feels like another lifetime ago," Bettany said. "People sometimes come up to me on the street and quote lines, and honestly, I can’t remember any of it. I saw it when it first came out, but I’ve never watched it again. There are a lot of reasons for that—and one of them is that I miss Heath too much."

Dispelling the 'Tortured Genius' Myth

In the 18 years since Ledger died, he's become almost a mythical figure. Bettany talked about what he called "almost an industry" that has formed around him, which views him as a "tortured genius."

"He just wasn't like that," he insisted. "He was shining, and when you were with him, it was like having the sun on you. He was just so full of life and joy."

"And the kid couldn't sleep," he added. "That's it, that's the story."

Two of the biggest movies at the box office have a common denominator.

Powerhouse producers James Wan (known for Saw) and Jason Blum (known for Paranormal Activity) finally teamed up, officially merging their Atomic Monster and Blumhouse production companies into one unified entity in 2024.

Said team-up is the backer of Backrooms and Obsession, which are both playing in theaters at the moment. Hopefully, you've seen at least one of them by now...

On Saturday, May 30, both Wan, 49, and Blum, 57, spoke at the Produced By conference, hosted by the Producers Guild of America on the Universal Studios lot.

"To me there’s almost this feeling of the '70s of like this new generation of young people who are making edgy movies that are connecting in theaters in a crazy way," Blum said during the opening session, per Variety. "So many young people who didn’t grow up in a time when you couldn’t go to the movies and they haven’t had something for them to get off their iPad and go see the movie. Suddenly they have two movies. Obsession this weekend went up 20% from last weekend. Last weekend it went up 30%."

And then there's Backrooms, which is opening this weekend and topping the box office. Wan spoke about its backstory during Saturday's conference, Variety also noted.

“You just come across things that, as a filmmaker, you look at something and you go, There’s a seed of something really cool about this, even if it’s not viral, but if there’s something special about it, you go, I think the creator of this particular content has what it takes,” Wan said.

He continued, "“That was kind of what happened with us at Atomic Monster early on, like four or five years back, when we came across the viral shorts called ‘Backrooms,’ and we’re like, you know what, this is awesome, we should talk to this guy [Kane Parsons]. He was 16 years old, and on our first Zoom with him, his dad needed to be on the Zoom with him... He’s a really smart kid, really brilliant..."