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Prioritizing play and/or relaxation can get dunked on in a productivity-obsessed world. If you're not moving the needle, what are you really doing? But Dr. Gayle MacBride, PhD, LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology, is going to dare to say it: Hobbies, such as gardening, let you take a break and put the "be" in "human being."

"So much of our day-to-day is spent working, caregiving, performing or problem-solving," Dr. MacBride tells Parade. "These tasks are about being evaluated, needed, interrupted or responsible for outcomes. A hobby offers a place for balance."

These relaxing pastimes also let us tap into other parts of our brain.

"They allow us to... think creatively in a way our non-hobby selves might not be able to on a regular basis," she adds. "As much as we are built for problem-solving, we also need curiosity and play."

When we engage in creative pursuits, including gardening, the psychologist notes that we reap numerous psychological benefits and create an identity beyond caretaking and professional obligations.

"Aside from giving us more room to meet the demands of our day-to-day, hobbies are also important because they reconnect people with intrinsic motivation—'I want to do this for my own internal sense of satisfaction,'" she notes. "Finding internal meaning helps us feel more motivated to do the thing. If we are only focused on external reward, the motivation to do it falls away."

Gardening, specifically, can help you blossom mentally. Ahead, Dr. MacBride shares seven psychological benefits of gardening. Plus, she discusses why you don't need to spend hours on this activity to reap what you sow.

Related: 8 Psychological Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting, According to a Psychologist

Natalia Lebedinskaia/Getty Images

What Personality Types Like Gardening?

There are certain personality types more drawn to this activity than others.

1. Nurturers

Dr. MacBride notes that gardening often comes naturally to people who enjoy caring for others because it's emotionally satisfying to see plants respond visually to the attention they receive.

"There is something really special and rewarding about watching something grow and thrive, and potentially produce fruit or vegetables, because of your care," she explains. "Often, plants respond almost immediately to your efforts, so you get a quick reward for your time and care."

Related: 10 Things ‘Naturally Nurturing’ Grandparents Do Differently, According to Child Psychologists

2. Reformed perfectionists

Dr. MacBride says gardening is a great hobby for people who are trying to practice “good-enoughism” after years (or a lifetime) of perfectionism.

"Nature is unpredictable," she points out. "You can plan, prepare and research, but weather, pests, soil, sunlight and timing all have a say in the outcome. For some people, that becomes a useful lesson in flexibility."

3. Problem-solvers

Hobbies can take you out of your daily problem-solving responsibilities. But it can also present new opportunities to solve other problems, which is a win for people who like to figure things out.

"Gardening appeals to people who like puzzles," Dr. MacBride reveals. "'Why is this plant yellowing? Why did one bed thrive and another fail?' It gives the analytical mind something concrete and low-stakes to work on."

4. Sensory-oriented people

Gardening is a multi-sensory experience.

"Some people are soothed by sensory experience: the smell of soil, the texture of leaves, the sound of birds, the warmth of the sun, the rhythm of watering," Dr. MacBride says. "For these people, gardening can be especially grounding."

5. Creatives

Dr. MacBride points out that gardening is a "living design project."

"Color, shape, texture, height, seasonality and movement all come into play," she says. "Creative people may enjoy gardening because it allows them to make beauty in a way that keeps changing."

6. The internally-validated

Gardening can be a social hobby. But for some, it is a gateway to quiet, solitude and private space.

"Gardening can offer visible progress—whether you are planting, weeding or deadheading," Dr. MacBride notes. "You can see what you did, but you do not have to explain yourself to anyone."

7. Nature-loving people

Some people feel intuitively calmer outdoors, and Dr. MacBride says gardening can deepen the soothing benefits.

"It adds participation," Dr. MacBride says. "You are not only observing nature. You are in a relationship with it. That relationship is boosted by physical movement, circadian rhythm regulation and opportunities for quiet reflection." 

Related: 9 Habits To Help You Stay Youthful in Your 70s, According to a Psychologist

7 Psychological Benefits of Gardening, According to a Psychologist 1. Gardening can lower stress

Dr. MacBride reports that gardening gives the nervous system "something concrete, rhythmic and sensory to focus on."

"That can help shift a person out of anxious mental loops and back into the present moment," she notes. "Studies have found that gardening can reduce cortisol and improve mood, including one study comparing gardening with indoor reading after a stressful task."

2. It can improve mood

You may start to notice signs of a better mood when you garden regularly.

"Gardening combines several mood-supportive ingredients: movement, sunlight, fresh air, sensory stimulation and visible progress," Dr. MacBride shares. "Even small tasks like watering seedlings or cutting herbs can create a sense of pleasure and accomplishment."

She shares that these benefits from the "small tasks" are significant, especially if you have a mental health condition, such as depression, which can narrow your sense of agency.

3. Gardening can give a balance of both immediate and delayed gratification

Gardening can be equal parts quick dopamine hit and exercise in patience, making it a unicorn in the hobby world.

"Gardening is rare because it gives us both immediate and delayed gratification," Dr. MacBride reports. "You can feel better after 10 minutes of watering or weeding, but you’re also investing in something that unfolds over weeks or months. That combination of quick reward and long-term hope is powerful for mental health." 

4. It can support mindfulness

Dr. MacBride loves that gardening naturally pulls your attention into the present by giving your mind something sensory and specific to notice.

"It can work almost like the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise: you see the color of the leaves, the shape of a new bud or the way the light has shifted," she explains. "You feel the soil, the texture of a stem or the weight of a watering can. You hear birds, wind, insects or water moving through the soil. You smell herbs, flowers, mulch or rain, and sometimes, you even taste what you have grown."

She is taking us through more than a visual meditation. Dr. MacBride's noting how that kind of sensory attention can be calming to people with racing minds (heck, you may have felt calmer just reading all of the above).

"Instead of trying to force the mind to be quiet, gardening gives your attention a place to focus and the nervous system often follows," she says.

Related: The Benefits of Mindfulness—Here’s How To Live in the Here and Now (And Why You Should)

5. Gardening can reduce rumination

Gardening can be a quiet hobby, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, Dr. MacBride shares that it gives your mind a task that can interrupt the stillness and quiet that rumination feeds on.

"It is hard to spiral quite as intensely when you are setting your mind and intention on repotting basil, pulling weeds or deciding where a tomato cage should go," she says.

Related: 7 Common Plants That Can Ruin Your Yard, According to Experts

6. It can increase social connection

For some, turning gardening into a bonding activity with someone else (or a group of people) can be psychologically beneficial.

"Gardening connects people to seasons, weather, food, place and often to other people," Dr. MacBride states. "Community gardens, plant swaps, neighborhood conversations and sharing vegetables can all reduce isolation. That social piece is important because loneliness is a significant mental health risk factor."

Related: How To Nurture Friendships Over Age 50, According to Psychologists

7. Gardening can create hope

Gardening can plant the seeds for hope. After all, you're likely not putting a seed or plant in the ground and walking away from it without expectation.

"You put something in the ground because you believe something might grow," Dr. MacBride says. "For people dealing with stress, grief, burnout or depression, that small practice of hope can be psychologically meaningful."

Related: How to Stop Crabgrass Before It Takes Over Your Lawn, According to Experts

What Does 30 Minutes of Gardening Do to Your Mental Health?

Half an hour of gardening can offer significant mental health benefits.

"30 minutes of gardening can be enough to provide a nervous-system rest," Dr. MacBride tells Parade. "It gets a person outside, moves the body, engages the senses and gives the mind something specific to do."

She shares that research indicates that even brief periods of gardening (and nature exposure, more generally) lasting 20 to 30 minutes can lower stress and boost emotional well-being.

"Psychologically, 30 minutes is also a useful amount of time because it is long enough to feel absorbed but short enough to avoid turning the activity into a major project," she explains. "Someone might weed one small area, water plants, harvest herbs, repot a flower, or take the time to notice the growth or change."

She reports that you'll notice benefits more from the shift in your body state, attention and emotional pace than from how much you "checked off" your to-do list.

Related: This Is the Best ‘Slow Living’ Hobby for Women Over 50, Psychologists Say

Limits of Gardening for Mental Health

Gardening can support your mental health by helping with stress, mood grounding and routine. But Dr. MacBride shares it's not a substitute for therapy, medication when indicated, crisis support or medical care.

"It will not resolve serious depression, trauma, panic disorder, suicidal thoughts or severe anxiety on its own," she states.

Additionally, the psychologist notes that not everyone will notice psychological benefits from gardening.

"Gardening can also become inaccessible or stressful for some people," she concedes. "Physical limitations, chronic pain, allergies, finances, lack of outdoor space, extreme weather or perfectionism can all interfere. For some, even keeping plants alive can become another source of shame, comparison, or competition."

Other resources for your psychological well-being include:

• Psychotherapy
• Primary care
• Psychiatry
• Support groups
• Community programs
• Social connection
• Warm line and crisis services (911 and 988) when needed

"Gardening is best understood as one tool in a broader mental health toolkit," Dr. MacBride says.

Related: Which Houseplant Matches Your Birth Month

3 Tips on Gardening for Mental Health

Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

1. Choose plants that match your actual life

Aspiration has its place, but Dr. MacBride suggests a practical approach to plant picking.

"Do not choose plants for the fantasy version of yourself who has unlimited time, energy, and patience," she says. "Choose plants that fit your schedule, climate, light, mobility and tolerance for maintenance."

She also suggests choosing plants that fit your budget, factoring in pot, soil, watering and sitter needs for extended vacations.

"This step is an act of self-awareness," she notes. "Good mental health often starts with honest expectations. When your garden fits your real life, it becomes supportive rather than demanding."

Related: 7 Psychological Benefits of Doing Puzzles, According to a Psychologist

2. Use gardening as a sensory grounding practice

Gardening gets you to intentionally notice what you can see, smell, hear and feel.

"Pay attention to the smell of soil, the texture of leaves, the sound of water or the temperature of the air," Dr. MacBride suggests. "This turns gardening into a grounding exercise, not just a chore. Grounding helps bring the brain back to the present moment."

She shares that this exercise can be especially helpful for people who struggle with anxiety, rumination or mental overload.

3. Let the garden be imperfect on purpose

"A mentally healthy garden does not have to be pristine," Dr. MacBride shares.

Louder, for the eldest daughters and recovering perfectionists in the back,

Dr. MacBride "hates" to break it to you, but "leaves will yellow. Weeds will appear. Something will get eaten by bugs, rabbits, deer or mysterious forces you never fully identify."

"Letting the garden be imperfect can be therapeutic, especially for perfectionists," she says. "It gives you practice tolerating mess, uncertainty and partial success. The point is not to control nature perfectly. The point is to participate in something living."

Up Next:

Related: The 16 Best ‘Analog Hobbies’ to Pick Up in 2026

Sources:

• Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology
• Gardening Promotes Neuroendocrine and Affective Restoration from Stress. Journal of Health Psychology.
• Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Environmental Psychology.

HarryHamlin is proud of his daughter's success in the entertainment industry “because they did this on their own."

The Clash of the Titans actor spoke to Peopleabout his family earlier this month. Hamlin and LisaRinna share two children: DelilahHamlin (27) and AmeliaHamlin (24). Both daughters have seen successful modeling careers. 

"We never said, 'You should do this, you might do this,' whatever. They decided to pursue their careers on their own, and they never asked us for any help," he said.

While they wanted to be independent, Hamlin admitted he couldn’t resist providing them with some support.

"We did give them some help, but they never asked, you know? They're on their own now, which is amazing. And when your kids stop asking for money, that's a good moment in your life," he said.

Both Delilah and Amelia have been seen in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsand Harry Loves Lisa.

The actor tries not to "give unsolicited advice" to his daughters.

"If they ask me for advice, I'll give it to them,” he clarified. “But they give me advice. They inspire me."

The 74-year-old married Rinna, his third and current wife, in 1997. They recently celebrated their March wedding anniversary with a vacation.

We hadn't gone on a trip together, just the two of us, in 32 years because we had kids and we always went with them," he shared.

They decided to commemorate a milestone anniversary early because of an uncertain future,

"Well, actually, we celebrated 29 for 30 because the world situation is not looking like it's going to be amenable to having lots of travel fun next year," Hamlin said. "Who knows what'll happen, but we took this little window of time, and we went back to a place we'd been to 32 years ago."

Who is the true queen of rock and roll? There's no official answer, of course, but the first names that usually come up in answer to that question are Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin...and, obviously, Grace Slick. More than just an iconic singer, Slick's songwriting skills helped make Jefferson Airplane one of the most significant bands of the '60s. Case in point? Without Slick, there would be no "White Rabbit."

Released as a single from Jefferson Airplane's 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow, "White Rabbit" was Jefferson Airplane's second top 10 hit, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of that year. But the tune wasn't originally intended to be a Jefferson Airplane hit — in fact, Slick wrote the song in just about an hour before she even joined the band, inspired by the psychedelic scene, Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and Spanish music.

"All fairytales that are read to little girls feature a Prince Charming who comes and saves them," Slick told The Guardian in 2021. "But Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland did not. Alice was on her own, and she was in a very strange place, but she kept on going and she followed her curiosity — that’s the White Rabbit. A lot of women could have taken a message from that story about how you can push your own agenda."

"The 1960s resembled Wonderland for me," Slick continued. "Like Alice, I met all kinds of strange characters, but I was comfortable with it. I wrote 'White Rabbit' on a red upright piano that cost me about $50. It had eight or 10 keys missing, but that was OK because I could hear in my head the notes that weren’t there. I used that piano to write several different songs. When I started making money I bought a better one."

As Slick explained, "The line in the song 'feed your head' is both about reading and psychedelics. I was talking about feeding your head by paying attention: read some books, pay attention." The singer went on to admit that "the song is a little dark. It’s not saying everything’s going to be wonderful. The Red Queen is shouting 'off with her head' and the 'White Knight is talking backwards.' Lewis Carroll was looking at how things are run and the people who rule us."

Not only was "White Rabbit" meaningful to Slick at the time, but the song went on to remain a touchstone throughout her life, both symbolically and financially.

Grace Slick, Marty Balin

Photo by Ron Pownall on Getty Images

"I was born in the year of the rabbit and all kinds of white rabbit stuff has happened to me," Slick said. "It’s almost witchcraft. I had a fire in my house...the only thing saved was a ceramic white rabbit. I’ve still got ceramic white rabbits around the house and today people send me white rabbits."

"White Rabbit’s been bringing in royalties for over 50 years. I still get to pay my bills off that one song. Now that’s a good song!" she quipped.

Slick isn't the only one who thinks "White Rabbit" is a "good song." In addition to being a chart-topper at the time of its release, the tune has gone on to attain legendary pop culture status. It earned a ranking of #455 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list, was included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll" roundup and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. Plus, all these years later, plenty of people are still listening: At the time of this writing, it's been streamed over 300 million times on Spotify.

Related: 'The Most Detested Song in Human History' Has Been Streamed Hundreds of Millions of Times

Melanie Griffith may be best known for her role in Working Girl, but she's more stunning than ever at 68.

Griffith, 68, scored acclaim for her famous role as Tess McGill in Working Girl, and went on to roles in projects like Celebrity and Crazy in Alabama. The acclaimed actress, who is also the mom of star Dakota Johnson, still takes on occasional acting roles these days, but lately flies under the radar. But in a new red carpet appearance at the opening reception for "Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon" at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Griffith looked absolutely beautiful alongside Jeff Leatham. Wearing all black with her blonde hair in a chic shag cut, Griffith is aging like a fine wine.

Photo by Michael Buckner on Getty Images

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Griffith Is Still Close With Her Ex, Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas, 65, known for films ranging from Philadelphia and Evita to Shrek and The Mask of Zorro, married Griffith in 1996. While the couple isn't married anymore, they're still rather tight and enjoy hanging out with each other. The duo has a daughter, Stella Banderas, and recently shared a sweet Instagram photo of them cuddling on the couch together with Stella’s new husband, Alex.

“A lovely and fun moment yesterday in Los Angeles with my son-in-law Alex, my daughter Stella, and my ex-wife and lifelong friend, Melanie,” Banderas captioned the photo, which showed the fearsome foursome curled up on the couch for a photo.

View this post on Instagram When Did Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith Divorce?

Banderas and Griffith officially divorced in 2015 after separating in June 2014, the Associated Press reported at the time. It was determined that Banderas would have to pay Griffith up to $65,000 a month in spousal support.

Does Griffith Still Have Antonio’s Name Tattooed on Her Arm?

Griffith famously had her husband Antonio’s name tattooed on her upper arm, surrounded by a heart. Following their split, it was announced in the same article that Griffith began removing Banderas’ name from the heart tattoo on her arm. However, paparazzi photos from back in 2022 show it’s still a bit visible, if you look very closely.

Photo by BG020/Bauer-Griffin on Getty Images

How Many Children Does Melanie Griffith Have?

Griffith also has a son, Alexander Bauer, with ex Steven Bauer, and a stepson, Jesse, with ex-husband Don Johnson. Of course, she and Johnson also have a very famous daughter, Dakota Johnson.

Back in January of 2025, Griffith celebrated her own mother, iconic actress Tippi Hedren.

In honor of Hedren’s 95th birthday, Griffith posted a series of photos and videos of her mother looking happy and healthy as she blew out her birthday candles. Sporting bright rep lips and turquoise jewelry, Hedren waved for the camera as she sat at the head of the dinner table.

“My beautiful Mama turned 95 yesterday! 🥰♥️🥰♥️🥰 She’s happy, healthy and feisty!!” Griffith posted on Instagram.

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Related: Antonio Banderas and Ex-Wife Melanie Griffith Snuggle up on the Couch 11 Years After They Split

Vasana Montgomery, who has already been announced as one of the cast members for season 8 of Love Island USA, has been removed from the show after videos surfaced online of her using a racial slur.

Production sources told TMZ that Montgomery will no longer be on the show, which is set to premiere Tuesday, June 2.

The outlet also detailed what was in the videos, with one clip showing Montgomery appearing to "say it while rapping along to a song ... while, in another, she yells it out while her friend is playing an arcade game." And the reason why they didn't appear when production vetted Montgomery is that they are private videos that have only come out after the cast announcement.

Montgomery is a 25-year-old business owner from Beaverton, Oregon.

Last season, Love Island USA dealt with a similar situation as Yulissa Escobar was kicked off the show due to her use of racial slurs in multiple podcast clips.

And another contestant from this upcoming season has also come under fire. Specifically, a photo appeared of contestant Kenzie Annis posing with people who appear to be wearing MAGA attire as well as with a Trump flag in the background. However, her father, Tim, pushed back on that, telling TMZ that neither Annis nor her family supports President Donald Trump.

'Love Island USA' Season 8 Cast

Vanderpump Rules alum Ariana Madix is returning as host of the hit show, with new episodes dropping daily during premiere week. Afterwards, new episodes will drop every day except Wednesdays.

• Aniya Harvey, 23 (Tyrone, Georgia)
• Beatriz Hatz, 25, Paralympic athlete (San Diego, California)
• Bryce Dettloff, 29, DJ (Los Angeles)
• Gabriel Vasconcelos, 26 (Miami)
• KC Chandler, 23, nursing assistant (Fresno, California)
• Kenzie Annis, 24, nursing school graduate (Kennesaw, Georgia)
• Melanie Moreno, 24, manager at a bikini store (Los Angeles)
• Sean Reifel, 29, police officer (Easton, Pennsylvania)
• Sincere Rhea, 25 (Cape May, New Jersey)
• Trinity Tatum, 22 (Newport News, Virginia)
• Zach Georgiou, 26 (Birmingham, England)

Morgan Wallen's latest performance proved there was more irritating him than just sand in his boots.

The country star had an unexpected onstage moment on Friday, May 29 in Denver, Colorado. While performing his hit song “Sand In My Boots,” the singer appeared to become frustrated with a technical issue involving his piano. According to videos shared online, Wallen struggled to hear the instrument before ultimately tipping the piano over mid-performance.

But rather than stopping the show altogether, he kept going. After the piano was flipped, the 33-year-old finished the remainder of the song a cappella, relying solely on his vocals to carry the performance. And if fan reactions are any indication, many in the crowd didn't mind the stripped-down version one bit.

Videos of the moment quickly spread across social media, with many fans praising Wallen's voice and arguing that he hardly needs backing instruments at all. 

“Flip it again. HE DONT NEED NO PIANO. He CAN sing! ,” one fan account wrote on an Instagram video of the moment.

“Morgan dont need a piano he can sing 🔥🔥proud of him 🔥,” said another.

Others weren't as impressed.

“He’s always throwing a temper tantrum over something,” one noted.

Another replied, “Is this that guy who threw a chair off of the roof or whatever?” while another joked, “Throw it off a bar roof next.’

Wallen famously found himself in legal trouble in 2024 after throwing a chair from the rooftop of a Nashville bar, an incident that ultimately resulted in misdemeanor charges. This week's piano incident was far less serious, though the instrument may not have been quite as lucky.

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The viral moment comes just weeks after Wallen made headlines for another reason. Despite entering the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards with nominations in major categories including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Wallen walked away without a single trophy.

The outcome sparked strong reactions online, with many fans questioning how one of country music's most commercially successful artists could be shut out entirely. Wallen's latest album, I’m the Problem, recently reached 4x Platinum status, further fueling the debate among supporters who felt his impact on the genre deserved recognition.

Related: Controversial Country Star's Fans Are Furious Over ACM Awards 'Snub'

Produced for $1,050 (which was the cost of a four-track Tascam recorder) in 1981, "Atlantic City" by Bruce Springsteen was recorded in three takes, the last of which ended up on his 1982 solo album, Nebraska. Springsteen played all of the instruments on the track: guitar, harmonica, and mandolin, as well as sings the vocals. Despite Springsteen insisting he thought it need the full band, music producer Jon Landau convinced him otherwise saying, "No way was it as good as what he had goin' on that demo tape."

When listeners pay close attention to the lyrics of "Atlantic City," they're actually met with a very dark, bleak story.

"Atlantic City" tells the story of a very "down on their luck" couple who flee to New Jersey out of desperation. In order to pay off his crushing debts, the narrator of the song turns to organized crime and the mob. The song deals with the price of surviving, and the inevitability that death will eventually come for us all.

In the opening lyrics of the haunting, gritty ballad, Springsteen sings:

"Well, they blew up The Chicken Man in Philly last night / Now they blew up his house too"

These lyrics are actually inspired by a dark, true event. In 1981, a man named Phil Testa began to rise in leadership in the Philadelphia crime family following the murder of his friend and the former boss,  Angelo Bruno. Testa earned the nickname "Chicken Man" due to his using his actual poultry business as a front for his crime life. In March of that year, Testa opened the door to his house on 2117 Porter Street and a nail bomb exploded, killing him. His murder was supposedly arranged by his underboss and sparked a massive war within the family.

"Atlantic City" is widely celebrated as one of Springsteen's greatest songwriting achievements and one of the best tracks off of Nebraska. Rolling Stone listed it among their "500 Best Songs of All Time" and Springsteen included it on his 1995 Greatest Hits album.

Springsteen has continued to included the song in live performances over the last 40+ years. In 2025, he even joined singer Zach Bryan in a surprise performance at Metlife Stadium where he performed the track with Bryan and Kings of Leon.

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Related: Iconic 1984 Rock Anthem Has One of the Most Misunderstood Meanings in Music History

While the '80s may be considered an era that embraced poppy, uplifting tunes, not every song from the decade is lighthearted.

For instance, on May 30, Far Out magazine highlighted some creepy and spooky songs released in the 1980s. The publication's ranking of the "five utterly disturbing songs from the 1980s," included numbers like "One in a Million" by Guns N' Roses from 1988 and "I Saw Your Mommy" by Suicidal Tendencies from 1983. Far Out named Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' 1988 song "The Mercy Seat" the most "disturbing song from the 1980s."

According to the publication, the 7-minute-plus song, off the album Tender Prey, offers a disquieting listening experience, with its intense arrangement and lyrics depicting a prisoner who will soon be executed.

Nick Cave Opened up About Performing With Johnny Cash

During a 2024 interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the frontman of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Nick Cave, referenced that late country music star Johnny Cashreleased a version of "The Mercy Seat" in 2000. Cave shared that Cash, who died in 2003 at the age of 71, had been his long-time hero.

"I used to watch him as a child. They played The Johnny Cash Show on TV in Australia, and I got to sit there as a child and see this man with this voice, and there was something about this voice that just, it followed me all my life. And eventually he recorded one of my songs, 'The Mercy Seat,' I don't know, like, 50 years later," said the Australian musician, now 68.

He then noted that he recorded a cover of Hank Williams' song "I Feel so Lonesome I Could Cry" with Cash, shortly before his death. Cave said that he "was terrified to sing with [his] hero mostly because of his extraordinary, sort of gravitas of his voice."

He also said that Cash wasn't in the best of health when he met him at the recording studio. According to Cave, Cash was having issues with his eyesight and was recovering from the flu, causing him to have laryngitis. Cave recalled Cash telling him that he prayed to Jesus to recover his voice so he could sing with Cave.

"He said, 'I never asked Jesus for anything, but I had to perform with you today. And last night I dropped down on my knees. And I said Jesus, I got to sing with Nick, give me back my voice, give me back my voice,'" said Cave, who clarified that Cash was able to perform the Williams tune with him.

Cave also said that Cash turned from "this depleted man" to "something really extraordinary literally before [his] eyes" when he began performing.

Billy Idol admits this one personal choice has completely changed his live performances.

The singer opened up to Peopleabout his experience as a musician after getting sober.

"I don't go on stage high or anything like that,” he said. “There was a time when I used to go on stage a little high, or I would drink a massive glass of a screwdriver halfway through.”

At 70 years old, the “Dancing with Myself” singer has a new approach to starting a show.

“Nowadays… I go on completely normal and completely straight, and I think that's the way to do

it because the music itself is a high,” he said. “You can get that anytime you play. That is the high.”

Idol shared that he limits his drug and alcohol intake both during performing and in his everyday life. 

"I can have a glass of wine every now and again," he said. "I don't have to do nothing. But at the same time, I'm not the drug addict that I was in the peak '70s, '80s."

The “Eyes Without a Face” singer added that he mostly keeps the company of sober people, which "helps a lot.”

One of the reasons Idol decided to reduce his drug and alcohol consumption was because of a traumatic motorcycle accident in 1990, where he almost lost his leg.

"I really started to think I should try and go forward and not be a drug addict anymore and stuff like that," he said. "It took a long time, but gradually I did achieve some sort of discipline where I'm not really the same kind of guy I was in the '80s. I'm not the same drug addicted person."

Billy Idol is currently on his North American summer tour, “It's A Nice Day To… Tour Again!"

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

Four years ago, Hannah Selinger moved back to her home state of Massachusetts from New York, settling in the affluent town of Boxford. Shortly after relocating, she found herself in a gloves-off showdown with the local elementary school Parent Teacher Organization over a pay-to-play ticketing system that appeared to favor wealthier families with early-access perks. That conflict became the inspiration for her new book, Valley of the Moms.

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Featuring an absolutely irresistible cover, the novel is rooted in Selinger’s real-life experience, however, she shares in a recent essay published by People magazine that the story’s origin was just a thought starter and the narrative has since been exaggerated in the best way possible. A murder mystery set in an affluent New England suburb, Valley of the Moms pulls back the curtain on PTO drama and plays out like a saga akin to Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies or Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere.

“What would happen in a world where people would truly do anything to protect what they had worked for?” she poses in her magazine essay. 

Citing how far actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman went for their children in the Varsity Blues scandal, she adds, “Was it so unbelievable that the same aspirant, wealthy parents would consider murder as a next step if it was necessary in preserving what they considered precious to them? I didn’t think so.” This is where we cue the “dun-dun-duuuun” music.

Selinger also shares that she faced online bullying and criticism on social media for taking a firm stance against the PTO’s policies, even as she set out to turn the experience into a highly entertaining page-turner. 

“Like most of my work, my book reflects how I’ve experienced the real world," she shares. "And it reflects, too, my love for this place: a New England I’ve long cherished and have wanted to bring to the page. I hope you love reading it as much as I’ve loved bringing it to life.” 

Primarily known for writing about food, wine, and the restaurant industry, Selinger published her memoir, Cellar Rat, last year. Valley of the Moms marks her debut novel. And as Barnes & Noble's June Book ClubPick and a Peoplemust-read for summer, it’s already shaping up to be a the standout beach read of the summer. Pick it up Tuesday, June 2. 

Valley of the Dolls is available for preorder at bookshop.org.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Novel Shaped by Indie Rock Ranked Among the Century’s Greatest Sci-Fi Books

Critics' mixed reviews couldn't keep audiences away from embracing A Minecraft Movie last year and sending it to No. 1 at the box office.

It wasn't a surprise that Warner Bros. quickly greenlit a follow-up film. And now, the studio has revealed an official title for the video-game adaptation's sequel — rightfully sending the internet abuzz.

"Ready for another adventure? The world of #Minecraft is expanding once again with A Minecraft Movie Squared!" reads the caption of the studio's joint Instagram post on Saturday, May 30. See below.

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Fans of the beloved video game franchise have already flooded the post's comments section with their thoughts, which are mostly supportive in nature. "We are ready 🔥," wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "Sqaured is such a peak name" (a post that received more than 5,000 likes).

Another type of reaction, meanwhile, was popular amongst the post's comments. "Another Minecraft Movie was RIGHT THERE MAN," wrote another fan, suggesting an alternative to A Minecraft Movie: Squared.

Warner. Bros. also announced via the same Instagram post that it’s holding a contest for fans to enter The Minecraft Movie Build Challenge  for a chance to have theirs appear in the movie or end credits. The Builder Cape will be available through June 14 on TikTok, Minecraft and Twitch. The Microsoft-sponsored contest ends on July 6, per Deadline.

Later on Saturday, Warner Bros. posted a follow-up on its Instagram page, a video featuring Jack Black, Jason Momoa and other castmates — including the newly added Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows).

"We so excited to be back here in beautiful New Zealand to be shooting the sequel to A Minecraft Movie," Black, 56, says in part during the Instagram Reel, which also shows behind-the-scenes clips of the crew in action.

A Minecraft Movie: Squared is currently set to hit theaters on July 23, 2027.

Girls Next Door star Kendra Wilkinson is firing back at body shamers as she loses weight on a GLP-1.

Wilkinson, 40, rose to fame as one of Playboy tycoon Hugh Hefner‘s girlfriends on The Girls Next Door, the E! reality TV show that ran from 2005 to 2009. Along with fellow girlfriends Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt, Wilkinson lived at the Playboy Mansion and allowed E! cameras to document her life. After that series concluded, she went on to other reality series, including Kendra and Kendra on Top. These days, life couldn’t be more different from her days at the Playboy Mansion. Wilkinson is the single mom of two children: Hank and Alijah, and she’s even found a new career as a real estate agent. But as she loses weight on a GLP-1, commenters are throwing criticism about the size of her breast implants.

It all started when Wilkinson took to Instagram to share about her recent weight loss and the company she partnered with.

"month two on my GLP-1 journey and I’m still being really intentional about how I approach this. for me, it was never just about the number on the scale. it’s about feeling like myself again, having real energy, and actually learning to trust the process without trying to fast forward it. I wanted this to feel honest, sustainable, and actually work for MY life.
oh and fitting into my pants again? yeah, that’s absolutely a win too.
we’re just getting started but I’m here for all of it and can’t wait to bring you along for what’s coming.

#effecty#effectypartner," she captioned the photo, which showed her slimmed down.

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Commenters Criticized Her Breasts

Commenters had plenty to say, as always.

“The boobs make you look heavier. Bring it down a few sizes. You’ll look smaller,” one person commented, according to a screenshot Wilkinson posted to her Stories, shared by the Looker.

“Who’s paying?!” Wilkinson replied. “You want my Venmo to support this?”

In another selfie, Wilkinson made it clear she doesn't have Playboy money anymore.

“Until I get my GoFundMe breast reduction money, I’m going to love my boobs the way they are," she added.

This Isn't the First Time People Have Attacked Wilkinson For Her Looks

Despite thriving as a single mom, Wilkinson still faces criticism from online trolls. In a post for International Women’s Day, Wilkinson shared that people comment about how she’s aged “poorly.” However, she says she’s perfectly fine with “a little weight gain and wrinkles” because she’s not going to “tie my happiness again into the negative energy.”

“I am a balanced, single, positive, fun woman who loves life, and I hope that I can manage this feeling forever now after working hard to get here to this place. I was verrrry young when I started TV and lived a crazy chaotic 20 years of impressing others, but now it’s about ME. Giving back to ME. Even with less money and Way less fame. 😂,” Wilkinson shared. “I’m now a realtor and a mom of a 16-year-old and a 11 yr old. Watching them grow has been my ultimate happiness over everything else. I’m so beyond grateful for today!”

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Related: ‘Girls Next Door’ Star Kendra Wilkinson Is Fine With Weight Gain and Wrinkles Amid Online Aging Criticism

Robert Wagner is one proud grandfather, but what you might not know is that his granddaughter's dad is former 7th Heaven star Barry Watson.

Wagner, 96, who starred in early series like It Takes a Thief and Switch, continued on TV in Hart to Hart before appearing more recently on Two and a Half Men and NCIS. He also had a successful film career, with roles in the Austin Powers trilogy and several other popular films. He’s also widely known as the former husband of Natalie Wood.

Watson, 52, rose to fame as Matthew Camden on the iconic family-friendly series 7th Heaven, which ran on the WB from 1996 to 2006. Since 2014, he’s been married to Natasha Gregson Wagner, the daughter of Natalie Wood and Richard Gregson, making him Wagner’s stepson-in-law.

In a sweet new photo, Wagner snuggled up with his granddaughter, the adorable Clover.

"Happy Birthday to our beautiful Clover! 🌸🎂 Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, happiness, and all the sweet moments that make birthdays so special. Hope your year ahead is as bright and wonderful as you are! - Love Grandma and Grandpa @ngdubdubs@realbarrywatson," he captioned the photo.

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Wagner and Barry Watson are a Fun Duo

Wagner and Watson recently posed for a fun selfie together in honor of Watson’s birthday. With Wagner showing off his swagger in black aviator sunglasses, the actor celebrated his son-in-law with lots of enthusiasm.

“Join Jill and I in wishing our terrific son-in-law Barry Watson a Happy Birthday 🎉 Always fun times when you’re around-grateful for the laughs, the love and these unforgettable moments together,” Wagner captioned the photo, which showed a young girl in the background. (We’re guessing it’s Watson’s daughter, Clover!) “Cheers to another great year ahead!🎉 @realbarrywatson#barrywatson#robertwagner#familymeanseverything#bestsoninlaw,” Wagner captioned the photo.

View this post on Instagram Who is Robert Wagner Married to?

Wagner is married to Jill St. John. In an Instagram post shared earlier this week, the acting icon showed his favorite role as a loving husband. In the shot, Wagner gives a kiss to his wife on their 36th wedding anniversary.

"36 years of love and laughter with my beautiful Jill. Happy Anniversary, my love 💕," Wagner captioned the sweet shot.

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Related: Robert Wagner, 96, Kisses Wife Jill St. John After 36 Years of ‘Love and Laughter’ on Their Anniversary

Within the science fiction genre, there are several films that have captivated and amazed audiences since their release. Collider recently highlighted a handful of said films that changed the genre by releasing a ranking of "the 10 greatest sci-fi movie masterpieces of the last 50 years."

Collider's list, published on May 29, featured popular sci-fi films, like District 9 from 2009, 1985's Back to the Future, Alienfrom 1979, and its 1986 sequel, Aliens. According to the publication, the best sci-fi masterpiece released after 1976 is 1982's Blade Runner, adapted from Philip K. Dick's 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?.

The gritty film has a score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic.

Ridley Scott Shared Information About the Casting of 'Blade Runner' in a 2025 Interview

In a 2025 interview with GQ, the director of Blade Runner, Ridley Scott, discussed the 1982 cyberpunk film. He told the publication that he had worked alongside the film's scriptwriter, Hampton Fancher, for "five months" to figure out how best to adapt Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. The filmmaker explained that he felt the book was "too complex" and had too many storylines to make a successful film. After speaking with Fancher, he decided that the best course of action was to focus on one plot, "where a hunter falls in love with his quarry."

Scott also shared his thoughts about casting Harrison Ford to play the film's lead, Rick Deckard. He said that he didn't consider Ford "a star yet," even though the actor played Han Solo in the first two Star Wars films, A New Hope (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980).

"He had just finished flying the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars. I remember my financer saying, 'Who the f--k is Harrison Ford?' I said, 'You're going to find out,'" said Scott during the 2025 interview.

He also said that he had been "looking for a Vivien Leigh" type actress to fill the role of Rachael, which eventually went to Sean Young.

"I finally found this girl who was 18, hadn't done a film before. That was her first movie," said the filmmaker.

Authorities have announced that they have suspended the search for Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown, who is feared dead by his family.

In a press release on Saturday, May 30, the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) says that they suspended search efforts to find "the male reported deceased in the Okanogan River."

"Deputies and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife agent used boats, personal watercraft, sonar and divers to search an expanding area near the last location the male was seen," the release read. "A canine from Spokane, trained in detection of human remains, was deployed and implements were used to drag the river bottom. The male has not been located; no signs of the male have been located."

Authorities added that the river conditions "deteriorated and hampered search efforts" due to "rainfall from the previous night."

“The active river flow increases the likelihood that the male has not remained near the location last seen,” the press release said, adding that the search has been suspended due to "dangerous river conditions." They also said that the exact identity of the male “is not confirmed.”

This comes after Brown's family has expressed that they fear he is dead, with his brother, Bear Brown, posting a TikTok video saying that Matt might have taken his life. Specifically, he said, “witnesses say that he was seen in a river, at a river or close to a river.”

The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office told TMZ that they received a call, with a person reporting they saw a "man sitting in shallow water along the Okanogan River south of Oroville."

"Authorities say the caller looked away briefly, then turned back to find the man face down in the river before he was swept away by the current," TMZ wrote.

Matt became a known figure on Discover Channel’s The Alaskan Bush People, which aired from 2014 through 2022.

Certain childhood items instantly bring back memories for many of us millennials, and character nightgowns are one of them. The soft fabric, the shiny details and the feeling of twirling around before bedtime were all part of growing up in the 1990s and early 2000s. Now, parents are spotting a familiar style again at Costco and saying the new designs feel just like the nightgowns they wore as kids.

The latest sleepwear find at Costco includes a few character-inspired nightgowns for children, available in sizes 2T through 6X. Shoppers can choose from different designs inspired by popular Disney characters like Ariel, Elsa and other Disney princesses. Each gown, shown by @costcofam4u, is priced at $13.99.

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For many millennials, character nightgowns were more than just pajamas. They often doubled as dress-up clothes around the house.

That nostalgic connection is a big reason parents are reacting strongly to these new Costco nightgowns. Many shoppers say the styles remind them of the exact kinds of gowns they wore growing up. While character sleepwear never completely disappeared, this specific style of soft, frilly nightgown became harder to find in recent years.

Parents also appreciate that these gowns offer the fun look kids want without the scratchy fabrics that often come with dress-up costumes. Instead of stiff materials or glittery layers, these designs focus on comfort and breathability.

Related: Costco Brought Back the Space-Saving Organizer That Works in Every Room

Why Character Nightgowns Still Matter to Kids

Part of the lasting popularity of character nightgowns comes from how they blend comfort with imagination. Children are naturally drawn to clothing that helps them feel connected to characters they love. A nightgown can turn an ordinary bedtime routine into something that feels playful and special.

Parents love sharing these kinds of nostalgic experiences with their kids. Buying similar sleepwear is a small way to recreate childhood memories while creating new traditions.

At Costco, these nightgowns are getting major attention not just because of the recognizable Disney characters but because they tap into a familiar feeling many parents remember clearly. For shoppers looking for affordable kids' sleepwear with a nostalgic twist, this Costco find combines comfort, practicality and childhood memories in a single purchase.

Related: Costco's New Food Storage 2-Pack Keeps Snacks Cool on the Go

When it comes to choosing the best Stevie Wonder love songs, it's sort of like picking your favorite child. How do you decide between romantic, soulful tracks like "For Once in My Life," "I Just Called to Say I Love You," or "You Are the Sunshine of My Life?" While you're guaranteed to hear many of his tunes at weddings, there's one that stands out above the rest.

Wonder wrote "My Cherie Amour" while he was still attending the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, Michigan.

"I wrote it when I was, like, 16 years old," he told CNN in 2019.

"Originally, the song was called, 'Oh My Marsha,'" he continued. "Which I wrote for a girl I used to like named Marsha. But we broke up, and I asked Sylvia (Moy) to change the words, and it turned into 'My Cherie Amour.'"

The B-Side That Highjacked the Airwaves

It took three years from when he wrote it to when it was put on an album. And even then, it became the B-Side to "I Don't Know Why I Love You," which was released in Jan. 1969. "It was just that the various people at 'quality control' felt it was not the appropriate song to make an A-side," he toldDavid Breskin.

"I Don't Know Why" was a modest hit, but it only reached No. 39 on the charts. Radio DJs began playing "My Cherie Amour" instead.

Eventually, Tamla Records flipped the two, making "My Cherie Amour" the A-Side. By August, "My Cherie Amour" had reached No. 4 on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts. Across the pond in the U.K., where Wonder was on tour, the song also peaked at No. 4.

An Enduring Global Anthem

Seeing the fan response to the song, Motown decided to build on the momentum. Wonder recorded versions of the song in Spanish, "Mi Querido Amor," and in Italian, "My Cherie Amor." A new album, "My Cherie Amour," was even released, with the hit song at the center.

"My Cherie Amour" has become one of Wonder's most beloved and enduring singles in the 50 years since its release, and is listed at No. 22 on Rolling Stone's list of best Stevie Wonder songs.

On May 27, 2017, the world lost Gregg Allman, a Southern rock pioneer, co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band, and the soulful voice behind some of rock’s most enduring songs. Nearly a decade later, fans still return to one track above all others: “Whipping Post,” the blues-rock masterpiece that helped define both Allman’s career and The Allman Brothers Band’s legacy. Here, we revisit the searing anthem Billboard declares their greatest song.

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Written by Gregg at just 21, following his return to Florida from Los Angeles, “Whipping Post” was famously drafted on the back of an ironing board. According to Songfacts, Gregg woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t find a pen with which to unload the lyrics in his head about heartbreak, betrayal, and emotional entrapment, so he used burnt matches. 

Gregg’s brother, Duane Allman, also one of the band’s founders, called his younger brother “the blues-singingest white boy in the world” — Gregg’s growling vocals, one of the defining elements of the song, proved Duane knew what he was talking about.

A song with several versions, “Whipping Post” was first released as the five-minute closing track on the band’s debut self-titled album. With an unforgettable bassline courtesy of Berry Oakley, masterful guitar work from Duane and Dickey Betts, and the introduction of a unique rhythm, the track helped the album break into the Billboard 200 and quickly became a show centerpiece.

It was only during live performances that fans were treated to the full-length epic, clocking in around 23 minutes. Songfacts shared that the band would even improvise to ensure fans were treated to a singular jam. The definitive version of the song was released on the group’s landmark double live album, At Fillmore East, in July 1971, which peaked at No. 13.

“The band’s showstopper until the end, ‘Whipping Post’ was arguably the Allman Brothers’ greatest achievement, with an idiosyncratic 11/4 key signature in the intro, a gut-wrenchingly heartrending vocal from Gregg Allman, and extended, high-flying solo sections that allowed both of the band’s guitarists to stretch out and build to a blindingly tense crescendo, brought all the way back home by Allman’s formidable voice,” Billboard wrote. “No matter which of the hundreds of versions is your favorite, ‘Whipping Post’ represents all that the Allmans could achieve when firing on all cylinders.”

Months after the live album’s release, Duane died in a motorcycle accident in October 1971. A year later, Oakley also died in a motorcycle accident. Despite tragedy and loss, the band persevered, putting out hits and carving out their place in the canon of Southern rock. With “Whipping Post” still serving as their signature live showcase, they released the song as a distinct remix on 1973’s Beginnings, which peaked at No. 25. 

Today, “Whipping Post” is widely regarded as a Southern rock masterpiece and lives on through fans, friends, and fellow artists, who continue to cover the bluesy epic that captured the band’s electric virtuosity. No matter if it’s a rock, indie folk, country, or Americana show, when encore requests start to roll in, “Whipping Post” is always near the top of the list. 

That enduring pull has been heard in plenty of standout live moments. Our favorite has to be Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit whose fiery 2017 performance at the Beacon Theatre in New York City brought the house down. There’s a reason this song still resonates deeply with so many: It’s magical.

Related: 1976 Arena-Rock Anthem Still Hits Like the First Time 50 Years Later in New Video

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The joy that a beautiful LEGO set can bring to your world is unmatched. Even those who are fully grown can probably remember the satisfaction they felt upon completing a project as a child. It's the rare toy that feels just as exciting in adulthood, but the beauty of the LEGO Botanicals Tiny Plants Set is that it's designed especially for grown-ups to build. 

Featuring everything you need to construct nine gorgeous, miniature plants, the $50 set is currently marked down to just $40. That's a sweet 20% discount on a 758-piece collection that will absolutely dazzle you when it's fully built. Shoppers said "adorable" and a "blast" to build. And once it's assembled, the tiny plants help "brighten" any space and "make great forever decor," according to reviewers.

LEGO Botanicals Tiny Plants Set, $40 (was $50) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The arid, tropical, and carnivorous LEGO plants feature rich colors, delicate petals, swaying leaves, and even lifelike cactus "spines" that add an accurate dimension to the compact garden. Highlights of the set include a towering anthurium and an exquisitely designed pitcher plant with lean, tube-like cups. Other plants in the collection include a jade, false shamrock, Venus flytrap, red sundew, prickly pear, pincushion, and succulents.

All of the plants are nestled in terracotta pots, contributing to the set's realistic feel. It's the perfect choice for builders of all skill levels, providing an enjoyable outlet to bring some of nature's beauty to your home. There are so many ways to display them, too. You can arrange them collectively as a little indoor garden or spread them throughout your home.

Related: Amazon’s Garden-Themed $25 LEGO Set Is a 'Charming' Way to Stay Busy This Summer When It’s Too Hot Outside

"Building it was relaxing and fun — ideal for adults looking for a creative break," a reviewer wrote. "This LEGO Tiny Plants set is absolutely charming! The designs are detailed and elegant, with a great mix of colors and styles." Another customer said they're "absolutely delighted," noting the "remarkable attention to detail." 

Invite some of the outside world into your home with this discounted collection — no watering can needed! Pick up the LEGO Botanicals Tiny Plants Set while it's 20% off at Amazon today.

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One of country music’s fastest-rising stars has another major win to celebrate.

Ella Langley has earned her fourth career No. 1 hit as "Be Her" climbs to the top of Billboard's Country Airplay chart this week.

The achievement is significant for more than one reason.

Not only is "Be Her" Langley's fastest-rising No. 1 to date, surpassing the pace of her previous chart-topper "Choosin' Texas," which took 16 weeks to reach the summit, but it is also the fastest rise to No. 1 by a solo female country artist in the past decade.

The milestone marks Langley's fourth career No. 1 and further solidifies her status as one of the genre's biggest breakout stars.

Known for blending traditional country influences with modern storytelling and a distinctive vocal style, Langley has steadily built momentum over the past several years through a series of successful singles and high-profile performances.

"Be Her" has resonated strongly with listeners thanks to its emotional lyrics and relatable themes, helping propel the song up the charts at a remarkable pace.

"That song, what it's about, truly, is it's not about being someone else, it's about being the her you want to be," Langley told Whiskey Riff. "I think there’s things that every single person on this planet would like to see themselves do better as a human being, you know what I mean?"

The success comes as Langley continues touring throughout 2026, bringing her music to larger audiences across the country and capitalizing on what has already become a career-defining year.

"This has literally been my dream my whole entire life," she told Country Now. "The only thing I've ever daydreamed about was playing shows and what that would be like."

Langley no longer has to wonder. Her rapid rise has mirrored a broader trend in country music, where a new generation of female artists has been finding increasing commercial success while helping expand the genre's audience.

Still, few have climbed as quickly as Langley.

With four No. 1 hits already to her name and one of the year's biggest country radio successes, the singer appears poised to remain one of the genre’s most closely watched artists.

"I think everything works out the way it's supposed to," Langley told Elite Daily. "Right now I'm manifesting peace and keeping my head on my shoulders. I want to cherish the little things because this is moving so fast, and I want to remember all of it."

For Langley, the chart-topping success of "Be Her" is more than another No. 1; it's further proof that her breakout moment is only the beginning of a very successful career.

Related: '90s Metal Band Announces New Album 11 Years After No. 1 Hit