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Michael Jackson's Daughter Stuns Fans With 'No Rain' Cover: 'He'd Be So Proud'

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:28am

Paris Jackson, 28, has spent much of her adult life trying to forge an identity separate from her famous last name. The daughter of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe, the singer-songwriter grew up in the public eye but has steadily built a reputation as a talented musician with a voice and style rooted in alternative rock and indie music. Her recent live cover of Blind Melon's "No Rain" showcases Jackson's own musicianship, with fans applauding her "clean" voice and comparing her performance to the likes of Alanis Morissette.

Paris Jackson's "No Rain" Cover Wins Over Fans @tdeperro

Paris Jackson | The Fillmore Detroit | Monday July 13, 2026 #NoRain #blindmelon #parisjackson #fillmoredetroit

♬ original sound - TDePerro

In a social media video shared from Jackson's July 13 show at the Fillmore Detroit, Paris Jackson can be seen singing a soulful rendition of Blind Melon's 1992 alternative rock anthem. Fans praised the performance, with some noting they could hear Michael Jackson's voice in his daughter's, while others gushed over her talent.

"Sing Paris! Your Daddy would be proud of you," shared one fan.

Another added, "Her voice is so clean."

"Sounds like Alanis," wrote another.

Related: 1971 Song That Took Four Months to Write Named Neil Diamond's Greatest Song Ever

Paris Jackson's Music Career @parisvibrations

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♬ original sound - Paris Jackson

Following years of modeling and acting, Paris Jackson officially launched her music career in 2020 with her debut solo single, "Let Down." The introspective track introduced listeners to her emotional songwriting style and smoky voice, a clear departure from the pop sound so closely associated with her father's music.

Later that year, she released her debut album, Wilted, which was praised for its stripped-down production and emotional honesty. Jackson continued performing live before releasing the EP The Lost in 2022.

Carving Her Own Musical Path

Jackson has increasingly focused on live performance, opening for established artists and appearing at music festivals around the world. Her current performances feature a mix of original material and carefully selected covers, including her recent rendition of Blind Melon's "No Rain."

Jackson brought her own understated style to the performance, allowing her smoky vocals and emotional delivery to take center stage. Though comparisons to her famous father are inevitable, watching Paris Jackson perform makes it clear she is embracing her family's musical legacy while carving out a career on her own terms.

Related: Pink's 2017 Classic About Feeling Unheard Became the Ultimate Breakup Anthem

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1963 ‘The Twilight Zone’ Episode, Starring a Comedy Legend, Named the Saddest in the Entire Series

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:26am

“In Praise of Pip” was a 1963 episode of The Twilight Zone written by Rod Serling. It was about a man who learned his soldier son was injured during the Vietnam War. Recently, this episode was ranked the saddest episode in the entire series by Looper.

Jack Klugman, who is known for The Odd Couple and 12 Angry Men, played the main character in the episode. In an interview with Tony Albarella, Klugman spoke about his time working on the show.

“I didn’t like roles that were poorly written, and many scripts of that type were,” Klugman said. “Twilight Zone scripts were different. I loved them. I love anything that’s well-written, and of course, anything by Rod Serling was. The freedom that I had with Rod, I’m getting now, but back then, I only had Rod Serling and maybe Clifford Odets. People whose words I loved to let roll out of my mouth.”

Related: 1962 ‘The Twilight Zone’ Episode Was Ranked as Having the Best Plot Twist in the Entire Series

Klugman continued, “Rod Serling’s words are always wonderful to deliver. You don’t get that today; you don’t get the writers today who write with that kind of compassion, in a cryptic yet sharp way. He always wrote wonderful characters, fighters, combative little guys. Even the Twilight Zones he didn’t write, he approved. He was just so feisty that I couldn’t believe it when he died. I loved him.”

In the episode, “In Praise of Pip,” Klugman plays a father who feels overwhelmed with guilt for not being a better parent when he realizes that his son was injured in the war. He ends up visiting an amusement park where he thinks back on fond memories with his son. He then offers to exchange his life in exchange for his son and drops dead.

Months later, his son is shown alive and walking through the same amusement park with a cane, remembering the good times he had with his father and calling him his “best buddy.”

Related: 1959 ‘The Twilight Zone’ Episode, Which Was Ranked Most Rewatchable, Was Rod Serling’s Most Personal

In the closing narration of the episode, Serling says, “Very little comment here, save for this small aside: that the ties of flesh are deep and strong; that the capacity to love is a vital, rich, and all-consuming function of the human animal. And that you can find nobility and sacrifice and love wherever you may seek it out: down the block, in the heart or in the Twilight Zone.”

Kelly Clarkson Reveals the 'Sarcastic' Meaning Behind Her New Single

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:25am

Kelly Clarkson is giving fans some insight into her "sarcastic" new single.

The Grammy-winning singer, 44, is set to debut her new anthem, "I'd Be Lyin'", on Friday, July 17, marking her first new music release since 2025.

Premiering the song on her SiriusXM channel, The Kelly Clarkson Connection, on Monday, July 13, Clarkson called "I'd Be Lyin'" a "very sarcastic" song and one that was "fun as hell to make."

"So basically my new song, ‘I’d Be Lyin’,’ is about when you’re talking to someone, and it’s like, what you’re saying is somehow being filtered because it’s not what they’re hearing," she explained. "And if I just leaned in and just said what they wanted to hear, I would be lying."

Clarkson said there was a "Prince-inspired" aspect to the song "with the staccato kind of poppiness of it," revealing that the chorus then "kind of opens up into this major pop-rock vibe," which fans will be thrilled to hear her describe as "very reminiscent of a Kelly Clarkson empowerment anthem."

“I like a fun, anthematic, sarcastic song, as you probably know,” added the "Since U Been Gone" artist.

The Voice coach previously teased her new song on Instagram with a clip of her laying down the track in the studio. Fans were quick to celebrate Clarkson's return to music, with one commenter joking, "I’d be lying if I said I only watched this 12 times," and another cheering, "Omggggggggg I love it already!"

Others noted that Clarkson seemed to be returning to her original musical genre, with one person writing, "This sounds like classic Kelly Clarkson. Can’t wait!!" Another added rock hand emojis as they quipped, "Is it 2009 again or…?"

"I'd Be Lyin'" is Clarkson's first musical release since May 2025's "Where Have You Been," with her most recent studio album, Chemistry, being released in 2023.

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Target's New Disney Tee Has the Most Relatable Message for Movie Lovers

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:25am

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There are graphic T-shirts that make a style statement, and then there are the ones that perfectly sum up your personality. Target has been stocking plenty of fun licensed apparel lately, but this one new design feels perfect for anyone whose comfort movies always seem to include a little Disney magic.

Whether you're planning your next theme park vacation, counting down to an upcoming movie release or simply reaching for a cozy outfit on movie night, this affordable Target find captures a feeling that plenty of fans know all too well.

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Target's new Women's Disney Movie Ringer Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt keeps things simple with a classic, retro-inspired look and a message that resonates with practically every Disney fan. The maroon ringer tee features contrasting trim at the crew neckline and sleeves, with the phrase "Probably Watching Disney Movies" printed across the front.

Women's Disney Movie Ringer Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, $15 at Target

Target

Shop It!

Made from 100 percent cotton jersey, the regular-fit T-shirt offers an easy, everyday feel that looks good with any casual outfit. It comes in sizes XXS through 3X and sells for $15. At that price, it's an inexpensive addition to any Disney fan's wardrobe, especially when you consider the much higher prices of merch at the parks.

The timing of this new Disney tee at Target couldn't be better. Disney fans have plenty to look forward to over the coming months, from planning trips to the parks to keeping up with new releases.

Related: Target Just Dropped an Oversized Shirt Every Matcha Lover Needs

Visitors heading to Disneyland can once again see the castle with its classic color palette after the park recently completed a fresh repaint, bringing back the iconic look many longtime fans remember. And on the movie side, Disney continues to build excitement around new releases, including the live-action Moana remake and Toy Story 5, giving fans even more reasons to celebrate their favorite stories.

The Target tee has a vintage-inspired ringer style, a relaxed fit and a nostalgic look, making it easy to dress up with wide-leg jeans and sneakers or throw on for a casual day running errands.

For Disney lovers, though, it's really the message that makes this Target find stand out. Whether you're planning your next Disney Parks adventure, introducing someone to a favorite classic or settling in for another movie marathon, there's always a Disney film worth watching.

Related: Target Is Selling a Throwback T-Shirt Inspired by a Beloved 1980s TV Show

1981 Rock Hit, With Lyrics Written by Legendary Music Critic, Remains a Timeless Classic 45 Years Later

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:12am

In 1981, Blue Öyster Cult released one of their biggest commercial hits. The song, “Burnin’ for You,” became a rock radio staple and gave the New York-based rock band a new life on the charts—and on the newly launched MTV.

And it all started with a lyric left behind by a rock music critic.

Featuring an infectious guitar riff, a soaring solo, and lyrics about desire, “Burnin’ for You” was the first single from the album Fire of Unknown Origin. The song was spawned from a lyric left behind by Richard Meltzer, the pioneering rock critic known for his work in Crawdaddy, Rolling Stone, Creem, The Village Voice, and more.

In an interview with Songfacts, Blue Öyster Cult singer and guitarist Buck Dharma looked back on the songwriting experience.

"'Burnin' for You' is a Richard Meltzer lyric that probably has the most sincere sentiment from my view,”  he shared. “I wrote the music to that, because I thought I could do a good job... and I guess I did.”

RELATED: 1981 Rock Duet Became the Biggest Hit Ever for Both Artists

Dharma explained that Meltzer, a friend of the band who co-wrote several of their earlier songs, was known to leave lyrics lying around for the band to find.

“Richard would write on a typewriter and we’d have sheets of lyrics and on the page and it would look just look like poetry with a lot of lower case and free form, free association,” Dharma recalled in an interview published by the Herald Tribune. “I don’t know how long I’d had his lyric, but it was about 1980 and we’d moved to Connecticut.”

In an interview with Pop Entertainment, Dharma noted that “Burnin’ for You” was “almost conscious pop craft” when the band felt pressure to create a hit.

“After ‘[Don’t Fear] The Reaper’ was a hit, the band was under commercial pressure to have more,” he revealed. “The lyric on ['Burnin' for You'] was written by Richard Meltzer. I think that's probably his most sentimental lyric. He's not a very sentimental person, so for him to write an actual thoughtful and sentimental lyric is kind of funny. Although it's still classic Meltzer with the lines like, 'Time to play B-sides.' Which you're not gonna hear in your average tune.”

On October 3, 1981, “Burnin’ for You” became a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success was fueled by heavy rotation on MTV, the all-music cable channel that had launched in August of that year.

In an interview with Classic Bands, former Blue Öyster Cult bass player Joe Bouchard noted that the band wasn’t normally known for making music videos.

“I mean, we had one video that was popular on MTV, which was 'Burnin' For You,’” he noted. “In the early days, they played it a lot, but we never did a video for ‘(Don't Fear) The Reaper.’ The video world of MTV pretty much ignored Blue Öyster Cult most of the time, so it was just a thing where we were not a video band.”

Still, Dharma recalled having fun during the day-long video shoot.

“It was fun. We did ‘Burnin' for You’ and ‘Joan Crawford’ in the same day,” he said. “That was the first video we ever made, so it was kind of exciting to be out in Hollywood doing that kind of thing. It was totally exhausting; it was about a 20-hour day.”

Related: 1981 Radio Hit, Written by Rock Legends, Was Inspired by an Argument

This Airline Has the Best Coffee and Economy Snacks, Per New Study

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:10am


Let’s be honest: half the fun of getting to cruising altitude is waiting for the snack cart to roll down the aisle. But if you’ve ever sat there staring at a disappointing bag of stale pretzels, you know that not all airline menus are created equal.

If you want to know which carriers actually nail their food and beverage game, you have to ask the people who practically live at 35,000 feet. Luckily, the travel reward and search platform point.me did exactly that.

In its 2026 Best Airline Food and Drinks Survey, the points platform polled some of America's most experienced frequent flyers—people who hold massive point balances and fly multiple times a year—to settle the ultimate in-flight debates. And the results are officially in.

Related: American Airlines Adds New 'Elevated' Snacks in Economy Rotation This Summer

The Domestic Winners: Delta Crushes the Snack Game

Delta

If your travel plans have you flying domestic, your best bet for a great mid-flight snack is Delta Air Lines. The carrier ranked first across every single age demographic, capturing 30% of the vote thanks to its lineup of Cheez-Its, classic Biscoff cookies, Sun Chips Minis, and MadeGood Granola Bars.

Delta also took home the crown for the absolute best in-flight coffee, thanks to its fan-favorite partnership with Starbucks. However, if you talk to the most extreme road warriors—those who fly 10 or more times a year—they overwhelmingly prefer Alaska Airlines’ partnership with Stumptown Coffee. As for the worst cup of joe in the sky? The survey respondents handed that unfortunate title to JetBlue’sDunkin’ coffee, which ranked as the least favorite overall.

Interestingly, Delta also adapted to a massive modern health trend better than its competitors. It ranked first for the best high-protein, GLP-1-friendly meal options (capturing 31.6% of the vote), nearly doubling second-place Alaska Airlines. With roughly 1 in 8 Americans taking GLP-1 medications to manage weight or diabetes, having healthy, protein-forward options at the gate and in the air is becoming a huge priority for travelers.

According to point.me CEO Adam Morvitz, these frequent flyer opinions carry a ton of weight because these travelers know how to maximize every single detail of their trip:
"point.me members aren't your average traveler,” said Morvitz. “They're passionate about making the most of every trip, whether it’s accumulating points, booking award flights, or seeking travel experiences most people don't know are possible. When they tell you Air France pours the best wine at 35,000 feet, you believe them."

Related: America's Favorite Airport Restaurant Isn't Even a Restaurant

Delta

International Favorites: Heavy Wine Pours and Premium Dining

For long-haul international flights, two European and Middle Eastern giants dominated the rankings:

Air France is a wine lover’s paradise: More than one-third (36.2%) of respondents named Air France the airline with the best business-class wine selection. Even better? A whopping 34.5% said they offer the most generous wine pours—more than double second-place Emirates.

Emirates rules the dining cart: Emirates earned the top spots for business-class meals, business-class breakfast, economy meals, and their overall cocktail program. (Though if you're a true cocktail connoisseur who flies 10+ times a year, Virgin Atlantic’s onboard drink menu actually took the number one spot).

Pre-flight drinks: If you're hanging out at the airport before boarding, the American Express Centurion Lounges won the title for the best overall airport lounge bar, especially among male travelers and those with a household income over $150,000.

Related: Delta Flyers Are Snagging Shockingly Cheap Upgrades: '$16 Comfort+ Is Wild'

The #1 No-Fly Food Rule

Of all the debates settled by the survey, there was one thing frequent flyers agreed on almost universally: please be mindful of what you pack in your carry-on bag.

When asked about the single worst food a fellow passenger can bring onto a plane, nearly 41% of respondents named the tuna sandwich as the ultimate offender. Hard-boiled eggs came in second at 22.3%, followed closely by messy soups and liquids at 18.3%.

So, next time you're prepping for a flight, grab a bag of Biscoffs, order a Starbucks, and for the sake of everyone in your row—leave the seafood at the gate.

Related: Delta Introduces Budget-Friendly 'Basic' Fares for First and Business Class Travel

1987 Country Masterpiece, 10 Years in the Making, Remains a Historic Collaboration Between a 'Trio' of Female Superstars

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:03am

When Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris first stepped into a recording studio together in the late 1970s, their breathtaking, three-part harmonies seemed effortless.

But their predestined collaboration would take a decade, due to scheduling and record label conflicts that threatened their joint project. But when the iconic friends finally managed to release Trio in 1987, the wait proved to be more than worth it, according to American Songwriter.

In a Substack written by Parton in 2026, the legendary country superstar explained how her collaboration with Ronstadt and Harris came to be. It was 1975 when they first met.

"Linda and Emmylou… I didn’t know they knew that much of who I was, but they had followed a lot of the type of singers like me, the old mountain, true, authentic writers and singers," Parton wrote. "I was in L.A., and Bob Honka had called to see if I would come up to Emmylou’s house, because Linda was coming up. They wanted to meet me. I remember it so well."

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Parton continued, "When we walked into that living room, of course we were talking and having fun, and then we started singing an old song. I started singing, and they said, “Do you know ‘Rosewood Casket’ or one of those kinds of songs?” And I said, “Well, you know I do. That’s probably why you know me.” So they said, “Well, let’s sing it.”

The country legend said there was a beautiful "stillness" in the room when the threesome harmonized together. "We had that, and you would have thought we’d been singing together our whole lives. It was such a beautiful sound," Parton admitted.

However wonderful the collaboration was, it still took some time for the project to come to fruition. Parton revealed, "We tried for years to to do it, because Emmylou was as hot as she could be at the time. And of course, Linda was just the hottest thing in rock music. I was growing in my popularity too."

They first performed together on Parton's variety show, Dolly!, singing "The Sweetest Gift" in 1976. However, it took a decade for them to record what would be known as the Trio LP.

Parton admitted, "We tried for years until we finally got it done. And when we did, well, the rest is history."

Ronstadt told Cashbox upon the LP's release, “Honest to God, we don’t care if the radio never plays this recordWe’re happier if it does, because if the record sells, we can make another record, and we’d like to do that. But we didn’t take any of that into consideration.”

Ultimately, the record did sell, and very well. Rhino reported two albums followed. Titled Trio and Trio II, which, combined, sold more than five million copies worldwide and won a trio of Grammy Awards.

Parton concluded, "I just think we all take such pride in this. I know that for me, this will always stand as one of the greatest musical things that I’ve done in my entire life. I’ve never been prouder of anything else. I love these girls like sisters, but what we did as 'The Trio' will stand up long after we’re all gone."

In 2016, the superstar collaboration was released in a package called The Complete Trio Collection. It contained unreleased tracks and alternate versions of their beloved recordings.

Dolly Parton remains an active member of the country music community. Linda Ronstadt retired from singing in 2011 after a degenerative condition caused her voice to deteriorate. Emmylou Harris has tour dates scheduled through October 2026.

Related: 1977 Country-Pop Ballad, Named One of the Greatest of All Time, Became a Tearjerker by Accident

Who Is Malcolm McRae? All About Anya Taylor-Joy's Rocker Husband

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:00am

Anya Taylor-Joy is one of Hollywood's hottest up-and-coming actresses. She started gaining buzz with her critically acclaimed performance in Robert Eggers' The Witch and by going toe-to-toe with James McAvoy in 2016's Split. She then earned praise as the eponymous character in Autumn de Wilde's 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma.

Since then, Taylor-Joy has been racking up accolades, with projects like The Queen's Gambit on Netflix, the dark comedy horror flick The Menu, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and the horror movieThe Gorge for Apple TV, opposite Miles Teller.

While Taylor-Joy has been beefing up her resume and climbing the A-list, she's also made time for a private life. The actress secretly married musician Malcolm McRae in 2022, though the couple didn't confirm the nuptials for a full two years. The pair have walked their fair share of red carpets, though, given that McRae is famous in his own right.

Here's everything you need to know about rock guitarist Malcolm McRae and his marriage to Anya Taylor-Joy.

Related: Hollywood Starlet Packs on PDA at Oasis Concert With Husband: ‘Actually Love Each Other’

Who is Anya Taylor-Joy's husband?

ATJ is married to singer and guitarist Malcolm McRae. He's one-half of the rock group more*, which he co-headlines with former Portugal. The Man drummer Kane Ritchotte. The two met after McRae moved to Los Angeles from his home state of Alabama in 2018 for a girl—not Taylor-Joy. The musical duo started writing music together almost immediately after meeting, even though McRae was working as a paralegal during the day. More released their first EP in 2020.

In an interesting twist, Taylor-Joy and McRae share the same birthday, April 16, although they were born two years apart. McRae on April 16, 1994, and Taylor-Joy in 1996. That means they're both Aries

View this post on Instagram How did Anya meet her husband?

Taylor-Joy and McRae have been very tight-lipped about their romance, so it's unclear exactly when or how they met, except that it happened in a "music studio," and they bonded over their shared birthday, the actress revealed on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Taylor-Joy first spoke of having a partner in a 2021 Elle interview. She and McRae were photographed kissing in New York City shortly before her Saturday Night Live hosting gig in May of the same year. It is suspected they met in early 2021 or late 2020.

Did Anya Taylor-Joy actually get married?

Yes, Anya Taylor-Joy and McRae did actually get married. Page Six first reported that the couple tied the knot in July 2022, but Taylor-Joy and McRae didn't confirm the marriage until April 2024.

"Two years ago, on April Fools, I secretly married my best friend in New Orleans. The magic of that day is ingrained in every cell of my being, forever. Happy second (first) anniversary my love … you’re the coolest," Taylor-Joy wrote in the Instagram post with pictures of the wedding day.

Related: The Rolling Stones’ New Single Gets Steamy Music Video Anya Taylor-Joy

Is Cara Delevigne dating Anya Taylor-Joy?

No, Anya Taylor-Joy and Cara Delevigne are not together and have never dated. They met at a fashion show and became very close friends. Delevigne attended Taylor-Joy's wedding to McRae and took some of the photos that Taylor-Joy posted in her Instagram post.

What ethnicity is Anya Taylor-Joy?

Anya Taylor-Joy is of Latin descent. She was born in Miami but was raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and London. According to an early profile in The Hollywood Reporter, the actress's father is Argentinian and also of English and Scottish descent. Her mother is English, and her maternal grandmother is Spanish from Barcelona.

What is Anya Taylor-Joy's first language?

Anya Taylor-Joy was born in Miami because her parents were on vacation in the city when her mother gave birth. The family lived in Argentina until she was six, so she learned Spanish first and initially went to a Spanish school. Her family relocated to England, where Taylor-Joy learned English and began acting in school before leaving at 16 to pursue a professional career. 

Related: Iconic Actress Looks Unrecognizable After Short Hair Transformation

Iconic '80s Rocker, Ranked Among 'Greatest Guitarists' of All Time, Turns 70

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:00am

Joe Satriani helped make instrumental rock feel as exciting and accessible as any hit with a singer behind the microphone.

The guitarist celebrates his 70th birthday on July 15 after nearly four decades as one of rock's most respected players. Known for his speed, control and unmistakable melodies, Satriani built a rare kind of career in which the guitar itself remained the main attraction.

Born in Westbury, N.Y., in 1956, Satriani decided to dedicate himself to the guitar in 1970 after learning that his idol, Jimi Hendrix, had passed away. He studied with jazz guitarist Billy Bauer and pianist Lennie Tristano before moving to California, where he continued developing his own music while teaching other young players.

Satriani's breakthrough came with his 1987 album Surfing With the Alien. The record reached No. 29 on the Billboard 200 and eventually went platinum, bringing instrumental rock to an audience far beyond dedicated guitar fans.

His playing has continued to earn recognition across generations. Rolling Stone placed Satriani at No. 94 on its 2023 list of the 250 greatest guitarists of all time, while the Recording Academy has nominated him for 15 Grammy Awards over the course of his career.

The success of Surfing With the Alien also led Mick Jagger to recruit Satriani for his first solo tour in 1988. He later toured with Deep Purple, founded the long-running G3 concert series and joined Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith in the rock supergroup Chickenfoot.

Satriani's influence also extends to the musicians he taught before becoming famous himself. Steve Vai, Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Testament's Alex Skolnick were among his students, giving him a direct hand in shaping several very different corners of rock and metal.

At 70, Satriani remains busy on the road. Earlier this year, he toured North America with Vai in the SATCHVAI Band, then joined Hagar and Michael Anthony for another run of Best of All Worlds shows. More Las Vegas dates are scheduled for September.

Reflecting on the SATCHVAI tour, Satriani said playing with Vai was "like traveling back in time to when we were kids rocking out and improvising like our lives depended on it."

After decades of albums, collaborations and sold-out tours, Satriani is still finding new ways to put the electric guitar at center stage. His 70th birthday arrives with another active year underway and his influence still easy to hear in the players who followed him.

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

This Mega-Bestselling Vampire Book Series From the 2000s is Getting a Shocking New Dark Romance Sequel

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 7:00am

The House of Night’s Nerd Herd is all grown up, and now it’s time to transform from YA horror and fantasy to dark romance. Authors P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast are coming out with a series continuation, Stolen.

We revisit Shaunee Cole, who went through one of the most dramatic transformations throughout the House of Night series, which went on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide during the 2000s. At first, one of the “Twins” with Erin Bates, Shaunee came across as cold and egotistical. She wasn’t afraid to add some sass to the conversation, but all that changed as she decided to stop being a Twin.

As she separated herself from Erin, she became a true leader of the group, and it wasn’t surprising to see her become the High Priestess at the end of the series. Nor was it all that shocking to find out that she was with Erik Night at the end.

So, what happens between them? Stolen picks up years later, with Shaunee’s life in tatters. All we get to know is that her life has burned to the ground, and she returns to Tulsa in the hope of starting afresh.

That’s not quite possible when she’s captured by Enforcer Bishop Vane, a man who has spent his life working for the Order of the Horned God, a secret society of witches. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, and he is the last man Shaunee should ever find appealing. Yet, as Bishop captures her with the intention of making her the next sacrifice for the coven, things are turned on their heads.

Expect spice in this dark romance novel. Not only has the Nerd Herd grown up, but the entire world of the House of Night has too, and that brings steam and spice. Bishop and Shaunee’s lives are intertwined in ways neither thought possible, and while he has her body, Bishop wants Shaunee to give him her soul. Will she oblige?

Expect passion, intoxication, and blood-soaked rituals.

Just take a look at the mesmerizing cover for Stolen. It captures the heart of Shaunee’s story, with the phoenix rising from the ashes on her back. In fact, when talking about the novel, P.C. Cast shared, “The male character is a tattoo artist in Tulsa,” but that’s all she could share at the time.

Courtesy of 2Arms Media and the Jane Rotrosen agency

Kristin did go on to share that she and her mom work closely with the artists for the cover design, and she went on to share that “It’s so satisfying when you get the image, and it is like what you saw in your head.”

That isn’t just about the cover for this novel, either. It was also a comment about the deluxe House of Night series, which Parade will share more of closer to their release in September!

The downside? We all need to wait until May 11, 2027! Stolen, from Podium Entertainment, will be released next year, but you can pre-order right now, and there will be immersive audio experiences included with every major retailer!

Anne Hathaway Was 'So Shocked' to Get Pregnant With Baby No. 3

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:55am

Anne Hathaway was "so shocked" to learn she was pregnant with her third child.

The Odyssey star, 43, opened up about her pregnancy with her and husband Adam Shulman's third child during a Tuesday, July 14, appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, gushing that her experience has been "amazing," if not unexpected at her age.

"I mean, we knew what we were doing, but we were so shocked it worked," Hathaway quipped to host Seth Meyers, adding, "We were so shocked it went this way, so we’re calling this one our buzzer-beater."

Hathaway then asked Meyers, 52, if he had any parenting advice, as he also has three children—sons Ashe, 10, and Axel, 8, as well as daughter Adelaide, 4—whom he shares with wife Alexi Ashe, 43.

"Weirdly, it goes on, like, autopilot," Meyers answered, teasing, "Once there’s three, there’s not much you can do except watch."

Hathaway, who also shares sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6, with Shulman, 45, announced that she was pregnant with her third child on June 19. The Devil Wears Prada 2 actress broke the news on Instagram at the time, showing off her baby bump in a flowing white dress as she walked into the video and cradled her stomach. "x Baby, I’m yours x," she captioned the post simply.

The Mother Mary star previously opened up about feeling "very lucky" as the mother of her two boys during an interview with PEOPLE in April.

“I just feel very lucky,” she said at the time. “I know that not everybody who wants to be a parent gets to be. I’m just blown away by how fortunate I am. It went really well for me twice, and that’s really lucky.” 

The Oscar-winning actress continued, “Being a mom is just this beautiful ongoing poem that I get to live inside of.”

’90s Metal Band Gwar Reimagines Classic Album After 20 Years

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:54am

GWAR announced a special treat for fans as they celebrate a special milestone.

The legendary heavy metal band, fronted by Michael Bishop, also known by his GWAR character Blöthar the Berserker, teased fans with an exciting video announcing the remastered edition of Beyond Hell to celebrate the album’s 20th anniversary.

“20 years ago, GWAR released Beyond Hell and Suspecting Earth, and until this time, it has never been possible to listen to that album in all its glory on vinyl until today,” the band said.

The band’s 10th studio album was released in 2006 and two decades later, fans will get to hear the newly remastered deluxe edition for the first time on vinyl when it is released on Sept. 25 under the band’s independent label, Pit Records.

Singer Blöthar the Berserker of GWAR performs during Riot Fest in 2025.

Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images

The upcoming remastered edition retails the album’s 13 original tracks, including fan favorites "War Is All We Know," "Tormentor" and its cover of Alice Cooper's "School's Out.”

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Producer Devin Townsend also reflected on his involvement with the special release and emphasized that he has been a GWAR fan since he was a kid.

“I loved the freedom, the metal, the spectacle, and the passion that went into it all," he explained as cited by Blabbermouth and mentioned the band’s late lead singer, Dave Brockie. "I met Brockie on a tour we did together and, after cornering him in an elevator basically telling him I'd work for free, I found myself co-producing 'Beyond Hell'. Dave and Corey came to Vancouver to stay with me, and we recorded at Profile Studios. The drums and basic tracks were done at Slave Pit in Richmond, Virginia, and the whole process took about three months."

In addition, the producer also highlighted the band’s strength, which is its limitless creativity: “absurdity and hard work bundled up with metal and performance.”

Besides the album being released on vinyl for the first time, GWAR’s upcoming remastered record will also feature limited-edition vinyl variants.

The first is a standard gold vinyl edition with only 2,000 copies produced.

The next is the "Blood Moon" vinyl edition, limited to 300 copies. Finally, the "Blood Smear" vinyl edition will be limited to just 200 copies.

Related: '90s Heavy Metal Band Announces U.S. Tour 2026

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

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:49am

“Your Mama Don’t Dance” was released in 1972 by Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina. The pair became an accidental duo in 1970 when Messina was hired to help Loggins record his debut album. However, Messina contributed so much to the album that they released it together.

"Your Mama Don’t Dance" reached No. 4 on the Billboard Pop chart and No. 19 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. The hit was covered by many other singers throughout the years, including Elvis Presley and the metal band Poison.

In an interview, Messina spoke about the creation of the song. “At that time, my focus was really on trying to get Kenny up and going as an artist and give him what he needed to launch his career,” he said. “And giving him my best experiences on being well-received as a performing artist. And one of the things I felt we needed was a closer for the evening that would get people up on their feet and get them moving. Put some energy into them. So, I had this idea for a song called, ‘Your Mama Don't Dance.’” 

Messina continued, “Again, this was a song I had brought to Kenny to help me with. It was kind of born out of my own experiences growing up in a very strict household. My stepfather was from Arkansas, and he was not much of a mover or a groover. And my mom... my mama... she loved music. She loved Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson. She loved race music. My stepfather was more of an Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Johnny Cash kind of guy. There was not a whole lot of connection or understanding with me wanting to do music other than from my mom.”

Related:1966 Rock Classic Was a Legendary Band’s First Top 40 Hit

He explained how this inspired the most famous line in the song, saying, “So just the line, ‘Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll’ came from me thinking about how my mother wasn't really doing what she loves to do. She couldn't do that. My stepfather was not into rock and roll. He thought The Beatles were just... weird. Screaming, long-haired idiots, right? So I grew up having to put up with that. And it was a fun lyric to come up with. I had no intention of it ever having any kind of social significance whatsoever other than my own experience of a kinda funky household.”

Loggins was known as the “King of the Movie Soundtrack” because he created the iconic song, “Footloose,” which was used in the film. He is currently 78.

Messina was a member of the folk rock group Buffalo Springfield and the country rock band, Poco. He is also 78.

Matt Damon Mistook Tom Holland's Choking Costume for a Sweet Gesture

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:42am

Matt Damon had a funny story to tell during his stop on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and it involves a moment he completely misread on the set of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.

Damon, who plays Odysseus in the sweeping IMAX epic, told Fallon about a scene in which his character is separated from his son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland, with Damon's character on a boat and Holland's on the shore. During the shoot, Damon noticed Holland placing a hand over his heart and assumed it was an emotional, in-the-moment acting choice, so he began mirroring the gesture himself.

It wasn't until later that day that Damon learned the truth. When he asked Holland whether Nolan had directed him to make the gesture, Holland set him straight: "My costume was choking me." Damon, who admitted he's nearsighted, said he'd mistaken Holland tugging at his collar for a poignant salute between father and son. The moment, he confirmed, did not make it into the final film.

The story followed a glowing review of Damon's work from Holland himself, who appeared on the show the night before and told Fallon that Damon handled brutal shoot conditions, including rain and on-set flames, without a single complaint.

Damon also gave Fallon a glimpse into the scale of the production, which he called the most demanding of his career. The film was shot over roughly six months across six countries, entirely on IMAX cameras, with Nolan opting for practical effects over CGI. Damon noted that when the movie calls for boats or a crowd of a thousand people fighting, those were real boats and real extras, not digital additions.

Related: Amy Adams "Forgot How to Act" on the New Star Wars Film

One of the more elaborate practical sequences Damon described involved stunt performers buried in black sand and breathing through snorkels to portray rising spirits, a shot achieved with safety monitors and timers to track how long each performer had been underground.

The Odyssey, also starring Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong'o, marks Damon's third collaboration with Nolan after Interstellarand Oppenheimer. The film opens in theaters July 17.

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I Tried Sourdough French Toast and Will Never Use 'Regular' Bread Again

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:28am

I'm a proud French toast girl. And by that, I just mean that I love French toast.

It started when I was a kid, as my parents cooked French toast for our family around once a week. And now, whenever I go out to brunch and French toast is on the menu, you can count on me to order it (and yes, I'll trade you a bite of my French toast for a bite of your pancakes).

That said, my apartment has a seriouslyteeny-tiny kitchen, meaning I very rarely cook French toast at home. So when I recently stayed with my brother at his house in Kansas, I realized he has two things I don't that would make for some seriously awesome French toast: a sprawling kitchen and a sourdough starter.

My visit seemed like the perfect opportunity to try making sourdough French toast for the first time—and fortunately, my brother was willing to make a fresh loaf of sourdough for my experiment.

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Spoiler alert: the French toast turned out incredible. And that's no accident, according to Christina Gdisis, a vegan homestyle chef and the founder of Conscious Vegan Kitchen, a brand that offers online cooking classes and in-person cooking retreats. As Gdisis explains to Parade, sourdough is actually one of her "go to breads for French toast."

Curious to learn why Gdisis is such a fan of sourdough for French toast? Keep reading to find out, as well as for the full recipe I followed and to see photos of how my sourdough French toast turned out!

Why Sourdough Makes Better French Toast

According to Gdisis, there are a few reasons why sourdough works well for French toast. For one thing, sourdough's solid structure and crunchy crust allow the French toast to crisp in the pan as opposed to getting soggy, like some softer breads can.

"Sourdough has the wonderful ability to keep its shape and structure," Gdisis tells Parade. "Between the crumb being tighter and the moisture content being lower, it’s able to soak up that good custard."

This will result in "a beautiful custard middle and crisp outside," which she says is "the ideal French toast texture you want to aim for."

In addition to its structure, sourdough has "a natural tang from the fermentation" which helps balance out the dish's overall flavor.

"Challah is a great option for an especially sweet French toast, but sweetness on sweetness flattens the plate," Gdisis notes. "Sourdough works the opposite way in that the fermented tang cuts against the maple syrup and cinnamon instead of layering on top of it. You’ll have a whole plate versus one note."

Related: Taylor Swift Says Her Sourdough Bread Obsession Has ‘Taken Over My Life’

What You Need to Make Sourdough French Toast

Sophie Hirsh

Even though French toast is typically made with eggs, they actually are not a required ingredient, according to Gdisis. Instead, to make the custard, you can just use non-dairy milk with the binder of your choice.

For my binder, I chose to use Just Egg, which is a liquid vegan egg made from mung beans. For more cost-effective options, Gdisis says you can use a mashed banana or chickpea flour.

As for the milk, Gdisis believes the best variety for French toast is a full-fat oat milk, since it "has a sweeter note to it and it’s on the creamier side."

And as for your oil, Gdisis prefers to use coconut oil, since it "adds a bit of sweetness and it tolerates heat well." Another option she suggests is plant butter "for a more rich and savory option," which is what I went for.

Here are all the ingredients I used:

  • 6 slices sourdough bread
  • 4 oz oat milk (roughly)
  • 8 oz liquid Just Egg (roughly)
  • A few tablespoons of plant butter
  • Dash of vanilla extract
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Maple syrup
How to Make Sourdough French Toast

Sophie Hirsh

Here are the steps I followed to make my sourdough French toast.

  1. In a shallow bowl, add the oat milk, liquid Just Egg, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Beat with a fork to combine.
  2. Soak two slices of sourdough in the mixture for at least one minute, flipping halfway through.
  3. As the bread soaks, heat up a few tablespoons of dairy-free butter in the pan over low heat.
  4. Once the butter is melted, the pan is hot and the custard has soaked through the bread, place the bread in the pan.
  5. Flip each slice when the bottom starts to brown, and then remove each slice once both sides have browned.
  6. Repeat with all of your bread, and feel free to add more butter to the pan in between rounds.
  7. Top with maple syrup and eat it while it's hot!

Related: No Yeast? No Problem! Here's How to Make Sourdough Bread Starter Without Yeast

Sophie Hirsh

Try These Chef Tips to Make Your Sourdough French Toast Turn Out Perfectly

If you really want to take your French toast to the next level, Gdisis has a few pearls of wisdom.

"My top tip would be to use day-old sourdough bread," she advises. "Fresh bread falls apart because it’s too soft. Day old sourdough will hold together while soaking evenly."

Next, she says to make sure you let your bread soak in the custard for at least 30 seconds. "That way the custard can soak up the middle too and not just the outer parts. Otherwise you just end up with a very dry center," Gdisis warns.

When I made my sourdough French toast, I had the heat a bit too high at first—so next time, I'll definitely be heeding Gdisis' below advice and cooking over a lower flame.

"Slow and steady wins on the pan. Cook on low and slow," she advises. "If the pan is too hot, what will happen is the outside will brown before it even gets to the inside. The middle will end up raw, while the crust darkens."

Final Thoughts

My sourdough French toast turned out absolutely delicious. The structure held up really well, and the flavor wasn't too sweet. Instead, it had a slight tang that the maple syrup balanced out perfectly. I'll definitely be making French toast with sourdough bread in the future—though, sadly, I'll probably have to opt for store-bought sourdough next time.

Up Next:

Related: 11 Best Vegan Cookbooks, According to an Award-Winning Chef

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Drew Barrymore's 'Lovely' 3-Piece Stoneware Bowl Set Is a Kitchen Staple for Cooking and Entertaining

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:15am

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Whether she's curled up on a dreamy oversized couch dishing with guests on her talk show, showcasing her redecorating skills on Instagram, or starring in a movie, Drew Barrymore has entertaining down to a science. So it comes as no surprise that her Beautiful by Drew Barrymore line at Walmart includes plenty of staples that make hosting at home as effortless and chic as the starlet herself. 

One of the keys to entertaining with ease comes from being organized. It's those little things that turn a kitchen from a place to whip up a meal to a space where you can host guests without feeling like the messiest contents of your cabinets are on full display. Something that beautifully bridges the gap between everyday usefulness and skilled hosting is a versatile set of nesting bowls. And right now, there's a wonderful three-piece stoneware mixing bowl set by none other than Drew Barrymore on sale for just $20 at Walmart.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3-Piece Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl Set, From $20 (was $33) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Normally priced at $33, you can snag this set of three stoneware mixing bowls for just $20 in sage green or cornflower blue. The set is also available in porcini taupe at full price. Featuring a 1.6-quart, 3-quart, and 5-quart bowl that stack cleverly to save space in cabinets and on kitchen countertops. With three sizes to choose from, you've got options with ample capacity for everything from whisking a quick vinaigrette to folding a large batch of cookie dough.

Made of stoneware, the bowls are chip- and stain-resistant, so they should maintain a pristine appearance over time. Care is low-maintenance, as the set is dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe.

As practical as they are pretty, these bowls offer significant versatility in the kitchen. They work equally well for behind-the-scenes prep work to separate chopped ingredients or stir sauces as they do to serve salads, desserts, or family-style sides. When you're entertaining, these bowls can add sophisticated style to your tablescape. 

Described as "gorgeous" and "lovely", shoppers said these nesting bowls "stack beautifully" to keep kitchens clutter-free. Reviewers also appreciated how handy the bowls were for various tasks, with one person noting they are "perfect for baking, serving, or just displaying on the counter."

Related: Drew Barrymore's 'Versatile' $10 Stoneware Bowl Is 'So Pretty' for Serving Snacks or Storing Fruit

You won't want to miss the chance to snag the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3-Piece Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl Set while it's on sale for just $20. Head to Walmart and add it to your cart before this deal is gone!

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1987 Rock Song, Only No. 1 Hit for Iconic Rock Band, Remains a Classic 39 Years Later

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:12am

Nearly 39 years after it climbed to the top of the charts, Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" remains one of the defining rock songs of the 1980s and the only song in the band's history to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Released in its hit form in 1987, the song transformed Whitesnake from a successful British hard rock act into an international mainstream sensation. The single spent one week at No. 1 in the United States in October 1987 and also topped the charts in Canada, while reaching the Top 10 in several countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The success of "Here I Go Again" helped drive sales of Whitesnake's self-titled 1987 album, which sold more than eight million copies in the United States and became the biggest release of the band's career.

David Coverdale, British singer with heavy rock band Whitesnake, singing into a microphone on the set of a video shoot in 1978.

Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the song was not new in 1987. Whitesnake first released "Here I Go Again" five years earlier on the band's 1982 album Saints & Sinners. That original version reached only No. 34 in the U.K. and was never released in the United States, leaving little sign that it would later become one of rock's most recognizable anthems.

The song was written by singer David Coverdale and guitarist Bernie Marsden in late 1981 during a difficult period in Coverdale's personal life.

According to Coverdale, the breakdown of his first marriage heavily influenced the lyrics.

"Here I Go Again" and "Crying in the Rain" both have similar compositions as "documenting the breakdown—the breakup of my first marriage".

Marsden later recalled that the early version of the song already included the opening lyric, the chorus and the main guitar riff before additional lyrics and arrangements were completed.

The song received a second life when Geffen Records encouraged Coverdale to revisit older material for Whitesnake's 1987 album.

Coverdale explained in a 2017 track-by-track interview:

"It wasn't written for the '87 album, it was originally recorded back on the Saints & Sinners album. 81-82? I'm not sure. And Geffen asked me to redo it, which I wasn't very keen on, but I said, "Okay, well if you want me to do that. I want to redo 'Crying in the Rain', because I was never really happy with the original."

The updated version featured a bigger production style that matched the arena rock sound dominating radio and MTV during the late 1980s.

One of the most noticeable changes involved the famous chorus lyric. The original recording included the line:

"And here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I've ever known
Like a hobo I was born to walk alone"

For the 1987 recording, the word "hobo" was changed to "drifter," creating the version most listeners know today.

The radio mix released later in 1987 removed the keyboard introduction and featured another performance arrangement that eventually became the version that topped the Billboard Hot 100.

The song also became one of the rare hard rock tracks to receive significant airplay on adult contemporary radio stations despite never appearing on that chart.

Whitesnake's Signature Song Continues to Reach New Generations

The popularity of "Here I Go Again" has continued long after its original chart run ended.

In 2018, the song received BMI's "5 Million Performances Award." By 2024, it had earned the "9 Million-Air Award," recognizing more than nine million broadcast performances.

The track returned to the charts in 2021 following the death of actress and model Tawny Kitaen, whose appearance in the song's famous music video helped make it an MTV staple. The video featured Kitaen performing memorable scenes across two Jaguar cars and was later recognized by The New York Times as one of the "15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos."

The song has also appeared in films, including the 2015 romantic comedyMan Up, while numerous artists have recorded cover versions over the years.

Earlier this month, former Whitesnake guitarist Adrian Vandenberg reflected on recording the song's famous guitar solo during an interview with SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard.

"I said, 'Oh great, because I have always loved the song, with the old version.'"

He added:

"The next day I recorded the solo and changed some of the guitar parts. That was it. The rest is history."

Vandenberg, who spent 13 years with Whitesnake, is preparing to celebrate that era with his upcoming "My Whitesnake Years" tour, which is expected to expand with additional North American dates in 2027.

The song's enduring popularity arrives as Whitesnake closes an important chapter in its history. David Coverdale announced his retirement in 2025, bringing an end to more than five decades in music, including his years with both Whitesnake and Deep Purple.

Yet even as the band's touring years come to a close, "Here I Go Again" continues to stand as Whitesnake's signature recording and one of rock's most enduring comeback stories.

Related: 1987 Power Ballad, Only No. 1 Hit for Beloved Rock Band, Remains a Classic 39 Years Later

I’m a Repeat Mexico City Traveler—These Are the 8 Hotels I'd Actually Book

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:10am

There are major world cities you tick off a list, and then there's Mexico City, a place I keep finding new reasons to return to. I've been three times now, and what hooked me wasn't the well-trodden pilgrimage to Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, as worthwhile as that is especially for first-time visitors. It was Luis Barragán's Casa Pedregal and his other Pedregal houses, all pink-washed light and quiet geometry. It was digging through vintage racks of clothing or experiencing incredible new designers in Condesa and Juárez, standing under the stained glass at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and losing afternoons in the Museo Nacional de Arte and the Museo Soumaya. It was Hanky Panky, still one of my favorite bars anywhere (go if you can land one of its coveted reservations), and a secret little hole-in-the-wall taqueria El Turix in Polanco

Right now the timing is especially good to visit Mexico City. This summer the city opened the FIFA World Cup, hosting the tournament's very first match at the newly renovated Azteca, and the momentum isn’t letting up. Pitchfork's music festival returns in late September, Design Week Mexico takes over in early October, and the Grand Prix roars in around the Day of the Dead. Add a wave of hotel openings and a food and cocktail scene that's now genuinely world-class, and you have plenty of reasons to book.

I've stayed at many of the hotels below over my visits. These are the eight I'd actually recommend, depending on what kind of trip you're after.

Related: The 7 Best Hotels for the FIFA World Cup in New York and New Jersey

Best Overall: Casa Polanco

Courtesy of Casa Polanco

Dan Koday

If I could send someone to just one hotel in Mexico City (and perhaps even in the world), this would be it. Casa Polanco occupies a restored 1940s mansion and a seamless modern wing beside it, with 19 individually designed rooms outfitted in walnut floors with spa-like marble bathrooms that make it feel less like a hotel than the home of a very stylish, well-heeled friend.

It sits directly across from Parque Lincoln in Polanco, the city's most polished neighborhood, and the library overlooking the park is where I'd happily toast a nightcap at the honor bar, which is always stocked with interesting tequilas and other spirits. Service is warm and what sets this unique property apart—it’s genuinely personal, there's a quiet spa for decompressing, and the whole place runs at the unhurried pace of a private residence so it feels indulgent but never stuffy.

Related: I've Stayed at All of the Best Hotels in St. Barth and These 7 Are Truly Worth Booking

Best Rooftop Pool: Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Courtesy of Andaz Mexico City Condesa

The rooftop is argument enough to make you want to book. Perched on the 17th floor of a 1961 landmark building, the pool and its Cabuya restaurant serve up 360-degree views over Condesa, with a social, slightly festive energy that builds when the weekend DJ sets start. Downstairs, the design leans playful, with jolts of magenta and saffron that nod to Barragán. This playfulness extends to the rooms, which house a record player and vinyl you can swap at the lobby library. What I love most is the location, steps from Parque México and the leafy blocks I always end up combing for vintage. It's an easy, energetic base that keeps you plugged into one of the most walkable parts of town.

Best Spa Hotel: The St. Regis Mexico City

Courtesy of St. Regis Mexico City

Mexico City, akin to any great big city like New York or London, can feel a bit chaotic. So when the point of the trip is to recharge amongst the chao, this would be my pick. The St. Regis sits atop César Pelli's Torre Libertad on Paseo de la Reforma, and its Remède Spa sits on the 15th & 16th floors with an indoor pool, Jacuzzis, sauna and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Angel of Independence monument and the skyline beyond. Rooms are contemporary and calm, with soft neutrals, deep soaking tubs and tall windows that show off the Reforma skyline.

The signature butler service means someone's always on call, and after a long day of museums and taquerias, sinking into that pool at dusk is hard to beat. It also sits on Reforma, making popular neighborhoods like Polanco, Chapultepec and the Centro all within easy reach.

Related: I've Visited Paris Countless Times—These Are the Best Hotels for a Stay in the City of Light

Best for Families: Kimpton Virgilio Polanco

Courtesy of Kimpton Virgilio Polanco

Kimpton's first Mexico City hotel opened in 2024 inside a restored 1940s Art Deco building, and it threads a tricky needle: boutique in feel, but practical enough for a family. Its 48 rooms ring a light-filled central patio, and eight of them are larger suites built to sleep anywhere from two to six, which makes multigenerational trips manageable—even better, and something I always appreciate as someone who travels with my pet, its dog friendly. Kids stay free using existing beds, and the Kimpton ethos means that if you forgot something at home, from a hairdryer to a breast pump, they'll track it down. Add complimentary bikes, an evening social hour and a Polanco address near the Anthropology Museum and Chapultepec, and it's an easy yes with little ones.

Best Hidden Gem: Ignacia Guest House

Ignacia Guest House / Jaime Navarro

Tucked on a quiet Roma street, Ignacia is the kind of place I felt smug about discovering. It's set in a restored 1913 casona named for the housekeeper who tended it for more than 70 years, joined to a sleek modern annex, with a small collection of rooms named simply for their dominant color which runs through everything from the walls to the marble bath. The courtyard is shaded by Ignacia's own orange trees and where breakfast is made from scratch each morning, and a daily cocktail hour makes the whole thing feel like staying with a design-obsessed friend. It's intimate, warm and all very stylish, plus it’s a stone’s throw from all of Roma's cafes and galleries.

Related: Where Travel Experts are Staying in Milan for the 2026 Winter Games and Beyond

Best Design Hotel—and Best for Art Lovers, Too: Volga

Courtesy of Volga

Volga is a love letter to Mexico City's experimental architecture. Designed by the firm JSa, it's built around a brutalist, U-shaped atrium its creators call an urban cenote, wrapped in adjustable iron screens that let light and privacy shift through the day. Large-scale work by sculptor Perla Krauze anchors the public spaces, and the program runs well past the art on the walls. There’s a mezcalería with a tasting table, a subterranean music room called Minos and a rooftop day club. It sits in Cuauhtémoc, just off Reforma and a short walk from Hanky Panky, which never hurts. If design and a little of Mexico City’s famed nightlife are part of your vibe for a trip, this might just be your hotel.

Best Food Lover's Hotel: Círculo Mexicano

In my humble opinion, Mexico City is not the kind of place where you eat at the hotel restaurant. A stay at Círculo Mexicano positions you at the crossroads of the Centro Histórico instead, steps from the Cathedral, Templo Mayor and some of the best street food and old-school cantinas in the city. A Grupo Habita property (known for their boutique-y design-centric hotels), it's set in a 19th-century building that was once the home of legendary photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo, whose images still hang throughout. The 25 rooms are pared-back and Shaker-inspired, softened by Oaxacan textiles, and the rooftop is the payoff: a pool and the Comedor restaurant with the Cathedral practically I felt was close enough to touch. It’s a smart spot to find yourself if you’re like me and constantly asking yourself what you’re going to eat next … which in this city you most definitely should.

Best Romantic Hotel: La Valise Mexico City

Courtesy of La Valise

For a romantic escape, La Valise brings a bit of French flare because it’s hidden inside a 1920s French-style townhouse in Roma Norte. There’s only  eight individually designed suites, each with its own bit of theatrics. Outside the tasteful, handpicked art and clawfoot tubs, the signature experience and what attracts couples is a king-size bed on rails that glides out onto a private terrace so you can sleep under the stars. Breakfast here arrives in your suite each morning and there’s no restaurant or lobby scene to speak of, which is exactly the point. Since there’s no guests allowed under 12, it also remains blissfully grown-up.

Related: Mexico City Is Finally Getting Its First-Ever Park Hyatt

Exclusive First Look: Home Depot’s 2026 Halloween Collection Is Finally Here

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 6:00am

July 4 has come and gone, so that means it’s Halloween season (aka Summerween) for those of us spooky babes. Many stores are rolling out their skeletons, witch hats and other "code orange" goodies. Some brands' spooky launches have even become events in and of themselves to Halloween fans—most notably Home Depot. After introducing the world to their 12-foot skeleton (Skelly) in 2020, they cemented their tombstone in the Halloween decor fandom and have continued to produce animatronics that rival the previous year ever since. And this year is no different—we're thrilled to share the exclusive first look at Home Depot's 2026 Halloween collection!

The team behind these creations is constantly looking for inspiration and even check out well-reviewed local haunts each season. “Our team starts planning Halloween long before the season begins because we know our customers do, too," Aubrey Horowitz, Merchant, Decorative Holiday at The Home Depot, tells Parade. "From larger-than-life giants to new interactive features that make our characters feel more alive than ever, this year's collection gives Halloween fans even more ways to surprise, delight and become the home everyone talks about without breaking the bank."

So, let’s take a look at the 28 new scares coming this season. I shall list them and give my honest first takes on some of my favorites. All will available online and the Home Depot app on Thursday, July 16, 2026, followed by an in-store rollout later this August. Get ready to make your list now because some of these will be selling out quickly this week!

Related: Have a Spooky Night in With the 50 Best Halloween Movies of All Time

The 2026 Headliners: Meet the 9 New Animatronics We're Most Excited About

Here are the scream-worthy headliners we're especially obsessed with.

1. The Updated 12-Foot Skelly, $379.00

Courtesy Home Depot

The beloved 12-foot Skelly is getting technology upgrades, including custom sounds, light and servo motor movements for those who have exhausted their ability to find shirts in his size. 

According to Home Depot, "The app-enabled upgrades that let customers customize head and mouth movements with servo motors, speak through Skelly in real time via Bluetooth, record up to 30 sounds and choose from 20 different LCD LifeEyes™ effects." You can also buy the original Skelly for $299.

I give this a 7/10 pumpkins. Of course, we want more Skelly, but it's not quite as exciting as, say, making him dance. Oh, is that impossible? Well, maybe in 2030?

2. The Giant-Sized 11-Foot Mummy, $299

Courtesy Home Depot

They are rolling out more big bois this year, which might help us all come together in these trying times. This 11-foot stunner comes with poseable shoulders and three sounds—plus, LED lights illuminate his eyes and chest. Not to mention, there are some very chic cloth strips.

My rating? 8/10 pumpkins.

3. The 8-Foot Perilous Plant Monster, $299

Courtesy Home Depot

Three heads are better than one. For all you plant mommies, here is a plant daddy who is perfect for the season. He (they?) have a motion sensor that activates middle head movement and three sounds, as well as LED lights in the eyes and mouth.

9/10 pumpkins—the perfect amount of heads but too many toes.

4. The 2-Piece 'Dead Water' Pirate Duo, $199

Courtesy Home Depot

Look at these traveling divas. These besties have four movements, five phrases, pose-ability, five unique sound recordings and LED lights in their eyes and ribcages.

8/10 pumpkins (we love a belted look).

5. The LED Rotwing Parrot, $179

Courtesy Home Depot

So, this five-foot guy is actually kind of cute if you can look past the whole undead thing. Personally, I've ignored bigger red flags before! Plus he comes with a new interactive, conversational technology.

"Ask this undead parrot yes or no questions and get unique responses with head and mouth animation," Home Depot says.

OK, we love a yapper! 10/10 pumpkins.

6. The 5.5-Foot 'Evil Pixie,' $199

Courtesy Home Depot

"Three synchronized animatronic movements complemented by three haunting sound effects and glowing red LED eyes?" Oh, say no more, HD! This one is very scary and will be problematic for youngsters trying to cross its path to the doorway for candy.

10/10 pumpkins.

7. The Newly-Updated 7-Foot Lethal Lily, $299

Courtesy Home Depot

According to Home Depot, "Skelly isn’t the only returning fan favorite getting an upgrade. The seven-foot Lethal Lily returns with app-controlled features that let customers customize both what she says and how she moves, including six sinister, pre-recorded or custom phrases and five adjustable movements for the head, mouth, eyes, arm and hand."

8/10 pumpkins, we love women in STEM (or is it STEW?).

8. The 9-Foot 'Dry Rot Dennis,' $299

Courtesy Home Depot

I don't know if it's because he's tall or if it's his green eyes, but I think I'm in love? I also can't say no to a decoration with a full government name. He's got color-changing LED lights that illuminate his eyes, mouth and chest. No movement, but I can relate to that.

11/10 pumpkins.

9. The 3-Foot Animated LED Stitch, $199

Courtesy Home Depot

For those who want their yard to be a little more friendly to trick or treaters, there's always IP for that! Stitch is the perfect pick. He features servo motors for head movement, speaks five unique Stitch phrases and has interchangeable Halloween and Holiday Costumes for each season. So its really the decor that you can keep up year-round. They better have a bunny costume for him!

9/10 pumpkins.

Other Honorable Mentions

Here are the names of the other 20 pieces from Home Depot's 2026 Halloween collection, just to give you even more of a sneak peek before they launch on Home Depot's site on Thursday.

  • 8 FT Long Grave & Bones Giant-Sized Animated LED Zombie Velociraptor
  • 4.5 FT Grave & Bones Color Changing LED Groundbreaker
  • 6 FT Grave & Bones Animated LED John the Last Call Mixologist
  • 6 FT Wicked Woods Color Changing LED Scowling Sapling
  • 7.5 FT Grave & Bones Animated LED Soul Stealing Reaper
  • 6 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Creeping Spider
  • 6.5 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Stalking Scarecrow
  • 4 FT Animated LED Flying Monkey
  • 3.5 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Baby Troll
  • Animated LED Gremlins 3-Piece
  • 3.5 FT Animated LED Mohawk
  • 3.5 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Hell Hound
  • 7 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Macabre Witch
  • 3.5 FT Wicked Woods Animated LED Plague Rat
  • 2-Piece Grave & Bones Animated LED 'Til Death Duo
  • 6.5 FT Grave & Bones Animated LED Grave Robber
  • 5 FT Wicked Woods LED Wishing Well
  • 2-Piece Wicked Woods Animated LED Burlap Twins
  • 5.5 FT Grave & Bones LED Gargoyle
Is the 12-Foot Skeleton Returning for 2026?

Yes! Skelly is back and ready for action in 2026 with impressive technology upgrades, including custom sounds, light and servo motor movements.

Important Dates: When Does Home Depot Halloween 2026 Go on Sale?

Halloween Event

Date

What To Expect

Online Drop

Thursday, July 16

The new giant animatronics and other soon-to-be favorites from the 2026 Halloween collection will be available online—and will likely sell out quickly

In-Store Rollout

August

Displays will be set up in physical store locations, with smaller yard pieces likely still available

Final Takeaways

OK, so do you have your picks yet? Maybe you need to wait until you can see them in person and really take in how tall 11 feet is? As someone who did not calculate where to put a 15-foot "Worricrow" before adding it to the cart immediately, I would advise you to consider it just a little bit. But it was all worth it to be the house that everyone was taking pictures in front of.

And I'm not the only one who feels that way.

"There's nothing better than driving through a neighborhood in October and seeing families stop to take pictures in front of a display someone spent weeks or months creating," Horowitz tells Parade. "Those moments inspire our team every year, and they're exactly why we continue investing in innovative characters, smarter technology and new ways to make decorating even more memorable."

So go ahead and get a few 12 footers. I’m sure you won’t regret it!

Up Next:

Related: Everything To Know About the History of Halloween—Here's How It All Began

Source:
  • Aubrey Horowitz, Merchant, Decorative Holiday at The Home Depot

’90s Rock Band Announces News on 2026 Tour

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 5:58am

Nu metal band Spineshank has announced major 2026 touring plans that will take the Los Angeles group across North America and Europe while also opening the door for new music.

The band confirmed that it will co-headline a European tour with (hed)p.e. in October 2026. The run will begin on Oct. 13 in Paris, France, and continue through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and the United Kingdom before ending on Oct. 31 in London.

Tickets for the European dates went on sale on July 10.

The announcement arrived as Spineshank continues celebrating the 25th anniversary of its 2000 album The Height of Callousness, a record that helped establish the band as one of the best-known acts from the late 1990s and early 2000s nu metal movement.

Spineshank during Spineshank Photo Session at Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Annamaria DiSanto/WireImage

Alongside the European run, Spineshank has also confirmed a lengthy stretch of U.S. performances beginning in July and continuing through early September. Stops include Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Washington, Arizona and several other states.

The band's 2026 calendar will conclude with additional United Kingdom appearances in Nottingham, Grimsby, Glasgow, Bradford, Birmingham and London.

View this post on Instagram

The October European trek pairs Spineshank with fellow heavy music veterans (hed)p.e., creating a tour package that brings together two groups closely linked to the rise of late-'90s alternative metal and rap-influenced heavy music.

European performances are scheduled for Paris, Aschaffenburg, Berlin, Bielsko Biala, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Stuttgart and Cologne before the tour reaches the United Kingdom.

The extensive schedule follows the band's return to live performances in 2025 after a lengthy absence from the stage.

Spineshank played its first show in nearly 13 years on July 9, 2025, at Jake's Sports Cafe & Backroom in Lubbock, Texas.

The reunion initially centered on celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Height of Callousness, but the band's recent momentum appears to have created larger plans.

Speaking during Download Festival in the United Kingdom, vocalist Jonny Santos told TotalRock that fan demand helped change the group's direction.

"Originally we were just gonna do [a tour celebrating] the 25th anniversary of [Spineshank's second album] The Height Of Callousness, and there's such a new influx of fans. It's almost like our fans' kids are more and more kids are showing up, and the people, they want new music."

Santos added: "So we've got some songs in the oven right now, and as soon as we actually get home from this [European] run, I'll be in L.A. recording with these guys for a couple of days, working on some new material."

The upcoming recordings will mark Spineshank's first new material since 2012's Anger Denial Acceptance.

Drummer Tommy Decker said the group wants to evolve while staying true to the band's established sound.

"Well, so we have a new guy, Tommy Decker Jr., here. And so I think he's cracked the code. So, of course, we wanna push things forward and move to the future, but we wanna keep that Spineshank sound."

The current lineup features Santos on vocals, Tommy Decker on drums and programming, Robert Garcia on bass, Tommy Decker Jr. on guitar and Jason Hager on guitar.

Earlier this year, Hager announced he would step away from some touring commitments while addressing health concerns.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1996, Spineshank released four studio albums: Strictly Diesel (1998), The Height of Callousness (2000), Self-Destructive Pattern (2003), and Anger Denial Acceptance (2012).

The band's song "Smothered" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2004, while albums such as The Height of Callousness helped establish the group's place alongside some of the biggest names in the nu metal and industrial metal scenes.

With a busy tour schedule and new recordings underway, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the band's busiest years since its return.

Related: ’90s Metal Band Makes Limited-Edition Announcement for 35th Anniversary

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