Parade
F1 Driver George Russell’s Beachside Proposal Came With a Stunning Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
George Russell, the 28-year-old British Formula 1 sensation, and longtime girlfriendCarmen Montero Mundt are engaged. The happy couple shared the news with a social media post documenting Russell’s beachside proposal to his girlfriend of six years and her stunning yellow oval-cut engagement ring. Judging by fan reaction and well wishes from other F1 WAGs—that’s wives and girlfriends of Formula 1 drivers—Montero Mundt is being welcomed with open arms into one of the most elite clubs in the world: F1 WAGs.
Russell shared the news on Instagram, posting a series of photos from his beachside proposal and celebration with the Spanish finance professional and entrepreneur. The happy couple glowed in their post-engagement photos, seemingly taken just after Montero Mundt said yes.
George Russell’s Fiancée Has a Stunning Yellow Diamond Ring View this post on InstagramThe only thing shining brighter than the couple’s beaming smiles was the future F1 wife’s engagement ring. The breathtaking three-stone ring featured a staggering oval-cut yellow diamond in the center.
Hers is a ring fit for a queen of Formula 1 and worthy of a relationship that lasted six years before Russell finally popped the question.
While many F1 WAGs were quick to share their congratulations for the newly engaged couple, social media commenters weren’t shy about giving Russell a bit of grief over the couple dating for six years before getting engaged.
“Yeez!!! It was about time, George!😭😂 Congratulations,” wrote one fan, echoing the sentiments of many. Another added, “finally.”
Another gushed, “My fav driver couple finally makes the next step ahhh😍💍✨ congrats to both of you!! the ring looks so special 💛”
Related: Steve Jobs’ Daughter, 27, Stuns in Just-Released Wedding Photo: ‘Absolutely Radiant’
George Russell’s Rise to Formula 1 StardomA rising star in F1, George Russell’s career took a major turning point when he was called on to replace Lewis Hamiltonat Mercedes for the Sakhir Grand Prix. A botched pit stop derailed his race, but the event put Russell on the map.
He delivered his first F1 victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix after joining Mercedes full-time in 2022 alongside Hamilton. He recorded two victories in 2025, helping Mercedes finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Now fully in championship contention, Russell sits third in the Drivers’ Championship with two wins, five podiums, and four pole positions this season.
George Russell and Carmen Montero Mundt’s Love StoryRussell and Carmen Montero Mundt met in 2020 through a mutual friend in London but have kept their relationship mostly out of the spotlight. Despite her own career in finance and as a budding entrepreneur, Montero Mundt has become one of the most recognizable faces on the F1 sidelines, supporting her superstar boyfriend, now fiancé.
Excitement over the couple’s engagement has gone viral on social media, highlighting the popularity of sports WAGs and the ever-growing notoriety of F1 drivers.
Thanks in part to Netflix’s behind-the-scenes F1 series Drive to Survive and more opportunities to watch races on streaming platforms, Formula 1 drivers and their partners have become some of the most followed personalities in the pop culture and sports world.
Why F1 WAG Culture Is So Popular @formulaonewagupdates💍🤍🌞🥹💛 #foryoupage #formulaone #f1wags #carmenmundt #georgerussell
♬ Pink and White. - ❔And with A-list F1 WAGs like Kim Kardashian, who’s been dating Lewis Hamilton for about six months, Kelly Piquet, wife of Max Verstappen, and Alexandra Saint Mleux, wife of Charles Leclerc, adding glamour to the sidelines of Formula 1 races, interest in George Russell and Carmen Montero Mundt’s upcoming wedding has only just begun.
Related: Hollywood Star's Custom Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress Leaves Fans Divided
We Asked 3 Child Psychologists What Hobby Is Best for Grandparents and Grandkids—They All Said the Same Thing
There's nothing quite like the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Seeing your child become a parent is pretty surreal, and it offers you the opportunity to bond with a new generation of your family. Spending quality time with your grandchildren is highly rewarding, but finding activities that you can all enjoy can be challenging at times. That's why we asked three child psychologists what hobby is best for grandparents and grandkids.
We know what you're thinking: How can you possibly find a hobby that works well for children of all ages? That's why we asked the pros to share different ways to adapt the hobby for different age groups, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. We also asked them to describe the science behind why this one hobby benefits the brains of children and grandparents.
Since variety is critical to keeping kids entertained, the psychologists we spoke with also share a few additional hobbies that work well for both grandparents and grandchildren. Screen time is always a hot topic with parents and grandparents, so the experts also explain the psychological difference between screen-free bonding versus babysitting to help you better understand the benefits of both as you embark on grandparent-grandchild bonding activities.
The Unanimous Winner: Why Psychologists Say Cooking and Baking Is the Ultimate Shared HobbyYou don't have to be a professional chef to show off your skills in the kitchen. While talking with three psychologists, all of them agreed that cooking and baking are excellent intergenerational activities for families.
"They're easy to do no matter your age or skill level," Miami psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Mindy DeSeta tells Parade. "Kids typically find it exciting to mix ingredients together, pour things into bowls and decorate."
Board-certified clinical psychiatrist Dr. Tamir Aldad says cooking and baking are the best hobbies for grandparents and grandkids since they remove the pressure of direct interaction.
"Kids open up more easily when they're doing something with their hands, side-by-side, rather than sitting across from someone making eye contact. The kitchen becomes a low-stakes container for real conversation," Dr. Aldad, the CEO of mental health clinic Mindful Care, adds.
On a practical level, you also walk away with something tangible out of the activity.
"You end up with more than just a meal. You create memories that both generations are likely to remember for a long time," Dr. DeSeta says.
Related: 10 Things ‘Naturally Nurturing’ Grandparents Do Differently, According to Child Psychologists
The Developmental Magic: How This Hobby Benefits Both BrainsDr. Michael Roeske, a psychologist at Newport Healthcare, says cooking and baking with your grandchildren offers you a shared learning experience.
"Grandchildren practice following steps, measuring and problem-solving, while grandparents get to pass down family recipes and traditions, all through hands-on conversation rather than passive screen time," he shares.
Per Dr. DeSeta, the act of cooking and breaking gives children's and adults' brains a great workout "because you're using memory, attention, planning and problem-solving all at the same time."
"Following a recipe makes your brain think through each step instead of running on autopilot," she explains. "For grandparents, this kind of mental activity helps keep the brain engaged, while kids build important learning and thinking skills."
Additionally, Dr. Aldad says cooking and baking support fine motor development and sensory regulation for children as they practice kneading, pouring and cracking eggs.
"And because the setting is naturally collaborative rather than evaluative, it activates the same reward and attachment circuitry as secure play, without the anxiety some kids feel when an adult is watching them directly," he notes.
On the other hand, grandparents satisfy their "psychological need in later life to feel useful and to pass something on" when they teach their grandkids a new skill.
"That's a real driver of well-being in older adults," Dr. Aldad shares. "There's also a cognitive benefit: multitasking a recipe while managing a child's attention and answering questions is a mild form of cognitive load that fits the pattern researchers associate with maintaining cognitive reserve."
Related: 11 Things the Most Emotionally Supportive Grandparents Do Differently, According to a Psychologist
How To Adapt the Hobby for Every Age (Toddler to Teens)Your grandchild won't become the next Gordon Ramsay overnight, but there are ways to tailor cooking and baking sessions to their developmental level.
Toddlers (2-4)"Keep recipes simple and let them help with easy jobs like stirring, pouring pre-measured ingredients or decorating cookies. The goal is to make it fun while helping them learn how to follow simple directions," Dr. DeSeta suggests.
School-Aged (5-11)"Give them more responsibility by letting them measure ingredients, crack eggs or read the recipe out loud," she states.
Teens (12+)"Let them take the lead by choosing a recipe and preparing most of the meal with a grandparent nearby for guidance," she shares.
Screen-Free Bonding vs. 'Babysitting': The Psychological DifferenceSometimes, you only have the energy to act like a babysitter and simply ensure that your grandchild doesn't get hurt while they're in your care (Newsflash: That's totally OK).
But there's a noticeable difference in how traditional "babysitting" impacts children as opposed to screen-free bonding. Here's a quick guide on how the two approaches differ.
Activity TypeExamplesThe Psychological Impact on the ChildIntentional shared hobbies
Playing board or card games, gardening, arts and crafts, building or puzzle projects
"Screen-free hobbies create conversations and shared experiences that help children build secure relationships, emotional regulation and communication skills," Dr. Roeske states.
Passive "babysitting"
Putting on a movie or TV show, handing over a tablet or phone, leaving them alone with a pile of toys for long periods
"Passive screen use can provide temporary entertainment, but generally lacks the mutual interaction that supports healthy social development," he says.
Honorable Mentions: 5 More Psychologist-Approved Indoor HobbiesDepending on your age and mobility, you may be looking for a mix of low physical impact family activities and screen-free hobbies for kids. Luckily, the pros we chatted with were happy to offer up a variety of activities that work for every personality.
1. Reading"Reading books together naturally creates opportunities for connection, conversation and learning across generations," Dr. Roeske explains. "No matter the type of story that is being shared, the experience encourages meaningful interaction without requiring extra materials or complicated planning. Also, reading together may allow grandparents to share family traditions and values while giving children a safe space to express themselves."
2. Doing puzzles"Working on puzzles together encourages collaboration and critical thinking. It also creates opportunities for conversation in a calm, low-pressure environment that allows relationships to strengthen naturally over time," he says.
3. Building activities"Building activities, like with LEGO or building blocks, can promote creativity, planning and flexible thinking, while also encouraging both generations to work toward a common goal. These projects also teach children that challenges can be solved through teamwork, communication and perseverance," Dr. Roeske states.
4. Board games"Board games are great because losing gracefully in front of a patient adult is genuinely good practice for emotional regulation," Dr. Aldad notes.
5. Science experiments"Get a little messy with simple science experiments. Activities like making a baking soda volcano or growing crystals spark curiosity and give grandparents and grandkids a chance to learn together," Dr. DeSeta says.
Up Next:
Related: 6 Benefits of Living With a Grandparent, According to a Child Psychologist
Sources:- Dr. Tamir Aldad is a board-certified clinical psychiatrist and the CEO of mental health clinic Mindful Care.
- Dr. Michael Roeske is a psychologist at Newport Healthcare.
- Dr. Mindy DeSeta is a Miami psychologist and relationship expert.
How Jennifer Lopez's Song Became One of Faith Evans' Biggest Hits
Jennifer Lopez is a multi-hyphenate artist. Aside from being a singer, dancer, and actress, she also has several songwriting credits under her belt. She’s penned a number of her own singles, and some for other artists. One of which was accidentally given to R&B songstress Faith Evans, and would become a career staple.
“I Love You” was originally intended for Lopez's second studio album, J.Lo. The slow jam samples singer Isaac Hayes' 1976 song "Make a Little Love to Me.” It tells a story of a woman professing her love for a man. According to different reports, the song was inspired by Lopez’s blossoming romance with Sean “Diddy” Combs. It landed in Evans’ lap. Once received, Evans changed some of the lyrics and made the song about her then-husband, Todd Russaw. Evans and Russaw were married from 1998 until their divorce was finalized in 2011. She married him a year after the death of her first husband, the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G.
Released in 2002, the song peaked at No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and at No. 2 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. It became Evans' highest-charting single since her 1999 single "All Night Long.”
“I Love You” was featured on Evans’ third studio album, Faithfully. Evans would later confirm in press interviews for the album that the song, "It almost slipped through the cracks and ended up on her [Lopez’s] album."
Diddy is actually credited as a producer on the record. He and Lopez dated from 1999 to 2001, becoming a major influence in fashion and romance at the time. But their relationship was not without controversy. Kim Porter, the mother of Diddy’s second son Christian, claimed at the time that he left her for Lopez. They reconciled shortly after Lopez and Diddy split in 2001, and Porter publicly supported Diddy through legal woes.
They later had twin daughters before splitting for good in 2006 after it was revealed that Diddy fathered a child just five months older than their twin daughters. Lopez would also later allege that Diddy was unfaithful during the relationship.
You Can Stay Where Frank Sinatra Gave His Final Performance—Now a Revamped Luxury Oasis
Frank Sinatra concluded touring in 1994 with what was billed as a final farewell in Tokyo, Japan. But a lesser-known appearance the following year in Palm Springs, California, is widely regarded as his final live performance in front of 1,200 VIP guests.
Palm Springs is still a favorite hideaway for celebrities escaping the bright lights of Hollywood. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa has undergone an extensive transformation since "Ol' Blue Eyes" serenaded a private audience with his greatest hits during what is widely considered the final performance of his illustrious career.
Staying there has never been easier, particularly as Palm Springs makes for an easy road trip for Southern Californians, no matter if it's from Los Angeles or San Diego. But it's also a worthy vacation spot if you're looking for a warm-weather getaway when temperatures become pool-friendly.
Nearby are more popular destinations such as Joshua Tree National Park, and a cluster of other cities with retro hotels and chic stays like Palm Desert, a lush oasis smack dab in the desert.
Sam Sears
That's where the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is located. Pulling into the palm-lined driveway with flamingos to your right and a swanky resort ahead, the retro motels of yesteryear quickly fade from view, replaced by what feels like an exclusive desert oasis.
The last thing you might expect in the desert — even one as green as this — is boat rides, but they've become one of the resort's signature attractions, alongside its championship golf courses and diverse dining options, from traditional hibachi to fresh sushi served in the grand lobby.
Related: Cozy Beer-Themed Hotel Was Just Crowned One of the ‘Coolest’ Stays in the World
To this day, the resort still continues to attract celebrity guests, from Doja Cat to Selling Sunset alum Heather Rae Young. You never know who you might run into in the lobby, world-class spa, or while taking in a game of miniature golf, especially when Coachella rolls around in nearby Indio.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the five sprawling pools and relaxing spa, but fall brings more comfortable temperatures for exploring the resort and nearby Palm Springs, with its Hollywood legacy and vibrant downtown.
‘Criminal Minds’ Star Reveals He Was in a 1963 Beatles Tribute Band With ‘Oldest and Dearest Friend,’ Dead at 78
Long before Joe Mantegna became known to millions of viewers as David Rossi on Criminal Minds, he was a teenager playing in a Beatles tribute band with one of his closest friends.
Mantegna, 78, shared a touching tribute to his longtime friend and former bandmate Neal Sordelli, who has died at age 78. Along with his message, the actor posted remarkable photos from their teenage years together, when the pair were members of a band that began as a high school project and ultimately became much more.
"Back in 1963 a few of us kids at Morton East High School got together for a Beatles tribute we called The Weasels," Mantegna wrote on Instagram. "What started as a school project turned into something much bigger, we started playing sock hops and teen dances and eventually became The Apocryphals."
View this post on InstagramMantegna identified Sordelli as the young man sitting on the car in the first photo he shared.
"Neal Sordelli, sitting on the car in the first photo, was there from the very beginning," he continued. "He was the guitarist, the musical heart and soul of the band, and one of my oldest and dearest friends."
"I'm grateful I got to share those early years with him," Mantegna added. "Rest in peace, Delli. You will always be a part of the music, the memories, and the kid I was back then."
Joe Mantegna and Neal Sordelli's Band Started as a School ProjectThe story behind the photos is almost as remarkable as Mantegna's subsequent acting career.
According to a 2020 Chicago Reader history of the Apocryphals, Mantegna was a junior at Morton East High School in Cicero, Ill., when an English class was given an assignment about British culture.
Sordelli and classmates Art Stout and Ricky Johnson decided to turn their project into a Beatles tribute called the Weasels. Mantegna was recruited to sing and play bass, despite not actually knowing how to play an instrument at the time.
The teenagers' Beatles act proved so popular that what had begun as a school project spilled out into sock hops and teen dances. The group eventually became the Apocryphals, with Sordelli on guitar and Mantegna on bass and vocals.
They weren't merely pretending to be rock stars for long.
The Apocryphals became fixtures on the Chicago-area teen music circuit and recorded a series of singles during the 1960s. Mantegna and Sordelli even co-wrote "Bernardine," which became the A-side of the band's first single in 1965.
Their story also intersected with some major names in music.
Future Ides of March frontman Jim Peterik played tambourine on the Apocryphals' first single, according to the Reader. The group also shared bills with acts including Paul Revere & the Raiders and Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs and even opened for Neil Diamond in April 1968.
The Apocryphals were also friends with members of the Missing Links, including Terry Kath and Danny Seraphine, who would become founding members of Chicago Transit Authority, later known simply as Chicago. Fittingly, Chicago's official Instagram account was among those that liked Mantegna's tribute to Sordelli.
Joe Mantegna's Co-Stars Send Their LoveMantegna ultimately chose a different kind of stage. He began studying at DePaul University's Goodman School of Drama and made his professional acting debut in a Chicago production of Hair in 1969. With eight performances a week demanding his time, his days as a regular member of the Apocryphals came to an end.
His acting career eventually brought him a Tony Award for David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, numerous film and television roles and his long-running role as Rossi on Criminal Minds.
But Mantegna never forgot the band or the friends with whom he started it.
His Criminal Minds co-stars were among those offering their support following his tribute to Sordelli.
"I look forward to giving this a look and i send you a deep breath and so much love from the pain of this loss ❤️," Kirsten Vangsness wrote.
Adam Rodriguez responded with "🔥❤️🔥," while Criminal Minds makeup artist Valentino Agundez offered her condolences, writing, "May all the good memories of him soothe your heart, and the hearts of his family, friends and loved ones, through this loss."
Actress Gail O'Grady added, "Love this ❤️."
Mantegna encouraged his followers to learn more about the Apocryphals' story through a fan-made video featuring photos from the band's early years and the Chicago Reader retrospective.
More than six decades after the Weasels began as a group of high school kids paying tribute to the Beatles, Mantegna's message made clear that Sordelli remained inseparable from those memories.
"You will always be a part of the music, the memories, and the kid I was back then," he wrote.
Related: National Memorial Day Concert Host Replaced at the Last Minute
1972 Glam Rock Song, Written By David Bowie, Became a Legendary Band's Career-Saving Hit
In 1972, rock band Mott the Hoople released a track that would go on to become a career-defining hit — and one that would save the rockers' career.
The song "All the Young Dudes" was put out into the world on July 28, 1972, with the studio album of the same name following less than a year later. Written by David Bowie, the glam rock hit has been credited for giving the band a new lease of life, with the five-piece reportedly on the verge of breaking up, before Bowie offered the band the track.
"I literally wrote it within an hour or so of hearing their breakup was imminent," Bowie recalled, per Far Out. "They were a fair little band, and I thought, 'This will be an interesting thing to do, let’s see if I can write them a song and keep them together."
It was the first song that the legendary British musician had written for someone else, and it undoubtedly became a hit, just as Bowie had suspected. "All the Young Dudes" soared to No. 3 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart, spending 11 weeks on the chart in total. In the United States, the track hit No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's biggest hit in the U.S. Rolling Stone went on to rank the track at No. 166 on its list of "500 greatest songs of all time".
When Bowie first offered the track by playing it on acoustic guitar, the band knew that it had a winner on its hands.
"The first thing [I thought] was I can sing this. And the second thing was like I’ve never been behind a hit before," Mott the Hoople frontman Ian Hunter recalled of the track in a 2003 interview on the Howard Stern Show. "And it’s a funny feeling because nobody else has ever heard this you know. And then I’m sitting there with the band you know and we’re listening to this and it’s obvious, isn’t it?".
Following Mott the Hoople's release, Bowie recorded and released his own version of "All the Young Dudes" in 1995 and would often perform the track live in concert.
Related: 1973 Rock Masterpiece Was Reimagined 42 Years After Its Release
George R.R. Martin Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance After Opening up About ‘Sadness and Depression’
George R.R. Martin, the author whose epic fantasy novel series inspired Game of Thrones, just made a rare red carpet appearance following a tough admission of "sadness and depression."
Martin, 77, skyrocketed to notoriety as the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. The series was adapted by HBO into the game-changing show, Game of Thrones, and its prequel series, House of the Dragon. Outside of his books, Martin is generally known as a frequently contributor to his blog, which legions of fans follow. But the literary star took a break from tapping the computer keys to make a red carpet appearance at the world premiere of Game Of Thrones: The Mad King at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre this weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. While it was great to see Martin out and about, the prolific author recently opened up about greater struggles.
Struggling With Sadness and DepressionOn his blog, which is titled "Not a Blog," Martin shared that he's been battling sadness and depression after a stressful year.
"This year has been… stressful, to say the least. So much has been happening, it’s been overwhelming. Some great things, exciting things. Dreams coming true. But there have been nightmares too," he wrote. "I have lost friends. Battled sadness and depression. The worst may be yet to come. I turned seventy-seven last September, and I tell you, getting old is no fun. But there have been amazing times as well."
Martin added that he assumes "that’s just life. Of course, I knew that. If you’ve read my stories, you know that."
Martin Is Excited About Emmy NominationsWhile Martin was candid about his struggles, he also posted a highlight. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the HBO series adapted from his work, scored big with the Emmy nominations.
"One highlight you may already know. Emmy finalists for 2026 have been announced, and A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS nabbed nine nominations — yes, 9, not damn — including the big one, Best Drama," he shared.
Martin noted that he hopes to be able to attend the September 14th awards ceremony in person, but he's not quite sure if he'll be able to yet.
If you haven't watch the new series, check out the trailer below:
Related: ‘Game of Thrones’ Star Lena Headey Says the Show’s Fans Were Angry She Didn’t Go Nude
1988 Medley, Which Blended Hits by Peter Frampton and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sent This Duo to No. 1
Peter Frampton had “Baby, I Love Your Way.” Lynyrd Skynyrd had “Free Bird.” Both were foundational. But neither reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That is until 1988, when a Florida dance-pop group known as Will to Power had the unlikely idea of mashing the two rock classics together. It's that Franken-hit that somehow became a chart-topping smash.
Released in August 1988, “Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley,” sometimes styled as “Free Baby,” combines Frampton’s 1976 hit with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1975 timeless masterpiece. In the blended rendition, Carr sings the warm, pleading verses of Frampton’s “Baby, I Love Your Way,” while Rosenberg counters with the restless lines of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” over a breezy synth-pop beat.
View this post on InstagramIt sounds like the kind of mashup that should have existed only as a novelty, yet it became one of the biggest songs in America.
The song came out of necessity after Rosenberg signed with Epic Records and needed material for an album. Following the Miami producer’s success with the dance track “Dreamin’,” he was tasked with finding another chart-climber as the record company clamored for a debut studio album.
Rosenberg, who was also a deejay, worked his magic with a pair of popular hits. Songfacts stated that because Miami radio station Power 96 started playing the song in heavy rotation, Will to Power released it as a single from their self-titled debut shortly after.
That December, the song climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for one week. The music video was another hit. Featuring Rosenberg and Carr as a couple, the visuals directed by S.A. Baron received plenty of airplay on networks like VH1, helping to solidify the mashup as one of the most unlikely hits.
When this new version of "Baby, I Love Your Way" reached No. 1, Frampton told the L.A. Times he was "thrilled.” "I always thought it was a strong song," he said. "And it's definitely not hurting my situation."
Though the track reached No. 1 on the all-genre tally, it was kept from the pinnacle spot on the adult contemporary chart. Anita Baker’s “Giving You the Best That I Got” and then Boy Meets Girl’s “Waiting for a Star to Fall” were in full domination mode there.
Frampton, Allen Collins, and Ronnie Van Zant are all credited with the track’s songwriting, and the song gave them a boost of cash and motivation.
“Frampton hadn’t stopped making music, but he couldn’t get any airplay for new songs once the '80s rolled around,” Songfacts wrote. “This medley proved there was still an audience for his work; he released another album in 1989.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd would release another album in 1991.
Will to Power, which began as a trio featuring Rosenberg, Dr. J, and Maria Mendez and later became a duo, continued releasing music after their chart-topping hit. Despite several lineup changes, the duo scored another Top 10 hit with “Fading Away” in 1989, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play and No. 2 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales charts after finding its way into nightclubs as an essential banger.
In 1990, the duo, then consisting of Rosenberg and Elin Michaels, got back to its roots and put out a remix, re-envisioning 10cc’s 1975 art-pop masterpiece “I’m Not in Love” into an uptempo, synth-pop and adult contemporary hit featuring a sax solo by Ed Calle. Fans loved it, sending the song to No. 7 on the Hot 100.
Rosenberg continued the Will to Power name into the 2000s, releasing albums including Shalom and Spirit Warrior, which featured a new version of the early dance hit “Dreamin’.” Today, Rosenberg and Michaels continue to perform together.
1969 Hit, Reimagined by Reba McEntire Decades Later, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’
In 1991, Reba McEntire put her own spin on a song that was written and released over 20 years earlier — Bobbie Gentry’s “Fancy.”
Already a hit for Gentry, the track reached No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 26 on the Hot Country Songs chart. But, decades later, McEntire would introduce the song to a new generation, and in turn, the Southern Gothic classic became one of her signature songs and a major success for her.
RELATED: 1994 No. 1 Breakthrough Song, Written by a 22 Year Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 32 Years Later
Though McEntire’s version never went No. 1, it surpassed the original on the country charts, reaching No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Her version also ranked at No. 65 on Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of “200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.”
“Fancy” was released as a single on Feb. 11, 1991, but McEntire had wanted to record the track since 1984. Producer Jimmy Bowen initially opposed the idea, and it wasn’t until Tony Brown began producing her records that she finally recorded it for her Rumor Has It album.
“I always wanted to record it,” McEntire shared in a 2019 interview with Country Living. “Then [producer] Tony Brown said,‘What’s a song you’d like to do a remake of?’ And I said, ‘Fancy.’ He said, 'That’s one of my favorite songs, too.' And so we recorded it.”
McEntire even had a hand in the making of the music video directed by Jack Cole. The clip finds her portraying the adult version of Fancy Rae Baker, the character from the song. She plays a now-famous Fancy who takes a cab to the rickety shack where she once lived, drawing up old memories of her troubled past through heartbreaking flashbacks.
Written by Gentry, “Fancy” provides a masterclass in storytelling, offering vivid details throughout its nearly five-minute runtime. The song is told from the perspective of a young girl named Fancy, who looks back on growing up in poverty in a one-room shack on the outskirts of New Orleans with her mother and infant sibling. In a desperate attempt to give Fancy a chance for a better life, her mother spends their last penny on a satin dancing dress for 18-year-old Fancy, dolls her up, and sends her out into the world, telling her, “Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down.”
Later verses find Fancy escaping poverty after being taken in by a benevolent man. She eventually becomes involved with powerful men, and acquires a mansion and a townhouse. Looking back on her upbringing, Fancy pushes back against the critics who judged her mother for sending her out into the world.
Of why she felt the urge to record the song, McEntire shared: “It’s a rags-to-riches story. I love rags-to-riches stories. Cinderella,Annie Get Your Gun, all poverty, and then make it big in the world. Well, she did, too. Fancy, she had a lot going against her, and she persevered and moved on.”
Jared Padalecki Apologizes After Controversial Perez Hilton Message Sparks Backlash
Jared Padalecki thought he was extending some kindness to Perez Hilton amid the celebrity blogger's hospitalization. Instead, the message landed him in hot water with fans.
On Sunday, August 9, the Supernatural star posted a message on X wishing Hilton well following reports about his serious condition. "Hey @PerezHilton Just wanted to reach out and let you know that you're in my thoughts. This 'being human' is a strange thing. Exhilarating. Exhausting. Fast. Slow. Wonderful… and… at times… awful," Padalecki wrote, per TV Insider.
The post quickly drew criticism from users who pointed to Hilton's controversial history and past treatment of celebrities. Padalecki subsequently deleted the message and responded, "I didn't know. It's been brought to my attention. I'm sorry," in a follow-up post.
I didn’t know. It’s been brought to my attention. I’m sorry ❤️
— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) August 9, 2026The 44-year-old then returned with a much longer explanation. "I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA about his past," he wrote in a third post, explaining that while he'd heard of Hilton and knew the blogger hadn't always been kind to him personally, he believed in offering "grace and forgiveness,” because in his experience, “It usually works out better than holding a grudge or wishing punishment on someone else.”
Padalecki said he had never visited Hilton's websites and had assumed he was simply a "'tabloid' type of sensationalist journalist.” After apparently learning more from fans, however, he made his position on the matter known. "I DO NOT stand for, or support, ANY of the actions I just now found out that he has committed. Full stop," he wrote. "I'm sorry if my words caused any harm."
Fans seem to have forgiven the Gilmore Girls alum for the most part.
“You shouldn't apologise for being kind, I admire your kindness towards those who struggle themselves,” one fan responded.
“You gave grace and that is not a bad thing. Thank you for being human and a really good guy.” another said.
A third wrote, “Wishing someone well after something horrific isn’t an endorsement of every shitty thing they’ve done.”
The controversy unfolded as Hilton, 48, remains hospitalized following a serious August 4 self-harm incident which was documented on TikTok Live.
His family and team initially confirmed he was receiving medical care in the Miami area and asked for privacy. In an August 8 update, his team said Hilton had experienced "significant blood loss" and additional injuries and remained in serious but stable condition.
Hilton is also expected to undergo surgery, though details about the procedure have not been disclosed. His representatives cautioned that his treatment and recovery are expected to be a "long process," with no timeline yet provided for his release from the hospital.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Dolly Parton’s Shimmery $23 Stoneware Tray Is a Charming Essential for Hosting and Home Styling
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’re a Dolly Parton fan — or shopping for one — this $24 tray is a sweet little find that brings charm wherever it’s placed. It works just as well styled on your own table as it does as for gifting on special occasions.
Right now, the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray is available for just $23 at Walmart and Amazon, which is a great price for piece made from durable, long-lasting stoneware. It measures 13 by 9 inches and features Parton’s signature butterfly motif in a shimmering jeweled mosaic design. It also includes one of her most-quoted lyrics from her 2014 song Try: “Dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings.”
Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray, $23 at Walmart and Amazon Shop at WalmartShop at AmazonThe star of this platter is the design. The blue mosaic pattern features glittery butterflies that bring sparkle wherever it’s placed — whether that's a kitchen counter, a console table, or a dinner party spread.
With Parton’s popular song lyric etched into the tray, it’s an inspiring gift for weddings, birthdays, and fans of the country icon. One shopper shared, “Lovely plate to give to my daughter with the quote from Dolly.” Another said they bought it for their daughter's wedding, and it "was more beautiful than expected.”
Beyond gifting, it’s just as practical for everyday use. Bring it out for charcuterie boards and movie night snacks, or even use it on a vanity to corral jewelry and perfume bottles. It’s also dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easy after entertaining.
If you’re looking to build a matching set, the Dolly Parton collection at Walmart also includes a Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic 12-inch Sharing Plate for $25.
For anyone whose tablescape could use a little sparkle, the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray is an easy pick for just $23. Head to Walmart or Amazon to grab one while it’s still in stock.
Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.
57 Years Later, the Sharon Tate Murder Remains a Defining Hollywood Crime
On Aug. 9, 1969, the murder of 26-year-old actress Sharon Tate shook the nation as she was eight and a half months pregnant and was found dead at her home in Los Angeles along with four others.
Tate was the highest-profile victim on a killing spree that was conducted by the followers of cult leader Charles Manson. At the time of her death, she was one of Hollywood's biggest stars, having appeared in television roles before landing films such as The Fearless Vampire Killers, Don’t Make Waves and Valley of the Dolls. Tate married director Roman Polanski in January 1968 and became pregnant with the couple's first child.
Before the murders, Tate went to dinner with her friends Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, and Wojciech Frykowski. Afterwards, they all returned to her house. It was just after midnight when Manson's followers, Charles D. “Tex” Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel and Susan Atkins, entered the house and killed the four, as well as Steven Parent, who was leaving the home. Specifically, Tate was killed by Atkins, who went on to testify and say she didn't remember how many times she stabbed the actress.
Corner Dr. Thomas T. Noguchi later said it was 16 times when he took the stand.
“She said, ‘Please don’t kill me,’ and I told her to shut up, and I threw her down on the couch,” Atkins testified, per PEOPLE. “She said, ‘Please let me have my baby.’ Then Tex came in, and he said, ‘Kill her,’ and I killed her. I just stabbed her, and she fell, and I stabbed her again. I don’t know how many times. I don’t know why I stabbed her.”
This crime was ultimately tied to Manson, with him and his followers ultimately being convicted of nine murders. As for Manson, he was sentenced to nine life sentences in prison and died at the age of 83 in November 2017.
Hall of Fame NBA Coach and Celtics Champion Don Nelson Dead at 86
Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history has died at the age of 86 on Sunday, Aug. 9, his family announced.
"On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family," they shared in a statement, per ESPN. "Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories."
Nelson served as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks. Throughout this time, he was a three-time winner of the NBA Coach of the Year award (1983, '85, '92).
"A basketball innovator. A Mavericks legend. An impact that will never be forgotten. We mourn the passing of former Mavericks head coach Don Nelson and celebrate a life that left an incredible mark on our franchise and the game of basketball. Rest in peace, Nellie," the Mavericks posted.
"Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said in a statement. "He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game."
But before his time leading the teams, he played on the Boston Celtics for 11 seasons, going on to win five NBA titles. The team retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978.
"Don Nelson’s success as a Hall of Fame Coach is so vast, that it could overshadow his playing career, but it would be a mistake to do so. A favorite of Red Auerbach’s, “Nellie” was a tough and reliable all-around player whose tenacity and ability to “think the game” was on full display throughout his 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics, where he was a key member of five championship teams across two eras. His most celebrated moment as a player came in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals against his former team the Los Angeles Lakers, when Nelson converted one of the most famous shots in playoff history—a foul-line jumper which dropped through the basket after hitting the back rim and bouncing several feet straight up. The shot, taken with just over a minute to go in the game and the Celtics clinging to a 103–102 lead, was an essential play in helping secure Boston's 11th NBA title in 13 seasons. Nellie’s number 19 was raised shortly after he retired following yet another championship season in 1976. The Celtics extend our deep condolences to Nelson’s family, loved ones, and everyone he touched through his rich and impactful life in basketball and beyond," the Celtics said in a statement.
He finished with a regular-season record of 1,335-1,063 as well as a 75-91 postseason record. When he retired, he held the record for the most wins ever, but it was broken by San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich in March 2022.
1978 Rock Song, Written by 20-Year-Old Jake Burns, Is Still an Inspirational Hit 48 Years Later
In the late 1970s, few songs captured the frustrations of a generation as powerfully as "Alternative Ulster."
Released by Stiff Little Fingers in 1978, the explosive punk anthem was written and sung by Jake Burns, who was just 20 years old at the time. Drawing inspiration from life in Northern Ireland during one of its most turbulent periods, the song has endured for nearly five decades as both a rallying cry and one of punk's defining recordings.
Burns wrote "Alternative Ulster" out of frustration with the world around him.
The title came from a Belfast fanzine that encouraged young people to create their own cultural identity instead of accepting the violence and political division that dominated daily life. Rather than focusing on one side of the conflict, Burns channeled the boredom, anger, and lack of opportunity experienced by many young people growing up during the Troubles, giving the song a message that reached far beyond Northern Ireland.
"It was a song written in the classic punk mode about having nothing to do," Burns told The Guardian in 2003. "Because that was the over-riding reality of life in Belfast for a teenager in the mid-70s. Not the fear of riots or bombs or whatever. It was the sheer tedium of having nowhere to go and nothing to do when you got there."
Its urgency immediately set it apart.
Driven by razor-sharp guitars, a relentless rhythm, and Burns' impassioned vocal, "Alternative Ulster" combined the raw energy of punk with lyrics that challenged listeners to imagine something better. The song became the centerpiece of the band's live performances and helped establish Stiff Little Fingers as one of the most important voices in politically conscious punk rock.
Although it wasn't a major chart hit, its influence proved enormous.
"Alternative Ulster" became a staple of punk compilations and has regularly appeared on lists celebrating the greatest punk songs ever recorded. It also introduced countless listeners to Stiff Little Fingers, whose landmark debut album, Inflammable Material, is widely regarded as one of the genre's essential releases.
The song's message continues to resonate.
While its lyrics were rooted in a specific time and place, themes of resilience, self-determination, and hope have allowed "Alternative Ulster" to connect with successive generations. More than a protest song, it remains an anthem encouraging people to challenge their circumstances and work toward something better.
"If you took the references to the RUC and the British Army out you have a song that is about bored teenagers," Burns told VICE in 2017. "A song about having nothing to do and wanting that to change. It complains as much about tired venues and their unwillingness to allow young people to play there as it does about the fact that there are police and army on the streets.
Forty-eight years after its release, "Alternative Ulster" still stands as one of punk's most inspiring classics. Written and performed by a 20 year-old Jake Burns, the 1978 rocker transformed youthful frustration into a timeless anthem whose message remains every bit as powerful today.
U2 Fans Are Getting a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Five Decades of Music
U2 fans are about to get a closer look at the stories behind some of the band's most recognizable songs.
U2 All the Songs arrives Oct. 6, 2026, offering a track-by-track examination of the Irish rock band's five-decade recording history.
The $60 hardcover book goes beyond simply listing U2's biggest hits. It explores how the band's songs came together, from their origins and songwriting to the recording and production process that helped turn them into international favorites.
Among the songs featured are some of U2's best-known tracks, including "With or Without You," released in 1987, and "Beautiful Day," which became one of the band's biggest hits more than a decade later.
For longtime fans, the book offers a chance to revisit those songs with more context about how they went from ideas in the studio to anthems known around the world.
U2 formed in Dublin in 1976 with Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. Over the following decades, the band became one of the biggest acts in rock, releasing albums including The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can't Leave Behind and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
Their catalog has produced songs that have remained staples of rock radio and live performances for generations, making the band's creative process a natural fit for a book devoted entirely to its music.
U2 All the Songs is part of a larger series of music books that takes a detailed look at the recordings and creative histories of major artists.
The book will be released Oct. 6, giving U2 fans a new way to revisit the band's music and perhaps discover a few details about familiar songs they didn't know before.
RELATED: Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’ Was Co-Written by Merle Kilgore, a Country Music Pioneer
Jim Morrison Said His Parents Were Dead. 62 Years Ago This Week, His Father May Have Started the Vietnam War. Morrison Defined Its Destruction.
Jim Morrison told people his parents were dead. He said it when The Doors first rose to fame, and he kept saying it. His father, George Morrison, was very much alive. More than alive. He was a US Navy admiral who commanded American naval forces during the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964 — the singular event that gave the Johnson Administration the justification it needed to start the Vietnam War. NSA documents declassified in the early 2000s confirmed that the second Gulf of Tonkin attack, which triggered the war, never happened. Jim Morrison spent his entire career writing songs like "The End" that defined the war's destruction. His father may have helped fabricate the incident that started that war.
George Morrison graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1941 and was stationed in Hawaii when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7. He earned his Wings of Gold in 1944 and flew combat missions in the Pacific in the final days of World War II. During the Korean War, he earned a Bronze Star for combat operations against North Korean and Chinese forces.
By summer 1964, he was aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard commanding American naval forces off the coast of North Vietnam. On August 2, three North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox. The ship came out of it with a single bullet hole. Two days later, on August 4, during a stormy night, the ships picked up sonar and radio signals suggesting another attack. They fired on targets that may not have existed. Morrison's team later contacted headquarters to say the enemy targets may have been false returns from the weather. Headquarters never passed that information to Defense Secretary McNamara. Congress approved the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The Vietnam War began. President Johnson later disclosed privately: "For all I know, our Navy was shooting whales out there."
Jim Morrison's response to all of this was to tell journalists his parents were dead. His father had openly said that he didn't believe that rock music was the best career goal for his son. As George later put it: "I had the feeling that he felt we'd just as soon not be associated with his career. Maybe he was trying to protect us." Jim responded by pretending the family didn't exist. What neither acknowledged publicly was the extraordinary historical paradox their estrangement concealed. Jim became the counterculture's most mythological anti-war voice.
Related: 1966 Folk Classic, Written While Gordon Lightfoot Was Still Married, Became Greatest Regret
He wrote "The End." Francis Ford Coppola opened Apocalypse Now with it because no other piece of music captured what it felt like to descend into the war's madness. The son of the man who may have helped start that madness had defined what it sounded like. As one historian wrote: "Even a novelist cannot create a father and son as dramatically in conflict."
On July 2, 1971, George Morrison stood at a podium in Washington and gave the keynote speech at the decommissioning ceremony for the USS Bon Homme Richard — the flagship from which he'd commanded the Gulf of Tonkin operation seven years earlier. The next day, July 3, Jim Morrison was found dead in a Paris bathtub. He was 27. The father had honored the ship the day before his son died. The two men who'd never make up were separated by an ocean and 24 hours. George outlived his son by 37 years.
He Was Just Somebody You Would Like to KnowGeorge didn't stop after Vietnam. In 1975, he personally helped organize relief efforts for nearly 100,000 Vietnamese refugees sent to Guam. He later called that assignment the most satisfying of his career. The man who might have helped start the war spent his later years helping its survivors. Meanwhile, Jim's music kept finding new audiences. His father once said rock music wasn't the best career path for his son. But before his death in 2008, George donated Jim's school report cards, college diploma and Cub Scout uniform to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a Doors exhibit.
For decades, George said almost nothing publicly about Jim. Then, before he died in 2008, he broke his silence. He didn't mention the estrangement or the years of distance or the fact that his son had told people he was dead. He said: "He (his son) was just somebody you would like to know."
George Morrison witnessed Pearl Harbor. He flew combat missions in two wars. He earned a Bronze Star in Korea. He commanded the ships during the incident that may have started the Vietnam War. He didn't believe that rock music was where his son's talent was. His son told people he was dead. His son wrote the music that defined the war's destruction.
Some distances are too wide to cross in a lifetime.
We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Pinto Beans, and They All Said the Same Thing
Canned pinto beans are one of those pantry staples that are always good to have around. They're inexpensive, filling and already cooked, which means you're never too far away from an easy side dish or meal. But if your usual routine is simply heating them up and calling it a day, you might be missing out on some serious flavor.
There's no shortage of ways to use canned pinto beans. You can toss them into chili, pile them into tacos and burritos, add them to soups or salads, or even turn them into a hearty bean dip. With so many possibilities, we started wondering which one is actually the best.
😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔
To find out, we asked three chefs a simple question: If you could recommend just one thing to make with canned pinto beans, what would it be? Despite all the different ways you can use them, their answers pointed us in the same direction.
Even better, their pick is easy to make at home and doesn't require starting with a pot of dried beans. With a few easy additions, that inexpensive can sitting in your pantry can become a creamy, flavorful dish that's just as at home alongside tacos as it is scooped up with tortilla chips.
Here's what the chefs we spoke to recommend as the best way to use pinto beans, plus their tips for buying the best canned pinto beans and dressing them up like a pro.
Our Panel of Chefs- Jess Rice: Rice is the senior test kitchen editor at Budget Bytes, where she develops and tests affordable, approachable recipes for home cooks. Her culinary career includes teaching food theory and classical techniques as a chef professor at Niagara College, working as a private chef, and co-founding AVO, a Nashville restaurant known for its creative plant-based food.
- Erica Holland-Toll: Holland-Toll is the culinary director at The Culinary Edge, a food and beverage innovation agency that develops menus, recipes, and new concepts for restaurant and manufacturing clients. She has more than 20 years of culinary experience, and she previously served as executive chef of the Stanford Flavor Lab, where she developed innovative dishes and dining experiences for Stanford University.
- Joanne Gallagher: Gallagher is the co-founder and recipe creator behind Inspired Taste, which she launched with her husband, Adam, in 2009. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, she develops and meticulously tests easy-to-follow recipes for home cooks, helping build the site into a resource with hundreds of recipes and step-by-step cooking guides.
Related: The Genius Way to Make Guacamole 10x Better, According to an Award-Winning Chef
What To Look for When Buying Canned Pinto BeansYou don't need to overthink the ingredient list when shopping for canned beans. “Check the label for a clean ingredient list: pinto beans, water and salt,” says Jess Rice, senior test kitchen editor at Budget Bytes. She doesn't mind seeing calcium chloride either, which helps keep the beans whole and firm.
Joanne Gallagher, the co-founder and recipe creator for Inspired Taste, has similar advice. “Look for beans packed in water with just a bit of salt, nothing more, so you're getting a clean pinto flavor without any added starches or preservatives muddying things up,” she says.
And don't forget to check the can itself. Gallagher recommends passing on any cans that are dented or bulging and grabbing another one instead.
The Best Thing To Make With Canned Pinto Beans, According to 3 ChefsOf all the things you can make with canned pinto beans, one stood out among our experts: refried beans.
Keep things simple with grated garlic, a little cumin and a potato masher, says Erica Holland-Toll, the culinary director at The Culinary Edge. “It's super easy to make the perfect refried beans for dips, tacos and breakfast burritos,” she says.
“Refried beans are my answer every time,” Gallagher says. Her method starts by sautéing onion and garlic in oil, butter, or bacon fat until the onion turns sweet and starts browning around the edges. From there, she adds the beans and about a cup of stock, then mashes everything right in the pan, adding a splash more liquid if the beans get too dry. A squeeze of lime and some melted cheese finish things off.
Rice also likes roughly mashing canned pinto beans rather than blending them completely smooth. She says this creates a texture that's “rich and velvety enough to spread smoothly across a crispy shell, yet rustic and chunky enough to give you delightfully tender texture in every bite.” She likes using the mashed beans on tostadas, where they pair perfectly with the crispy shell.
Related: I Asked 3 Chefs the Best Canned Pantry Staple, and They All Said the Same Thing
4 Ways To Garnish Like a ProOnce your refried beans are ready, don't stop there. Our experts shared plenty of easy ways to dress them up.
1. Add some cheese.Cheese was a favorite across the board. “I love to sprinkle a little cheese and some fresh scallions—Cotija is great, feta works, Parm in a pinch,” Holland-Toll says. “Any fresh cheese like farmer's cheese or queso fresco is delicious.”
Rice also recommends queso fresco, shredded cheddar, Cotija or Oaxaca cheese, while Gallagher suggests crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese.
2. Sprinkle on something fresh.A handful of fresh toppings can brighten up a rich bowl of refried beans. Holland-Toll likes scallions, while Gallagher reaches for diced white onion and fresh cilantro.
3. Give them some acid.Don't underestimate a little acidity. “A squeeze of fresh lime at the end brings out the rich, savory flavors,” Gallagher says.
Rice also likes adding “something with a touch of acid,” such as pickled red onions, pickled jalapeños or salsa.
4. Turn up the heat.If you like your beans with a kick, Gallagher recommends a few slices of jalapeño.
Holland-Toll keeps it even easier. “If nothing else, a spoonful of salsa or a few shots of hot sauce is great as well,” she says.
Final ThoughtsCanned pinto beans may be a humble pantry staple, but it doesn't take much to turn them into something special. With a few simple ingredients and the right toppings, you can have creamy, flavorful refried beans on the table in minutes—no soaking or hours of simmering required.
1953 Movie Song, First Sung by Carol Channing, Turned a 26-Year-Old Into a Legend
On Aug. 4, 1962, Marilyn Monroe died at just 36 years old. She was found the following day in her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Her death, while tragic, has since frozen the Hollywood icon in time, with the trove of films, fashion moments, and unforgettable songs she left behind serving as a portal that leads straight back to the Sixties.
One of the most enduring portraits of the star came nearly a decade before her death, when the 26-year-old actress, singer, and model performed the dazzling musical number “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Howard Hawks’ 1953 film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
@fiftiesdailyMarilyn Monroe singing “Diamonds are a Girls Bestfriend” in film ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ (1953)🎀 #oldhollywood #goldenage #marilynmonroe #gentlemenpreferblondes #actress
♬ original sound - Fiftiesdaily“The song ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ is just one of many from a movie that, six decades later, still retains much of its carefree if largely camp appeal,” Life magazine wrote. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondeswas not only a huge box office success but proved, once and for all, that Marilyn Monroe could truly anchor a movie as its star.”
For the performance, Monroe wore a gorgeous, floor-length strapless pink gown designed by William Travilla and matching opera-length satin gloves, with the number accessorized by sparklers around her neck and wrists. She danced around a stage and tuxedoed men, with every shimmy accentuated by the dress hugging her curves.
Despite the song’s title, however, the diamonds Monroe rocked weren’t real. The necklace and bracelets were costume jewelry, proving that the illusion she created mattered more than the actual price tag.
The whole performance was a display so dazzling that it perfectly captured her character Lorelei Lee’s tongue-in-cheek philosophy that diamonds—and the men who can afford them—are a girl’s best friend. The spectacle became so synonymous with Monroe that it’s easy to forget the song was already a hit.
Monroe wasn’t the first to turn “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” into a stage classic. That feat actually belonged to another legend—Carol Channing—who introduced the song to audiences in Anita Loos and Joseph Fields’ Gentlemen Prefer BlondesBroadway musical four years earlier.
In 1949, Channing became a star overnight playing the ditzy star of the Loos-Fields play. As Lorelei Lee, Channing was the very first person to sing the showstopping number, using her trademark wide-eyed naivete and raspy vocals to turn the tune into a cultural phenomenon.
“Doesn’t matter what the name of the character, it’s always Carol,” explained one commentator in Channing’s 2012 documentary, Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, People shared, adding, “And that’s what makes a star. Nobody ever says, ‘Get me a Carol Channing type.’ There aren’t any.”
Penned by the legendary songwriting team Jule Styne and Leo Robin, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” became one of the era’s most enduring popular songs of film’s golden age. Their other iconic songs included “A Little Girl From Little Rock,” “Bye Bye Baby,” and “You Say You Care.”
Jack Cole’s legendary choreography then took Styne and Robin’s song into another stratosphere. Helping shape Monroe’s screen persona, Cole’s choreography gave the actress a more precise physical vocabulary for the number, from her posture and gestures to the controlled, stylized movements that became part of the performance’s allure.
The to-die-for combination of Travilla’s hot-pink number, Cole’s hyper-stylized staging, Styne and Robin’s enduring pop hit, and Monroe’s legendary moxie all combined to create an iconic sequence that lives on through homage, from Madonna’s “Material Girl” to Margot Robbie in “Birds of Prey” decades later.
Marilyn Monroe’s 30th movie, Something’s Got to Give, was left unfinished when she died in 1962. Even so, the remarkable cinematic and musical moments she delivered in Some Like It Hot, The Seven Year Itch, The Misfits, How to Marry a Millionaire, and above all, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, are more than enough to fill a legacy that has lasted generations.
She may have left at 36, but more than seven decades after she slipped into that hot-pink stunner, Monroe is still singing, and the world is still watching.
7 Best Proseccos Under $20 That Taste Like Premium Champagne
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
There's something about popping open a bottle of bubbly that makes an ordinary night feel a little more special. Champagne is always an option, of course, but a good bottle can get expensive fast. If you're buying a few bottles for a brunch or dinner party, that price can be hard to justify.
Luckily, you can find some incredible Prosecco for less than $20, and we're not just talking about bottles destined for mimosas. There are plenty worth drinking on their own, with everything from crisp acidity and fresh fruit to fine bubbles and a dry finish.
😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔
The harder part is actually figuring out which ones are worth buying. Walk into just about any grocery or wine store, and you'll probably have more than a few bottles staring back at you, often at very similar prices.
To help narrow things down, we asked four experienced sommeliers for their favorite Proseccos under $20. Their recommendations include everything from familiar bottles you can find at your local grocery store to Prosecco Superiore DOCG that comes in right at the top of our budget.
Here are the seven bottles of Prosecco that made our list, straight from the sommeliers that swear by them.
Our Panel of Experts- Lindsey Geddes is a Master Sommelier and wine director at Carversteak in Las Vegas, where she oversees a wine list with more than 400 selections. She was the 21st woman in the world to earn the Master Sommelier title.
- Vilma Mazaite is an Advanced Sommelier and general manager of Donnachadh Family Wines in Santa Barbara County, California. She previously worked in restaurants in Las Vegas, New York and Aspen, and was named one of Food & Wine's top sommeliers in 2015.
- Marissa Kipp is an Advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, holds the WSET Diploma and is a senior project manager at Marq Wine Group. She has worked throughout the wine industry, including at wineries and restaurants and in wine distribution, retail and education.
- Ian Bennett is a Certified Sommelier and owner of The Study Wine Pub in Oklahoma City. In 2025, he was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
A good bottle of Prosecco doesn't necessarily need a high price tag. According to Mazaite, one of the most important things to look for is balance.
“Like with any price range, I always look for balance,” she says. “A $20 wine may not have the depth or complexity of a more expensive bottle, but it should still offer freshness and a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.”
That means looking beyond price and paying attention to how the wine is made. Prosecco Superiore DOCG is one designation worth knowing. These wines come from one of Prosecco's two DOCG regions and must meet stricter production standards, including lower harvest yields and more specific geographic requirements.
The Best Proseccos Under $20 to Buy Right NowThese are the seven best Proseccos the sommeliers we spoke with recommend when you're shopping for bubbles on a budget.
1. Adami Garbèl Prosecco DOC Brut, $19.98 at B-21Wine.com
“This is my favorite Prosecco,” Geddes says. The family-owned Adami winery dates back to 1920, and Garbèl is its entry-level Prosecco made to showcase the producer's style.
Bennett is also a fan, describing it as “dry, crisp, pleasantly tart.” With two of our sommeliers recommending the same bottle, Adami Garbèl was an easy addition to our list.
2. Scarpetta Prosecco, $14.95 at BuyWinesOnlineMazaite calls Scarpetta “bright, crisp and incredibly easy to enjoy.” She especially likes its balance of freshness and fruit, and says it's one of her favorite everyday Proseccos.
Bennett also recommends it, calling it a “perfect patio pounder.” Scarpetta was founded by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson.
3. Bisol Jeio Brut Prosecco Superiore DOCG, $19.95 at ZachysKipp recommends Bisol Jeio Brut, which comes from one of the oldest wineries in Conegliano Valdobbiadene, with roots dating back to 1542. She describes the wine as having notes of crisp green apple, citrus and white flowers.
At about $20, it also gives you a chance to try a Prosecco Superiore DOCG while still staying under the $20 mark.
4. Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Treviso DOC, $12.29 at Total Wine & More Shop It!Geddes calls Mionetto Prestige Brut “a consistently great option for sipping and mixing.” Mionetto has been making Prosecco for more than a century and offers several bottles in its Prestige collection for $11 to $15.
It's also easy to track down. Geddes notes that the wines can be found at grocery stores and Target, making this one of the more accessible picks on our list.
5. Poggio Costa Prosecco DOC NV, $13.95 at BuyWinesOnlineMazaite calls Poggio Costa “amazing quality for the price.” She describes it as dry and beautifully balanced, with classic Prosecco flavors of pear, melon and apple.
Mazaite prefers Prosecco on the drier, crisper side, and Poggio Costa is one of the bottles she says she reaches for most often.
6. Zardetto Prosecco Brut DOC, $12.99 at Total Wine & More Shop It!Geddes calls Zardetto “always reliable” and says the producer has long made high-quality Prosecco. At about $15 a bottle, it's also one of the more affordable recommendations on our list.
Zardetto describes the Brut as fresh and fruity, with notes of green apple, apricot and citrus. It's an easy bottle to serve as an aperitif, but it also works well throughout a meal.
7. La Marca Prosecco DOC, $13.39 at Total Wine & More Shop It!“It's everywhere for a reason,” Bennett says of La Marca. He describes it as inexpensive, “easy to find” and “loaded with white peach flavor.”
That combination makes La Marca an especially practical pick if you need a bottle for a party, brunch or last-minute get-together. You shouldn't have to hunt around for it, and at about $14, it leaves plenty of room in the budget.
Prosecco vs. Champagne: What Is the Real Difference?Prosecco and Champagne are both sparkling wines, but they're not the same thing. Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France, while Prosecco DOC is produced in northeastern Italy.
They're also made with different grapes. Prosecco is made primarily with Glera, while Champagne is typically made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.
Most Prosecco goes through a second fermentation in large pressurized tanks using what's known as the Martinotti-Charmat method. According to the Prosecco DOC Consortium, this helps enhance the fresh, fruity and floral qualities Prosecco is known for.
With Champagne, that second fermentation happens inside the bottle instead. It's one reason the two can taste quite different, even though you'll find both of them in the sparkling wine aisle.
What to Pair With Your Budget-Friendly BubblesMazaite considers Prosecco an ideal aperitif because of its bright, fruit-forward character. For food, she recommends prosciutto and melon, tangy cheeses and seafood crudo.
“Those fresh flavors and lively acidity make it the perfect way to start a meal,” she says.
That gives you quite a few options when serving a bottle at home. Put together prosciutto, melon and a few cheeses for an easy appetizer, or pair your Prosecco with crudo if you're serving seafood. It also works perfectly well on its own before dinner.
Final ThoughtsYou don't have to spend a lot to bring home a good bottle of Prosecco. As our experts' picks show, there are plenty of options under $20 that deliver crisp acidity, fresh fruit and plenty of bubbles without the premium price tag.
Whether you're opening a bottle for brunch, serving it with dinner or just want something bubbly in the fridge for the weekend, there's something here for just about any occasion. And at these prices, you might even want to grab a couple.
Related: I Tried Every Flavor of Elizabeth Banks' Canned Wines and Ranked Them Worst to Best
Billy Strings Made a Statement With His Very Unexpected Stage Gear
Billy Strings had an unusual accessory for his latest concert: a hockey helmet.
The bluegrass star, 33, took the stage in Indianapolis on Friday, Aug. 7, wearing protective headgear after an attendee reportedly hit him in the head with a lighter during the previous night's performance.
Strings was performing at the Fishers Event Center as part of a three-night run when the incident occurred. According to concertgoers, the musician was hit while onstage after addressing the audience.
Fans reported seeing him return for the following night's show wearing a hockey helmet.
Rather than letting the incident derail the performance, Strings appeared to turn it into a joke.
"Billy came out in a hockey helmet in jest after getting a lighter thrown at him by some Indiana dumba-- the night before," one Redditor said of the act. "Fantastic response."
"Unfortunately, the thrower got exactly what he wanted," another pointed out.
"He interrupted the show and got some attention from the performer. He definitely got a huge thrill when Billy told the crowd to find him and sodomize him.
He walked onto the stage in the helmet for the Aug. 7 show, giving fans an unforgettable visual before launching into his set. Social media footage and fan reports from the concert quickly spread images of the Grammy-winning musician performing in the unexpected protective gear.
The helmet appearance came during a particularly eventful stretch for Strings.
The 33-year-old musician had already dealt with a fractured leg earlier this year after a skateboarding accident backstage, forcing the postponement of the original Indianapolis dates. The rescheduled shows were held Aug. 6–8.
There have been no reports of Strings suffering a serious injury from the incident.
The musician is continuing his 2026 tour, with upcoming dates including shows in Fargo, North Dakota; Bozeman and Missoula, Montana; Vancouver; and Everett, Washington. Several of the dates are already sold out.
RELATED: