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Ella Langley continues her remarkable rise in country music as her hit single “Choosin’ Texas” holds the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a 13th week, placing the Alabama native in elite chart company and setting multiple records in the process.

The song, which first reached the top of the all-genre chart in February, has now become one of only five songs by women without male-billed acts to spend at least 13 weeks at No. 1 in Billboard Hot 100 history.

Among female-led songs, only Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” and Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine” have matched or exceeded that milestone.

Ella Langley performs onstage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2026 day one on June 04, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

More importantly for country music, “Choosin’ Texas” is the only song from an artist primarily known for country music to reach the 13-week mark on the Hot 100 under those conditions.

The achievement also makes the song the first non-holiday release to join that exclusive group since Carey’s “We Belong Together” accomplished the feat in 2005.

Langley’s chart success stretches far beyond one single. This week, she occupies three of the top four positions on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing 2026 as a career-defining year for the singer-songwriter.

“Choosin’ Texas” remains at No. 1, while “Be Her” stays at its peak position of No. 3. Meanwhile, her collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” climbs from No. 6 to No. 4, giving Langley an extraordinary presence near the top of the chart.

Ella Langley Makes Billboard Chart History

With three songs inside the Hot 100's top four positions, Langley has reached a milestone no woman has ever achieved with country songs.

She is now the first female artist in history to place three country songs inside the top four of the Billboard Hot 100 during the same week.

The feat is rare across all genres as well. Langley becomes only the ninth artist ever to hold three of the top four positions on the chart simultaneously, joining a select group of stars that includes The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter and 21 Savage.

Her run adds to an already historic year.

Earlier in 2026, Langley's sophomore album Dandelion debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after selling 169,000 equivalent album units during its opening week in the United States.

The project also launched atop the Top Album Sales, Top Streaming Albums and Top Country Albums charts.

At the same time, her debut album Hungover has continued climbing on multiple Billboard rankings, recently reaching a new peak on the Top Streaming Albums chart while maintaining strong performance on country charts.

Langley also made history at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards in May, where she collected seven wins in a single year, setting a new record for the ceremony. The previous mark of six victories had been shared by Faith Hill, Garth Brooks and Chris Stapleton.

Ella Langley Reacts to Historic No. 1 Success

Despite the growing list of achievements, Langley appeared just as surprised as fans by the latest Billboard milestone.

After learning that “Choosin’ Texas” had extended its reign to 13 weeks atop the Hot 100, she shared a screenshot of the chart on her Instagram Story.

Ella Langley's chart dominance reached another level! pic.twitter.com/lF3RcFnIT7

— mydzn (@MadelaineDizon) July 14, 2026

The singer simply wrote, "Unreal" alongside crying and mind-blown emojis.

The reaction reflected the scale of the accomplishment. According to Billboard data, “Choosin’ Texas” recorded 25.1 million official streams, 50.8 million radio airplay impressions and 7,000 units sold during its latest tracking week.

The song has also dominated beyond the Hot 100. It continues to lead both the Streaming Songs and Digital Song Sales charts and recently tied Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” for the ninth-longest run at No. 1 in Digital Song Sales chart history with 11 weeks on top.

With momentum still strong, industry observers will now watch whether “Choosin’ Texas” can reach a 14th week at No. 1, which would allow Langley to tie Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” for the second-longest-running No. 1 hit by a woman in Billboard Hot 100 history.

For now, Langley has already secured her place in the record books.

And with three songs dominating the top of America's biggest chart at once, the country star's breakthrough year shows no signs of slowing down.

Related: Country Star Reacts to No. 1 Hit Song Lasting 12 Weeks

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle will have you thinking about agreements, computer commands, household items and familiar signs. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today's Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We've warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you've completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today's NYT 'Connections’ hints and answers for #1129 on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Tuesday, July 14, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Tuesday, July 14

1. Sign on the dotted line.
2. Undo and redo, also.
3. A-tisket, a-tasket.
4. They point the way.

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

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

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Tuesday, July 14:

1. CONTRACT: AGREEMENT, BARGAIN, DEAL, UNDERSTANDING
2. EDIT MENU OPTIONS: COPY, CUT, DELETE, PASTE
3. KINDS OF BASKETS: EASTER, GROCERY, LAUNDRY, PICNIC
4. SYMBOLIZED WITH ARROWS: RECYCLING, SHUFFLE, THIS SIDE UP, U-TURN

How'd you do?

Up Next:

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

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

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Monday, July 13, 2026

Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise star Joe Amabile has a brain tumor.

In a video shared to Instagram on Monday, July 13, the reality star, 40, shared that his doctors found what appears to be an early-stage brain tumor after he underwent a Prenuvo scan, or a proactive, full-body MRI.

“So a little medical update. I didn’t share my Prenuvo results because they ended up finding a lesion in my brain,” Amabile said in the video. “So then I had to go get a brain MRI, and there was a blueberry-sized lesion in my brain that looks to be a glioma, which is a tumor.”

Amabile then shared that he will undergo brain surgery in two weeks to remove the lesion and determine if it's cancerous or not.

“So I now need to get brain surgery to get it removed and get it tested, and then we’re gonna go from there,” Amabile continued. “So it’s been a wild couple weeks. Definitely wasn’t expecting this.”

“I think it’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘Oh, something like this never happened to me,’ and here I am,” he added. “They say it’s really early stages. I hope they are able to get it all, and I’m fine. But I will keep you updated.”

In the post's caption, Amabile revealed more details about his upcoming procedure.

“This past month has been a lot of ups and downs to say the least,” he wrote. “After multiple scans and MRIs I have what looks to be an early stage brain tumor. In two weeks I’ll be undergoing a craniotomy to have it removed — yeah brain surgery — @memorialsloankettering.”

“I’m doing my best to stay positive during this time and am lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends ❤️,” he added.

Amabile is married to fellow Bachelor alum Serena Pitt, whom he met on season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise in 2021. They first married in an intimate courthouse ceremony in New York City in October 2022 before celebrating with a more formal wedding in Charleston, South Carolina, the following year.

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LeAnn Rimes was only 13 years old when she released her version of “Blue.” The classic country standard not only catapulted her to superstardom, but it also showcased her powerhouse vocals and delicate yodeling that stood out in the country genre and drew comparisons to Patsy Cline. 

Written by Bill Mack, who released the song first in 1958, “Blue” tackles the story of someone dealing with incredible loneliness in the aftermath of a breakup. The narrator expresses overwhelming sadness as they question why their former lover isn’t missing them in the same way. Despite its emotionally complex subject matter, Rimes’ rendition of “Blue” demonstrated a vocal and a maturity that was well beyond her years. 

Interestingly, Rimes actually recorded the song twice. 

An earlier version of the track had her laying down vocals in the studio at the tender age of 11. That take belongs on her independent album, All That. Rimes’ re-recording of “Blue” appears on her No. 1 debut major label album of the same name, released in July 1996.

A breakthrough hit, the track reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and also peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. But what many folks may not know is that the earlier version of “Blue” is the one fans have become most familiar with, as reported by American Songwriter.

“They actually released the wrong version,” Rimes previously told the outlet. “The one you’ve been hearing forever is me as an 11-year-old.” 

Regardless, “Blue” has continued to be a beloved track by fans far and wide as well as by industry insiders. In 2025, Rimes’ version of “Blue” ranked at No. 99 on Billboard’s ‘100 Best Country Songs of All Time’ list.

Aside from “Blue,” LeAnn Rimes is known for hits like “How Do I Live,” “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” “One Way Ticket (Because I Can),” and others.

Related: 1980 No. 1 Hit, Lasting 19 Weeks on the Charts, Ranked ‘Greatest Country Song of All Time’

Today's NYT Wordle answer is something you might order rare, medium or well-done. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1851 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: Ribeye or sirloin

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

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

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

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

The New York Times

Today's Wordle Answer for #1851 on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, is STEAK.

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

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn't Used Yet (Updated Daily)

When Garth Brooks released "The Dance" in 1990, few could have predicted the lasting impact the song would have on country music or on Brooks', 64, career.

On July 14, 1990, "The Dance" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming Brooks' third chart-topping hit and cementing what many fans still consider his signature song.

Written by songwriter Tony Arata, "The Dance" appeared on Brooks' self-titled debut album and quickly stood out for its emotional lyrics about love, loss and embracing life's journey despite heartbreak. While many listeners interpreted the song as a love ballad, Brooks has often said its message is much broader.

"I've always felt 'The Dance' was about life," Brooks said in past interviews, explaining that the song's meaning extends beyond romance to include taking risks, pursuing dreams and accepting that pain is often inseparable from life's greatest moments.

The song's unforgettable chorus—

"I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance."

—has resonated with generations of listeners and has been used to mark everything from weddings and graduations to memorial services.

Over the years, Brooks has repeatedly described "The Dance" as one of the most important recordings of his career. In the 2019Garth Brooks: The Road I'm On documentary, he called it the defining song of his catalog and said that if he were remembered for only one recording, he hoped it would be "The Dance."

The ballad has also earned widespread critical acclaim. In 2016, Rolling Stone ranked it among the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, praising its emotional depth and lasting influence.

RELATED: Before Solo Stardom, Kenny Rogers Made a Career-Changing Decision

Perhaps no other actor sports a filmography as illustrious as that of the incomparable Harry Dean Stanton. An actor that you surely have seen before yet may not know his name, he is one of the most underappreciated and unsung actors in all of cinema. Having collaborated with some of the greatest filmmakers of all time including directors like David Lynch, Ridley Scott, John Carpenter, Wim Wenders, and Martin Scorsese, he's an actor who quietly worked his way into the fabric of film history with a breadth of humanity many couldn't understand.

Stanton passed away in 2017 at the age of 91, and with him one of the greatest careers in Hollywood was gone. He was someone who up until recently I wasn't super conscious of. Little did I know, I had grown up with him. My first film I would have seen him in is the fantastic animated filmRango when I was about 5 or 6 years old, and throughout my childhood I would see him in films like The Avengers and Alien. That leads me to today where he is an integral part of some of my favorite stories ever.

In honor of 100 years of Harry Dean Stanton, I'll walk you through three of my favorite performances from him that I think are essential viewing.

Paris, Texas (1984)

Stanton's most acclaimed role is from the emotional masterpiece Paris, Texas. I find that this film really captures the essence of what Stanton does so well. He's a very reserved, textural performer. His story and his thoughts are written in the lines in his face. In the words he doesn't say. When he does speak, there is such a gravity to it, and such truth in the words.

The film follows Stanton's character Travis, who reappears after being missing for four years to reunite with his son, and try and find where the boy's mother has gone. It's a deeply human story about regret, family, loneliness, and love that is one of my absolute favorite films ever. As it happens, the film is available in its entirety for free on YouTube. It features Stanton's best work, one of the greatest scores of all time courtesy of Ry Cooder, and is a film I think everyone should see once in their life.

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1993) and Twin Peaks: The Return (2017) David Lynch and Harry Dean Stanton.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images

It's hard to touch on the impact that Stanton has on Twin Peaks without spoiling the entire franchise. I don't exaggerate when I say it may be the greatest work of art ever conceived, and I wouldn't want to ruin the experience of watching it in its entirety for the first time.

Stanton gives a warmth and kindness to the story, specifically during The Return that I think is desperately necessary to both the thesis of the show, as well as the experience of watching it. Twin Peaks is a harrowing, heartbreaking, and insurmountable experience that can be a lot sometimes. Stanton is a respite from the cosmic evil that permeates every fibre of the show.

Lucky (2017)

I'm a massive fan of the film Lucky. It follows Stanton as this 90 year old loner coming to terms with his age and mortality after he takes a fall out of nowhere. It's a deeply spiritual meditation on life, meaning, and aging that oozes with a love and earnestness that really affected me emotionally.

The film's legacy is painted by the fact that Stanton passed a few months after it released. The film serves as a swansong to his career, and may be the best way he could have gone out. It's a story that is clearly deeply personal to him in the way he carries his performance, and it captures everything there is to love about him as a performer.

I wish Harry Dean Stanton could be hear to celebrate his centennial. He was a remarkable actor who hasn't received nearly enough recognition. Happy birthday, Harry. We miss you a ton.

Related: I Saw 19 Films at Tribeca 2026 — These Are the Ones You'll Be Talking About

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The music charts are constantly filling up with new releases from both new and old artists in the industry. But sometimes, old hits come back around into popularity, surging up the charts, or something puts a new spotlight on past music, like a movie soundtrack or cover performance.

But in the case of one legendary 1990s band, they've stuck around on the Billboard Artists 100 chart for years, despite the fact that the band broke up more than three decades ago. The band in question is Nirvana, and if you're familiar with them, it's likely not a big surprise to learn that their music is still popular.

Nirvana disbanded in 1994 after the death of lead singer Kurt Cobain, but they produced plenty of hits and made a huge impact on the rock music industry during the band's short-lived life. Now, in 2026, the band is still holding a high spot on the Billboard Artists 100 chart, which depicts the top trending artists in the U.S. at the moment.

The iconic group, which included Cobain, Dave Grohl, and Krist Novoselic, currently holds the 49th spot on the chart. Nirvana has been featured on the chart for a total of 317 weeks, which adds up to just over 6 years, and they've peaked at No. 20.

Related: ’80s Rock Icon Forced Off Stage Mid-Tour by Health Scare as Son Fills In

In the current edition of the chart, Nirvana sits higher than other rock bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Eagles, AC/DC, and more. But it's even more impressive considering Nirvana hasn't made new music since 1994. The final song the band recorded together in 1994 before Cobain's death, "You Know You're Right," was finally released years later, in 2002.

Nirvana is most well-known for their hit song "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which was released in 1991 as the lead single on the band's second album, Nevermind.

While Nirvana was nominated for several Grammy Awards before their disbandment, the band won its one and only Grammy (aside from an honorary Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023) in 1996, two years after the band's conclusion. The group won the award for Best Alternative Music Performance for the live album MTV Unplugged in New York, which was released in late 1994.

Related: '70s Rock Legend Performs at Unexpected Venue Months After Brain Surgery

Fans are getting a glance behind the Married at First Sight curtain. 

The reality show follows couples who agree to legally marry a stranger. The series uses specialists, such as spiritualists, relationship coaches, and sociologists, to pair couples together. After the matchmaking is done, the show documents the newlyweds and asks them if they want to stay together after several weeks. 

ChrisCoelen, an executive producer for Married at First Sight, told Varietyabout some insight and updates viewers should know. 

One of the biggest changes in the show’s 20 seasons is that, instead of three or four experts, there will now only be two. 

“Every season, it’s an ongoing conversation about what’s working, what’s not working, and I think our experts have worked for a really long time. I just think the opportunity came across to look at two really exciting new experts,” Coelen explained. 

Adding, “It felt a little less crowded and more focused, in terms of the ability for the experts to really develop a relationship with the participants in a different way.”

This season takes place in Seattle with participants who are slightly older. The hope is that these couples are in a better place to tie the knot. 

I think it depends, partly, on the place,” the EP said. “Different people are ready at different ages for a big commitment and the group of people that we have in this iteration felt like the right age that they were serious about marriage as a as a next step in their lives.”

Married at First Sight will feature a reality TV alum. NickUhlenhuth is looking for love this time, but has previously been on The Circle and Perfect Match.

Coelen was apprehensive about having him on the show, fearful that he wasn’t there for the right reasons. He was glad to be proven wrong after seeing Uhlenhuth’s connection with partner CourteneyLandis. 

“When you look at how he and Courteney align, it has nothing to do with any of that. The way that they match up across so many different qualities is really ideal,” Coelen said. “I don’t even know that we originally went out thinking, ‘Let’s find somebody from another show.’ Those are things that we all talk about, but I think getting to know his family, getting to see the relationship role models around him and the way they talked about him, all of that added up to feeling like he was a really good choice.”

Season 20 of Married at First Sight is now streaming on Peacock. 

Mackenzie "Kenzie" Annis made her love for dancing known throughout Love Island USASeason 8. She practiced her splits every day and did them when she was mad or happy.

Some fans wondered if she would do Dancing with the Stars next. She already interacted with one of the professional dancers after leaving the villa!

Ezra Sosa Told Kenzie Annis She Could Win 'Dancing with the Stars' Ezra Sosa

Disney/Andrew Eccles

Kenzie made a TikTok walking down a street with Dylan Wrona lip syncing to a pop song on July 13. "The mirrorball is CALLING your name," Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Ezra Sosa commented.

"SHUT THE FRONT DOOR," Kenzie replied. An islander hasn't appeared on the competition show, but she could be the first.

Kenzie and Dylan were cut out of the top four couples. They met in Casa Amor and she stopped exploring other connections after she kissed Gal Tshnieder. The new couple met each other's parents on family day and got their support.

Related: Why Some ‘Love Island USA’ Producers Call Themselves ‘The Manipulators’

Aftersun revealed that Kenzie and Dylan slept in the same room after they were dumped. They didn't sleep until five in the morning to talk. Dylan said they are exclusive.

"I think she wants me to officially ask her," he said and she agreed. "Which will happen when we get to the outside world. I mean, as of now, we're not even living in the same area."

The dancer is from Georgia and he lives in Los Angeles. She introduced her father to the model over FaceTime, and he was supportive.

Which Celebrities Watch 'Love Island USA' Season 8? Mackenzie "Kenzie" Brooke Annis on 'Love Island USA'

Kim Nunneley/Peacock

Sosa, 25, is hardly the only famous person to watch this season. Kevin McHale from Glee is friends with Bryce Dettloff and encouraged his Instagram followers to vote for him to win.

Season 8's finale had the finalists watch important moments from their time in villa on a big screen. It ended with a series of video messages from celebrities.

"What's up, islanders? You did it big," Lizzo said. "You ate this season up. You've inspired us so much to love. I hope you're ready to get out of that villa 'cause your whole life is about to change."

"Ya'll made this summer so much fun and I know I was locked in for every second," Demi Lovatosaid. "Sending you all so much love and enjoy those french fries tonight."

Related: ‘Love Island USA’: Gabriel Reveals if He’ll Date Beatriz Outside the Villa

Alex Warren said he watched the show before his performances. He also showed that he was eating french fries.

"Thanks for entertaining us all and most importantly bringing it back to love," Ciara said. "Cici loves ya'll."

Jordin Sparks, Sombr, and Ke$ha appeared and thanked the show for using their music. Druski joked about going to the reunion to find love.

The season's reunion will premiere on Peacock on Monday, August 31 at 9 p.m. ET. Madix andAndy Cohenwill host.

Related: Alannah Keyser of ‘Love Island USA’ Speaks Out After Exit for Racial Slur Video

Joe Melson, the singer-songwriter behind some of rock’s greatest operatic ballads and the musician widely credited with helping create the Roy Orbison sound, has died.

He was 91 years old.

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The news was posted on Facebook by Melson’s son-in-law, who introduced the announcement.

View this post on Instagram

“It is with profound sadness that I must inform you that my father-in-law, Joe Melson, has passed on to write better songs (if that can be done),” Melson’s son-in-law wrote in the post. “Mr. Melson left by natural causes at the age of 91 on July 1st with family close by.”

Best known for his legendary songwriting partnership with Roy Orbison, Melson wrote more than 120 songs, including iconic hits “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Blue Bayou.” No stranger to the song charts, “Only the Lonely” hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and launched Orbison into superstardom. In addition, “Running Scared,” co-written by Melson, marked the dream team’s first No. 1 hit.

As a solo singer, Melson found modest success with Acuff-Rose Music and Hickory Records, per Saving Country Music. Beyond Orbison, Melson’s music included “Run, Baby Run (Back Into My Arms)” for the Newbeats and tracks for Glenn Barber and Don Folger.

A BMI Award winner, Melson enjoyed the peak of his career from 1959 to 1963. During that period, several of his best-known songs—including “Only the Lonely” and “Crying”—were released, and later recognized among Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, as well as inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Melson helped pioneer the dramatic rock ballad by blending rockabilly, country, and soaring operatic pop. In 2018, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“This tremendous man has left the same tremendous hole with Raindrops, Raining in our Hearts,” the post continued. “Thank you all for your kindness to Joe throughout his over 75-year career. He was still writing up until Father’s Day this year. What a passion for his craft.”

Orbison’s estate also paid tribute to Melson on Facebook.

The statement read in full:

“In 1959, a young songwriter named Joe Melson tapped on the window of Roy’s car in West Texas. Roy was sitting there, guitar in hand, working out a melody the way he often did. That knock on the glass changed everything.

“Joe heard something in Roy—a voice built for heartbreak, for the operatic, for songs that didn’t just tell a story but ached,” the post continued. “What followed was one of the great songwriting partnerships in American music.

“Joe was rightfully inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, a long-overdue recognition for a man some called the most unsung hero in songwriting,” the post continued. “But to our family, he was something simpler and dearer: the friend who saw what was possible in Roy before the rest of the world did, and who never stopped being proud of what they built together.

“We send our love to Joe’s family, and our deepest gratitude for a partnership that gave the world ‘the Roy Orbison sound,’” the post concluded. “Rest easy, Joe. Thank you for hearing it first.”

Orbison died in December 1988 at the age of 52 from a heart attack.

Related: 1968 Classic, Rock’s First Top 40 Heavy Metal Song, Became a Generational Anthem

The cause of former child actor Blake Garrett's death has been revealed, nearly six months later. Us Weekly reported on Monday, July 13, that Garrett, 33, died from acute fentanyl toxicity. His death was officially ruled accidental.

The news of Garrett's death was shared by his family on Feb. 9. His mother, Carol Permenter Garrett, confirmed his death to TMZ, sharing that her son had visited a Tulsa emergency room just a week before he passed away.

Garrett was experiencing "intense pain" and was later diagnosed with shingles, Carol told the outlet. She also revealed that Garrett had relocated to Tulsa specifically to focus on his sobriety, adding that she believed he had "truly turned things around."

Born on Sept. 14, 1992, Garrett's path to Hollywood started young. He got his start in local stage productions, including Aladdin and His Magical Lamp and Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute, before landing a spot in the touring cast of Barney's Colorful World International Tour. According to IMDb, his on-screen debut was in 2004, when he appeared at age 11 in the straight-to-VHS release Barney's Colorful World, Live!

Blake Garrett during "How To Eat Fried Worms" - Red Carpet Celebrity Event at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

(Photo by Bruce Gifford/FilmMagic)

Two years later, Garrett booked his first and only feature film role in How to Eat Fried Worms, playing Plug, a sidekick to classroom bully Joe, played by Adam Hicks. The cast also included Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Tom Cavanagh.

His performance earned him a 2007 Young Artist Award, and the film's entire cast took home the Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film prize that same year, as per Page Six.

Following the film's success, Garrett returned home to Edmond, Okla., where he finished school at Summit Middle School.

His family shared a loving note in his obituary and revealed that after stepping away from the spotlight, "he enrolled in Bethel Schools, where he found immense joy in participating in football. He loved the camaraderie and shared experiences with his fellow football players and held a deep affection for this period of his life and cherishes the memories it created."

A memorial service for Garrett was held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Shawnee, Okla., on Feb. 16, 2026.

Rick Wakeman, who first gained fame for his work in the legendary progressive rock band Yes starting in the early 1970s, is officially returning to the stage in 2027 after having to cancel his last tour because of a health scare. But first, Wakeman is back after months in an unexpected place: a European river cruise.

Wakeman is currently performing on the Basel to Amsterdam leg of the Trading Boundaries Voyage cruise down the Rhine River. The trip started on July 11 in Basel, Switzerland, and concludes in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on July 18.

Alongside the former Yes keyboardist, other music legends will also be performing, including former Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre and the rock band Caravan. A second cruise will take place between July 18 and July 25, sailing back to Basel.

For fans unable to grab tickets to the river cruise experience, there's no need to worry, as Wakeman announced a brand-new tour earlier this year. The 77-year-old music icon shared the exciting news with fans, revealing that he and his band, the English Rock Ensemble, will be embarking on an extensive tour throughout the United Kingdom next February and March.

It will officially be their longest U.K. tour yet, with Wakeman calling it The Wizard Of Prog - Ultimate Highlights Concert Tour. The first show will be on Feb. 17 in Brighton, England.

View this post on Instagram

There will be concerts every day or every other day until the final stop of the tour on March 12 in Leicester, England. Wakeman later added an extra date on March 9 in Reading due to demand, making the tour 19 shows in total.

Related: ’80s Rock Icon Simon Gallup Forced Off Stage Mid-Tour by Health Scare as Son Fills In

Wakeman's new performances, both those on the river cruise and the shows scheduled for early next year, are major moves for the musician, as he underwent corrective shunt brain surgery in November 2025.

He was forced to postpone his U.S. tour to early 2026 in order to focus on his health, but as far as fans can tell, Wakeman has been doing great after recovering from the surgery. Fans are especially hyped up about the chance to see him on his milestone U.K. tour next year.

Related: ’00s Rock Band Returns With New Track 11 Years After Last Album

Season 8 of TV's buzziest reality show is finally in the books, with Trinity Tatum and Bryce Dettloff crowned its winners during last night's finale.

The pair, who came to be known as "Brinity," had been coupled since day 1 of the season and since took home $100,000 to split between them.

As devoted fans are aware, the series is filmed at the picturesque Mamanuca Islands of Fiji, which can inspire one to start planning their own tropical getaway.

In fact, that's just what fans are doing, according to new data from Priceline. The city of Nadi, which is Fiji's main international getaway (and located roughly 11-35 miles away from the Mamanuca Islands) is seeing a notable increase in traveler interest for August, according to the online travel agency. More specifically:

• Flight searches to Nadi, Fiji are up 82% based on the biggest year-over-year increases in international roundtrip flight searches for August 1–31.
• Hotel searches in Nadi, Fiji are up 35% based on the biggest year-over-year increases in international hotel searches for August 1–31.

“As Love Island reaches its finale, it’s a timely example of how pop culture can shape travel inspiration," Christina Bennett, consumer travel trends expert at Priceline, said in a statement shared with Parade. "After weeks of watching Fiji’s beaches, resorts and scenery, viewers may begin imagining a trip of their own... By giving audiences an immersive look at a destination, shows like Love Island can inspire travelers to start exploring how to experience it for themselves.”

Meanwhile, fans are eager for more Love Island USA — and luckily, there will be a season 8 reunion. Host Ariana Madix announced it when the finale came to an end on Sunday, July 12. As the reunion has not been filmed yet, there is no official announcement of which cast members will return. Let the waiting begin...

Fifty-five years ago, iconic Southern rock group The Allman Brothers Band released "Midnight Rider"—a road trip staple that resurged over three decades later.

"Midnight Rider" was released as a single on March 26, 1971 after appearing as a track on the band's second studio album, Idlewild South. The track was pushed as a promotional single by Capricorn Records, catching listeners' attention on radio stations and quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Although the original rendition never entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart on its own, lead vocalist Gregg Allman's version did. In 1973, Gregg recorded a cover of the song for his debut solo album, Laid Back, taking it all the way to the No. 19 spot on the mainstream chart and selling over 700,000 copies.

Duane Allman chats with his brother Gregg Allman backstage before the Allman Brothers' performance at the Sitar on October 17, 1970 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Co-written by Gregg and Robert Kim Payne, "Midnight Rider" is a quintessential road trip anthem. The song tells the story of an outlaw on the run from the law. It focuses on themes of leaving the past behind and freedom, crafting lyrics that, when paired with its driving Southern rock sound, are made to be screamed with the windows down.

The Resurgence of "Midnight Rider"

Thirty-three years after its initial release, the track experienced a second wave of popularity. Gregg's solo cover was featured in the 2004 action movieWalking Tall during the opening credits, setting the tone for the film's Southern aesthetic. Its iconic placement paired with the film's box office success reignited public fascination with the song, introducing the classic track to a brand-new generation of moviegoers and rock fans.

"Midnight Rider" has continued to persevere among modern audiences, finding success in the digital era. On Spotify alone, the original rendition of the song has garnered over 360 million streams—even more than Gregg's solo version secured. This digital milestone cements the track's status as a timeless masterpiece that continues to soundtrack highway drives.

Related: 1975 Rock Classic, Featured in a Jukebox, Was a No. 1 Hit 51 Years Ago Today

On April 7, Cats: The Jellicle Ball made its debut on Broadway. The show, a musical revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats (1981), was received with positive reviews from fans and critics, scoring nine Tony Award nominations. However, it will soon be making its final bow.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball will make its final performance at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City on Aug. 8. Starring André de Shields as Old Deuteronomy, the show reimagines Webber’s classic musical. Instead of cats in a junkyard, the show finds the cast portraying members of competing houses in an underground LGBTQ+ ballroom scene.

“Three years ago, Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch began the remarkable process of reimagining Cats for a new generation. They assembled a visionary creative team that fused their passions for Ballroom and theatre to create something thrillingly new," Michael Harrison and Mike Bosner said in a statement obtained by Parade. "With a truly superhuman cast bringing this vision to life, New York has once again discovered the phenomenon that has become Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats: The Jellicle Ball.”

Harrison and Bosner continued, “The joy that radiates from the stage each night is unlike anything we’ve experienced in our careers. It has been a true honor to help bring Ballroom to Broadway."

Since the show previously premiered at Off-Broadway’s Perelman Performing Arts Center, fans quickly took to Playbill’s Instagram to suggest that the show return there.

“Ok, if there is any show we need to rally behind to try to save it from closing, it’s this one,” one user commented.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball won three of the nine Tony Awards it was nominated for this year. The production won for Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Musical, and Costume Design of a Musical. New York Theatre Guide said that the new take on the musical “imbues the show with care, pathos, drama, starlight, and explosive jubilation.”

Tickets for Cats: The Jellicle Ball are on sale now through Aug. 8 via Broadway.com.

In 1970, actor and musician Kris Kristofferson wrote the ballad "Help Me Make It Through the Night" after being inspired by a Frank Sinatra quote. Speaking to Esquire magazine, Sinatra was asked what he believed in. He answered with, "Booze, broads, or a bible ... whatever helps me make it through the night."

Kristofferson originally offered "Help Me Make It Through the Night" to singer Dottie West, with whom he was staying at the time. However, she initially felt it was "too suggestive" for her. Kristofferson ended up putting the track on his debut album, Kristofferson.

West would eventually record a version for her album, Careless Hands. She later said declining the song when initially offered was one of her "greatest regrets" pertaining to her career.

In May of 1970, Sammi Smith recorded a version that went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Smith's version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

"Help Me Make It Through the Night" is one of the most often covered songs in country music. Other notable artists who have covered "Help Me Make It Through the Night" include:

• Tammy Wynette
• Johnny Cash
• Elvis Presley
• Michal Bublé
• Loren Allred
• Gladys Knight & the Pips
• Willie Nelson

While Kristofferson is responsible for the song as the creator and songwriter, Smith's recording remains the most commercially and critically successful. On top of the Grammy notoriety, in 2024, Rolling Stone ranked her version at No. 71 on its 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time list. Her version of "Help Me Make It Through the Night" is one of the most successful country singles of all time in terms of sales, popularity, and radio play. Additionally, her cover topped the country singles chart and was also a crossover hit in terms of genre, reaching No. 8 on the U.S. pop singles chart. 

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Related: 1973 Country Classic, Covered Hundreds of Times, Considered ‘One of the Greatest Songs of All Time’

In a recent sit-down interview with the Happy, Sad, Confused Podcast, Moana live-action songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda revealed he almost played a pivotal bad guy for Kevin Feige in a Marvel Studios release right after ending his Broadway run on his Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton.

The multi-hyphenate creative was just getting his streak started at the time, having already worked on the animated Moana during his Alexander Hamilton-starring era, and his invite into the Disney Studios family very nearly came with major MCU cred.

Marvel Studios head Feige personally reached out to him as his run on stage was coming to a close to offer him the villain role in Spider-Man: Homecoming. "[He} told me the entire plot over the phone. And I was like, 'Oh!'" he said of his real-time reaction toward the reveal that Vulture, the role he was offered, was the father of the girl Peter Parker (Tom Holland) had feelings for in the film, but would also serve as Spider-Man's nemesis in the 2017 film.

While Miranda got hyped for the chance to play in the superhero sandbox for Sony and Marvel, there was one key detail that cut the conversation short. Miranda explained, "I said, 'When does it shoot?'" and said that Feige answered, "The moment you step off stage in Hamilton," which was not ideal. He turned down the role, telling Marvel's head honcho, "I love these movies, but I would really like to stay married. So I cannot do this."

The role of Vulture, of course, ended up going to superhero veteran and favorite Batman, Michael Keaton—a casting that Miranda conceded was more fitting than his, sharing that he felt "that would have been terrible" had he done it. "I'm very glad because Michael Keaton was perfect; they found exactly who they needed," he geeked out, admitting, "I have no regrets. I needed a vacation so badly...and I think I would have been deeply miscast."

Watch the rest of the interview below:

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Functional cookware is a must in any kitchen, but the absolute best pieces elevate the look of your space as they prepare your food. If you're looking to add more personality to your kitchen without breaking the bank, Paris Hilton's Heart-Shaped Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven might just be the dash of whimsy you need. 

Shoppers can now snap up this "pretty" Amazon favorite for just $35, down from its regular $60. Reviewers have raved about the quality and charm it adds to their cooking routine, awarding it over 2,000 perfect five-star reviews.

Paris Hilton's Heart-Shaped Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, From $35 (was $60) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Available in both cream and pink in multiple sizes (1-quart, 2-quart, and 4-quart), this pot is as functional as it is adorable. The 4-quart option is perfect for everything from simmering a cozy stew to baking crusty artisan bread. Meanwhile, the 1-quart and 2-quart options are "perfect size for single ladies" or quick side dishes, according to buyers. 

With its glossy enamel finish and chic gold heart knob, it's the kind of piece that will draw compliments whether it's bubbling on the stove or sitting center stage on your dinner table. 

This Dutch oven is crafted from durable, enameled cast iron that delivers even heat distribution and excellent heat retention. That means you'll get perfectly cooked results every time, whether you're roasting, braising, baking, or slow-cooking. The smooth interior helps prevent sticking, and some shoppers recommended hand-washing it to keep that shine looking brand-new.

Paris Hilton's Heart-Shaped Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, From $35 (was $60) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

With a glowing 4.7-star rating overall, fans said this Dutch oven is a standout. Many highlighted how the heart shape makes even everyday meals feel special, turning weeknight dinners into something a little more memorable. Several shoppers also mentioned that it's a thoughtful gift for newlyweds, home cooks, or anyone who loves to host.

"Cute and great to use every day," One shopper called it “cute and great to use every day,” adding: "Love the size of this, and it shapes my sourdough into a heart, which is super cute. This is an easy-to-use and versatile product."

Beyond its standout looks, the Paris Hilton Heart-Shaped Dutch Oven is as versatile as they come. Use it as a braiser, sauté pan, roaster, or even a bread pot. It's oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and compatible with all stovetops, so you're not limited to just one cooking method. Multiple reviewers said Paris Hilton’s Dutch oven is just as heavy-duty and cooks just as well as luxury brands' versions that retail for hundreds of dollars.

Shop More Deals

• Paris Hilton 2-Slice Wide Open Toaster, $35 (was $38) at Amazon
• Paris Hilton 6-Quart Air Fryer, $73 (was $100) at Amazon
• Paris Hilton Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set, $105 (was $141) at Amazon

Related: Shark's ChillPill Is the Coolest Summer Accessory for Celebs, and It's a Rare $30 Off on Amazon

Whether you're shopping for yourself or searching for a gift that's equal parts fun and functional, this $35 heart-shaped Dutch oven is sure to delight. Paris Hilton's kitchen collection brings a playful sense of luxury to everyday cooking and, right now, you don't have to spend a fortune to get in on the trend.

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While on his way to his temporary residence in Paris, Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams had a tense encounter with what Variety is calling “autograph hounds.”

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Williams steps out of a car while fans beg, “Please, Hudson.”

“Guys, you just followed me to my residence,” Williams said, grabbing the photos they were trying to get him to sign. “No, sorry. You can’t do this. This is really f—king weird, ok? You can’t f—king do this. This is f—king weird. You guys aren’t fans. You’re being really creepy, and you just followed me, ok? You don’t do this. You don’t do this.”

When Williams got offered a pen to sign the photos with, he threw it into the street. He tried to burn their photos with a lighter, but when it wouldn’t catch, he said, “I’m gonna burn this at home.”

“Now please, f—king leave,” Williams pleaded. “I want to watch you. Hop on your little bike.”

While some on YouTube have been calling Williams “arrogant” for this reaction, other fans quickly came to his defense.

“Whatever he did, he had every right to do it,” one user commented on Deuxmoi’s Instagram post. “If anything, he showed more restraint than most people would have. People who make a living invading others’ privacy have caused unimaginable harm before. The relentless pursuit of paparazzi played a role in the circumstances surrounding Princess Diana’s death. No matter what, we’re standing with Hudson.”

“Being a celebrity doesn’t erase your right to privacy,” a fan said. “Stop normalizing stalking and call it what it is.”

“Even when he's (rightfully) pissed off, he still manages to speak quietly and say 'thank you' and 'please,’” another noted. “Kudos [to] Hudson for standing on his own.”

This isn’t the first time Williams has clapped back at unkind fan interactions. In March, he said, “Don’t call yourself a fan if you share racist/homophobic/biphobic/misogynist/ageist/ableist/parasocial/bigoted comments of any kind. None of us need your hateful ‘love.’”

The full video of the interaction in Paris can be seen on Instagram.