Parade

John Fogerty, 81, has a fan in Taylor Swift.

The '70s folk-rock legend was one of the celebrated honorees at the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala on Thursday, June 11, in New York City. The Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman was honored with the Johnny Mercer Award for his lasting impact on American music and songwriting.

John Fogerty Performs "Proud Mary" With His Sons @people

Dance partners for life. 💃🕺 #TaylorSwift #TravisKelce

♬ original sound - People Magazine

Fogerty took the stage, accompanied by his musician sons, Shane Fogerty and Tyler Fogerty, for a performance of his classic 1969 hit "Proud Mary," a song that has remained one of the most enduring and recognizable anthems in rock history since its release with CCR.

While Fogerty's performance was a highlight of the gala, it was pop star Taylor Swift and fiancé Travis Kelce's reaction from the audience that ultimately stole the show.

John Fogerty is one of the most prolific and celebrated songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s, known for legendary anthems including "Proud Mary," "Fortunate Son," and "Have You Ever Seen the Rain."

While Fogerty performed "Proud Mary," which was originally recorded by CCR and later made famous by Tina Turner, the energized crowd rose to its feet, led by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, dancing and singing along to the timeless hit.

Related: 1969 Hit Just Named John Fogerty’s Best Song of All Time

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Reaction Steals the Show

Swift could be seen enthusiastically dancing and singing along as Fogerty performed and treating him to a rousing ovation as he accepted his award.

Fogerty's appearance underscored his enduring popularity and influence on generations of artists. His extensive songwriting catalog has left an indelible mark on popular music, making him a revered figure for songwriters like Swift.

Swift herself, who received the Hal David Starlight Award in 2010, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year, making her the first Starlight Award recipient to advance to full membership status in the organization.

Steven Spielberg Captures a Memorable Moment @amberg4207

“I had a plan, and that plan was - I outlived all those sons of bitches, and I got my music back!!!” - John Fogerty in his Songwriters Hall of Fame Speech *Taylor and Travis cheer* ❤️

♬ original sound - Amber(Taylor’s Version)🫶🏻

In addition to Swift and Fogerty, musicians Brandi Carlile, Steve Miller, and the Goo Goo Dolls' Johnny Rzeznik were also on hand for the evening's festivities.

Despite all the star power in the room, it was Swift's joyful reaction to John Fogerty's performance that captured the evening's spirit. Her unfiltered enthusiasm for another music icon was so sweet, it even caught film director Steven Spielberg's attention.

The legendary filmmaker was seated next to Swift and broke out his iPhone to film her reaction to Fogerty's "Proud Mary" performance.

That's definitely a Steven Spielberg movie every Swiftie would like to see.

Related: '70s Rock Legend Shares Haunting Meaning Behind 'Have You Ever Seen the Rain?'

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

Joanna Gaines is bringing a sweet new treat to grocery store freezers.

The Magnolia founder has expanded her popular food line with a collection of frozen desserts now arriving at H-E-B stores across Texas. The new offerings give fans another way to bring a taste of Gaines' signature style home, this time in the form of indulgent frozen treats perfect for summer.

View this post on Instagram

"Exciting news from the freezer aisle, Texans! @magnoliatable frozen baked goods are now @heb—available in-store, curbside or delivery," the former HGTV star announced via Instagram, calling it a "dream come true."

The baked goods — including Silo Cookies, Classic Cinnamon Rolls, Jo's Buttermilk Biscuits, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Classic Sugar Cookies, and Banana Bread — are available in the freezer section at over 250 H-E-B and Central Market locations.

Fans flocked to the comments section to share in Joanna's excitement.

"This is perfect timing. I’m about to put a curbside order in tomorrow," one follower wrote.

"Going to HEB for the chocolate chip," another Texas shared.

"I bought the frozen chocolate chip cookies…..Omg! So much deliciousness! The vanilla and sea salt really stand out! A lil pricey but omg! Girl you nailed it!!" a third noted.

While H-E-B is exclusive to Texas, Gaines fans across the country can pick up the frozen treats at Target.

The Fixer Upper alum announced the expansion of her collaboration with Target in October 2025.

View this post on Instagram

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

I just moved into a bigger apartment, which means I'm in need of a lot more furniture on a tight budget. That's why I've been turning to retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The online stores offer incredible discounts on highly-rated items, including exclusives that you legitimately can't get anywhere else. Walmart holds Drew Barrymore's collection, and the Beautiful Drew Bar Cabinet happens to be 54% off right now.

The piece originally cost $247, but has been reduced to just $114 during a limited-time rollback deal. The cabinet is available in two colors: black and thyme (which is essentially a blue-green hue). It's 18 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 46.25 inches tall, so make sure to keep those measurements in mind as you plan out your home layout. It can support up to 100 pounds and weighs 139.3 pounds, so you'll definitely need some help maneuvering it. 

Beautiful Drew Bar Cabinet by Drew Barrymore, $114 (was $247) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The design features two lower cabinet doors and a drawer tucked in the bottom portion of the space for ample storage. The X-shaped partition in the lower half is for bottles, and there's an adjustable shelf separating the compartment next to it so that you can organize your items accordingly. There's even an integrated wine glass rack that allows you to store your stemware in an area that's easy to reach. 

The upper cabinet has sliding doors that you can store items like cocktail shakers or more wine bottles in. It's made with solid wood (a mix of medium density fiberboard and particle board) and finished with gold handles that will add some elegance to your space. The Scandinavian decor style has fluted fronts to incorporate texture. Over 25 shoppers already have this cabinet in their carts, with several describing it as "fantastic," "gorgeous," "perfect," "absolutely beautiful," and "high-quality."

Related: Walmart's 'Wonderfully Made' $18 Maxi Skirt Is 'Stylish,' 'Lightweight,' and So 'Versatile' for Summer

You will have to assemble the piece upon arrival, but shoppers said that it wasn't difficult to put together. Customers love that it even comes with a touch up pen if any unwanted scuffs arise throughout use, which is particularly helpful if you order the green color, since it's not as common. You can easily create a sleek little bar area in your home with this cabinet! 

Shop More Deals

• Yokila Wood Grain Rustic Table Lamp Set, $56 (was $66) at Walmart 
• UVN Summer Dress, $15 (was $30) at Walmart
• TLSunny Outdoor Patio Dining Set, $266 (was $410) at Walmart 

Whether you just moved or are looking for a furniture upgrade, this bar cabinet is the answer. It's the ideal place to store all of your favorite beer, wines, liquors, and glassware, at a fraction of the cost. Shop this stunning bar cabinet now at Walmart for 54% off! 

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

Summer just got a nostalgic twist.

Mini Melts introduced a new beaded ice cream on Thursday built around the sweet milk left at the bottom of a cereal bowl. The flavor, called Fruity Cereal Crunch, is the brand's first cereal milk creation. It pairs creamy frozen beads with crunchy fruity cereal flakes, chasing that last colorful spoonful most people grew up with. Mini Melts says the launch taps into one of food's biggest nostalgia trends.

🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳

A Flavor Built on Childhood Memory

Mini Melts CEO Ilana Fischer said in a statement that cereal milk "instantly connects people to childhood memories." It is the brand's first time building a flavor around it, pulling the comfort of a Saturday morning into a frozen treat.

For anyone new to the format, Mini Melts are tiny, colorful beads of ice cream served in a cup rather than a scoop, a novelty the company has built its name on since 2004. The beads are flash-frozen at 40 degrees below zero and made with a 14 percent butterfat recipe.

Related: Blue Bunny Announces Major Changes to 2 of Its Most Popular Ice Cream Treats

Where To Find It

Fruity Cereal Crunch is rolling out to more than 35,000 locations nationwide, including 7-Eleven, CVS and Walgreens, plus family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, go-kart tracks and travel centers. The push follows a recent partnership with The Magnum Ice Cream Company to widen distribution, and it lands amid a summer full of new ice cream flavors.

View this post on Instagram

Mini Melts is also running a sweepstakes tied to the launch through July 18, giving fans a window to track down a cup before summer ends.

Next: Nothing Bundt Cakes Gets Patriotic With Summer Desserts Featuring Its No. 1-Selling Flavor

For decades, Phil Ehart has been the stabilizing force in the band Kansas.

A co-founder and the band’s manager, he’s as engrained in the progressive rock outfit as “Dust in the Wind” is in our collective memory. But it’s taken more than 50 years to really learn about the man behind the drum kit. 

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

View this post on Instagram

Released this year, I Am Phil explores Ehart’s life in full, from his family and faith, to his 50 years touring the world with one of the greatest rock bands of all time. And like every brilliant memoir, it’s full of revelations, with visceral stories of The Doors, Janis Joplin, and Jerry Garcia filling the pages. The most shocking, however, might be Ehart’s brush with death in February 2024. 

In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, the drummer shared that writing about his health scare was particularly difficult for his wife, Laurie. 

“I almost died right in front of her,” he shared. “It wasn’t anything we expected. It wasn’t like I was showing any symptoms. I’d always been in such good shape, I’d played my drums earlier that day, had exercised by walking the golf course, and the band had been playing 50th Anniversary Tour shows two days before.”

He added that he hadn’t experienced any chest pains, but “when I felt like I’d been shot in the back and my back muscles and shoulder hurt, luckily, Laurie called the ambulance immediately. … I was fortunate to survive.”

Beyond the health revelation, Ehart shared that the early incarnation of Kansas was part of The Doors’ final concert, Janis Joplin told him to never give up, and an encounter with Jerry Garcia was recounted in The Grateful Dead’s “Truckin’.”

When asked what prompted him to share his story now, Ehart said the driving force was a desire to leave a record of his life for his children, which ultimately pushed him to begin writing.

"Being on the road, playing in the band, and managing the band, I never had the time to sit down and look back on my life," he said. "In doing this, I realized it can be difficult to reflect on one’s life, especially when you are starting from the beginning."

Per the outlet, Ehart’s memoir is “the kind of insider’s account that will be illuminating for fans, and for any wayward sons (and daughters) who have carried on with Kansas for its 50-plus years.”

I Am Phil is available at philehart.net.

Related: ’70s Folk Rock Legend Stuns With Moving Performance of 1966 Timeless Ode to Home

A new footwear drop at Costco is catching the attention of shoppers who care about comfort as much as they do about style. The retailer has added a pair of max-cushion sneakers designed to support long days on your feet, whether you are running errands, walking for exercise, or just looking for a more comfortable everyday shoe.

Costco is now carrying Saucony Women's Hurricane 25, a cushioned running shoe that focuses on softness, stability and all-day wear. Costco is offering the shoes online only in green or white shoe colors for $119.99, which is significantly lower than the roughly $170 price tag at many other retailers. Sizes range from 6 to 10, and the listing notes that availability may vary.

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

Built for Comfort From the Ground Up

Costco

At first glance, the Hurricane 25 looks like a typical modern running sneaker, but its design is centered around cushioning and support. The shoe features a mesh upper that keeps things lightweight and breathable, while a heavily cushioned midsole provides a soft, springy feel underfoot.

Saucony designed this model with maximum cushioning in mind, prioritizing comfort over speed. The midsole uses a dual-density foam system that combines a soft, responsive layer with a more supportive base. This setup helps reduce foot fatigue during long periods of walking or running.

Related: Shoppers Are Reliving the '80s With Costco's Retro Party Essential

A Costco Deal on a High-End Running Favorite

Outside of Costco, the Hurricane 25 has earned a strong reputation among runners and everyday wearers. Many users praise it as a reliable daily shoe that works well for long walks, recovery days and anyone who spends hours on their feet. Some also say it helps reduce foot fatigue thanks to its thick cushioning and stable platform.

The shoe is considered a "max-cushion" trainer, meaning it has a thicker stack of foam underfoot than traditional sneakers. That extra cushioning can feel soft and bouncy, though some runners note that it may feel heavier or less agile than lighter performance models.

Even with those trade-offs, it remains a popular choice for people who prioritize comfort and support. Reviews often mention its stability, plush feel and ability to work well with orthotics.

For Costco shoppers, the appeal is simple. The retailer is offering a well-known premium running shoe at a lower-than-usual price point, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to upgrade their everyday sneakers before summer travel, walks, or workouts ramp up.

Related: Costco Is Selling Classic Organic Cotton Tees for Just $11

With their gripping storylines and usually action-packed sequences, it's unsurprising that the thriller genre tends to produce widely popular films. The publication Collider recently highlighted some of the top-grossing and acclaimed movies from the stress-inducing genre by releasing a list of "the 5 most perfect blockbuster thriller movies."

The ranking featured films like 1993's The Fugitive and Die Hard, released in 1988, with the 1975 movie Jaws coming in at the top spot. According to Collider, Jaws, which grossed $261,300,121 worldwide per Box Office Mojo, not only tells a compelling, intense story involving a deadly shark and a terrorized beach town, but is also an extremely influential film.

Steven Spielberg Shared Details About Filming 'Jaws'

The director of Jaws,Steven Spielberg, shared some details about shooting the movie, based on Peter Benchley's 1974 book, in Martha's Vineyard in 1974 while filming the introduction for the 2025 documentaryJaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story. The famed director noted that making the movie wasn't exactly smooth sailing. He said that the film's cast and crew were only supposed to be out in Martha's Vineyard for a few weeks in May and June. However, they "did not wrap on Martha's Vineyard until the end of September." In addition, he said the film was "over budget and over schedule," causing Spielberg, who was 27 during the making of Jaws, to feel "over [his] head."

"That summer of 1974 was a bad dream before it ever became the dream of a lifetime," said Spielberg.

He said that he "truly believed that Jaws would be the last movie [he] would ever be given to direct" because of the issues that arose while shooting, specifically involving the famously temperamental mechanical shark. He said, however, that the success of the film allowed him to continue his career.

"Thankfully, a life preserver was thrown to me, and that preserver was thrown to me by audiences all over the world, beginning right here, with the very first audience who saw Jaws in Martha's Vineyard," said Spielberg.

Today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle answers are a little all over the place, but one of them will definitely activate your sweet tooth while another will remind you of grade school. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's The Mini Crossword, too!

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

So, if you're working on today's Mini on for Today's Mini Crossword on Friday, June 12, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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

Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Friday, June 12, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Vertical post in a doorframe — HINT: Ends with the letter "B"

5 Across: What "E" stands for in the musical mnemonic EGBDF —HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"

7 Across: 6:7, e.g. — HINT: Starts with the letter "R"

8 Across: Rap or tap — HINT: Ends with the letter "K"

9 Across: Quick puff on a joint — HINT: Starts with the letter "T"

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Kind of seasoning for Jamaican-style chicken — HINT: Starts with the letter "J"

2 Down: ___-garde — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

3 Down: That makes two of us — HINT: Starts with the letter "M"

4 Down: Badly missed jump shot, in hoops slang — HINT: Ends with the letter "K"

6 Down: Oxen's harness — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Friday, June 12, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Vertical post in a doorframe — JAMB

5 Across: What "E" stands for in the musical mnemonic EGBDF —EVERY

7 Across: 6:7, e.g. — RATIO

8 Across: Rap or tap — KNOCK

9 Across: Quick puff on a joint — TOKE

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Kind of seasoning for Jamaican-style chicken — JERK

2 Down: ___-garde — AVANT

3 Down: That makes two of us — METOO

4 Down: Badly missed jump shot, in hoops slang — BRICK

6 Down: Oxen's harness — YOKE

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Today, Thursday, June 11, 2026

Shinedown, the chart-topping rock band, secured another milestone on Billboard.

The quartet, fronted by Brent Smith with drummer Barry Kerch, Zach Myers on lead guitar and Eric Bass on bass, added another first to its long list of achievements following the release of its album EI8HT on May 29.

The "Second Chance" hitmaker showed no signs of slowing down after scoring its first No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Hard Rock Songs chart with the track "Young Again."

Shinedown garnered more than 1.3 million streams and attracted more than 183,000 listeners on the radio following its debut.

Written by Smith and Bass, the song showcases a different musical direction, captivating listeners with its summer-jam nostalgia and pop-rock anthem sound while delivering emotional depth and compelling storytelling through its lyrics.

The frontman described the track as a reflection on living in a simpler era before technology and being present in the moment.

"When we wrote it, the entire embodiment of the song is about nostalgia," he told Jesse Modz of HeartRadio Canada. "That song is such a reflection of simpler times."

Brent Smith and Zach Myers of Shinedown perform onstage at Bunnie XO- Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic Tour in Nashville.

John Shearer/Getty Images

Smith also spoke about the influence of The Goonies and Stranger Things on their songwriting, particularly with "Young Again."

Shinedown currently holds the record for the most No. 1 songs in the history of Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

Over more than two decades in their music career, the band has earned 23 No. 1 singles.

1. "Save Me" (2005)
2. "Devour" (2008)
3. "Second Chance" (2009)
4. "Sound of Madness" (2009)
5. "The Crow & the Butterfly" (2010)
6. "Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)" (2011)
7. "Bully" (2012)
8. "Unity" (2012)
9. "Cut the Cord" (2015)
10. "State of My Head" (2016)
11. "How Did You Love" (2017)
12. "Devil" (2018)
13. "Get Up" (2018)
14. "Monsters" (2019)
15. "Attention Attention" (2020)
16. "Atlas Falls" (2020)
17. "Planet Zero" (2022)
18. "Daylight" (2023)
19. "A Symptom of Being Human" (2023)
20. "Dance, Kid, Dance" (2025)
21. "Killing Fields" (2025)
22. "Searchlight" (2026)
23. "Safe and Sound" (2026)

Shinedown’s Dance, Kid, Dance Act II Tour

Apart from achieving chart-topping hits, Shinedown has embarked on tours across 11 countries.

The Dance, Kid, Dance Act II Tour, which kicked off in May, is scheduled to visit major cities in Europe, North America, the United Kingdom and more before concluding in November.

Joining them are Coheed and Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes To New, Those Damn Crows and DJ Rockfeed as special guests on selected dates.

Related: Legendary ’60s Rock Band Announces Exclusive Collaboration

One of rock's most influential guitarists is preparing to hit the road once again.

Michael Schenker and the Michael Schenker Group have announced a new run of European dates for the Don't Sell Your Soul tour in support of their latest release.

The band shared the news on Instagram, writing, "We're excited to announce that the Michael Schenker Group will be hitting the road across Europe this November in support of the most recent album, Don't Sell Your Soul!"

The group also confirmed that longtime collaborator Robin McAuley will join the tour, performing both new material and fan favorites from throughout MSG's career.

"We can’t wait to see you all out there and share these special nights with you," the band told fans. "Are You Ready To Rock?"

The touring lineup will feature Schenker on guitar alongside McAuley on vocals, Steve Mann on guitar and keyboards, Barend Courbois on bass and Bodo Schopf on drums.

Schenker remains one of the most respected guitarists to emerge from the 1970s hard rock scene. After gaining international attention as a member of UFO, he helped create classics such as "Doctor Doctor," "Rock Bottom" and "Lights Out" before launching a successful career under his own name.

Through the Michael Schenker Group and later projects, Schenker became known for his melodic guitar style, helping influence generations of hard rock and heavy metal musicians.

"I've never known about anything technical," Schenker told Guitar World. "When I put a musical sketch together for a song, I can't say if it's major or minor. People say I switch between the two, but I don't know. Maybe I play parts of scales, but I don't know the names of them or the modes or whatever. I just don't care about that stuff."

The addition of McAuley is particularly notable for longtime fans. The singer fronted the band during the late 1980s and early 1990s, appearing on albums including Perfect Timing and Save Yourself. Their reunion in recent years has been warmly received by fans eager to hear material from that era performed live again.

And, after all these years, Schenker keeps his skills as sharp as they've ever been.

"I used to practice quite a lot, four to eight hours a day," he told Guitar Player. "I did the hardship when I was young — when you are supposed to do it. Now I'm just making sure I practice two hours a day outside of shows. I like to play between the soundcheck and when we go onstage. I just do whatever I like."

With a new album to promote and a catalog spanning more than five decades, the Don't Sell Your Soul Tour promises to showcase both Schenker's latest work and the songs that made him one of hard rock's most celebrated guitarists.

Michael Schenker Group 2026 European Tour Dates

• Nov. 5 — Barcelona, Spain — Razzmatazz
• Nov. 7 — León, Spain — Lion Rock Fest
• Nov. 8 — Bilbao, Spain — Sala Santana Gold
• Nov. 10 — Nantes, France — Stereolux
• Nov. 12 — Lausanne, Switzerland — Docks
• Nov. 13 — Munich, Germany — Nachtwerk
• Nov. 14 — Strasbourg, France — La Laiterie
• Nov. 16 — Zoetermeer, Netherlands — Boerderij

Related: 1970 Rock Classic, Originally Written on Train Tracks, Became a Summer Anthem

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

Summer footwear is all about practicality and finding the perfect balance between comfort and style. If you’re looking to refresh your seasonal collection, you need a pair of shoes that’ll let your feet breathe in sweltering temperatures and effortlessly complement all your chic summer outfits. These Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-Flop Sandals at Amazon fit the bill, and they’re currently on sale for less than $15 ahead of Prime Day! 

Normally retailing for $20, which is already a fantastic price, the khaki version of these sandals is now marked down to just $14. They're available in sizes ranging from 5 to 12, and shoppers noted that they fit true to size. For just a few dollars more, you can score these sandals in 13 other styles. Those normally retail for $23, but most are now on sale between $15 and $16, while a select few remain at full price. 

Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-Flop Sandals, From $14 (was $20) at Amazon

The Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-Flop Sandals, pictured here, is now on sale at Amazon.

Shop at Amazon

Delivering unparalleled comfort, the footbed of these flip-flops is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which is the same cushy material that many yoga mats are crafted from. It’s a lightweight material that won’t weigh you down, designed to make walking feel effortless. Each shoe weighs less than half a pound, so you can easily pack them and bring them along on all your upcoming vacations. 

Soft and bouncy, these sandals will cushion your feet with every step. The EVA material also absorbs the impact of your steps to reduce the pressure on your feet and joints. Attesting to their comfort, a customer stated that they were able to walk 12 miles in these sandals without any issues. Another reviewer commented that they took over 20,000 steps while wearing these flip-flops.

The footbed is contoured with curves to support the arches, heels, and balls of your feet. Supporting the natural shape of your feet, these sandals help prevent them from feeling fatigued. Shoppers with flat feet, reviewers with high arches, and those who experience plantar fasciitis all confirmed this. They raved about how comfortable these flip-flops are and mentioned that they don’t cause any pain or discomfort. 

“It's like walking on a supportive cloud,” one reviewer said. Another shopper called these sandals a “summer staple.” A third reviewer said that these are “cute flip-flops with real arch support” and described them as “stylish, lightweight, and durable.” 

Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-Flop Sandals, From $14 (was $20) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Ensuring traction on all kinds of surfaces, the outsoles are made of non-slip rubber. These sandals are waterproof, so you can keep your feet protected at the beach, pool, and waterpark without having to worry about ruining the material. 

Just like the average flip-flops, these have a classic Y-strap with a post that will sit snugly in between your big toe and second toe. The post extends into two wide straps that’ll snugly hug the top of your feet to keep them in place. The straps are made of faux leather with a fabric lining, and shoppers noted that they felt soft and didn’t rub against their skin. 

Their open and breezy design will give your look a summer-ready aesthetic while letting your feet breathe. You can throw them on with any outfit, whether you’re rocking casual streetwear, sporty athleisure, or a chic sundress. 

Shop More Deals 

• Kidmi H-Band Flat Sandals, From $26 (was $40) at Amazon
• Mazeskin Memory Foam Thong Sandals, From $14 (was $22) at Amazon
• Goosecret Double-Buckle Platform Sandals, From $19 (was $27) at Amazon

Related: Nordstrom Rack Has 'Supportive' Vionic Slide Sandals That You'll Want to Wear 'All Day' for 50% Off

Whether you’re running errands, sightseeing on vacation, or strolling through a park, you can slip into the Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-Flop Sandals for all-day comfort. Be sure to head to Amazon and grab them while they’re on sale for as low as $14 ahead of Prime Day! 

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.

If you’ve been noticing little changes on your recent Carnival cruises—like a surprise bagel bar at breakfast, a hot chicken-and-waffles pop-up by the pool, or lightning-fast new quick-service dinner options—you aren't imagining things. As it turns out, those fun upgrades were just a tiny prelude to a massive, multi-year transformation of how you eat at sea. Today, Carnival Cruise Line officially pulled back the curtain on "The Next Course," an ambitious culinary evolution designed to reshape its entire food and lounge ecosystem. Unveiled at an immersive preview event with chef Emeril Lagasse, the sweeping overhaul introduces high-concept specialty restaurants for upcoming ships alongside major tech-driven convenience updates hitting the existing fleet right now.

Related: Carnival Quietly Rolls Out New Dining Option Fans Are Already Loving

A Focus on Time & Convenience

Carnival Cruise Line

To pull back the curtain on why this shift is happening now, Juan Fernandez, Vice President of Food and Beverage, shared the massive changes in customer psychology that forced the brand to rethink its strategy. "Even when you look at the last five years to where we are today, we’ve really come a long way. There are some market changes in guest preferences... in dining in general," Fernandez explained, identifying a massive demand for choice, convenience and flexibility.

Crucially, Fernandez noted that vacationers' relationship with time has fundamentally shifted. "Dining times have changed... people want to eat earlier. And that is not only limited to our older crowd. Now it’s families, it’s a younger crowd, it’s groups," Fernandez said. "Number two, guests want to eat faster. Not all the time—maybe you want to enjoy a relaxed meal and that’s awesome—but part of the implication of having so many things to offer on our cruise ships... sometimes guests prefer a quicker dining experience so that they have the opportunity to enjoy all of these benefits."

That universal desire for effortless connection is exactly what Ally Nichols,
Vice President of Integrated Planning & Product Development, says anchors the brand's identity. "We carry about a hundred thousand guests on our ships on a given day across our fleet," Nichols noted. "Our brand is rooted in fun, and we have a very simple dining philosophy: Great food should be fun, it should be very flavorful and it should be accessible."

Related: The Newest 'Fun Ship' in the World Just Picked a Surprising U.S. Homeport

Four Brand-New Concepts Heading to Carnival’s Next Megaships Fetaccini on the new Carnival Festivale

Carnival Cruise Line

The most dramatic brick-and-mortar additions are slated for the cruise line's highly anticipated future vessels, Carnival Festivale (launching in 2027) and Carnival Tropicale (heading to Galveston in 2028). The brand-new sister ships will serve as the exclusive launching pads for four entirely fresh restaurant concepts designed around those exact shifting desires.

Heading up the new brick-and-mortar roster is Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, a concept deeply personal to Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse. The restaurant serves as a coastal tribute to his roots, blending his childhood memories of New England fish-and-chips and clam chowder in Fall River, Massachusetts, with the 45 years he has spent cooking along the Gulf. But for Lagasse, holding a massive cruise operation to world-class standards is the ultimate goal. He noted that his New Orleans flagship, Emeril's, recently earned two Michelin stars with his son, EJ, at the helm. "I bring that up because that's where my standards are when I work with the chefs at Carnival," Lagasse shared proudly. "If I had a dream, my dream would be to become the first cruise line to get one Michelin star." To achieve that, he insists on keeping things elevated but uncomplicated, noting that seafood is "one of the most honest ingredients that you can possibly have."

Joining his seafood anchor is Uku Lei Lei, a vibrant spot where Hawaiian specialties meet bold Asian influences (featuring an inclusive first visit, then an $8 cover charge for subsequent meals), alongside Fetaccini, a Mediterranean-inspired haven blending classic Italian favorites with Greek specialties like moussaka. Carnival Festivale will also feature Le Bistro Musicale, an intimate, Parisian-inspired venue pairing classic French cuisine with live melodies.

The shipboard nightlife on Festivale is getting an equally sleek, musically themed upgrade. Passengers can look forward to grabbing pre-dinner drinks at The Spark, a vibrant lounge featuring live performances and sophisticated cocktails inspired by iconic hit songs, or hanging out at Mix, a playful, high-energy bar where guests can layer unique flavors to craft their own custom drinks. Even the morning routine is getting an atmospheric makeover with the introduction of the Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, a dynamic, European-inspired space that serves specialty coffees by morning before seamlessly transitioning into a trendy cocktail lounge at 3:00 p.m.

Related: Carnival Just Added a New 'Free' Menu Option to These Ships—And It's a Total Crowd-Pleaser

Fresh Menu Upgrades, Breakfast Pop-Ups and App Shortcuts

Beyond the new concepts coming to its newest ships, Carnival guests can expect a wave of tech-enabled enhancements and exciting new concepts fleetwide. Instead of executing changes in a vacuum, the line is heavily relying on passenger data and active feedback to shape the future of the fleet's menus. "We stay in touch with what our guests want, what their needs are, to make sure that we have an experience that’s relevant for them," Fernandez noted.

That focus on passenger relevance starts right in the Main Dining Room, which is rolling out completely refreshed breakfast, brunch and dinner creations—introducing savory new dishes like a salmon Wellington and bacon-wrapped pork chops. The premium, multi-course Chef's Table experience is also getting a total menu makeover focused on elevated, regional flavors, while the poolside Blue Iguana Cantina is shaking things up with daily rotating specials.

Because trying out fun, fast-casual snacks is half the joy of a cruise vacation, Carnival is leaning heavily into casual daytime options that guests can grab on the go. The line is officially rolling out Bagels @ Sea—featuring freshly baked bagels with assorted premium toppings—and interactive Fruity & Frosted breakfast bars to give families a quick, playful option to kickstart their mornings on Excel-class ships. The Lido Marketplace buffets are getting a targeted menu lift of their own, rolling out a dedicated "Lido Family Menu" packed with rotating, kid-approved favorites alongside specialized daytime pop-ups like gourmet ice cream and milkshake bars.

The final piece of the upgrade is all about making those busy vacation routines completely effortless via smart app shortcuts. Carnival is launching a brand-new mobile coffee shop order-and-pickup feature. Instead of spending your precious morning vacation time waiting in a slow-moving line at the café, passengers will soon be able to pre-order their morning latte or iced specialty espresso directly through the Carnival HUB app and grab it from a dedicated window on their way to the pool deck. It’s a simple, stress-free shortcut that keeps the focus exactly where it belongs: having fun on vacation.

Related: Carnival Is Replacing Its Longtime Loyalty Program This Fall

On Sunday, June 7, Paul Simon performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, and some of the fans in attendance will never be the same. 

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

Delivering a night of classics pulled from both his solo career and his Simon & Garfunkel catalog for an audience of more than 17,000, the 84-year-old legend moved the audience to tears. Most notably with his emotionally charged performance of his 1966 ode to home, “Homeward Bound.”

@2muchlivemusic

@Paul Simon mon & Garfunkel songs in full during his show at the @HollywoodBowl on “A Quiet Celebration Tour,” but both were doozies, including this rendition of “Homeward Bound.” #paulsimon #simonandgarfunkel #homewardbound #folkmusic #hollywoodbowl

♬ original sound - 2 Much Live Music

​In a TikTok video of the performance, Simon is seen propped on a stool, strumming a vintage acoustic guitar. He’s wearing a white ball cap, a red button-down, and light-wash denim as he harmonizes through the song’s deeply vulnerable expressions of longing. Meanwhile, waves of nostalgia, loneliness, and hope are washing over those on the benches.

​Fans took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the moving performance, stating sentiments like, “How did you not SOB through the entire performance?” “ Thank you so much for sharing this,” and “Legend.”

​According to the Los Angeles Daily News, a woman in the crowd was heard saying, “Wow, he really got me good. I’m crying.” 

Simon’s intimate performance seemed to have that effect on everyone, as the publication shared, “To see the 84-year-old singer-songwriter anywhere these days is a wonder of small joys given his age and related ailments, including the hearing loss that prompted his 2018 announcement he was retiring from live performance.”

​The performance was part of Simon’s outdoor leg of his comeback tour, called A Quiet Celebration. It follows Simon’s return to the stage last year for a run of intimate, smaller-venue performances, part of which was filmed for his upcoming concert film, Paul Simon: The Quiet Celebration Concert. The documentary premieres June 26 on Disney+ and Hulu. A companion live album will follow on Oct. 9.

​“I always look forward to playing here,” Simon told the outlet of the Hollywood Bowl, where he’s reportedly played at least 10 times either alone or with his musical other half, Art Garfunkel. "It’s one of the great concert venues, as you know.”

​Released in January 1966, “Homeward Bound” was featured on the duo’s Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme album. The track peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining track in the pair’s discography, establishing Simon & Garfunkel as pioneers of 1960s folk rock.

​While recording his 2023 album, Seven Psalms, Simon began experiencing hearing loss, leaving him with only about 6% hearing in his left ear, per CBS News. Relying on hearing aids and reimagining arrangements, he’s shifted his focus to quieter, acoustic classics, hence A Quiet Celebration.

For tickets, dates, and other information, head to paulsimon.com.

Related: 1989 Ballad, the Supergroup’s Second-Best Hit, Became a Timeless Arena Anthem

Passengers flying Hawaiian Airlines this summer may notice something a little different outside their window. The airline has partnered with Disney to unveil three special-edition aircraft liveries inspired by Moana, celebrating the release of Disney's live-action adaptation of the beloved film, which arrives in theaters on July 10.

The first aircraft has debuted on one of Hawaiian Airlines' Airbus A321neo planes. According to the airline, the design draws inspiration from Moana's journey of "exploration, wayfinding, and adventure"—themes that feel particularly fitting for an airline whose network connects Hawaiʻi with destinations across the Pacific.

The newly painted aircraft will operate routes between Hawaii, the U.S. West Coast, and the Cook Islands.

Hawaiian Airlines says two additional Moana-inspired liveries will take to the skies later this month, one on an Airbus A330 and another on a Boeing 717. Together, the trio of aircraft will carry the Disney-inspired artwork throughout the airline's network during the busy summer travel season.

View this post on Instagram The partnership celebrates a story rooted in Polynesian culture

The collaboration feels like a natural fit. Since its release in 2016, Moana has resonated with audiences around the world for its celebration of Polynesian culture, voyaging, and the spirit of exploration. The story follows a young navigator who embarks on an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean, guided by the stars and ancient wayfinding techniques.

Wayfinding—the practice of navigating using environmental cues such as stars, ocean swells, winds, and wildlife—has deep roots throughout Polynesia and remains an important cultural tradition across the Pacific.

Those themes align closely with Hawaiian Airlines' own identity. The carrier has long positioned itself as a bridge connecting the Hawaiian Islands with the broader Pacific region, making Moana's story of travel and discovery a particularly meaningful choice for a special aircraft livery.

The airline's announcement encourages travelers to keep an eye out for all three aircraft and share their sightings throughout the summer.

"Keep an eye out for all three designs as they make waves across our network this summer, and tag us if you find yourself on board!" the airline writes in its Instagram announcement.

Fifty-three years ago, the iconic soft rock duo Daryl Hall & John Oates released "She's Gone," a song that would become a staple breakup anthem.

Released in November 1973 as a single from their second studio album, Abandoned Luncheonette, "She's Gone" originally experienced a lackluster chart performance. The song peaked at the No. 60 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, failing to reach the upper echelons of the chart.

Even though it initially flopped, the American R&B group Tavares released a cover of the track in February 1974, putting a spin on the song that reignited the public's interest. Tavares' cover went on to experience major chart success, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Chart and No. 50 on the Hot 100.

American musicians John Oates and Daryl Hall, of the duo Hall & Oates, play guitar and keyboard as they perform at the Palladium, New York on December 9, 1978.

Gary Gershoff/Getty Images

After Daryl Hall & John Oates grew a larger mainstream audience with their 1976 hit "Sara Smile," Atlantic Records chose to re-release "She's Gone." The duo's established fanbase helped to salvage the song's past failure, and the track reached the No. 7 position on the Hot 100 in November 1976.

Produced by Arif Mardin, "She's Gone" is recognizable for its masterful blend of soft rock, R&B and Philadelphia soul. The track is built around sweeping soulful harmonies, a lush string arrangement and a gentle rhythm section. Its production creates a stunning soul-rock ballad that perfectly complements the song's lyrical themes.

Co-written by the duo, "She's Gone" is a quintessential breakup anthem. The track explores the raw pain that comes with moving on from a failed relationship. During the writing process, both Hall and Oates were navigating real-life breakups, making for vulnerable lyricism that reflects their genuine emotions on the subject. The song's intimate feel deeply resonated with wide-ranging audiences—something that is still happening today.

Over five decades after its release, "She's Gone" continues to pull on the heartstrings of its evolving audience. The track has found further success in the digital era through streaming platforms. On Spotify alone, the single has accumulated over 161 million streams—a testament to its lasting impact.

Related: 1972 Rock Classic, Which Saved a Band From Breakup, Became a Breakthrough Radio Anthem

There's a reason Ray Charles earned the nickname "The Genius." When a crowd wanted more and he had nothing left to give, he invented something on the spot — a song Rolling Stone would go on to rank as one of the ten “Greatest of All Time.”

In December 1958, Charles and his band had a gig at a Pittsburgh dance hall. It was a standard four-hour set running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with a 30-minute break in the middle. Nothing out of the ordinary for the Atlantic-signed singer-pianist, who had already made a name for himself four years earlier with the breakout hit "I Got a Woman."

But around 12:45 a.m., Charles hit a wall. He and his band had burned through their entire setlist with about 15 minutes still on the clock. With nothing left to play and a paycheck that depended on finishing the night, he had to think fast.

“I said to the guys, ‘Hey, whatever I do, just follow me,’” Charles later recalled in an interview with David Letterman. “And I said the same thing to the girls, I said, ‘Whatever I say, just repeat it, I don’t care what it is.’”

Charles sat down at his electric Wurlitzer and started playing a bass riff with his left hand. His band followed his lead, and within moments the Pittsburgh crowd was hearing "What'd I Say" for the very first time.

The audience didn't even wait for the song to end. By the time Charles and his band wrapped up, fans were already rushing the stage wanting to know where they could get their hands on a copy. 

Over the next few tour dates, Charles kept playing it, and the response was the same every night. Brother Ray didn't need much more convincing — it was time to get in the studio and record it.

Charles got on the phone with his producers at Atlantic and told them about a song he'd been playing that was driving crowds absolutely crazy. He couldn't quite put his finger on what it was, but audiences lost their minds every single time he played it.

Charles headed to New York City to record it shortly after and "What'd I Say" was officially released on June 8, 1959. Less than two months later it hit No. 1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart and reached No. 6 on the Hot 100, becoming the first gold record of his career.

Not everybody shared the audience's enthusiasm though. Music executives and radio stations took offense at the suggestive "oohs" and "aahs" throughout the track and did their best to keep it off the air. 

Charles looked back on it years later during an interview with Bob Costas. “What is suggestive about making a sound?” he quipped, “It’s all I was doing… “Ooh,” “aah,” that’s all — I didn’t say nothing!”

Most people watch a solar eclipse from the ground. Delta Air Lines is giving travelers the opportunity to experience one from 30,000 feet in the air.

In a recent Instagram post, the airline announced special August 12 flights between New York's JFK Airport and Iceland designed to give passengers a unique vantage point for viewing a rare solar eclipse above the clouds.

"A rare eclipse deserves an unforgettable view," Delta wrote in the post. "Join our special August 12 JFK to Iceland flights and watch the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse above the clouds."

The airline paired the announcement with a carousel of eclipse imagery and the caption, "Swipe to reveal what an eclipse looks like from 30,000 ft."

During totality, the moon completely blocks the sun, temporarily turning day into twilight and revealing the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

For skywatchers and travel enthusiasts alike, flying with Delta could offer one of the most dramatic ways to witness the celestial event. Unlike viewing an eclipse from the ground, where weather conditions can easily obstruct visibility, watching from an aircraft can provide a clearer view above cloud cover. Passengers may also experience changing perspectives as the aircraft moves through the eclipse path, creating a uniquely immersive experience.

View this post on Instagram

Iceland, alongside Spain, has become one of the most sought-after destinations for eclipse travelers because of its location along the path of totality for the August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse. The event is expected to attract visitors from around the world, with destinations across Iceland already preparing for an influx of travelers hoping to witness the phenomenon.

In fact, airports all along the eclipse path are witnessing a 25% increase in year-on-year flight bookings for arrivals between August 7 and August 12, 2026, compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, hotels in regions where the eclipse can be seen have reported a 16% rise in occupancy.

Delta is no stranger to eclipse-focused flights. The airline previously operated a special flight for the 2024 total solar eclipse in North America, which sold out within 24 hours, giving passengers an aerial view of one of the decade's most anticipated astronomical events.

The August 12 flights continue that tradition, transforming a routine transatlantic journey into a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Flight DL246 on Wednesday, August 12, at 11:55 p.m. and flight DL18 on Wednesday, August 12, at 11:59 p.m. are both expected to sell out quickly.

For many travelers, the eclipse may be the main attraction. But the flights also arrive in one of the world's most spectacular destinations just as it prepares to host one of the most anticipated celestial events of the decade.

Ariana Grande does not want her music used by the Trump administration.

Earlier this week, the White House posted a video to TikTok. It included footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as well as other federal officers, arresting people. It used the pop singer’s 2024 hit “Bye” for the audio.

The social media post included a caption that read, “Bye-bye 👋 President Trump has delivered the most secure border in history," alluding to the song used on the video, which is from Grande’s Eternal Sunshine album.

“Please do not ever use my music in relation to this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense. Fck ice,” the singer-songwriter wrote in the comment section on Thursday, June 11.

The song has now been muted from the TikTok video.

White House spokeswoman AbigailJackson responded to the interaction with a statement to Variety, “We’ll say this one last time: what’s actually barbaric, inhumane, and heinous are the criminal illegal aliens who have injured and murdered innocent American citizens.”

This isn’t the first time Grande has shared her political opinions.

During the 2024 presidential election, the “no tears left to cry” singer supported the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. She also performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the “In Performance at the White House: Women of Soul” event in 2014.

Grande also spoke out against the Trump White House in September 2025. She shared a post on Instagram that called out the administration for ICE raids and transphobic language.  

White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai didn’t like her criticism.

“Save your tears, Ariana. Because President Trump’s actions ended Joe Biden’s inflation crisis and are bringing in trillions in new investment,” he said. “He even signed an executive order just like magic that paved the way for the FTC to crack down on Ticketmaster for ripping off Ariana Grande’s concert-going fans. Get well soon, Ariana!”

Ariana Grande just kicked off her “Eternal Sunshine” tour on June 6, 2026, with 41 shows planned.

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’ve been waking up hot or kicking your top sheet off by 2 a.m., Walmart has a bedding deal you'll want to grab before the next heat wave. The U by Bedsure 4-Piece Cooling Sheets Set is on a flash deal for as low as $18 right now, depending on the color and size. The best markdowns are currently on the beige colorway, ranging from twin starting at $18 to king at $22. Most sizes are under $20, and even the king-sized set is only a couple of dollars more, which is still a steal for a four-piece sheet set.

The set comes in 10 colors and five sizes: twin, twin extra large, full, queen, and king. It includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases, though the pillowcase count varies by size. It’s made from soft polyester microfiber with cooling, breathable features, and the fitted sheet has deep pockets and a full elastic wrap to help keep it in place. It’s also machine washable and includes a dainty ruched trim.

U by Bedsure 4-Piece Cooling Sheets Set, $19 (was $47) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The beige queen set is the best under-$20 deal, since it’s currently $19, down from $88. If you want the biggest dollar savings overall, the king size is also an impressive markdown at $22 (originally $103). Regardless of which size you choose, this set is a super practical buy for guest rooms, dorms, vacation rentals, or anyone who wants an extra set ready for laundry day.

Shoppers have called them the “best sheets ever,” noting they’re “super comfy,” “cozy,” and “breathable.” One person described the sheets as being “very soft,” adding that “the trim is very cute,” while another mentioned that their lightweight feel is “great for summer.” 

Related: Amazon’s 'Breathable' $22 Comforter Set Feels 'Like Sleeping in a Cloud' and Comes in 8 Colors

The wide color range makes it a breeze to match your room decor or other blankets. Beige works with almost any bedding setup, while the ivory, bright white, gray, and taupe options are super easy neutrals. The sea foam green, dusty blue, pageant blue, and teal styles add a pop of color, and you could even pair one of the lighter shades with a quilt or fun throw pillows.

Shop More Deals

• Cshidworld 4-Piece Cooling Sheets Set, $19 (was $41) at Walmart
• Sormag 2-Piece Duvet Cover Set, $25 (was $53) at Walmart
• Sonoro Kate 4-Piece Cooling Bamboo Sheets Set, $25 (was $48) at Walmart

The U by Bedsure 4-Piece Cooling Sheets Set is an easy, budget-friendly way to make your bed look and feel more summer-ready without buying all-new bedding. Be sure to add a set to your cart while Walmart’s under-$20 flash deal is still live.

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.

"When I was 8 years old, thirty-nine people in my neighborhood died," is how director Michael J. Gallagher introduced his new film The Leader, a horrifying and honest look at the Heaven's Gate cult, which committed the largest mass suicide ever on U.S soil in an attempt to ascend to an alien spaceship.

The film features an amazing cast including Jim Parsons, Simon Rex, Grace Caroline Currey, and Vera Farmiga as Bonnie Nettles, and Tim Blake Nelson as Marshall Applewhite. Writer and Director Michael J. Gallagher got his start on YouTube in what is becoming an increasing wave of absolutely phenomenal films coming out of the online space.

Jumping right into it, I was absolutely rocked by The Leader. I largely find true crime/cult biopics to be incredibly disrespectful and often extremely distasteful. When dealing with tragedies that leave survivors and families of victims all the way until today, we see far too often that films are much more interested in trying to show how crazy, or how scary a given person/event was. I can confidently say, however, that The Leader is one of the best films I've seen from this genre, and the reason for that is the wealth of humanity the movie wields.

The Cast and the Figures they Portray

Gallagher's script and direction do a phenomenal job of doing something that Jim Parsons spoke about in the post-screening q+a, and that is highlighting how "un-crazy" everyone really was.

Instead of spending the runtime trying to freak you out and disturb you through disrespectful, dramatized performances, the film makes an incredibly noble attempt to realize the humanity of every single person involved in the Heaven's Gate tragedy, and what circumstances may have led them to forming the group. The result is a much more disturbing and frightening film because of the honesty and respect it gives its subjects. It shortens the distance of a tragedy like this and highlights how easy it is to end up indoctrinated, or worse.

Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles holding a Heaven's Gate meeting.

Photo by Bettmann on Getty Images

Instead of showing you a group of scary cult members, you see people struggling with their sexuality, their relationships, their mental health, and their lives. You watch as identities are stripped away in the search for a comfort outside this world, and how that construct can spiral out of control. Currey, Rex, and Parsons highlight this aspect of the film so masterfully. Parsons especially is breathtaking in this, utilizing a terrifying honesty and vulnerability that really affected me emotionally.

Of course, leading the film you have Nelson and Farmiga as the leaders of Heaven's Gate. There is such a profound sadness to these characters that makes their positions as manipulators within this cult so much more layered and complex. Farmiga is absolutely excellent, shouldering much of the internal conflict of someone in this situation. She takes what could be outwardly perceived as an objectionable person in Bonnie Nettles, and imbues within her so much tragedy and humanity. She is the emotional blade that cuts through the horror and makes this film work so well.

Leading the charge within the cast is Tim Blake Nelson, with one of the most haunting performances I have ever seen with his portrayal of Heaven's Gate Leader Marshall Applewhite. Reiterating the point I made with Farmiga's performance, Nelson manages to make Applewhite so much more tragic of a figure than myself and everyone else familiar with the story may have perceived him as. Instead of going the typical route of acting crazy and villainous, Nelson makes this character such a conflicted, broken, and reckless man who seems to get himself and countless others into an endless destructive cycle that he himself can't properly control.

Outstanding Filmmaking

Gallagher comes into every scene of this with such interesting and new ideas that the biopic genre is in desperate need of. I liken his filmmaking here to be much more in line with Sean Durkin's The Iron Claw, or Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer in the way that it utilizes much more subjectivity, symbolism, and unique structural ideas as opposed to your typical Wikipedia article style biopic.

The film utilizes a lot of analog tech throughout which aesthetically and thematically fits in with this story so well. VHS cameras are used throughout to such a great effect. My favorite of these sequences are the various times that Nelson portrays Applewhite's infamous talking head videos from the Heaven's Gate website.

The cinematography is wonderful. The shot selection serves really well to give the audience solid ground when its needed, and then rip a sense of reality away whenever necessary. You never get to relax throughout, with the camera always leaving you uneasy.

The edit is also excellent, jumping time periods left and right while keeping the sequencing of story so understandable and natural feeling. It's a really impressive final product.

The Leader is a gem of a film, understanding the universal truth that the closer something is to the audience, the more frightening and understandable it becomes. The cult we see in this film is not the monstrosity that the media and the popular consciousness have created, but instead a group of broken people trying their best to find a place to fit in this world. In the same way organized religion serves as a refuge for wayward souls, Heaven's Gate was a community where people tried to find a sense of belonging. Things ended up spiraling, and as a result, there are 39 people no longer with us, which is a tragedy nobody should make light of.

All the way through its final moments, the film is a sickening, horrifying, haunting reminder that indoctrination, control, and even darker pathways are always lying in wait when we lose our way. In a world that is increasingly more lonesome and alienating, the themes and conversations this film creates are more important than ever. I absolutely loved The Leader, and I think it is a must watch film that should be on everybody's radar.

Related: Legendary Filmmakers Reunite for the 50th Anniversary of 'Taxi Driver' and Share Little-Known Secrets From the Set

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