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If you carry an American Express Platinum Card, your hotel status portfolio is about to get a major upgrade. American Express and ALL Accor—the booking platform and loyalty program for French hospitality giant Accor—have officially unveiled a new global partnership that brings elite status matching and points transfers to eligible cardholders.

Rolling out in phases throughout 2026 across 12 key global markets—including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, and Japan—the alliance gives American Express Platinum Card Members (including Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum cardholders) automatic ALL Accor Gold Status.

For frequent travelers, this is a substantial perk. Accor’s massive global network spans more than 45 brands and over 5,500 properties worldwide, anchored by iconic luxury names like Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Orient Express, and Ennismore’s lifestyle portfolio (including SLS, Delano, and Mondrian).

Related: This Viral Travel Credit Card Trick Can Instantly Save You $500 On Your Next Hotel Stay

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Unlocking automatic Gold status inside the ALL Accor program delivers tangible, high-value perks on every stay. Gold members receive complimentary space-available room upgrades upon arrival, late check-out, premium high-speed Wi-Fi, personalized welcome amenities, and elevated point-earning rates on eligible room spends and dining.

Beyond property recognition, the partnership also introduces the ability to transfer American Express Membership Rewards points directly into ALL Accor Reward points. While conversion ratios will vary slightly by region as the rollout progresses across markets, the new transfer bridge adds crucial flexibility for cardholders looking to book boutique stays, luxury resort redemptions, or exclusive dining experiences across Accor’s global collection.

Related: How to Score Elite Hotel Status in 2026 (Without the 50-Night Grind)

As credit-card issuers continue to compete fiercely for high-end travel loyalists, adding automatic elite status across a luxury powerhouse portfolio like Fairmont and Raffles gives Amex cardholders another powerful reason to keep their Platinum card at the front of their wallet.

Related: Hyatt Points Just Got Way More Valuable Thanks to This New Air Canada Collaboration

Rock band Linkin Park is among the musicians set to receive a star on the coveted Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2027, the nineties rockers will be immortalized on Los Angeles’ Hollywood Boulevard in the Recording category. Fellow alternative music legends The Smashing Pumpkins and the Ramones will also receive a star, in addition to pop and rap icons such as David Guetta, Lil Wayne, Sia, and Karol G.

In total, 32 stars will be awarded across its six categories: Recording, Motion Pictures, Television, Radio, Live Theater/Performance, and Sports Entertainment.

"These 32 extraordinary individuals have each made a lasting impact on audiences around the world through their talent, creativity, and dedication to their craft," said Peter Roth, Walk Of Fame Selection Chairman, in a statement. "We are honored to recognize their remarkable contributions and look forward to celebrating them as they take their place in Hollywood history."

Actors Kate Hudson, Idris Elba, Sam Elliott, and Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning will be honored in the Motion Pictures category. In Television,Lisa Kudrow, Adam Scott, Raven-Symoné, and Pedro Pascal are among the celebrities who will receive stars.

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According to the Hollywood Walk of Fame website, dates for the ceremonies are yet to be selected. Star recipients have two years to schedule their ceremonies from the date of selection before they expire, and upcoming star ceremonies are often announced ten days prior to dedication on the official website.

Formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996, Linkin Park is one of the most celebrated rock bands in history. The band has sold over 100 million records worldwide, with its debut album, 2000's Hybrid Theory, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and spending a total of over 400 weeks on the chart. In 1999, Chester Bennington joined the band as the lead vocalist, performing with the band until death on July 20, 2017. On Sept. 5, 2024, Emily Armstrong officially joined the band as Linkin Park's new co-lead vocalist.

Related: 2005 Rock Song, Written by a 13-Year-Old, Became a Lasting Fan Favorite

Corey Taylor may be best known behind the mask as the lead vocalist of the mayhem-metal band Slipknot, but before the nine-member group was his other band Stone Sour.

They've since been on a years-long hiatus, but their biggest hit is still a powerhouse ballad 20 years since its 2006 release.

Pay attention to the lyrics closely, and you may just find some humor in it now — though Taylor was in no mood to laugh when he found himself keeled over in a Swedish hotel after a bad fast-food meal.

In an interview with Kerrang!, the ultra-talented frontman for both popular bands revealed his favorite song for each.

Related: Two ’90s Icons Shock Fans By Teaming Up in the Most Unexpected Place

"Through Glass" was his pick for Stone Sour because it's almost as if he wrote it as a gaff given his physical limitations at the time, practically glued to his bed in between bathroom runs.

At the time, he was on a European tour with Slipknot. Immediately after touching down in one of the continent's most underrated cities, Gothenburg — not exactly a foodie destination, however — he and fellow bandmate Chris Fehn at the time ran straight to Mickey D's, as one does for a taste of home.

Turns out that was a bad idea. Instead, it triggered a miserable two-and-a-half-day stretch — by his own account, "holding onto the bowl. Naked." He was in such rough shape that at one point he didn't even have the strength to hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on his door.

Essentially stuck in his hotel room, and bored of watching the only English-speaking channel available, the creative force of both bands decided to put his mind to good use by writing music.

If you follow the lyrics, the hit song may sound like a lost love, but Taylor has blatantly admitted it's a middle finger to MTV Europe — the channel he was forced to watch all day that got "worse and worse and worse".

Related: Two Members of Mötley Crüe Team Up for Surprisingly Soulful New Song

He began jotting down lyrics and humming a chorus in his head to bide time — and that's how "Through Glass" was born.

"Through Glass" became Stone Sour's only Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 39 while spending seven weeks atop the Mainstream Rock chart.

Even with no Stone Sour reunion in the works, you can still hear Taylor perform the song live during his solo shows.

John Cena is opening up about his second hair transplant.

The Matchbox: The Movie actor and former wrestler, 49, spoke candidly about undergoing a second hair transplant surgery at San Diego Comic-Con after previously debuting his new shaved head, revealing that the hair loss treatment was going "great."

“The objective is to get more hair, and this was the best way to do it, talking with Ken Anderson, my doctor over there,” he told PEOPLE on Saturday, July 25. “I love the guy. He’s totally changed my life.”

Cena said that after undergoing his first hair transplant surgery at the Anderson Center for Hair in Georgia in November 2024, he was so impressed with the results that he returned 15 months later for a second procedure.

“I went back to him like, ‘Man, you did great. I have this one small, small, small spot. Can you do it?’” Cena shared. “He’s like, ‘I can. My best results are—if you’re bold enough to shave your head, I can keep the follicles.’"

Cena explained that a shaved head cut down on his surgical time, taking him from more than 13 hours in surgery for the first procedure down to eight for his second.

Cena previously shared the news in June that he had undergone a second round of follicular unit extraction (FUE) surgery, writing on social media at the time, "Round 2 of FUE Treatment and this time I went all in for best possible results. Thank you Ken Anderson and the staff at Anderson Center for Hair for accompanying me on this journey!”

The WWE personality previously shared his decision to undergo a hair transplant to PEOPLE in 2025, saying that it was fans who initially convinced him to look into hair loss treatment options.

"I saw their signs that said, ‘The bald John Cena,'" he recalled. "They pushed me into going to see what my options were and actually do some homework to learn about scalp health, hair health, follicle health. I now have a routine: red-light therapy, minoxidil, vitamins, shampoo, conditioner, and I also got a hair transplant."

Cena added that if there wasn't "so much shame" surrounding the procedure, he would have opted for one a decade ago, which is part of why he's so open about making the decision now.

"I thought I was alone, but seven or eight out of 10 [men] suffer from thinning or baldness," he said at the time, adding that his transplant "completely changed the course of my life.”

Jon Bon Jovi's return to touring has brought many surprises along the way for fans of all ages, with his renewed vocal strength, energy, and positive attitude leading the way. The residency that his band Bon Jovi have been holding at Madison Square Garden has been creating many lasting memories for fans, including an absolutely unforgettable guest appearance from the boss Bruce Springsteen.

That's right. Bon Jovi brought out his fellow New Jersey native and musical legend onto the stage for a rocking performance of the Bon Jovi song "Who Says You Can't Go Home." The song is a later track in Bon Jovi's discography, featuring a more country inspired sound that fans of their '80s output may not be used to.

Fans were absolutely stunned to see Springsteen, who came out to rapturous applause.

@tiffanymadrid5

John Bon Jovi brings out the legend Bruce Springsteen #bonjoviforever #brucespringsteen #madisonsquaregarden

♬ original sound - Tiffany Madrid

The pair absolutely killed the duet, both showcasing why their names sell out arenas to this day. Springsteen especially fits really well on the song, with his style of rock finding itself very close to what we can hear on the track.

Fans absolutely loved the appearance and the performance. Taking to the comments, they shared their excitement for seeing this duo on stage.

"This is amazing. Love them both."

"What an amazing time!!!!! ❤️❤️They all rocked it out!!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻"

"Teenage dream came true tonight and you gave us the best surprise guest!"

Both of these legends are doing their home state proud, with an absolute rocking performance that shows what New Jersey music is capable of. For the rest of us, we were absolutely taken to see these legends jamming on stage like old friends. We hope to see more guests and unforgettable moments from this instantly iconic Bon Jovi return.

Related: Iconic '80s Rock Singer Calls Out Audience for Messing Up No.1 Hit at Concert

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Dylan Mulvaney is clapping back against Donald Trump’s bizarre rant against CNN’s Kaitlan Collins at the recent WHCA Dinner. 

Just in case you missed it, the President attempted to roast Collins on Friday, saying, “She shouldn’t get the award, it was a fake. But I don’t mind. I said, ‘Kaitlan, congratulations.’ But it was a fake, there’s no question about it.” And it all went downhill from there.

Trump went on, comparing Collins to trans actress Dylan Mulvaney, “I thought Kaitlan had really made it big with a major new sponsorship. But then I informed her that it wasn’t her on the Bud Light can, it was Dylan Mulvaney.” 

The Bud Light comment references a three-year-old campaign in which Mulvaney briefly collaborated with the beer company. Trump supporter Kid Rockfamously led a boycott against Bud Light, igniting a firestorm of controversy that ultimately cost Anheuser-Busch significantly. 

The President kept his roast going, continuing to take digs at Mulvaney, “Dylan Mulvaney cost Bud Light $35 million in market cap. That was the worst commercial ever made by the way, for those few people who want to hear that. Most people don’t care, but I would. I wouldn’t want to hire Dylan anytime soon.” 

But wait, it didn’t end there. On Sunday, Trump posted a doctored AI photo of Collins as Mulvaney in a faux Bud Light ad on Truth Social. The same day, Mulvaney decided to clap back against the President, sharing a social media post of her own.

“Is this a good time? Well, it’s definitely an interesting time. Because my name is Dylan Mulvaney and the President of the United States said my name in his speech four times on Friday night. I couldn’t respond right away because yesterday I had tickets to see Meg Stalter in Oh Mary!, but now I think I’d like to say a little something.”

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She continued, “Firstly, I would like to congratulate CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on her award, and tell her that I’m incredibly honored to be compared to her in any way, and I hope that she keeps doing the great work. Now, the President also brought up a video I did over three years ago, and mind you, I’ve been kind of flying under the radar. Keeping up a pretty low profile. Just like doing my little musicals, singing, dancing, and yet I am still his topic of conversation all these years later.”

Mulvaney added, “And it seems to me that I might be like the one that got away for these men. Like I’m permanently burned into their retinas; I am microchipped into their minds. And when I first heard that the President put me on his diss track, I was like, ‘Well, that’s not good.’”

The actress’s critique of Trump continued, “So maybe I shouldn’t want to be professionally supported by an administration that doesn’t personally support me or so many others in this country. …Maybe being publicly mocked and criticized by this administration is actually like the greatest compliment of all, because it puts me in the company of some of the most brilliant, empathetic people in our world today.”

“But I do still wonder like why is it so important to them that I don’t find success? Like what is it that I have that they don’t? Oh my god…freedom! I am free in a way they will never have the privilege to experience. And they want to use their power to take away my freedom.”

The actress also “sounded the alarm” against Trump and the administration's anti-trans agenda, saying, “Ladies, when they tell you you look like a trans woman, wear it like a medal. Men, when they tell you that being attracted to a trans woman makes you gay, I want you to Hilary Duff PSA their a** so hard that they don’t even know what just happened. To the President, thank you for reminding me that I am more powerful than I even knew, and to quote my favorite recording artist Shea Diamond, ‘I am America.’”

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An e-bike is one of the simplest ways to add low-impact exercise to your routine. You can pedal when you want a workout and let the motor take over and cruise when you need a break, which lets you gradually build endurance at your own pace. The only downside is often the price — which is exactly why we love this Walmart deal so much. Right now, the 5th Wheel WLB17 26-Inch Electric Bike is marked down to $359 — over $180 off its original $540 price.

Beyond fitness, this commuter-style e-bike is built for everyday use. It's quick enough for short rides into town and comfortable enough for errands, making it a practical option for both exercise and transportation. It comes in two colors, black and white. Walmart shoppers love this model, with one calling it "reliable," "fast," and "easy to handle and maneuver."

5th Wheel WLB17 26-Inch Electric Bike, $359 (was $540) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

It runs on a 500W motor that reaches speeds up to 20 miles per hour and powers up inclines as steep as 25 degrees, which just means that the bike is powerful and can handle hilly terrain. That combination of speed and power may be why one shopper called it "amazing and super fast." The bike is also built with a high-carbon steel frame that supports riders up to 330 pounds. 

It comes with a seven-speed gear system that adjusts to different terrain, whether you're climbing a hill or cruising on flat roads. It rolls on 26-inch pneumatic tires with a rear spring shock absorber, so bumps and rough pavement feel smooth. An LCD display keeps track of your speed, battery level, and distance as you ride. 

The removable lithium battery covers up to 31 miles in full electric mode, or up to 48 miles when using pedal assist. Charging takes about six and a half hours. The bike arrives about 85% pre-assembled, which reviewers say keeps setup manageable at home. One Walmart shopper ordered it for her teen son and noted, "The bike was easy to put together and made very well." 

For added safety, the bike has front and rear disc brakes plus an LED headlight and tail-light that come in handy after dark. It’s safety-certified and backed by a 12-month warranty. 

Related: Walmart's 'Sturdy' Glamping Chair Is the Ultimate Outdoor 'Relaxation' Hack

At under $400, the 5th Wheel WLB17 26-Inch Electric Bike packs plenty of features into one ride, making it a standout at its current price. Flash deals like this don’t tend to last long, so it’s worth heading to Walmart soon if you want to snag one before it’s gone! 

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When Lionel Richie wrote "Easy," he wasn't trying to create one of the greatest love songs of all time. Released by the Commodores in 1977 and featured on Commodores, the soulful classic has long been mistaken for a romantic ballad because of its warm melody, smooth vocals, and laid-back sound. In reality, "Easy" is one of music's most enduring breakup songs, celebrating the freedom and relief that come from walking away from an unhappy relationship.

"Easy" Is Actually a Breakup Song, Not a Love Song @lmulligan1970

A classic from Lionel Richie and The Commodores to start your day off right ✨ #easy #commodores #lionelrichie #70smusic #70snostalgia

♬ original sound - Lisa

"Easy" is frequently ranked among the greatest love songs of the 1970s. In truth, it's about the peace that comes with letting go. While many classic love songs center on longing and feature a narrator pleading with a partner to return, "Easy" embraces the freedom that comes with moving on.

The now-iconic line, "I'm easy like Sunday morning," isn't about romance at all. Richie has explained that the lyric was inspired by his upbringing in the South, where small-town life largely came to a halt by midnight on Saturday. Waking up on a Sunday morning brought a sense of calm, renewal, and freedom from obligations. That feeling became the perfect metaphor for the relief that comes with leaving a relationship that no longer works.

Related: 1984 No. 1 Hit, With Its Iconic Chorus Written in One Night, Became One of the Greatest Duets of the '80s

The Relaxed Sound Helped Create the Misunderstanding @artist.friendly

Frank Sinatra dropped knowledge on @Lionel Richie and he’s dropping it all on us — this week on @Artist Friendly Watch on @Veeps and listen on @Spotify @Spotify Podcasts #LionelRichie #ArtistFriendly #MusicPodcast #MusicInterview #franksinatra

♬ original sound - Artist Friendly

The laid-back vibe of the song and Richie's cool, effortless vocal delivery make it easy to mistake "Easy" for a love song. The track features one of the most soothing arrangements of the decade, blending soul, R&B, and soft rock into a timeless sound.

Its gentle production and heartfelt vocals often overshadow the song's true message of personal liberation. Adding to the contrast is the song's unforgettable guitar solo, which reinforces its warm, comforting atmosphere even as the lyrics tell a story about choosing happiness over staying in a relationship.

One of the Commodores' Biggest Hits

"Easy" became one of the Commodores' signature songs, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping establish Lionel Richie as one of pop music's premier songwriters years before his blockbuster solo career.

Nearly 50 years later, "Easy" remains a favorite at weddings, slow dances, and on romantic playlists despite its true meaning. It continues to be a staple on classic radio and streaming playlists, introducing new generations to its unmistakable melody and proving just how powerfully music can shape the way listeners interpret lyrics.

Why "Easy" Still Resonates Nearly 50 Years Later

Part of the song's enduring appeal is its universal message. While many breakup songs focus on heartbreak, sadness, or anger, "Easy" celebrates the freedom that comes with moving on and choosing happiness. That optimistic perspective, wrapped in one of the most beautiful melodies of the 1970s, continues to make it one of the most beloved—and most misunderstood—songs in popular music history.

More than anything, "Easy" showcases Lionel Richie's remarkable gift as a songwriter. Rather than writing about the pain of a relationship ending, he captured the quiet relief of knowing it was time to let go—a perspective that still feels fresh decades later.

Related: ‘70s Music Star, 74, Glows up After Hard Times: ‘Handsome No Matter What Age'

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Rebecca De Mornay rose to stardom alongside Tom Cruise in Risky Business, but the blonde beauty has only gotten more stunning in her sixties.

The actress, 66, became an ’80s icon in Risky Business, a beloved coming-of-age film that followed Cruise as Joel Goodson, a high school student who turns his parents’ home into a brothel with the help of a sex worker named Lana to get the money to fix his father’s Porsche, which sank to the bottom of Lake Michigan. The film became an astronomical hit, and Cruise and De Mornay quietly dated for three years. De Mornay went on to a very successful career, starring in movies like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and Backdraft.

In the present day, De Mornay has a thriving career and makes frequent appearances in the theater. Dressed all in black, the beauty hit the red carpet at the opening night of "Proof" at El Portal Theater in North Hollywood, California. It's safe to say she's simply getting even better with age!

JB Lacroix / Getty Images

JB Lacroix / Getty Images

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Her Romance with Tom Cruise

Warner Bros. / Getty Images

While De Mornay and Cruise had major chemistry on the big screen, many fans don’t remember that she dated the Hollywood icon for three years.

In an interview with Page Six last year, the actress opened up about her relationship with the legendary film star.

“I’m really proud of him,” De Mornay shared. “I’m really, really proud of him.”

Cruise’s career continued to skyrocket after their relationship ended.

“He’s like, ‘I am Top Gun, and that’s what America really wanted, and so he’s fulfilled it,” De Mornay recalled. “He is a brilliant, brilliant interpreter of what the zeitgeist is. I’m really, really proud of knowing him from when we were in the suburbs of Chicago [filming  Risky Business], and knowing what he wanted and where it is now.”

Looking back on that era, De Mornay is in disbelief at how far Cruise has come.

‘“We started this together and look what he did with it,” she concluded.

What’s Rebecca De Mornay Up to These Days?

These days, De Mornay is still incredibly busy as an actress. She recently starred in Saint Claire, opposite Bella Thorne and Ryan Phillippe. A thriller based on the novel Clare at 16 by Don Roff, it tells the story of a female serial killer and is currently available for streaming. But the stunner has most recently been posting about her work in the theater. This spring, De Mornay starred in an Off-Broadway play by John Patrick Shanley titled “The Pushover” at The Chain Theatre in New York City. The play followed “three bad-ass women who collide and collude at a spa in New Mexico and a bare-bones Asian restaurant in Queens,” according to a synopsis.

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Related: Legendary ‘80s Blonde Rebecca De Mornay, 66, Is Absolutely Stunning 43 Years After ‘Risky Business'

Long before it became the undisputed king of stadium sing-alongs, Bon Jovi’s "Livin' on a Prayer" was already cementing its spot in rock history.

The 1986 smash hit skyrocketed up the charts, giving the decade one of its most legendary anthems and turning the characters of Tommy and Gina into household names. But while generations of music lovers can belt out every note of the chorus on demand, millions of fans are actually getting a key lyric completely wrong.

U Discover Music compiled a list of the music world's misunderstood lyrics, and the hair-metal classic made the cut. It listed 38 of some of the most beloved tunes in history, proving that not every lyric is always clearly heard by music fans.

The website wrote that the oft-mistaken is: “It doesn’t make a difference if we’re naked or not." The correct line remains, "It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not.”

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The Hollywood Reporter echoed the confusion in 2023, adding the track to its own list of famously misheard song lyrics. The outlet pointed to the same line, proving just how widespread the decades-long mix-up really is.

"Livin on a Prayer" was written by Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child. However, the band's namesake lead singer initially wasn't in favor of releasing it.

“I remember walking out of the room with Richie, and I said, ‘Eh, it’s okay. Maybe we should just put it on a movie soundtrack,’” Bon Jovi told The Irish Times.

Bon Jovi continued, “Richie looked at me and said, ‘You’re an idiot. It’s really good.’ I said, ‘I just don’t know where it’s going.’ But it didn’t have that boom-boom-boom bassline yet, so it sounded more like The Clash.”

He joked that the song, which has become synonymous with the band throughout its career, was also financially lucrative. When the Irish Times interviewer asked the musician if proceeds from the song bought him a house, he quipped, "It bought a lot of people's houses."

Bon Jovi concluded, "That song, God bless it. But, my God, who knew? Not us, I can assure you. It was created on a day when none of us had any ideas. We just had a conversation, and it came out of that. I’m sure happy my name’s on it!”

"Livin’ On A Prayer" became an immediate runaway hit the second it dropped. Thanks to a music video directed by longtime collaborator Wayne Isham, the song flew to the top of the charts. Coming right after "You Give Love A Bad Name," it secured Bon Jovi's spot in the record books as the first hard rock group to log back-to-back No. 1 singles.

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Bon Jovi recently concluded a 9-night residency at New York's Madison Square Garden. In August, the band heads to Edinburgh, Scotland, followed by Dublin, Ireland, and London, United Kingdom, to conclude their Forever Tour.

Related: 1986 Blue-Collar Rock Anthem Scores a Remarkable Chart Resurgence 40 Years After Its Release

According to Empire magazine, Stranger Things' main on-screen villain Vecna will soon return to television, albeit in a far different role than fans previously saw him as.

As per the outlet, Jamie Campbell Bower will officially make his debut in Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Poweras the on-screen love interest of Galadriel.

Bower's appearance in The Rings of Power couldn't be more exciting for longtime fans of The Lord of the Rings. Most notably, Bower's casting as the warrior Elf Celeborn marks the first time the character has appeared in the series, leaving dedicated readers of J.R.R. Tolkien more than a little excited.

While it's still cause for speculation about the nature of Celeborn's character, Bower personally described the character as something of a "lover boy," standing in sharp contrast to Bower's previous role as Vecna in Stranger Things.

Interestingly, Bower also mentioned how Celeborn's long-standing relationship with Morfydd Clark’s Galadriel directly mirrors J.R.R. Tolkien's own relationship with his wife, Edith, most especially when looking at the significant amount of time the two spent apart from one another.

“This idea of longing and yearning is so pervasive in Tolkien’s relationship with Edith for the time that they were apart,” explained Bower. “I really feasted on that idea. Celeborn has had to find a way to survive whilst longing for something that he so dearly loved and so dearly missed as well.”

Clark also shed some light on how exactly her and Bower's on-screen relationship might come across to viewers at home. “She’s kind of rude to him in the books,” the actress mentioned. “She’s the queen! But Jamie looks exactly like how I would imagine Celeborn. He’s such an Elf.”

After reviewing "hundreds" of audition tapes for the part, The Rings of Power's showrunners felt Bower had all the foremost qualities they were looking for for the part of Celeborn.

“He has this voice that is rich and hypnotic and sonorous that feels it has the wisdom of the ages buried inside of it,” said showrunner J.D. Payne. “And then we did a chemistry read [with Clark], and instantly it just felt like he loved her so much. It felt so natural, and so organic, and so right.”

It was a No. 1 hit with a story so haunting that listeners immediately wanted to know what happened next.

In 1967, Bobbie Gentry’s "Ode to Billie Joe" became one of the year’s biggest songs, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But its success came with an unexpected side effect: generations of listeners became obsessed with one detail Gentry, 84, deliberately left unanswered.

What, exactly, did Billie Joe McAllister and the narrator throw off the Tallahatchie Bridge?

The song never says.

Instead, Gentry created a Southern Gothic story about a Mississippi family sitting around the dinner table when the mother casually announces that Billie Joe has jumped from the bridge and died.

The narrator had apparently been connected to Billie Joe, but the family barely acknowledges her grief. They continue eating and discussing everyday life while she absorbs the news.

Then comes the detail that would fuel decades of speculation: A preacher reportedly saw the narrator and Billie Joe throwing "somethin'" off the Tallahatchie Bridge.

Gentry never identifies the object.

That omission became one of the most famous mysteries in popular music.

Listeners came up with theories almost immediately.

Some believed the object was an engagement ring.

Others suggested it was a baby, flowers, a draft card or something connected to the relationship between Billie Joe and the narrator.

"I have alway wondered why the official spelling of the track is the feminine spelling 'Billie Joe' when Billy Joe McAllister is definitely a boy in the context of the story," one Reddit user said.

"Is this a clue as to how we are supposed to interpret the mystery of what they were throwing off the bridge together? (i.e. a baby girl named Billie Joe) What do others think?"

The 1976 movie adaptation of the song eventually supplied its own answer, but Gentry herself never endorsed that explanation.

And Gentry was apparently frustrated that audiences focused so intensely on the missing object.

In an interview for The Billboard Book of Number One Hits, Gentry explained that the song was really intended as "a study in unconscious cruelty." She pointed out that people seemed far more interested in what had been thrown from the bridge than in the family’s seemingly casual reaction to a suicide.

The mystery isn't necessarily supposed to be solved. It's part of the way Gentry forces listeners to experience the story from the narrator's perspective. Something terrible has happened, yet the people around her seem almost indifferent.

The song's success made that unanswered question nearly impossible to escape.

Released in July 1967, "Ode to Billie Joe" climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 just weeks later and remained there for four weeks. It eventually became one of Gentry's signature songs and earned her multiple Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

The song also turned the real Tallahatchie River area in Mississippi into a destination for curious fans. Gentry later showed reporters the bridge she had envisioned while writing the song, although the actual structure associated with the story was not necessarily the exact bridge listeners imagined from the lyrics.

Nearly a decade after the song became a hit, Hollywood tried to give audiences the answer Gentry had withheld.

A 1976 movie adaptation, Ode to Billy Joe, starring Robby Benson and Glynnis O'Connor, expanded the story and offered its own explanation of what happened at the bridge. The film's marketing even teased that it would reveal what the song itself did not.

But that answer belonged to the movie, not Gentry's original song.

And that may be why the mystery has lasted so long.

Gentry didn't forget to explain what was thrown from the bridge. She chose not to.

The song was less interested in solving a crime than showing how people can respond to tragedy with startling indifference. Billie Joe's death is devastating, but the family’s reaction (and the narrator's quiet isolation) may be the real horror of the story.

RELATED: 65 Years Ago, Patsy Cline Took the Grand Ole Opry Stage in a Wheelchair

Your morning latte is about to get you a lot closer to your next vacation getaway.

Starting August 5, Delta Air Lines and Starbucks are officially bringing back one of their most popular loyalty perks: eligible linked members will once again earn 1 SkyMile for every $1 spent at participating Starbucks coffeehouses.

The update marks a welcome return to the original 1 mile/$1 structure first introduced when the power-couple partnership launched in 2022. It replaces the 2024 model—which required members to reload $25 or more onto a digital Starbucks gift card to earn miles—and makes racking up rewards as simple as tapping your phone for your daily iced coffee.

Related: You'll Soon Have At-Home Quality Wi-Fi on Delta Flights Thanks to a New Amazon Partnership

How the Updated Earning Rule Works

Delta and Starbucks

To start earning miles on your daily sips, you just need to link your Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards accounts at deltastarbucks.com.

• The Flight Requirement: To qualify for everyday 1 mile/$1 earning starting August 5, linked members must have flown a qualifying Delta flight within the previous 12 months.
• The Grace Period: If it’s been a while since you’ve taken to the skies, don't worry. All linked members are granted a grace period allowing them to earn 1 mile per $1 spent on Starbucks purchases through October 5, 2026, giving you plenty of time to get your next Delta flight on the books. Newly linked members will also get 12 months of automatic earning eligibility right out of the gate.
• Travel Day Bonus: Popular existing perks aren't going anywhere. Linked members will continue to earn Double Stars on any Starbucks purchases made on the actual day of a scheduled Delta flight.

Related: Delta Is Changing Its In-Flight Service—and It Might Actually Be a Relief

How to Order the Secret "Biscoff" Drink

To celebrate the return of everyday mile-earning, the brands are also highlighting a secret menu drink inspired by Delta's iconic onboard Biscoff cookies.

If you want to try the viral creation on your next Starbucks run, here is exactly how to customize it in the app or with your barista:

1. Order a Grande Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
2. Ask to line the cup with caramel sauce
3. Add 1 pump of Chai syrup
4. Top with extra cinnamon powder

Whether you are grabbing a quick brew before heading through airport security or fueling up for a workday, linking your accounts means every sip will pull double duty toward your next flight.

Related: Delta Just Dropped a Major 72-Hour Double-Miles Promo for Fall Travel

Dance Moms alum Paige Hyland is firing back at critics who have something to say about her body.

The 25-year-old dancer took to social media on Saturday, July 25, to share her response after bikini photos she had shared the previous week had Instagram users calling her "too skinny" and theorizing that she was not eating enough.

“Get ready with me while we talk about why it’s never OK to comment on someone’s body,” Hyland began her response TikTok. “It’s 2026, I thought we all knew this, but I guess we need a little refresher.”

Calling out the "diabolical" comments she received on her beach photos, Hyland said, "There were so many people saying I looked anorexic, I’m promoting unhappy eating habits and that, as an influencer, I shouldn’t be encouraging this behavior."

Hyland said it felt like her "responsibility to stand up for people whose bodies naturally look like mine," revealing that while she was "confident" in herself, she pictured other people who look similar reading her comments and "thinking there’s something wrong with their bodies," which "genuinely makes me sick to my stomach."

The dancer added, “If I did have an eating disorder, imagine reading comments from thousands of people picking apart my body and diagnosing me when they have no idea what’s going on? That is not concern; that is public body-shaming disguised as concern, which is not cute.”

Regardless, Hyland said that people should never feel "entitled" to comment on someone's body, even if they think they are "helping."

“Truth is, you have no idea what someone’s going through,” the reality personality explained. “Someone could be recovering from an eating disorder; they could have a medical condition; they could be grieving, or they could just be naturally thin like me. You truly have no idea.”

Hyland concluded, “Body positivity has to include all bodies or else it’s not ‘body positivity.’ So before you go to comment on someone’s weight, whether it’s, ‘You look too skinny,’ ‘Eat a burger,’ whatever it is, just don’t. Instead, maybe comment about their smile or tell them that you like their outfit. There’s so many other things you can do besides commenting on someone’s body.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. Contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at 1-800-931-2237 or go to NationalEatingDisorders.org.

@paigehyland_3

let’s normalize commenting literally anything besides someone’s body 🫶🫶🫶

♬ original sound - Paige Hyland

If you're meeting up with a group of people or getting to know another individual better in a one-on-one setting, it's normal to want to make a good impression—whether it's your first encounter or you've been casual acquaintances for years. And one of the easiest ways to put your best foot forward is with your words.

The things we say make more of an impact than we might realize, and that applies to "in real life" conversations as well as virtual communication. From the best ways to start an email to using classy icebreakers, there are plenty of tactics for kicking off a successful introduction or discussion.

Parade previously spoke with Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with South County Psychiatry, about some of the most surprising phrases that can make you "instantly likable," and she called out one of these options, in particular, as a phrase that "makes you seem approachable."

Find out the phrase and why it does the trick—along with two other simple tips for increased approachability. These expert-backed recommendations work well for conversations in the workplace, socializing at a restaurant, concert or book club, or even meeting a loved one's family.

Related: The #1 Phrase To Say When Someone Asks an ‘Overly Personal’ Question

The Phrase That Makes You Instantly Approachable: "What Do You Think?"

Asking, "What do you think?" when talking to another individual or addressing a group of people is a key phrase that makes you instantly appear welcoming and engaging.

“It shows that you are open to collaborating and working together and value other people’s input,” Dr. Schiff explained. “This also encourages open dialogue and makes you seem approachable.”

Whether you're trying to become a more emotionally intelligent leader, you want to get to know someone else better or you just hate the idea of the the spotlight remaining on you in a public setting, using this phrase should make a good impression on others.

Related: This ‘Humble-Brag’ Phrase Makes You Instantly Unlikable, Psychologist Explains

Maskot/Getty Images

2 More Tricks for Increased Approachability

Asking, "What do you think?" is only one tool at your disposal, however. There are other simple ways you can win people over. From utilizing color psychology to keeping in mind general social etiquette, here are two more ideas on how to easily boost your approachability.

1. Wear orange

Nope, we're not kidding. As Michelle Lewis, a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute, recently told Parade, the color orange "radiates a natural sociability that draws people in almost instinctively."

She explained, "It’s a social color at its core, creating the feeling of comfort and familiarity."

2. Pay attention to your natural social behaviors

And while orange is a color you can work on adding to your wardrobe, another way to become more approachable is getting rid of certain habits and body language that work against you.

As Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert, previously shared with Parade, certain social behaviors that we don't even think about—like crossing our arms—can make a big difference in how we're perceived.

"Many of us slip into closed posture subconsciously when we’re tired or overwhelmed, but it can also signal defensiveness,” she warned.

However, awareness makes a big difference.

"Paying attention to how you come across allows you to course-correct in real time," she explained.

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says People Who Stay Silent in a Group Often Have These 4 Unexpected Personality Traits

Sources:

• Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist with South County Psychiatry
• Michelle Lewis, color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute
• Elaine Swann, etiquette expert

Carly Simon revealed that she has Parkinson’s disease.

The singer shared a statement with PEOPLE on July 27, announcing the news while explaining that she also underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, which is a form of skin cancer.

"So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative silence, asking how I am and what I have been doing. The truth is, I’ve been learning how to live with Parkinson’s disease," she said. "It has taken me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it, and to decide how much I wanted to say about it publicly.

"Parkinson’s is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable. Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself."

Simon said it began when she had arthritis in both knees and one hip, adding that she had to have all three joints replaced. However, she said even after the surgeries, her "mobility continued to worsen."

"I had trouble standing up from low chairs and deep couches without someone offering me an arm. Overstuffed furniture became my enemy. Once seated, I could feel as though I had been swallowed by the chair and might remain there permanently, like a guest who had badly overstayed her welcome," she added. "Eventually, there were periods when I could not walk without considerable help. My family and I knew that something more was going on. After an extensive evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s."

She began with treatment, detailing that the disease is "usually associated with movement, tremors, and balance, but it can affect much more than the body," adding that she also deals with "anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and apathy"

As for her cancer journey, Simon said that the cancer was removed, but the surgery "affected my appearance and made me more self-conscious about being seen in public."

"Between my mobility issues, the Parkinson’s diagnosis, the surgery, and the emotional effects of it all, withdrawing from public view was the most palatable reaction," she explained. " If a person is allowed to hibernate during both winter and summer, then I have become an all-season bear.

"But I have not stopped living, and I have not stopped working."

However, amid her time away from the public eye, Simon said she began recording a new album titled "Comes in Waves." She said it includes songs and melodies that she's had tucked away for a long time.

"Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room," Simon said. "It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life."

"I do not consider Parkinson’s a gift or a blessing. It is neither. It is difficult, frustrating, and sometimes frightening. I am still learning how to live with it and how to accept it without feeling that I have surrendered something essential," she added. "I am still writing, singing, imagining, laughing, worrying, remembering, and occasionally getting trapped in an overstuffed chair."

The singer also expressed gratitude to her family as well as the caregivers and medical professionals who have stood by her during this time.

"I wanted to share this now because so many people have reached out with genuine concern. I am touched by that concern, even when I have not known how to respond," Simon concluded. "These days I move more slowly, I lean on others more than I once did, and I have learned to accept that every day will look a little different. But I am still very much here."

We're presumably about two months removed from the highly anticipated premiere of Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars. And, before the main course, fans of the hit ABC reality show have been sampling several appetizers of the celebrities who will be hitting the ballroom this fall.

As has been the case the past couple of years, ABC has decided, in an effort to build anticipation for one of their hottest shows, to slow-roll the celebrity cast. The vast majority of this year's group, alongside their pro partners, will be announced on Good Morning America on Sept. 2. But we got a first taste of the season all the way back in April at the "Hulu Get Real" upfront event. While it seemed impossible to outdo last year, which had eventual winner Robert Irwin revealed as the first contestant of Season 34, 2026 decided to double our pleasure with not one, but two cast members: Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller.

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Parade got the chance to speak with DWTS casting guru Deena Katz at the premiere event for new spinoff The Next Pro. And she went into length about what led to the people who have been announced for Season 35 so far.

Higgins made her on-screen debut in 2019 during the fifth season of Love Island in the U.K. Her personality proved to be such a standout that she was brought in to host the companion show Aftersun for Love Island USA in 2024 and 2025. And, earlier this year, she crossed back over from host to contestant, a key participant on The Traitors Season 4. Higgins would make it all the way to the finale, where it was revealed she had been duped and swindled out of the prize money all season long by her fellow Love Island alum Rob Rausch. And, while Higgins has predominantly been associated with Peacock shows up to this point, she's making her ABC debut on DWTS (it helps, of course, that Katz also casts The Traitors).

"Maura I've known for a few years now," Katz says about the 35-year-old Irish native. "And Maura is such brilliant television. It hasn't worked. It hasn't been the right time. But for Maura now, it's like you have to watch her do the show. You have to see her. She is so funny. She's going to be great on the show."

The Traitors is also where Katz became familiar with Miller. The 30-year-old made her reality TV debut on Summer House in 2021. But she made headlines five years later, at the center of the biggest controversy to ever hit the Bravo series. In March 2026, Amanda Batula, Miller's best friend, and West Wilson, Miller's ex, announced they were in a relationship, even though the former was still legally married. What became known as "Scamanda" rocked the internet, as many sympathized with Miller after she and Wilson agreed to never see anyone on the show. And, as Katz watched all the drama unfold, she saw potential — and a reminder of a previous DWTS finalist.

Related: Everything to Know About Dancing with the Stars Season 35

"Ciera is that story like Ariana Madix," she says, referencing the Vanderpump Rules star who was very publicly cheated on during the infamous "Scamanda" storyline. "Sometimes things happen, and good things happen to good people. And it's at the right time."

Only a few weeks after the "Get Real" event, in May, Disney held its annual upfront events. And it was there that a third name was announced for the season: Jackson Olson. Katz says it was her mission to get a Savannah Bananas player on the show, considering how much the exhibition baseball league of "Banana Ball" has surged to become one of the most popular sports in the country. Combining the athleticism of the great American pastime with the showmanship of a variety show, DWTS was looking to capitalize on the trendiest sport out there today.

The final Season 35 cast member (as of this article's publication) was announced on June 17, and it's perhaps the most surprising of them all. Andy Richter became the surprising fan favorite of last season, with Conan O'Brien's former co-host making an underdog run all the way to seventh place. And DWTS is going back to the late night well, bringing on Jimmy Kimmel's sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez, as a contestant.

"Guillermo, come on!" Katz exclaims about the 55-year-old. "Conrad's wanted him forever."

Indeed, Conrad Green, the current showrunner for DWTS, corroborates the claim. "I've wanted Guillermo for years. Every year I tell [Deena], 'Come on, let's get Guillermo.' It's never worked out. [But] he's Dancing with the Stars to the core. That'd be like me doing Dancing with the Stars. You're just rooting for him."

"He makes me smile," Katz adds. "He's like a cute little brother, and you just root for him. I've been with him enough now, and he melts your heart. And he's so excited to do it."

Related: ‘DWTS’ Champ Robert Irwin Reveals the Piece of Advice He Gave to Season 35 Contestant Jackson Olson

Dancing with the Stars has experienced someone nobody could have ever anticipated for a show on the air for two decades: An outright renaissance. Of course, the show was big when it first came on the air in 2006, getting to watch a variety of celebrities from different backgrounds immerse themselves in the unfamiliar territory of ballroom dancing. But the 2020s have seen a massive surge in popularity around the show, with voting records consistently broken and clips going viral on a weekly basis. Years ago, doing Dancing with the Stars would be a sign that your career was out of the spotlight. Now, it's a way to get your career back into it.

A lot of that lies at the feet of both Green and Katz, who have worked tirelessly to simultaneously keep a format that has worked for decades with a cast that feels both nostalgic and of the times. And Katz says, no matter their age, background, or dance experience, there's one particular quality she's looking for in a good DWTS cast member.

"What Conrad and I both realized over the years is we really want people that really just want to be there, [who] want to do the show," she says. "We love great names, we love all different types of people to do it. But at the end of the day, the audience knows. When somebody just wants to be there, it makes it so much better. We've had those times before where you kind of had to convince somebody to do it, and that doesn't work. You have to commit your heart and soul and just want to be there for all the right reasons."

"It's a hell of a lot of work if you're not enjoying yourself," adds Green. "So you should come into it wanting to do it."

The full cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 2 on Good Morning America.

Related: Here’s the Rumored Cast for ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 35 in 2026

Former Below Deck Mediterranean star Natalya Scudder says she endured a frightening experience at Los Angeles International Airport after allegedly being detained, interrogated, and held in a holding cell while trying to enter the United States.

Scudder revealed to TMZ that she was detained and later deported from the United States after authorities determined she had used the wrong type of visa.

The Below Deck Med Season 7 and 8 star claims officials questioned her over photos she took during a previous U.S. visit that she later monetized, telling her she needed a different visa for that activity. She recalls spending 30 to 40 hours in a detention facility with unsanitary conditions before being interviewed and placed on a flight back to Australia. Scudder is now warning influencers to carefully review U.S. visa requirements before traveling.

Her account quickly sparked a heated debate online, with fans split over whether to sympathize with the reality star or question what really happened.

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Commenters flooded social media with reactions ranging from outrage over Scudder's treatment to skepticism about her version of events. While many called the alleged detention "disgraceful" and criticized U.S. immigration policies, others speculated there was more to the story, pointing to visa rules.

"Didn’t report it or have the proper visa," one person wrote on TMZ's Instagram post. "I’m glad this is happening and hope it happens every time. US travel visas are publicly available everywhere, so don’t blame the system for your own actions." One commenter claiming to be a former LAX airline employee said Scudder's treatment was unusual and blamed the Trump administration for the incident.

The Above Deck Podcast team remarked, "This is WILD" while another commenter wrote, "So messed up." Others had advice for travelers to "NEVER hand over your phone! They have already made the decision to deny your visa if that's what it gets to."

If you’re a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit devotee, you may want to make room in your freezer.

A new Costco find is giving fans a way to get that crispy chicken-and-buttery-biscuit combination at home, and the dupe costs less than $2 per sandwich.

Mason Dixie Foods has launched its new Chicken Biscuit Sandwich exclusively at select Costco locations, and it’s clearly going after the same craving as Chick-fil-A’s iconic breakfast sandwich. The frozen breakfast sandwiches are rolling out this month at Costco stores throughout the Northeast, Bay Area and San Diego.

Each sandwich pairs a buttermilk biscuit with crispy chicken breast seasoned with Mason Dixie’s original restaurant spice blend. There’s no egg, cheese or other extras, making it a particularly convincing Chick-fil-A-style dupe for anyone who wants the classic chicken-and-biscuit combination.

And unlike a Chick-fil-A breakfast run, you don’t have to leave the house or worry about making it to the restaurant before breakfast hours end.

The Mason Dixie sandwiches are designed to go straight from the freezer to your breakfast plate in less than three minutes. Each one contains 11 grams of protein, and the company says the chicken is made without antibiotics or preservatives.

The biggest selling point, though, might be the price.

The new sandwiches come eight to a box with a suggested retail price of $15.99, which works out to about $2 per sandwich. That’s considerably less than the roughly $3.89 price of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit cited by Allrecipes.

That means a box of eight costs about what you might spend on four Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuits, and you can keep the other four waiting in your freezer for whenever the craving strikes.

And there’s a reason Mason Dixie’s version feels particularly suited to the Chick-fil-A dupe conversation.

The brand was built around biscuits. Founder and CEO Ayeshah Abuelhiga started Mason Dixie after growing up watching her immigrant parents run a small carry-out restaurant. She eventually opened her own restaurant, where her all-butter biscuits became a hit, with lines reportedly stretching down the block.

That restaurant-inspired approach is now being applied to the chicken biscuit.

The company says it uses a recognizable ingredient approach while still delivering the crispy chicken and buttery biscuit combination people are looking for.

And Costco shoppers already know a thing or two about fast-food dupes.

The warehouse club has become a popular destination for grocery-store versions of restaurant favorites, from chicken nuggets to frozen sandwiches. In fact, Mason Dixie already sells other breakfast products through Costco, making the new chicken biscuit a natural addition to its freezer lineup.

The Chicken Biscuit Sandwich is currently being introduced at Costco locations in the Northeast, Bay Area and San Diego. So if you spot the box in your local freezer section, you may want to grab it while you can.

RELATED: Polly Pocket and My Little Pony Team Up for First-Ever Collectible Compact

Jamie Campbell Bower is looking back on the Stranger Things series finale—and the craziest fan theory it sparked online.

Bower, who played the villain Vecna in the Netflix smash hit, reflected on the end of Stranger Things while attending 2026's San Diego Comic-Con for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, telling Entertainment Weekly that the craziest fan theory he had come across since the December finale was none other than the viral "Conformity Gate."

“That there was gonna be another episode,” Bower answered. “Everyone was like, ‘Conformity Gate, there’s gonna be a ninth episode.’ I was like, ‘If there is, I’m not in it! I shot what I shot, I’m done.’”

"Conformity Gate," as it was known by fans, theorized that there was a secret ninth episode of the final season that would drop after the finale, revealing that the supposed ending of Stranger Things was actually an illusion created by Bower's Vecna. Fans cited the main characters' conformity to societal standards, despite the show's usual rebellious attitude, as the main clue that the finale had been an illusion, digging into various inconsistencies across the episodes to find evidence that not all was as it seemed.

Netflix eventually shut down the theory with a message on the Stranger Things Instagram account, which changed its bio to read that "all episodes" of the series were "now playing."

Bower told EW that it was "pretty crazy" to watch the theory spread online, remembering the "confirmation bias" fans were feeding into to convince themselves that the Stranger Things actors were also providing evidence to the theory.

“Anything that we did was like, ‘Well, that just proves it,’” Bower recalled. “They were like, ‘That ‘s it, it’s coming.’”

He continued, "And I still get asked the question, even now. People are like, ‘Is there a ninth episode coming?’ I’m like ... it’s been six months! If there is, they’re kinda behind."