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Andrew Lloyd Webber might be calling Sir Elton John up for a chance to star in one of his most famous musicals.

In a video shared to Instagram on Sunday, the acclaimed composer sat down and shared some of the pop/rock stars he would most like to cast in any of his shows. Elton John came up as someone Webber would like to see in the role of King Herod from his hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar (1971), and that he "might ask him."

Webber also floated the idea of the Spanish singer Rosalía as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera (1986), referencing her stunning operatic vocals in her newest album LUX (2025) as being perfect for the role.

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As for Lady Gaga, Webber said that he'd "be interested to see in her practically anything because she's such a great all-around singer, and such a fantastic theater performer." Though he didn't write Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music (1965), Webber said she would be a great fit for the lead role of Maria.

If cast in a revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, Elton John would be making his Broadway debut as an actor. The singer-songwriter and pianist, 78, has composed music for several Broadway shows, including The Lion King (1997), Aida (2000), and Billy Elliot (2008).

Fans shared their reactions to Webber's dream castings in the comments, with some even offering their own suggestions.

"Rosalía as Christine is INSPIRED CASTING 🔥🔥🔥"

"I would've loved Lady Gaga in Sunset Blvd"

"Lady Gaga would make an interesting Evita."

Webber is the award-winning composer and writer behind some of the biggest and most famous shows in Broadway history, including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats (1981), and Sunset Boulevard (1993).

Related: Legendary '80s Rock Singer Impresses With Elton John Cover

The Oscar-winning actor has a strong message to Americans in the current political climate.

In a recent appearance on "The Best People with Nicole Wallace" podcast, Robert De Niroemotionally urged the country to "resist" President Donald Trump.

"The story is our country, and Trump is destroying it, and who knows what his reasons are, but it’s sick, it’s fucked up," he said. “We have to save the country.”

De Niro went on to describe President Trump as the "enemy of the country" and said, "Let’s not kid ourselves. It’s that simple. Everybody has to stick together to get them out and get back on track."

Throughout his interview with Wallace, De Niro called on Americans to oppose the Trump administration.

"People have to resist, resist, resist, resist, resist. That’s the only way. There’s no magic. There’s no nothing – people are not going to go away, even if Trump dies for some reason by having an illness or something," he said. "Parts of that movement are still there, and that’s the scary part. It has to be neutralized by the people."

De Niro was then overcome with emotion when Wallace referenced his Academy Award acceptance speech in 1981 for Raging Bull. In his speech, De Niro thanked everyone around him and that he is "always about lifting up everybody around you."

When Wallace asked why that is, De Niro became choked up and explained, “You have to — you have to lift people up. You have to bring them together. Period. You can’t divide people. You can’t win that way."

He added, "t’s a no-win situation, and look what we have, look who we have there, it’s almost like a destiny to have this thing there, destroying… attempting to destroy this country and maybe not even understanding why. So it’s up to us to protect the country."

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General Hospital star Laura Wright shared photos from a recent trip to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris with her partner, Wes Ramsey.

Wright posted the photos to Instagram, captioning the images, “Notre Dame was breathtaking.”

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The photos showed off the beautiful architecture of the Cathedral which began construction in 1162. The building famously had a fire in 2019 which caused extensive damages, causing closures until it reopened in December of 2024.

Fans reacted positively in the comment section. One user wrote, “Went there a few years ago before the fire, and it is beautiful and rich in history.” Another shared, “Oh wow what a gorgeous cathedral ❤️. You guys look so lovely 😍.” With a third user adding, “So beautiful and so fitting for the beautiful couple.”

Wright has a long history with daytime television, beginning with her role as Ally Rescott Bowman on Loving in 1991. She remained with the series until its finale in 1995 and later reprised the role on the spinoff The City until 1997.

After The City, Wright joined the cast of Guiding Light where she portrayed Cassie Layne Winslow from 1997 until 2005.

In 2005, Wright joined the cast of General Hospital as Carly Corinthos, a role that earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2011.

Wright and Ramsay announced their relationship in 2017, after Ramsay joined General Hospital as Peter August, a role he played until 2022.

Earlier this year, Ramsey briefly reprised the role in a vocal appearance as Peter August during a storyline in which Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) experienced hallucinations while being held captive.

Ramsey is also set to reprise his role as Owen Ken on Days of Our Lives, a character he last played in 2009. Owen was previously involved in the kidnapping of Stephanie Johnson (Then Shelley Hennig) during the DiMera-Kirakis feud.

With Stephanie (Now Abigail Klien) being kidnapped again, after months of some unknown assailant stalking her, fans will have to see what role Owen plays in the storyline.

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General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams weeknights on Hulu.

Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock.

Benedict Bridgerton is no stranger to royalty in the world of Bridgerton. Like the character he plays, Luke Thompson has had his own brush with a royal offscreen. Speaking to Parade in an exclusive interview, the Netflix star revealed that he was once "offered to perform in front" of Queen Elizabeth II.

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Bridgerton's leading man, who studied drama at the University of Bristol and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2013, one time performed a Tom Stoppard monologue for the late British monarch at a London art gallery.

Luke Thompson once performed for Queen Elizabeth II

Ward Ivan Rafik/Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026

"I was there with a group of students, so we all had monologues, but they offered the performance to me. So that was pretty cool," Thompson recalled.

The performance itself was an intimate one. "It was just her and the director of the drama school that I was in. So it was just an audience of two," Thompson revealed.

Related: We Burn for These Quotes From ‘Bridgerton’ Seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4

Despite having a high-profile audience member, the Bridgerton star wasn't nervous. Instead, Thompson described it as an "out of body experience."

"The strangeness of it took over any sort of, like, oh my God, nerves. I think I was just like, 'How bizarre. Here I am, and she's there,'" Thompson laughed. "I'm doing this monologue that maybe she doesn't really care much for [laughs] I don't know."

Performing for the late Queen was an "out of body experience" for Thompson

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

He added, "That's probably one of the coolest offers that was made to me, I think."

While that was a surprising offer in real life, onscreen this season in Bridgerton, Thompson makes a shocking one, asking Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, to be his mistress in the midseason finale. The first half of Season 4, inspired byJulia Quinn's novel An Offer from a Gentleman, sees the second Bridgerton son finally step into the spotlight and meet the "Lady in Silver," whom he is determined to find, not knowing she is actually Sophie. Their story continues in Part 2, premiering February 26 on Netflix.

Related: Remember Queen Elizabeth with Over 45 of Her Best Quotes

Bridgerton has been a source of pride for Thompson, who has been on the series since it debuted in 2020. "I think I'm really proud of being in a show that I think has maintained a sort of innocence about it. There's an awful lot of skepticism and cynicism flying around, both just like in the world generally, and also maybe in, you know, the world of script writing and all of that. But I actually just think Bridgerton has a real purity about it, and it sort of works on its own rules," Thompson said. "It's just doing its own thing."

The actor remembers reading scripts for the first season and wondering "What is this thing?" Only to realize after it was released that "it's a thing with a capital T."

"I'm just extremely proud of being part of a show that is so widely embraced," Thompson shared, calling "the sheer amount and scope of people who watch it and enjoy it and who get something from it" a "gift."

"It's a gift to be able to do your thing as an actor for millions and millions of people, rather than, you know, hundreds and thousands in a theater, which is lovely and amazing as well, in its own way," he continued. "But how amazing to have that many people watching you do the thing you want to do."

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 premieres February 26 on Netflix.

Related: 'Bridgerton' Season 4: Does Lady Violet Bridgerton Take on a Love Interest?

A novel first published more than five decades ago is back in the spotlight after being ranked among the greatest works of classic literature.

In a recent roundup of must-read classics, Forbes named The Bluest Eye (1970) by Toni Morrison its number 1 "best classic novel," renewing attention on the author’s searing debut and the devastating story at its center.

The book follows Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl growing up in 1940s Ohio who becomes convinced that having blue eyes will make her beautiful, loved and worthy in a society shaped by racist beauty standards.

Instead, Morrison delivers an unflinching portrait of poverty, abuse, internalized racism and community trauma, told through shifting perspectives that reveal how many forces converge to harm one vulnerable child. Though Morrison would go on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and write towering works such as Beloved, her first novel remains arguably one of her most emotionally shattering.

More than 50 years later, the book continues to resonate for its exploration of beauty, identity and systemic inequality. Its frank depictions of violence and trauma have also made it one of the most frequently challenged books in U.S. schools.

Pecola’s story offers little redemption, leaving readers with a haunting sense of loss that lingers long after the final page. The novel’s renewed recognition as a "best classic" is a reminder that some stories become timeless not because they soothe us, but because they force us to confront truths that are difficult to face.

Ritchie Blackmore, the founding guitarist of Deep Purple and Rainbow, is adding a major milestone to his resume. On Monday, February 23, the 80-year-old musician was presented with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement award from The National GUITAR Museum.

Processing the Recognition

Blackmore is only the 16th musician to receive the honor, which is awarded to players who have made significant historical contributions to the legacy and development of the instrument.

The guitarist expressed surprise at the announcement. "I'm rather thrown by the magnitude of this honorable award," he said in a statement. "I am grateful to accept this award and this recognition."

Fusing Hard Rock With Classical Speed

While Blackmore is most widely known for composing the central riff of Deep Purple's "Smoke On The Water," his musical footprint extends far beyond a single track. After his foundational work defining hard rock in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, he pivoted to acoustic music. He formed the Renaissance folk-inspired group Blackmore's Night alongside his wife, Candice Night.

National GUITAR Museum Executive Director HP Newquist praised Blackmore's ability to blend genres. Newquist noted that it is difficult to find a modern player who has incorporated so many diverse styles and fused them into a recognizable sound. He added that Blackmore was among the first electric guitarists to integrate classical melodicism, speed and finesse into rock music.

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With this honor, Blackmore joins a list of previously recognized guitarists that includes Eddie Van Halen, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy andJeff Beck. Blackmore, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Deep Purple in 2016, also serves on the museum's Board of Advisors alongside musicians like Tony Iommi and Steve Vai.

The museum, which began hosting traveling exhibitions in 2011, is currently planning a permanent physical building.

Blackmore most recently performed live with Blackmore's Night in November 2025 before the group canceled a string of shows due to the guitarist experiencing health issues.

Luke Combs is setting the record straight when it comes to his political views.

While appearing as a guest on the Tuesday, Feb. 24 episode of the Popcast, the country hitmaker clarified where he actually stands on politics, despite the assumptions that have been made about him over the years.

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"There's always someone in my videos like, 'I can't believe you'd like Luke Combs, he's a liberal,'" Combs, 35, expressed during the podcast, while insisting that he has "never said" where exactly he stands on the political spectrum.

And while Combs describes himself as "heavily moderate," he knows that fans on both sides of the aisle have criticized him for his beliefs.

"I'm not liberal enough for liberals and I'm not conservative enough for conservatives," he explained.

Many country music fans will recall back in 2021 when old photos resurfaced online showing Combs appearing with the Confederate flag, prompting him to publicly apologize and explain that he was unaware of the full meaning and context of the symbol.

But according to Combs, his apology and subsequent statements denying any racist personal beliefs ended up landing him in hot water with the opposite end of the spectrum.

"There was a time when people were trying to actively cancel me," Combs said of his right-leaning fans, many of whom assumed that he was a liberal for apologizing for the offensive posts and speaking out against racism.

"That's the thing that blows me away the most about it," the "Beautiful Crazy" singer went on to explain. "Me saying that I was not a racist was then people saying, 'Then you must be a liberal.'"

"I never said I was liberal, I never said I wasn't," Combs added. "How is it hard to say you're not like a racist?"

"I'm not afraid to go on and say, 'Hey man, like country music is a place where I feel like anyone should be able to come and enjoy the music,'" Combs continued, noting that a lot of people just want "to fit you in this box" of right or left.

"There's no middle ground, gray area," he added.

Related: Country Singer Lee Brice Sends Divisive Political Message in New Song Lyrics

Flavor Flav is throwing a party for all U.S. female Olympic and Paralympic medalists.

The rapper and television personality first extended the offer to the gold medal-winning U.S. Women's Hockey Team, but now, he's bringing even more athletes on board.

"Hey, yo, Hilary Knight and the women's hockey team. I know y'all got my invite to come to Vegas. I want to go bigger and better," Flavor Flav began a video posted to his Instagram on Tuesday, Feb. 24. "I want to bring all United States female Olympians and Paralympians, the ones that won medals."

Flavor Flav also invited the Team USA Bobsled and Skeleton athletes to the celebration, as he served as their official hypeman during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

"I got you guys covered, all right? We gonna throw a big party, you know what I'm saying? 
One night, and all Olympians are invited to come to this party, all right? I mean, we got to build up everybody. And that's what this is all about," he added. "I want to see everybody bring your body to the party, all right? Flavor Flav in full effect. 
Let's get down, all right? Support women's sports. It's all about women's sports, baby.
"

RELATED: Flavor Flav Offers to Throw USA Women’s Hockey Team a ‘Real Celebration’ After Gold Medal Win

In the video's caption, Flavor Flav noted attendees are going to have "some nice dinners, throw a big party and a parade and a concert,,, and go to some concerts and shows."

He first made the proposition to the women's hockey team after they declined President Donald Trump‘s invitation to attend his State of the Union, citing prior commitments.

RELATED: U.S. Women’s Hockey Players Seemingly React to Trump’s Phone Call With Men’s Team

The women's team has been subject to chatter online due to comments made by President Trump after the U.S. men also won Olympic gold on Sunday, Feb. 22. In the locker room after their win, the president jokingly told the team on a phone call that he would be “impeached” if he didn’t also invite the women’s team to White House festivities.

“We’ll just have some fun, we have medals for you guys. And we have to—I must tell you—we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” the president said. “I do believe I probably would be impeached [if I didn’t].” 

The president also offered to coordinate military aircraft to fly the men’s team to Washington, D.C. for the State of the Union—which the team ended up attending.

Neither the White House nor USA Hockey have commented on the president’s remarks thus far.

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Bill Gates seemingly admitted to some personal mistakes from his past—including affairs during his marriage to Melinda French Gates.

During a scheduled Gates Foundation town hall on Tuesday, February 24, the Microsoft co-founder addressed questions submitted by staff, touching on a range of topics from artificial intelligence to renewed scrutiny surrounding his past. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal who reviewed the footage, Bill acknowledged that he had affairs with two Russian women while still married and expressed regret over decisions that have since resurfaced publicly—something he previously denied.

A spokesperson said in a statement released to PEOPLEthat the meeting was part of the 70-year-old’s regular twice-yearly conversations with foundation employees and that “Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”

The renewed attention comes weeks after the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal investigations. Among the documents were draft emails Epstein allegedly wrote to himself that included unsubstantiated claims about Bill. However, his spokesperson  previously dismissed those accusations as “absolutely absurd and completely false,” calling them attempts to “entrap and defame.”

During the town hall, Bill reportedly reiterated that he had done nothing “illicit,” stating, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” He also described it as “a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein” and apologized to colleagues who were drawn into meetings as a result.

READ MORE: Melinda French Gates Says Forgiving Ex Bill Gates Is a ‘Work in Progress’ After Recent Epstein File Release

"I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made," he said.

The personal admissions arrive years after Bill and Melinda finalized their divorce in 2021 following 27 years of marriage. Recently, Melinda addressed forgiveness during an appearance on NPR’s Wild Card podcast. “Yes, I think I am,” she said when asked if she considers herself good at forgiving. “But I’ve learned that forgiveness can take a long time and you can’t rush it.” When pressed on whether she has forgiven Bill, she replied, “I think I’m gonna keep that one to myself,” calling it a “work in progress” and adding, “I think I’m getting there.”

Come October, the Sphere will be rocked like never before.

Metallica has announced that it is bringing its Life Burns Faster residency to the Las Vegas venue for an eight-show run set for Oct. 1 and 3, 15 and 17, 22 and 24, and 29 and 31, 2026.

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Concertgoers who attend consecutive Thursday and Saturday shows will get a unique experience as the band is continuing the No Repeat Weekend tradition with different setlists that it started on its 2023 M72 World Tour with no songs repeated on each Thursday and Saturday show during the engagement.

As such, Metallica is offering two-night No Repeat Weekend tickets as well as single-night tickets, when they go on sale March 6 at 10 a.m. PT.

“About 12 seconds into the opening night of Sphere with U2 back in ‘23, I thought ‘We have to do this, it’s completely uncharted territory!’ This residency gives us another chance to reinvent how we interact with our fans in a live setting,” Metallica co-founder/drummer Lars Ulrich said in a statement. “We are beyond excited to share this with the world in six months time, and way f--kin’ psyched to go next level!”

The Sphere’s wrap-around high-resolution LED displays and immersive sound promise to take Metallica’s live show to a whole new level. The band is currently on its M72 World Tour, which has played to more than 4 million fans around the globe, from Europe and North America to the Pacific Rim and the Middle East since kicking off in spring 2023.

Related: 37 Years Ago, Metallica Changed the Course of Their Sound Forever

Metallica shared its preview video clip on its official Instagram account along with the information about the residency and urged fans to “Comment your favorite shape and why is it Sphere?”

“I’m running out of body parts to sell for these tickets 😭,” one fan responded.

“Now THIS...this is gonna be a f--king spectacle 🔥,” another fan commented.

A third fan simply added, “Insane.”

Since opening in September 2023 with U2 and its U2: UV Achtung Baby Live residency, which ran through March 2024, the Sphere has hosted some of the biggest touring attractions in popular music, including Phish, Dead & Company, and the Eagles. Other artists scheduled to appear at the venue in the upcoming months include Anyma, the Backstreet Boys, Illenium, No Doubt, and Carín León.

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Merrell has been dedicated to crafting some of the most reliable hiking shoes for 45 years now, and the label’s shoes are still among the best in their league. On top of that, they’re also much more affordable compared to other name brands. And this pair of trail runners just got even more affordable now that they’re up to 40% off. 

The $140 Merrell Antora 4 Trail Running Shoes are now as low as $84 at Amazon. The discount varies quite a bit depending on the size and color, but we found that the best deal is for the gray/lilac pair in a size 7.5 wide, along with the white and pink runners in size 7.

Merrell Antora 4 Trail Running Shoes, From $84 (was $140) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amaz

Breathable mesh paired with TPU overlays keeps this trail-ready build supportive without trapping heat, bolstered by mesh lining for some extra airflow. Underfoot, a FloatPro Foam midsole and footbed give you lightweight cushioning and energy return for runs, and the FlexConnect dual-direction grooves keep you steady on uneven ground. On the bottom, Merrell’s Quantum Grip rubber outsole provides traction for demanding trail conditions. 

Related: Amazon's 'Lightweight' and 'Comfortable' Slip-On Running Sneakers Are on Sale for $40 in 16 Colors

A helpful reviewer said that these are “the most comfortable shoes I own,” and another wrote, “Incredibly comfortable and stable hiking sneakers.” That second reviewer also noted that they wore them to hike out of the box and they needed no breaking in, and have “pure cloud comfort.” They also said they cleaned up easily after “a particularly muddy trek.”

While these are made for trail running, multiple shoppers who have mobility and/or foot issues found that these are supportive, like this shopper who wrote, “I've been having foot issues for several months, and these are giving me good support.” Another reviewer said, “I have sensitive feet, and I was walking on clouds from the beginning with these shoes.”

Shop More Deals

• Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe, $82 (was $150) at Amazon
• The North Face Altamesa 500 Trail Running Shoe, $109 (was $155) at Amazon
• Merrell Encore Ice 5 Shoes, $90 (was $140) at Amazon

A versatile pair of runners with tons of support, the Merrell Antora 4 Trail Running Shoes can be yours for $84. This sale may not be around for long, which means now’s your chance to save before it ends. 

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The success of Bridgerton led Netflix to release a spinoff series titled Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story in 2023, exploring the marriage of the future queen and King George. Golda Rosheuvel spilled her thoughts on whether her character's backstory should be further explored in a new prequel season.

While the Bridgerton family is the focus of the Netflix series, many often wondered about Queen Charlotte and how her reign on the throne came to be. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story took fans back in time to a young Charlotte, played by India Amarteifio, as she's forced into an arranged marriage to King George (Corey Mylchreest).

The spinoff explored her defiance to marry, but she soon realizes she must become a leader on the throne as she falls in love with George and learns a darker truth about him. Queen Charlotte used historical details to tell their dynamic love story that leads to the popular character fans now love in Bridgerton.

In an interview with People, Rosheuvel revealed it was "wonderful" to dive into her character's backstory and learn more about her past that made her who she is. When it comes to a new installment, Rocheuvel isn't certain.

"I don't know personally whether I want another Queen Charlotte spinoff," Rosheuvel said. "I'd like another character's spinoff. I think there's a lot of scope to delve into other characters' prequel origin stories."

The actor also added that filming the spinoff was challenging as it overlapped with the filming of Bridgerton Seasons 2 and 3. She admits that she suddenly knew the faces of her mysterious children thanks to the spinoff and would then head into Bridgerton, "now knowing what my children looked like. Before, they were just a figment of [my] imagination."

Related: Everything to Know About Sophie Baek’s Backstory in ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4

A spinoff on another Bridgerton character isn't as unlikely as Rosheuvel reveals, with the executive producer having already teased that they have a few storylines in the works. Fans have already shown their interest in seeing how Lady Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) fell in love with Edmund, seeing as a younger version of her character was also part of Queen Charlotte.

Creator Shonda Rhimesis also weighing the possibility, having told Variety that she's still "trying to figure it out" as it's a constant question from Netflix. She too echoes Rosheuvel's comment, stating she doesn't "want to tell a story that doesn’t need to be told" and make a new Queen Charlotte season that fans find lackluster.

Hilary Duff is coming clean...about that toxic mom group drama!

The Lizzie McGuire star sat down with Call Her Daddy's Alex Cooper where she spilled the details on that "toxic mom group" drama that began with Ashley Tisdale's essay for The Cut.

"I don't really think people had to connect very many dots," Duff told Cooper. "I felt really sad. I honestly felt really sad. I was like pretty taken aback and felt just sad."

While Tisdale did not name any names in her essay, fans were quick to put together the pieces after finding photos of the High School Musical star with Duff, Mandy Moore, and Meghan Trainor.

"I have so many groups of friends. I'm so lucky," Duff continued. "Motherhood has brought on like, I have my core group of friends who have been my ride or dies for 20 years, 10 to 20 years, and I have like tons of different groups of mom friends because I have four kids, you know?"

She added, "It sucks to read something that's like not true, and it sucks on behalf of like six women in all of their lives."

According to Tisdale, the group of women was beginning to "exclude" her in different ways.

"At first, I tried not to take things personally," she wrote in her essay. "It's not like people aren't allowed to get together without me — and maybe there were perfectly good reasons that I hadn't been invited."

She ultimately decided to remove herself from the group of friends, sending a text that read, "This is too high school for me, and I don't want to take part in it anymore."

The timing of Tisdale's essay came just as Duff was beginning to promote her new album and tour, which the A Cinderella Story star said, "felt not great."

"I felt used," Duff added.

Jeff Probst is one of the few reality TV presenters who’s become a household name worldwide. As the host, executive producer and showrunner of Survivor, he’s been on Americans’ screens since the reality competition show premiered in 2000.

With all the success Survivor has had over the years—helping shape the reality TV landscape into what it is today—you might assume Probst to be a very wealthy person. And you’d be right. 

It’s no surprise the man is a millionaire, but here’s a look at Jeff Probst's net worth in 2026 and how much he makes hosting Survivor.

Related: Jeff Probst Addresses Backlash Over Survivor 50 Celebrity Cameos

What is Jeff Probst’s net worth in 2026? 

Jeff Probst has an estimated net worth of $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He’s made his fortune from his long-running job as host, executive producer and now showrunner of CBS’s Survivor.

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What was Jeff Probst’s first TV job?

Probst left Seattle Pacific University to pursue a TV career and got a job for Boeing’s motion picture department through his dad. 

“I was basically a PA,” he told Paramount in a 2024 interview. “I slowly worked my way up to where I got to write a script and I got to produce something and then I asked if I could host it because I saw how much money the host made. I'm like, wow, they make more than I make in two weeks, just walking around and talking. That’s when I realized I love storytelling, and I liked it from both sides. I liked being behind the camera writing, directing or producing, but I also liked being able to influence the story in terms of the delivery of the message.”

Related: Meet the Full Cast of Survivor 50

How did Jeff Probst become the host of Survivor?

In the 1990s, Probst started hosting shows for FX, including Backchat, focused on answering viewer-sent letters, and Sound FX, focused on music. That led to him hosting VH1’s Rock & Roll Jeopardy! in the late ‘90s and also working as a correspondent for Access Hollywood.

According to The New York Times, Probst caught the attention of Survivor creator Mark Burnett in 1999 when he interviewed Sandra Bullock for Access Hollywood. Burnett liked Probst’s candid interviewing style and the fact that he was relatively anonymous to the public eye.

Probst, for his part, was very interested in the Survivor job and campaigned hard for it. He ultimately earned not only the title of host but a spot as executive producer, where he’s been a main driver of the show ever since.

“Anyone that works on the show will tell you I'm intimately involved in every single part of the show,” he said in his Paramount interview.

He added, “The first few seasons of Survivor, I was learning a lot and mostly I was learning by making mistakes. I was learning how to trust my instincts. The one thing I've always noticed about good hosts is they're able to see when a moment is unfolding and they know what to do, whether to create space for the moment to happen or whether to get in and grab the moment and make sure it has a spotlight on it.”

Related: Jeff Probst Is Married to a ’90s Heartthrob’s Ex-Wife

How much does Jeff Probst make for Survivor? 

Short answer: between $8 to $16 million per year. But there’s no way to know exactly what Probst makes from his work on Survivor, and guessing is made harder by the fact that different sources report different numbers. 

Celebrity Net Worth, for example, reports Probst’s salary at $8 million per year. Meanwhile, Fandom Wire and other sources seem to think it’s closer to $8 million per season. Given that Survivor produces two seasons every year, that would put his yearly salary at a whopping $16 million.

A more reputable source, Variety, reported on Probst’s income in 2016. The publication said he was making about $4 million per season at the time, which would’ve translated to $8 million per year.

While this lines up with the Celebrity Net Worth figure—and is actually probably where they got their information—it’s also completely possible that he’s gotten a significant pay bump in the decade since Variety’s report was released.

Related: Jeff Probst Is ‘Embarrassed’ by This Outdated Survivor Rule

How much does Jeff Probst make per episode? 

If we’re going off his $4-million-per-season salary that Variety reported in 2016, Probst makes about $286,000 per episode for a season with 14 episodes (the seasons tend to run between 13 and 16 episodes long).

However, if we’re going off the $8-million-per-season figure that some sources think he earns now, he would make double that, or about $571,000 per episode of Survivor. 

Is Jeff Probst leaving Survivor?

No, Probst will continue to host the show. 

When asked by Paramount what he’d have done had Survivor not made it this long, he said, “I would still be in this business. Here's the funny thing. There hasn't been a show that has come around since Survivor that I looked at and went, 'Oh, I should be working on that show.' Survivor was the show that, when I heard it in my bones, I felt like, that's me. I'm that dude. I get that show. I have had times where I'll look around and see the other shows and while they're great, never really feel like they would've been a fit for me.”

Related: The 50 Best 'Survivor' Challenges Ever — According to the People Who Made Them (Exclusive)

McDonald's has never been afraid to experiment. Over the decades, the fast-food giant has rolled out bold burgers, inventive breakfast builds and even dramatic changes to its signature fries. Not every launch stuck. Some faded with changing tastes. Others were tied to specific marketing moments. And a few may have simply been ahead of their time.

Limited-time items still rotate through the menu, but certain discontinued favorites continue to spark serious nostalgia online. Here are 10 McDonald's items we'd happily order again—plus a bonus entry that many longtime fans are still lamenting.

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10 Discontinued McDonald's Items We Want to Return Now1. The McDLT View this post on Instagram

Few McDonald's menu items are as memorable as the McDLT. Introduced in 1985, it came in a two-compartment Styrofoam container designed to keep the "hot side hot" and the "cool side cool." The unusual, very' 80s-feeling design kept the beef patty separate from the lettuce and tomato until it was time to assemble and eat.

The packaging innovation became part of its identity, and ultimately its demise as a menu item in 1990, as environmental concerns around Styrofoam grew. Even so, it remains one of the brand's most iconic retired items.

2. Son of Mac

A smaller take on the Big Mac, the Son of Mac delivered the same two all-beef patties formula in the more compact format of a regular-sized cheeseburger. Also known as Mac Jr. in some markets, the burger was introduced in early 2017 and lasted only a year on U.S. menus. In today's value-driven fast-food landscape, a scaled-down Big Mac feels surprisingly relevant.

3. Superhero Burger View this post on Instagram

Released as a promotional tie-in during the 1995 release of Batman Forever, the Superhero Burger leaned into over-the-top indulgence. The burger, which was also unofficially known as the McHero and the Double Triple by some fans, featured three burger patties, two kinds of cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a "superhero" or hoagie-style bun. Even after a 30-year absence, there is still a demand for its return on social sites.

4. Spanish Omelette Bagel

In 1999, McDonald's expanded their breakfast options with four new bagel sandwiches. Two of them managed to stick around and are still available in some markets. The Spanish Omelette Bagel is not one of them. It featured a folded egg cooked with peppers and onions, a sausage patty, and two types of cheese, adding a unique twist to the usual morning lineup.

With breakfast competition intensifying again, fans are rallying for this bold bagel to be a comeback candidate.

5. Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Before grilled chicken sandwiches disappeared from U.S. menus, McDonald's offered a more premium option with the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Served on a bakery-style bun with lettuce and tomato, it aimed to compete with fast-casual offerings that emphasized lighter fare.

With the popularity of chicken sandwiches today, a thoughtfully executed grilled option could fill a noticeable gap in fried alternatives.

6. The Arch Deluxe

Introduced in 1996, the Arch Deluxe was a burger that may have launched in the wrong decade. Marketed as a more "grown-up" burger, complete with a distinctive mustard-mayo sauce and a softer potato-flour bun, the intent was to offer a more elevated burger experience that went beyond typical fast-food quality. Backed by a major national advertising campaign, it was one of McDonald's most ambitious launches.

Sadly, the price was also more elevated than anything else on the menu, and customers weren't convinced it was worth digging deeper for. Despite the investment, it didn't become a permanent staple, but it remains one of the most talked-about discontinued items in company history.

Related: Applebee's Teams Up with Two Hip-Hop Legends for Its Newest Cocktails

7. Cheddar Melt McDonald’s Cheddar Melt (1988)
by u/AxlCobainVedder in 80s

The Cheddar Melt was a limited-time offering that stood out from the standard burger lineup due to its distinct flavor profile. In place of traditional American cheese, it featured a creamy, melty cheddar sauce. To set it further apart, the burger was topped with grilled onions and served on a soft rye bun. Originally introduced in 1988 and revived regionally at times, it has developed a loyal fan base, with many calling for it to be on a permanent rotation like the beloved McRib.

8. Big N' Tasty

Introduced in 1997, the Big N' Tasty featured a quarter-pound beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato and special sauce on a sesame seed bun. It was widely looked at as McDonald's version of the Burger King Whopper. Originally launched as a limited release, it became a menu staple that lasted all the way until 2011, when it was finally retired from all U.S. locations. Many customers on Reddit are still saddened by its demise—or perhaps the $1 price point.

9. The Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich

The Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich launched in 1979 as a premium sandwich that leaned into a heartier identity. It featured a four-ounce, oval-shaped chopped beef patty topped with large fresh onion wedges, steak sauce and a toasted, split-top roll. McDonald's positioned it as something slightly different from the typical burger build, but it never gained the momentum to become a lasting fixture. The Beefsteak Sandwich was discontinued in 1982.

In today's push toward premium fast food and upscale flavors, the steak-sauce-forward Beefsteak feels ready for another shot.

10. Fried Apple Pie

usaphoto / Shutterstock.com

Before the baked version became standard in the United States in 1992, McDonald's had been serving up Apple Pies that were deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection since 1968. The flaky exterior and molten fruit filling created a texture contrast that many longtime customers still miss and definitely prefer (despite the occasional tongue scorching).

Although fried versions remain available internationally, they were removed in the U.S. in an effort to make the menu healthier. However, the original crispy pie continues to rank among the most requested discontinued items.

Bonus: Beef Tallow Fries

McDonald's

Since this is more about preparation than the item itself, beef tallow fries didn't make the list, but they definitely deserve a call-out. The original preparation method for McDonald's fries remains one of the brand's most debated changes. Since the late 1940's, fries were cooked in a 93 percent beef tallow blend before the company transitioned to 100 percent vegetable oil in July of 1990.

The switch was due to pressure from health advocates calling for lower levels of saturated fat in food. Interestingly, beef tallow has recently reappeared in kitchens due to its rich flavor and being a natural, non-GMO food.Recently, Steak 'n Shake announced it was transitioning to using beef tallow for its shoestring fries, which has McDonald's French fry loyalists hoping the decades-long absence will soon come to an end.

Related: What Happened to the McDonald's PlayPlace? (And Where to Find the Last Few)

Bill Gates took the opportunity during his biannual Gates Foundation town hall to speak openly with employees about his involvement with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Related: Spiritual Guru Deepak Chopra Speaks Out As New Emails With Jeffrey Epstein Surface

"[Gates] took responsibility for his actions" and connection to the sex offender, a spokesperson told Reuters of the company-wide meeting in a statement, adding that the 70-year-old tech mogul "spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail."

The Wall Street Journal reported that in this town hall, Gates admitted it was "a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein," and that he regretted bringing other Gates Foundation executives into meetings with him. “I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made," he reportedly said.

Related: Bill Gates Admits to Affairs With Russian Women While Married, Calls Past Decisions ‘Mistakes’

The Microsoft founder also insisted that he "did nothing illicit" and "saw nothing illicit," despite photos of him posing with women, whose faces were redacted, appearing in the Epstein documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"To be clear I never spent any time with victims, the women around him," he added, claiming that the images show him standing with Epstein's assistants after meetings, and that they were taken at Epstein's request.

DOJ documents show that Gates communicated and met with Epstein several times after his 2008 conviction and prison sentence, as Epstein offered connections to potential donors and wealthy contacts for philanthropic purposes. The Gates Foundation said in February 2026 that they never made any financial payments to Epstein, nor employed him for any purpose.

Next: Bill Gates Says ‘Absurd’ Epstein-Related STI Claims Are ‘Completely False’

While the annual "Butterbeer Season" usually focuses on the classics, the 2026 expansion has introduced a sophisticated new "first-of-its-kind" contender that is quickly becoming the insider’s bucket list butterbeer must-try.

Within the ornate, Parisian-inspired streets of the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Ministry of Magic at the all-new Universal Epic Universe, fans are bypassing the standard snacks for a more elevated experience. The breakout star is the Biéraubeurre (Butterbeer) Crème Brûlée, a dessert that brings a French-inspired twist to the iconic shortbread and butterscotch flavors.

"Well now I need another epic ticket to try that crème brûlée!!!" said one commenter on Instagram. And over on Reddit, commenters were quick to point it out as well. ("Curious about the crème brûlée!")

Available exclusively at Café L’air de la Siréne, this crème brûlée represents a departure from the traditional frozen and cold beverages travelers know so well. It is part of a broader effort to blend the whimsical magic of the series with the sophisticated atmosphere of 1920s Paris found in the new land. While other parks are promoting limited-time waffles, this dessert is being hailed as the "must-try" for those looking to experience the Wizarding World through a more culinary lens.

Related: Universal Epic Universe Rides Ranked

View this post on Instagram

The Ministry of Magic is also home to new "firsts" that will outlast the seasonal celebration. For those looking for a high-end souvenir, the K. Rammelle confectionary shop has officially debuted Butterbeer-flavored truffles and macarons. Unlike many of the seasonal offerings that disappear in May, Universal has confirmed these delicate French sweets "will be offered year-round" at the Epic Universe location, making them a permanent staple of the park's luxury confectionery lineup.

The celebration isn't limited to the plate, however, as a fresh assortment of themed merchandise is also hitting shelves. This year's collection features a new Spirit Jersey, bucket hats and a collectible "Harry Potter 25 Years of Magic Butterbeer Stein" at select international locations.

Related: New Fast & Furious Coaster is Coming to Universal Orlando in 2027

While the festivities begin globally on March 1, the specific dates vary slightly by region. The celebration runs from March 1 through May 31 at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Beijing Resort, while Universal Studios Japan will host its event from April 1 through May 17. Whether you prefer the cold, frozen or hot non-dairy versions, this window offers the rare chance to experience the flavor in all new and unexpected ways.

This upscale menu pivot aligns with a global refresh where Universal is inviting guests to celebrate the flavor in "new and unexpected ways." By focusing on the artisanal truffles and the signature crème brûlée, fans can enjoy a more refined side of the magic that goes far beyond a simple mug of foam.

Related: Universal Just Made It Cheaper to Visit All Four Parks—Including Epic Universe

Lasagna is hard to beat when cold weather calls for something hearty. Those layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, seasoned meat, and melted cheese make it one of winter's most comforting meals.

While making it from scratch isn't difficult, it does take time. That's why Costco shoppers may want to take note of a new refrigerated option that delivers the same familiar flavors in a faster, weeknight-friendly format.

Heritage Specialty Foods' Lasagna Soup is now appearing in Costco's refrigerated section, sold in two 24-ounce containers for $12.99. It's made with spicy Italian sausage and beef and delivers the savory, cheesy flavor profile of traditional lasagna in a bowl, with each serving offering 10 grams of protein.

Take a look at the new heat-and-serve find shared by @costcofam4u on February 23:

@costcofam4u

🚨 Comfort food in a tub just dropped at Costco and it’s GOOD 👀🍲 This is the Heritage Lasagna Soup — and it tastes like someone turned a big, cheesy lasagna into the coziest bowl of soup ever. ✔️ item 1867699 ✔️ $12.99 You get TWO 24 oz tubs (48 oz total) and it’s packed with spicy Italian sausage & beef 🙌 Plus it has 10g of protein per serving. Just heat & serve — perfect for busy nights, snow days, or when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something hearty. If you love lasagna but don’t want to layer noodles, this is your shortcut 😍 #costcofam4u #costcodeals #costcofood #easymeals #comfortfood 🚫 Not affiliated with Costco 🚫 Not affiliated with any brands, items, companies, products in this content and video

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The soup features a tomato-rich broth, tender pasta pieces, and melted cheese that echo the layered flavors of the classic dish. As @costcofam4u noted, it "tastes like someone turned a big, cheesy lasagna into the coziest bowl of soup ever." It certainly appears to deliver that familiar comfort without the work of assembling a full pan.

Related: A Fan Favorite Comfort Food Bake Is Back at Costco

Beyond flavor, the convenience is hard to ignore. The soup can be portioned into a thermos for lunch or reheated quickly for dinner. Pair it with warm bread or a simple salad, and a cozy meal comes together with minimal effort.

For nights when cooking from scratch isn't realistic, prepared options like this can deliver a filling, satisfying meal without overspending on takeout.

Heritage Specialty Foods Focuses on Small-Batch, Ready-to-Serve Comfort Meals

Heritage Specialty Foods produces refrigerated soups and prepared foods designed to be convenient without sacrificing flavor. The company emphasizes small-batch production and carefully selected ingredients to deliver a homestyle taste in ready-to-heat meals. Because the products are refrigerated rather than shelf-stable, they maintain a fresher texture and flavor profile while remaining easy to store and reheat.

For anyone who loves the flavors of classic lasagna but doesn’t always have time to make it from scratch, this Costco find offers a practical alternative. At $12.99, the heat-and-serve format makes it easy to enjoy a hearty lasagna-inspired meal on cold nights without the extra prep, cleanup, or takeout cost.

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If you live in a home with limited square footage, you know the challenge of staying organized all too well. This is why it is a good idea to find practical space-saving storage solutions that make the most of the space you do have. In particular, finding organizers that utilize unused vertical space is always a win. However, if you're not particularly handy, hanging up, say, a floating shelf might not be in the cards for you. That said, there are plenty of other mountable organizers on the market that require no tools. Take, for example, this minimalist magnetic organizer at The Container Store. It saves so much space while looking oh-so-chic, too.

iDesign's Magnetic Bins come in three sizes–small, medium and large–and retail for $10.99, $14.99 and $21.99, respectively. Each clear bin has a strong magnetic back that can easily be mounted to either your washing machine or dryer. This way, you can keep all of your laundry essentials within reach and easy to grab. Plus, this is a space-saving solution that utilizes unused space and turns it into a smart storage spot.

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iDesign Large Magnetic Bin, $21.99 at The Container Store

The Container Store

While this is great for laundry supplies, it is a multipurpose item that can store a variety of things, including pantry staples, toys and cleaning supplies. You can keep this on your fridge or any other magnetic surface you have in your home.

Related: The Container Store's 44-Drawer Organizer Is Perfect for Lego Lovers

Overall, customers are loving this magnetic storage solution, giving it an average rating of four stars on TheContainerStore.com, with 73 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it to others.

"Goes right on my washing machine to hold stain removers! It's perfect and such a space saver," raved one fan in a five-star review on The Container Store's website.

"Excellent space saver," said another shopper in a five-star review on TheContainerStore.com. "I got these to go on the side of my washer/dryer and they worked even better than I thought they would. I'm buying more to go in other areas of the house. The magnet is strong to keep the bins in place, but it's also very easy to take the bins off."

You can find these sleek magnetic organizers online on TheContainerStore.com and in-store.

Related: The Container Store's 'Decorative and Functional' Moon-Shaped Storage Box Is Now 50% Off

During a new episode of Jason and Travis Kelce’s beloved podcast, New Heights, the brothers chatted about Jason’s appearance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, alongside his wife, Kylie Kelce.

While watching the Team USA women’s hockey game on February 19, CBS referred to Jason, 38, as “Kylie Kelce’s husband.” 

“You're the plus one, Jason,” Travis, 36, laughed, during the Wednesday, February 25, episode. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, who is engaged to Taylor Swiftadded, “Sometimes being the plus one is the best feeling in the world.”

“Kylie was there on behalf of NBC and YouTube, I really was just there to have fun and enjoy the Olympics,” Jason explained, assuring that it was “100 percent the correct way to say it and I thought it was hilarious.”

Jason and Kylie Kelce look on in the second period during the Men's Semifinals Playoff match between the United States and Slovakia on day 14 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

The retired center for the Philadelphia Eagles followed up with, “I wanted to tell them, I prefer ‘ball and chain.’”

Jason and Kylie, 33, got married on April 14, 2018. The pair shares daughters Wyatt, Elliotte, Bennett, and Finnley.

"Before I had children, I told myself if I ever have a daughter, I'm just going to treat them exactly the same as a son. I don't think that you should treat kids necessarily different,” Jason previously told People in a 2023 interview, "And then when I had a daughter, I was like, 'I'm not going to spoil her, I'm going to raise her tough. She's going to be hard.' And the moment she came out, I was like, 'Yeah, that's not going to work.'"

New episodes of New Heights come out on Wednesdays.