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A Beetlejuice Beetlejuice reunion is on tap for one of Netflix's biggest shows.

The streaming giant just announced that Winona Ryder will be joining season 3 of Wednesday, joining former co-star Jenna Ortega and frequent collaborator Tim Burton. As if the beloved show didn't have enough star power already!

"Saved you a seat. Wednesday season 3 is now in production," the caption of Netflix's joint Instagram post on Monday, Feb. 23 reads. "Winona Ryder joins Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Green, and all your faves are back. Look alive." Check out the clever way Ryder, 54, is revealed in the social clip below.

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Fans have already showered the post's comments section with words of excitement upon hearing the news. "OMG So Ready !" wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "WINONAAAAAAAA😍😍😍😍😍."

“I am so happy that Winona has joined us, she fits right into this world,” Wednesday director and executive producer Burton, 67, said in a statement, per Variety. “And she’s a dear friend. I always feel lucky to work with her.”

"When it comes to Outcasts, Winona Ryder is the GOAT," said creators and showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar in a statement. "Her legendary partnership with Tim Burton has defined some of cinema’s most unforgettable characters. We loved collaborating with her on ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ and couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to Nevermore."

Ryder finally wrapped starring as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things, whose fifth and final season recently dropped on Netflix. Wednesday and Stranger Things currently dominate the streamer’s top 5 most popular English series, with Wednesday's two seasons at No. 1 and No. 5 and the last two seasons of Stranger Things as No. 3 and No. 4, Deadline reports.

At the beginning of this year, Parade reported on Ryder's net worth, which is estimated at $18 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. But other sources, such as Market Realist, estimate her net worth as high as $30 million. In addition to her recent small-screen work, Ryder has starred in a number of successful films that contribute to her substantial net worth.

Red Bull's highly anticipated Cherry Sakura flavor is finally here!

Three months after rumors suggested the new release would be heading stateside, the popular energy drink company has confirmed it's true.

On Monday, as much of the East Coast battles blizzard conditions, Red Bull is giving everyone something brighter to look forward to: its new Cherry Sakura Spring Edition energy drink flavor.

Red Bull Officially Launches Cherry Sakura Energy Drink Flavor in the U.S.

When the flavor was initially just a mere hope, fans thought that it might be a twist on a beloved international release from a decade ago: Red Bull’s Sakura Cherry Blossom flavor, which it debuted in Japan in 2016.

And now that Parade has reviewed the official description, it appears that not only was the insider intel right, but so were the fans. The new Red Bull seems to have the same flavor profile as the one offered overseas (if not, at least inspired by it).

Related: Fans Win as Red Bull Makes 2 Seasonal Flavors Permanent

According to the official announcement, Red Bull Spring Edition Cherry Sakura features the "taste of cherry, cherry blossom (sakura), and a touch of almond flavor." The company calls it the "perfect" way to kickstart the spring. It will be available in regular Red Bull and sugar-free versions, served in 8.4-ounce and 12-ounce individual cans, each with 80 to 102 milligrams of caffeine (depending on the size).

Red Bull Spring Edition Cherry Sakura

Red Bull

Fast food and snack influencer SnachWithZach was lucky enough to score an early sample of the new energy drink flavor, suggesting that if you’re a fan of cherry flavors "in any capacity," then "this one is definitely a worthy contender." He said it has a strong tart cherry scent and flavor, noting he's a big fan even though he thinks the almond flavor tastes more like a banana. It offers a bit of floral flavors, but it's approachable and overall "really good," he said.

"Sak-ah-rah or watch an episode of Naruto 🤣," one viewer said, correcting the influencer's pronunciation. "Can’t wait to try !"

"Can’t wait to have my baby and drink Red Bull again!" a second exclaimed, adding that "this flavor sounds delicious!!"

A third simply said they "I neeeeeeed this."

"I am definitely picking this up since I'm a big huge Japan fan!" another declared.

"Was hoping for a more floral sakura blossom flavor," someone else shared, "but I will give it a try 🌸."

One more said they've already found it in stores, specifically at a Kroger store in Mansfield, Ohio. "I was just there today," they added.

As for when the rest of the country can expect to find it available, Red Bull said it should be out on shelves at most regular retailers nationwide beginning today (Feb. 23)—which is a full week earlier than the rumors suggested this past fall.

That said, it won't be heading out as part of Red Bull's permanent lineup. The new Cherry Sakura Red Bull will only be available for a limited time, while supplies last, per the press release.

Next:Previously Exclusive Monster Energy Drink Finally Expands Nationwide

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is formally responding to President Donald Trump's calls for the company to fire board member Susan Rice, a criticism that stems from Netflix's ongoing attempts to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery in a high-stakes industry standoff.

In response to Trump's comments, Sarandos said on BBC Radio 4's Today program, "He likes to do a lot of things on social media" (via Variety).

When asked for his thoughts on Trump's attempts to intervene in the purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, Sarandos continued, "This is a business deal. It's not a political deal. This is deal is run by the Department of Justice in the U.S. and regulators throughout Europe and around the world."

Sarandos' interview comes a short time after Trump took to social media on Saturday, with the president urging Netflix to halt their attempts to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as for the company to terminate former Obama administration member Susan Rice.

"Netflix should fire racist Trump deranged Susan Rice immediately, or pay the consequences," Trump wrote of the current Netflix board member.

The standoff between Netflix and the Trump administrations arrives at a notably crucial time not just for the streaming provider, but for the entire entertainment industry as a whole.

Above all else, both industry personnel and international audiences have expressed concern over the impact Netflix's acquisition of the studio, potentially leading to a greater focus on streaming content over traditional theatrical releases.

Right now, Netflix is locked in a tight bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery with their corporate rivals, Paramount. According to Sarandos' view, the studio would be altogether safer with its ownership attached to Netflix over Paramount, reasoning that Paramount's takeover could result in Hollywood's five major studios being reduced to four.

“You look at that and think, ‘Wow, this industry will be much smaller under that ownership than it would be under Netflix ownership,'” Sarandos observed.

The Jeffersons star Marla Gibbs shows what true grit and determination look like. In her new memoir, It's Never Too Late, Gibbs opens up about surviving a brain aneurysm and stroke in 2006—an experience that taught her what she considers to be the "key to healing in life." 

Gibbs wrote that most people don't survive "brain aneurysms, so I knew God still had plans for me. The more my strength and memory came back, the more trouble I got into. As I said before, I’m Gemini and my mind is always curious and always working ... not always for the better," she penned in an excerpt shared with People.

She reflected on living in a rehabilitation facility during her recovery and how she resisted any kind of dependence during rehab after her stroke. "I wanted to go to the bathroom on my own. The bathroom was right next to my bed so I could not understand why I needed help to get there. Every time they would leave the room, I would sneak out of the bed and end up on the floor," she wrote.

During that time, Gibbs also struggled with the fear that her acting career—and independence—might be over. "There was just something inside me that kept saying, 'It ain't over.' But when I got home and looked at the old woman staring back at me in the mirror I said, 'Maybe it is over.' Maybe my days as an actress are gone," she reflected.

Recovery was painful, marked by depression, loss of independence, and deep questioning, as she struggled physically and emotionally after her stroke. As she continued to recover, Gibbs recalled getting frustrated when she tried to show her friend how well she was progressing.

"I went to outpatient rehab for occupational, physical and speech therapy. As I progressed, they had me do a light jog across the room. My friend, Chrystal Carmichael from Detroit, came to help. The first day she got here, we went walking, and then I wanted to show her I could jog, and I fell and hit my head," she wrote. "It was embarrassing but mostly it was disheartening. I complained to the rehab center, and the nurse said, 'We didn’t tell you to jog at home!'"

That's when Gibbs said she embraced patience in her recovery. "I finally accepted where I was at in my recovery," she shared. "I had always been an independent woman who juggled multiple projects. Now, I was totally dependent and could do nothing. Acceptance of where I was in my recovery was essential to me healing, and I think acceptance is key to healing in life."

It's Never Too Late: A Memoir by Marla Gibbs is scheduled to be released on February 24.

Living the good life really boils down to healthy habits and your overall well-being long-term. You may not realize the significant role your metabolic health—or how well your body manages energy (specifically regulating blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and waist size)—plays in reducing the risk of chronic disease.

And endocrinologists say there's one big sign that your metabolic health is in good shape.

But first, let's back up: Why endocrinologists? Endocrinologists are specialists of the endocrine system, which includes your pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas and reproductive glands. They diagnose and treat conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, infertility, menopause, cancer and more. Long story short, they know a lot about metabolic health.

“Metabolic health is not defined by weight alone. It is defined by how well the hormonal and metabolic systems are functioning together,” explains Dr. Randa Abdelmasih, MD, Endocrinologist, UTMB Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism. “From an endocrine perspective, midlife represents a period where preserving muscle mass and supporting insulin sensitivity become even more important. Midlife does not mean metabolic decline is inevitable. It requires a more intentional and individualized approach.”

In other words, metabolic health isn’t about achieving “perfection,” but rather maintaining “physiologic resilience.” In simpler terms, this is your body’s ability to acclimate, endure and recover from physical stress, such as intense exercise, injuries, or illness.

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The #1 Sign of Good Metabolic Health

Allen Chen/Getty Images

You may take excellent care of your body, but is your metabolic health in top shape? There’s one marker experts agree that best reflects good metabolic health: insulin sensitivity, or how effectively your body responds to insulin.

“In endocrinology, insulin is far more than a blood sugar hormone. It is a central metabolic regulator that influences how the body processes carbohydrates, fats and protein. When tissues respond appropriately to insulin, energy is handled efficiently and the metabolic system remains coordinated,” explains Dr. Abdelmasih. “As an endocrinologist and obesity medicine physician, I see insulin resistance every day in clinical practice. It often develops long before diabetes is diagnosed and long before patients realize that something metabolically is shifting.”

When you develop insulin resistance, your body tries to make up for it by producing even more insulin. As time passes, this can contribute to fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk. For this reason alone, insulin sensitivity offers one of the clearest looks into metabolic wellness.

“It reflects how effectively the body is managing energy at a cellular level,” Dr. Abdelmasih says.

Related: Taking This Vitamin at the Wrong Time Might Be Messing With Your Metabolism

How To Test Your Insulin Sensitivity

When people talk about “testing insulin sensitivity,” they’re really talking about how doctors assess how well the body responds to insulin—and according to Cleveland Clinic, there isn’t one single test that gives a definitive answer. Instead, clinicians look at a combination of blood markers that together paint a picture of how efficiently your body manages blood sugar.

A common starting point is fasting blood glucose, which measures blood sugar after at least eight hours without eating. If levels are elevated, it may suggest the body isn’t responding to insulin as effectively as it should. Doctors often look at this alongside a fasting insulin test, which shows how much insulin the pancreas is producing at rest. Higher insulin levels—especially when blood sugar is normal or slightly high—can be a sign that the body is becoming resistant to insulin.

Another key marker is hemoglobin A1C, which reflects average blood sugar over the past two to three months. You can also ask for a lipid panel, which is a group of tests that measures specific lipids, or fat-like substances, in your blood.

Why Body Weight Is Not Always a Reliable Marker on Its Own

Body composition and physiology is a more accurate assessment of metabolic risk than the number seen on the scale. After all, your body weight doesn’t make the distinction between muscle versus fat, or even where fat is distributed, explains Dr. Abdelmasih. For example, visceral fat—dangerous fat that surrounds your organs—contributes to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, whereas muscle mass is considered metabolically protective.

“An Olympic athlete may easily have a BMI of greater than 25 and the same BMI as a sedentary couch potato, but they would have very different metabolic risk,” Dr. Joseph Barrera, MD, endocrinologist with Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California, says.

Related: This Hidden Habit Slows Metabolism After 40—and It’s So Easy To Fix

How To Improve Your Metabolic Health

Revving up physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity in as little as a few days.

“Resistance training is particularly important in both endocrinology and obesity medicine,” explains Dr. Abdelmasih. “Skeletal muscle enhances glucose uptake and improves insulin responsiveness. Preserving and building muscle becomes increasingly important with aging and during hormonal transitions.”

Tweaking your diet can make a major difference as well. Dr. Abdelmasih emphasizes adequate protein consumption for muscle preservation and eliminating ultra-processed foods.

You may also want to consider following the Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes healthy fats and plant-based meals, along with establishing a calorie deficit.

“A body weight loss of at least 5% is necessary to see a profound metabolic improvement,” explains Dr. Heberto Valdes, MD, an Endocrinologist at Baptist Health South Florida. “Dietary modifications should be the focus, with caloric restriction and a Mediterranean diet.”

In addition, it’s important to establish healthy and regular sleep patterns and reduce stress levels.

Maintaining good metabolic health and restoring balance must be a lifestyle decision and involve sustainable habits you can stick with in the long run. It’s not a one-and-done fix.

Up Next:

Sources:

• Cleveland Clinic. (2023, August 16). Endocrinologist: What they do & when to see one.
• Randa Abdelmasih, MD, Endocrinologist, UTMB Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism
• Dr. Joseph Barrera, endocrinologist with Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California
• Heberto Valdes, MD, an Endocrinologist at Baptist Health South Florida

Gene Simmons has been performing KISS songs in his solo shows for years, but on February 20 at L'Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana, he played two he had never touched live before, and both were written by Ace Frehley.

'Strange Ways' and 'Rocket Ride' appeared in the 14-song set, each marked as a live debut for Simmons. It was the first show of 2026 for the Gene Simmons Band and only the second time the group had performed since Frehley's death on October 16, 2025, at age 74.

Simmons' new inclusion of these songs is meaningful. 'Strange Ways,' originally sung by drummer Peter Criss on KISS's 1974 album Hotter Than Hell, was Frehley's composition. 'Rocket Ride,' co-written by Frehley and KISS associate Sean Delaney, appeared on Alive IIin 1977. Frehley later said the song was pivotal for him. 'That's the first time I was satisfied with my vocal projection,' he wrote in the Behind the Mask book. 'More than that, 'Rocket Ride' was the song that really gave me confidence that I could sing and really project a song.' Notably, KISS itself never performed 'Rocket Ride' live — it was a staple of Frehley's solo shows, not the band's.

Simmons also played 'Cold Gin' and 'Parasite,' two other Frehley-penned songs he has performed before, bringing the total to four Frehley compositions in a single night.

The two men had one of rock's most complicated partnerships. Simmons once said that Frehley had 'as much credit for the beginning of the band as Paul Stanley and I do,' adding that 'there's no question it was that chemistry.' But the relationship cycled through decades of falling-outs, public jabs, and partial reconciliations. Frehley left KISS twice, in 1982 and again in 2002, and in his final years described the dynamic with Simmons and Stanley as being 'just like brothers' who 'curse each other out and then make up.'

Related: 1977 Hit Rock Song Voted 'Best Guitar Solo of All Time' Was Released 49 Years Ago Today

The show came after a difficult few months. In early December, Simmons drew backlash when he suggested 'bad decisions' had played a role in Frehley's death, a remark that landed hard given that Frehley had publicly maintained his sobriety for nearly two decades before he died. Simmons apologized within days. 'My hand to God I didn't intend to hurt Ace or his legacy, but upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone,' he said. 'I've always loved Ace.'

Friday's performance didn't come with any on-stage statement about Frehley. The songs simply appeared in the set.

Frehley co-founded KISS with Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss in New York City in 1973. He was 74 years old when he died.

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In 1975, Paul Anka appeared in a now-iconic TV commercial for Kodak. The advertising campaign, which focused on the special moments captured in family photographs, featured Anka recording the song “Times of Your Life,” as his then-wife Anne de Zogheb and their young daughters watched from the studio.

“Paul Anka, for Kodak,” an announcer said as Anka’s personal family photos flashed onscreen.

​The campaign made Anka’s rendition of the Roger Nichols and Bill Lane-penned song so popular that in November 1975, he released the tune as a single. “Times of Your Life” appeared on Anka’s hits album of the same name.

“Times of Your Life” peaked at No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100 in February 1976.

'Times of  Your Life' was the only commercial Anka did

In February 2026, Anka, 84, recalled his unique partnership with Kodak.

“'Times of Your Life' was the only commercial I ever did,” the music legend told Deadline in an interview. “We carefully look at every request, and we say no more than we say yes.  For my situation, I am making all of the approvals granted.  Nothing is approved without my expressed consent.  I am involved in every request and personally grant it or deny it. [Music publisher] Primary Wave and I are partners and work very closely and very well together.”

Anka previously revealed why he agreed to the Kodak deal but turned down others.

“Kodak wanted to do a commercial which had a nostalgic feel to it, which pertained to family, to yesterday,” he told the American Archive of Public Broadcasting in an interview. “And they had a certain concept in mind, and they approached me. And I'd never done a commercial, I had been approached to do commercials for hamburgers for ‘My Way,'  'Going Our Way,’ and I've never really been into commercials. I just think an overexposure in that area is really detrimental.”

“Kodak, I think, is a substantial company,” Anka explained. “I liked the concept, and I did it. That was my one and only commercial. I just like the premise of it.”

In his 1997 memoir My Way, Anka explained that the “Times of Your Life” project was also a way for him to work with his kids. “In 1975, I got to work on a project that involved my family and expressed my love for them,” he wrote. “That was the Kodak commercial ‘The Times of Your Life.’”

“I produced the record, which became a Top Twenty hit,” Anka added. "The campaign was very successful, and I was really happy to be a part of it. All of my kids were in it, and I think that’s why it was such a hit—it connected.”

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The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, intended to celebrate a landmark year for global cinema, are instead facing intense scrutiny following the decision to broadcast a racial slur during a segment featuring Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The incident occurred during a presentation involving John Davidson, a man living with Tourette’s syndrome, sparking a polarized debate over the ethics of live-to-tape editing and the responsibilities of major broadcasters. While the BBC operated on a two-hour delay—standard practice for the ceremony—the slur was retained in the final edit, leading to widespread accusations of institutional negligence and the exploitation of Black trauma for viewership.

This editorial choice has hit a particularly raw nerve, occurring on the same evening Ryan Coogler made history as the first Black person to win the BAFTA for Best Screenplay. The contrast between the celebration of Black excellence and the broadcast of a racial slur has left audiences questioning the production’s priorities.

In the digital town square of Reddit and social media, the post-mortem is focused on why the "safety net" of the broadcast delay failed.

“My question is, why did they keep it in the broadcast? They cut ‘free Palestine’ from one winner’s speech, but not that? For what? A ‘teachable moment?’ Why does that have to come at the expense of black people’s feelings? Why show Jordan and Lindo getting humiliated like that? And on the night Coogler made history by being the first black person to win Best Screenplay no less.”

The logic of the production team appears to have been caught in a philosophical vice. Some argue the decision was rooted in a misguided attempt to de-stigmatize neurological disorders, while others see a more cynical motive.

“Excuse me if I sound cynical but it was likely to garner viewership which sucks. the clip was really upsetting.”

For viewers, the impact was visceral. Delroy Lindo, a veteran actor of immense gravitas, appeared visibly shaken in the room. The auditory experience for those at home was described by many as a "magic eye" moment—initially muffled, but unmistakably harmful once recognized.

“What I'm confused about, is why they didn't use other editing options... I think the upset could have been minimised to those who directly experienced it in the room with better production choices. I struggle to believe this was purposeful vs incompetent.”

The defense of the broadcast often cites the themes of the film I Swear, which argues that those with Tourette’s should not be shamed for involuntary tics. However, critics argue that "dignity" should have been the guiding principle for everyone involved.

“I think the racial slurs absolutely should’ve been edited out. Not out of shaming, but out of not giving licence to racists. Pretty sure the man in question who said them bc of his condition would’ve liked that dignity.”

The most damning critique remains the perceived double standard in what the BBC chooses to censor. While political slogans are routinely scrubbed to avoid controversy, a slur was allowed to stand.

“The answer would be that the person who said ‘Free Palestine’ is making a choice to say that, while the person with Tourette’s has no choice or control over what they say... But one is a slur and the other is a slogan. If you cut one, you should cut both.”

As BAFTA and the BBC face calls for a formal investigation into the production's decision, the industry is forced to reckon with a difficult truth: in the search for a "viral moment," the human cost is often too high.

Mr. Pibb is having quite the comeback this year.

The popular Coca-Cola soft drink only returned to some shelves a few months ago, as part of a limited preview ahead of its nationwide expansion this year. At the time, we knew its recipe had been updated to be "bolder" and more caffeinated than before, and now we've learned the company kept a big secret: the addition of two new flavors.

Reformulated Mr. Pibb & Mr. Pibb Zero Sugar Expand Nationwide, Bringing 2 All-New Flavors With Them

According to Coca-Cola, the reformulated Mr. Pibb will still offer the same “spicy” cherry flavor of the original (and historically regional) release, featuring hints of caramel familiar to fans, just with 30 percent more caffeine than the original Pibb (and Pibb Xtra) recipe.

It's currently rolling out to participating U.S. retailers in the West, Midwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans, 7.5-ounce mini cans, 20-ounce bottles, 2-liter bottles, and 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles.

Related: Coca-Cola’s ‘Nostalgic’ New Flavor Launches This Month

Mr. Pibb (L) and Mr. Pibb Zero Sugar (R).

T

In addition to expanding the revamped original Mr. Pibb, the company revealed on Monday (Feb. 23) that fans would also be getting two all-new flavors of the cherry-peppery soda and officially introduced the new Mr. Pibb Punchin' Peach and Mr. Pibb Thrillin' Vanilla flavors, currently rolling out with the new Mr. Pibb and Mr. Pibb Zero Sugar.

"When Mr. Pibb first launched, the packaging didn’t tell consumers what it was — it told them what it was not," Dane Callis, director, sparkling flavors at Coca‑Cola North America, explained in an October 2025 press release. “Not root beer, not cola. It’s something unique and original, a bold rebel in a category of norms. Nothing fans know and love about Mr. Pibb has gone away, but we took steps to modernize its look for new consumers’ tastes and preferences."

Mr. Pibb Punchin' Peach.

T

Its new Mr. Pibb Punchin' Peach soda layers a "bright, fruitier" flavor on top of the original spicy cherry base with vibrant peach notes, according to an official description shared with Parade. Mr. Pibb's new Thrillin' Vanilla, on the other hand, is said to have a "smooth vanilla flavor" added to its signature spicy cherry flavor for a more "indulgent" finish.

Mr. Pibb Thrillin' Vanilla.

T

Both the new Mr. Pibb Punchin' Peach and Thrillin' Vanilla will be available as regular, full-sugar sodas in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and individual 20-ounce bottles. However, unlike the original recipe, these fruity and creamy new Mr. Pibb sodas are only launching at participating retailers in select markets, which we're told include the West, Midwest and Florida.

That said, we wouldn't be surprised if, a few months from now, we hear from The Coca-Cola Company that it plans to expand the releases nationwide—especially if fans make it clear they want to see a wider release, since that is a big reason the soda giant decided to revamp its original Mr. Pibb in the first place.

"Consumers have been asking for Mr. Pibb’s bold kick of cherry flavor for some time,” Callis also shared this past fall. “If you go on Reddit, X and other social media, you’ll find conversations about the mystique of Mr. Pibb. Mr. Pibb has a feisty loyal following, so he’s coming back in a bold, fresh way."

Fans looking to try the bolder Mr. Pibb (full sugar or zero), Punchin' Peach, or Thrillin' Vanilla flavors should expect to find them in the soft drink aisle at participating convenience, major and grocery store retailers (prices may vary).

Next: Keurig Dr Pepper Just Confirmed the Return of 4 Beloved Sodas

Survivor 50 made a splash late last year when CBS revealed that a number of celebrities would be leaving their mark on the season. While famous fans like Jimmy Fallon and Billie Eilish are making an impact from afar, lending their names to new advantages, Zac Brown and MrBeast will actually be making momentary cameos on the island. But, even outside briefcases and boomerang idols, the Season 50 cast itself contains quite the notable name in and of itself: Mike White.

In the 2000s and 2010s, White worked as an actor and writer, bringing to life memorable works like School of Rock, Enlightened, and Nacho Libre. But he was also a Day 1 fan of Survivor, as his day-to-day as storyteller got him wrapped up in the world of unscripted television. White made his reality TV debut alongside his father, Mel White, on two seasons of The Amazing Race. But, after becoming acquaintances of Jeff Probst, even making suggestions that were later implemented on the show, he tried his own hand at being a castaway in Survivor: David vs. Goliath. One of the many standout characters of Season 37, Mike successfully navigated playing both under the radar and as a major force, ultimately finishing in second place with three jury votes to his name.

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And it's due in part to Survivor that White's career hit the stratosphere. Following his time on the show, he created and developed The White Lotus. The dramedy has become one of HBO's biggest hit shows in recent memory, earning many accolades across three seasons (including three Emmys for White himself). And, for what it's worth, he's spread the love to some of his Survivor family, including castaways from his season in cameo appearances (including two cast members on Season 50, Angelina Keeley and Christian Hubicki). So, of course, we had the chance to sit down with him as part of our preseason interviews with the cast of Survivor 50, we had to ask if he could use the chance of some prestige TV time in exchange for their loyalty. But that's about the last thing on his mind right now.

"I mean, honestly, being here, I don't really want to think about White Lotus," he admits. "I don't want to talk about White Lotus. I don't really see myself dangling that. The truth is, I don't really know what anyone's perception of me is. So, yeah, maybe people will be nicer to me because of it, or maybe people will have some kind of beef about that or something, or thinking, 'Why is he here?' It's hard to know. If I assume, it'll probably not be necessarily a bad thing. But I could also see it be like, 'We don't know who to vote for. Oh, Mike doesn't need the money. Maybe just get rid of him. He'll be fine.'

While The White Lotus may not be on his mind, it certainly is when it comes to his competition. Indeed, when conducting a "Friend or Foe" exercise, asking the Survivor 50 cast to give opinions on one another, many were eager to bring up his work on the show as a cudgel. Interestingly, nobody said they wanted to work with White specifically to get a role on the show. But there were many who said they anticipated that would happen, which makes him too dangerous to keep on the callsheet.

Check out the Survivor 50 cast's opinions of Mike White, and check in with Parade daily for interviews with this season's contestants and other tidbits. Survivor 50 premieres on Feb. 25 with a three-hour episode on CBS.

Related: Mike White is Returning for ‘Survivor 50’ With One Goal: ‘To Create an Exciting Season’ (Exclusive)

Survivor 50 cast talks Mike White

Angelina Keeley: Ok, so I love Mike. In real life, he's one of my closest friends. We talk almost every day. It's been seven years. We played all 39 days together last time. He is just near and dear to my heart. And when we found out we were both going to be out here, it's like, "What do we do?" So our hope, I think — if he says otherwise, then cut it out. [Laughs.] You're gonna juxtapose Angelina being like, "I love my BFF, we talk all the time." And him being like, "Oh, she's fine. She's cool."  So hopefully we're on the same page. I think we are. But no, he's a really important person to me, to the point where — actually I'll confess this to you.

He's someone who's so important to me that if the money wasn't big enough, I would pause and say, "This relationship, this person, means so much to me. Is it worth it to blindside them? Is it worth it to break their heart and send them to Ponderosa?" So again, I hope that they up the ante. I think they will. They're going all out for this season, so let's bring the money home, baby! But Mike, BFF. I mean, he's really my number one. We just have to mitigate the appearance of that. Because he put me in a show, but he also put Carl and Natalie and others too.

Aubry Bracco: Oh my gosh. I don't know. Mike White is proceed with caution. Because I'm like, I really like you, but everybody's gonna want to be on The White Lotus. So you're gonna be a magnet. But then I'm also like, "I really like you. Because I can see you observing all of us, and you're writing the next season right now."

Charlie Davis: Friend. I just think he's a cool guy, and that's something that's really exciting to me.And this is a lot of people, because a lot of people, I only know them from the TV show Survivor, right? But he's beyond just being a Survivor player. He's like a true A-list celebrity, and he's out here, and I think that's such an interesting way to move about the world. And I mean, what is Suvivor if not a chance to really get to know someone deeply? So that would be awesome to just get to shoot the s—t with Mike White. What the hell!

Chrissy Hofbeck: Friend. I feel like I'm gonna click with him. Again, he's my age. I also don't get stars in my eyes for the whole Whtie Lotus thing that I know other people do. I've just never really been like that. So I think that I would work with him nicely. 

Christian Hubicki: I think that Mike sincerely would want to work with me…for now. But when the circumstances change, he will flip. And this man, he will say he's here for the experience again, but fool me twice. But he's the man who has everything. He won an Emmy. He'd rather win Survivor. I think on some level, he'd rather win this show. So I'd be a fool to forget that. 

He's a Friend. I think he's a Friend. I don't think he'd be looking to take me out early. But this idea, "Oh, take me to the Final Three. I don't want to win." He's not going to make that mistake again. He will get to the end, and then he will make a beautiful speech and tell everyone why he should be the winner of Season 50.

Cirie Fields: So Mike, there's another target. We're gonna let somebody come into our game — which I call it our game, lovingly and respectfully — that may just walk away with the million-dollar check and write a new series about it. So there's another target in Mike White. Mike White scares me as well, because I feel like Mike White has done enough research to kind of see me too. And either I feel like Mike is either gonna be with me or against me; there's no in between. I don't think there's anything. Listen, I was wrong twice or a few times. [Laughs.] I hope they all love me. I hope they want to play with me. I hope they all want to trust me and allow me to prove that I can be trustworthy. But I do have my reservations about some of them.

Coach Wade:  I definitely say Mike White is going to be a Friend. You know why? Because he's the only person out here — besides maybe Rick Devens, but Rick Devens played on the bottom the whole time, so we don't really know. But he's joyous. He wants to play this game like a kid, wants to have fun. One of the few people that's out here simply because he doesn't need it. He just wants to have fun. He wants to be a big kid in the big game, and so I like that. I'm gonna try to be his friend.

Related: Sandra Diaz-Twine Reveals the Surprising Origin of Her ‘As Long as It’s Not Me’ Survivor Strategy (Exclusive)

Colby Donaldson: God, he's a wild card for me. That's the season I didn't watch much of. I obviously know his background. I didn't really know that until coming into all this, but I've learned it. Mike, he's a wild card for me. I don't know where to put him. I'm gonna have to assess that quickly on the beach.

Dee Valladares: Friend for sure. He's here for the vibes. Obviously he doesn't need the money. Hopefully we're on the same tribe, because I want to play this game with people that are having fun. And if Mike White gets voted off first, you think he's gonna care? No, he's gonna go back and live his life and be grateful that he had a role on 50. And that's kind of like the way that I want to take it too.

Emily Flippen: Foe. What are you even doing here? I want somebody to answer that question for me. What I want to get him to do is publicly promise to everyone that he will not put a single contestant from Season 50 on any of his TV shows or movies moving forward. Because I feel like otherwise, the entire narrative around his time here is going to be, "Oh, well, are they trying to buddy up to Mike White" — not to say they won't vote him out. But, "Are they just trying to be friendly with him and work with him because they want something from him?" Let's shut it down right now. All you to do is say, "Hey, it's not happening, guys. So if you work with me, you're working with me. You're not working with my TV persona." That stuff irritates me.

Genevieve Mushaluk: I have such complicated feelings about Mike being here. I am worried that people are not going to want to vote him out. And I'm worried he's in addition to having the benefits that come with people from your season and being in the community longer, so having the opportunity to make more connections, I'm worried, because of The White Lotus of it all, people are not going to want to vote him out. And I'm like ,"Let's then maybe let's get him out extra early! Let's get him out before the game even starts then!" It's not too soon to get rid of someone that no one wants to get rid of.

Jenna Lewis-Dougherty: Mike White's tricky. Mike White's tricky because Mike White is in Hollywood, so Mike White might see past my bad acting skills. We've already touched on the fact that I just want to get people to like me so that I can vote them off. And this is a game of lying to every single person. Either they're in your alliance and you're gonna have to lie to them at some point, or they're not in your alliance and you have to make a believable lie if you want it to be a blindside. So I have to trust in my acting skills against somebody who's actually doing this for a living. I think I can do it. But do I want to work with Mike White. I think that he can be trustworthy enough, and I think that he will buy into my act.

Joe Hunter: Friend. The influence he has, he has an air about him that, I think, with his success in life, he's obviously had to deal with a lot of BS. He's obviously had to deal with making friends. He's obviously had to play a game socially in real life n his career. I mean, he's extremely successful. He wrote Nacho Libre, he wrote School of Rock. I mean, obviously White Lotus. Like, wow, man, wow! So I would say Friend for that guy. He's like the Godfather.

Related: How Boston Rob Mariano Went From Crawling Out of a Freezer to ‘Survivor’ Royalty (Exclusive)

Jonathan Young: Just so I can get on White Lotus! No, I would love to work with Mr. Mike. I'd say he's a Friend. He doesn't have to prove anything being out here. He's a multimillionaire that's done so well in life. I think it translates into the game. Everything out of the game comes into the game in some way, shape or form. And so we got a guy that's a multimillionaire that has a TV show, who doesn't need to be here. He just loves the game. And I love the game. I honestly don't need to be here, but I love the game, right? We have that in common.

Kamilla Karthigesu: Foe. Because I can't read him during pregame. Every time he walks into a room, he looks lost. He looks confused. I mean, it's not even out on the island. It's just everywhere you see him, he just looks confused. I don't know what it is about him. I can't read him. So I'm gonna go with Foe. Also, he was very close to winning his season. Some people say he should have won. There's discourse about that online. So no, I feel like he's someone who, if he makes the merge, he can very much run away with the game. So Foe.

Kyle Fraser: I think Mike White might be a Foe for me. Even though I really like Mike White, I think that, every now and then some people look at me smiling, or being charismatic, or just trying to be myself. And I think every now and then, there's a couple people who think that I might be acting or like putting on a show. And although I'm sure Mike and I would be friends outside of the game, if we had enough time, in a split-second sort of situation, I feel like he might be one of those people who's like, "Why the f—k is that guy smiling so much?" I think he might be one of those guys. I love Mike. That's why it's funny, is because he's sort of like a very charismatic curmudgeon, in a lot of ways, from my understanding of watching his season. 

Ozzy Lusth: Best friend. I hope so. Hopefully I can charm Mike White a little bit. I'm such a huge fan of him from before Survivor even. Nacho Libre was one of my favorite movies for so long. And to be playing with someone that you look up to that is just an intellectual. LIke, he's a giant! And now he's obviously riding the mojo of White Lotus. He's as big as it gets right now, as hot as it gets. And everyone's going to be vying for his attention; everyone's going to be trying to get him on their side. I think he's going to be a great person to go really far with. And hopefully I can be that guy.

Q Burdette: Friend, but then a Foe. Because I know Mike White's gonna have a lot of influence against this cast. A lot of folks are auditioning for White Lotus, so they might try to allow this guy just because. I have to be willing to play with them, to a point where he's no longer able to be played with, and I gotta get rid of him. He can't go to the end.

Related: From Doe-Eyed to Black Widow: Parvati Shallow Turns ‘Survivor’ Heartbreak into Two-Time Triumph (Exclusive)

Rick Devens: Friend, but barely. He's giving me good vibes, but like he's Mike White. [Laughs.] Who knows?

Rizo Velovic: Already Mike White's gonna have his ass kissed because people want some 10 seconds of fame after this show. I'm not here to get on White Lotus. I'm here to submit my legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. So while I would love to vote with you for a vote or two, I could care less.

Savannah Louie: Friend, easily. One of my things in 49 that I wanted to do, which I did do, was align myself with someone who made me laugh. And he made the game that is so stressful at times a lot more enjoyable. And I really see that in Mike. I feel like he's a total goofball. I loved his sense of humor in David vs. Goliath. I feel like I could use that out here too.

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick: He cracks me up. I love The White Lotus. I watch it, just like everybody else in the world. I just think he's a funny guy. I think he's a brilliant guy. I would love to get to know him. I hope, again, they're gonna want to get to know me, and he will be my Friend. Otherwise, he's a Foe.

Tiffany Ervin: Friend for sure. I feel like we can have a nice little kiki session. He seems funny.

Related: 'Survivor's Mount Rushmore: The Legends Who Built a 50-Season Legacy (Exclusive)

Sister Wives star Kody Brown continues to draw the ire of his immediate family members, including one daughter who called his behavior "selfish."

In an interview for the podcast The Sarah Fraser Show, Mykelti Brown Padron, daughter of Christine Brown Woolley and Kody, and her husband, Tony Padron, discussed their relationship with the Brown family patriarch.

During Sister Wives Season 20, Kody visited North Carolina to apologize to his ex-wife, Janelle Brown, for his behavior throughout the past several years. However, he never told Mykelti he was visiting her home state, causing her to become angry at her father.

"We found out he had come to North Carolina from watching the episode," Mykelti revealed. "The place he went to was around an hour and 45 minutes from our house."

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"Didn't tell us," she continued. "I would have dropped everything if [he] had told me. I am still livid, pissed about it."

Mykelti said she doesn't understand her father and his wife, Robyn Brown's, "motivation. Why they don't want to extend a hand, reach back, hang out, and see us?"

"I think it comes down to my dad is selfish with his time," she added. "He likes to seek things that are more rewarding, and I guess we don't have enough of a net benefit for him."

She concluded, "He stopped putting the effort in. I was the one always putting my arm out and he wouldn't put his arm out back. I just kind of got to the point where I was like, 'I'm done.'"

As for Season 21 of TLC's Sister Wives, Mykelti revealed that the family members have filmed content. However, not all members have participated.

She revealed that she would appear alongside her husband in the new season, as well as her sisterMadison Brown Brush, who lives on the same property as her mother, Janelle. Her sister Ysabel, also Christine's daughter, will also reportedly appear along with Robyn, Meri Brown, and Kody.

Sister Wives is currently on hiatus.

Season 29 of The Voice premieres tonight with several twists to the new season. One of which is that there will only be three coaches: Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine and John Legend. The reason for it is that the season is being labeled “Battle of the Champions,” and this group of coaches are all past winners.

“We are all veteran coaches, we've all won this show and we've all done the show quite a bit, so we've all got great experience,” John told reporters in a group interview. “We all know what we're doing, so that means the competition for artists was really intense. It was hard to convince someone to join your team when you've got these other two amazing coaches.”

And Kelly agrees, “I've never been more shocked in the Blinds because I literally thought people were either going to totally go with you [John] and then they went with [Adam], or the opposite. It was weird. That was crazy.”

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And the interesting thing for all three coaches, who by now have learned what works when pitching artists to join their teams is that this season, those things didn’t necessarily work.

“The thing is you don't know what's going to trigger something,” John continued. “One artist I lost because he saw Kelly crying to Céline Dion. Then one artist, I lost to Adam because her kid came out and her kid loved Maroon 5 so much. Little things that you just never know what's going to work with each artist. These two are just excellent choices and so every time I was like, ‘I could lose to either one of them.’ So, you’ve got to give it your best shot.”

Related: Watch Kelly Clarkson Storm the Stage for a Hug in The Voice Premiere: ‘What a Gift’

Kelly added that she felt it was about connection, but it was a season where it wasn’t obvious what that connection would be.

Kelly Clarkson

Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC

“There were times we were very shocked at where someone went,” she said. “After singing with one of us, they picked a different coach. It happened to all of us. We thought they were going somewhere and they didn't go, so it's it really is a hard season. There were random connections that we would have with artists this time that I didn't really see in other seasons quite as much as I saw this season. I really do feel like every artist in our team could have gone with any other coach. I think it was just these small little connections they'd have for whatever weird reason.”

The one thing that was easier in the Blind Auditions was all three coaches had a shot at getting country artists on their teams because neither Blake Shelton nor Reba McEntire were options.

“The distribution to the teams this year was very even,” Adam said.

“With the absence of the cowboy, it made it so country was more evenly distributed,” John agreed.

Tune in on Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC to find out. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, The Voice Returns for Season 29 With New ‘Battle of Champions’ Format and Fan Favorite Judges

On Feb. 23, 1974, the Billboard Hot 100 welcomed an unlikely new name: a Catholic nun.

Sister Janet Mead’s pop-rock recording of “The Lord’s Prayer” entered the chart that week and would go on to become one of the most unusual hits of the decade. The single spent 13 weeks on the Hot 100 and eventually climbed to No. 4—reaching its peak during Holy Week in April 1974. It also rose to No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Produced by Martin Erdman and originally released in Australia, the song quickly became an international success. It sold nearly three million copies worldwide and was certified Gold in the United States for sales of one million copies.

The achievement was historic. Mead became the first Roman Catholic nun in more than a decade to score a major pop hit in America, following Sister Luc-Gabrielle—known as “the Singing Nun”—whose “Dominique” reached No. 1 in 1963.

Even more remarkably, “The Lord’s Prayer” remains the only Top 10 hit in which the entire lyrical content comes directly from the Bible. Every word of the song is drawn from the prayer attributed to Jesus Christ.

The success earned Mead a Grammy nomination for Best Inspirational Performance at the 1975 Grammy Awards. She ultimately lost the award to Elvis Presley for “How Great Thou Art.”

The song actually has an interesting origin story. It grew out of Mead’s earlier efforts to modernize church music. In the early 1970s, she began exploring the “Rock Mass” concept, aiming to make the Catholic Mass more engaging and accessible for her students. The idea evolved into a series of Rock Masses held at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide, Australia.

In 1973, she began making professional recordings for schools and churches before traveling to Sydney to record with Erdman. The label initially asked her to record Donovan’s “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” and Erdman suggested a rock arrangement of “The Lord’s Prayer” as a B-side. Instead, it became the breakout hit. Mead donated her share of the royalties to charity, while Festival Records used its portion of the proceeds to upgrade one of its recording studios.

The song’s popularity led to the release of her album With You I Am, which reached No. 19 in Australia in July 1974. She followed it with A Rock Mass, a full recording of one of her live liturgical performances.

More than five decades after it first entered the Billboard Hot 100, “The Lord’s Prayer” remains one of the most unexpected and distinctive hits in chart history.

An ’80s superstar is going viral for an interview where she discussed her brief, whirlwind romance with John F. Kennedy Jr.

Brooke Shields was interviewed by Howard Stern in 2024, where she discussed her documentary Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. While combing through her colorful life, Stern asked a question many '80s kids wanted answered: Did she ever date Kennedy Jr.?

The model and actress went on to share details of their short-lived romance. She revealed that before dating him, she had a huge crush on the handsome Kennedy heir.

Shields told Stern that from childhood, she was "so madly in love" with Kennedy Jr. "My mom [Terri Shields] would say, 'That's the boy you're going to marry.'"

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The duo met many years later while both visited Aspen, Colorado. Shields told Stern, "He kept saying I looked like his mother, which was really interesting and a compliment."

However, she was uncertain about a date with the longtime object of her affection. "I also was like, 'I don't know how to feel about this.' And then we did have a real date. And I wouldn't sleep with him because I kind of loved him too much."

She continued, "He kissed me, and it was like the best kiss I've ever had in my life. It was beyond not disappointing. The lips are beautiful, and the face is amazing, and the body and the person, and he was down to earth and funny and irreverent."

Shields knew she had fallen hard for Kennedy Jr. However, she didn't consumate her feelings.

"He was so precious to me. I was like, 'Oh, my God, you're falling in love, and if you sleep with him, he may not talk to you again, and you can't handle that. I wasn't playing a game. I really was just so afraid of being really hurt, because if I slept with him, I would've given him my entire universe, my heart, my everything."

She concluded that after rejecting his physical advances, the next day, Kennedy Jr. "didn't look at me and he didn't talk to me. Thank God … he showed his true colors."

The interview is gaining renewed attention thanks to the buzz around the FX limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. Fans are now revisiting Brooke Shields' revelations, proving that some ’80s romances are still impossible to forget.

Before the gold plating, before the galaxy far, far away, there was a young British actor standing in a Boy Scout-style tent in the Tunisian desert, being bolted into 17 pieces of heavy fiberglass, piece by agonizing piece. And he had absolutely no idea what he was doing there.

In a new interview for Nacelle's Icons Unearthed series, Anthony Daniels opens up about the surreal, often harrowing experience of becoming C-3PO for Star Wars. In many ways, the story is stranger and more human than what made it to screen.

Daniels, a classically trained actor who initially turned down the role outright ('Low budget science fiction, a robot?' he recalls thinking), describes the moment he first wore the complete costume at Elstree Studios as genuinely unsettling. 'Gradually, I really kind of felt I was losing my humanity,' he says. 'I was clamped into this.' He wobbled around the special effects workshop for ten or fifteen minutes, crashing into equipment, barely able to see through what he calls 'pinholes' in the eye sockets. When they finally removed the suit, he says, it 'seemed like a lifetime, a nightmare.'

And then came the news that would make any actor's stomach drop. The costume had to be packed up immediately and shipped to Tunisia. Daniels wouldn't see it again until he was standing on the planetTatooine.

That first day of filming may be the interview's most dramatic revelation. Daniels had been in theatre, television, and radio, none of which had prepared him for any of this. In the tent, two dressers spent a full half hour just getting the head on, at one point accidentally covering his mouth so he couldn't breathe. When the tent flaps finally opened and he wobbled out onto the sand, the reaction from the multinational crew was telling. The Americans were vocally stunned, the British were characteristically understated ('Yeah, quite good, isn't it?'), and the local Tunisian workers, Daniels says, looked at him like he was 'the second coming.'

Within three steps, the left leg had crushed the plastic shoe into his foot. He was limping before he'd said a single line.

Related: Marcia Lucas, Ex-Wife of 'Star Wars' Creator George Lucas: 'I Don’t Think He’s Ever Forgiven Me'

Then came his first scene, and George Lucas. Daniels flubbed the line three times, flustered by discomfort, poor hearing, and what he describes as dialogue that simply 'made no sense.' Finally, Lucas stepped out from behind the camera. 'He looked at me with a kind of enmity, is all I can say,' Daniels recalls. 'And he said, in a kind of dead face: 'Don't worry about the voice. We can fix it later. You can say anything you want.'

To a trained actor being paid to say the lines, the note was, as Daniels puts it, 'utterly confusing.'

Somehow, out of all that chaos, one of sci-fi's most beloved characters was born. Looking back, Daniels says the single most memorable moment of the entire Star Wars experience was that instant he stepped out of the tent into the early morning desert light, the costume radiating gold in the sun. 'People say, what's the most memorable thing for you of Star Wars?' he says. 'And it was that moment. Absolutely that moment.'

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Some people need willpower to kick the smoking habit, but Jerry O’Connellneeded hypnosis… and a no-touch embargo from wife Rebecca Romijn.

Like many smokers, O'Connell struggled to kick the habit until he realized his wife was keeping her distance for a few weeks.

“My wife said she would not touch me if I smoked, and that lasted about two months," O’Connell said on the Work in Progress With Sophia Bush podcast. "And by the way, no contact. My wife said, 'I’m not touching you anymore until you quit smoking.' Then after, like, two weeks, there was no physical contact. After about three and a half weeks, I was like, 'I gotta do something.' And I tried to quit, and I couldn’t quit.” 

Determined to quit smoking—and get back in Romijn's warm embrace— O'Connell turned to a friend who found success with hypnosis. “I struggled with nicotine for decades, struggled with it, had to get hypnotized,” he said.

So, "I went to see [the hypnotist], and I had to bring a photo of my children and my wife," the Stand By Me star recounted. "And I sat down on her recliner, and she put her headphones on me, and there was, like, spa music. And she was like, 'I’m going to count to 10, nine, eight...' and I fell asleep."

However, once he woke up, O'Connell thought he'd just had an expensive nap. "I woke up, and I was like, 'That was baloney. What a joke. I can't believe I just gave some old lady $800. What a waste of money,'" he recalled. But he quickly learned it was likely the best $800 he'd ever spent.  “Got to my car, put the ciggy in my mouth, brought the lighter up, and… I wanted it so bad,” he said. “I couldn’t light it. I swear to you! I've never been hypnotized for anything else. I know they do, like, everything.”

Since then, “Haven't had a ciggy in, like, 14 years," O'Connell revealed.

In a surprising twist for Hollywood Land fans, Disney has hit the pause button on a major demolition. While travelers were preparing to say their final goodbyes to the Monstropolis taxicabs this year, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! has officially been granted a one-year reprieve.

Originally slated to close in early 2026 to make way for massive park expansions, the attraction will now remain open through 2027, according to KTLA. This decision comes as Disneyland Resort adjusts its complex construction sequencing for several high-profile projects, including the upcoming Avatar land and a new Coco attraction.

Despite the shift in the "Monsters" timeline, park president Thomas Mazloum confirmed during a recent briefing that the Avatar project remains on track and will not be delayed by the scheduling adjustment.

Related: Disney Shutting Down Two Classic Attractions This Spring

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“As we celebrate 70 years of the Disneyland Resort, we’re also building for the future by focusing on the relevancy and quality of our product – simplifying the guest experience and bringing exciting new attractions and entertainment to The Happiest Place on Earth,” Mazloum said at the briefing.

This extra year of operation is part of a broader effort to maintain guest satisfaction as the resort navigates its ambitious DisneylandForward expansion plans. By keeping the beloved dark ride open longer, Disney is providing more capacity and entertainment for families while work begins on foundational infrastructure, such as the new Eastern Gateway project.

Related: 10 Iconic Disney World Rides That Have Closed Forever—And What Replaced Them

Set to begin construction this fall, that project will introduce 6,000 new parking spaces and a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard to streamline the arrival process for the millions of guests visiting for the resort’s 70th anniversary.

For fans of Mike, Sulley and Boo, this "bonus year" offers a rare second chance to experience the sights and sounds of the CDA (Child Detection Agency) before the doors to this version of Monstropolis close for good.

Related: The 10 Most Anticipated Theme Park Launches of 2026

As online speculation about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding continues to swirl, fans are stepping in to draw a line, urging others to respect the pop superstar’s privacy and avoid sharing details, verified or not. The growing wave of support highlights a broader conversation about boundaries in the digital age—and how quickly rumors can spread when deeply personal matters become public chatter.

Naturally, everyone is excited for Swift and Kelce's wedding, and many fans want to know every last detail about the date, the venue, the dress, the cake, the guest list, and the music. However, many of those fans realize that Swift and Kelce's wedding has the potential to be a straight up spectacle if some of these details get out. Moreover, fans really want Swift to have the wedding that she deserves without having to worry about her private day being leaked (or even ruined) by the masses.

While many seem to think that the Tayvis wedding will take place during the off season (even though Kelce has yet to confirm whether or not he will retire), most seem sensitive to the fact that having a wedding when you're easily the most famous couple in the world is no small feat, especially if the goal is to keep things private. And so, quite a few people have taken to X essentially begging other fans not to spoil this special day for Swift.

"Hey so this should be obvious but don’t post places you think taylor is and don’t publicly speculate about the location of her wedding. we’ve all seen how people act. let her have privacy and dignity," one fan wrote on X.

"Please don’t ruin Taylor’s wedding day/ location for the sake of attention online," someone else said.

"If you air out any wedding details i am blocking you. idc. no woman deserves their special day to be fw for twitter likes. idk why so many of you can’t just ignore things tabloid say about taylor’s wedding or taylor in general. it’s so creepy, invasive and embarrassing," a third comment read.

"IDK why they can’t just let Taylor have ONE thing, privacy on what’s supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life. i swear this fandom is going to be worse than selena fans on her wedding day," a fourth X user added.

Swift and Kelce got engaged in August 2025. The couple shared the joyful news in a joint Instagram post, which quickly became one of the most liked posts on the platform—ever.

READ NEXT: Celine Dion Reacts to a Fan Singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ — and 17 Million Viewers Can’t Get Enough

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Martha Stewart may not be able to directly design your home, but that doesn't mean you can't incorporate her impeccable taste into your living space. Thanks to the culinary mogul's incredible line of home products, you can shop stunning pieces at your favorite retailers, spanning from spring-inspired quilts to convenient kitchen mats. 

Now, we're shopping for the Martha Stewart Lemon Whimsy 2-Pack Oven Mitt Set while it's 40% off at Amazon. The kitchen product initially cost customers $20, but has been reduced to $12. The mitts are a standard size — 13 inches long and 7 inches wide — and made of cotton, so they're super comfy to wear. The set includes two oven mitts that are designed with a hanging loop on the bottom of the mitt for easy storage when not in use. 

Martha Stewart Lemon Whimsy 2-Pack Oven Mitt Set, $12 (was $20) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

The set features a gorgeous lemon tree pattern, consisting of yellow, light blue, white, and green hues. So, yes, they're perfect for the upcoming warm weather (and your European getaways, since the pattern reminds us of Southern Italy). The cotton is heat-resistant to protect your hands from hot cookware. 

You can place them in the washing machine in cold water on a gentle cycle with similar colors. It's advised to lay them out to dry and if you have to iron them, do so on the lowest setting. Only use non-chlorine bleach in order to maintain the pattern. 

Over 400 Amazon users have bought this "beautiful" oven mitt set in the past month, so they're flying off shelves quickly. Shoppers described them as "super pretty," "high-quality," and "perfect" for everyday use. Another customer wrote that they're "thick enough to insulate well," but not too large so that you can maneuver easily with them on. 

Related: I Took 20 Solo Trips Last Year, and My Go-to Safety Alarm Is Now on Sale for $30 on Amazon

"I can easily grab hot pans from the oven without getting burned," one reviewer added. They continued that they previously owned a different pair of Martha Stewart's cotton oven mitts, which lasted them over a decade. 

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• Martha Stewart Highbrook Jadeite Glass Cake Stand, $25 (was $38) at Amazon
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While country star Faith Hill doesn't attend many events these days, making a sighting of the singer a rare and exciting occurrence, she used to be a main fixture in country music. But even after taking a break from making music, her impactful discography and live singing talent are still a trending topic, including a breathtaking performance at the Grammy Awards 26 years ago.

On Feb. 23, 2000, Hill, who has been married to fellow country singer Tim McGraw since 1996, took the stage at the prestigious awards show to perform her hit song, "Let Me Let Go." The song was originally released on Sept. 14, 1998, as a single off her third studio album, Faith.

The song was a major success, both the original country version and a remixed pop track that was on the soundtrack for the 1999 movie Message in a Bottle. It earned a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, leading to Hill's invitation to attend and perform at the event in 2000.

Hill took the stage for her performance in a sparkling sleeveless dress that stopped just above the knee, while she wore her hair in her signature style, parted down the middle with slight volume. At the show, Hill performed the pop remix of the song, and her powerful vocals and natural stage presence left many in awe.

Even now, people are still talking about the performance online. Someone shared a clip of it on YouTube over a decade later to share with new and old fans, and in the years since, many people have shared their earnest reactions to Hill's talent.

Related: Faith Hill’s Daughter Audrey Wows in Lacy Black Bra and Suit at ‘Special’ Performance

One person who was allegedly at the Grammys that night wrote, "I was there. 11th row. She started nervous …but she stole the show."

Others called the song "A bitter sweet piece of genius" and said, "it was this performance that got me hooked onto her.. been a fan since."

Another saw Hill's performance and declared her "one of the best female singers of all time, i love everything about her voice."

While Hill didn't win the Grammy that night, she still went home a winner after leaving audiences spellbound by her singing.

Thankfully, Hill went on to nab her first-ever Grammy in the same category the next year with her song "Breathe," along with the awards for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals and Best Country Album. She won two more Grammys in 2003 and 2006 as well.

Related: 32 Years Ago, This Now Rarely Seen Country Star Earned Her First No. 1