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Adam Levine may not be the most critically beloved frontman of all time, but he’s certainly one of the most commercially successful. Bolstered in part by his years as a coach on NBC’s hit singing competition The Voice, the Maroon 5 singer has built a long-lasting career with a massive net worth to match it. 

"I'm so happy that I get to have this life,” he said of his success. “No one knows how good my life is as well as I do.”

Levine started out in the ‘90s, when he was just a teenager and part of a group called Kara’s Flowers, and unlike some of his contemporaries, he never pretended he didn’t want to make it big.

“Led Zeppelin, The Who—those bands wanted to be famous. They sought fame,” he said. “It was rock-and-roll to want everyone to hear your record. I don’t know when, maybe like 1991, it stopped being cool to want to be successful, and I just think that’s the stupidest thing I ever heard.” 

Keep reading to find out how Levine turned that unapologetic ambition into global stardom—and how much he’s earned along the way.

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How did Adam Levine get his start?

Levine was born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif., to his mother, Patsy, an admissions counselor, and his father, Fredric, founder of the retail chain M. Fredric. His parents divorced when he was 7 and shared custody of him and his older brother, and Levine has credited both of them with supporting his early interest in the arts. “They loved music,” he said. “So I was always surrounded by music. I remember we’d be in the car and my mother would kind of quiz me on, you know, who’s singing this Beatles song? And I’d usually get it wrong.”

As a student at the prestigious Brentwood School, Levine met Jesse Carmichael and Mickey Madden, and together with Ryan Dusick, they formed the band Kara’s Flowers (which they would later rebrand as Maroon 5 with guitarist James Valentinein the mix). Their first brush with the music industry came in quintessentially Hollywood fashion: A producer overheard the group playing at a house party in Malibu while walking his dog and helped the guys land a record deal.

Kara’s Flowers signed with Warner Bros.’ Reprise Records and released their debut album, The Fourth World, in 1997. Though the record flopped, the experience gave Levine his first taste of major-label life—and disappointment. “Suddenly, we were just these tainted kids who are in this band that no one wants to sign,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. 

After the band was dropped, he and Carmichael briefly attended Five Towns College in New York. But when the group reunited in Los Angeles, added Valentine and reimagined themselves as Maroon 5, their luck finally changed. Their 2002 debut album, Songs About Jane, became a sleeper hit, with singles like “Harder to Breathe” and “This Love” getting constant radio-play. 

Although some critics wrote Maroon 5 off as lame—and still do—Levine generally brushes them off as snobs. In an interview with music journalist Larry Katz, he pushed back on the idea that his band was a group of “lightweight L.A. pretty boys” by saying that they were “lightweight L.A. pretty boys.”

“We’re skinny dudes, we’re attractive, we make pop music,” he said. “It’s a no-brainer. We’re the easiest targets imaginable.”

Related: Singer Adam Levine Reveals Cool ‘Secret’ Hiding in Maroon 5’s New Song

What song did Maroon 5 get famous for?

Maroon 5’s lead single, “Harder to Breathe,” was technically the song that put them on the map. But it’s hard to separate their rise to fame from their bigger hit singles off Songs About Jane: “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved.” 

Chances are, you now have all three songs stuck in your head.

What is Adam Levine’s net worth in 2026?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, the “Moves Like Jagger” singer has a net worth of $200 million, a figure that reflects earnings from music, touring, television, endorsements and more.

Has Maroon 5 ever had a number one hit? 

Yep. The band has had four tracks top the Billboard Hot 100. They are: 

• “Makes Me Wonder” (2007) 
• “Moves Like Jagger” feat. Christina Aguilera (2011)
• “One More Night” (2012)
• “Girls Like You” feat. Cardi B(2018)

What are Maroon 5’s biggest hits?

Maroon 5 has released many earworms over the years, including 15 songs that landed them in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, four of which reached No. 1 (see above). Those songs are: 

• “This Love” (2004)
• “She Will Be Loved” (2004)
• “Makes Me Wonder” (2007)
• “Moves Like Jagger” feat. Christina Aguilera (2011)
• “Payphone” feat. Wiz Khalifa (2012)
• “One More Night” (2012)
• “Daylight” (2013)
• “Love Somebody” (2013)
• “Maps” (2014)
• “Animals” (2014)
• “Sugar” (2015)
• “Don’t Wanna Know” feat. Kendrick Lamar(2017)
• “What Lovers Do” feat.SZA (2017)
• “Girls Like You” feat. Cardi B (2018)
• “Memories” (2020)

The band’s chart dominance hasn’t always earned them “cool” points. But Levine has often pushed back on the idea that making radio-friendly hits somehow makes the band less legitimate.  

“As far as I’m concerned, pop is popular,” he said. “People have kind of developed this stigma for what pop is. They think it’s the devil, they think it’s corporate and it’s evil—and a lot of it is, I’ve gotta admit. But popular doesn't mean bad, and popular doesn’t mean that you shouldn't like it or that you’re not supposed to. It just means it’s popular and other people like it, too. It’s a shame when people lose sight of it.”

Related: Adam Levine Reveals Hit Song He Thought Would Be a ‘Career Ender’

When did Adam Levine join The Voice?

Levine signed on as an original coach when The Voice premiered in April 2011 and stayed for 16 straight seasons before stepping away in May 2019. After several years off, Levine returned in 2025 for Season 27, and he’s slated to take his seat once again for Season 29, which premieres Feb. 23, 2026.

Following the series debut, Levine admitted in an interview with Piers Morgan that he hadn’t anticipated just how dramatically the show would raise his profile. “I didn't really realize what I was getting myself into as far as that's concerned because this is what they call TV famous,” he said.

By 2013, he was rolling out a fragrance line, planning a fashion collection and taking on scripted roles, including a part in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Storyanthology.

The boost to the frontman’s personal status breathed new life into his band, too, which had otherwise faltered with the 2010 release of its third album, Hands All Over. “The Voice wound up being way beyond the best thing that’s ever happened to me and to the band,” he told THR.

Although Levine initially “scoffed at” the idea of being on a reality TV show, he had no concerns about “selling out.” 

“I think that there was this generation before us that was so hellbent on not selling out that it went too far, and I feel like maybe it’s history correcting itself because it’s more acceptable now to do a lot of the things that musicians would have been terrified to do 10 years ago,” he said. “I was never that guy that thought it was uncool for a band to be successful. I always thought, ‘Wow, wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to pay your bills and also be a musician?’”

How much does Adam Levine get paid on The Voice?

In 2013, two years after The Voice premiered, The Hollywood Reporter claimed that NBC was paying him $10-to-$12 million for each cycle of the show. By the time he exited at the end of Season 16, he was reportedly making north of $14 million per season. 

Of course, that’s to say nothing of how Maroon 5 benefited—and therefore profited—from the show. For example: After the band performed “Moves Like Jagger,” which featured fellow Voice coach Christina Aguilera, on a June 2011 episode, the track became one of biggest digital singles of all time.

Related: Christina Aguilera Turns 45 — and She (Still) Looks Incredible

Why did Adam Levine quit The Voice? 

Levine left The Voice after Season 16, despite NBC having previously announced that he’d return to the show, to spend more time with family (he had two children with wife Behati Prinsloo at the time; the couple has since welcomed a third).

"I was ready to not be doing it anymore ... for a little bit,” he told Howard Stern. “For eight-and-a-half years, I was so busy—[I] had the band, [I] had The Voice. I was beyond fortunate to go through all of it because it was a life-altering experience being on that show ... and then it got to the point where I got married, I had two kids, and I wanted to spend time with them."

His chair was filled by Gwen Stefani. 

Is Adam Levine coming back to The Voice again? 

Levine returned to the red chair in 2025 for Season 27 and will once again take the seat in Season 29, which premieres Feb. 23, 2026.

How many times did Adam Levine win on The Voice? 

Levine is so far a three-time champion, having coached Javier Colon (Season 1), Tessanne Chin (Season 5) and Jordan Smith (Season 9) to victory.

Does Adam Levine have a Grammy? 

As frontman to Maroon 5, Levine has won three Grammys, starting with Best New Artist in 2005, which the band controversially took home over Kanye West.

“The one thing that pisses me off about how our win was received, is the critics saying Kanye’s more important or Kanye’s more relevant,” Levine told Larry Katz at the time. “It’s like, listen, that may be. He writes songs about other things and maybe more potent things than I write about on this record, and maybe the way that they were presented was better, whatever that means. But we won the award, and there’s a reason for it. And in a lot of people’s eyes, we’re the best new artist.”

The following year the band took home Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “This Love,” and in 2008 they won Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Makes Me Wonder.”

What has Adam Levine acted in? 

Levine dabbled in scripted acting shortly after joining The Voice, with a small role in American Horror Story: Asylum and a supporting part in the movie Begin Again opposite Keira Knightly. But he hasn’t done much since—and he’s made clear that he isn’t booking roles for the money. 

"I did this movie for no money,” he said while promoting Begin Again. “I'm very lucky that I'm in that position. I want to have good experiences. I don't want to do a bunch of s--t that I hate. I want to treat [acting] completely differently because I have the very fortunate luxury of not having to think of this in terms of money."

With a net worth like his, that’s arguably something he can say about a lot of things.

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

The Rookie was almost a very different show thanks to one beloved star's almost-career path, but as Celina probably would have said, "The universe had other plans."

It's hard for fans to imagine everyone's favorite grumpy sergeant, Tim Bradford, played by anyone but Eric Winter, but the soap alum nearly became a first responder in real life, instead of just playing one on TV.

The actor sat down with Tommy DiDario on his podcast, I've Never Said This Before, this week, where he revealed he almost went into emergency medicine, admitting he was this close to entering the fire academy. In fact, he says he even "probably should have been" a paramedic.  

He Took a 'Crazy' Turn Into Acting

"This was a very crazy change of path for me," he said. "I was probably one step away from being brought into the fire academy, to being a firefighter paramedic."

Related: Nathan Fillion Has to Take 'Careful' Measures to Avoid This Mistake While Filming 'The Rookie'

Winter was fully EMT-certified and ready to move up the ladder after he stepped away from acting. "I was like, I’m not going back. I’m not gonna do it. Didn’t like the rejection," he explained. After graduating from a pre-med program at UCLA with the intention of becoming a doctor, moving back toward the medical field just made sense.

But he got a call from his agent, offering him an audition for a soap opera. "I was like, ‘I’m not gonna do a soap,'" he recalled. But he decided to go in for it, and ultimately appeared on over 400 episodes of Days of Our Lives.

"So I probably shouldn’t be doing this right now. I shouldn’t even be sitting here, I should be out as a first responder somewhere," he concluded. "But I just play a fake one on TV."

@tommydidario

Hard to imagine @Eric Winter not being Tim Bradford. 🤯 Full episode out now on the podcast. @The Rookie Universe #therookie #ericwinter #timbradford #entrepreneurship #actor

♬ original sound - TommyDiDario

The social media manager for The Rookie was one of the top comments on the snippet from the podcast on TikTok, writing, “'The universe had other plans' - Celina probably."

"Thank goodness for that!!!! 😂🥰," one fan replied, as multiple followed up to assert how perfect Winter is for the role.

"I can't even imagine someone else than Eric Winter playing Tim Bradford," one wrote. "I’m so glad he didn’t stop 🙏🏻."

"I don’t want to imagine that," another agreed. "I can’t picture anyone else as Tim Bradford."

Fans May Be Glad to See Him on TV, But They're Still Thirsting Over What Could Have Been

Many also thirsted over the image of the actor in uniform, with one begging, "WAIT PLEASE CAN SOMEONE EDIT A PICTURE OF ERIC WINTER INTO PARAMEDIC UNIFORM."

"hey I need cpr," another quipped, as someone else pointed out, "that's why eric was the only one who slightly did cpr correctly 😭😭" during a recent episode.

While he seems pretty happy with where life has taken him, it's never too late to persue your passions. Just look at Disney alum Jennifer Stone, who works as an emergency room nurse and continues to act when the project is right. Someday in the future, you could find yourself getting loaded up into an ambulance by Sergeant Bradford himself.

Related: 'The Rookie's Dylan Conrique Leaves Fans 'Lost for Words' With 'Serious' Piano Cover of 'Daddy Cop'

TV's twistiest show of 2025 is finally back! After a critically-heralded debut season, Paradise has returned for another season of underground mysteries. Though this time, the action is being taken topside, as Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) takes a look for the first time what the world looks like following the apocalyptic event that sent them into the bunker in the first place.

Keep reading for the episode release schedule and everything else you need to know about how to watch Paradise Season 2.

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When did Paradise Season 2 premiere?

Paradise Season 2 kicked off with its first three episodes on Monday, Feb. 23.

When do new episodes of Paradise Season 2 come out?

New episodes of Paradise Season 2 will drop Mondays.

What time do new episodes of Paradise Season 2 come out?

Typically, episodes of Hulu shows drop at 3:00 a.m. ET/12:00 a.m. PT. So if you're on the West Coast, you can stay up late and enjoy the first three episodes immediately!

How many episodes of Paradise Season 2 will there be?

Similar to Season 1, Season 2 of Paradise consists of 8 episodes.

Related: Sterling K. Brown Finds Power in ‘Difficult Conversations’ — They’ve Led Him to ‘Paradise’ and Beyond (Exclusive)

What is Paradise Season 2 about?

 Season 2 of Paradise picks right back up from where Season 1 left off, with Xavier taking an airplane out of the bunker to find his wife, Teri (Enuka Okuma). As Sterling K. Brown told Deadline, "There will be an exploration of the world outside of the bunker and what's transpired over the past three years, so you'll get a chance to see some things up close and personal. It's not the same. We were able to plan, with infrastructure and money. They were not, so you'll see the difference between those two things." He continued, "We'll find out whether or not his wife is alive. Was she alive at the course of that tape? Has she survived up until that point, et cetera? You still get a chance to find out what's going on in the bunker."

What is the release schedule of Paradise Season 2?Monday, Feb. 23 — Episode 1: "Graceland," Episode 2: "Mayday," Episode 3: "Another Day in Paradise"Monday, Mar. 2 — Episode 4: "A Holy Change"Monday, Mar. 9 — Episode 5Monday, Mar. 16 — Episode 6Monday, Mar. 23 — Episode 7Monday, Mar. 30 — FinaleHow to watch Paradise Season 2

Paradise is available to watch on Hulu, Disney+ or DIRECTV.

Related: 'Paradise' Season 2 Premiere Date, Cast, Trailer, Plot and More: All About the Hit Hulu Show's Return

Sometimes the wrong recipient reveals the right truth.

Saltburn star Richard E. Grant is opening up about how a nearly 30-year friendship turned sour when Grant accidentally learned what this person really thought of him. In a recent interview, Grant revealed he might never have known how this friend truly felt about him if she hadn’t accidentally copied him on an email.

"What I thought was one of the five best friends in my life," Grant, 68, shared on an episode of the Mad, Sad, & Bad With Paloma Faith podcast. "She sent an email from Africa to a mutual friend in Australia who'd asked for my email address, and, because my name was in the body of the email, I got inadvertently sent this email."

The email couldn't have arrived at a worse time because it hit his in-box shortly after Grant learned that a project he had thrown himself into wasn't moving forward due to money issues. He was also shooting the final episode of the hit TV sitcomFrasier, which only added to the sting.

https://youtube.com/shorts/mKSyXI6ZtEE?si=y8uHXf_rwn7cJLRO

As he was reading the note, he happened across "a paragraph of such toxicity" that inspired him to end the decades-long friendship. "And I thought, 'That's not a real friend anymore.' And I was absolutely devastated," he recalled. "So I copied and pasted that and then sent it back. And I said, '29 years of friendship?'"

Grant offered additional context to the email. "It was of my script that I had written, which was entirely autobiographical," he recounted, reflecting on the 2005 film, Wah-Wah. "And she had read this script. Our daughter was very smart, because she was 16, so exactly 20 years ago. She said to me, 'In your heart of hearts, haven't you always known this about that person?'"

He described the experience as "just brutal," adding, "Because that person knows you in the most formative part of your life, when you're still dreaming of getting regular work out there as an actor. Nevermind the other things that have happened to me since. So when you're betrayed like that, there's no going back for me."

In 1981, a song that had a never-ending title sent an unknown band to No. 1 almost immediately.

Stars on 45 was a collective of Dutch studio musicians assembled to record a medley primarily composed of Beatles songs, bookended by two recognizable 1970s hits. The medley was crafted to flow seamlessly from one song to the next, capturing the sound and energy of the originals while creating a danceable early 80s chart-topper.

According to History, the song was created as a homage to the Fab Four and released in April 1981, just four months after John Lennon's December 1980 death. The official and very long title was “Medley: Intro ‘Venus’/Sugar Sugar/No Reply/I’ll Be Back/Drive My Car/Do You Want To Know A Secret/We Can Work It Out/I Should Have Known Better/Nowhere Man/You’re Going To Lose That Girl/Stars On 45.”

However, radio DJs at the time referred to the song as "Stars on 45." Per History, vocals were recorded by musicians from popular Dutch singing groups, including Bas Muys as John Lennon, Okkie Huysdens (Paul McCartney), and Hans Vermeulen (George Harrison).

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According to Sterogum, music executive Willem van Kooten was inspired to create the song after learning how DJs were creating their own music mixes by stringing together the day's hits. Inspired, Kooten hired Dutch producer Jaap Eggermont, drummer of the 80s band Golden Earring, to assemble musicians who could replicate The Beatles' sound for a tribute record with a catchy beat.

The medley went to the top of the Billboard charts within two months of the song's release. It hit the top spot in June of 1981.

The formula continued to succeed with listeners. Producers followed up the original song with "Stars on 45 Medley #2″ (again featuring The Beatles); “More Stars” (Motown), and “Stars on 45 III: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder.”

The disco-inspired beat made the "Stars on 45" medley impossible not to dance to, keeping listeners moving from start to finish. That catchy energy is what helped the little-known band shoot straight to the top of the charts.

In 1975, the Eagles paved the way for Hotel California with their iconic album One of These Nights. The nine-track studio album was a commercial breakthrough for the Los Angeles-based band, and the last to feature the original lineup of Glenn Frey, Randy Meisner, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and newcomer Don Felder, who also appeared on the band’s previous album On the Border.

While the album featured multiple hit singles, the title song “One of These Nights” was ranked as the best song from the album in a February 2026 list compiled by Ultimate Classic Rock.

The music outlet described the song as a true team effort to “break the ballad template” with “contemporary R&B sounds and a sneaky lyric that pulls no punches.”

UCR credited Felder for arranging “the unforgettable bass and guitar signature for ‘One of These Nights.’” “And his searing solo then neatly underscores this chart-topping song's bitter sense of missed opportunities,” the outlet noted.

“One of These Nights” scored well above the lowest-ranked song on the list, the Leadon and Patti Davis-penned, “I Wish You Peace." The hit song “Take It to the Limit” ranked as runner-up.

The One of These Nights album was released in June 1975, and it spawned two other hits in addition to the title track—“Lyin’ Eyes” and “Take It to the Limit.”

The single “One of These Nights” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Aug. 2, 1975, about two months after its release.

While 1976’s “Hotel California” would go on to become an even bigger blockbuster, Frey once revealed that he preferred “One of These Nights.”

Music journalist Cameron Crowe’s The Uncool quoted Frey as saying One of These Nights, both the album and the song, changed the game for the band.

“We had Don Henley’s voice, which allowed us to go in a more soulful direction, which made me exceedingly happy.," Frey said. "There’s no doubt in my mind that One Of These Nights was the most fluid and 'painless' album we ever made. A lot of things came together on One Of These Nights — our love of the studio, the dramatic improvement in Don’s and my songwriting. “

“We made a quantum leap with ‘One Of These Nights,’” Frey continued. “It was a breakthrough song. It is my favorite Eagles record. If I ever had to pick one, it wouldn’t be ‘Hotel California,’ it wouldn’t be ‘Take It Easy.’ For me, it would be ‘One Of These Nights.’”

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Disneyland is finally restoring a sense of pre-pandemic ease to the "happiest place on earth," and the news has long-time fans and frequent visitors celebrating its return.

For years, guests have navigated their mornings with a watchful eye on the clock, restricted by a post-pandemic policy that prevented anyone from switching parks until the midday mark. However, a recent media briefing has confirmed that the much-debated 11 AM park-hopping limitation will officially be a thing of the past later in 2026.

This shift is particularly meaningful because the ability to pivot between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure at a moment's notice has always been a core part of the resort's identity. As Inside the Magic noted in their coverage of the change, "For generations of visitors, the magic of Disneyland Resort has been defined by freedom—the ability to wander from one immersive world to another in a single day."

Related: Disneyland Tokyo is Officially Building the Most Expensive Attraction in Disney History

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By removing the time-based barrier, Disney is effectively handing that flexibility back to the guests, allowing families to chase shorter wait times or catch a specific parade across the esplanade without waiting for a scheduled window to open. For many annual pass holders, the rule had become a logistical hurdle to be planned around, and one that limited things.

Beyond the logistical ease, the move is seen as a strategic olive branch from Disney leadership as the resort prepares for massive expansion. With construction on the horizon for a new Avatar-themed land, the company is looking for ways to keep guest satisfaction high.

Related: Disney Just Filed New Plans for Carousel of Progress—Here’s Why Fans Are Paying Attention

As AllEars.net explained in their reporting, "Disney mentioned that they want to limit guests’ frustrations in the parks as all this construction is going on, and they realize eliminating the park hopper limitation and keeping a ride open longer is a great way to do that."

Part of that effort includes the surprise announcement that the Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! attraction will remain open through 2026, rather than closing early for construction as originally planned.

While travelers will still need to make a park reservation for their first destination of the day, the elimination of the 11 AM "lock-out" means that the rhythm of a Disney vacation is about to become a lot less rigid.

Whether you want to rope-drop a favorite ride in one park and grab breakfast in the other, the return to total flexibility is a welcome change that proves Disney is listening to the fans who have missed the effortless flow of a multi-park day.

Related: Disney Hotel Perks Are Shifting in 2026—What’s Staying, What’s New, What’s Ending

On Feb. 23, 1986, MTV aired a weekend marathon of The Monkees television series. What began as nostalgic programming quickly became something much bigger. The response was overwhelming.

“We've never received such a volume of mail,” MTV general manager Tom Frestontold Rolling Stone later that year. “We were dumbfounded by the whole thing.”

RELATED: Last Surviving Monkee Opens Up About the Pain of Losing His Bandmates

MTV aired 45 episodes of the Emmy-winning series back-to-back over the February 23rd weekend, then ran two episodes per day in March 1986, three per day in April, and then repeated the weekend marathon in June.

The surge of interest came at the perfect moment. Music promoter David Fishof had already been quietly exploring the idea of a 20th anniversary reunion tour with Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Peter Tork. The MTV marathon turned that idea into a phenomenon.

RELATED: Micky Dolenz Reflects on the Year the Monkees Outsold the Beatles & Rolling Stones — Combined

Within weeks, the trio committed to the tour. What had originally been planned as a short run of small amphitheaters exploded into a 100-plus city trek that stretched nearly six months. Demand was so intense that shows were moved into larger arenas and stadiums. By the end of 1986, the reunion had become one of the biggest-grossing tours of the year.

Rhino Records reissued the band’s original albums, and seven of the nine studio records returned to the Billboard Top 200. A new single, “That Was Then, This Is Now,” cracked the Billboard Top 20 and received heavy MTV rotation. Monkeemania was officially back.

RELATED: Micky Dolenz Shares Rare ‘Monkees’ Photos to Mark Show’s 60th Anniversary

“We weren't prepared for this,” Dolenz said in 1986. “Suddenly, we found ourselves one of the hottest acts of the summer.”

Even Michael Nesmith, who was largely absent from the tour due to film commitments, joined the group onstage at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles later that year.

What started as a weekend nostalgia experiment became a full-blown cultural reset. MTV didn’t just replay old episodes—it revived a band for an entirely new generation.

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The Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond shared a vintage family photo on Instagram that had followers pausing, looking twice, and rushing to the comments.

On February 22, 2026, the Food Network star shared a snapshot featuring herself alongside her siblings, Doug, Mike, and Betsy. The image was of a shared baptism among the family members.

In the caption, Drummond explained the significance of the 51-year-old photograph to her social media followers. She revealed that the day was a big moment in her family's life.

The celebrity chef wrote, "February 22, 1975. (I’m not saying how many) years ago today! My siblings and I all got baptized together at our Episcopal church that morning."

View this post on Instagram

She continued, "My mom says there was a huge snowstorm that day; of course, that didn’t keep her from throwing us in her Oldsmobile and driving to church."

"Baby Betsy almost didn’t make it into the photo! Fr. Evans and Fr. Fellows, I’ll always remember them. Also, what was I looking at? I was easily distracted, even then," Drummond concluded.

The photo led to a flood of social media responses. The Pioneer Woman star quickly saw her comments section fill up with reactions from fans who couldn’t believe their eyes.

"What a sweet picture! How special that you were all baptized together," wrote one follower.

"Super cute and sweet! You look like all your beautiful girls and especially Sofia [Scott, Drummond's granddaughter]," penned a second Instagram user.

"I see Sofia in your face!" claimed a third fan. "You look like Paige [Ree's second daughter]."

The celebrity chef is the third of four children born to Gerre Schwert and William Douglas Smith. She has two older brothers and one younger sister.

Drummond's oldest brother, Doug, has not appeared on her Food Network series, but she has written about him on her blog. Mike, Betsy, and both her parents have been seen on the show in various episodes. She wrote a loving Facebook statement about her brother, Mike, after his death on October 30, 2021, at the age of 54.

Ree Drummond stars on the Food Network's Pioneer Woman cooking series. She is married to Ladd Drummond, and they have four children: Alex Drummond Scott, Paige Drummond Scott, Bryce Drummond, and Todd Drummond.

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Shabby-chic is back, and it’s more affordable than ever. Originally defined by soft pastels, distressed textures, and a romantic, lived-in look in the 1980s, it saw a resurgence in the 2000s and now feels as fresh as ever. Imagine faded florals, soft-washed linens, and furniture that looks like it’s been collected over time, all blending into a cozy, antique aesthetic. One of the easiest ways to bring this aesthetic into your space without a full home makeover? Swap out your bedding. 

Right now, Walmart has the Regency Heights Full/Queen Quilted Ruffle Comforter Set on sale for just $37, marked down 59% from its original $90 price. Whether you’re updating a guest room, giving your primary bedroom a spring-ready refresh, or just testing the trend without going all-in, this set brings the vintage-inspired aesthetic in one easy, low-cost swap.

Regency Heights Full/Queen Quilted Ruffle Comforter Set, From $37 (was $90) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Turn your bed into a layered, lived-in retreat with soft textures and delicate detailing that invite you to stay a little longer. This three-piece set includes a cozy comforter and two matching pillow shams, giving you an easy, all-in-one way to dress your bed. One side of the comforter features diamond-style quilting, while the reverse side is solid-colored, letting you mix and match your look with a simple flip. The ruffles trace the edges no matter which side you flip, adding a delicate, playful touch that perfectly captures that effortlessly curated shabby-chic charm.

Feel wise, pre-washed microfiber makes it irresistibly soft and silky against the skin, while the plush 100% polyester filling delivers just the right midweight warmth for chilly nights and sunny mornings alike. Plus, it’s Oeko-Tex 100 certified, so you can rest easy knowing it’s free of harmful substances. When it’s time for a refresh, simply toss it in the washing machine to keep it looking as good as the day it arrived.

Related: Macy’s 'Beautiful' and 'Soft' $59 Ruched Comforter Set Is Perfect for a Spring Bedroom Upgrade

The comforter set is also available in twin/twin XL and king sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for any bed. It comes in seven versatile colors, ranging from moodier, cozy tones to timeless neutrals and soft pastels, so you can find the right shade to suit your space or aesthetic. 

Shoppers refreshing their bedrooms have praised this “shabby-chic” trio's “very comfy” and “plush” feel and “whimsical” and “chic” look in the reviews section. “This set is really magnificent and lovely. Great quality, great color, and great look overall,” one wrote. 

Shop More Deals

• Angenia Queen Ruffle Comforter Set, from $37 (was $44) at Walmart
• Hig 5-Piece Bed in a Bag Ruffled Comforter Set, from $46 (was $100) at Walmart
• Jolusere Queen Ruffled Comforter Set, from $43 (was $70) at Walmart

A little ruffle goes a long way — snag the charming Regency Heights Full/Queen Quilted Ruffle Comforter Set for just $37 at Walmart to give your bedroom an instant shabby-chic update.

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While cruise vacations are typically associated with celebrations and joy, Carnival Cruise Line offers a deeply personal service for those wishing to say a final farewell to a loved one. John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, recently took to a Facebook Live to explain the poignant process of organizing an official scattering of ashes at sea.

Related: Carnival Brings Back Fan-Favorite Cruise Bundles for a limited Time

A Personal Request Process

Heald, who worked with Carnival leadership—or "the beards," as he affectionately calls them—to establish this policy, manages these sensitive requests personally. "One of the things I’m very proud of myself, is some years ago, I worked with the beards to allow our guests who want to say a final goodbye to their loved ones, the ashes scattering, which we organize," Heald shared.

To begin the process, guests are encouraged to contact Heald directly via his Facebook page at least three days before their cruise departs. He coordinates with the specific ship to ensure the crew is prepared to host the service.

Related: Carnival Just Raised Onboard Charges and the Reaction Has Been Surprisingly…Calm

Onboard Procedures and Requirements

Once on board, the process is handled with high levels of respect and strict environmental oversight:

• Required Documentation: Guests must bring a copy of the death certificate and certification that the remains were cremated by a licensed facility.
• Biodegradable Containers: If the ashes are to be lowered into the water within a container, it must be strictly biodegradable. "If you are going to put it in a container it must be biodegradable," Heald reminded viewers.
• The Ceremony: On the second day of the cruise, guests visit Guest Services to finalize the time and location. The service must take place at least 12 nautical miles from land to comply with environmental regulations.
• A Lasting Memory: Following the service, the Captain provides the family with a special letter detailing the exact longitude and latitude of the scattering.

The Emotional Toll

Heald highlighted the emotional weight of this service by sharing a heartbreaking letter from a family whose 15-year-old son, a passionate cruiser, was killed by a drunk driver before their scheduled spring break trip on the Carnival Conquest, and they were requesting Heald's help in arranging an ashes scattering ceremony.

"It’s not a nice part of my job, but in a strange way, it’s one I’m proud to have started, and that that final goodbye has been perhaps made just a tiny bit easier." Heald said. He noted that while other passengers are laughing and joking on board, you never truly know the private grief someone walking beside you might be carrying.

Related: 10 Best Caribbean 'Micro-Cruises' for 2026: Quick Weekend Tropical Escapes

Olympic gymnastics champion Suni Lee had a simple but powerful reaction after figure skating star Alysa Liu’s heartwarming podium moment at the Winter Olympics.

Lee reposted an image shared by ESPN on her Instagram Story. The post compared Liu’s recent Olympic celebration to a viral moment from the Paris Summer Games. Lee added just one word: “queens,” along with heart-eye and teary-eyed emojis.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Liu, 20, won the women’s individual gold medal after also earning gold in the team event. After the final scores were announced at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Feb. 19, Liu did not celebrate alone.

Alysa Liu of Team United States competes in Women's Single Skating - Free Skating on day thirteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games.

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The image of competitors celebrating each other reminded fans of a similar Olympic scene two years earlier, one that involved Lee herself.

During the women’s floor exercise final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade delivered a stunning routine to win gold with a score of 14.166.

View this post on Instagram

American star Simone Biles took silver, and Jordan Chiles earned bronze after a score adjustment. Lee also competed in the final but finished lower after a fall.

As Andrade stood on the podium, Biles and Chiles bowed to her in a show of respect. Lee and others cheered loudly. The image of top gymnasts celebrating their rival instead of showing disappointment went viral around the world.

Meanwhile, Liu’s Olympic victory carries even more weight because of her journey.

Born in Clovis, California, Liu became a skating prodigy at 13. She was the youngest U.S. women’s champion in history in 2019 and the first American woman to land a quadruple Lutz in competition. She later competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, finishing seventh. Then, at just 16, she shocked fans by retiring.

In April 2022, Liu announced she was stepping away from skating. She said she felt “happy and content” and wanted to experience life beyond the rink. She later shared that during quarantine she realized how much she enjoyed being home with her family.

“My worry was that I’ll have never lived with my family,” she said in a 2025 interview. “I knew that if I continued skating, I would never have a chance at home.”

Her break lasted two years. In 2024, Liu returned quietly. There were no big announcements. She rebuilt her programs with balance instead of chasing the hardest jumps. The results came quickly. She became a world champion in 2025, ending a 23-year drought for American women that had lasted since 2002.

Lee honored Liu, Andrade and every athlete who competes fiercely but celebrates kindly. For fans watching at home, it was a reminder that the Olympics are not just about medals. They are about moments that show heart.

Related: Why Olympian Alysa Liu’s Hug With Ami Nakai Is Going Viral

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There's nothing like crawling into a freshly made bed after a long day, and it's even better when the bedding is totally adorable, too. If you need to update your bedding to make this a reality, check out this beautiful floral comforter set at Kohl's. It is absolutely stunning.

Madison Park's Dahlia Vintage Floral Reversible Comforter Set With Sheets comes in three dainty colors—pink, blue and beige khaki—and each hue features a delicate floral pattern that looks straight out of a country farmhouse, further enhancing the set's cozy feel. Available in twin, full, queen, king and California king sizes, this comforter set is a fantastic value.

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The twin comforter set comes with five pieces: one comforter, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, one pillow sham and one pillow case. Meanwhile, the rest of the comforter set sizes come with seven pieces: one comforter, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, two pillow shams and two pillow cases.

Madison Park Dahlia Vintage Floral Reversible Comforter Set With Sheets, Queen Size, $154.99 at Kohl's

Kohl's

This comforter set would be an elegant, farmhouse upgrade for any bedroom. And since the comforter is reversible, you can switch up your bedroom's look whenever you please. One side of the comforter features gorgeous florals in blended tones, while the reverse side features a subtle modern pattern, making this a versatile option for your bedding collection.

This comforter is excellent for year-round use. It is filled with breathable 200 GSM microfiber, giving it lightweight but cozy warmth.

Related: Kohl's Is Selling the Prettiest Scalloped Rug That Is Cottagecore Perfection

Overall, customers like this pretty comforter set, giving it an average rating of 4.3 stars on Kohls.com.

"I love this set! The sheets are so soft. I love the floral theme, the sheets and comforter are so cute together. It's a medium weight and keeps you warm," said one fan in a five-star review on Kohls.com.

"This is such a perfect bedding set! It feels really cozy and well made. It dredged up my space and gave it a whole new look. I've washed it just in my home washer and it held up great! Loving this upgrade," said another shopper in a five-star review on Kohl's website.

You can find this charming comforter set online on Kohls.com and in select Kohl's stores.

Related: Kohl's Is Selling a Beautiful 3-Piece Reversible Quilt Set That's Giving Country Cottage Vibes

Ted Lange is best known for his long-running role as Isaac Washington on The Love Boat. The actor played the fun-loving ship bartender for nine seasons, from 1977 to 1986, on the ABCromantic comedy series. Lange also appeared as Isaac in several Love Boat TV movies.

The Love Boat featured a weekly rotating roster of guest stars, and Lange found a favorite early on. During an appearance on the Still Here Hollywood With Steve Kmetko podcast, Lange, 78, admitted he purposely messed up a scene so he could repeatedly kiss guest star Diahann Carroll.

"I kissed Diahann Carroll about 15 times before she realized I was messing up on purpose," Lange admitted to host Steve Kmetko. "So then she said, 'Hey, hey, cut that out!'"

Lange revealed that he apologized to the Julia star for his behavior, telling her, "Okay, I’m so sorry, you're just so beautiful.” "And she could kiss,” he added. "That's my claim to fame, [she was beautiful] and she could kiss. So it was fun. She was a delight.”

Carroll appeared on one of the first episodes of The Love Boat in 1977. The Season 1 episode, titled “Isaac the Groupie/Mr Popularity/Help! Murder!” aired on Oct 22, 1977, and featured Carroll as singer Roxy Blue, a love interest for bartender Isaac. Other guests on the episode included Jim Nabors, David Groh, and Michele Lee. Carroll never appeared on TheLove Boat again.

While Lange enjoyed kissing Carroll, Lange had some other favorite Love Boat guests. During an Ask Me Anything with fans on Reddit, the actor revealed that his favorite guest on Love Boat was his old pal, Ben Vereen.

“He and I were actors together in New York when we first started out. And he would never do a "Love Boat" until I directed an episode, so we got a chance to work together, with me directing and him acting on the show!” Lange shared.

As for his personal favorite episode of the series, it wasn’t the one in which he kissed Carroll.

“[My favorite episode] when I sang & danced with the Pointer Sisters,” Lange revealed on Reddit. “I sang & danced with them, and it was my favorite episode, because when I was in high school, I did plays with Anita Pointer, and then years later, we got to act together, so years later that was one of my favorite things.”

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You work hard for the money, not a "Most Popular" certificate. If you were a reality TV contestant, perhaps you'd be the one whose first words were, "I'm not here to make friends." While you don't have to become instant friends with colleagues (or friends, period), etiquette experts share that it's worth understanding the office behaviors that make coworkers dislike you fast.

"It is not only critical to have self-awareness around your behavior towards your coworkers in the office, but it’s essential for professional growth and respect in your industry," says Richie Frieman, a podcaster and the author of REPLY ALL… And Other Ways To Tank Your Career. "Whether by choice or by force, you will spend more time with your coworkers, in and out of the office, than you do with your closest friends and even your family." 

It's a sad truth, but it is often true. Frieman shares that a bad rap will make life even harder as you navigate a world of expectations, culture and personalities that can extend beyond your office's walls and into industry circles. Word travels fast, so he says that self-awareness of your behavior is key to gaining respect. Respect bodes well for your next performance review and long-term career prospects.

"The days of being a jerk to get ahead are over," he declares. "People have more options, and their voices regarding a negative coworker and workplace reach a much wider audience more easily than ever before."

So, to continue shining bright at work, make sure to avoid these seven office behaviors that etiquette experts say make coworkers dislike you fast.

Related: Etiquette Experts Say These 8 Nonverbal Habits Make You Seem Rude Without Realizing It

Kmatta/Getty Images

7 Office Behaviors That Make Coworkers Dislike You Fast, Etiquette Experts Say1. Group conversations that double as hurdles

Collaboration is great, as is small-talk around a coffee pot. Yet, spatial awareness is key.

"Engaging in conversation with coworkers is healthy, humanizing and fun," saysRosalinda Randall, a nationally recognized etiquette expert. "However, holding these conversations in the bathroom or hallway, blocking everyone’s path, is bothersome. It’s also forcing others to overhear the topic of conversation, which can quickly spread."

Related: Gaslighting an Employee Can Sound Like These 7 Phrases, a Psychologist Warns

2. Coming to work sick (especially if you have sick days)

Now, this one gets dicey for people living paycheck to paycheck without paid sick days. If that's not you? Coming to the office ill is not the act of heroism we once considered it.

"Coming to work sick used to be considered commendable," Randall shares. "Today, it is inconsiderate. Most companies offer sick time—take it! Your coworkers will dislike you faster if you show up sick. Worse is if you use your ailment to get out of doing your job, leaving them to pick up the slack and your germs."

3. Overcommunicating off-topic streams of consciousness

We often discuss undercommunication as a workplace pain point. Yet, Randall says that overcommunicating is also a thing, and it's an office behavior that can make coworkers dislike you fast.

"Coworkers and clients often complain about the lack of reply, which is irksome, and the follow-up is tiresome," she reports. "However, it is not as irksome as the coworker who bombards everyone’s emails... throughout the day with mood updates, photo dumps or cute memes. You will be disliked fast and blocked even faster."

Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging You To Stop Using This Phrase in Emails

4. Not being a team player

This one is huge, regardless of your place on the org chart.

"Whatever your rank is in the office, even the CEO, not playing well with others is a surefire way to find yourself working alone, with no one having your back," Frieman says. "For example, dividing tasks to complete a project is not like high school, where the cool kid ditches their responsibility but still gets credit."

Sorry, fellow Millennials, but work is not like youth soccer.

"There are no participation trophies in the real world," he adds. "If you are known as someone who bails on your team, that reputation can be very hard to fix."

5. Using sarcasm as your default tone

Sarcasm may be a hit with friends with a similar sense of humor, but an etiquette expert recommends using it sparingly (if ever) at work.

"Too much sarcasm can come off as insecurity and a dodging of earnestness and the connection that can build," states Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen, the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry and a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert. "It often masks discomfort."

6. Never apologizing

Owning your mistakes fosters repair. Not doing so can put you on people's *ahem* bad lists.

"Avoiding apologies is usually about pride or fear of weakness," Dreizen says. "It screams of insecurity. To others, it signals immaturity and a lack of accountability. Accountability and admitting fault are... an important growth opportunity for the workplace."

7. Running meetings into meetings and being late

Dreizen understands it can be hard to make things on time. But if it happens all the time...

"If you find yourself consistently showing up late to meetings, try building two- to five-minute gaps into your schedule, even if that means you start meetings at weird times," she suggests. "Everyone's schedule is packed. Respect their time." 

Related: 13 Things People Say in Conversations That Make Them Instantly Unlikable, Etiquette Experts Warn

The No. 1 Way To Become More Likable at Work

"One office behavior that can increase your likability among coworkers is being someone who makes other people’s work easier in small, consistent ways," Dreizen says.

She shares examples of small, consistent ways to reduce others' load include:

• Following through without being chased.
• Giving clear updates before anyone has to ask.
• Sharing credit out loud.

"It’s such a powerful behavior because it reduces stress, builds trust and signals, 'I’m a safe teammate,'" she states.

Randall mentions cohesion in an adjacent vein to increase likability.

"Be consistently considerate," she advises. "This is a key trait that demonstrates professionalism, maturity, self-control and good manners."

She suggests:

• Showing everyone respect, even if they can't do anything for you, such as doing tasks or advancing your career.
• Considering how to make your point without diminishing the other person’s point.
• Showing up prepared.
• Having a consistent demeanor and disposition.

Remember: "It is tedious for coworkers to walk on eggshells because your mood changes from day to day," she notes.  

Up Next:

Related: 10 Social Behaviors That Make You Seem Unapproachable, According to Etiquette Experts

Sources:

• Richie Frieman is a podcaster and the author of REPLY ALL… And Other Ways To Tank Your Career.
• Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen is the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry and a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert.
• Rosalinda Randall is a nationally recognized etiquette expert.
  
  

Milo Ventimiglia played bad boy Jess Mariano on Gilmore Girls, but the actor is all good with his character’s onetime Stars Hollow rival, Dean Forester (played by Jared Padalecki).

In a February 2026 interview with People magazine, Ventimiglia, 48, declared he’s team “Jared” 25 years after the characters’ love triangle with Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) played out on the beloved series, which originally aired from 2000 to 2007.

“I'd be way okay if my daughter eventually watched the show and she was team Dean,” Ventimiglia said of his toddler daughter Ke’ala. “I get it because I'm team Jared, so I get it."

Ventimiglia also addressed Rory’s third boyfriend, Logan Huntzberger (Matt Czuchry), whom she met while attending Yale.

"I know that Logan and Jess and Dean were kind of very spread apart in who they were as characters, but Matt Czuchry and Jared Padalecki couldn't be … I mean, they're the best guys," Ventimiglia told the outlet. "They couldn't be any lovelier as human beings, and I think it's nice that more than 20-plus years later we all still can talk about this show we were growing up on and come together as grown men just to recognize that and still have loving words for one another."

Ventimiglia’s comments come after Padalecki shocked fans with his own revelation about the original Gilmore Girls love triangle. In November, he told People, “I'm team Jess, funny enough.” The actor explained that “knowing the show and having some idea of where Rory was in her life,” he understood why she left his character for the Stars Hollow newcomer.

“They all were flawed, let's be clear,” Padalecki added. “Well, I'll say Dean was flawed. They all had their issues, but today I'm team Jess.”

Bledel has admitted she can’t choose between her character’s three big loves. During a 2021 appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” host Andy Cohen asked the actress who Rory should ultimately have ended up with—Jess, Logan, or Dean.

"Jeagan?" Bledel replied, combining all three characters’ names. "I can't single somebody out."

Of course, if she were to choose one of them, any of Rory’s beaus would require the approval of her controlling grandma, Emily Gilmore (played by Kelly Bishop). The actress who played the Gilmore matriarch made it clear that she’s not Team Dean or Team Jess.

“I have to admit I’m Team Logan, although I really love the other two,” Bishop revealed in an Instagram interview posted by Gallery Books.  “But there is something about Logan. There’s something about his acting that I particularly liked in working with him, is he had a very manly quality, where the other guys were like boys, great boys. But Logan was like an old movie star, like a man.”

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If you’ve been looking for something that adds storage without looking like storage, Walmart’s Hearth & Harbor Boucle Storage Ottoman is currently on sale for $30 (originally $60). The lowest price is on the white 16-inch version at 50% off, and the best deal is on the white 18-inch option, marked down 53% to $48 (originally $80). It’s available in beige, black, gray, and pink, with larger 30-inch and 43-inch sizes offered at higher price points.

The 16-inch version measures 10.5 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 15 inches tall, and weighs 6.6 pounds. It’s upholstered in boucle fabric, has a cushioned lid, and is made from engineered wood, supporting up to 330 pounds. The lid features an invisible hinge that allows it to lift from either side without removing it completely, and the interior has removable bins to keep smaller items organized and out of sight. The ottoman folds flat when not in use.

Hearth & Harbor Boucle Storage Ottoman, $30 (was $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Because it’s compact and oval-shaped, this ottoman works in spaces that don’t have room for a full bench. It can store blankets at the end of a bed, act as a toy bin in a playroom, hold cleaning supplies in a bathroom, serve as a dorm-room footrest, or function as extra seating when needed. The boucle finish gives it a luxurious, textured look that you might assume is strictly decorative, but its hidden storage component makes this a surprisingly practical buy.

One shopper called it “very sturdy,” noting that it “doesn't take up too much room.” Another described it as “very well made” and said it can be “useful in multiple ways.” A separate review said it “looks high-end,” adding, “The white boucle fabric is soft and stylish, and it adds a fresh, clean vibe to my space.”

Related: Walmart Has a 'Sturdy' $50 5-Pack of Handwoven Storage Baskets, and They Hold 'So Much'

The boucle texture pairs easily with neutral bedding, layered throws, or a small accent pillow on top. It also works under a window, beside a vanity, or tucked near a sofa without feeling oversized. And because it doubles as seating, it can handle everyday use rather than just decorative placement.

Shop More Deals

• Hearth & Harbor Rectangular Boucle Storage Ottoman, From $35 (was $70) at Walmart
• Edx Faux Leather Foldable Ottoman Bench, From $20 (was $48) at Walmart
• Lusimo Velvet Storage Ottoman Foot Stool, From $17 (was $31) at Walmart

Between its hidden storage, fold-flat design, and 330-pound capacity, the Hearth & Harbor Boucle Storage Ottoman covers a lot of ground for its compact size. If you’ve been eyeing a small storage upgrade that can also serve as extra seating, now is a good time to grab this gem while the deal is live.

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When it comes to Johnny Cash’s songs, there is no shortage of lyrics involving murder and bloodshed, but one tune that the Man in Black released, but didn’t have a hand in writing, has earned the title of the ‘Creepiest Country Murder Ballad’ of all time. 

And that is his rendition of “Hung My Head.” 

The spine-tingling lyrics of the tune were penned by rock music legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sting, 74, but Rolling Stonenamed Cash’s version as the leader on the ‘Creepiest Country’ listing, due to genre. His release beat out killer songs like The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl,” Marty Robbins’ “Big Iron,” Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger,” and others. 

RELATED: ‘80s No. 1 Heartfelt Hit Ranked Best Country Song That ‘Defined the Decade’

Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, wrote the song for his 1996 album, Mercury Falling, releasing the track that same year on Feb. 26. Although the English musician is best known as the former frontman and bassist of the ‘70s and ‘80s rock band The Police, and as a chart-topping solo artist, “Hung My Head” showcases his ability to cross-genres as a storytelling songwriter. The subject matter of the song falls in the vein of some of the best and most chilling stories in country music. 

Behind the Lyrics

The tune tells the story of a young man who borrows his brother's firearm and accidentally shoots dead a horseman riding off in the distance. Per a report from People, the inspiration behind the song came from Sting’s admiration for Hank Williams, whom he considered a “songwriting mentor,” as well as “TV Westerns like Bonanza, which he says he was"obsessed" with as a kid.” 

"The storytelling in those songs really had a profound effect on me, so I would try and write songs in that genre," Sting told the outlet. "But with me, it's a question of authenticity. I'm from the North of England, I'm not from El Paso or somewhere romantic like that. But nonetheless, I like the storytelling aspect of country music. I like the sort of biblical sweep of the landscape. So when somebody like Johnny Cash covers one of my songs, I feel vindicated somewhat."

Enter Johnny Cash

In 2002, Cash took the song and made it his own for what would become his final album, American IV: The Man Comes Around, before his death at age 71 less than a year later. Cash’s rendition brings even more weight to the tune’s lyric with his stripped-back acoustic style. His weathered vocals add a haunting touch as he simply unveils the story line by line. 

Cash isn’t the only artist to cover “I Hung My Head.” Bluegrass band Blue Highway also released a version of the track for their self-titled 1999 album, Blue Highway. In addition, Sting re-recorded the song with an orchestra behind him in 2010 for his album, Symphonicities.

Related: 1970s Country Icon’s Reimagining of an Alt-Rock Classic Ranked No. 1 All-Time 'Country Cover'

If you've been meaning to dive into the Boys of Tommen book series, now is the time.

Binding 13, the breakout romance novel by Chloe Walsh, and the first book in her internationally best-selling Boys of Tommen series, is currently available to read for free on Amazon through Kindle Unlimited. The timing couldn't be better: the beloved love story is officially being adapted into a television series by Amazon.

Originally published in 2018, Binding 13 became a word-of-mouth phenomenon before exploding in popularity on BookTok, where readers praised its emotional depth, slow-burn tension and unforgettable characters. Set in Ireland, the novel follows Johnny Kavanagh, a gifted rugby player with a promising future, and Shannon Lynch, a quiet, guarded girl trying to survive a painful home life. When their worlds collide at Tommen College, what begins as a tentative connection gradually deepens into something transformative.

Unlike many fast-paced contemporary romances, Binding 13 unfolds with careful attention to trauma, healing and young love under pressure. Walsh doesn't shy away from difficult subject matter, which is part of what has made the series resonate so strongly with readers around the world. The book blends sports romance with emotionally heavy themes, creating a story that feels both epic and intimate.

The success of Binding 13 and its sequel, Keeping 13, helped cement the Boys of Tommen series as an international bestseller, leading to a passionate global fan base. That popularity ultimately caught the attention of Amazon, which is now developing the story into a TV adaptation.

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"The response from readers around the world has been overwhelming, and knowing that everyone behind this production and book shares my passion for telling this story authentically means the world to me," Walsh told Deadline.

While details about casting and release timelines are still emerging, the adaptation signals just how far Walsh's story has traveled, from indie publishing roots to international bestseller lists to a major streaming platform.

For readers who have seen the series dominate social media but haven't yet picked it up, the current Kindle Unlimited availability makes it easy to start. And for longtime fans, it's the perfect excuse to revisit Johnny and Shannon's story before it makes the leap to screen.

With the TV adaptation on the horizon, Binding 13 isn't just trending, it's entering a whole new chapter.

Related: 1993 Best-Selling Novel by Critically Acclaimed Author is Now Free on Amazon

Is it "luck... or something" else that helped Hilary Duff reclaim the music spotlight?

Her highly anticipated new album dropped on Friday, Feb. 20, along with a new music video for the first song off the LP, "Weather for Tennis" (see below). And it's clear that "luck... or something" lived up to the hype — at least, that's according to Billboard's latest fan-voted poll.

Fans voted in a poll published Friday on Billboard and chose the actress/singer’s return to pop music as their favorite release of the week, the music magazine noted on Sunday, Feb. 22. Duff, 38, came in at 64% of the votes, easily winning the tally over Megan Moroney, Baby Keem, SZA, Ty Dolla $ign and more.

"Here’s that question of whether women can have it all, and through this process I learned I had to sacrifice some things in order to put the record first," Duff said in a statement regarding her latest album release, per Billboard. "As hard as that is, I still believe it’s okay to choose yourself sometimes and do what scares the hell out of you. carving out the time to make an album after all these years was incredibly powerful for me, and now I can’t wait to share it with the world.”

Earlier this month, the Lizzie McGuire star announced she is going on a world tour that begins this summer in Florida. She’ll leave for Europe after the U.S., hit Australia, Canada, then Mexico City. The world tour is expected to end in February 2027, according to Variety.

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Duff's first music video from her new album debuted last month, for "Roommates." The release caught fans’ attention not just for her talent, but also for her impeccable fashion sense. To shop her chic yet cozy look in the hit music video, click here.