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04 Mar 2024

Peep The Trailer To ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’

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The Strangers

Source: John Armour for Lionsgate / Lionsgate

As of late, the horror genre has been lowkey struggle with lackluster films such as The Exorcist and The Nun not living up to the hype. And now, another horror franchise is set to return to the big screen, and we hope this one can actually put a little fear into the hearts of the audience.

The Strangers

Source: John Armour for Lionsgate / Lionsgate

On March 2, Lionsgate released the first trailer to The Strangers: Chapter 1, which revisits the world that Bryan Bertino introduced us to back in 2008. Keeping with the theme of an unsuspecting couple finding themselves being stalked and harassed by unknown assailants, the trailer to Chapter 1 centers around a newly engaged lovebirds (Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez), who move to the Pacific Northwest to get a fresh start in life. Unfortunately, the couple ends up targeted by some locals who seem to “hunt” people for fun.

The Strangers

Source: John Armour for Lionsgate / Lionsgate

Serving as an origin story for how the masked intruders/killers became, well, “The Strangers,” Chapter 1 seems sure to deliver some jump scares and intense moments as viewers wonder if the couple will make it out alive. We doubt they will. We lowkey hope they don’t because, f-it.

Check out the trailer for the Renny Harlin-directed film below. Let us know if you’ll be checking for The Strangers: Chapter 1 when it hits theaters May 17.



04 Mar 2024

Black Keys to Perform During Opening Week at Manchester’s Co-op Live

Co-op Live, the Oak View Group-owned and operated entertainment arena set to open next month in Manchester, U.K., announced Monday (March 4) that The Black Keys will perform at the arena on April 27, during its opening week.

The acclaimed duo is preparing to release their 12th studio album, Ohio Players, on April 5 via Nonesuch Records, just two weeks before taking the stage at Co-op Live. The new record features collaborations with friends and colleagues including Beck, Noel Gallagher, Greg Kurstin, Dan “The Automator” Nakamura and more.

Gary Roden, executive director and general manager of Co-op Live, says: “We are thrilled that a band of The Black Keys’ caliber will be taking to the stage. The show will be part of an amazing week of performances that kicks off a jam-packed opening season.”

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Co-op Live’s opening season will see the arena feature more than 30 artists across more than 50 shows, including a seven-night Take That residency, a five-night U.K.-exclusive residency as part of the Eagles’ final tour, Barry Manilow‘s only U.K. arena show and Eric Clapton’s first Manchester performance in 10 years. Legendary comedian and Manchester local Peter Kay will open the arena with two shows on April 23 and 24.

In addition to seeing an array of international artists perform, Co-op Live was recently announced as host of the 2024 MTV European Music Awards – the first time music’s biggest global awards show will be staged in Manchester – and the awards return to the U.K. for the first time in seven years.

Co-op Live, a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group, will be the country’s highest-capacity arena and the U.K.’s most socially responsible arena, operating 100% electric, with pledges for zero waste direct to landfill, rainwater harvesting and use of reusable cups to significantly reduce plastic usage across the site.

Co-op members will gain first-in-line access to The Black Keys tickets through a designated pre-sale from 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 6. General sale tickets will be available through Co-op Live from 10 a.m. on Friday, March 8. Tickets available here.

04 Mar 2024

Russell Simmons Shares His Photos With Usher In Bali, X Is Disappointed

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2017 Make A Wish Gala

Source: Tiffany Rose / Getty

Usher has spent years gathering good will, which only grew exponentially thanks to his Las Vegas residency and rocking the Super Bowl halftime show. However, Ursher has massively played himself after he was spotted kicking it with Russell Simmons in Bali.

In case you’re unaware, Simmons essentially ran off to Bali after he was accused by multiple women of sexual assault. Although Simmons has denied the claims (and former Def Jam exec Drew Dixon produced a whole documentary detailing her allegations), the theory is he skipped town to avoid prosecution. Thus, the Hip-Hop pioneer has been persona non-grata for many.

Nevertheless, there goes Usher seen kicking it with various people including Simmons during a trip to Bali. It’s worth noting that Usher, perhaps knowing better, didn’t share the pics (and video, too) himself. However, Russell gladly took to Instagram to share the good times he was apparently having with Usher. The R&B crooner’s trademark smile in the pics reveals he clearly wasn’t a hostage.

Considering Usher can thank Sean “Diddy” Combs, who has also been accused of sexual assault by multiple women, among the execs instrumental to his early success, being spotted having a good ol’ time with Simmons is not the best of looks. Another exec who had a hand in Usher’s rise was LA Reid, who has also been accused of sexual assault by Dixon as well.

This is not a trend Usher need be associating himself with. We’re not overreacting, you can peep the reactions below. To say that the criticism is rolling thick would be an understatement.

1. A choice was made.

2. Nasty work.

3. Where is the lie?

04 Mar 2024

Xbox Is Dropping A Spongebob Xbox Series X & Yes, You Can Buy It

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Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Source: Xbox / Spongebob Xbox Series X

Xbox is back with another collaboration, and you don’t have to enter a contest to get your hands on this special edition of the Xbox Series X.

Contrary to what many Xbox fans thought, the Microsoft-owned company is still pumping out consoles. Following the release of the first-ever Dune: Part Two-inspired floating controller paired with the Xbox Series S console, Xbox is teaming up with Nickelodeon for a collaboration that should have happened long ago.

Partnering with Best Buy Drops via the Best Buy mobile app, Xbox, Paramount Game Studios, and GameMill are coming together for the Xbox Series X – Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Bundle, and yes you can buy it.

The bundle includes a custom-designed Xbox Series X console inspired by the cartoon icon SpongeBob SquarePants, rocking his signature smile and ecstatic arms while rocking his Krusty Krab uniform.

The controller that comes in the bundle features a montage of all of your favorite Spongebob characters, including Patrick Star, Mr. Krabs, Spongebob’s loyal pet Gary, Squidward, and the diabolical Plankton.

Oh, and there will also be a digital download of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 in the box.

Unfortunately, the bundle will be limited, but you don’t have to enter a contest to get your hands on it. It will cost $699 and will be available at 8 am PST on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Still, this is a good sign that Xbox is hearing our cries and is finally selling these limited consoles.

So, if you’re going to make a valiant attempt at getting your hands on the Spongebob Xbox Series X, we wish you luck.

Hit the gallery below for more photos.

1. Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Source:Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle xbox,spongebob squarepants,xbox series x,nickelodeon all-star brawl 2

2. Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Source:Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle xbox,spongebob squarepants,xbox series x,nickelodeon all-star brawl 2

3. Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Source:Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle xbox,spongebob squarepants,xbox series x,nickelodeon all-star brawl 2

4. Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Source:Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle

Xbox Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Special Edition Xbox Series X Bundle xbox,spongebob squarepants,xbox series x,nickelodeon all-star brawl 2

04 Mar 2024

Trump Confuses Obama For Biden Again, X Users Call It Out

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Trump rally North Carolina

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

Donald Trump has raised questions about his mental acumen again, after confusing Barack Obama for President Joe Biden at a campaign rally.
As questions of age and performance dominate the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump’s recent gaffe at a campaign rally involving former President Barack Obama and current POTUS Joe Biden has observers again wondering how mentally sound he is. “Shortly after we win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled,” Trump began on Saturday (March 2) while speaking to the crowd gathered in Richmond, Virginia. “I know them both very well and we will restore peace through strength. Get that war settled. It’s a bad war. And Putin has so little respect for Obama that he’s starting to throw around the nuclear word,” he continued. The crowd present at the rally reportedly fell silent.

This isn’t the first time that Trump has made this sort of error at the podium during a speech involving Obama. At the “Pray, Vote, Stand Summit” last September, he spoke out about Obama as a “radical left thug” in a rant about enforcement before saying: “The country is very divided and we did– With Obama, we won an election that everyone said couldn’t be won.” The problem is, that Trump ran for president against Hilary Clinton. He also made the same error last month saying he was beating Obama at the polls. Trump has also gone on record confusing his GOP primary opponent Nikki Haley for Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi.

The mental gaffes have put a spotlight on the 77-year-old and his apparent mental decline, with some speculating that it could be more serious than his campaign team and supporters are admitting. Observers also note the large disparity in coverage of President Biden’s verbal miscues and questions of his age compared to Trump, who has either not faced those questions from right-wing media outlets and figures or has claimed he “purposely” made those errors. The online reaction from social media to the latest Trump verbal faux pas ranged from ridicule to genuine concerns about his mental acuity given that he’s running for president to avoid criminal prosecution on several fronts. We’ve compiled a list of the most notable below. 

1. Russell Drew

2. Yasmine Mary

3. Adam Parkhomenko

4. Tom Nichols

5. Keith Boykin

6. Cary Clack

7. Prof. Tonya M. Evans

8. Trouble Man 90

9. Joyce Vance

10. Veronica Sixsmith

04 Mar 2024

Learn Your Family Tree: This Genealogy Site Is Offering 70% Off DNA Testing Kits – Shop the Deal Before It Ends  

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

It’s time to dig into your family tree. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about genealogy, Ancestry can help you explore your family history.

The genealogy site, which recently discovered that Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson are related, houses the “world’s largest” online collection of historic records. Right now, Ancestry is having a $60 sale on the AncestryDNA Kit and World Explored and 3-Month Membership.

Regularly priced at $198.95, the limited offer saves you 70% off the DNA kit and a three-month subscription to Ancestry. The AncestryDNA Kit is on sale for $59.99 (reg. $99) and the three-month membership is discounted to $1 from $99.95.

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Like with any good deal, you don’t have much time left as the sale ends on Monday (March 4) at 11:59 p.m. PT. The promo is only available with DNA purchases and applies to new and returning subscribers.

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Ancestry DNA kits are also available at retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. And they’re perfectly giftable for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and birthdays.

You Can Save 70% Off Ancestry DNA Kits – Shop the Limited Deal Now

AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit: Personalized Genetic Results, DNA Ethnicity Test, Origins & Ethnicities, Complete DNA Test

Ancestry features approximately 40 billion records and 100 million family trees. The online membership allows you to research millions of historical records and create a family tree (or add to an existing family tree). The AncestryDNA Kit offers detailed, geographical insight into your origins, ethnicities and DNA matches. The World Explorer membership includes access to U.S. records and international record, in addition to details on your DNA matches and personal traits.

According to its website, Ancestry utilizes “industry standard security practices” to store your DNA information and other personal data. DNA samples and test results are stored without your name “or other identifying information.” You also have the option of downloading your DNA data, and having Ancestry delete data and destroy saliva samples upon request.

To get started, order a kit above, follow the instruction for submission and return your sample in a pre-paid package. The results will be available online within approximately 6-8 weeks.

For more discounts, check out the best tech deals and best sales on fitness gear.

04 Mar 2024

‘Quiero Bailar,’ ‘Que Lloren’ & More: What’s Your Favorite Ivy Queen Song? Vote!

Ivy Queen (real name: Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez) is celebrating her birthday on Monday (March 4), and to celebrate, Billboard is highlighting some of her biggest Hot Latin Songs hits in a fan poll.

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In 1997, Ivy made a strong statement with her song “Pongan Atención” (pay attention), on which she loudly and proudly declared: “Pay attention, country, nation, association, the queen has arrived.” The Puerto Rican artist and rapper kicked off her career as part of the all-male collective The Noise, and through her unapologetic, powerful bars, mainly about self-love and being a strong-minded woman, she ultimately earned her crown as the Queen of Reggaeton.

Ivy first arrived on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 2005 with her timeless track “Quiero Bailar” (originally released in 2003), a song about a woman whose provocative dance moves demand nothing but respect on the dance floor and don’t mean anything more than having a good time.

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Seven other of her tracks earned a spot on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Te He Querido, Te He Llorado” (2005), “Que Lloren” (2007) and “Dime” (2008), all of which hit the top 10. Additionally, she has 20 entries on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, among other accolades.

The Boricua star was recently honored with the Women in Music Icon award at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards, where she opened up about her challenging road to success.

“When I fell in love with music, I found myself constantly battling to earn my spot, to earn my own lane, and to find my own identity between the guys,” she said in her acceptance speech. “The movement was underground, then turned reggaeton. I traveled around the island of Puerto Rico measuring my skills against male MCs. Bars became my self-defense mechanism. Through lyrics, I encouraged other Latinas that stand around me to stand for themself and also to not stay quiet when something hurts.”

As Ivy continues to flaunt her proud roots, trendy fashion transformations and ability to evolve from reggaeton to bachata and other genres, Billboard asks fans to vote for their favorite Ivy Queen hit on the Hot Latin Songs chart below:

04 Mar 2024

Boy George Is Loving Harry Styles’ Gender-Bending Fashion: ‘I Think It’s Great’

Boy George is giving Harry Styles his stamp of approval when it comes to, fittingly, style.

The Culture Club sang his praises for the 30-year-old Grammy winner during appearance on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show on Monday (March 4), during which Shepherd honored Boy George for inspiring people to be “free” in their sense of fashion, mentioning Styles, who is known for bending gender roles and stereotypes when it comes to his outfits.

“When I see Harry Styles doing what he’s doing, I love it,” Boy George responded, adding, “I am very supportive. I think it’s great.”

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The singer went on to deem Styles a “dandy,” which he described as “anyone with great style,” noting, “It’s not about sexuality, really, it’s just about wanting to stand out.”

Back in 2020, Styles became the first-ever male solo cover star of Vogue, famously wearing a Gucci dress in the photoshoot. “As a kid it was completely mind-blowing. Now I’ll put on something that feels really flamboyant, and I don’t feel crazy wearing it,” Styles said in the profile at the time. “I think if you get something that you feel amazing in, it’s like a superhero outfit. Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with.”

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Watch the full Boy George interview on Sherri below.

04 Mar 2024

Calvin Harris Brings This Unusual Item on Flights to Prevent Jet Lag: ‘I’m Surprised They Get Through Security’

Calvin Harris has cracked — kind of.

The Scottish producer was co-hosting the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 on Monday morning (March 4) when he revealed the unusual liquid that helps him stave off jet lag.

“I was on a British Airways flight only a couple of weeks ago, and the air hostess told me she’d never seen anybody crack eggs and pour them into their mouth in their seat before,” Harris told Bell. “But that was me. That’s what I do.”

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He went on to say that when he gets on a flight, he retrieves the six eggs he’s stashed in his carry-on bag, then consume the yolks. “I like to get rid of the white, so I just do the raw yolk,” he continued. “I find it gets rid of the jet lag.”

Harris also revealed that there’s no special trick to getting a half-dozen eggs on a commercial flight. “You just stick them in your bag,” he said. “I’m surprised they get through security because for me, that’s liquid. But it’s never, ever been flagged.”

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According to Medicine News Today, egg yolks are a bit of a “miracle” cure, as they’re dense with vitamins, protein and may help reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system and reduce vision problems.

It’s been a big few days for Harris, as over the weekend the producer won the 2024 Brit Award for best dance act, beating Fred again.., Romy, Becky Hill and Barry Can’t Swim. Harris was also nominated for best pop act and song of the year for his 2023 trance anthem “Miracle” with Ellie Goulding, with whom he performed at the ceremony.

“First of all, I want to dedicate this award to Danny Rampling’s Love Groove dance party,” Harris said in his acceptance speech, referencing the ’90s dance compilation series, then went on to say: “I want to thank Ellie Goulding, wherever she is. Ellie, I couldn’t be on this stage this year without you. What you brought to ‘Miracle’ was absolutely unbelievable. I couldn’t have done it with anybody else in this room, so thank you.”

Harris also thanked the songwriter BURNS, a frequent collaborator who worked on “Miracle,” as well as his wife, BBC Radio 1 presenter Vick Hope.

04 Mar 2024

Jamie Foxx to Return to ‘Beat Shazam’ After Life-Threatening Health Scare

Jamie Foxx is getting back to business after his mystery health scare in 2023. After he skipped last season to recover from his life-threatening medical condition and hospitalization last year, the actor is now set to return as co-host of Fox’s Beat Shazam alongside his daughter Corinne.

The network announced Monday (March 4) that the father-daughter duo would again be taking the game show stage for its upcoming seventh installment, which premieres May 28. The series finds the Foxxes leading contestants as they compete against each other to guess the titles of hit songs, after which the first-place team goes head-to-head against Apple’s music-discovery software Shazam.

In Jamie and Corinne’s absence last season, The Masked Singer emcee Nick Cannon stepped in to guest-host with Kelly Osbourne as his DJ.

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The update comes almost a year after news broke of Foxx’s undisclosed illness, which led to his urgent hospitalization in April 2023 while he was in the middle of filming Back in Action in Atlanta. Corinne was the first to update fans about her father’s condition at the time, taking to Instagram to write that he’d suffered a “medical complication” but was “already on his way to recovery.”

Since then, the Academy Award winner still hasn’t divulged details about what happened to him, although he has revealed how close he came to possibly dying as a result. “I cherish every single minute now, it’s different,” he told the crowd at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements in December, noting that he wouldn’t have been able to walk himself to the stage even six months prior.

“I wouldn’t wish what I went though on my worst enemy because it’s tough when it’s almost over, when you see the tunnel,” he continued. “I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see the light. It was hot in that tunnel too, I don’t know where I was going. ‘S–t, am I going to the right place?’”