State Champ Radio Author: djfrosty
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Source: picture alliance / Getty / Elmo
Elmo might be a puppet, but like everyone else, he feels the sting of Donald Trump’s unstable economy and is now searching for new employment.
The internet has been in stitches since a debunked viral post featuring the lovable puppet monster from Sesame Street popped up on LinkedIn. The post features Elmo updating his profile after the Trump administration’s stupid budget cuts.
“Hi LinkedIn, Unfortunately Elmo was recently laid off because of the federal budget cuts,” the post begins. “Elmo worked at Sesame Street for 45 years. Elmo is sad. Elmo loved his time at Sesame Street.”
Like a normal profile on the job-search site, the puppet provided his credentials while sending a heartfelt farewell to friends and other longtime residents of Sesame Street, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster.
“Elmo is looking for his next opportunity,” the post continued. “Elmo is good at so many things. Like hugs. Elmo LOVES giving hugs. Elmo can also recognize the letter E, spell his name, feel empathy, sing ‘Elmo’s Song’ and ask how you are doing. Elmo is open to full-time or freelance roles.”
Elmo’s Post Reflects What’s Going On In The US Right Now
While the unemployment rate in the United States remains steady, currently sitting at 4.2%, it’s not looking good for those who reside on Sesame Street.
Thanks to an executive order issued on May 1 by the Trump administration calling for the cutting of federal funding to PBS and NPR in an effort to save money.
If you’re wondering exactly how much money in the federal budget goes to both entities, Katherine Maher, NPR President and CEO, said, “The appropriation for public broadcasting, including NPR and PBS, represents less than 0.0001% of the federal budget.”
The LinkedIn post has also garnered reactions, which you can see in the gallery below.
3. Blame Donald Trump and Elon Musk
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We caught up with KATSEYE at Wango Tango and they shared their reaction to the public’s response to “GNARLY,” teasing new music coming soon, handling fame and more.
What do you think of “GNARLY”? Let us know in the comments!
Tetris Kelly:
Hanging out with KATSEYE at Wango Tango. How are you doing, ladies?
KATSEYE:
I’m good!
All right, you know what I gotta start talking about right now: “GNARLY.” I mean, you guys, I feel like you did something. You got the Internet a little bit shook right now. So how was it to put the song out and see everything that happened once it was out in the world?
It was definitely a gag for everybody. And this is like what we felt the moment that we first heard the song. So we were so happy when we saw everybody’s reactions, especially after our first performance. We just got back from Korea doing all this promotion. So we’re excited because today is our first performance here in the U.S. So we’re here to gag.
Yeah, no. And, I mean, that’s what it did. Because I love seeing people, like, watch the performance and be like, Oh, the girls that get it, clearly get it, you know what I mean? So how was it just like, get the choreography and see that that was what changed everybody’s opinion about the song.
I mean, it looks amazing.
She’s like the choreography is good. She’s like gang, gang, gang.
No, literally, like we’re shaking ass. We’re having fun. And I feel like the crowd really, like, just saw us being confident and selling it. And so we’re just super excited. And we 100% stand behind the song. We love it, and we mostly love performing it. So we’re really excited.
Keep watching for more!
Meghan Trainor talks about how “Mind Reader” with Mimi Webb came to life, how she’d love to work with KATSEYE, her fitness journey & more at Wango Tango.
Would you want a Meghan Trainor x KATSEYE collab? Let us know in the comments below!
Tetris Kelly:
‘Nah nah nah gnarly, everything’s gnarly.’ I love that you know that song, and love it already.
Meghan Trainor:
I love it. I’ve seen it 100 times.
At first I didn’t get it, and then I got it.
The ones that get it, get it. That’s how I get it.
Work with KATSEYE. I feel like that is two of my faves together. That’s something we should make happen.
Yeah, except like, how do I perform next to them yo? They’re the best dancers I’ve ever seen.
You got the moves. I think you can keep up.
Hi, I love you.
I love you, too. Speaking of collaborations-
Do you like the dress?
The dress looks amazing. I love the pink. Bringing it to Wango Tango. New song, Mimi Webb.
Do you like it?
I do love it. Tell me about the song and how it was to work with her.
She’s on my label, and so they called me and were like, would you ever work with Mimi Webb? And I was like, I love Mimi Webb. The biggest Mimi Webb fan there is, is my husband, Daryl [Sabara]. So he was like, “Please work with her.” And then we met, we fell in love. And then I wrote this chorus the night before because I wanted Daryl to be able to read my mind.
Keep watching for more!
Los Alegres del Barranco, their manager and their concert promoter will face criminal proceedings for projecting images of a criminal leader during a March performance in the state of Jalisco, a judge ruled Monday (May 12). During a hearing at the Puente Grande Penitentiary in Jalisco, Mexico, the judge did not order preventive detention; the accused will be able to continue their defense in freedom.
A document from the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office shared with Billboard Español says that the precautionary measures ordered by the judge for the six accused (including the four members of the band) include regular weekly appearances in court; the enforcement of a financial guarantee of 300,000 Mexican pesos for each of them, equivalent to 1.8 million pesos (approximately $92,000); and their stay in the state of Jalisco, meaning they will only be given permission to attend three concerts in other states previously agreed upon and return afterward.
The accusation stems from a concert by Los Alegres del Barranco on March 29 at the Telmex Auditorium in the municipality of Zapopan, where images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), were projected while they performed the song “El del Palenque.”
Trending on Billboard
Authorities indicated that the investigation and the precautionary measures imposed by the judge will remain in effect for at least three months. Upon leaving the hearing, Luis Alvarado, spokesperson for Los Alegres del Barranco, told reporters that their fight is “for freedom of expression” and thanked those who have supported them.
Billboard Español has sent a request for comment to representatives of the band.
Los Alegres del Barranco became the first act from the regional Mexican genre to be formally accused by the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office of alleged glorification of criminal activities. The incident even led the U.S. to revoke work and tourist visas for the band members, as announced April 1 by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in a statement on X.
The band, its representative, and the promoter are facing investigation from the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office for four performances in different municipalities of that state in which they allegedly glorified criminal activities, according to information published on May 9 by the same office.
That same day, Los Alegres del Barranco won an injunction granted by a federal judge to sing narcocorridos in the Mexican state of Michoacán, despite the state decree prohibiting the broadcast of music or expressions that promote crime in public spaces, which went into effect in April. For now, the ruling only favors the group for having filed the lawsuit. The federal judge has set a new hearing for May 15 to determine whether to uphold or revoke the temporary suspension granted to the musical group.
“We are going to respond,” said Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla at a press conference on Monday (May 12). “Today I will submit the initiative to amend the State Penal Code, which will establish the crime of apology and now make it a criminal offense.”
Ten out of Mexico’s 32 states have implemented various bans against narcocorridos or any expression that promotes or glorifies criminal activities, though such bans have not yet become federal law.
Source: Jamie McCarthy/GA / Getty
Model Denise Bidot has come forward with serious allegations against rapper Lil Wayne, claiming he subjected her to both emotional and physical abuse during their relationship.
The accusations surfaced on Mother’s Day, a day that Bidot says ended with her and her daughter being forced to leave Wayne’s home. In an emotional post shared on Instagram, Bidot expressed the pain of the split, calling it a cruel and heartless move. “Breaking up with someone on Mother’s Day is diabolical,” she wrote, hinting at a deeper turmoil behind the scenes.
Shortly after, she took to social media live to directly address her experience.
“This wasn’t just emotional mistreatment,” Bidot revealed during the livestream. “He actually put his hands on me. And I stayed. I thought it was just a one-time mistake, but now I realize I wasn’t the only one. I know there are other women who’ve experienced the same.” The couple’s relationship became public in mid-2020, and since then, they had a pattern of breaking up and getting back together.
Despite the rocky nature of their romance, Bidot once spoke highly of Wayne, calling him the love of her life and praising their connection on his 39th birthday in 2021.
“Happy birthday to my favorite human on this or any planet,” she had written at the time. “You’ve been my teacher, my friend, and the greatest love of my life.”
The stark contrast between that affectionate tribute and her current accusations paints a troubling picture of what may have been happening behind closed doors. Lil Wayne has yet to respond publicly to Bidot’s claims. As the situation unfolds, Bidot’s decision to speak out is being seen by many as a brave step toward breaking the silence surrounding domestic abuse, especially in high-profile relationships.
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Eminem‘s daughter Hailie Jade celebrated her first Mothers Day over the weekend, and she commemorated the day with a heartwarming post. On Sunday, Jade hopped on Instagram to celebrate her first Mama’s Day, revisiting her pregnancy journey with a touching reel on IG. “Growing you has been the greatest gift of my life,” Jade wrote […]
Source: Shannon Finney / Getty
Last week, the Trump administration abruptly fired Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden. According to the Associated Press, Hayden was notified via email late on Thursday (May 8).
“Carla,” the email began, according to the source. “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service.”
When asked about Hayden’s sudden termination, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused her of “putting inappropriate books in the library for children.”
During a press briefing, Leavitt said, “She was doing concerning things in the pursuit of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).”
However, social media users were quick to point out that the Library of Congress is a research library, which is not open to patrons younger than 16 and which catalogs all books published in the United States.
According to Raw Story, author Jack Pitney wrote on X: “Inappropriate books for children? Ms. Leavitt does not know that you have to be at least 16 to use the Library of Congress. And you can’t wander the shelves or check books out.”
In announcing the firing, the Associated Press noted that Hayden was named on a list of federal workers who were suspected of “undermining” Trump’s agenda. The list, created by the American Accountability Foundation, was bankrolled by the Heritage Foundation, which authored Project 2025.
“The current #LibrarianOfCongress Carla Hayden is woke, anti-Trump, and promotes trans-ing kids,” the American Accountability Foundation wrote on its X account earlier Thursday, just hours before the firing was made public, per the AP. “It’s time to get her OUT and hire a new guy for the job!”
The Librarian of Congress position is considered apolitical and lasts 10 years. Hayden served throughout the entire first Trump term.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of Hayden, “Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden is so superb, so remarkable, so respected in the library community around the country. As a former library commissioner myself, I appreciate Carla Hayden and her excellence. Trump firing her is arbitrary, capricious and shameful!”
Other politicians also spoke up on her behalf. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies noted, “Dr. Carla Hayden led the Library of Congress with class, dignity and strength. Her termination is a complete and total disgrace.”
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Source: Tim Warner / Getty
Texas rapper That Mexican OT is known for his rapid flows and quick wordplay, but unfortunately, his speed is limited to his speech as the man just doesn’t have the physical requirement needed to move fast enough to get out of the way of a charging bull.
Over the weekend, a video showing the “Johnny Dang” rapper getting mowed down by a bull at a PBR Rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas, hit the internet and while OT seems fine and dandy, it still wasn’t a pretty sight. Partaking in the rodeo festivities, OT was hit by the bull three times in the video with the final hit actually flipping the Mexican rapper over and onto the ground before the video cut off. Though there was another man trying to get the bull’s attention and get some of that horn himself, that bull saw a slower-moving target with a lot of carne on its person and knew it was chow time.
Luckily, That Mexican OT seemed to have avoided any serious injuries such as a horn impaling any body parts and actually seems to enjoy the sport as he promoted his appearance in anticipation of the event.
Check out That Mexican OT getting mashed on by a bull in slow-mo below, and let us know if this is something you’d do if given the chance in the comments section.
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On May 9, Beyoncé wrapped a historic run of five shows at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles. According to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, the Cowboy Carter Tour kick-off grossed $55.7 million and sold 217,000 tickets.
Beyoncé’s $50 million-plus run in Los Angeles is the biggest reported single-venue engagement of 2025 so far, eclipsing multiple stops on Coldplay’s tour through Asia and Shakira’s seven-night stay in Mexico City. Further, it’s the fifth-highest grossing tour stop in Boxscore history, only behind two legs of U2’s Sphere residency in Las Vegas (2023-24), Harry Styles’ 15 shows at Madison Square Garden in New York (2022), and eight nights of Take That at Wembley Stadium in London (2011). Notably, it’s the highest-grossing reported single-venue engagement ever by a woman.
Cowboy Carter Tour launched on Monday, April 28, with successive performances on May 1, 4, 7, and 9. On average, Beyoncé grossed $11.1 million per night, playing to more than 43,000 fans at each show. In completing this week-long run, she has now played more shows at SoFi Stadium than any other artist in the venue’s history – eight, including three in 2023 – since its opening at the beginning of the decade.
The L.A.-area shows may not even remain the tour’s peak, as an upcoming five-night stay at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (13 miles from New York) could challenge that $55 million take. Beyoncé will have her longest run at one venue in London with six nights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though ticket prices overseas often fall below the surging rates in the United States.
Using Cowboy Carter Tour figures in the Los Angeles area as a guide, with city-by-city comparisons to previous tours, it appears that Beyoncé’s 2025 run is barreling toward Billboard’s initial projections of $300 million. It will out-gross all of her previous tours with the lone exception of 2023’s Renaissance World Tour, which ran for 56 shows compared to Cowboy Carter Tour’s current routing of 32. According to Live Nation, total ticket sales will eclipse one million.
The initial reports for Cowboy Carter Tour push Beyoncé’s reported career Boxscore earnings past $1.4 billion, with 11.9 million tickets sold. Those totals will continue to rise until the trek closes on July 26 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
The ACM Awards will return to Prime Video next year.
The Academy of Country Music and ACM Awards producer Dick Clark Productions (DCP) has struck a deal with Prime Video for the return of the show on the service for the next three years, which will take it through its 63rd ceremony in 2028.
The news follows the ACM Awards’ 60th anniversary show, which streamed live on Amazon’s Prime Video on May 8 from the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas. The show also streamed live for an international audience across more than 240 countries and territories, exclusively on Prime Video and Amazon Music’s channel on Twitch.
During this year’s ceremony, Lainey Wilson took home the night’s top honor of entertainer of the year (marking her second consecutive win in the category), as well as female artist of the year, songwriter-artist of the year and album of the year (for Whirlwind). Ella Langley earned the most trophies of the evening with five wins, followed by Wilson with four wins. Alan Jackson was the recipient of the inaugural ACM Lifetime Achievement Award, while Keith Urban was honored with the ACM Triple Crown Award.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Academy of Country Music and Dick Clark Productions has been an amazing experience for everyone involved,” said Vernon Sanders, global head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, in a statement. “With the tremendous success of this year’s 60th anniversary show hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, we are overjoyed to continue our relationship with the Academy and DCP for the next three years. We look forward to maintaining this success and bringing even more star-studded and captivating shows to our global Prime Video customers.”
Trending on Billboard
“Our powerful partnership with Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video has expanded the reach and accessibility of our show and the country music genre to viewers anytime, anywhere around the world and has redefined what an awards show experience can and should be in today’s environment,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, in a statement. “The synergies between Prime Video, Amazon Music, Twitch, and the other divisions of Amazon bring exponential value to our artists, our genre, and our fans through an immersive 360 music experience they can’t get from any other platform. I am so proud of our pioneering first four years in the streaming space, and we are excited to continue to deliver the future of country music and the ACM Awards to fans everywhere over the next three years.”
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Prime Video through 2028,” added Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions. “The Academy of Country Music Awards made history in 2022 as the first major awards show to exclusively livestream and continues to break new ground, creating a world-class music event and providing dynamic, unparalleled reach through Prime Video, connecting country music with a global audience.”
“I feel like it’s just another way for us to get country music out there to the world,” added the Academy of Country Music’s winningest artist of all time, Miranda Lambert, of the partnership between the ACM Awards and Prime Video. “Country music is really popular right now, and I’m so glad more people are understanding what we’re about, and I’m so happy to be part of the ACM history, and that it’s gonna continue for three more years is really exciting.”
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards was produced by DCP, with Raj Kapoor serving as executive producer and showrunner and Patrick Menton serving as co-executive producer. Whiteside served as executive producer for the Academy of Country Music, while Penske and Barry Adelman served as executive producers for DCP, with John Saade working as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios.
The ACM Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.
