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This Pride Month, Billboard asked artists to write a series of love letters to their LGBTQ fans, highlighting what the community means to them as people and as artists. Below, R&B sensation UMI shares her coming out story, and thanks the community for “being my family.” Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts […]
This Pride Month, Billboard asked artists to write a series of love letters to their LGBTQ fans, highlighting what the community means to them as people and as artists. Below, Max Ernst of SHAED shares his coming out story, and thanks the community for “being my family.” Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, […]
This Pride Month, Billboard asked artists to write a series of love letters to their LGBTQ fans, highlighting what the community means to them as people and as artists. Below, J-pop idol Shinjiro Atae breaks down his decision to come out in 2024, thanking the LGBTQ+ community for their “warm embrace” and “unconditional love.” Explore Explore See latest […]
This Pride Month, Billboard asked artists to write a series of love letters to their LGBTQ fans, highlighting what the community means to them as people and as artists. Below, Katie Pruitt reaffirms the community’s “hard won” pride, celebrating their collecting “bleeding heart for the underdog and zero tolerance for bigotry.”
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If you’re anything like me, “Pride” in your identity was hard won. Whether that battle was internal, external, or both, you’ve made it this far and I’m so proud of you. Most of us are bonded by the isolating and traumatizing feeling of being closeted in a largely heteronormative world, and we remember having to deeply consider how our lives will change once we get up the courage to speak those irreversible words: “I’m gay.”
Because as liberating as those words are, they are also loaded with a whole new list of challenges, uncertainties and questions. And although you’d never “go back” to a time when you had to hide yourself, this newfound visibility can be so overwhelming. Your personal life is suddenly on display for your friends and family to chime in and give their two cents.
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It’s these specific challenges that make it necessary for us to seek comfort in our queer community. We intentionally seek out and create safe spaces to go when we want to feel seen and understood. Even then, we have to keep our guard up on the off chance that we become a victim of ridicule or god forbid another hate crime.
Somewhere in your journey, I’m sure you’ve had to dig deep for the resilience necessary to keep going. Having to not only embrace your differences but use them to your advantage. You know exactly what it’s like to be “othered” and for that reason, you have a bleeding heart for the underdog and zero tolerance for bigotry.
So, no matter how “hard won” pride in your identity has been, all of these impossible milestones have made you into the fierce, self-loving, empathic and compassionate person you are today, and THAT is something to be proud of.
Love your friend, Katie Pruitt
This Pride Month, Billboard asked artists to write a series of love letters to their LGBTQ fans, highlighting what the community means to them as people and as artists. Below, JT thanks the community for supporting her, and reminds them to “hold on and stay strong” during turbulent political times. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See […]
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Calling all Bridgerton fans! The hit television series, Bridgerton created by Shondaland for Netflix has a book dropping on July 23. The Duke and I & The Viscount Who Loved Me: Bridgerton Collection by Julia Quinn is a special edition set that includes the first two novels in the beloved Bridgerton series.
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Although it is not available yet, you can start pre-ordering the hard cover version now. You can find it on Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Take advantage of its 34% off discount and add it your library.
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If you’re shopping on Amazon, consider taking advantage of all Amazon Prime has to offer and sign up for a 30-day free trial, including access to Prime Video, Prime Gaming and Amazon Music. Get fast, free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery. Want free shipping? Join Walmart+ for free for the first 30 days. The membership includes free shipping and free delivery from your local store, free Paramount+ and so much more!
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Bridgerton Collector’s Edition: The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me (Hardcover)
$19.71
$30.00
34% off
In the first novel, The Duke and I, it focuses on Daphne Bridgerton’s story of love and societal expectations. In the second novel, The Viscount Who Loved Me, it follows Anthony Bridgerton’s romantic journey. Both novels celebrate emotional depth, love, and engaging storytelling.
This collection offers readers an immersive journey into the world of high society, romance, and tight-knit Bridgeton family dynamics.
With this edition, you won’t only enjoy the words on the paper, but also add an aesthetically pleasing book on your shelf. According to Amazon, this edition features: sprayed edges, integrate foil iconography, ribbon bookmark, and endpapers.
For more product recommendations, check out this Amazon book haul, best journals for storytelling, and best country music books to add to your reading list.
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.
The 2024 French Open is in full swing, culminating with the women’s final on Saturday, June 8, and the men’s final on Sunday, June 9. You can catch it live on NBC Sports, Peacock and the Tennis Channel, broadcasting from the Stade Roland Garros in Paris.
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The men’s competition at the Grand Slam tournament took an unpredictable turn with the early defeat of Rafael Nadal. The 14-time French Open winner was unable to overcome an injury to progress past the first round. His tournament run ended Monday against Alexander Zverev.
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“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next few months…I need to finish all this process. My mind-set was ready till Olympics, you know, and then I need to check how I feel in different ways,” Nadal shared with ESPN.
When it comes to the women’s division, Polish player Iga Świątek has won the French Open two years in a row. She enters Roland Garros this week after her recent triumph over Aryna Sabalenka at the Italian Open, where both players were slated to compete on the clay courts. They will be joined by Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina.
Keep reading for ways to watch and stream from anywhere — with and without cable.
Where to Watch the 2024 French Open From Anywhere
The 2024 French Open is available on NBC Sports, the Tennis Channel and Peacock.
NBC and Peacock will broadcast the French Open, including the semifinals and finals, with all NBC TV coverage accessible for streaming on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can now stream matches directly through the Tennis Channel’s app, Tennis Channel+, offering comprehensive coverage.
The Tennis Channel will broadcast third-round coverage from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 1; NBC will air from noon to 3 p.m. and Peacock from noon to 5:30 p.m. ET. You can find the complete schedule here to plan your viewing accordingly.
For those without cable, streaming services like Fubo, Sling TV, Hulu + Live and DirecTV Stream offer excellent streaming options, with monthly costs ranging from $20-$75. Many of these services provide a free trial upon signing up and offer access to numerous cable channels. You can use ExpressVPN to access streaming platforms and channels from outside the U.S.
Looking for an alternative option? NBC is part of Sling TV’s $40 monthly Blue package, and for an additional $11 per month, you can include the Tennis Channel as well.
Whether you’re into tennis, basketball, football or other sports, you can explore a variety of content on ESPN+ and enjoy live and past tournaments like the Australian Open, U.S. Open, UFC fights, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB games and exclusive documentaries like Go Beyond the Dream With Shohei Ohtani, Man in the Arena: Tom Brady and more.
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.
Lululemon may have initially gone viral for its Everywhere Belt Bag and Mini Shoulder Bag, but the athleisure brand has a new accessory that’s quickly becoming a coveted purse — especially when paired with a popular and easy TikTok DIY hack. Lululemon’s new Mini Barrel Duffle Bag has TikTokers obsessed with its chic design that, when paired with bows, becomes a designer-worthy handbag (and for less than $100).
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More than 10 million videos have been made about the mini Luluelmon duffle bag, with most of them showing off the bow trend that’s “so easy” to replicate. User @dallas__333 even gathered more than 11,000 likes for a video demonstrating how to get your bow to “sit perfectly” every time, which you can see below.
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All you need is satin ribbon to complete the look — here’s a white ribbon option for a contrasting look or there’s this black version if you’d prefer a monochromatic style.
Whether you plan on hitting a yoga class or are just going out with friends for drinks, this barrel bag will add a fashionable touch to all of your outfits (day or night). It comes in two shades: black and blue and features an adjustable crossbody strap that can also be removed and turned into a handbag.
Keep reading to shop the viral Lululemon Mini Barrel Duffle Bag below.
Knit Nylon Mini Barrel Duffle Bag 5L
This duffle bag comes with a barrel-shaped body complete with a zipper closure to keep your belongings safe and secure. The exterior uses a smooth nylon and water-repellent material that’ll keep you phone, wallet, sunglasses and other accessories dry. You’ll also find a mini zippered pocket on the inside for extra storage options.
The rounded shape of this mini duffle is reminiscent of luxury purses at more than ten times the price, but we like the versatility of this Lululemon version, with both a top handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying. The nylon material is also super easy to wipe clean and take care of (versus say, this leather version from Coach).
One Lululemon reviewer even wrote on the site that they returned their luxury designer purse for this mini duffle as it’s spacious yet trendy to pair with day and night looks. “So I decided to return a Marc Jacobs small tote for this bag,” the reviewer wrote. “It hits all the marks for day to evening wear. Super lightweight and quality is perfect.”
Recreate the TikTok look by picking up the Mini Barrel Duffle here and adding on black satin bows here. Just like the lifestyle brand’s other viral products, it’s not uncommon for colorways to quickly sellout, which means you’ll want to add it to your cart before it’s too late.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best gym bags, tote bags and Lululemon clothing for men.
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. Its been 46 years since Van Halen blessed us with their debut self-titled album that helped skyrocket the rock band to […]
We very well may be nearing the end of basketball’s most legendary studio show, Inside the NBA — and what a ride it’s been.
The 2024-2025 NBA season will likely be the last for hosts Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal together on TNT, with all signs pointing to NBC replacing Turner Sports as the league’s primary TV partner starting with the 2025-26 season. Barkley was on The Dan Patrick Show and revealed that “morale sucks, plain and simple,” when asked how the vibe was on the set.
Charles Barkley says morale sucks amid the uncertainty of “Inside the NBA” moving forward. And discusses the possibility of hiring the crew to his production company, continuing to do the show, and selling it. pic.twitter.com/gLoiKm7SM3— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) May 23, 2024
And after last night’s series-clinching win by the Dallas Mavericks, eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves and punching Dallas’ ticket to the NBA Finals, Mavs guard Luka Dončić brought the drama up — telling the guys they have to figure something out, to which Ernie confirmed they don’t know their fate past the next season.
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“We’re gonna miss you. We’re done after tonight.” – Charles Barkley “You ain’t done yet. We gotta figure out something.” – Luka Dončić”We got all next year too. And then who knows after that.” – Ernie Johnson 🏀🎙️📺😂 pic.twitter.com/neHy0NpqI8— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 31, 2024
The winner of 19 Emmys, Inside the NBA is like family to most basketball-obsessed households; especially for those who came of age during the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. This was a time when rap, basketball and sneakers were exploding. We watched and played whenever we could. We read SLAM magazine, tried to buy the latest basketball sneakers, listened to rap music, and stayed up late on Thursday nights during the NBA season to watch Inside the NBA.
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To keep it a buck, to us basketball is just as much a part of hip-hop as rapping and graffiti. So, when we got a show starring an NYC basketball great like Smith and NBA and sneaker legend like Barkley, we had to tune in. And while shaky at first, Shaq’s addition at the start of the 2011-2012 season further ingratiated the crew to a generation that grew up buying his rap albums and signature Reeboks, watching his movies, and playing Shaq Fu on Sega Genesis. Inside the NBA is so hip-hop, its hosts were known to kick a few flows. Kenny Smith kicked a freestyle on BET’s Rap City back in 2001.
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And Shaq was recently featured on a Rick Ross and Meek Mill song with Damian Lillard, and had arguably the best verse in the whole song.
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I have to also acknowledge the show’s music selection. They’ve always seemed to be tapped into rap music, new and old. I remember hearing A Tribe Called Quest’s “Electric Relaxation” instrumental during breaks — and there’s this medley of rap songs Street Cred EJ knew off top.
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Shaq, Kenny and Chuck come from the hip-hop generation and helped take the culture mainstream. Even Kenny would sometimes find himself impressed and surprised with a producer’s music picks. When they first played Kendrick’s recent Drake diss tracks, he was saying they shouldn’t pick sides, that they should play Drake’s songs too. They may be older, but the three former players are tapped in. They took what the late, great Stuart Scott was doing at ESPN in the early ‘90s and perfected it, carrying on his legacy of bringing hip-hop culture into households across the country.
During these playoffs. The producers have been in their bag playing the hits. “Like That” and “Not Like Us” have been TNT favorites during the Kendrick and Drake beef. They also played the “No Vaseline” instrumental — an absolutely insane thing to hear during a national sports broadcast. And just last night they played Don Toliver’s “Attitude” featuring Cash Cobain and Uncle Charlie Wilson faintly in the background. It doesn’t get more tapped-in than that.
A friend and I had a routine back in the early 2000s. We were fresh out of high school, and worked the same part-time job while taking classes at local colleges in North Jersey. After we got off work, we would cop some trees on the way home and link up later that night to watch the NBA on TNT. We did this every Thursday night during the NBA season. Sometimes we would catch both the 8 p.m. game and the 10:30 p.m. game — but we always made sure to watch Inside the NBA afterwards, even if it meant staying up until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning.
Now that I’m older, whenever I’m able to stay up to watch the best sports show on TV, I think about those days. Appointment television is a rarity in the age of streaming, and for 24 years, the guys over at Inside the NBA have made you regret falling asleep and missing not only their veteran basketball analysis and arguments with one another, but also all the jokes and shenanigans. “Elevator” Ernie Johnson deserves some love as well. He brings it all together by controlling the chaos while also letting Kenny, Chuck, and Shaq be themselves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=47jriBjlxT_WXAYc&v=G1ZMviEik3U&feature=youtu.be
If next season really is their last, they deserve to have a legit farewell tour. Bringing back John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” isn’t worth losing these four family members. Prime Bob Costas isn’t walking through that door. The only way NBC can get back into our good graces after forcing Inside the NBA to hang it up early, is to bring back NBA Inside Stuff without making it corny.
BREAKING: NBC has contacted John Tesh about reviving the iconic NBA on NBC theme song ‘Roundball Rock’ amid NBA rights dealnegotiations. “At the end of June, we’re heading to Nashville, we’ve got a full orchestra on hold & we’re going to re-record it.”https://t.co/J2Tb1XxPY9 pic.twitter.com/F6YUXSRpk4— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) May 21, 2024
Inside the NBA had one of the greatest runs in sports TV history these past 24 years. I’m looking forward to having one last NBA season with my guys. Now that I think about it, ending things at 25 just sounds right.
Now I leave you with some Yo Momma jokes from the crew.
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