Culture
Page: 25
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 never too early to start planning your holiday shopping. With the holiday season quickly approaching, finding thoughtful gifts that won’t […]
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. Two super lightweight boxers go head-to-head in “The Island of Enchantment” on Saturday (Nov. 9): Puerto Rican Subriel “El Orgullo de […]
Jack Antonoff is asking his community to stay strong following Kamala Harris’ losing the 2024 presidential election against twice-impeached convicted felon Donald Trump.
In a heartfelt message addressed “to my people” on X Wednesday (Nov. 6), one day after Election Day, the 40-year-old producer reminded followers, “we turn to each other at the best times as we do at the worst times.”
“our community is alive because we lift and take care of each other,” he continued. “we are not moved by bulls–t. when we’re afraid we lean on each other. right now we are going to do exactly that. we are going to be there for each other.”
Antonoff went on to give fans a meaningful call to action, noting that The Ally Coalition — which he founded in 2013 with his sister, designer Rachel Antonoff, to support LGBTQ youth — will “not rest” in their activism post-election. “do not be cynical,” he wrote. “do not have the conversation alone in your head. go be together. be around those who do not assume the worst of you.”
“fight for the rights of oppressed people,” he added. “respect the earth and its creatures. live with the most dignity and remember that every tiny thing is carried on.”
The Bleachers frontman is one of many artists disheartened by Trump’s return to power, with Ariana Grande, Ethel Cain, Billie Eilish, Cardi B and several more stars all sharing messages of disappointment to social media over the past 36 hours. One of Antonoff’s 2024 collaborators, Sabrina Carpenter, addressed the election results at her Nov. 6 concert in Seattle, telling the crowd: “I hope we can be a moment of peace for you, a moment of safety … sorry about our country, and to the women in here, I love you so so so so so much.”
The former Fun band member has long been open about his dislike of Trump, from joking about the president-elect wearing diapers with Jimmy Kimmel in April to slamming what he called a “Trumpian approach” to spreading false information when Damon Albarn accused Taylor Swift — another frequent Antonoff collaborator — of not writing her own songs in 2022. He’s also spent his career being a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and recently announced his Public Studios initiative, which will build studios in LGBTQ+ youth shelters and create a network of engineers to train aspiring producers in those communities with the Ally Coalition’s help.
Read Antonoff’s post-election message below.
to my peoplewe turn to each other at the best times as we do at the worst times. our community is alive because we lift and take care of each other. we are not moved by bullshit. when we’re afraid we lean on each other. right now we are going to do exactly that. we are going to…— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) November 6, 2024
For more than 40 years, Caroline Hirsch’s name has been synonymous with comedy in New York City. Beginning in 1981, when she opened a small club bearing her first name in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, comedy’s greatest performed on — and in some cases, made their bones on — her stages: Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, David Letterman, Jon Stewart, Gilbert Gottfried, Jay Leno, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Paul Reubens and Michael Che, among many others.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
In 2004, Hirsch and her partner in business and life, Andrew Fox, decided to expand the Caroline’s brand beyond the walls of the club (which had since moved to Midtown Manhattan). The New York Comedy Festival debuted in November of that year, spanning approximately 15 shows over five days. On Nov. 7 the festival kicks off its 20th season which will feature more than 300 shows over 11 days, including its annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit — now in its 17th year — where Bruce Springsteen, Jim Gaffigan, Seinfeld, Stewart and other comics and musicians have raised a total of $84 million for wounded and ill military veterans. There’s also The Eras Tour: Taylor Swift Comedy Show and Dance Party.
Trending on Billboard
“Twenty years is a long time to be in business, especially in New York City,” says Hirsch — who, along with Fox, spoke to Billboard about how the festival and comedy have evolved over that time.
How has the festival evolved over the last 20 years?
Caroline Hirsch: Most noticeably is the depth and length of the festival. We started out with 10 big shows and three or four headliner shows. Now, the festival is 11 days, with over 300 shows and 22 headliners. And I would attribute a big part of that to the fact that comedy is more of a staple in our lives today.
Andrew Fox: When we started, so few comics playing theaters. New York has such great theaters — Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theater and Madison Square Garden. For comics, these are bucket list shows.
Hirsch: Before 2006, the only person who played Madison Square Garden was Andrew “Dice” Clay, and that was because of his relationship with Howard Stern. In 2006, we put Dane Cook into Madison Square Garden for two nights. We sold 38,000 tickets. Since then we’ve put Kevin Hart, Bill Burr and Trevor Noah at the Garden.
Fox: When we played Dane there, it really changed the way people looked at the comedy business. When we look back at that, from our humble beginnings. It was a game changer for us, agents and managers in the industry.
Hirsch: Now Carnegie Hall is considered a steppingstone to the Garden or other arenas. A lot of comedians we worked with at Caroline’s wanted to play bigger venues. The festival enabled us to do that. And we continue the tradition started at the club of building talent. Zarna Garg started with one night at Carolines, and at this year’s festival, we’re presenting her at Town Hall on the last day of the festival.
You closed your club in at the end of 2022 because your landlord wanted a significant rent increase. Do you have any plans to reopen it in another location?
Hirsch: The festival is about moving beyond the four walls of Caroline’s and doing comedy in a bigger way. The only way we’re thinking of Caroline’s right now is as a bigger event.
Fox: People are always coming to us with different ideas for events and branding opportunities, and we listen. Consumers trust us if they’re not familiar with a particular performer.
Caroline, you recently wrote an op-ed in the New York Daily News about comedy being more important than ever given today’s political climate. Can you talk a bit more on that?
Hirsch: Comedy is important for society, and it has become a central part of our conversation today as you saw with some of the stuff that came out of the political rallies. Joe Rogan’s podcast had a lot of influence during the presidential campaign, and I’m curious to see what Bill Maher’s play is. Bill’s in the center, and he calls it right on. I think hearing what he has to say will bring relief to some people.
You’ve also said that it has the power to bring people from different backgrounds, political and cultural perspectives together.
Hirsch: Ideally, comedy is about taking information that may be controversial or polarizing and making it more palatable in a communal setting where everyone comes together to laugh and let off steam. We live in a country where 50% percent of people are pissed off, and 50% are happy. How do we bring those two sides together? By making them laugh. Laughing is a healing process. It soothes the soul.
Andrew, in another conversation, you said that stand-up tours are hotter and more important then ever for comics’ careers.
Fox: People are getting their comedy in all different forms today, including social media and streaming and podcasts, but there’s nothing like the live experience of sitting in an audience, on a date or with friends.
Hirsch: It used to be that everybody wanted a sitcom. Now they want to tour. And for comedy fans, it’s like going to see a band. People want that first-hand experience, and they’ve wanted it more since Covid.
How has stand-up comedy changed since the festival started?
Hirsch: It’s a lot smarter, much more political. It used to be very left-leaning, but now it’s more balanced. There’s a right-leaning side to it now. Women play a much bigger role in comedy now, too. Also, the number of headliners has increased. In the early days, I had maybe 18 headliners. Today, there must be a hundred comics that can headline. I think Caroline’s had a lot to do with that growth. We also played a role in the media’s increased interest in comedy. In the early ‘80s, no one covered comedy. I had to convince people to cover it at the [New York] Daily News, Page Six and on the Howard Stern show.
Is there one particular show at the festival I should not miss if I want to see comedy’s next headliners?
Hirsch: New York’s Funniest. Every year we survey the canvas, so to speak, and select 10 promising comics to participate. Some major comedians have come out of it — Nate Bargatze and Michael Che won in different years. It continues to grow year after year, and it’s a way for comedians who aren’t know to get known and to get agents and managers. The night Michael Che won, he got an agent and a manager at the bar at Caroline’s.
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.
Jennifer Hudson is ready for the holiday season. The EGOT winner stars in Old Navy’s “Love is In the House” holiday campaign released last month and recently debuted her first-ever holiday album, The Gift of Love.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The campaign features Hudson’s rendition of “Winter Wonderland,” from her holiday album. Hudson will kick off a four-city tour at The Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, on Nov. 24.
Trending on Billboard
The tour stops at The Chicago Theatre in Hudson’s hometown on Dec. 13, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on Dec. 18, and wraps at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Dec. 21 and 22.
The Gift of Love album will also be available for purchase at select Old Navy stores on the tour.
Jennifer Hudson x Old Navy Holiday Campaign
Old Navy
Old Navy’s “Love Is In the House” campaign spotlights the holiday style staples — from embellished and metallic denim to puffer coats, fleece zip-ups, festive sweaters and Jingle Jammies. The holiday ad features Hudson hosting a holiday party wearing Old Navy’s High-Rise Rockstar Jeans in Black Shine, Long Sleeve Sweetheart Velvet Top, and black faux-fur jacket — currently 40% off during Old Navy’s limited sale (the sale ends on Nov. 11).
Last week, Billboard caught up with Hudson to chat about Old Navy, her holiday album and all things festive.
What do you love most about the holidays?
What got me most excited about this holiday season is the venture with Old Navy, the holiday album and to do a holiday commercial. My biggest goal is to add to everyone’s holiday traditions, that would be like the ultimate Christmas gift for me. I feel like Old Navy is a part of all of us. For me, growing up and seeing the Old Navy commercials and now having one? That’s insane! That’s the gift.
What took you so long to release a holiday album?
I could never figure out what songs to do! And I also wanted to really dedicate the time to it, and I feel like there was no better time than now. With the Jennifer Hudson Show, I feel like my family has expanded. Why not take my holiday family traditions and share it with the world? That’s why my album is called The Gift of Love. My son named the album. I love music and holiday carols and things like that and I’m like “where do I even begin to narrow the songs down?” I went around with that for a long time, and I finally dwindled it down to [15] songs.
How did you narrow down the songs?
I decided to make it really personal. ‘Oh Holly Night’ is my favorite holiday song, “Hallelujah” is why I wanted to do [the album] to begin with, it’s the heart of the album. My grandma used to love hearing “The Christmas Song,” I grew up listening to that so that had to be on the album. I can relate to all of the songs on the album in a personal way.
What are some of your favorite things to wear during the holiday season?
Old Navy Jingle Jammies! I love stuff like that because we like to be [cuddled] up during the holiday season. It’s just the coziness, I love mushiness, fuzzy socks, or even fancy things like the Faux Fur Zip-Up Jacket that I wore in the Old Navy commercial, which I took home with me. We always do the glamour and the glitz, but what do you wear when you’re snuggled up by the fire, or when you’re at home? That’s the time when we get to relax and rest. It gets cozy. I’m from Chicago where it’s cold out, you want to be in the house and have your hot chocolate and all those things.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
Being with family. Everyone is on one accord, it’s just a beautiful synergy in the air. I’m a big family person, so [the holidays are] a time when we all come together. There’s a song on my album [called] “Make It to Christmas.” Sometimes we spend all year working and the one time we get to be at home and be together is during the holiday season.
Do you like to host holiday parties?
Oh my goodness, yes! If you’re not into the holidays, by the time I get done with you, you will be! Especially having a kid and making sure there are gifts and different festivities for all the kids. We do ice skating, give out gifts, have holiday parties. We do a bunch a different festive things leading up to [Christmas].
How early do you start decorating?
I’m ready for my decorations right now. My tradition normally though is the lights are revealed right after Thanksgiving dinner, but now that I have a holiday album my holiday season officially started on Oct. 18, the day that I released my holiday album. I’ll call that ‘homecoming day,’ which will officially set off the holiday season. I started my Christmas music from that day forward.
Where do you plan to spend the holidays?
Right now I’m in LA, but like my song says, “I will make it home by Christmas.” I’ll make it [home to Chicago] in time for Christmas.
How early do you start decorating?
I’m ready for my decorations right now. My tradition normally though is the lights are revealed right after Thanksgiving dinner, but now that I have a holiday album my holiday season officially started Oct. 18, the day that I released my holiday album. I’ll call that “homecoming day,” which will officially set off the holiday season. I started my Christmas music from that day forward.
Where do you plan to spend the holidays?
Right now I’m in Los Angeles, but like my song says: “I will make it home by Christmas.” I’ll make it [home to Chicago] in time for Christmas.
I love the “spirit tunnel” that guests walk through on your show, where did the idea come from?
I may be the “Princess of Christmas” and the “Princess of Soul,” but I call myself the “Queen of Sprit.” The staff and crew are amazing they came up with that big, bright idea. I don’t know [how] they came up with it, maybe they concocted it knowing I love to celebrate everything and sing about anything. They were like “how about we put this concept together?” and now, when you come to the Jennifer Hudson Show we want you to know that you are loved and celebrated.
By the time you leave you should walk out in better spirits. What better way to hit them with the spirit tunnel then when you walk through the door? [The staff] even sings me down. They make every lyric personal to every guest. They have dance steps, I’m like when is rehearsal? That’s the energy that we have around and the environment I feel like everyone should have no matter where you are. It should be filled with love and celebration, and we should be lifting each other up. That’s why we call it the “happy place.” That’s the environment we’ve created.
Watch Hudson’s Old Navy commercial below.
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.
At some point, you may have been asked what you would say to your younger self if you could. Well, Amazon MGM Studios has explored that exact scenario in My Old Ass. Starring Agatha All Along‘s Aubrey Plaza and the drama series Nashville‘s Maisy Stella, the coming-of-age comedy sees what happens when an 18-year-old comes face-to-face with her older self.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
My Old Ass had a limited theater release on Sept. 13, but for those who couldn’t get tickets to see the movie on the big screen (or who just want to rewatch every nostalgia-inducing scene), you can now watch My Old Ass online on Prime Video.
Trending on Billboard
The movie officially dropped onto streaming on Thursday (Nov. 7). Keep reading to learn about all of the streaming options available.
How to Watch My Old Ass Online for Free
You can watch My Old Ass online for free exclusively through Prime Video. Since the film is a part of Amazon MGM Studios, that means you can only stream it through Amazon’s streaming platform. Prime members can watch My Old Ass for no additional cost when you sign into your account.
Don’t have a Prime membership? Amazon offers a 30-day free trial to new users who sign up. You’ll be able to watch My Old Ass in addition to the entire Prime Video library for free. Once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged the regular subscription price of $14.99/month or $139/year.
Bonus savings: Adults ages 18-24 or students at an accredited university can get a six-month free trial and 50% off membership fee when you sign up for Prime Student. Qualifying government programs can also get you access to the EBT/Medicaid membership, which has a 30-day free trial and half-off subscription price.
In addition to being able to stream My Old Ass online for free, Prime members get access to everything within the Prime Video library, including original and exclusive content such as The Idea of You, Fallout, Citadel: Honey Bunny, From, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, Gen V, Reacher, Them: The Scare and Infinite.
To expand you program offerings, the Prime Channel Storefront offers premium channels including streamers like Max, Apple TV+, Paramount+ and Starz to give you even more content to stream all in one spot.
Watch the official trailer for My Old Ass below:
In a new trailer for Paramount+’s new film Dear Santa, Post Malone dances with the devil — literally.
The two-minute teaser released Thursday (Nov. 7) opens with a young boy named Liam (played by Robert Timothy Smith) addressing a letter to Santa. However, as the narrator explains, he’s a “crappy speller” and accidentally writes “To: Satan” instead. Once summoned, the devil — played by a bearded Jack Black with pointy horns — promises to grant Liam three wishes.
But there’s a catch. “By the way, after you make your wishes I’m taking your soul,” Black tells his new companion. “Let me show you a few of the things I can do for you.”
One of those things, apparently, is getting Liam into the backstage area of a Post Malone concert, where the “Psycho” musician — seemingly under Black’s spell — greets the young fan like an old friend before inviting both Liam and Satan to join him on stage during the show. In addition to shots of Posty hamming it up for the crowd with the two main characters showing off their lasso dance moves, Black also introduces the little boy to gambling at a casino, making “snow angels” in a pile of cash and playing beer pong.
Trending on Billboard
Dear Santa is set to premiere on Paramount+ Nov. 25. The cast also features Keegan-Michael Key, Brianne Howey, Hayes MacArthur, P.J. Byrne, Jaden Carson Baker and Kai Cech.
The movie isn’t the first onscreen project Posty has lent his star power to, with the 10-time Grammy nominee previously appearing in Road House, Wrath of Man and Spenser Confidential. Earlier this year, he also made a cameo in Jennifer Lopez’s This Is Me… Now: A Love Story.
The star’s latest film will arrive just a few months after his most recent album, F-1 Trillion, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. He’s also fresh off of a video of the year win at the 2024 VMAs thanks to his part in Taylor Swift’s visual for their “Fortnight” duet, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Watch the Dear Santa trailer featuring Post Malone below.
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 Mario & Luigi franchise has been a fan favorite since its first game in 2003. And now more than 20 years later, the Mario & Luigi role-playing game series comes to a big TV with the Nintendo Switch, which is the first time fans can play one of these games on a home console. However, you can still play it on-the-go since the Switch is also a portable handheld device.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Priced at $59.99, Mario & Luigi: Brothership for Nintendo Switch is available at Target and other retailers starting on Thursday (Nov. 7).
And if you’re a Target Circle member, you can order now and get Mario & Luigi: Brothership delivered straight to your home in two days (with orders over $35) — or you can pick it up at your local Target store for free.
Trending on Billboard
Not a member? Sign up for a free membership to take advantage of all that Target Circle has to offer, including access to “deal of the day” products, instant savings on select items, three months of Apple TV+ to watch hit originals, access to exclusive shopping events — such as Target’s Deal Days and early Black Friday deals — and other perks.
If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for the Target Circle Card (with no annual fee), which offers an extra 5% discount on all purchases, two-day free shipping with no order minimums and more. Learn more about the Target Circle Card here.
In addition, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is available at Walmart and Amazon.
Nintendo
‘Mario & Luigi: Brothership’
Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood takes place on the high seas in the world of Concordia, as the two brothers travel from island to island on their trusty ship, Shipshape. Mario and Luigi must connect the broken pieces of Concordia’s islands back together again in a series of platforming, strategy and turn-based role-playing action.
In our playthrough, we found the game to be challenging yet fun as you start to discover Concordia through its islands and creatures. The mechanics of the game can be tough to pick up at first, but if you’re familiar with the role-playing genre, then it should be easier. However, if this is your first time playing a Mario & Luigi game, then there could be a slight learning curve for strategy and precision gameplay; there’s no button-mashing with this game.
As for the game’s music, video-game fans will be happy to see Hideki Sakamoto as Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood’s composer. Sakamoto has created some of the most iconic and memorable themes from games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Shinobido: Way of the Ninja, the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games and others.
Retailing for $59.99 and available for purchase at Target, Walmart and Amazon, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is out now. In the meantime, watch the overview trailer for the game, below:
Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
Cardi B has very little patience left to test following the 2024 election.
After the results of this week’s election declared that Donald Trump will once again return to the White House as president of the United States, the 32-year-old rapper — who had ridden hard for his opponent, Kamala Harris — issued a warning to the Republican victor’s supporters on X Wednesday (Nov. 6). “Listen, I’mma let y’all know this right now,” she began, filming herself while walking through a Target parking lot.
“So you know, Trumpettes, y’all won, I know y’all happy,” Cardi continued. “Ain’t nobody acting like they’re the losers. However, y’all need to leave me the f–k alone. Because I got one more f–king cigarette in me before I start lighting your asses up. Aight?”
“And that’s word to the United States of motherf–king America,” the Grammy winner added.
Cardi’s message is only the latest post she’s made since Trump won the presidency, with the star also sharing a heartfelt message to Harris on social media Wednesday. “No matter what they’ve said to bring you down or belittle your run for presidency they can never say you didn’t run your race with honesty and with integrity!” she wrote. “This may not mean much but I am so proud of you! No one has ever made me change my mind and you did!”
The “WAP” artist is part of a large group of stars who have shared reactions to Trump’s victory, her post coming amid other disheartened messages from Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Bette Midler, Ethel Cain and more. As votes for the twice-impeached president-elect poured in Tuesday night (Nov. 5), Cardi also wrote on Instagram Stories, “I hate y’all bad.”
The Whipshots founder was outspoken in her support for Harris even before the former prosecutor took over the Democratic ticket from President Joe Biden, telling followers on Instagram Live over the summer, “They should’ve passed the torch to Kamala.” After the VP entered the race, Cardi frequently supported the politician on social media and in interviews before speaking at one of Harris’ final rallies in Milwaukee.
“Like Kamala Harris, I’ve been the underdog, underestimated, and had my success belittled,” she said at the Nov. 1 event. “I didn’t have faith in any candidates until she joined and spoke the words I wanted to hear about the future of this country.”
On Wednesday (Nov. 6), Harris conceded the election to Trump with a speech at her alma mater, Howard University. She told the the tearful crowd, “Sometimes the fight takes a while — that doesn’t mean we won’t win,” and reminded supporters that “this is not a time to throw up our hands — this is a time to roll up our sleeves.”
Watch Cardi’s video below.
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.
Aespa’s Ningning opens up about the connection between music and fashion in a new campaign launching Versace’s holiday 2024 collection.
“I believe fashion and music are interconnected. Through music we can show what’s in our heart and express our style,” Ningning says in the campaign which takes viewers behind the scenes of her photo shoot for Versace’s holiday collection highlighting the newly released Kleio bag.
“I adore the Kleio bag,” she says noting the bag’s “soft leather” and “pillow-like” design. “The texture it’s very interesting.”
Trending on Billboard
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Constructed from Nappa lambskin leather, the quilted bag features a removeable chain strap and Versace’s Medusa ’95 hardware. Versace’s Kleio Mini Bag retails for $1,390 and the Kleio Shoulder Bag is $2,390. Both bags are available in red, white, pink, black and yellow.
Versace
Versace Kleio Quilted Mini Bag
Kleio Quilted Shoulder Bag
“Versace is not just a fashion brand. Its lavish and unique designs provides endless inspirations for many musicians,” Ningning says later in the ad. “I hope to work with Versace more in the future and to create more and better work to share with everyone.”
The 22-year-old K-pop star models multiple pieces from Versace’s holiday collection including the Safety Pin Gathered Top ($1,195), Medusa ’95 Regular Fit Jeans ($950), Opera Bow Patent Mules, Dalmation Wool-Blend Oversized Sweater ($1,590), ‘90s Vintage Stirrup Leggings ($595) and OperaBow Knee High Boots ($1,890) and Protea Shoulder Bag ($1,850).
Ningning, who was named global ambassador for Versace in February, appeared in the fashion house’s spring-summer 2024 campaign but she’s far from the only recording artist to collaborate with the luxury brand. Versace has worked with several artists including Madonna, Dua Lipa, Elton John, Lady Gaga and Zayn Malik.
Watch Ningning’s Versace holiday campaign below.