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Although BTS‘ Suga has another year left on his mandatory South Korean military service stint, the K-pop superstar is still lighting up the charts from afar. On Tuesday (April 16), Trafalgar Releasing and HYBE announced that the limited run of the concert film from the singer’s alter ego, Agust D, set box office records in […]
Katy Perry is on her way out of American Idol, with season 22 being her last before another musical sensation steps in to take over her role as a judge alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
And in an interview with E! News posted Tuesday (April 16), the pop star revealed who she would choose to take the reins following her exit: a certain breakout country superstar with face tattoos and a heart of gold. “I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,” she told the publication. “I was convinced at anything he said.”
“He could run for president, he could be my pastor, I might go back to church for him,” she added. “He could sell me anything … To have any of these guys plus Jelly on the show would be amazing. I love you, Jelly!”
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The interview comes about a week after the “Son of a Sinner” singer appeared on the April 8 episode of Idol, serving as a guest mentor and coaching the show’s top 24 contestants in Hawaii. “I realized how life-changing this is for these kids,” he told Billboard at the time. “Even if they go on and don’t have music careers, they have this story forever and I felt it on them. I took away the spirit of genuine happiness to be where you are, because it happens so fast that sometimes you don’t realize how special a moment it is.”
Even if it isn’t Jelly, Perry said she hopes that her successor shares her knack for being straightforward with the singing show’s competitors. “I want a truth teller,” she told the publication. “I want someone that is not afraid to tell the truth in a graceful way.”
“Unfortunately, when you’re a woman and you have an opinion or you’re a boss, sometimes you’re also considered a B-I-T-C-[H],” she added. “So just someone that has a strong sense of self, that listens to their intuition.”
The “Firework” singer has been a part of Idol since 2018, when the show was rebooted after three years off the air. She now has her sights set on recording a followup to her 2020 LP Smile, telling Jimmy Kimmel in February that she wants to “go see the world and maybe bring new music.”
“I just have yet to make a record from a place of feeling really happy and whole and full of love,” Perry, who shares 3-year-old daughter Daisy Dove with fiancé Orlando Bloom, said in an April interview with Access Hollywood. “Sometimes artists are like, ‘Oh, that’s boring, you want to make music from kind of like a tougher place,’ but actually it’s very bright and joyful, like pure joy and fun and playful and celebratory and a party.”
Three years after he blew Fab Four fans’ minds with his The Beatles: Get Back series, director Peter Jackson is dipping back into his Beatle bag on May 8 with the re-release of Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s legendary 1970 documentary Let It Be.
The film chronicling the final days of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr will be available for the first time in more than 50 years when it airs exclusively on Disney+ on May 8.
According to a release, the film recorded during the midst of the group’s breakup “now takes its rightful place in the band’s history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of revelations brought forth” in Jackson’s Emmy-winning 2021 docuseries.
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“Let It Be was ready to go in October/November 1969, but it didn’t come out until April 1970. One month before its release, The Beatles officially broke up. And so the people went to see Let It Be with sadness in their hearts, thinking, ‘I’ll never see The Beatles together again. I will never have that joy again,’” director Lindsay-Hogg said in a statement. “And it very much darkened the perception of the film. But, in fact, how often do you get to see artists of this stature working together to make what they hear in their heads into songs. And then you get to the roof and you see their excitement, camaraderie and sheer joy in playing together again as a group and know, as we do now, that it was the final time, and we view it with full understanding of who they were and still are and a little poignancy. I was knocked out by what Peter was able to do with Get Back, using all the footage I’d shot 50 years previously.”
In fact, the restored Let It Be features footage that appeared Get Back, taking viewers into the studio and onto the Apple Corps London rooftop in Jan. 1969 for what would be the quartet’s final live performance. It also features the band in the studio writing and recording their Let It Be album. In the wake of the rapturous appreciation for Jackson’s series, and with Lindsay-Hogg’s support, Apple Corps asked Jackson’s Park Road Post Production team to restore Let It Be from the original 16mm negative, a process that also included the remastering of the film’s sound using the same MAL de-mix technology that was employed on Get Back.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that Michael’s movie, Let It Be, has been restored and is finally being re-released after being unavailable for decades,” said Jackson in a statement. “I was so lucky to have access to Michael’s outtakes for Get Back, and I’ve always thought that Let It Be is needed to complete the Get Back story. Over three parts, we showed Michael and The Beatles filming a groundbreaking new documentary, and Let It Be is that documentary – the movie they released in 1970. I now think of it all as one epic story, finally completed after five decades. The two projects support and enhance each other: Let It Be is the climax of Get Back, while Get Back provides a vital missing context for Let It Be. Michael Lindsay-Hogg was unfailingly helpful and gracious while I made Get Back, and it’s only right that his original movie has the last word…looking and sounding far better than it did in 1970.”
On Monday, prior to the announcement — and six months after the Fabs dropped what was billed as their final song, the melancholy “Now and Then” — the Beatles site teased “There will be an answer,” a lyric from 1970’s “Let It Be.” The post was accompanied by four blank frames positioned to resemble the Let It Be album artwork, as well as what seemed like a cryptic clue, “At last…” and the Disney+ and Apple Corps logos.
Though Let It Be premiered in movie theaters in 1970 and was released on home video formats in the early 1980s, it has never been officially issued on DVD, blu-ray or streaming.
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Unless you’re spinning vinyl on your record player or listening to the radio, you most likely have a music subscription to stream your favorite artists and the latest album drops. Apple Music, much like Spotify and Amazon Music, is an all-in-one hub to go to for playlist creation, music discovery and taking your favorite songs on the go.
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Attached to each music subscription is a monthly or annual cost, but with a little help from Apple Music deals, promos and bundles going on, you can use the platform for free.
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The easiest way to test out the music-streaming platform is through Apple Music’s standard free trial option. New users will receive one-month free of the streamer when they sign up and get access to all of the benefits like Spatial Audio and playlists that are always ad-free.
If you find commitment scary, you can read on to discover more ways on how to get a free Apple Music subscription.
How to Get a Free Apple Music Subscription
Instead of finding the deals yourself, Shop Billboard put together a list of the latest deals and promos that’ll instantly get you free Apple Music.
Standard Apple Music Free Trial
If you’re new to Apple Music, you’re eligible for a free one-month subscription when you sign up through Apple. After that, it’s $10.99 a month, but includes benefits such as an ad-free listening experience, curated weekly playlists, access to the streamer’s library of more than 100 million songs and more.
Still in school? Apple Music has a student plan that offers the same 30-day trial before charging $5.99 a month. For families, there’s even the option to test it out for a month before paying $16.99 per month. And for those who prefer to only use Siri, the Apple Voice plan provides the same free trial before charging $4.99 a month. All you have to do is click the button on the page that says “try it free” and sign up.
Purchasing an Eligible Apple Device
Apple has a couple more methods to earn a free subscription without even leaving its site. The first being if you purchase an eligible Apple device such as AirPods, a HomePod Mini or Beats. Once redeemed, you’ll receive six months of Apple Music at no additional cost.
Once your subscription is up, the individual Apple Music plan is $10.99 a month, but for further savings, you can do the Apple Voice plan for $4.99 a month, which requires you use Siri for all your streaming needs. Students can grab a student plan for $5.99 a month, while families can enjoy streaming together for just $16.99 a month.
Apple One Subscription
Sick of having multiple subscriptions? Apple released one of its newer services: Apple One, which bundles up to six apps together to create a lower monthly price. This even includes up to 2TB of iCloud+ storage and one month free of Apple Music. Rather than have various apps charging you different subscriptions costs, this will put it all together.
To score a free trial, go to the Apple One page and click “try Apple One for free.” From there you’ll have the option to choose from one of three plan options with the basic one being an Individual plan for $16.95. month that provides 50GB of iCloud+ storage and up to four apps bundled.
Need more space?You can opt to go with the Premiere plan for $32.95 a month, which will allow you to share it with up to five people, has 2TB of iCloud+ storage and can bundle up to six apps. Families can also snag a Family plan for $22.95 a month giving them access to 200GB of iCloud+ storage, the ability to bundle up to four apps and sharing with a max of five people.
Verizon Unlimited Plan
For anyone looking for an excuse to upgrade their cell phone, this is your sign to do it. Verizon Wireless has a promo where you can score six months of free Apple Music, and all you have to do is be on an eligible Verizon Unlimited Plan.
After the Verizon free trial is up, the subscription follows Apple’s different tiered plans including Apple Voice for $4.99 a month, a Student plan for $5.99 a month, the Standard plan of $10.99 a month and the Family plan for $16.99 a month.
Best Buy Promo
Arguably one of the easiest ways you can start streaming for free is through Best Buy’s promo. Just add Apple Music to your cart from the site and you’ve automatically earned three months of free, unlimited music (only eligible for new or returning subscribers).
Plans for Apple Music follow its own tiered plan that’s separate from Best Buy’s promo. The standard plan will cost $10.99 a month, but if you’re looking for additional savings you can subscribe to Apple Voice (a Siri only listening plan), the student plan or the family plan.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of how to get free Amazon Music Unlimited, the best tech deals and streaming device deals.
Steve Martin is typically unflappable. The veteran comedian and legendary quick-on-his-feet improvisor was atypically dumbstruck recently when his Only Murders in the Building co-star Selena Gomez showed up to fete him on the red carpet premiere of his Apple TV+ two-part documentary, Steve! (Martin).
In a video from the premiere earlier this month, Martin immediately gives Gomez some of his patented good-natured grief, joking, “I thought you said you were gonna get dressed up,” as Sel — wearing a stunning Oscar De La Renta black gown — leans in for a cheek kiss.
“Shush, shush, I’m so happy to be here, my family came!” Gomez tells Martin, who seems genuinely touched by the gesture, saying, “I can’t believe you’re here! Thank you so much… so nice of you!” While Gomez keeps telling him to “stop” making such a fuss, Martin appears to get a bit teary-eyed as the pair pose for some pics.
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Gomez tells Martin she’s excited to celebrate him, noting that she brought along her stepdad and grandma, as the funnyman waves to her family and jokes, “here’s what I like about you being here, you don’t know a thing about me.” Selena admits as much, shooting back, “Yeah, that’s why I came, so I can learn.”
She doth protest a bit too much, though, since the pair have very likely learned a lot about each other while shooting three seasons of the Hulu murder mystery comedy alongside Martin’s frequent comedic foil, Martin Short.
The two-part doc streaming now uses a combination of classic and never-before-seen footage to tell the “then” story of Martin’s rise to comedy’s Mt. Rushmore before his decision to abruptly quit doing stand-up tours and his “now” life as a beloved elder statesman joke sharpshooter.
Check out video of the sweet carpet moment below.
Steve Martin is brought to tears after Selena Gomez made a surprise appearance at his documentary premiere: “I can’t believe you’re here! Thank you so much. It’s so nice of you.” pic.twitter.com/rY6j5oiRu1— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) April 15, 2024
In Katy Perry‘s words, American Idol viewers almost got way more than they bargained for on Monday night (April 15) when her elaborate metallic top nearly fell off during the top 14 episode. “I need my top to stay on,” the singer said before shooting a worried look at the camera as a team of fashion technicians descended. “If it’s not fixed, this show is going to get more than it wanted,” she added after some helpful crew members stepped in to repair the wayward steely bra.
Luckily, fellow panelist and part-time Tennessee gentleman farmer Luke Bryan stepped up to help, brandishing a pair of scissors and warning, “I’m going in!” before quickly deciding better of it. The show then cut to a clip of Perry cradling the shiny sculptural swoop and telling top 14 hopeful Roman Collins that his take on “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown “broke my top off… I guess it is a woman’s world!”
Before long, Perry was hiding under the judge’s desk, with just her head peeking out as Lionel Richie and Bryan quipped, “ratings!” and an embarrassed Perry responded, “It’s a family show.” The final shot featured Perry holding a white pillow up to cover up the Kate Barton crop top that kind of looked like a heavy metal shark.
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Speaking of sharks, Perry later made a joke about the shape of her wayward costume, writing, “If you see a shark you’re left brained, if you see #idol tonight you’re my bestie.” And speaking to Access Hollywood, Perry explained, “I wouldn’t call it a malfunction, I just call it an interesting moment on live television. Seems like every season I’m either tearing the seam of my pants or I’m just super expressive physically. I love this outfit so much and I knew I was rolling the dice, but I was like, ‘who cares?’”
The episode also featured the top 20 being cut down to the top 14, which consists of Julia Gagnon, Roman Collins, Kayko, Nya, McKenna Faith Breinholt, Abi Carter, Will Moseley, Jordan Anthony, Mia Matthews, Kaibreinne, Emmy Russell, Jayna Elise, Jack Blocker and Tristan Harper.
Idol is back on Sunday (April 21) with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame night, featuring guest mentor KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons and the reveal of the 2024 RRHOF inductees and a live vote for the top 12. Monday night’s (April 22) show will feature guest mentor Meghan Trainor and the top 10 reveal on Billboard No. 1 hits night.
Watch Perry struggle with her top on Idol below.
Joel and Benji Madden. Lisa and Jessica Origliasso. Matt and Luke Goss. Tegan and Sara.
Twins, rock stars, standouts. Justin and Jeremy Garcia will be keen to join the crew.
The teenage San Francisco Bay Area brothers have cruised into the Knockouts round of this 25th season of The Voice, with a natural blend of harmonies and wholesomeness.
The 17-year-olds landed their Blind Audition with a cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life,” catching the attention of coaches Chance the Rapper, Reba McEntire and newcomers Dan + Shay for a three-chair turn (only John Legend was unmoved).
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“From the first time I heard you guys harmonizing, and I found out that it was two people, I was like, ‘We have to turn around. This is amazing,’” remarked Shay Mooney.
Those words of support helped the Garcia Twins choose Dan + Shay as their coaches this season.
In the Battles, the Garcias went up again another Garcia, 19-year-old Frank Garcia, with a performance of “Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga.
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Frank delivered in a big way, and advanced. As the twins walked off the stage, defeated, McEntire used her Steal. “I wanted y’all so bad,” she enthused. “I love your harmonies, I love that you’re brothers, and it just sounds so good. I want to work with you so bad. Welcome to Team Reba.”
For these slippery Knockouts, the Filipino American pair performed Callum Scott’s “You Are the Reason,” going up against Team McEntire’s Zeya, who sang “River” by Bishop Briggs.
“Zeya, you did a great job,” coach McEntire remarked afterwards. “I would’ve loved to have seen you stay in one position in that song, but your voice is great. You know that.”
The brothers were involved in another plot twist, this time stepping out of their harmonies and splintering for individual runs. Coach McEntire was first out of her chair for a standing ovation.
“Y’all are cute as a button,” she said. “I thought you did a great job. There were a few little things where I thought you might’ve gotten lost, but congratulations on pulling this off. You did a wonderful job.”
Not only did they not get lost, they’re now on a straight-forward path. McEntire selected the brothers to advance to the Playoffs.
“It was a hard decision because Zeya is so good,” McEntire explained. “But I had to choose Justin and Jeremy because of the uniqueness of their act. Everybody’s a great singer, but we have to have something a little different and going with the brothers was part of my strategy.”
Watch the performance on NBC‘s The Voice below.
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If you’re a sports fan, ESPN is the go-to hub for year-round live sporting events, including NBA, Major League Baseball games and NCAA tournaments including March Madness. The ESPN channel is one of the easiest ways to get access to games and analysis, but sports fans who have become cord cutters don’t have to re-invest in cable if they want to watch ESPN. There are a variety of affordable streaming options that can give you access to watch ESPN online.
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These days, there are a number of live TV streaming platforms that include ESPN as well as hundreds of other channels that’ll get you access to NHL, MLB and more online at home. Plus, most of the platforms include promos and free trials that’ll help save you additional money while allowing you to watch ESPN online for free.
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Keep reading to learn how to watch ESPN at home without cable.
How to Watch ESPN Online Without Cable
ESPN+ is the official streaming platform for ESPN, and a subscription includes instant access to games and more exclusive content for $10.99/month. You can save more than 15% off by purchasing an annual subscription for $109.99/year. There is no free ESPN+ trial, but it does include exclusive on-demand videos and access to content from what was formerly known as ESPN Insider.
In addition to live sports, ESPN+ has original shows to stream on-demand, plus game recaps and analysis hosted by Peyton Manning, a shorter version of NFL Primetime and full replays of historic NFL matchups.
To expand your savings and content offerings, you can also bundle ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ for a single monthly price of just $14.99 for all three services.
How to Watch ESPN Online Free
While ESPN+ doesn’t currently offer a free trial, there are other streamers that offer ESPN online free. If you want access to ESPN and additional channels, you can take advantage of DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and Fubo, which are all offering free trials or promos right now. Some of them can give you free access to ESPN for up to a week.
Here are all the ways to watch ESPN online, including ways to stream ESPN online for free.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is providing new users with a five-day free trial when you sign up for one of the four packages offered by the streaming service. All of the packages include ESPN so you can watch the channel online.
In addition, you can save $30 when you combine a streaming package with a “Sports Pack.” Right now, the Entertainment + Sports Pack is $85 (reg. $95) for the first three months and includes ESPN. After the three months is over, you’ll be charged the regular package price.
Local channels are included in the streaming packages as well as unlimited DVR storage and the ability to stream on as many smart devices as you want.
Sling TV
Sling TV is providing new users half-off their first month when they sign up for one of the three packages available. ESPN is only included in the Orange and Orange + Blue packages, which you can get for as low as $20 for the first month (reg. $40). After your first month you’ll be charged the full package price.
The Orange package includes 32 channels and can be streamed on one device at once. For even more channel options including FS1 and the NFL Network, you can combine both plans for $27.50 for the first month (reg. $55/month) and get access to 68 channels.
Fubo
Fubo is another affordable option you can take advantage of to watch ESPN online. The streamer offers a seven-day free trial that’ll give you access to ESPN free and more than 100 live TV channels.
After your free trial is over, Fubo’s Pro Plan is its cheapest option at $79.99/month and it comes with 199 channels, 1000 hours of DVR storage and the ability to watch content on up to 10 screens at once. You can also upgrade to its Premier plan for $99.99/month, which includes everything in its Elite plan as well as access to Showtime and 275 channels.
Hulu + Live TV
For the most content options, Hulu + Live TV gives you access to the entire Hulu library in addition to more than 95 live TV channels — including ESPN for just $77/month.
And, unlike the rest of the options, you can also expand your content library by bundling Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+. You’ll not only have all of the Hulu library to watch, but also exclusive and original programming available exclusively on ESPN+.
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. Coachella kicked off Friday (April 12) and was packed with surprise appearances, from Billie Eilish joining Lana Del Rey on stage […]
Emmy Russell is continuing on her late grandmother’s legacy — what could be a better birthday gift than that? Loretta Lynn‘s 25-year-old granddaughter stunned American Idol judges and viewers alike with a raw performance of an original song titled “Want You” on the show’s Sunday (April 14) episode, which aired the same day the legendary singer-songwriter would have turned 92.
Taking the stage backdropped by a blue screen of heavenly clouds, Russell channeled the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” star in a puffy-sleeved, collared floral dress and boots. Assisted by a backup band, she delivered crystal clear vocals while singing her self-written lyrics: “I want you to want me like I want you/ I want you to need me like I need you/ If you’re gonna leave me, then cut me loose/ I want you to want me.”
When cameras cut to the panel of judges, Katy Perry smiled, while Luke Bryan seemed mesmerized by the young hopeful’s moving performance.
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After the performance, Lynn’s official Instagram account posted a photo of Russell and wrote, “What a birthday gift!”
“Emmy was born on [Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn] and Loretta’s anniversary and now we have this milestone on Loretta’s birthday!” the caption continued. “Loretta told all who would listen that Emmy had something special and now the world is seeing for themselves.”
The episode — which found this season’s top 20 contestants going head to head as the competition pool continues to be narrowed down — came exactly 92 years after Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Ky. A three-time Grammy winner, she remains one of country music’s most prolific songwriters and scored 42 top 10 entries on the Top Country Albums chart before her death at age 90 in 2022.
Perry, Bryan and Lionel Richie were flabbergasted to find out about Russell’s famous lineage when the Nashville-based artist first auditioned for Idol, for which she performed another original song — “Skinny.” “My grandma’s a country singer so I grew up singing,” she told the judges at the time, with Richie exclaiming after the big reveal, “Your grandma is … what?!”
“You’ve got the gift,” Perry told Russell after her audition. “I don’t think you need to compare yourself to what grandma was … you’re totally different, you shouldn’t give yourself all that pressure.”
Watch Russell’s performance of “Want You” above, and see the post from Loretta Lynn’s Instagram below.