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As the joint WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes continue to send shockwaves throughout Hollywood, many filmmakers are updating fans on the status of the slew of upcoming films set to be impacted by the breakdown in negotiations between writers, actors and AMPTP. Among them is Jon M. Chu, the director of the highly anticipated Wicked movie musicals.
In an Instagram Story and tweet on Wednesday (July 19), Chu confirmed to fans that filming is “paused until the strike is over.” “We were only a few days away from being done, so we were SO close,” he wrote. “It’s been very painful to put a halt to it all but we will be back! And we will finish properly strong when the time is right.”
“More to come, but in the meantime, I’m excited to excavate what we have shot for the past year here in Oz (release date shouldn’t be affected),” Chu continued. “It has been an extraordinary adventure… more to do.”
His clarification comes on the heels of fan speculation that filming was complete, as well as rumors that star Ariana Grande — who is playing Glinda the Good Witch — would be returning to the States soon. The majority of Wicked filming took place right outside London, the same city where the “Positions” singer was recently spotted without her wedding ring a day before reports surfaced that she and husband Dalton Gomez were headed for a divorce.
Wicked features a star-studded cast of some of the industry’s most acclaimed actors and singers including Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Olivier Award winner Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible. Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang and Keala Settle round out the cast. Split into two films, the first Wicked movie is slated for a Nov. 27, 2024, release, with the second following on Nov. 26, 2025.
Chu concluded the Instagram Story with update with a note of solidarity, writing, “Much love to … our beloved SAG members who are fighting for a fair deal! We stand with you.”
Click here to read Jon M. Chu’s full statement on Instagram Stories, and see his tweet below.
Not done yet. Just paused until the strike is over and we can finish the last pieces of the movie. We were only a few days away from being done so we were SO close. It’s been very painful to put a halt to it all but we will be back! And we will finish properly strong when the…— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) July 19, 2023
Auditions for America’s Got Talent continued on Tuesday (July 18), and saw mothers Kim and Holly touch judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara with a unique story of how they were brought together.
“Back in 2007, my son unfortunately passed away and he became an organ donor and his heart went to Kim’s son,” Holly explained to the panel. Kim continued, “My son was 16 days old at the time. He got the heart. We lived thousands of miles apart and had no idea who each other was.”
“The last song I sang to Jake to say goodbye to him was ‘For Good’ from the musical Wicked,” to which Kim added, “And when Beckham was finished with his heart transplant surgery, I wasn’t allowed to hold him, I had to stroke his head. And the first thing I did when I stroked his head, I sang that song for him from Wicked.”
Kim and Holly’s meeting was a long time in the making, the pair revealed. “Several years later, Kim wrote a letter to us and we kept in touch, and then we had the opportunity to meet each other for the first time, and gave me a big hug and it was one of the best moments of my life,” Holly said. Kim summed up the meaning of their audition in a few words: “We would love to spread the word about organ donation — if we could change the heart of one person, it’s worth it.”
Shortly after, the pair launched into Wicked‘s Glinda and Elphaba duet “For Good,” the track that united them across several hundred miles. “Like a comet pulled from orbit/ As it passes a sun/ Like a stream that meets a boulder/ Halfway through the wood/ Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?/ But because I knew you/ I have been changed for good,” the pair harmonized on the chorus.
After they received a standing ovation from all four of the judges and the audience, Mandel asked where Kim’s son was, and Beckham joined the women on stage. “I have never responded well to musical theater. They overdramatize singing,” Mandel then began. “That is the first time in my life that I felt a connection to this kind of music. This was probably the most magical moment I have ever experienced on America’s Got Talent.”
The women received four yeses and advanced to the next round.
Watch Kim and Holly’s touching audition in the video above.
07/19/2023
Backflips! Splits! Slices of lunch meat thrown like frisbees! The lip syncs of All Stars 8 truly had everything.
07/19/2023
Amazon has become known for more than just its wide selection of products and fast shipping — the online site is now a hub for top-tier entertainment as well. And now, Amazon is offering up one of its best-ever deals for entertainment with a free trial offer on Audible. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts […]
Looks, as we’re constantly reminded, can be deceiving. Cakra Khan is another solid reminder.
Wearing a beige jacket, Khan strolled onto the brightly-lit America’s Got Talent stage, where he might have been mistaken for a regular, everyday guy.
Wrong.
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Khan, relaxed and backing himself, nailed an audition that surprised everyone but himself.
A devotee of blues and soul music, Khan, an Indonesia native, reached deep for a rendition of “Make It Rain.” Khan’s vocals are dripping in soul, but it didn’t stop Simon Cowell from applying the handbrake.
“I think you have a great voice. I didn’t like the track though,” Cowell explained, cutting short the performance with the wave of a hand. “Did you bring another song with you?”
Yes, Khan did. And yes, he passed Cowell’s test. For his second attempt, Khan didn’t muck around. He went with a stone-cold classic, Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry.”
The crowd loved it, the judges did too. Khan scored a standing ovation.
“You have a very unique, very sexy, very raspy voice,” Heidi Klum enthused. “Wow, you do have a voice that really stands out, that you will not forget. It’s very, very special.”
“It’s so rare to hear voices like that,” Cowell commented. “I absolutely love your voice. Love it.”
Sofia Vergara remarked, “You made it all yours. And that voice of yours is spectacular.”
Howie Mandel had the last word. “Very memorable, unique voice, everybody was on their feet. You could feel the emotion. You’re amazing.”
The positive feedback was backed up with four yeses. And if Khan wins Idol, what would he do with the $1 million prize money? Build an animal shelter, he said at the top of his spot.
Watch below.
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When 34-year-old Virginia Beach native BJ Griffin stepped onto the America’s Got Talent audition stage, his goals were clear. “I’m done holding myself back. I came on to win AGT and achieve my dream of sharing healing through my music with the world,” he told judge Sofia Vergara, who gave him a “big welcome.” Not […]
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Between the Jonas Brothers tour kicking off next month and a new season of Claim to Fame, Kevin Jonas already has a lot to celebrate, and he can now add bestselling children’s book author to his list of accolades.
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There’s a Beach in My Bedroom ($18.99), the second children’s book written by Kevin and Danielle Jonas, hit No. 1 on Amazon less than a week after being released. The “imagination-focused picture book” teaches kids “how to overcome the rainy-day doldrums” and “find the fun in every situation.”
There’s a Beach in My Bedroom is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AbeBooks, Thrift Books and Target.
Amazon
There’s a Beach in My Bedroom
$17.09 $18.99 10% OFF
“The book is really special,” Kevin said Monday (July 17) during an interview on The View alongside Danielle. “As we all know, disappointment for kids can be a little hard to understand,” he added before explaining the book’s plot.
“The whole family’s about to go out to the beach sadly, it’s raining, and they can’t do that. [The book is about] turning that moment into something fun as a family, even without having something you’re supposed to have. I think we all deal with that, whether it’s adults [or] children.”
The couple, who tied the knot in 2009, released their first children’s book, There’s a Rock Concert in My Bedroom, last year.
The father of two, who married wife Danielle in 2009, went on to chat about making “memorable” moments with their two daughters.
“We always want to make them feel special,“ he explained. “It’s about making those moments memorable. With us, as busy as we are, I think it’s about time and being present. Especially when I’m tour, I’ll fly home on a day off, just so I can be there. “
Watch the full interview below.
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07/18/2023
Jacob Elordi will be the latest to star as The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Sofia Coppola’s upcoming movie ‘Priscilla.’
07/18/2023
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Live Nation is treating concertgoers to the ultimate summer promo: four tickets for $80. The Summer’s Live sale starts Wednesday (July 19) and will go until Aug. 1 or until tickets sell out. This year includes a stacked lineup of artists with upcoming tours and concerts.
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Yes, you read that right. You can really get four tickets to any qualifying concerts for only $80 total.
Some of the musicians you can get tickets for are the Jonas Brothers, Jelly Roll, 5 Seconds of Summer, Keith Urban, Maroon 5, Snoop Dog, Big Time Rush, Dominic Fike, Neon Trees, Chelsea Handler, Sam Hunt, Young the Giant, Counting Crows, Rod Stewart and many, many more. The promo isn’t live yet, but you can add it to your calendar here to ensure you get $80 concert tickets the second the deal starts. The last thing you want is to see the dreaded “sold out” message.
Want tickets earlier? Rakuten is offering members the ability to skip the line and purchase tickets during an exclusive presale on Tuesday (July 18). Click here to sign up and learn more or click the buy button below.
Rakuten Summer’s Live Presale
In order to get early access to the deal, you’ll need to sign up for Rakuten, then you’ll be able to take advantage of the four for $80 concert tickets deal.
Live Nation is home to events from concerts, tours and festivals to livestreams as well providing a one-stop destination to all things entertainment.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best travel deals, travel necessities and concert earplugs.
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It’s finally time to say “Hi, Barbie” as the highly-anticipated Barbie movie officially hits theaters Friday (July 21). The iconic doll and her friends have not only taken over our social media feeds, but our fashion too. Barbiecore has officially become the hottest trend of the summer with Barbie merch and Ken-inspired outfits being the it aesthetic to sport.
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If you’ve already gotten your tickets, the next step is to plan your outfit to debut when you go and see the movie. If you haven’t gotten tickets yet, click here to snag a pair before you start planning your movie-going look.
The best Barbiecore outfit is based on your own personal preferences, but with a mix of Barbie collaborations to shop from, you can channel your inner Ken or Barbie. Brands including Fossil, Béis and more have partnered with Barbie to debut pink-themed fashion and accessories perfect for sporting to the movies.
To help you find the perfect look, we rounded up a mix of collaborations from Zara to Gap that are still in stock below.
Keep reading to check out the best Barbie movie looks.
Zara
Barbie Mattel Long Jumpsuit
$69.90
While pink is usually your first thought when it comes to Barbie apparel, Zara’s collection features a mix of denim, pink and black picks like this strapless jumpsuit. The top comes with a small “B” emboss in the classic Barbie font while the legs are completed with stirrup cuffs.
Zara
‘Barbie’ Colorblock Jeans (Men’s)
$69.90
For the Ken’s out there, these 100% cotton jeans offer a Western-inspired look similar to Ken’s denim-on-denim outfit from the movie. The design comes with contrasting shades of blue denim and a straight leg fit you can pair with a classic white t-shirt or one of the Barbie-themed shirts found below.
Aldo
Aldo – Barbieslingb Kitten Heel
$120
Add some sparkle to your look with these adorable kitten heels from Aldo. They are a part of the larger Barbie collection and feature a gorgeous crystal heart pattern decorating the upper.
Kendra Scott
Barbie x Kendra Scott – Gold Pearl Charm Convertible Necklace
$98
This versatile necklace is from Kendra Scott’s Barbie collaboration and is designed with three charms that represent Barbie: a high heel, the timeless Barbie head logo and a pearl. You can choose between silver or gold and easily pair it with a summer dress or a casual tank top.
NYX
Barbie x NYX – Jumbo Eye Pencil Kit
$12
Complete your movie outfit with some pink and/or blue jumbo eye pencil‘s from Nyx’s Barbie collection. Whether you’re looking to show off your best Barbie or Ken-inspired look, these eye pencils will have the ability to act as an eyeliner, eye primer or eyeshadow using a vegan and cruelty-free formula.
MeUndies
Modal Shorts
$44
Keep things cozy with a pair of soft shorts from MeUndies featuring an elastic waistband and drawstring closure. The pattern comes with iconic logos from the Barbie movie such as the roller skates and Barbie movie logo.
Cotton On
Barbie Fitted Longline Tee
$29.99
Make it known that you’re a Barbie fan in the white t-shirt from Cotton On’s collaboration. It features a high neckline and fitted style decorated with a pink and blue Barbie applique.
Kipling
Barbie Yasemina Extra Large Waist Pack
$99
Kipling and Barbie’s line is ideal for a pink-themed bag that you can carry all your movie-going essentials in. If you don’t want to lug around a purse, this waist pack can be worn like a fanny pack or across your chest and features two zippable pockets to store snacks, your phone, keys, wallet and more in.
Bloomingdale’s
Blue Sky Inn Button Down Shirt
$325
Bloomingdale’s put together a collection of Barbie-inspired clothing and this beachy blue button-down shirt is perfect for sporting Kenergy. It’s made from a lightweight material that’s breathable to help keep you comfortable and can easily worn to the beach, drinks with friends or just lounging at home.
Alex and Ani
Barbie Silhouette Pave Charm Bangle
$45
Add some glimmer to your wrists with this simple Barbie charm bangle from Alex and Ani. It’s available in silver or gold and is adjustable to fit your preferences.
Unique Vintage
Barbie x Unique Vintage – Pink Barbie Icon Collins Wrap Swing Skirt
$78
Unique Vintage has a full collection of Barbie-inspired clothes, but we resist adding this wrap swing skirt to our list. Not only is it flowy, but the pattern comes with retro-Barbie dolls to bring out your nostalgia while the button closure adds a touch of delicacy to the look.
ASOS
Barbie Oversized Tank Top
$38
Get your Barbie fix with this black casual oversized tank top that comes with a butterfly pattern on the front and a blown up photo of Barbie on the back. Pair it with some black or light wash jeans to complete the look — and don’t forget to accessorize!
Bergdorf Goodman
Prada Gingham Check Scallop-Trim Crop Top
$1,320
Channel Margot Robbie’s red carpet looks with the exact Prada Crop Top she wore to Cinemacon and looks almost identical to the dress her doll sport from the Barbie movie doll collection. The style comes with a pink and white gingham design with a black scalloped pattern across the bust.
You can also shop Robbie’s red carpet look at Prada and Farfetch.
Saks Off Fifth
Prada Gingham Miniskirt
$1,220
Complete your Robbie outfit with the matching skirt that comes with a wraparound design. It’s inspired by Barbie’s opening pink and white checkered dress from the movie and comes with a side closure featuring a snap and button.
You can also shop it at Prada and Bergdorf & Goodman.
Etsy
Directed By/ From Director Greta Gerwig Shirt
$23.20
Inspired by Ryan Gosling’s Cinemacon black carpet look, this unisex cotton t-shirt comes designed with the famous Barbie font, while reading “From director Greta Gerwig.”
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of Barbie and Croc’s collaboration, Lizzo’s Yitty Barbie-inspired line and the best platform heels.