Culture

13 Dec 2023

‘CMA Country Christmas’ 2023: How to Watch Online for Free

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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” for country fans as CMA Country Christmas returns for its 14th annual show. Artists and bands from Lainey Wilson to The War & Treaty will perform popular holiday tunes to get you in the holiday spirit.

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Mark your calendar for Thursday (Dec. 14) at 8 p.m. ET if you want to catch the livestream of the program on ABC. Don’t have cable? There are a few streaming options for you to choose from including Disney+ and Hulu.

Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood will not only perform, but take on the role of co-hosts to keep the night going. Whether you’re a country music fan or are looking to hear live performances of songs like “O Holy Night,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and more, then you won’t want to miss tuning into the special.

Keep reading to learn how to watch the 2023 edition.

How to Watch CMA Country Christmas 2023

CMA Country Christmas will premiere on Thursday (Dec. 14) at 8 p.m ET on ABC and the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. If you have cable, you can watch CMA Country Christmas on TV through your local ABC affiliate. Make sure to check your local cable’s channel guide for the exact channel. Don’t have cable? You may be able to catch the livestream of the special through an HD antenna like this one here from Amazon.

For those without cable, ABC can be streamed online via ABC.com. Signing up for free trials of fuboTV, SlingTV or DirecTV Streamwill give you access to ABC. You’ll be able to watch CMA Country Christmas live on TV or stream CMA Country Christmas from your laptop, tablet or smartphonephone.

Fans can also watch CMA Country Christmas online via a Hulu + Live TV. Don’t want to sign-up for Hulu? The streaming service is currently offering a 30-day free trial, which you can use to watch CMA Country Christmas online free.

More Ways to Stream CMA Country Christmas 2023

If you have Hulu or Disney+, both streaming platforms will have the holiday special available to watch online the next day. Just log into your account and you’ll be able to find it under new releases.

For anyone not subscriber to either streamer, Hulu offers the most affordable plan with a 30-day free trial, which means you can watch the program and more for free. After the free trial is over, you’ll be charged the regular membership fee based on the plan you choose. Click here or the button below to start your free trial.

While Disney+ doesn’t offer a free trial, it’s one of the more affordable streamers with plans starting at $7.99/month. For even more savings, you can also bundle Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+, which will triple your program offerings and if you want live TV channels as well, then you can bundle it with Hulu + Live TV for even more content. Click here or the button below to get Disney+.

**Who is Performing at 2023 CMA Country Christmas?**

The performers set for 2023 CMA Country Christmas are:

Jordan Davis
Amy Grant
Lady A
Ashley McBryde
Jon Pardi
Lindsey Sterling
The War & Treaty
Zach Williams
Lainey Wilson
Trisha Yearwood

Check below for a sneak peek of CMA Country Christmas.

13 Dec 2023

Post Malone, NewJeans & More Added to Lineup for ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2024’

With 2023 drawing to a close, artists are already looking ahead to what’s on the horizon in 2024. But for this year’s edition of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest, a couple headlining stars want to make sure we properly bid 2023 adieu.

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On Wednesday (Dec. 13), ABC and Dick Clark Productions announced a globe-spanning set of performers — Post Malone, NewJeans and Ivy Queen — who will join the live broadcast of the annual celebration.

Each of the three new performances will take place in remote locations around the globe. Post Malone will bring his signature country-rock sound with a performance of his song “Chemical” from the stage of the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas; NewJeans will make history as the program’s first-ever performance from South Korea with “Super Shy” and “ETA”; and Ivy Queen will heat up the telecast with a yet-undisclosed set from Puerto Rico.

The three latest performers join a star-studded lineup for the evening, including acts such as Green Day, Reneé Rapp, Doechii, Aqua and more. Ryan Seacrest, meanwhile, will serve as the evening’s host for the 19th time, joined by Rita Ora as the pair count down to midnight from New York’s Times Square. Meanwhile, television personality Jeannie Mai is set to ring in the New Year for the show’s Pacific time zone section, while Dayanara Torres will lead the festivities in Puerto Rico.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will air on Sunday, Dec. 31, starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

DCP is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a Penske Media Corporation (PMC) subsidiary and joint venture between PMC and Eldrige. PMC is the parent company of Billboard.)

13 Dec 2023

Oprah Says There Was Pressure to Cast Beyoncé or Rihanna in ‘The Color Purple’

As The Color Purple draws nearer, the film’s star-studded cast and production team are hitting the media circuit to promote their forthcoming movie musical. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Oprah — who serves alongside Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones as one of the film’s producers — recounted the process of bringing the films to life, including some pressure to cast a star on the level of Beyoncé or Rihanna.

“To be completely honest about it, if you were doing this film for $30 or $40 million, the interest in the cast would be very different. Once the film moved to $90 to $100 million, then everybody wants us to bring Beyoncé,” Oprah said. “‘Can you get Beyoncé or can you get Rihanna?’ So we’re sitting in a room saying, ‘Listen, we love Beyoncé. We love Rihanna, but there are other actors who can do this job.’”

Of course, both Beyoncé (Dreamgirls, Obsessed, Austin Powers in Goldmember) and Rihanna (Ocean’s 8, Battleship, Home) have made plenty of crossovers into the film world, but The Color Purple cast came together without the two music titans. The Blitz Bazawule-helmed picture is led by 2024 Golden Globes nominee Fantasia Barrino, with fellow nominee Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Ciara, H.E.R. and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi rounding out the ensemble.

While Rihanna has been busy with partner A$AP Rocky and their new bundle of joy, Riot Rose, Beyoncé has been dominating theaters on her own. The “Break My Soul” singer recently topped the domestic box office with Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, a documentary concert film that chronicles the creation and execution of Queen Bey’s Billboard 200-topping Renaissance album and its record-breaking world tour.

Clearly, the powers that be were aware that landing Queen Bey would be a tall ask. “I do remember conversations about, ‘Y’all, Beyoncé is going to be busy this year.’ It wasn’t even a negotiation, because you’re not getting Beyoncé,’” Oprah quipped.

The Color Purple is the film adaptation of the 2005 Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, which is, in turn, based on the 1982 Alice Walker novel and its accompanying 1985 Oscar-nominated film. On Dec. 15, The Color Purple (Music From and Inspired By) will hit DSPs, featuring original songs from Usher, Alicia Keys, Megan Thee Stallion, Coco Jones, Mary Mary, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Black Thought, Jorja Smith and more.

13 Dec 2023

Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Morgan Wallen & More Added to ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’

A star-studded assembly of performers has been added to help Nashville count down the minutes to 2024 on New Year’s Eve in the music-spotlighting way that only Nashville provide, as part of the CBS special New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.

Trace Adkins, Grace Bowers, Kane Brown, Jackson Dean, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Trombone Shorty, Morgan Wallen and Bailey Zimmerman are all slated to perform as part of the event, which will air live on Sunday, Dec. 31 (7:30-10 p.m. ET/PT and 10:30 p.m.-1:05 a.m. ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs).

They join previously announced performers Old Dominion, Elle King, Thomas Rhett, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Lainey Wilson. Television and radio host Cody Alan and CBS anchor Lonnie Quinn will be corresponding from New York City’s Times Square, along with Dustin Lynch, who will also perform.

The five-hour broadcast will highlight more than 50 performances, all from Music City. Nashville will count down with the East Coast at midnight, and will continue the festivities through midnight Central Time with Nashville’s Music Note Drop on the Bicentennial Mall stage.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. The special will be directed by Sandra Restrepo.

13 Dec 2023

Alaska’s ‘DRAG: The Musical’ Is Returning to Hollywood This Spring

After making waves in 2022 with a cameo-filled album and award-winning staging, DRAG: The Musical is ready to run full steam ahead — wearing a pair of stilettos, mind you — into 2024.

On Wednesday (Dec. 13), it was revealed that the show — which was co-written by RuPaul’s Drag Race alumna Alaska — would return for a limited run of performances at The Bourbon Room in Hollywood during spring 2024. Beginning March 15, the show will run for two weeks before making a transfer to New York City for its fall 2024 run.

“Every day someone asks me, ‘When is DRAG: The Musical coming back to the Bourbon Room?’” Alaska said in a statement. “I finally have an answer for them and I can’t wait. I’m honored and excited to bring this musical that I love so dearly back to life, this time in LA.”

The new set of dates will feature a star-studded cast of performers, including Alaska, Nick Adams, Jujubee, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, Nick Laughlin and more, with additional cast members set to be announced in January.

The musical tells the story of two rival drag bars who, thanks to gentrification and rising costs, are forced to compete against each other for survival. Speaking to Billboard in 2022, Alaska said that her goal in working with co-writer Tomas Costanza was to capture the gritty, grungy reality of what it means to be a drag performer working in the local scene.

“It’s not just about sequins and sparkly things. You can get very down and dirty with drag,” she said. “It was the sort of shows happening at The Stud in San Francisco, or the Blue Moon in Pittsburgh, where everything was kind of covered in beer a little bit, every surface. But you were able to bring to life something from your imagination in that space where everything’s a little loose.”

Get your tickets to DRAG: The Musical‘s March 2024 here, and check out the trailer for the limited run below.

13 Dec 2023

Jamie Foxx Shows Off His Over-The-Top Winter Wonderland Christmas Display

Jamie Foxx knows the true meaning of Christmas: lighting your house up so you can see it from space. The actor/singer who has been keeping a low profile since an as-yet-unexplained “medical complication” sent him to a hospital in April spread some holiday joy on Monday in a short video chronicling the North Pole-worthy decorations at his California mansion, a display he said was inspired by his more modest childhood Christmases.

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“When I was a kid the only lights we could afford for outside the house was a red light bulb… I said when I’m finally blessed enough. I’m GON LIGHT IT UP!!! Murrrrrrkrima,” Foxx wrote. The clip — cued to Nat “King” Cole’s iconic “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas)” — appears to be a drone-shot fly-over of the sprawling estate.

It opens with a swoop past giant red letters spelling out “JOY,” which leads to the snowman-flanked front gate, hung with snowflakes and Jewish stars. An overhead shot gives a glimpse of the long driveway studded with colorfully lit-up trees, leading up to a smiling Black Santa statue near the circular driveway outside the front door.

The flight then takes us for a spin around the house, which is festooned with lights from top-to-bottom and a final shot of the star’s tennis/pickleball courts and a last look from above proving that Foxx is no Grinch.

Foxx made his first public appearance since the medical issue on Dec. 4, where he told the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements that the incident was horrifying.

“I couldn’t do that six months ago, I couldn’t actually walk to [the stage]. And I’m not a clone, I’m not a clone. I know a lot of people saying that I was cloned out there,” the Oscar-winner told the crowd at the Fairmont Plaza Hotel in Century City in Los Angeles according to The Hollywood Reporter. “It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now, it’s different. I wouldn’t wish what I went though on my worst enemy because it’s tough when it’s almost over, when you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see the light. It was hot in that tunnel too, I don’t know where I was going. ‘S–t, am I going to the right place?’”

The unannounced appearance marked Foxx’s first official public appearance since his hospitalization; to date, spokespeople for Foxx, 55, have not given any details about what medical condition prompted the actor’s hospitalization. “I have a new respect for life, I have a new respect for my art. I watched so many movies and listened to so many songs trying to have the time go by,” he said. “Don’t give up on your art, man, don’t give up on your art. When you realize that it could be over like that… I got to tell you don’t give up on your art and don’t let them take the art from you either.”

Check out Jamie Foxx’s Christmas display below.

13 Dec 2023

Amy Winehouse Biopic, ‘Back to Black,’ Announces Spring 2024 Release Date

The Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black will hit theaters on May 10, 2024. Focus Features announced on Tuesday (Dec. 12) that the movie directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy) with a script from Matt Greenhalgh (Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool) will offer a “never-before-seen glimpse into Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame and the release of her groundbreaking studio album, Back to Black. Told from Amy’s perspective, the film is an unapologetic look at the woman behind the phenomenon and the relationship that inspired one of the most legendary albums of all time.”

The movie stars Industry‘s Marisa Abela as Winehouse, along with Jack O’Connell (Ferrari), Eddie Marsan (Fair Play) and Lesley Manville (Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris). Focus noted that the movie was made with the full support of the Universal Music Group, Sony Music Publishing and the Amy Winehouse Estate.

Winehouse rocketed to fame with her 2006 sophomore album, Back to Black, which won five Grammy Awards, including record and song of the year, as well as best new artist, best pop vocal album and best female pop vocal album. That album included the Hot 100 hits “Rehab” and “You Know I’m No Good.” Winehouse, who battled drug and alcohol addiction, died in 2011 at age 27 from alcohol poisoning.

StudioCanal previously announced the international release dates for the film, which include April 12 (UK, Poland), April 18 (Germany, Netherlands), April 24 (France) and April 25 (New Zealand).

A book featuring Winehouse’s handwritten lyrics, photos and personal journals, Amy Winehouse: In Her Words, was released in August, in time for what would have been the singer’s 40th birthday.

12 Dec 2023

Beyoncé’s Father Mathew Knowles’ Memoir to Be Adapted Into Film, TV Series

Mathew Knowles — longtime music manager, entrepreneur and father of Beyoncé and Solange — is bringing his 2017 memoir to the screen, according to his agent, Shawn Scallon at Buchwald.

Knowles has partnered with Say Unkel Entertainment to adapt the book, Racism From the Eyes of a Child, into a feature film as well as a limited series. The feature will cover the first half of the book, which goes into Knowles’ early life in Alabama as one of just six black students to attend an all-white school and his participation in peaceful protests calling for racial equality. It also addresses how the efforts of such figures as Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Turner and Ralph Abernathy helped shape the person he became.

Variety was first to report the news.

Robert Unkel, a former vp of programming at 20th Century Fox, told Variety the script for the feature is complete. Unkel will oversee the development of the project with producer Howard Kazanjian.

Knowles famously managed Destiny’s Child, the girl group featuring Beyoncé that rose to fame in the late 1990s and helped set the stage for her ascent to superstardom the following decade. He managed Beyoncé’s solo career until the two parted ways in 2011. Through his faith-based record label and management company Music World Entertainment, he has also managed such gospel acts as Brian Courtney Wilson, Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams. In June, Knowles formed Music World TV, Film & Media, where he serves as CEO.

12 Dec 2023

TikTok’s Dior Lip Oil Dupe Is Only $8 & Will Be the MVP of Your Makeup Routine

Lip oil has quickly become the cool sister of lip gloss with its high shine and nourishing ingredients. Out of all the options on the market, beauty lovers have quickly flocked to the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, but for those of us who don’t have a luxury budget, we have to rely on beauty deals.

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Instead of waiting for the next major sale, TikTokers have come to the rescue with e.l.f.’s lip oil, which looks practically indistinguishable and is only $8 compared to Dior’s $40. According to some users, both lip oil formulas share a similar scent with e.l.f.’s smelling more “pepperminty” than Dior’s.

If you’re still looking for gifts for everyone on your list, e.l.f.’s version makes a wallet-friendly stocking stuffer as well as a thoughtful last-minute gift for the makeup guru in your life.

Rather than just take their word for it, TikTok user @itsalexissimone tested out the Mahogany Dior shade next to e.l.f.’s Jam Session to show off whether there are any major differences.

“If anything, the e.l.f. side has more color,” they said in the video. “I’m telling you, it feels the exact same on both sides.”

@itsalexissimone

Replying to @𝓪𝓵𝓲🩵 idk about you, but to me @e.l.f. Cosmetics said hold dior🫣. do you think these lip oils are comparable?? #elf #elfcosmetics #elflipoil #elfglowreviverlipoil #elfjamsession #dior #diorlipoil #diorlipoilmahogany #diorlipoildupes #affordablemakeupreview #drugstorebeautyreview #elflipoilreview

♬ original sound – ItsAlexisSimone

Dior’s lip oil is on sale at Saks Off Fifth for 15% off, but as one commenter noted, they could “buy every color of the e.l.f. lip oil for less than two of the Dior.” And with seven shades of the alternative lip oil to choose from, that’s enough to wear a different one every day of the week.

For anyone looking to save $32 and enjoy a luxury look for less, you can shop the dupe below — or scroll to the bottom to snag the Dior lip oil for 15% off.

Ulta Beauty

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Oil

Snag this lip oil if you’d like to achieve a glossy shine without a sticky residue that lip gloss normally leaves behind. Each shade was created to enhance your lip’s natural shade while hydrating them.

Ulta Beauty

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

$34

$40

15% off

Dior’s lip oil looks to provide a unique shade to you using Color Reviver technology that reacts to your unique moisture level, resulting in a custom color. The formula also uses a natural cherry oil that’ll help nourish and hydrate your lips.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best TikTok beauty dupes, refillable lipsticks and press-on nails.

12 Dec 2023

Shopbop’s Holiday Sale Features 70% Off Designer Brands: Tory Burch, Doc Martens & More

The ultimate gift you can give yourself is a good deal, and Shopbop’s Holiday Sale is offering up to 70% off everything from denim dresses, pleated skirts, platform boots and much more. Whether you’re looking for last-minute gifts or just want to treat yourself to a refreshed winter wardrobe, you can expect major savings on basics and statement pieces that’ll certainly be a conversation starter.

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The online retailer prides itself on carrying thousands of established and emerging designers, as well as providing fashion inspiration. Brands you can expect to find include Reformation, Doc Martens, ASTR the Label, Vans and even Tory Burch. Plus, with it being peak holiday event season, you can count on discovering chic New Year’s dress for all the parties and gatherings you’re about to attend — minus having to pay full price.

Prime members can take advantage of exclusive benefits with Shopbop such as free two-day shipping, discounted next-day shipping and access to exclusive member-only discounts. If you already have a Prime membership, then just log into your account and link it to your Shopbop account.

Don’t have a Prime membership? Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new users when you sign up. Once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged the normal membership price of $14.99/month or $139/year. Click here to start your free trial.

To help you parse through all the deals, we rounded up our favorite picks from Shopbop’s Holiday Sale below.

Best Shopbop Sale

Shopbop

Vans UA Old Skool Stackform Sneakers

$40

$80

50% off

Score half off Vans platform white sneakers that’ll elevate your looks both in height and style. Each pair comes with a rubber sole and cushioned footbed for extra comfort, so you can walk in comfort without sacrificing trendiness.

Shopbop

AGOLDE Recycled Leather Mid Rise Relaxed Boot Pants

$39.20

$98

60% off

Bring a chic touch to your looks with these mid-rise pants made from a recycled leather for added sustainability. The smooth material comes with two front pockets and a bootcut flare leg you can pair with blouses, band T-shirts and more.

Shopbop

Line & Dot Heart Struck Sweater

$57

$95

40% off

Line & Dot’s sweater isn’t just less than $60, but comes with an elegant off the shoulder look that’s versatile to wear a pair of baggy jeans with or your most chic maxi skirts.

Shopbop

Wandler Low Rose Trousers

$99

$330

70% off

Take advantage of 70% off Wandler’s trousers that come with a straight leg fit and a mid-rise waist you can wear tops tucked and untucked with. The trouser like bottoms are also designed to appear clean-cut and sophisticated — just like your trusty work pants.

Shopbop

ASTR the Label Amber Top

$39.20

$98

60% off

Make your look really blossom in a floral blouse like this one from ASTR the Label. The top was made with flowy sleeves and a ruffled hem along the neckline for an extra delicate look. Plus the bodice has a ruched material that’s perfect for completing your cottage core outfits.

Shopbop

Lioness Welcome To The Jungle Blazer

$44.50

$89

50% off

Add this Lioness blazer to even your most casual looks if you want to give off an elevated, clean-cut vibe. It’s designed with front lapels and an oversized fit — and the best part? It’s less than $50.

Shopbop

Dr. Martens 8065 II Bex Loafers

$105

$140

25% off

Don’t skip out on this major deal on Doc Martens. Not only is the brand a celebrity favorite, but the loafer style will add a preppiness to practically any look while the rubber sole will proved added traction and durability.

Shopbop

Tory Burch Ever-Ready Tote

$178.80

$298

40% off

Carry all you essentials in a luxurious Tory Burch tote that’s 40% off and comes with a sleek leather material and geometric pattern that’ll draw all eyes onto your superb accessory choice.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Nike sales, Everlane sales and Calvin Klein sales.

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Culture

‘CMA Country Christmas’ 2023: How to Watch Online for Free

How to Watch CMA Country Christmas 2023

More Ways to Stream CMA Country Christmas 2023

**Who is Performing at 2023 CMA Country Christmas?**

Post Malone, NewJeans & More Added to Lineup for ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2024’

Oprah Says There Was Pressure to Cast Beyoncé or Rihanna in ‘The Color Purple’

Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Morgan Wallen & More Added to ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’

Alaska’s ‘DRAG: The Musical’ Is Returning to Hollywood This Spring

Jamie Foxx Shows Off His Over-The-Top Winter Wonderland Christmas Display

Amy Winehouse Biopic, ‘Back to Black,’ Announces Spring 2024 Release Date

Beyoncé’s Father Mathew Knowles’ Memoir to Be Adapted Into Film, TV Series