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Ariana Grande is weighing in on the Wicked memes after Cynthia Erivo called certain AI-generated videos and fan-made edits “offensive” and “deeply hurtful.”
While speaking to Variety on the Academy Museum Gala red carpet Saturday (Oct. 19), the pop star said that she thinks the situation is “very complicated.” “I find AI so conflicting and troublesome sometimes, but I think it’s just kind of such a massive adjustment period,” she continued. “This is something that is so much bigger than us, and the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits.”
“I think so,” Grande responded when asked whether fans sometimes go “too far” with their edits. “And I have so much respect for my sister, Cynthia, and I love her so much. It’s just a big adjustment period. It’s so much stimulation about something that’s so much bigger than us.”
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The R.E.M. Beauty founder’s comments come three days after Erivo made headlines for slamming one fan’s Wicked edit, for which they’d photoshopped the upcoming film’s poster to look more like the original poster for the Wicked Broadway musical. “This is the wildest, most offensive thing I have seen,” the Pinocchio star wrote at the time. “Our poster is an homage not an imitation, to edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me.”
Erivo went on to say that the altered poster was “equal to that awful Ai of us fighting” — referring to a viral AI-generated video that animated a fight between the Emmy winner and “Yes, And?” singer using their likenesses on the same movie poster — and “equal to” a long-running, vulgar joke in the Wicked community.
“None of this is funny,” she’d added. “None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us.”
The premiere of the first of two Wicked films is set for Nov. 22, featuring Erivo as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the duology will also star Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater and Bowen Yang.
The project’s soundtrack — which also arrives Nov. 22 — will showcase the live vocals Erivo and Grande performed on set. While speaking to Variety, the “We Can’t Be Friends” artist confirmed that she’d “absolutely” love to work with her fellow-leading lady on more music beyond the films, saying, “I think we are stuck with each other, professionally and personally for the rest of our lives.”
Watch Grande share her thoughts on the Wicked meme situation below.
Ariana Grande on artificial intelligence and the #Wicked poster that Cynthia Erivo criticized: “It’s very complicated, because I find AI so conflicting and troublesome sometimes, but I think it’s such a massive adjustment period…I have so much respect for my sister Cynthia, and… pic.twitter.com/J2YnHxfQ9w— Variety (@Variety) October 20, 2024
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If you’re a parent, or know anyone with kids, then you’re probably familiar with the magic of Ms. Rachel. The YouTube content creator, who recently joined John Legend for a kid-friendly sing-along, took to Instagram on Friday (Oct. 19) to address issues over her bestselling Ms. Rachel doll.
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The doll is No. 1 on Amazon, and so popular that fakes have been popping up online and duping shoppers. Ms. Rachel faced the drama in a video where she went over the difference between her doll and the knockoff.
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“I’m so sorry that this is happening,” she said of the fake dolls. “I want to make sure that you got a real one, so let’s go over how to tell. This is so important to me because we don’t know if the fake dolls are safe or not,” Ms. Rachel continues before explaining the features of her doll versus the fake.
Released by Spin Master, the authentic Ms. Rachel doll is an interactive, touch-activated toy that sings four songs: “Wheels on the Bus,” “Hop Little Bunny,” “I’m So Happy” and “Icky Sticky.” The doll also says more than 16 signature phrases, including “Can you say…?” and “I’m so proud of you!”
Amazon
Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll, 16” Tall Interactive Toy with 4 Songs & 16+ Phrases
The Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll ($29.99) is designed for ages six months to 3 years old, and aids in conversation and cognitive development. Ms. Rachel designed the doll along with child development experts. According to multiple TikTok videos, fake Ms. Rachel dolls were apparently being sold online through third parties that uploaded them to Walmart and Amazon.
Luckily, Ms. Rachel has an official Amazon store where parents can shop the her doll and other toys and books, such as her latest bestseller, Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise.
The official Ms. Rachel doll is available at Amazon, Walmart and Target.
For more child-centered content, check out Billboard Family.
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The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebration has carried over into football. On Sunday (Oct. 20), the Cleveland Browns will host the Cincinnati Bengals in a first-of-its kind Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Game at Huntington Bank Field.
The Bengals vs. Browns game, which is set to feature performances from previous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
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“We are thrilled to partner with the Cleveland Browns to highlight the massive impact and influence of our Inductees on rock & roll, the music that connects us all,” Greg Harris, president & CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum said in a statement. “The first ever Cleveland Browns Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Game will be an exciting feature of our 2024 Induction Week when the national spotlight shines on Cleveland.”
See below for the best ways to stream the game from anywhere.
How to Watch & Stream the Bengals vs. Browns Game Live Online
Where to watch: CBS
Where to stream: DirecTV, Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+
The Browns will take on the Bengals at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on Sunday. You can stream CBS and other channels live on DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV (use ExpressVPN to stream internationally).
The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.
If you’re interested in a free trial, you can score one through DirecTV Stream and Fubo. In addition to a free trial, both Fubo and DirecTV offer discounted streaming packages.
For example, DirecTV Stream’s cheapest plan has over 90 channels and it’s on sale for $87 (down from $102). Join Fubo for just $60 per month, which saves you $20 off the regular price. Fubo’s Pro streaming plan includes access to 199 channels.
In addition to Paramount+, the Bengals vs. Browns game will be available to stream on NFL+.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame game will pay homage to inductees through music, giveaways, special merch and fan activations.
Foreigner, one of this year’s inductees, will headline the halftime show. Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde will join teenage guitar phenom and Cleveland native Max Stak for a special performance at the end of the game’s third quarter. Wylde will also perform the national anthem.
Ohio native Robert “Kool” Bell, of Kool & the Gang, will serve as coin toss captain. Ozzy Osbourne is also scheduled to participate in the fan fun.
“The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Browns together embody the passion of our city. We are thrilled to partner with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for their 2024 Induction Week with this special first-time collaboration on Sunday,” said Brent Rossi, SVP of marketing & media at Haslam Sports Group. “Before and throughout the game, we will highlight this year’s Inductees in a number of different ways, connecting our fans with the history of rock & roll in Cleveland through football.”
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Plans for the weekend? If you’re a sports fan, make room for a Texas’ packed weekend of mega-sporting events. Besides, the Formula 1 U.S.Grand Prix race in Austin, Texas, the Lonestar State will host a highly anticipated, sold-out SEC matchup between the No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns and No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs airing live on ABC on Saturday (Oct. 19).
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The game will be held at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Looking for last-minute tickets? Resale tickets will cost you around $400 and up at StubHub and Game Time.
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Read on for way to stream the Bulldogs at Longhorns game live from anywhere.
Where to Stream the Georgia vs. Texas Game
ABC will air live coverage of Georgia vs. Texas starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Football fans can stream the game live on DirecTV, Sling TV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV.
The weekend’s coverage will include Alabama’s No. 7 Crimson Tide versus the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers airing on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on ABC.
Head over to ESPN to catch pregame festivities. ESPN’s “College GameDay” coverage kicks off at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT.
How to Watch for Free
To stream the Georgia vs. Texas game for free, join DirecTV Stream or Fubo. Both offer free trials (five days with DirecTV Stream and a week with Fubo), DVR recording and streaming plans with live and local channels for under $100 (use ExpressVPN to stream internationally).
Hulu + Live TV offers over 90 channels, and streaming plans are currently on sale for $59.99 per month for three months.
How to Watch on ESPN+
Need more ways to stream? The Georgia vs. Texas game will also be available on ESPN+. No free trial, but you’ll get access to tons of live sports including college football, NFL football, UFC, soccer, golf and baseball for $11.99 per month ($119 for the annual plan).
Additionally, ESPN+ features exclusive documentaries, shows and specials such as The Captain, Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream, The Last Dance and Man in the Arena: Tom Brady.
ESPN+ is available as a standalone platform, but you can also bundle it with Hulu and Disney+ ($16.99). Or, subscribe to Hulu + Live TV for access to ESPN+, Hulu, Disney+ and live channels.
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Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara, a new documentary chronicling how a hacker stole an indie rocker’s identity and has been impersonating them for more than a decade, debuted Friday (Oct. 18) on Hulu.
In the documentary, Tegan and Sara Quin — identical twins best known as the indie-rock duo Tegan and Sarah — recount the “complex catfish scheme” that has terrorized them and fans for over 15 years.
The twins’ lives were turned upside down after Tegan’s personal information was hacked in 2011, but Fake Tegan (a.k.a. “Fegan”) has been impersonating the Canadian singer since around 2008. The hacker has yet to be identified.
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Keep reading for directions on how to stream the documentary for free.
How to Watch
Hulu subscribers can begin streaming Fanatical on Friday. If you’re not subscribed, Hulu offers a free trial for the first month. That means you can stream Fanatical and other Hulu exclusives like Tell Me Lies, Reasonable Doubt, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Murder in a Small Town, Only Murders in the Building and network shows streaming on Hulu such as The Golden Bachelorette, Grotesquerie, Abbott Elementary, High Potential and Doctor Odyssey.
Whether you’re watching from home or on-the-go, you can access Hulu from anywhere. Simply sign onto the app or watch online at Hulu.com. After the 30-free trial ends, your Hulu subscription will renew at $11.99 per month for the basic plan, but there are a few ways to score a discount.
For example, Hulu’s student plan costs just $1.99 per month. Hulu also offers bundles and annual plans to save you money on the back end. Want more savings? Join Hulu + Live TV at a discounted rate for $59.99 a month for three months (reg. $83 per month).
Hulu + Live TV includes over 90 live channels cable channels and local networks, along with access to Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+.
Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara is directed by Erin Lee Carr and produced by Elyssa Hess and Jenny Eliscu. The documentary is executive produced by Tegan and Sara, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Jon Bardin and Kate Berry for Story Syndicate.
Watch a clip from the documentary below.
The Blippi: Join the Band Tour launched in late September and has already visited a number of cities, but still has many, many performances to come.
“We’re in and out of cities every day,” says Shaw, who explains the busy travel schedule is something they consider when casting talent for the show. “We’re looking for high energy, engaged actors and actresses who are excited about the opportunity, not only to play a great role in a great show, but also have the opportunity to travel.”
See a list of the remaining tour dates for 2024 below, and find up-to-date information about all the dates still to come in 2025 on the tour’s official website:
Friday, Oct. 18 – Meridian Centre – St. Catharines, ONSaturday, Oct. 19 – Tribute Communities Centre – Oshawa, ONSunday, Oct. 20 – Living Arts Centre – Mississauga, ONWednesday, Oct. 23 – Peterborough Memorial Centre – Peterborough, ONSaturday, Oct. 26 – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium – Thunder Bay, ONSunday, Oct. 27 – Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts – Winnipeg, MBTuesday, Oct. 29 – Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium – Brandon, MSWednesday, Oct. 30 – Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium – Brandon, MSFriday, Nov. 1 – Conexus Arts Centre – Regina, SKSaturday, Nov. 2 – TCU Place – Saskatoon, SKSunday, Nov. 3 – Enmax Centre – Lethbridge, ABFriday, Nov. 8 – Abbotsford Centre – Abbotsford, BCSaturday, Nov. 9 – Okanagan Events Centre – Penticton, BCSunday, Nov. 10 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BCTuesday, Nov. 12 – Jack Singer Concert Hall – Calgary, ABFriday, Nov. 15 – Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – Edmonton, ABSunday, Nov. 17 – Co-op Place – Medicine Hat, ABTuesday, Nov. 19 – MetraPark Arena – Billings, MTWednesday, Nov. 20 – Bismarck Event Center – Bismarck, NDThursday, Nov. 21 – Scheels Arena – Fargo, NDFriday, Nov. 22 – Xtreme Arena – Coralville, IASaturday, Nov. 23 – Taft Theatre – Cincinnati, OHSunday, Nov. 24 – The Family Arena – St. Charles, MOFriday, Nov. 29 – The Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WISaturday, Nov. 30 – Fisher Theatre – Detroit, MISunday, Dec. 1 – Temple Theatre – Saginaw, MITuesday, Dec. 3 – Old National Events Plaza – Evansville, INWednesday, Dec. 4 – Appalachian Wireless Arena – Pikeville, KYFriday, Dec. 6 – Old National Centre – Indianapolis, INSaturday, Dec. 7 – Mershon Auditorium – Columbus, OHSunday, Dec. 8– Louisville Palace – Louisville, KYTuesday, Dec. 10 – Walton Arts Center – Fayetteville, ARThursday, Dec. 12 – Cable Dahmer Arena – Independence, MOFriday, Dec. 13 – Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts – Springfield, MOSaturday, Dec. 14 – Texas Hall – Arlington, TXSunday, Dec. 15 – Bayou Music Center – Houston, TX
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RAYE has been named brand ambassador for Dyson’s OnTrac headphones, the tech company known for air purifiers, fans, headphones, vacuums and hair tools, revealed earlier this month.
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“Musicians work tirelessly to create a very specific vision. From the frequency level, volume, timbre and texture, every single detail of a musical composition matters, to get to a place where you’re happy to hand it out to the world,” the British singer said in a statement. “When I listen to music, I want to hear it in the most beautiful way. As an artist, I want people to listen to exactly what I signed off on, and to experience my music as I envisioned it to be heard when I recorded it in the studio. I absolutely love music. Put simply, I love good quality sound, and the Dyson OnTrac headphones offer that.”
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Dyson OnTrac Over Ear Headphones, CNC Copper
In honor of the new partnership, Dyson shared photos of RAYE sporting OnTrac headphones and a dreamy, video campaign starring the 26-year-old singer. “See how RAYE creates a melody by blocking out noise with Dyson OnTrac headphones,” reads a caption on the Dyson Instagram account posted last Sunday (Oct. 13).
Aside from offering up to 55 hours of playtime, crystal-clear sound and seamless integration between iPhone and other devices, Dyson OnTrac features customizable ear cuffs, 40mm speaker drivers and Active Noise Cancellation.
RAYE joins fellow recording artists, Jisso from BLACKPINK, in becoming a Dyson ambassador.
Dyson introduced its $500 OnTrac headphones in July. The headphones are available at Dyson.com and major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
“We are delighted to continue to work with RAYE, welcoming her as our global ambassador. Her inspired approach to creating music and creativity aligns perfectly with Dyson’s drive for innovation and pushing boundaries. The Dyson OnTrac headphones embody our commitment to delivering industry-leading audio technology that empowers artists like RAYE to flourish,” said Dyson’s chief engineer, Jake Dyson.
Earlier in the month, Billboard caught up with the “Oscar Winning Tears” singer at the American Music Awards 50th anniversary special where she chatted about her performance and opening for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour in the U.K. “It was so intimidating and an honor as well. [Taylor] is also just the nicest, sweetest human being,” said RAYE. “I don’t understand how that beautiful woman gets on stage for three hours, slays the thing down and still takes the time to say hello. We had a lovely chat, she’s a really normal, lovely person. I fell in love with her even more during that whole experience.”
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Formula 1 is making a return to the United States for the much-anticipated 2024 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. The racing event will kickoff Friday (Oct. 18) until Sunday (Oct. 20) starting at 1:30 p.m. ET where Red Bull’s three-time reigning champion Max Verstappen will attempt to keep his winning streak going against McLaren’s Lando Norris. You can still get tickets to the F1 U.S. Grand Prix, but in case you can’t make it in-person, there are some streaming options that’ll let you livestream the races online.
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This year, viewers won’t just have the pleasure of watching their favorite drivers — Sting and Eminem will be joining the festivities with live performances on Oct. 18-19 starting at 7:45 p.m. ET.
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ESPN and its networks will be livestreaming the races for you to watch at home. The easiest way to tune in is through a the network’s cable channels. Cord cutters don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a cable package in order to livestream the 2024 F1 U.S. Grand Prix at home, there are additional ways to watch ESPN without cable.
Keep reading to learn more
How to Watch F1 U.S. Grand Prix Online
ESPN+ is the official streaming platform for ESPN and it’s networks, which will let you watch the F1 U.S. Grand Prix 2024 and more live sports coverage. ESPN+ doesn’t offer a free trial but the streamer comes with a variety of affordable plans starting at $11.99 a month or you can save 17% off with an annual plan for $119.99 a year.
In addition to live sports, ESPN+ has exclusive on-demand videos and access to content from what was formerly known as ESPN Insider. You’ll also be able to stream original shows to stream on-demand, 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 $16.99 for all three services.
How to Watch F1 U.S. Grand Prix Online for Free
ESPN can also be livestreamed through live TV streamers and with current free trials and promos going on, you can watch the 2024 F1 U.S. Grand Prix for free. Below, ShopBillboard put together a list of the best offers to take advantage of now.
DirecTV Stream
You can watch ESPN on DirecTV Stream in addition to hundreds of other channels. New users can take advantage of a five day free trial in addition to $15 off your first two months when you bundle one of its four packages with a Sports Pack. ESPN is included in every streaming packages with the cheapest option being the Entertainment + Sports Pack for $87 (reg. $102). Once the free trial and two months are up you’ll be charged the subscription price based on what package you choose at checkout.
Besides being able to livestream the 2024 F1 U.S. Grand Prix for free, you’ll receive unlimited DVR storage, access to local channels and the ability to stream on as many devices as you want.
Sling TV
Sling TV is offering new users 50% 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 are discounted for as $20 for the first month (reg. $40). After your first month you’ll be charged the full package price.
The Orange package comes with 32 channels that can be streamed on one device at once. For additional channel options including FS1 and the NFL Network, you can combine both plans for $30 for the first month (reg. $60/month) and get access to all 48 channels.
FuboTV
You can also watch ESPN on Fubo for free and livestream the 2024 F1 U.S. Grand Prix and more for no added cost. New users can take advantage of a seven day free trial in addition to a promo that’s taking $20 off the first month, giving you access to more than 200 live channels for as low as $60 (reg. $80).
After your free trial and promo is over, Fubo’s Pro Plan is its cheapest option at $79.99 a month and it comes with 202 channels, unlimited DVR storage and the ability to simultaneously watch content on up to 10 screens. Sports fans should consider the Elite with Sports Plus Plan for $99.99 a month, which includes 306 channels and NFL RedZone all in 4K definition. For the most streaming options, upgrade to the Deluxe Plan for $109.99 a month and get everything in its Elite Plan with 13 additional channels, international Sports Plus and MGM+.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers the most streaming options with access to more than 95 live channels including ESPN and the entire Hulu library. For a limited time, you can get three months for just $59.99 a month (reg. $82.99 a month), a savings of nearly 30%. After the three months are done, you’ll be charged the regular subscription price of $82.99 a month.
Unlike the rest of the options on this list, Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for no added cost. You’ll have all of the Hulu library to watch and exclusive and original programming available only on ESPN+.
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Tinashe and Urban Outfitters are partnering up for a dance-inspired collection set to be released next year, the brand announced on Friday (Oct. 18).
The collection celebrates dance as a “universal language and a form of self-expression for everyone,” according to a news release sent to Billboard. Tinashe co-designed and developed the collection alongside Urban Outfitter’s in-house design team.
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“Growing up in a dance studio teaches you a lot about the intersection between exercise and fashion,” the singer explained in a statement, per Women’s Wear Daily. “I was always inspired by the way dancers would create their own outfits, whether it was in ballet class pairing shorts and legwarmers or hip-hop class where personal style is paramount.”
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The statement continues, “I’ve always wanted to bring that creative and free dancer energy to apparel. I’m excited to finally bring this idea to life by designing specific items that you can move in and feel more creative than sports bras and leggings.”
In addition to honoring dance as a universal language, the collection celebrates Tinashe’s decade-long relationship with Urban Outfitters. The “Nasty” singer closed out Urban Outfitters’ UO Live Campus series in Tucson, Arizona last month. “I love Urban Outfitters because I feel like they just really support my individuality, and I love the fact that I can continuously evolve who I am with Urban Outfitters,” she told Billboard at the time. “They have just so many different aesthetics that you can lean into and different things that you can play with, and I just love that.”
Earlier this week, the “Nasty” singer launched her Match My Freak World Tour in Anaheim, Calif. The tour heads to Phoenix on Oct. 20 before rolling through Texas making stops in Dallas, Austin and Houston starting on Oct. 22.
Tinashe’s collection with Urban Outfitters will be released in 2025. In the meantime, fans can shop her Urban Outfitters fashion picks here.
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. From headphones to speakers, Kim Kardashian and Beats have officially extended their partnership with the release of the Beats Pill in […]