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It looks like Ye still has love for Donald Trump.
Over the weekend, the Chicago rapper was spotted with his wife, Bianca Censori, in their Tesla Cybertruck outside a Donald Trump rally in Beverly Hills, California. TikTok user @ali.aam.06 captured a group of Trump supporters running up to Ye’s car as he pulled over to show them love. Naturally, the crowd went nuts and couldn’t believe they had just met him as he drove off.
Last month, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, former White House director of strategic communications Alyssa Farah Griffin revealed a plan the ex-president had for “unifying” the country. “One day he wanted to have Kanye West come and do a church service on the White House lawn to unify the country,” she told a fan after being asked what was the wildest thing that came across her desk as a Trump staffer. “And I can think of a few things less unifying than that. But we were like, ‘Not the time or the place, sir.’”
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The former president and Ye have been linked since 2016, when the rapper met with Trump in New York City after he won the presidential election. “I wanted to meet with Trump today to discuss multicultural issues,” Kanye tweeted at the time. “I feel it is important to have a direct line of communication with our future President if we truly want change.”
Their most recent link-up was when they had a controversial dinner with far-right streamer Nick Fuentes at Mar-a-Lago in 2022, where Ye reportedly asked Trump to be his 2024 running mate. “So I help a seriously troubled man, who just happens to be black, Ye, who has been decimated in his business and virtually everything else and who has always been good to me, by allowing his request for a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, alone, so that I can give him very much needed ‘advice,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social at the time. “He shows up with 3 people, two of which I didn’t know, the other a political person who I haven’t seen in years. I told him don’t run for office, a total waste of time, can’t win. Fake News went CRAZY!”
Also, Trump made an appearance on Adin Ross’ stream earlier this month (Aug. 5) and referred to the rapper as “complicated.” Trump said of West, “He’s very complicated. Let’s say complicated, because he is. He’s a really nice guy, but he can get some people into trouble.” Adding, “And he can get some other people — he’s got a good heart, he does, he does, but he’s complicated.”
Ye has yet to publicly endorse the former president’s current re-election campaign.
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The Democratic National Convention has landed in Chicago. Day 1 of the convention starts Monday (Aug. 19).
Vice President Kamala Harris will take the stage later this week and officially accept the Democratic nomination for president.
John Legend, Kerry Washington and Mindy Kaling are some of the celebrities slated to attend the DNC, and music fans are speculating (hoping) that Beyoncé and Taylor Swift could make an appearance too. Although Beyoncé gave Harris permission to use the track “Freedom” in her presidential campaign, there’s no official word on whether she will be at DNC 2024, while Swift is busy in London closing out the European leg of her Eras Tour.
Who will be performing at DNC 2024? Mickey Guyton, James Taylor and Jason Isabell are set to perform onMonday.
See below for more details on DNC 2024. From the schedule to speakers and where to watch and live stream.
How to Watch DNC 2024
Live coverage of this year’s convention will air across major networks and cable news. That means you can watch and stream coverage on channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News and PBS in addition to CNN, MSBNC and C-SPAN.
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Those who don’t have access to live channels, can watch DNC 2024 via streaming providers such as DirecTV Stream (and satellite), Fubo, Sling TV, U-Verse and Xfinity/Comcast. Use ExpressVPN for international access to various streaming platforms.
ABC News will air one-hour primetime coverage of the 2024 DNC from 10 p.m. -11 p.m. ET on Monday and Tuesday and two-hour coverage on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 p.m. -11 p.m. ET.
CBS will air DNC coverage at 10 p.m. ET across the four days.
NBC News’ live coverage starts on Monday from 10-11 p.m. ET led by Lester Holt. TODAY’s Savannah Gunthrie will join Holt in anchoring DNC coverage on Tuesday from 10-11 p.m. ET and 9-11 p.m. ET on Wednesday and Thursday.
All of the networks listed offer live streaming on their respective streaming services, apps and websites.
Where else can you watch and live stream coverage of DNC 2024? Stream live on Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku TV, Fire TV and the DNC’s social media platforms: X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
DNC Convention: Speakers, Schedule and More
The 2024 DNC Convention will take place at Chicago’s United Center from Aug. 19-22. This year’s convention theme is “For the People, For Our Future.”
According to the DNC website, coverage will air live from United Center from 6:15-11 p.m. ET/5:15-10 p.m. CT/3:15-8 p.m. PT.
Day one of the convention is themed “For the People,” day two is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” day three is “A Fight for Our Freedom” and “Four Our Future” leads day four.
Who will be speaking at the 2024 DNC? President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak on Monday along with former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver speeches on Tuesday.
Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will take the convention on Wednesday as well as former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, per Axios.
This year’s DNC hosts include Washington and her former Scandal co-star Tony Goldwin, Kailing and The View’s Anna Navarro. According to CNN, Goldwyn will host on Monday night, Navarro on Tuesday and Kaling on Wednesday. Washington hosts on Thursday, the night that Vice President Harris will take the stage to formally accept the Democratic Nomination for president.
Upon accepting the nomination, Harris makes U.S. history as the first Black woman and first South Asian person to be nominated for president from a major party.
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. Showing off your pride for your favorite team during NFL preseason just got a lot trendier. Sports merchandising brand Foco has […]
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Are you getting ready for your next glamping trip?
If you’re not familiar with the term “glamping,” it’s a popular trend for those who crave the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. The right gear can make your glamping experience both luxurious and convenient. You can start with a spacious tent like the Outsunny 10-person Yurt Glamping Bell Tent and work your way to the essentials like lantern lights, mosquito repellent bracelets, headlamps and more.
Comfort is key, so you’ll need things like portable furniture and showers to help make the most out of your glamping experience. To ensure complete privacy for showering and toilet needs, consider adding this pop-up pod to your cart. You can also purchase a portable hand soap to keep your hands fresh and clean on your adventures. This selection of items also includes lights, rugs, pillows and blankets to help you achieve a very demure style. With these glamping-friendly items, you’ll be off to a strong start.
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You can find tons of glamping gear at Amazon, Walmart and REI Co-Op. See below to shop for your next glamping trip.
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Walmart
Outsunny 10-person Yurt Tent Glamping Bell Tent, 16 x 16
$188.99
$229.99
18% off
This Outsunny 10-person Yurt Glamping Tent features a breathable design with amble mesh window vents and a full zippered mesh panels, ensuring air circulation and a comfortable environment even on warm days.
Amazon
Hugear Outdoor Plastic Straw Rug, Waterproof Outdoor Rugs for Patios Clearance, Reversible Area Rug, Large Outside Carpet for Camping, Balcony, RV, Picnic, Beach 5x8ft Geometric Boho Black&Brown
Make your space cozy with this outdoor-friendly Hugear Outdoor Plastic Straw Rug, which adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any setting. You can this one in fifteen different colors and patterns.
Amazon
Etekcity Lantern Camping Essentials Lights, Led Flashlight for Power Outages, Tent Lights for Emergency, Survival Gear and Supplies for Hurricane, Battery Operated Lamp
Enhance your campsite with these LED Etekcity Lantern Lights, featuring adjustable brightness settings and offers up to 50 hours of bright light. These lantern lights are also durable and water resistant, ensuring safety and convenience on any adventure.
Amazon
Brightown Outdoor String Lights 25 Feet G40 Globe LED Patio Lights with 13 Edison Plastic Bulbs(1 Spare), Waterproof Connectable Hanging Lights
Add a magical touch to your clamping setup with these Brightown Outdoor String Lights, designed to create a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere. If you’re looking for alternative waterproof lights, consider these portable and outddor-friendly UOUNE outdoor string lights.
Wayfair
Wakeman Outdoors Pop Up Pod—Privacy Shower Toilet Tent With Bag for Camping
$31.15
$37.95
18% off
Experience convenient and refreshing outdoor showers with this portable setup. This pop up pod, allows you to shower anytime, anywhere with complete privacy. According to the brand, it can be used for multiple purposes like a changing room, portable bathroom, pop privacy tent, weather pod for camping, or outdoor shower.
Amazon
Vaverto Small Memory Foam Pillow
You can enjoy a restful sleep with this Vaverto Small Memory Foam Pillow, offering ultimate comfort and easy packing with its soft, supportive fill that adapts to your head and neck.
Rei Co-op
Rei Co-op Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp provides bright, adjustable illumination with its powerful 400-lumen beam, making it an essential tool for navigating your outdoor adventures with ease. You can get it in five different colors: Graphite, Azul, Octane, Dark Olive, or Black.
Amazon
Cliganic 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, DEET-Free Bands, Individually Wrapped (Packaging May Vary)
$8.00
$12.99
38% off
Add these Cliganic 10-pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets to your cart and keep mosquitos away. According to the brand, it’s a one size fits all. It’s stretchy, comfortable and adjustable. This is a great option for those who are not a fan of bugs spray.
Rei Co-op
Rei Co-op Uco Eco 5-piece Mess Kit
This Rei Co-op Uco Eco 5-piece Mess Kit includes everything you need for meals on the go including a plate, bowl, and utensils that snap together for easy carrying. According to the brand, it’s BPA-free, meaning, it’s made without the chemical Bisphenol A, reducing potential health risks like hormone disruption. Plus, it’s also phthalate-free, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe. You can get it in three different colors: Plum Purple, Midnight Grey, and Ocean Blue.
Amazon
Jolly Green Products Rotating Marshmallow Roasting Sticks, Set of 5 Extra Long Telescoping Marshmallow Sticks for Fire Pit, Campfire & Bonfire, Camping Accessories
While you’re on your glamping trip, you might crave a sweet treat. Consider adding these Marshmallow Roasting Sticks to your cart. With its stainless-steel skewers and its portable telescoping roasting forks, you’ll be able to rotate and make marshmallows safely.
Amazon
Reusable Travel Utensils Set with Case, 4 Sets Wheat Straw Portable Knife Fork Spoons Tableware, Eco-Friendly BPA Free Cutlery for Kids Adults Picnic Camping Utensils(Green, Beige, Pink, Blue)
$7.41
$8.19
10% off
This eco-friendly portable utensil set comes with a fork, spoon, knife, and a case. Its lightweight and compact size makes it easy to take with you whether you’re camping or traveling.
Wayfair
Eagle Peak Folding Camping Table
$113.91
$119.99
5% off
Upgrade your glamping experience with this Eagle PeaK Folding Camping Table. You’ll no longer need to eat on the floor. With its lightweight yet sturdy design, you’ll be able to carry it around with you wherever you go.
Temu
Temu Pink Barbecue Grill
$20
$107.63
81% off
This foldable, charcoal-powered grill is also compact and easy to carry. Although it’s sold out, you can find a similar one on Amazon. This Starnoontek Charcoal Grill is designed for outdoor camping. According to the brand, this set includes a stove base, stove body, stainless steel grill grates, and a complete set of 30 charcoal accessories.
Yeti
Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Cooler
Keep your drinks and snacks cool and fresh for hours with this Yeti Hopper Flip Cooler. With its durable construction and a leakproof zipper, you can’t go wrong.
Walmart
Closnature Sleeping Bag
$19.99
$38.99
49% off
You can’t forget about the sleeping bag. This Closnature Sleeping Bag is designed for both adults and kids, offering warmth and comfort during cold-weather camping. It comes with a left zipper for easy access and it’s also lightweight.
Amazon
Bearz Outdoor Pocket Blanket – Waterproof Picnic Blanket, Compact Travel Blanket, Picnic Blankets Waterproof Foldable Lightweight for Beach, Hiking, Festival Accessories (Pink)
$25.99
$35.99
28% off
This compact and portable blanket is waterproof and durable, making it great for camping, picnics, beach trips, and more. It’s small sized when folded, making it easy to take with you.
Amazon
HongYiTime 2 Boxs (100 Sheets) Hand Washing Soap Sheets for Outdoor Travel,Portable Camping Hand Soap,Hiking Washing Hand Bath Paper Soap for Travel
Keep your hands clean wherever you go with this pack of portable hand soap sheets great for any outdoor adventures. All you need to do is add water for a quick, easy, and hassle-free hand wash on the go.
Walmart
Ozark Trail Insulated Stainless Steal Tumbler 18 oz
Make sure to stay hydrated and add this Ozark Trail Insulated Stainless Steal Tumbler to your cart. This tumbler will be sure to keep your drinks hot and cold for hours with its double-wall insulation.
Amazon
Kintion Pocket Mirror, 1X/3X Magnification LED Compact Travel Makeup Mirror with Light for Purse, 2-Sided, Portable, Folding, Handheld, Small Lighted Mirror for Gift, Pink
$9.99
$14.99
33% off
If you are a beauty enthusiast and can’t go anywhere without your makeup mirror, consider adding this pink Kintion compact mirror for quick touchups. You can also get this one in a variety of different colors from Cyan to Yellow.
Amazon
Dowilldo Camping Fan with LED Lantern, 10400mah Portable Battery Operated Outdoor Fan, Personal Rechargeable Fan for Travel, Hiking, Fishing, Picnic (Pink)
This camping fan doubles as a portable charger, providing cooling and device charging in one. It’s rechargeable and great for staying cool while keeping your devices powered up. It comes in four different colors: Black, Green, Pink, and Yellow.
Amazon
Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch
$37.99
$59.99
37% off
For those looking for a comfy couch to take with you on your trip, consider this Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch. This couch inflates easily without a pump and provides a comfortable and portable seating option for up to three people. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
If you’re shopping on Amazon, consider taking advantage of all Amazon Prime has to offer and sign up for a 30-day free trial, which also comes with access to Prime Video, Prime Gaming and Amazon Music. And to help make sure you get your purchases quickly, being a Prime member means you get fast, free shipping in two days or less with Prime Delivery. Want free shipping on Walmart items? Join Walmart+ for free for the first 30 days. The membership includes free shipping and free delivery from your local store, free Paramount+ and so much more!
For more product recommendations, check out this best camping gear roundup, these affordable tents, and additional travel essentials.
The trailer for the six-part Apple TV+ documentary series K-Pop Idols has arrived, and it’s premiering exclusively on Billboard below.
Set for its global unveiling at the end of the month, the first-of-its-kind series offers an unprecedented and refreshing glimpse into the high-stakes, high-pressure world of K-pop while following the lives of Korean-American rapper-singer Jessi, chart-topping boy band CRAVITY, and global girl group BLACKSWAN navigating the intense realities of the industry.
With raw storytelling reminiscent of the honesty felt in 2012’s illuminating K-pop doc 9 Muses of Star Empire, the upcoming series follows the idols as they confront their careers’ euphoric highs and harsh lows. The K-Pop Idols trailer shows Jessi tearfully recounting her experience of being stranded outside during her European tour, while Allen of CRAVITY discusses the grueling schedules that leave K-pop idols sleep-deprived. BLACKSWAN’s Fatou shares the difficulty of not seeing her family for years and her bandmate Gabi tearfully questions her place in her girl group.
Filming took place across multiple countries, including the United States, South Korea, France, Belgium, Germany and Cambodia, capturing the global scope of the K-pop phenomenon and helping to resonate with both dedicated fans and a broader audience for a narrative that reveals the too rarely seen vulnerable sides of the stars that remain at the heart of the rapidly rising music scene.
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“With K-Pop Idols, our goal was to pull back the curtain on the highly competitive world of K-pop and reveal the human stories behind the stars,” said executive producer Elise Chung, who executive produced Bling Empire. “This series is a tribute to the relentless passion and perseverance of artists like Jessi, CRAVITY and BLACKSWAN who are shaping the future of music on a global scale. We’re excited for viewers to experience the challenges, victories and everything in between that comes with chasing a dream as big as becoming a K-pop idol.”
K-Pop Idols was produced for Apple TV+ by Matador Content, a subsidiary of Boat Rocker whose work includes shows like ABC’s Boy Band, Paramount’s Lip Sync Battle (Paramount Network) and Vice’s What Would Diplo Do? An Emmy Award-winning team contributed to the project including Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry executive producers Todd Lubin and Jay Peterson, as well as Chung, Jack Turner (Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields producer), Sue Kim (The Speed Cubers director), Bradley Cramp (Lord of War) and Eric Yujin Kim (Undoing). Fans can also look forward to famous friends of the different artists making cameos in the series too.
Apple TV+ will exclusively stream K-Pop Idols, set to premiere globally on Aug. 30. Take a look at the trailer and new photos until then.
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BLACKSWAN in rehearsal in “K-Pop Idols”
Courtesy of AppleTV+
Jessi with her family in “K-Pop Idols”
Courtesy of AppleTV+
BLACKSWAN in “K-Pop Idols”
Courtesy of AppleTV+
Sexyy Red is about to be a beauty mogul: The 26-year-old rapper introduced her Northside Princess beauty brand on Monday (Aug. 19). “BO$$ LADY SPEAKIN …. New and improved @sexyyred_products is back better den eva !! introducing NORTHSIDE PRINCESS the brand @getnorthside,” she wrote on Instagram. The first product from her Northside Princess line is lip gloss called […]
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.
SKIMS has made sure to be the “talk talk” of this summer by revealing Charli XCX to be the face of its latest campaign. This marks founder Kim Kardashian’s stamp of approval to the Brat summer trend, as this summer’s it girl takes the spotlight to pose in SKIMS’ new cotton collection featuring Cotton Rib and Cotton Fleece styles.
The collection will go live on Wednesday (Aug. 21) at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. Until then, you can browse the styles beforehand to make note of which ones you plan on adding to your cart first. For those antsy get their hands on the Charli XCX-approved pieces, you can sign up to for early access when you join the waitlist and download the SKIMS app.
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Photographer Petra Collins shot the “360” singer for the athleisure brand’s campaign, featuring images of Charli XCX in a dreamlike aesthetic, including the artist in the middle of field as rain pours down, as well as the star holding puppies in a golden, peaceful background.
Charli XCX
SKIMS
To help you narrow down your options, ShopBillboard rounded up some of our favorite styles that we plan on shopping immediately below.
SKIMS
Waffle Lined Shrunken Zip-Up Hoodie
Skip the oversized hoodie look and go for a fitted yet loose style with this cropped sweatshirt. In addition to having a shorter length, the waist comes with a slimmer fit while the sleeves showcase a baggier, more relaxed feel. You can also adjust the closure with the built-in zipper.
SKIMS
Cotton Rib Loose Boxer
Decompressing after a day of work won’t be complete without these loose boxers. The style comes with a breathable cotton material and loose legs for added ventilation. You’ll also have three shades to choose from.
SKIMS
Cotton Rib Shoulder Pad Cropped Top
Show some skin in SKIMS’ simple cropped top. Unlike traditional cotton T-shirts, this cropped style comes with some padding in the shoulders and a high neckline you can accessorize with layered necklaces.
SKIMS
Cotton Rib Split Neck Bralette
Lightweight layering piece is essential year round, and this split neck bralette is ready to turn your loungewear into a cozy oasis. The style comes with a stretchy yet cozy cotton material with added notch detailing and an elastic underband for extra support.
SKIMS
Cotton Rib Bikini
Refresh your underwear drawer with SKIMS’ cotton rib bottoms. Designed with a soft and airy cotton material, the underwear will provide coverage while also featuring an elastic waistband with the brand’s logo for added style.
As a carefree spirit, Charli XCX decided to be a part of SKIMS’ newest campaign due to the brand’s mission.
“SKIMS empowers people to feel confident in their own skin, which is the essence of Brat, ” said Charli XCX in a press statement. “I am excited to be working with a brand that understands that comfort and style don’t need to be compromised. Shooting with Petra for this campaign was a dream and I was so excited to get on set and wear these timeless, sexy pieces. Also the puppies were beyond cute.”
She also joins the growing list of musician faces for SKIMS, which includes Nelly Furtado, Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey and Usher.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best shapewear deals, slip dresses and platform boots.
Since releasing her hit album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess back in September, Chappell Roan has seen a lot of rise and almost no fall. Now, she’s ready to talk about everything that comes with that.
For Interview Magazine‘s new cover story, Roan sat down with Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang to get real about her rapid ascent in the modern pop space — one that has seen seven of her songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 while her album recently hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
While Roan maintains that she’s glad to see people finally recognizing the hard work she puts in, she can’t help but feel confounded by what’s happened. “This is really weird and really hard,” she explained to Yang. “In the past, honestly, eight weeks, my entire life has changed.”
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With the charts reflecting a lot of Roan’s success, the singer took a moment during the interview to explain her complicated feelings about how that chart success has translated into her career. “I’ve never given a f–k about the charts or being on the radio, but it’s so crazy how industry people are taking me more seriously than before. I’m like, ‘I’ve been doing this the whole time, b—h,’” she said. “My career doesn’t mean anything more now that I have a charting album and song. If anything, I’m just like, ‘F–k you guys for not seeing what actually matters.’ A chart is so fleeting. Everyone leaves the charts.”
Part of what’s made the transition so difficult, she explained, has been watching the conversation around her music become “automatically political because I’m gay.” Looking back at her Governors Ball performance — where Roan spoke out about trans rights and why she declined an invitation from the White House to perform during Pride — Roan said she was inherently nervous to speak so openly about queer issues.
“Gov Ball was really hard. It was hard to be like, ‘I’m going to say something that a lot of my family is going to be like, ‘Wow, you crossed the line,’” she explained. “It’s emotional because I believe what I said, and what’s sad is that me believing in who I am, and what I stand for, rubs against a lot of my home.”
But Roan also knows that reaching the level of success she has means she now has a significant amount of creative control over the work she does. “I’m just very lucky that I have the leverage to say no and yes,” she told Yang. “I mean, it’s awesome knowing that I have a job … I’ve never been guaranteed money before. That’s the difference. I’ve always been a writer, but I didn’t start making money to pay my rent until last year.”
That leverage means that Roan gets to have a significant hand in how she decides to release her music. With fans wondering when she’ll release new songs — such as her unreleased track “Subway” that she debuted live at Gov Ball — Roan says she knows what release strategy will work best for her career.
“My career has worked because I’ve done it my way, and I’ve not compromised morals and time,” she said. “I have not succumbed to the pressure. Like, ‘B—h! I’m not doing a brand deal if it doesn’t feel right. I don’t care how much you’re paying me.’ That’s why I can sleep at night.”
For those working behind the scenes, Amazon’s sprawling, stunning and spendy fantasy series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is marked by a secrecy not unlike the clandestine creation of the titular gold bands in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world.
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“I would come [home] after working for 12 hours and my wife would go, ‘How’s it going?’ And I’d go, ‘The project is going okay,’” recalls composer Bear McCreary of the show’s first season. “My daughter was seven at the time — she would [have gone] to school and said it. The secrecy was crazy.”
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The second season, which premieres on Prime Video on Aug. 29, was a similarly stealthy production. When woodwind and brass players gathered at London’s AIR Studios Lyndhurst (a deconsecrated Victorian church that producer George Martin turned into a top-notch recording facility in 1992) in late April to record part of its score, the TV show’s name was markedly absent from the sheet music.
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“Even though there’s a code name, they know when they see my name and hear these tunes,” admits McCreary, an Elmer Bernstein-trained composer who writes every musical cue for the show (save Howard Shore’s opening theme). “It feels like coming back to school after a summer off and seeing all your friends.”
If Rings of Power were a high school, you’d probably peg McCreary – with his black t-shirt, trim beard and long, dark mane of hair – as a metal kid. And sure enough, just days after that recording session, the 45-year-old unleashed The Singularity, an expansive, hard-rocking concept LP, into the world. But before he fell in love with Queen and Guns N’ Roses, McCreary was a little boy obsessed with film soundtracks, especially those for epic fantasies.
Now, after scoring Battlestar Galactica, The Walking Dead and a number of video games, he’s creating one of his own with The Rings of Power. Only for season two, the stakes are higher — arguably, this is the pivotal season that will cement the fan response to this latest adaptation of Tolkien’s beloved world.
McCreary is easygoing while giving notes to the trumpet section or chatting with visiting cast member Markella Kavenagh (who plays Nori) at the recording space, but when the French horns and oboes kick in, he is battle ready. Considering that season two ups the action quotient, his body language is fitting. Not only does heroine Galadriel battle with archnemesis Sauron (“We’ve been waiting for this fight,” McCreary says), but a mysterious region of Tolkien’s Middle-earth will be shown for the first time.
“I felt an initial shock when I read the script and realized we were going to Rhûn,” he says. “Here is a part of the map that we’ve never seen in an adaptation before.” After “using every trick in the book” to score season one, McCreary sold showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay on an unusual idea: bring in a Bulgarian’s women’s choir to complement the arid desert setting. “They let me run with it, and I have to say, it sounds beautiful — haunting and strange.”
Adds Bob Bowen, worldwide head of music at Amazon MGM Studios: “[Bear’s] use of innovative musical approaches, combined with his deep understanding of Tolkien, provides a unique world-building for this series.”
Though McCreary’s dramatic, nuanced score fills the hexagonal, high-ceilinged AIR Studios with a tense grandeur, he’s aware that most viewers will experience it in an entirely different setting. With that in mind, he sometimes spins the Rings of Power mixes on his cellphone to ensure the most salient melodic elements come through clearly. “I want to make sure the show and score sounds good, even in a terrible listening environment.”
Morfydd Clark in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”
Ben Rothstein/Prime Video
He’s also cognizant of social media responses to his score and was pleased when a few savvy fans figured out that his theme for Halbrand is the theme for the perfidious Sauron played backwards (Spoiler: the two were revealed to be one and the same in the season 1 finale). “I like to encode messages into the score,” says McCreary, who reveals that he’s burying the musical Easter eggs even deeper on season 2. “Now that I know people are digging, I can be even more subtle.”
The most rewarding fan response, however, has been at home. “My daughter has watched the show multiple times. She loved it,” he says, his tone growing as misty as the mountains of Moria. “I felt so proud that I could be part of the stories that bring my daughter into Middle-earth.”
Rory Kinnear and Daniel Weyman in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”
Ross Ferguson/Prime Video
A version of this story will appear in the Aug. 24 issue of Billboard.
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.
Makeup trends come and go, but there are some beauty tools that will always be an essential — and that includes liquid eyeliners. The cat eye dates all the way back to ancient Egypt and can be seen on Cleopatra who outlined her eyes with the tiny flick. Since then, the makeup look has become a staple that is still seen across red carpets and makeup tutorials — meaning the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
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Just like Taylor Swift says, a liquid eyeliner is a must if you plan on crafting a “cat eye sharp enough to kill a man.” Not only that, but the beauty product helps provide the finishing touches to all makeup looks whether you’re looking to do a bold blue eyeshadow look or something casual with all-day hold for the office.
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Besides helping to shape your eyes just how you want them, liquid eyeliner has quickly become a multipurpose tool. In addition to highlighting your eyes, you can also use the makeup tool as a freckle pen to give yourself a more sun kissed appearance.
Before you start practicing your next night out look, you’ll need to make sure you have the best liquid eyeliner that’s not only waterproof, but won’t easily smudge (which is especially important for beginners) and has all-day staying power. ShopBillboard also chatted with celebrity makeup artist Michael Anthony who has put together looks for Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Katy Perry and even Tyla to for tips on how to use the product.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Are the Best Liquid Eyeliners?
Rather than do the research yourself, we scoured the reviews to find the most top-rated and bestselling liquid eyeliners you can shop below.
Target
editor’s pick
Wet n Wild Megalast Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner
Consider this Wet n Wild liquid eyeliner the ultimate tool to have in your makeup arsenal. Not only is it under $10, but reviewers can’t stop raving over how “pigmented” the formula in addition to how easy it is to apply thanks to the thin brush. It’s also waterproof and can last up to 16 hours after application.
Target
smudge-proof pick
Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
$26
$19
$22.99
17% off
$26
Anthony’s favorite liquid eyeliner is Too Face’s Better Than Sex as it features a handy brush tip that he says gives him a sharp line every time. He’s used the liquid eyeliner for live shows “and into the after party” without any smudging occurring. He also notes that using a good sealing agent or setting spray will help further prevent smudging, “but a really good waterproof liner is usually a stand alone type of product that you can rely on.”
Amazon
waterproof pick
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
$22.80
$24
5% off
$24
$24
Stila’s liquid eyeliner is another fave for its long wear formula and precision tip. Application is practically seamless as it glides onto your eyelid with no smudging. Reviewers are also a fan of the product with more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers purchasing it in the past month. And as for how waterproof it is, one Amazon reviewer claimed it “stays put even through crying eyes or humid weather.”
Sephora
beginner pick
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
Selena Gomez has captured beauty lovers with her makeup brand and this liquid eyeliner has become an instant favorite. First time liquid eyeliner users will wan to pick up this formula as reviewers note the rounded handle gives you “more control” when you’re crafting your cat eye. Others also rave over the pigmentation saying it “lasts all night.” It’s also made with a vegan formula and bristles.
Amazon
everyday pick
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner
$8.29
$4.49
$9.29
52% off
$7.48
The last thing you want is for your eyeliner to disappear after a couple of hours, which is where Revlon’s ColorStay Liquid Liner comes in. The formula can last up to 16 hours and comes with a thin felt tip that can go from thin precise lines to bold and thick looks with just a change in hand pressure. Amazon shoppers are labeling it a “holy grail” of an eyeliner saying it’s easy to apply and really does “last all day long.”
How to Use Liquid Eyeliner, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist
Anthony has found that the best way to apply liquid eyeliner is to sketch the shape you’re going for with a brow pencil first. This will provide you with a map that you can easily follow when you go in with the liquid eyeliner. Though if you want to really lengthen the makeup look, then he has a different technique to achieve professional-grade quality.
“If you’re looking to try a longer cat eye liner, try starting with the very end of the eye and stamp the liner against the tail end of the eye on its side instead of trying to draw a line,” he explains. “This will deposit the product and then you can drag it out with a brush or the tip of the pen.”
And, if you’re just starting out, don’t expect perfection right away.
“Something to remember is you’re going to want ‘play time’ meaning a bit of time before the liner sets so that you can adjust the shape and length,” he says.
You’ll also want to look out for liquid eyeliners with an easy applicator like a felt tip of brush end as that will help with precision.
“I think the flow of product is also important,” he notes. “If you’ve ever used a liner pen that gushes ink you’re probable familiar with how tricky that can be, so look for a liner that has controlled product delivery. I avoid liner pens that you need to click to get product out as they tend to get leaky and messy.”
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best setting spray, at-home manicure sets and online makeup courses.