lifestyle
Page: 12
Jelly Roll is off the grid — and his phone is somewhere at the bottom of the Cumberland River. In an effort to reduce stress, the country star recently chucked his cell into the water and has no plans to replace it, he revealed on the latest episode of Bunnie XO’s Dumb Blonde podcast.
On the episode posted Monday (Dec. 16), Jelly began by saying, “I can confidently tell people I’m not gonna have a phone all of ’25.”
The “Son of a Sinner” singer then recounted to Bunnie — whom he married in 2016 — a recent drunk night out that ended with him asking his driver to pull over so that he could get out of the car and lob his phone into the Cumberland, which runs through Kentucky and Tennessee — not that it was an on-the-fly decision. “I was determined,” Jelly recalled, laughing. “I talked about this in interviews all year. I was like, if this tour goes the way I want it to, I’m gonna throw my phone off the Shelby Street Bridge.”
Trending on Billboard
Jelly went on to explain why it’s more “healthy” for him to be phoneless, noting that he’ll probably downgrade to a simple flip phone in 2025. “I was getting to a point that I was getting hundreds and hundreds of text messages a day,” he shared. “And I just was overwhelmed. I would just feel like such a bad human for missing them. I was carrying a lot of guilt. This phone was causing me a lot of guilt.”
“I would use my phone as a way to avoid,” the Nashville native added. “I would be missing text messages and know there were so many over there that it was too stressful to go check. So I would avoid that by mindless scrolling or, you know, I had these news alerts on my phone, and then we become big news stories all the time. I started getting caught up in that. It doesn’t make me a better person.”
Jelly is currently on break from his Beautifully Broken Tour, which picks back up in Canada in March following a festival performance at Coors Light Birds Nest in Scottsdale, Ariz. In April, he’ll join Post Malone on a two-month joint North American stadium trek.
While on tour, the musician — who recently performed two tracks at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards — has been open about his weight-loss journey. On Dumb Blonde, Jelly explained why he’s stayed so public about the process, telling Bunnie, “I want to be honest about my struggles with it for people.”
“I think that people that become as big as I became, when they lose the weight, they’re so ashamed that they go and hide and lose the weight,” continued Jelly, who revealed he’s now lost 140 pounds. “I wanted to lose [weight] in front of everybody, I wanted to talk about it. I want to bring people along with me.”
Listen to his episode on Dumb Blonde below.
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.
The Billboard Family Hits of the Week compiles what’s new and worth your family’s time in music, movies, TV, books, games and more. Forget the mind-numbing scrolling and searching “what to watch for family movie night” … again. The best in family entertainment each week is all in one place, in this handy guide. Isn’t it satisfying to cross something off your list?
Leading up to winter break, you might be looking for ideas on how to entertain your kids while they’re out of school. If shiny new gifts and holiday cheer start losing their shine as the days go on, let Billboard Family step in with suggestions for what to check out together in mid-late December.
Need to get out of the house together? On Friday, Dec. 20, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King opens in movie theaters, featuring a superstar mother-daughter duo on the cast list. Among the voices lending their talent to the film is 12-year-old Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughther. Blue Ivy is the real-life daughter of parents Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who reprises her role as Nala in the franchise’s latest theatrical release.
Would you rather stay in? Gather up some holiday treats (maybe you’d like to try baking Taylor Swift‘s chai sugar cookies with cinnamon eggnog icing) and cozy up at the couch for the Inside Out spin-off Dream Productions, a miniseries now streaming on Disney+. At just four 20-minute episodes, it’s about the length of a typical family movie.
We’re always looking for contenders to add to our holiday season playlist, and Lady Gaga‘s new rock cover of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” puts a fun twist on a classic.
Always here with a rec for the Swiftie in your home, I’ll say that if you haven’t watched them yet, this series of behind-the-scenes clips (just uploaded to YouTube on Swift’s birthday) are worth tuning in to with fans of any age. They give a glimpse at the work the singer puts in off the stage and behind the camera, in the less glamorous but just as creative role of director.
Find out more about this week’s top picks in the Billboard Family Hits of the Week:
Stream Pixar’s ‘Dream Productions’ on Disney+
Brian Austin Green is firmly on the side of Megan Fox — to whom he was married from 2010 to 2022 and shares three kids with — when it comes to the actress’ rumored split from MGK this week.
While out and about Thursday (Dec. 12), the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum reacted to the news of his famous ex’s split from the musician when TMZ approached him for comment. “I didn’t even know,” he begins in a clip on the outlet’s website, throwing his head back with a big sigh.
“How old is he? He’s in his 30s, isn’t he?” Green continued after the reporter suggested that something on the “My Ex’s Best Friend” musician’s phone had sparked the breakup. “In your 30s, grow up. She’s pregnant.”
Billboard has reached out to reps for the actress and musician.
The actor’s comments come just days after multiple publications reported that the Jennifer’s Body star and MGK had called it quits just weeks after announcing that they’re expecting their first baby together, with several reporting that the breakup had happened in November. Reps for both parties did not respond when Billboard reached out for comment at the time.
Fox and the rapper-turned-rocker had been in an on-and-off relationship since 2020, getting engaged in 2022, the same year she finalized her divorce from the actor. The following year, the pair called it quits before getting back together later in 2023.
Prior to her relationship with MGK, the Pretty Boys Are Poisonous author welcomed three children — 12-year-old Noah, 10-year-old Bodhi and 8-year-old Journey — with Green. The “Bad Things” singer is also a dad to daughter Casie, whom he shares with ex Emma Cannon.
While speaking to TMZ, Green added, “I just want the best for [Megan], I want the best for the baby, I want the best for our kids.”
“That’s a shame,” he continued. “I’m heartbroken about it. I know she’s been so excited, and the kids are so excited, for life and the change … I don’t know the facts of it, but if that’s the case, that’s a tragic situation.”
During a recent conversation, John Mayer and Shawn Mendes opened up about an experience not many others can relate to: having a high-profile ex write a hit song about you.
On the latest episode of the “Daughters” singer’s How’s Life With John Mayer program on SiriusXM, the two men — who, between the two of them, are believed to have inspired bangers by artists such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter — got real about the “psychological toll,” as Mayer called it, of those songs opening up their personal lives to public scrutiny.
“No one’s gonna understand,” Mayer began, conceding that he and his friend are “handsomely rewarded for the stuff we have to deal with.” “You and I are both talking as people who’ve heard songs that — at least other people are saying — are references to us.”
Trending on Billboard
Agreeing, Mendes shared, “It sucks to feel like … It’s a funny feeling to feel like you’re being written about, and maybe the whole picture’s not being expressed.”
As Mayer pointed out, it’s also not exactly like the two musicians can talk about these issues to a professional who relates to the pressures of celebrity life. “You talk to a therapist and go, ‘You ever seen your ex-girlfriend on a billboard before?’” the “Your Body Is a Wonderland” artist said, laughing. “‘Let me tell you, it’s a weird two weeks.’”
Even so, the Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile star said he wouldn’t let that prevent him from falling in love with another songwriter. “The suffering that is from hearing a song talking about you in a way you don’t want to be talked about is not even close to the beauty of falling in love with someone for the first time,” he told Mayer.
Neither of the artists named names, but both have been in public relationships with very famous women in music. Between 2012 and 2015, Mayer dated the “Teenage Dream” singer — whom he bumped into at a recent Carpenter concert — and before that, he had a relationship with a certain Eras Tour headliner, whose scathing 2010 ballad “Dear John” is widely believed to be about the guitarist.
Speaking of the “Espresso” singer, Mendes is the long-rumored center of a love triangle with his “Señorita” duet partner and Carpenter. Cabello’s “June Gloom” and the Girl Meets World alum’s “Sharpest Tool” and “Taste” detail a love interest who’s still not over his ex, seemingly mirroring how Mendes was spotted with Carpenter several times in 2023 right before rekindling things with Cabello.
Without getting into details, Mendes did appear to touch on the situation with Mayer. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is no one gets out of this life without getting hurt, and no one gets out of this life without hurting someone,” the “Mercy” singer said.
Watch Mayer and Mendes talk about being the inspiration for songs below.
You better believe Nick Cannon knows all about the magic of Christmas. The host of The Voice was, after all, married to the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, for six years. Plus, with a dozen children on his nice list, shopping for holiday gifts is probably a part-time job for the always-hustling radio/TV star. He […]
Taylor Swift is not the kind of girl who should be rudely barging in on a white-veiled occasion, but she’s very much ready to be a part of newly engaged Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco‘s wedding.
The “Anti-Hero” singer was one of the first stars to publicly react to her longtime best friend’s engagement to the producer, news Gomez shared Wednesday night (Dec. 11) via an adorable post on Instagram. “forever starts now,” the Only Murders in the Building star had written, captioning a carousel of photos that began with a close-up of her ring, and included a snap of Blanco kissing her on the cheek.
In the comments, Swift joked, “yes I will be the flower girl.”
Trending on Billboard
Numerous other friends also commented messages of congratulations on the post, including Cardi B, Jennifer Aniston, Lily Collins, Gordon Ramsay, Suki Waterhouse, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Michaels and more. Blanco chimed in as well, writing, “Hey wait… that’s my wife.”
The news comes about a year and a half after Gomez and the “Eastside” musician started dating. The former first confirmed their relationship in December 2023, telling fans on Instagram, “He is my absolute everything in my heart.”
As the “Lose You to Love Me” artist’s friend of 15 years, Swift has been there for Gomez through it all. The two women first sparked a friendship around 2009, when both were dating Jonas brothers — Joe and Nick, respectively — and have stayed close ever since. The Wizards of Waverly Place alum attended multiple Eras Tour shows between its March 2023 kickoff and Dec. 8 finale in Vancouver, B.C., and both stars are quick to praise one another when given the chance.
“The most influential artist, for me, it is kind of Taylor,” Gomez said on SiriusXM in 2022. “Not because she’s my friend, but she has been an artist that can transition into so many different genres and she is able to do it seamlessly, and I admire that so much. And that’s so rare. I love her process, and I just admire all the work that she’s done. She’s definitely inspired me.”
That same year, Swift supported her bestie after the premiere of Gomez’s documentary, My Mind & Me. “So proud of you @selenagomez,” the “Karma” artist wrote on Instagram Stories at the time. “Love you forever.”
Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox have broken up again, according to TMZ and Us Weekly. The news comes just over a month after the pair shared that the Jennifer’s Body actress is expecting her first baby with the musician. Both publications reported that the pair broke up in late November. Trending on Billboard Billboard […]
On Fortnite Festival‘s first anniversary, the popular music-focused game is sharing stats from its first 12 months of play and unveiling an “all-access weekend” for users to celebrate the milestone. According to a blog post published Tuesday (Dec. 10), Fortnite Festival players smashed more than one trillion Gems on tracks from 236 artists and played […]
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.
If you’re looking to watch live sports online, then a great streaming service option that offers just about all of the major sports networks is DIRECTV — it’s your one-stop destination for live sports. And right now, you can save up to $625 in value.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Ends 1/6/2025. Must select offers. Requires CHOICE package or higher. To access up to $625 in value, customer must redeem all offers: i) $240 via $10 bill credit each mo. for 24 mos.; ii) 3 months of Movies Extra Pack (MEP) and Lifetime Movie Club (LMC) On Us PLUS $200 Visa Reward Card with subscriptions to MEP and LMC ($100 Visa Reward Card with subscription to MEP only); Redemption req’d.; iii) 3 mos. of Premium Channels on us. MEP, LMC and premium channels are included for first 3 months and auto-renew monthly thereafter at then-prevailing rates unless canceled (currently $4.99/mo. each for MEP and LMC, $16.99/mo. for Max, $12.99/mo. for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, $10.99/mo. each for STARZ and Cinemax, and $6.99/mo. for MGM+). New residential customers w/ 24-mo. agmt. Select sales channels only. See details below.
Depending on the package, you can have access to more than 35 networks that carry live sports, including NBC, ABC, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox Sports, Fox Sports 2, Sportsman Channel, Surfer TV, Tennis Channel, T2, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, FanDuel TV, Pickleball TV, Players TV, Fight Network, Fuel TV, MotorTrend, NBA TV, NHL Network, Origin Sports, Pursuit Channel, SportsGrid, TNA, TUDN, MLB Network, TBS, TNT, USA Network and more*
Trending on Billboard
DIRECTV also carries over 30 regional sports networks (RSNs), so you can catch your home team action.
Regional Sports Networks included in CHOICE Package or higher. Avail. of RSNs varies by zip code and pkg.
Think of DIRECTV as your one-stop destination for live TV, on-demand movies, TV shows, and access to popular streaming apps like Max, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. It’s a versatile and convenient content aggregator that enhances its range of live sports and more, contingent on the subscription package selected. DIRECTV offers a comprehensive entertainment experience, tailored to meet all your needs.
Internet-connected Gemini device and additional paid subscriptions req’d for 3rd party apps.
How to Watch Live Sports with DIRECTV via Internet
DIRECTV via Internet packages gets you access to live TV, local* and cable channels.
You can watch local networks such as PBS*, while you can also watch many cable networks, including Lifetime, FX, AMC, A&E, Bravo, BET, Paramount Network, Cartoon Network, Fuse, CNN, Food Network, CNBC and many others.
In addition, DIRECTV offers music-centric networks, such as MTV, VH1, BET, Fuse, CMT and much more. Now you can get the best in entertainment, sports and music all in one place with DIRECTV.
All sorts of live sports are available to live stream with DIRECTV.
New approved residential customers, price incl. TV pkg & equip. fees for first TV. Add’l fees may apply to nonqualified customers. Equipment lease req’d. Early agmt termination fee applies ($20/mo.) & add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply.
*Some local channels not available in select markets.
DIRECTV via INTERNET: Service subject to DIRECTV delivered via internet terms and conditions (seedirectv.com/legal/legal-policy-center/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. Early termination fees apply for a maximum of $480, prorated at $20 per month over the 24-month term. If you cancel your service within the first 14 days of ordering, a full refund of charges will be applied, and the early termination fees will be waived. If service is canceled after 14 days, you can continue to access DIRECTV through the end of the bill period, but there is no refund or credit for partial-month or unwatched content.
$240 IN BILL CREDITS OFFER: Receive $10/mo. credit for 24 mos. with CHOICE pkg or higher. 24-mo. agmt. req’d. Customer must activate service and account must remain in good standing to receive all credits. You will lose this offer and/or any portion of this offer if you cancel your service. LIMIT ONE $240 BILL CREDIT OFFER PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. May not be combined with certain offers.
MOVIES EXTRA PACK and LIFETIME MOVIE CLUB 3 MONTHS ON US OFFER: Ends 1/6/25. With min. ENTERTAINMENT package or higher. Customer must select Movies Extra Pack and Lifetime Movie Club (currently $4.99/mo. + tax each) and maintain subscriptions for 3 months to receive all credits. Account must remain in good standing. Movies Extra Pack and Lifetime Movies Club auto-renew monthly unless you change or cancel. Cancel anytime online at directv.com or by calling 800.535.5000. However, once you’ve canceled, you can access Movies Extra Pack/Lifetime Movies Club through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. If you cancel your service, you will no longer be eligible for this offer. Returning customers who disconnected service within previous 12 months are not eligible for offer. LIMIT ONE OFFER PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. May be combined with other promotional offers on same services. Offer may be changed or discontinued at any time. LIMIT ONE MOVIES EXTRA PACK AND LIFETIME MOVIE CLUB OFFER PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT.
PREMIUM CHANNELS ON US FOR 3 MOS. Offer: Max: Access Max through Max app or max.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see max.com/terms-of-use for details. To learn more, visit directv.com/max. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: Access Paramount+ with SHOWTIME streaming plan through Paramount+ app or paramountplus.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of Paramount+ is subject to its own terms and conditions, see viacomcbs.legal/us/en/pplus/sub-terms for details. Access to Paramount+ requires a subscription to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and access to your local CBS affiliate. To learn more, visit directv.com/paramountplussho. General Terms: Programming and content subj. to change. Offer requires account to stay in good standing. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to Max and Paramount+. Cancel your premium channels online at directv.com or by phone at 800-531-5000. If you cancel your service, you will no longer be eligible for this offer. Limits: Access to one Max account and one Paramount+ account per DIRECTV account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. MAX and related elements are property of Home Box Office, Inc.
VISA REWARD CARD OFFER: Must maintain service through reward fulfillment to remain eligible for offer. To qualify for $200 VISA Reward Card, customer must sign up for ENTERTAINMENT package or higher, Movies Extra Pack and Lifetime Movie Club and maintain all three services for 3 mos. (Customers selecting only ENTERTAINMENT Package or higher and Movies Extra Pack only qualify for $100 VISA Reward Card). Must select offer at point of sale through the dedicated website, for new residential customers in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Residents of select multi-dwelling units are not eligible for this offer. Redemption: Within 6 weeks of activation of qualified service, eligible customers will be sent a Reward Notification email with instructions for claiming the reward on the DIRECTV Reward Center www.directv-rewardcenter.com. Reward must be claimed by the date noted in the email (75 days from the date email was sent). If customer’s email returns as undeliverable, a letter will be mailed via USPS 3rd class mail. Reward invitation expires if not claimed by the date noted in Reward Notification. Customers can track their reward status anytime via the DIRECTV Reward Tracker, which is located on the DIRECTV Reward Center www.directv-rewardcenter.com. Allow three (3) weeks after receipt and verification of customer’s claim for delivery card. DIRECTV is not responsible for late, lost or misdirected card in mail. Not valid for purchase by groups, clubs, businesses or organizations. Void where prohibited, licensed, taxed or restricted. May not be combined with other reward card offers on same services. Card expires at month-end 6 months after issuance. For Cardholder Agreement, go to directvrewardcenter.com. The DIRECTV Visa Reward Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the United States, the District of Columbia, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. No cash access. The Bancorp Bank N.A.; Member FDIC. The Bancorp Bank N.A. does not endorse or sponsor and is not affiliated in any way with any product or service offered by DIRECTV. LIMIT ONE VISA REWARD CARD OFFER PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT.
All offers may be changed or discontinued at any time.
Requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. DIRECTV App: Req’s compatible device and data connection; data charges may apply. Pricing: ENTERTAINMENT $89.99/mo., CHOICE $122.98/mo., ULTIMATE $152.98/mo., PREMIER $197.98/mo. for 2 years. After 2 years, continues month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless cancelled. Prices reflect base package prices plus the req’d. $15/mo. Advanced Receiver Service Fee and Regional Sports Fee (RSF) of up to $17.99/mo. RSF applies to CHOICE Pkg. or higher and varies based on location. May be lower in some areas. $7/mo. lease fee per each additional device will be charged on your account. State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information.
Equipment Non-Return Fees: If service is cancelled you must return the included and leased device to avoid a non-return fee of $120 per device. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. In select markets certain local channels are not available, call 800-535-5000 or visit directv.com/channel-lineup/ for more info. Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions.
DIRECTV Svc Terms: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreement. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DIRECTV TECH PROTECT and transactional fees are not included in two-year price guarantee. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details.
All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com for details.
Google, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC, Google login required.
©2024 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Taylor Swift loves Travis Kelce, but it’s definitely not ruining her life — especially as the Kansas City Chiefs tight end supports her on projects such as the “Fortnight” music video, according to cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto.
In an interview with People published Wednesday (Dec. 4), the filmmaker — who worked on the pop star’s gothic The Tortured Poets Department visual — opened up about how Kelce was on hand to be with his superstar girlfriend during filming. “Travis is a lovely man,” Prieto said. “They both are.”
“I would say that it seems like their parents educated them well,” he continued of the couple, who have been dating since mid-2023. “They are not just polite, but actually interested in what others have to say. I think she felt very supported by his presence, and probably also proud to show him what she does, and the kind of leader she is.”
Trending on Billboard
Swift herself previously touched on having the New Heights podcaster on set with her during the making of the “Fortnight” visual, which is nominated for best music video at the 2025 Grammys. While accepting the coveted video of the year award alongside duet partner Post Malone at the 2024 VMAs in September, she told fans, “This video seems very sad when you watch it, but it was actually the most fun video to make.”
“I would always just hear someone cheering, like, ‘Whoo!’ from across the studio — that one person was my boyfriend, Travis,” she continued at the time. “Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic, so I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot.”
Also featuring cameos from Dead Poets Society‘s Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles, the “Fortnight” video marked just the latest self-directed project from Swift, who has previously masterminded her visuals for “Anti-Hero,” “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” and more. While speaking to People, Prieto shed some insight on the Eras Tour headliner’s creative process.
“I find it amazing that she has such a vivid imagination for music, lyrics, and images,” he told the outlet. “She is a storyteller at heart, and she uses all the mediums at her disposal to express herself.”
“One thing I have loved of being on set with her is that when we are discussing a camera angle or a moment of the story of the video, is that she will softly sing to herself the lyrics of the moment in question,” he continued. “She connects each lyric to an image. It’s never about just filming random stuff to figure out in the edit. She creates a script where the images have a meaning that is intrinsically related to a moment in the song.”