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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?
WIth the election just behind us, you might be looking for distractions to get your mind off of politics when it comes to family time. Here’s some suggestions in entertainment for the week.
Get out the Nintendo Switch to play the latest Mario RPG (role-playing game). My childhood had Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars for Super Nintendo — I admit I used the physical game guidebook to help me out with that one — but now kids have a bunch of Mario RPGs to choose from, and the internet if they get stuck! The newest release is part of the Mario & Luigi series, Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
In music, we’ve got a roundup of all the just-announced Grammy-nominated albums for best children’s music all in one place, making it easy for you to listen together. One of them is a John Legend album that features his family, pictured above, as musical guests.
Plus, in new releases, Christmas songs are trickling in to remind you the season is upon us. Retired NFL player Jason Kelce has a holiday duet out with the iconic Stevie Nicks, and Charlie Puth has a festive new song, too. Weirdly, all three of those names link back to Taylor Swift — Swifties will know the connections.
Speaking of Swift, music journalist and longtime fan Rob Sheffield has a book coming out about her, and how she reinvented pop music, that I’ll be picking up for my family: Heartbreak Is the National Anthem.
Find out more about this week’s top picks in the Billboard Family Hits of the Week:
Play ‘Mario & Luigi: Brothership’
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. Make room on the mantel, Martha Stewart is moving in! The lifestyle guru joins her bestie Snoop Dogg in releasing her […]
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. It’s never too early to start planning your holiday shopping. With the holiday season quickly approaching, finding thoughtful gifts that won’t […]
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.
Jennifer Hudson is ready for the holiday season. The EGOT winner stars in Old Navy’s “Love is In the House” holiday campaign released last month and recently debuted her first-ever holiday album, The Gift of Love.
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The campaign features Hudson’s rendition of “Winter Wonderland,” from her holiday album. Hudson will kick off a four-city tour at The Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, on Nov. 24.
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The tour stops at The Chicago Theatre in Hudson’s hometown on Dec. 13, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on Dec. 18, and wraps at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Dec. 21 and 22.
The Gift of Love album will also be available for purchase at select Old Navy stores on the tour.
Jennifer Hudson x Old Navy Holiday Campaign
Old Navy
Old Navy’s “Love Is In the House” campaign spotlights the holiday style staples — from embellished and metallic denim to puffer coats, fleece zip-ups, festive sweaters and Jingle Jammies. The holiday ad features Hudson hosting a holiday party wearing Old Navy’s High-Rise Rockstar Jeans in Black Shine, Long Sleeve Sweetheart Velvet Top, and black faux-fur jacket — currently 40% off during Old Navy’s limited sale (the sale ends on Nov. 11).
Last week, Billboard caught up with Hudson to chat about Old Navy, her holiday album and all things festive.
What do you love most about the holidays?
What got me most excited about this holiday season is the venture with Old Navy, the holiday album and to do a holiday commercial. My biggest goal is to add to everyone’s holiday traditions, that would be like the ultimate Christmas gift for me. I feel like Old Navy is a part of all of us. For me, growing up and seeing the Old Navy commercials and now having one? That’s insane! That’s the gift.
What took you so long to release a holiday album?
I could never figure out what songs to do! And I also wanted to really dedicate the time to it, and I feel like there was no better time than now. With the Jennifer Hudson Show, I feel like my family has expanded. Why not take my holiday family traditions and share it with the world? That’s why my album is called The Gift of Love. My son named the album. I love music and holiday carols and things like that and I’m like “where do I even begin to narrow the songs down?” I went around with that for a long time, and I finally dwindled it down to [15] songs.
How did you narrow down the songs?
I decided to make it really personal. ‘Oh Holly Night’ is my favorite holiday song, “Hallelujah” is why I wanted to do [the album] to begin with, it’s the heart of the album. My grandma used to love hearing “The Christmas Song,” I grew up listening to that so that had to be on the album. I can relate to all of the songs on the album in a personal way.
What are some of your favorite things to wear during the holiday season?
Old Navy Jingle Jammies! I love stuff like that because we like to be [cuddled] up during the holiday season. It’s just the coziness, I love mushiness, fuzzy socks, or even fancy things like the Faux Fur Zip-Up Jacket that I wore in the Old Navy commercial, which I took home with me. We always do the glamour and the glitz, but what do you wear when you’re snuggled up by the fire, or when you’re at home? That’s the time when we get to relax and rest. It gets cozy. I’m from Chicago where it’s cold out, you want to be in the house and have your hot chocolate and all those things.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
Being with family. Everyone is on one accord, it’s just a beautiful synergy in the air. I’m a big family person, so [the holidays are] a time when we all come together. There’s a song on my album [called] “Make It to Christmas.” Sometimes we spend all year working and the one time we get to be at home and be together is during the holiday season.
Do you like to host holiday parties?
Oh my goodness, yes! If you’re not into the holidays, by the time I get done with you, you will be! Especially having a kid and making sure there are gifts and different festivities for all the kids. We do ice skating, give out gifts, have holiday parties. We do a bunch a different festive things leading up to [Christmas].
How early do you start decorating?
I’m ready for my decorations right now. My tradition normally though is the lights are revealed right after Thanksgiving dinner, but now that I have a holiday album my holiday season officially started on Oct. 18, the day that I released my holiday album. I’ll call that ‘homecoming day,’ which will officially set off the holiday season. I started my Christmas music from that day forward.
Where do you plan to spend the holidays?
Right now I’m in LA, but like my song says, “I will make it home by Christmas.” I’ll make it [home to Chicago] in time for Christmas.
How early do you start decorating?
I’m ready for my decorations right now. My tradition normally though is the lights are revealed right after Thanksgiving dinner, but now that I have a holiday album my holiday season officially started Oct. 18, the day that I released my holiday album. I’ll call that “homecoming day,” which will officially set off the holiday season. I started my Christmas music from that day forward.
Where do you plan to spend the holidays?
Right now I’m in Los Angeles, but like my song says: “I will make it home by Christmas.” I’ll make it [home to Chicago] in time for Christmas.
I love the “spirit tunnel” that guests walk through on your show, where did the idea come from?
I may be the “Princess of Christmas” and the “Princess of Soul,” but I call myself the “Queen of Sprit.” The staff and crew are amazing they came up with that big, bright idea. I don’t know [how] they came up with it, maybe they concocted it knowing I love to celebrate everything and sing about anything. They were like “how about we put this concept together?” and now, when you come to the Jennifer Hudson Show we want you to know that you are loved and celebrated.
By the time you leave you should walk out in better spirits. What better way to hit them with the spirit tunnel then when you walk through the door? [The staff] even sings me down. They make every lyric personal to every guest. They have dance steps, I’m like when is rehearsal? That’s the energy that we have around and the environment I feel like everyone should have no matter where you are. It should be filled with love and celebration, and we should be lifting each other up. That’s why we call it the “happy place.” That’s the environment we’ve created.
Watch Hudson’s Old Navy commercial below.
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Aespa’s Ningning opens up about the connection between music and fashion in a new campaign launching Versace’s holiday 2024 collection.
“I believe fashion and music are interconnected. Through music we can show what’s in our heart and express our style,” Ningning says in the campaign which takes viewers behind the scenes of her photo shoot for Versace’s holiday collection highlighting the newly released Kleio bag.
“I adore the Kleio bag,” she says noting the bag’s “soft leather” and “pillow-like” design. “The texture it’s very interesting.”
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Constructed from Nappa lambskin leather, the quilted bag features a removeable chain strap and Versace’s Medusa ’95 hardware. Versace’s Kleio Mini Bag retails for $1,390 and the Kleio Shoulder Bag is $2,390. Both bags are available in red, white, pink, black and yellow.
Versace
Versace Kleio Quilted Mini Bag
Kleio Quilted Shoulder Bag
“Versace is not just a fashion brand. Its lavish and unique designs provides endless inspirations for many musicians,” Ningning says later in the ad. “I hope to work with Versace more in the future and to create more and better work to share with everyone.”
The 22-year-old K-pop star models multiple pieces from Versace’s holiday collection including the Safety Pin Gathered Top ($1,195), Medusa ’95 Regular Fit Jeans ($950), Opera Bow Patent Mules, Dalmation Wool-Blend Oversized Sweater ($1,590), ‘90s Vintage Stirrup Leggings ($595) and OperaBow Knee High Boots ($1,890) and Protea Shoulder Bag ($1,850).
Ningning, who was named global ambassador for Versace in February, appeared in the fashion house’s spring-summer 2024 campaign but she’s far from the only recording artist to collaborate with the luxury brand. Versace has worked with several artists including Madonna, Dua Lipa, Elton John, Lady Gaga and Zayn Malik.
Watch Ningning’s Versace holiday campaign 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.
A sweetly scented holiday gift that won’t break the bank. Sabrina Carpenter’s bestselling Sweet Tooth Addiction Gift Set is stocked up at Walmart ahead of the holiday season.
The three-piece set includes a 30ml bottle of Carpenter’s debut fragrance, Sweet Tooth, along with a travel spray and lip gloss. Sweet Tooth is described as a coquettish scent that’s “just sweet enough to feel a bit naughty.” The fragrance features yummy scents like candied ginger, sparkling bergamot, chocolate, marshmallow, cashmere wood, Chantilly cream and sugared musk.
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Walmart
Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth Addiction 3PC Set
The “Espresso” singer debuted her first fragrance with Scent Beauty in 2022. “Creating my own fragrance has always been a dream,” Carpenter said at the time. “Everyone knows that I have a serious sweet tooth, which was the inspiration for the scent. I can’t wait to share this fragrance with fans.”
Sweet Tooth is the first of three fragrances released by Carpenter, which includes Caramel Dream and Cherry Baby.
Caramel Dream blends notes of sandalwood, caramelized amber, patchouli, musk, sugared lemon, orange zest, orange blossom, almond milk, freesia, tiger orchid, dark chocolate bean and vanilla.
Cherry Baby is spicy a blend of cherries and chocolate with vanilla orchid, red poppy and peony.
Walmart
Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth Caramel Dream Eau De Parfum for Women
Walmart
Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum Fragrance for Women, 30ml/1oz
All three fragrances are available as gift sets at Walmart. Carpenter’s Scent Beauty perfumes are available at Walmart, Target, Amazon, JC Penny and Urban Outfitters.
The 25-year-old recording star secured partnerships with Redken and Prada Beauty earlier this year.
For more aromatic gift ideas, check out our list of the 12 classic celebrity fragrances Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Britney Spears, Usher and more.
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.
Meta’s most budget friendly mixed-reality headset lives up to the hype. Last month, Meta introduced the Quest 3S headset — a smaller, lighter and more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3 with a few, internal and external upgrades.
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For starters, Meta Quest 3S retails for $299 — $200 cheaper than its predecessor. It’s also lighter and more comfortable than Meta Quest 3, and updated with new features such as dynamic spatial audio and increased resolution for Passthrough (which lets you mix your reality with VR).
Meta Quest 3S allows users to stream movies and more on a cinema-sized, VR screen, plus access games such as Beat Saber, Alo Moves XR, Just Dance VR, Wordle and Metro Awakenings along with streaming apps like Prime Video, Peacock, Netflix, Amazon Music, Twitch, YouTube, Xbox Cloud Gaming (available in BETA).
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Walmart
Meta Quest 3S 128GB — Get Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-Month Trial of Meta Quest+ Included — All-in-One Headset
The holidays are around the corner, and Meta’s latest VR headset is certainly giftworthy. With Meta Quest 3S users can explore Horizon Worlds’ Music Valley where music fans get a front-row seat to VR performances from Sabrina Carpenter, BLACKPINK, Doja Cat and other recording stars.
One of my main gripes with Meta Quest 3? The headset. It’s heavy and uncomfortable, but the Quest 3S offers a slight improvement on the weight issue along with other, notable upgrades such as adjustable Frensel lenses, a spacer for users who wear glasses and a rebuilt Meta Horizon OS interface with added support for social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Quest 3S is incredibly user friendly, especially if you’re already familiar with the Meta portal. Even if you’re unfamiliar, the device will walk you through steps to set things up.
The new 3S features Travel Mode, so you can use it on an airplane (Meta plans to expand it to be used on trains and other modes of travel) and hand tracking, which allows you to use your hands instead of the controllers.
The standard Quest 3S features 128GB of storage, but you can upgrade to the 256GB device for $399.99. Meta Quest 3S is available at major retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy and Meta.com.
Get a complimentary copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and three months of Meta Quest+ with the purchase of an all-new Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S through April 2025.
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.
Calling all boxing and music fans? If you’re looking for a fun way to work out while enjoying your favorite tunes—from Taylor Swift to Sabrina Carpenter, consider adding this music boxing machine to your fitness routine.
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This best-selling music boxing machine offers an array of features including, rhythmic synchronization, nine customizable modes and speeds, built-in counting functions and a clear screen display. With this boxing machine, your favorite music comes directly from the board itself. This boxing board uses beat-synchronized technology to align the light speed with the rhythm of the music. Whether you’re listening to music or streaming content, the technology adjusts to create a private experience—with its Smart Bluetooth it won’t disturb others in the same area. Plus, its compact design saves up space.
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It’s suitable on different wall surfaces, such as, Marble, Basalt, Tile and Boards. Plus, it comes with an adhesive backing, ensuring it stays securely in place without shifting. Featuring a velcro attachment on the back, it lets you effortlessly adjust the height for a customizable fit. One Amazon customer said, “Great for working out, sound quality is perfect, has many different modes, and set up is super easy!”
Amazon
Bewolk Store: Music Boxing Machine
Upgrade your gift and add this music boxing machine to your shopping list. This one of a kind bluetooth-friendly workout equipment is great for everyone, including, professional boxers, bodybuilders, dieters, children, teenagers and more.
This is a great tool to stay active while also enjoying quality family time together. Amazon customers love that they can listen to their own music of choice, allowing them to personalize their experience. This feature adds a level of customization, making it easy to synch their preferred playlists for a unique activity.
For more product recommendations, check out these top 10 musical instruments for kids, top 5 Bluetooth speakers under $100, best gaming headsets and Xbox console deals.
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.
Lainey Wilson, Luis Fonsi, Drew Barrymore and other stars are partnering with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for the 21st anniversary of the Thanks and Giving campaign aimed at fighting childhood cancer.
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Sofia Vergara, John Hamm and Michael Strahan are also featured in the campaign released on Tuesday (Nov. 5). St. Jude’s annual Thanks and Giving campaign encourages shoppers to support St. Jude by purchasing limited-edition products from select retailers such as J. Crew, Kay Jewelers, AutoZone, JOANN, WilliamsSonoma and HomeGoods, or by making donations online and in-store.
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“Music moves my soul and so do the kids at St. Jude. I am honored to have spent time with them and their families and seen firsthand what supporting St. Jude truly means. From learning about the impact of music therapy at St. Jude to seeing artwork by kids throughout the research hospital, I continue to be inspired by St. Jude families,” Wilson said in a statement. “I’m proud to join my country music family to bring much needed awareness to the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, one that is sustained by generosity every day from people of all walks of life.”
“I consider St. Jude part of my family and find every chance I can to get involved with its lifesaving mission to help raise childhood cancer survival rates around the world,” added Fonsi. “My wish this holiday season is that everyone can unite with loved ones and find a way to support St. Jude.”
Williams-Sonoma customers can shop limited-edition holiday spatulas, dinnerware, candles, ornaments, gift cards and more with proceeds going to St. Jude.
Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared and Banter by Piercing Pagoda will donate proceeds from plush puppies and bears to St. Jude and J. Crew Factory customers can purchase co-branded products including T-shirts, socks, ornaments with proceeds going to St. Jude.
Kay Jewelrs
Teddy Bear Jewelry Collection Honoring St. Jude Diamond Accent Heart Necklace Sterling Silver
Additionally, audiences can tune in to NBC’s Today Show daily starting on Monday, Nov. 25. to watch special segments featuring St. Jude patients.
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 2024 presidential race comes to an end on Tuesday (Nov. 5), nearly four months after Vice President Kamala Harris stepped onto the campaign trail against former President Donald Trump.
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This year’s race to the White House featured just one presidential debate, multiple campaign rallies and a myriad of celebrity endorsements from Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and other music stars.
Whether you’re hosting an election watch party, or attending one, you can expect wall-to-wall coverage across cable news, local channels and social media. If you’re planning to watch the election results live, we’ve collected a list of the easiest ways to watch and stream the 2024 presidential election live without cable.
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Election Night: How to Watch Coverage Live Without Cable
Election night is like the Super Bowl for cable news. As such, coverage of the presidential race will broadcast on majors news outlets including MSNBC, CNN, ABC News, CBS, NBC, Fox News, C-SPAN and PBS News.
You can stream cable channels live on DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV.
Want to watch for free? DirecTV and Fubo offer free trials for up to a week. Streaming plans start at $59.99 for Fubo and $87 for DirecTV Stream.
Most channels including NBC News, CNN and CBS News, plans to broadcast election coverage live and stream it across their respective, on-demand platforms (Peacock, Paramount+, Max, etc).
For example, CNN’s coverage will include election editions of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN NewsNight: State of the Race with Abby Phillip and Laura Coates Live airing live on the cable channel and streaming on Max. CNN’s election coverage starts at 5 p.m. ET on Monday.
ABC will air and stream election coverage across ABC, Disney+ and Hulu. Fox News’ election coverage will broadcast on Fox News and stream on Fox New Digital.
NBC’s election coverage will stream live on Peacock where users can access election Multiview featuring three live streams of NBC News coverage and analysis starting at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Coverage ends at approximately 2 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
CBS News will air and stream election night coverage on CBS, Paramount+ and CBS News 24/7. Primetime coverage starts at 7:00 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Election night will be anchored by Norah O’Donnell live from CBS News’ election headquarters in New York City. Margaret Brennan, John Dickerson, Gayle King, Cecilia Vega, Robert Costa and Ed O’Keefe will join O’Donnell.
Coverage will likely be available to stream on Philo as well. Streaming plans start at $28/month. Click here to launch your free trial.
Want to stream the election internationally? Expats, global trotters and anyone else attempting to watch from outside of the U.S. can access streaming platforms, channels and more with ExpressVPN.
How to Watch Election Coverage on Prime Video
Prime Video will also stream live coverage of the 2024 election hosted by Brian Williams. Election Night: Live with Brain Williams starts at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on Prime Video.
Access to Prime Video comes included with your Prime membership. Not a member? Launch your free trial here.
Speaking of tech, if you need a new TV for election night and beyond, there are plenty of affordable options such as the onn. 40-inch Class FHD (1080P) LED Roku Smart TV ($118), or Vizio’s Classic 50-inch 4K UHD TV currently on sale for $298.
Need a drink to get you through election night? Total Wine, Amazon Fresh and Walmart offer delivery and in-store pickup for wine, beer, wine, liquor and non-alcoholic beverages.