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A new season of Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta premieres on MTV Tuesday (July 23). Season 12 of the MTV docuseries will feature returning cast members and a few new faces inclduing rappers Lil’ Zane and Ralo.
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Returning cast members Amy Luciani, Bambi, Erica Banks, Erica Dixon, Jessica White, Karlie Redd, Kendra Robinson, Young Joc, Khaotic, Kirk Frost, Mendeecees, Momma Dee, Rasheeda, Renni Rucci, Scrappy, Shekinah Jo, Sierra Gates, Spice, Yandy, and Zellswag.
Keep reading for ways to stream
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How to Watch Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta
Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta Season 12 premieres on Tuesday, July 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.
If you don’t have cable, you can watch LHHATL and other MTV shows on platforms such as DIRECTV Stream, Philo, Fubo and Sling TV.
DIRECTV Stream and Philo offer free trials for up to a week, which means you can subscribe to either streamer without paying anything upfront.
Join DIRECTV Stream for instant access to more than 90 live channels. Streaming plans includes network television channels such as NBC, CBS, Fox and ABC, along with MTV, BET, VH1, TLC, Bravo, WEtv, HGTV, Fx, ESPN, Trvl, TV One, Tru TV, ID, TNT, TV Land, USA and other cable channels.
Philo offers 70+ cable channels including MTV, BET, VH1, Lifetime, WEtv, ID, Trvl Channel, OWN, AMC, Comedy Central for $28/month after a 7-day free trial.
Does LHHATL stream on Paramount+? Unfortunately, new episodes aren’t available on the platfrom, but you can stream older seasons. New and old episodes of LHHATL are also available for purchase on Prime Video.
For those who want to watch internationally, MTV and other channels are available to stream with a VPN such as ExpressVPN.
In the new season of LHHATL, the cast will maneuver personal drama and attempt to work together on a collaborative album.
Watch the trailer below.
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Planning your next trip just got slightly less expensive, thanks to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
The annual sale is offering discounts on footwear, fashion, accessories and travel gear such as duffle bags, tote bags, suitcases and other luggage to take on your next summer getaway.
If you missed the Béis warehouse sale earlier in the year, Nordstrom is giving you another shot at scoring a deal on bestsellers like the Commuter Duffle Bag.
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The Commuter Duffle retails for $138, but you can snag it for 25% off during the Anniversary Sale.
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TRENDING DEAL
Beis Commuter Duffle Bag Atlas Pink
$102.99
$138
25% off
Available in atlas pink and black, the viral duffle bag has a roomy interior (11 1/2 inches x 21 inches x 8 1/2 inches), adjustable straps, interior wall pockets, zip pockets, a mesh pocket and metal feet.
Based on the reviews, shoppers like the Commuter Duffle because it’s versatile (and cute). It’s packed with pockets to hold travel-sized toiletries, beauty product minis and other necessities that you might need on the go such as your ID, passport, headphones and disinfectant wipes.
Shopping for a bag under $100? Béis’ North to South Recycled Polyester Tote is on sale for $72.99 (reg. $99) at Nordstrom.
This year’s Anniversary Sale has over 50 new additions to the sale list including Dr. Martens, JW PEI, Lizzie Fortunato, Osprey, SALT & STONE, and Varley.
In the beauty aisle, shoppers will find deals on Bobbi Brown, Charlotte Tilbury, La Mer, MAC Cosmetics, Lancôme, Sisley Paris, Armani Beauty, Augustinus Bader, Trish McEvoy, Westman Atelier, Yves Saint Laurent, Clinique, Supergoop!, Jack Black, Living Proof, Olaplex, OSEA and more.
Free People, Lafayette 148, St. John, Theory, Veronica Beard, Vince, AllSaints, Madewell, Kut from the Kloth, Levi’s, MOTHER, PAIGE, Pistola, Hunter, rag & bone and Topshop are some of the fashion brands featured in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Other beloved brands on sale include Coach, Kate Spade, ASICS, New Balance, Cole Haan, Dolce Vita, Hunter, New Balance, rag & bone, Sam Edelman, SOREL, Steve Madden, Stuart Weitzman and Vince Camuto.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends on Aug. 4.
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.
Countdown to KCON! The annual K-pop music festival returns to Los Angeles this weekend with appearances from Enhypen, Bibi, NCT 127 and other K-pop artists.
KCON LA 2024 will take place at Crypto Arena, L.A. Convention Center and Gilbert Lindsay Plaza from July 26-28.
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Keep reading for details on the lineup, how to get last-minute tickets and how to watch live from home.
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KCON 2024 Lineup
The lineup for KCON 2024 includes Alexas, A.CE., Apoki, Bibi, Boynextdoor, Craxy, Drippin, Dxmon, Enhyphen, god, Hyolyn, INI, Isaac Hong, Jeon Somi, Jo Yuri, Kep1er, Katseye, Kim Soo Hyun, Me:I, NCT 127, NMIXX, P1Harmony, Park Min Young, Pow, Stayc, Taemin, TWS, Tiger JK, Zerobaseone and Zico.
Hyun, Somi and Rowoon will host KCON 2024.
How to Get Tickets to KCON LA 2024
KCON tickets are available as three-day and single-day passes. Prices range from $420 to $870 (not including taxes and fees) via KCONUSA.com.
The most expensive ticket package is the 3-Day Premium pass for $870, plus $155 in fees. The 3-Day Plus package is $700 (+$144 in fees), a 1-Day Plus pass is $260 (+50 in fees), a 1-Day pass is $95 (+$29.02 in fees) and a M&G Premium ticket is $120 (+$8.75 in fees) on the KCON website, although prices may vary depending on the ticket outlet.
K-pop fans can also find tickets to KCON 2024 at Stubhub, Seat Geek and Vivid Seats.
KCON LA 2024
All tickets offer access to the KCON stage, M&G stage and festival grounds.
How to Stream KCON LA Live Online
Can’t make it to KCON? The CW will broadcast live coverage of the M Countdown concert at KCON LA on Sunday (July 28) at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
I-Land 2, Jeon Somi, NCT 127, Stayc, Zerobaseone and Zico are among the lineup for Sunday with Hyun as the host. Somi hosts on Saturday and Rowoon hosts on Friday.
The CW is available on streaming platforms such as DIRECTV Stream, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV. You can stream the channel for free on either of the three platforms — they all offer free trials and dozens of other live channels.
DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV lets you stream 90+ channels along with a free trial for the first five days. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV offer free trials and a similar number of channels for around the same price.
K-pop lovers can stream the CW on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, LG TV, Android TV, VIZIO Smart TV, iOS and Android.
Streaming from outside of the U.S.? Get instant access to multiple streaming platforms and TV channels by subscribing to VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
It’s Selena Gomez‘s birthday, but Benny Blanco would probably argue that he’s the one getting a gift.
On Instagram Monday (July 22), the producer celebrated his superstar girlfriend’s 32nd trip around the sun with an adorable post recalling one of the first times they worked together. In 2019, he dressed up as a life-size white teddy bear in their “I Can’t Get Enough” music video with Tainy and J Balvin. Five years later, he’s dating the Only Murders in the Building star, and Blanco appears to have given Gomez an actual white teddy bear as a birthday present that doubles as a callback to the origins of their relationship.
“i used to play a teddy bear in ur music video and now i get to b urs in real life…,” he wrote, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of Gomez hugging him in his bear costume, as well as a current snap of her happily snuggling with her plushie.
Blanco added, “happy bday bb ! i love u !”
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The two-time Grammy nominee commented on the romantic post, “I love you [teddy bear emoji]”
The Rare Beauty founder’s big day comes about a year into her relationship with Blanco, whom she started dating last summer. In recent weeks, the couple has been active together on TikTok, with Gomez enlisting the hitmaker earlier this month in filming an adorable put-a-finger-down challenge that revealed which of them said “I love you” first. (Spoiler: It was her.)
A few days later, Blanco convinced the “Single Soon” artist to try a wacky sandwich combination — pickles and cheese in between two slices of watermelon — that she definitely wasn’t a fan of.
In addition to finding love, Gomez has also had quite the triumphant year. Days before turning 32, for instance, she earned her first-ever Emmy nod in an acting category for her role as Mabel on Only Murders in the Building. Shortly before that, she and her Emilia Pérez costars — Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón and Adriana Paz — collectively won best actress at the Cannes Film Festival.
“I’m honored and and insanely grateful for this,” she wrote on Instagram Stories earlier this week of the Emmy recognition.
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TOMORROW X TOGETHER recorded the anthem for Samsung’s latest Galaxy series. “Open Always Wins,” released on Wednesday (July 17), features lyrics penned by TXT members SOOBIN, YEONJUN, TAEHYUN and HUENINGKAI.
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“We’re excited to collaborate on this meaningful project with Samsung. We’ve infused our single with a sincere message of encouragement, rooting for everyone to bravely face challenges without being disheartened by failure,” the K-pop group said in a statement. “We believe those who overcome and progress through obstacles are the true champions.”
The song was first teased during Galaxy Unpacked in Paris on July 10. Samsung announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, the Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at Galaxy Unpacked.
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The Fold 6 and Flip 6 feature Samsung’s Galaxy AI capabilities. The phones will be released July 24 and are available for pre-order now.
Galaxy Z Flip 6, 512 GB
$549.99
$1,219.99
55% off
Galaxy Fold6, 512 GB
$699.99
$2019.99
65% off
“Open Always Wins” is also part of Samsung’s partnership with the Olympics. The music video follows the group as they prepare for a live concert and includes clips from Team Samsung Galaxy athletes. The track is available to stream on YouTube Music, Spotify, Melon, Genie, Bugs, Flo and Vibe.
“We are proud to have collaborated with our Galaxy Ambassadors, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, to create a brand anthem that encapsulates the spirit of openness authentically,” said Jamie Park, VP & head of the Experience Marketing Group, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We hope it inspires listeners to embrace openness in their own lives, and the experiences and opportunities that come with it.”
Watch the music video for “Open Always Wins” below.
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Noah Kahan has every reason to celebrate. The Grammy-nominated singer brought his We’ll All Be Here Together Tour to Madison Square Garden earlier in the week and fans had a chance to win free tickets to the show.
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The “Everywhere, Everything” singer performed two sold-out shows at the legendary venue, which is walking distance from the Hard Rock Hotel New York. The hotel gave fans the opportunity to score free tickets to Kahan’s Madison Square Garden concert through its loyalty program launched earlier this year.
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Kahan co-stars in the Hard Rock’s “Come Together” campaign along with John Legend, Shakira and Lionel Messi. The 27-year-old recording star re-created The Beatles’ classic “Come Together” for the campaign, which features him relaxing on the beach at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico.
“I’m so honored to be part of this Hard Rock effort and to have the opportunity to record my take on one of the greatest songs ever,” Kahan said in a statement announcing the partnership. “I can’t wait for fans to hear it in the campaign. Filming at their beautiful Riviera Maya resort’s beach was drop dead gorgeous and a total blast, and everyone on site made our time so enjoyable.”
The Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program gives members access to special concert experiences, and complimentary resort and hotel stays, spa days and other exclusive perks. Loyalty members can earn and redeem Unity Points to put toward free nights at participating hotels, plus secure exclusive discounts, unforgettable dining experiences, and access to special merch at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Rock Shop (online and in stores).
Unity by Hard Rock gives fans a taste of the VIP treatment with free tickets to select concerts such as Kahan’s first-ever MSG show and an intimate concert with John Legend at Hard Rock Café in London this fall.
Hard Rock Hotel New York, located in the heart of Times Square, pays homage to the Big Apple’s music scene with one-of-a-kind memorabilia featured throughout the hotel, fine dining and live music to enjoy at Sessions Restaurant & Bar, cocktails at RT60 Rooftop Bar & Grill, sprawling views with floor to ceiling windows and more.
During Monday’s (July 15) show, Kahan gave a shout-out to his mother and brother who were seated in the audience. “This is probably the biggest night of my life,” he told the cheering crowd. “Thank y’all for coming out.”
After Tuesday’s show, Kahan took to Instagram to share his gratitude. “Madison Square Garden thanks for letting us make it snow in New York,” he wrote. “It’s an honor to be a notch on the belt of this legendary venue.”
On Friday, Kahan will perform the last of two sold-out shows at Boston’s Fenway Park. Fans can purchase tickets here to livestream the concert for $14.99. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Kahan’s mental health initiative, The Busyhead Project.
Kahan performs at the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival and Hinterland Music Festival in August. Get tickets here.
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It’s not always easy to embrace change, but it doesn’t take much work to spruce up your space. Whether you’re shopping for seasonal essentials such as fans and portable air conditioners, stocking up on dorm room necessities like comforters and mini fridges, preparing for your first apartment or adding to what you already have, summer is a good time to shop for trendy items without blowing your budget.
Because switching things up doesn’t have to mean a major overhaul, we’re here to help you start small, and channel the summer vibes with the cutest décor and hottest kitchenware items from Walmart that’ll have you hitting high notes and singing with joy. The summer has been stacked with hit singles from many music stars, and if you’ll be spending time at home this summer, why not make it nice?
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From the kitchen counter to your living room, keep reading for a head-turning collection of décor fixtures and small appliances to shop right now.
Home Décor Hit List: Walmart Finds for Summer
Walmart
Better Homes & Garden Mira Swivel Chair
Nothing says “coastal décor” like linen. The Mira Swivel Chair is the perfect shape for curling up and reading a book or relaxing in the sun while jamming away to your favorite music playlist. The chair has a 360-degree swivel base and it’s available in linen, olive and off-white.
Walmart
Mainstays 100% Cotton Canvas Reverse to Yarn Dye Embroidered Ambreta Flower Pillow, 18″
Don’t wait for someone to get you flowers — buy them yourself! This adorable throw pillow adds a pop of floral to your décor. Plus, flowers make people happy, so if you’re looking for a mood booster, Mainstay’s floral throw pillow qualifies as retail therapy — and it’ll last longer than fresh flowers. The pillow features an embroidered design of an ambrette, a flower native to South Asia, Australia and Latin America.
Walmart
Teamson Home 61.81″ Tripod Floor Lamp + Drum Shade, Natural/White
Ready for the spotlight? For snapping selfies or adding a nice glow to the room, this tripod lamp is a light source and conversation piece in one. Teamson’s Home Romanza’s 61.81″ Tripod Floor Lamp features a faux natural wood finish, solid metal legs and a white drum shade that diffuses light. The lamp is available in black, gold, matte gold, gray and white.
Walmart
Ninja CREAMi, Ice Cream Maker, 5 One-Touch Programs, (2) 16oz. Pints with Storage Lids, NC300
$149.99
$199
25% off
The kitchen might be one of the most important rooms in the house, and an ice cream maker will make it even sweeter. Bring the ice cream shop home with the Ninja 5-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, which features five settings and makes delicious ice cream, milkshakes, sorbet and other sweet treats. Another nugget to include on your summer shop list: Frigidaire’s Gallery Touch Screen Ice Maker. The touchscreen, table-top ice machine makes crunchy nuggets of ice in 10-15 minutes.
Walmart
Beautiful 2-in-1 Panini Press & Grill, White Icing by Drew Barrymore
Back to the kitchen! Making your own lunch can help you save money, and paninis are a classic summer sandwich that you can quickly whip up no matter the weather. This Panini Press from Beautiful by Drew heats up to 450-degrees thanks to its powerful 1200-watt heating system. It’s available five colors: Black Sesame, Sage Green, White Icing, Porcinini Taupe and Cornflower Blue.
Walmart
Kalrin Bartender Kit, 25-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set Stainless Steel Bar Tools with Acrylic Stand, Full Bartender Accessories
$29.99
$69.99
57% off
If you’re not quite interested in a cocktail machine, take the old-fashioned route and mix your drinks manually. This cocktail kit has everything you need to mix up your next concoction, and it’ll fit perfectly with this two-tier bar cart. The kit includes wine pourers, bend straws, an ice strainer, ice tong, brush, muddler, two wine stoppers, a mesh strainer, corkscrew, corks, bar spoon, four fruit needles, a cocktail brochure and acrylic stand.
Pour yourself a single (double, or triple) shot of your favorite whiskey, vodka, or gin. And don’t forget to tip the bartender!
Walmart
Beautiful Slim Espresso Maker with 20-Bar Pressure, Lavender by Drew Barrymore
Single or double shot? Get your espresso fix at home with the Beautiful by Drew Slim Espresso Maker that features a 2-in-1 steam wand and a durable 52mm diecast portafilter. For iced or hot coffees, espresso is on the map and the music charts for summer.
Walmart
BEAUTYPEAK Arched Full Body Standing Mirror
$46.99
$169
72% off
There’s no feeling like seeing your outfit in the mirror and absolutely loving it! This gorgeous mirror is a great for the indecisive fashionista who needs a wardrobe run-through before settling on an outfit. This full-body mirror is a top-rated Walmart find that can stand on the floor or hang on the wall.
Walmart
Koifuxii Record Player Stand with Vinyl Storage, LED Lights
$99.99
$131
24% off
Here’s a furniture piece that’s large enough for vinyl records, speakers and maybe even music magazines (yes, it’s large enough to fit copies of Billboard magazines). The record player stand features LED lighting and measures 32.5” x 14.2” x 27.2.”
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Dyson is taking another shot at headphones, and they just might rival that of Apple, Bose and Sony. Dyson OnTrac headphones, announced on Thursday (July 18), feature up to 55-hours of battery power, high-fidelity sound and customizable ear cushions and outer caps.
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The newest edition to Dyson’s growing lineup of luxury headphones is equipped with two, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries centered in the headband to even the distribution of weight. The battery takes up to three hours to fully charge and lasts up to two weeks, even with ANC enabled (you can switch the ANC setting on and off by tapping on either ear cap, or on the top of the headband).
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OnTrac headphones will retail for $499.99 at Dyson.com – much cheaper than the Dyson Zone headphones. No air filter needed this time around, OnTrac offers a more traditional design with a custom Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) algorithm that utilizes eight microphones and cancels up to 40dB of unwanted noise along with 40mm drivers with “advanced audio signal processing,” and a speaker tilted at 13-degrees to “ensure that every note or word is delivered with precision,” according to Dyson.
Dyson On Trac Headphones
Courtesy Photo
OnTrac headphones come in four colorways: CNC Aluminum, CNC Copper, Ceramic Cinnabar and CNC Black Nickel. The removable caps retail for $49.99 and come in several colors such as chrome yellow, prussian blue, ultra blue, ceramic cinnabar, CNC copper, coarse titanium, dark iron, oyster pink and ceramic blue.
“Dyson’s audio engineering mission is to preserve the integrity of the artist’s sound wave, free from interference,” Jake Dyson, the brand’s chief engineer, said in a statement. “We also wanted to create a set of headphones that people would cherish, be excited by, and be proud of. With over 30 years of experience in aeroacoustics, we’ve mastered sound physics. By reducing noise through in-house anechoic chambers and expert engineers, we’ve applied and further expanded our audio knowledge to develop the Dyson OnTrac headphones. Our first over-ear audio only headphones deliver best-in-class ANC, exceptional sound quality, and all-day comfort through unique materials, design and customization.”
I had the chance to test the OnTrac headphones during a press preview in London and one of the most appealing features are the customizable ear cuffs, and the one-touch ANC feature. The headphones are incredibly comfortable — the cuffs are made from “ultra-soft microfiber and high-grade foam” per Dyson — and easy to use.
With over 2,000 customizable color combinations, you can mix and match the OnTrac design to your liking. The outer caps and ear cushions are made from “ultra-soft microfiber” with “high-grade foam for superior comfort and acoustic seal,” per Dyson. Another feature that caught my interest was the multi- pivot gimbal arm design. I also like the idea of the battery being in the headband, which ensures balanced weight distribution, says Dyson.
OnTrac delivers from a sound perspective and comfort level, and even though I haven’t had a chance to test out the 55 hour battery (yet), it was easily one of the headphone’s most appealing features. For comparison, the battery on Apple’s AirPods Max lasts up to 20 hours, Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphones offer 24 hours of battery life and Sony’s WH-100XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones lasts up to 30 hours.
OnTrac headphones are the latest on a list of new releases from Dyson, which includes the Dyson Nural Supersonic Hair Dryer and Dyson Vis Nav Robot Vacuum.
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.
Selena Gomez is loving Rare Beauty’s True to Myself TintedPressed Finishing Powder, hitting shelves on Thursday (July 18).
“This powder brings out the best in my skin, and it’s so lightweight I forget I’m wearing it,” Gomez said in a statement on Thursday.
True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder ($30) works to reduce shine and remove excess oil from the face, adding buildable coverage to your look. The powder is designed to instantly smooth and blur serving up a natural finish without caking, chalkiness or settling into fine lines.
Gomez took to Instagram on Thursday with an excited post announcing the new release. “IT’S HEREEEEEEEE,” she captioned a video showcasing the pressed powder. “True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder is available NOW @sephora, Sephora @kohls, @spacenk, and RareBeauty.com. If you’re looking for a powder that blurs, smooths, and sets makeup without caking then we got youuuuu!”
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Available in 14 shades (from porcelain to espresso), Rare Beauty’s True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder can be used to set or refresh your makeup, especially if you’re going for the “no makeup” makeup look or another summer-friendly beauty routine that doesn’t pack on the product and will hold up in the heat. You can apply the pressed powder to set foundation, tinted moisturizers and concealers such as Positive Light Under Eye Brightener. It can also be used on bare skin.
The Only Murders in the Building star teased the new release on Instagram last week writing in part, “I’ve been using pressing powder on set photoshoots, pretty much anywhere (lol) for years but I really wanted to make one that DOES IT ALL, yet still felt like nothing on your skin. I’m so proud of what my team and I have been able to create.”
True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder and the Soft Touch Powder Puff are available at Sephora, Sephora at Kohl’s and the Rare Beauty website.
Shop below.
Sephora
Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Talc-Free Finishing Powder
Sephora
Rare Beauty Soft Touch Setting Powder and Baking Puff Duo
The 2024 Kennedy Center Honors will feature a mix of the psychedelic and the soulful with a touch of jazz. The John F. Kennedy Center For the Performing Arts announced the selections for this year’s 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements on Thursday (July 18), a list that includes director Francis Ford Coppola (Apocalypse Now, The Godfather), jam godfathers the Grateful Dead, blues singer/guitarist Bonnie Raitt, jazz trumpeter/pianist/composer Arturo Sandoval and, in a first, The Apollo theater in Harlem in a special honor as an iconic American Institution.
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“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made an extraordinary impact on the cultural life of our nation and continue to have an immeasurable influence on new generations,” said Kennedy Center chairman David M. Rubenstein in a statement about the event that will take place in Washington, D.C. on December 8 and air on CBS (and later stream on Paramount+).
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Rubenstein continued, ““A brilliant and masterful storyteller with an unrelenting innovative spirit, Francis Ford Coppola’s films have become embedded in the very idea of American culture; a social and cultural phenomenon since 1965, the Grateful Dead’s music has never stopped being a true American original, while inspiring a fan culture like no other; Bonnie Raitt has made us love her again and again with her inimitable voice, slide guitar, and endless musical range encompassing blues, R&B, country rock, and folk; ‘an ambassador of both music and humanity,’Arturo Sandoval transcended literal borders coming from Cuba 30-plus years ago and today continues to bridge cultures with his intoxicating blend of Afro Cuban rhythms and modern jazz; and on its 90th anniversary, The Apollo, one of the most consequential, influential institutions in history, has elevated the voices of Black entertainment in New York City, nationally, and around the world, and launched the careers of legions of artists.”
The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates individuals whose unique contributions to American arts and culture at an event where the the honorees are seated in the box tier of the Kennedy Center Opera House while their peers pay homage with performances and tributes.
In a statement, Raitt said, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to have been chosen to receive one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors. I have long been an admirer of the awards and have been so blessed to be able to participate in several shows honoring others. There is no higher level of esteem nor as delightful a celebration and I want to extend my sincere thanks to all who have chosen me to receive this honor. I look forward to the upcoming ceremony and festivities, which I know will be one of my life’s peak experiences.”
The Dead’s living members — Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir — were equally effusive in their excitement about receiving one of the nation’s highest artistic honors. “It goes without saying that the Kennedy Center Honors represents the highest of reaches for artistic achievement,” they wrote in a joint statement. “To be recognized alongside the artists who have in the past received this honor is beyond humbling. The Grateful Dead has always been about community, creativity, and exploration in music and presentation. We’ve always felt that the music we make embodies and imparts something beyond the notes and phrases being played — and that is something we are privileged to share with all who are drawn to what we do — so it also must be said that our music belongs as much to our fans, the Dead Heads, as it does to us. This honor, then, is as much theirs as ours.”
They continued, “From our earliest days in San Francisco and as far as our tours have taken us, it has been and still is an incredible ride. We’ve had the opportunity to play with many talented musicians, interact with many gifted people—and to be part of something much larger than ourselves. Our music has always been about exploration and breaking through or finding our way around barriers, not just musically but also in bringing people together. The energy, the love, the connection and sharing — once again, that’s what it’s all about. As we enter our 60th year of the Grateful Dead’s journey in 2025, we’re beyond grateful for this recognition and for the journey we are on together. This honor reminds us of all those moments and the people who helped us along the way. Thank you, Kennedy Center, and to all the folks who had a hand in bringing us here, for this incredible honor.”
Sandoval, too, said he was “profoundly humbled and deeply honored” to be selected as a recipient of the prestigious award. “This recognition is an extraordinary milestone in my career and a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, colleagues, and fans,” said Sandoval. “Throughout my journey, I have strived to create, perform, and inspire with passion and integrity. Being acknowledged by such an esteemed institution validates my efforts and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my art. I am incredibly grateful to the Kennedy Center for this honor, and I look forward to contributing further to the vibrant cultural tapestry that the Center celebrates and nurtures. Thank you once again for this incredible honor.”
Michelle Ebanks, president/CEO of Harlem’s legendary Apollo — which over its long history has hosted everyone from Josephine Baker and Count Basie to James Brown, B.B. King, Bob Marley, Sam Cooke and Michael Jackson , among many others — also said her organization was elated by the first-time honor for an institution.
“We are thrilled to be the first organization honored in the history of the Kennedy Center Awards, emphasizing The Apollo’s impact on the past, present, and future of American culture and the performing arts,” Ebanks said. “From the longest-running talent show in America with Amateur Night at The Apollo, which launched the careers of icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Lauryn Hill, to performances from beloved legends like Smokey Robinson and Lil’ Kim and today’s biggest stars like Drake, The Apollo has always been a home for artists to create and a home for audiences to see incredible music and art from legendary artists.”
Last year’s honorees included Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb, comedian Billy Crystal and soprano Renée Fleming.
To learn more about this year’s honorees click here.