State Champ Radio TV/Film
Page: 244
If you found yourself suppressing a laugh, angry yell or covering your eyes from embarrassment during the sex scenes in the second episode of The Weeknd‘s HBO music drama The Idol over the weekend, then the series’ co-creator and co-star is fine with all of that.
“No. There’s nothing sexy about it,” Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd’s real name, which he now goes by), told GQ in a new interview about the mixed reaction to his long-in-the-works erotic music industry critique in which Lily-Rose Depp’s fallen pop star Jocelyn falls for creepy sex cult leader Tedros Tedros (Tesfaye).
The scene in question makes up the final 10 minutes of the most recent episode, in which Tedros put Jocelyn through her male gaze sex paces, ordering the blindfolded singer to strike a series of provocative poses while reciting cringey dialogue that sounds too obvious for even an actual adult film. “Let me see those t—es,” Tesfaye leers at one point in the character’s dead-eyed, deadpan voice as another member of his cult spies on them from a closet.
The GQ writer mentions that the scene comes after Jocelyn and her assistant watch the Sharon Stone 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct, whose influence seems to be all over the show. “When we use Basic Instinct as a reference, we’re using [director Paul ] Verhoeven. Verhoeven is the king of ‘90s satire thriller — yes, there’s moments of ‘sexy’ in his films but there are other moments that are very cheesy and hilarious,” Tesfaye said. “How ever you’re feeling watching that scene, whether it’s discomfort, or you feel gross, or you feel embarrassed for the characters. It’s all those emotions adding up to: This guy is in way over his head, this situation is one where he is not supposed to be here.”
As for the wince-y bedroom talk, when it’s suggested the oily, rattail-wearing Tedros is freestyling it, Tesfaye said, “exactly,” noting that the tone the team is trying to strike is a blend of camp, satire and some more straightforward seriousness to keep viewer’s off-balance.
“With this show, we love to play with the emotions. We’re puppet-mastering your feelings through the show,” he said of what appears to be a determination to keep the audience uncomfortable, a bit confused and unsure if the dialogue and scenarios are meant to be taken seriously or not. “It’s never a consistent tone, and that’s on purpose. No matter how dark a scene is, you can find the comedy in it. That’s why we love actors like [co-stars] Rachel Sennot, Hank Azaria, and Da’Vine [Joy Randolph]. These are incredibly talented comedic performers who can shift the tone in just one monologue.”
“We love to play with the comedy of it but then it’s like… don’t get too comfortable,” Tesfaye added of the show that has already featured a number of choking-related sex scenes. “That should be the logline for the show: Don’t get too comfortable watching this.”
And though ratings were initially tepid and critical response almost wholly negative, Tesfaye said so far he’s “loving” the reaction, calling the discussion about The Idol “healthy,” no matter what is being said. “It’s definitely shaken up the culture for sure. We knew we were making something dark and controversial but true to what we want to say,” he said.
The singer also hinted that information about the vampire-like Tedros is being leaked out slowly on purpose, which Tesfaye said is important for the character’s development. “You try to be as mysterious as possible about who the character is so that you can take [the audience] on this journey,” he explained. “But piece by piece, week by week, we’ll reveal who he is. But he’s what you see on screen. He’s definitely a challenge. He’s despicable, a psychopath — why sugarcoat it? But he’s somehow useful to this girl, and it’s unfortunate and we hate to see it.”
In reality, though, he said there’s nothing mysterious or particularly hypnotic about Tedros. “And we did that on purpose with his look, his outfits, his hair — this guy’s a douchebag,” he said, tacking on that the club owner is a “loser” who is attracted to “gluttonous” sex. “You can tell he cares so much about what he looks like, and he thinks he looks good. But then you see these weird moments of him alone—he rehearses, he’s calculated. And he needs to do that, or he has nothing, he’s pathetic. Which is true of a lot of people who are a fish out of water, put into these scenarios.”
And, don’t worry, he promised, you’ll find out more about that rodent-inspired hairdo later.
Luke Bryan wishes people would give Katy Perry a break. In a Fox News interview, the country star weighed in on some of the criticism his fellow judge got this season on American Idol and why he doesn’t think it’s fair. “Katy gets picked on for going out and trying to have fun making a […]
Drums appear across all cultures, a beat has been with us since each of us was in the womb. So why wait to get your hands on a pair of drumsticks?
That’s the idea behind the Atlanta Drum Academy, a youth percussion ensemble which made a real noise when they auditioned Tuesday night (June 13) for America’s Got Talent.
The Academy’s director James Riles, III, started it so little kids could get stuck in early and not wait for middle school to join the band.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
His group is a “safe space for all drummers, no matter their age, that want to learn to play the drums.”
One of those kids is eight-year-old band leader Chioma, a cheery lad from Georgia, with the self-belief that many of us older folks are sorely missing.
When asked backstage why choose AGT, he had the answer. “I had a dream that I was on America’s Got Talent, winning the golden buzzer, and now I’m just right here. I love this show.” The young lad is so determined, he even made a vision board with his mom. “I believe I can win.”
Chioma was so enthusiastic, he addressed the AGT judging panel without the use of his microphone. Small error, immediately corrected.
Leading the way with his marching drum, Chioma and the Atlanta Drum Academy beat their way into the hearts of the audience, and the judging panel, all of whom stood to their feet.
“It was fun, it was energetic, you guys are adorable,” enthused Howie Mandel. “I think everybody in this room loved you, I love you.”
“I love that you do something with your extra time outside of school instead of being on your computers,” remarked Heidi Klum. “You’re putting this amazing act together. I love that.”
“I haven’t seen anything like this before on this stage,” said Sofia Vergara. “I think you have a very big chance to win this competition because everyone is going to go crazy.”
“Well,” said Simon Cowell, “I didn’t like it,” a comment that earned a chorus of boos from the audience. “I absolutely loved it. Seriously what’s not to like. It’s so much fun and they’re so talented. This is one of my favorite, favorite auditions this year.”
Before the judges could tally their votes, host Terry Crews stepped in and took action. Golden Buzzer action. Some dreams do come true.
Watch below.
There are voices, and there’s Roland Abante’s voice.
The fisherman from the Philippines has netted a special gift, which he shared on Tuesday night’s (June 13) edition of America’s Got Talent.
Speaking through an interpreter, Abante explained that he caught fish in the morning, and was a courier and ride-share driver through the rest of the working day. The extent of his stage activity back home is singing karaoke.
Despite the enormous step up that is the AGT stage, Abante backed himself and impressed the heck out of everyone in the room. And judging by the booming number of clicks for performance video on YouTube, he’s making fans everywhere.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
When asked why he chose to compete in this 18th season of AGT, the tears flowed. “This is my big dream, to be here,” he said.
Abante can continue to dream.
Despite an impromptu, on-stage hug from Heidi Klum, and a lengthy pause, Abante held his nerve and let it shine with a full-throated performance of “When a Man Loves a Woman,” written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright and originally recorded by Percy Sledge back in 1966.
Abante has got the blues, and a voice, that earned a standing ovation from all four judges. “I don’t think you could have done it better,” enthused Heidi Klum. “Mic drop. You left it all on the stage, you were amazing, you should be very proud of yourself.”
Sofia Vergara reckons a career change is coming. “I have a feeling you’ll going to have to stop fishing because this is where you need to be.”
After giving two thumbs up, Simon Cowell had a confession. “You were so nervous I genuinely thought for one moment you weren’t going to be able to do this. And then, that happened. And it made me love this audition even more. I really like you. That was a great audition. Really brilliant.”
Cowell copied Klum by giving the contestant a hug. “Everybody heard a life-changing moment,” Howie Mandel said of the performance.
And with that, the judging panel gave four yeses.
Watch below.
Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has been garnering box-office success and strong soundtrack streaming tallies alike, and the new version of the 1989 classic can now add another accolade. On Tuesday (June 13), Disney Branded Television announced that it greenlit a new animated series titled Disney Junior’s Ariel inspired by Halle Bailey‘s Ariel. […]
Back in 2017, Joseph Fiennes ruffled feathers when he was cast as Michael Jackson in an episode of Urban Myths, a British biographical dramedy series. The decision by Fiennes, who is white, to accept the role of the Black pop superstar sparked heated conversations around “whitewashing” and representation in media. Although the episode was eventually […]
A week after America’s Got Talent season five winner Michael Grimm was hospitalized for an unknown illness, his wife has posted an update. Lucie Zolcerva-Grimm took to Instagram on Monday (June 12) to share that Grimm is off the ventilator and “medically, he seems to be pretty stable.” He is, however, struggling with side affects from his […]
Netflix’s BEEF captivated audiences not only with its dark, action-packed storyline, but also with its nostalgic ’90s and early 2000s soundtrack featuring hits from Hoobastank, The Offspring, Tori Amos, Incubus, Bjork and more. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Now, BEEF has unveiled a new EP of […]
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.
Besides furthering your learning, getting an education comes with perks — including access to many, many bundles and discounts. No matter if you’re in college or continuing your education, some streaming services offer discounted prices on their services, so you can finally catch up on The Kardashians’ without having to snag someone else’s password.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Most of these streaming services for students provide a free trial beforehand, allowing you to save money before committing to the service. After your free trial ends you’ll be charged a reduced, student-only rate. To snag even deeper discounts, some streaming services offer bundle options, giving you reduced rates to premium and ad-free versions of their platform.
It’s easy to qualify, too! All you need is a school email that ends in “.edu” to verify your student status, then you can stream all you want. Rather hunt for these deals yourself, we gathered up the best streaming services for students below.
Consider Amazon Prime your one-stop destination, whether it’s for last-minute backpacks or some travel necessities. Besides deals and discounts, students can also take advantage of its immense Prime Video library all for $7.49/month — and that’s after a six month free-trial.
Prime Student
$7.49/month after six months $14.99/month 50% off% OFF
Prime Student gives you all the perks of a Prime membership, but at half the cost — literally! As long as you’re a student, you’ll get access to the massive collection of Prime Originals that includes Citadel, Daisy Jones & The Six, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Swarm, The Powder, Harlem, Invincible, The Boys, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Fleabag, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Legend of Vox Machina.
You can also add additional channels such as Max, Starz and Showtime channels and enjoy even more shows and movies all in one spot. Aside from Prime Video access, Student Prime members get access to Prime Music, Prime Gaming and Prime Reading in addition to free same-day, one-day or two-day delivery on millions of items, exclusive deals, groceries, savings on prescriptions and more.
Another single platform to consider is Apple TV+, which offers a reduced price for students at just $5.99/month for up to 48 months. You’ll also get access to Apple Music’s vast library of songs, playlists, artists and more. To take advantage of this perk, you’ll have to verify your student status through UNiDAYS.
Apple TV+ Student Membership
$5.99/month after 30 days $10.99/month 45% off% OFF
Apple TV+‘s student discount will give you access to exclusive shows and movies such as Ted Lasso, Central Park, Dickinson, Platonic, The Crowded Room, Severance, Loot, High Desert, The Last Thing He Told Me, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movies, Silo, Ghosted, Shrinking, The Problem with John Stewart, Bad Sisters, Schmigadoon!, The Morning Show and more on Apple TV+.
You can stream Apple TV+ on the Apple TV app, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and popular smart TVs such as Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, Toshiba and others, along with Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV. Apple TV+ is available on PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles as well.
Disney+ doesn’t have an exclusive student offer, but there is are wallet-friendly packages that you can take advantage of — especially through its bundles.
The basic plan is only $7.99/month (or $79.99/year) with ads, but if you want a no-ad experience, you can snag a Disney+ Premium plan for just $10.99/month.
Besides that, the streaming service offers multiple bundled deals that can save you money on Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. Rather than splurge on all three service separately, this deal will provide all three at one cost starting at $13/month.
Disney+ subscribers can access the ever-expanding streaming library in stunning 4K and download titles to watch on the go. Stream on up to four different devices simultaneously on your TV, laptop, smartphone, notebook or tablet device — or host a virtual movie night with up to six friends via GroupWatch.
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming destination for must-watch, commercial free content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.
Users will find thousands of hours’ worth of movies and TV series including Peter Pan & Wendy, Muppets Mayhem, Avatar: Way of the Water, American Born Chinese, Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All, The Prouder Family: Louder & Prouder, WandaVision, Moon Knight, The Mandalorian, Andor, Loki, The Book of Boba Fett, The Beatles Get Back, Hocus Pocus 2, The Simpsons, Welcome to Earth and Called to the Wild are included in the massive Disney+ streaming library.
Hulu Student Plan
$1.99/month $7.99/month 75% off% OFF
Hulu is offering a student discount for a total steal — like 75% off steal. For just $1.99/month you can get access to the ad-supported plan and streaming service’s vast library of Hulu Originals, TV series and movies — and all for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.
Both current and new subscribers are eligible for the student discount and can look forward to watching Only Murders in the Building, The Beautiful Things, The Kardashians, How I Met Your Father, Dollface, The Dropout, Nine Perfect Strangers, The Handmaid’s Tale, Not Okay, Prey, White Men Can’t Jump and other Hulu originals, along with most new episodes from network TV and cable shows the day after they air.
Paramount+ is offering a stellar discount for students providing it’s ad-supported plan for 25% off a month. To qualify you have to be a part of an accredited college or Title IV higher education institution (high school students are not eligible).
Paramount+ Student Plan
$3.74/month after 7-days $4.99/month 25% off% OFF
Whether you’re a new subscriber or current member of Paramount+, the streamer is providing 25% off its Essential Plan dropping it from $4.99/month to just $3.74/month. Just verify your student status through the streamer and you’ll be able to enjoy the discounted cost.
The student discounted subscription will let you stream tens of thousands of episodes and movies including exclusive programs from BET to MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and The Smithsonian Channel. The lineup of Paramount+ series includes Fatal Attraction, The Family Stone, School Spirits, Star Trek: Picard, 1923, 1883, Mayor of Kingstown, Seal Team, Star Trek Discovery, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Why Women Kill, Before I Forget, iCarly, The Tony Awards and Rugrats.
Additionally, Paramount+ subscribers can stream new movies and special such as Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Scream VI, 80 for Brady, Top Gun: Maverick, and Babylon.
DC Young Fly delivered a touching tribute during his late partner Jacky Oh‘s memorial service in Atlanta on Saturday (June 10).
During his heartwarming speech, The Wild ‘N Out star spoke passionately about his faith and love for Oh, who died unexpectedly in late May at the age of 32. The couple shared three young children together.
“I love you, Jack. These kids are beautiful, man. God granted me that strength to have three,” Young Fly said, peering at the casket.
“You know I was trying to have seven more,” the comedian added while gyrating his hips, which drew laughter from the crowd. “She’s gonna beat me up for that one.”
On a more serious note, DC shared some touching words about his fellow Wild cast member, whose real name was Jacklyn Smith.
“I want our kids to understand that you had a beautiful soul,” Young Fly said. “You didn’t leave us; you in heaven. Your spirit is with us, you’re still here, and he have an amazing support system. Love you. Everybody in here, keep God first.”
TMZ was first to report the news of Oh’s passing, revealing that she died in Miami and that DC was in Atlanta shooting new episodes of Wild ‘N Out when he heard the news of her death. Her cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Oh was one of the “Wild ‘N Out girls” on the Nick Cannon-created MTV series, where she met Young Fly, with whom she shared daughters Nova and Nala and son Prince, who was born in 2022.
In the days after her passing DC posted a loving tribute on Instagram.
“I wasn’t in no rush to post this because I wanted it to be a dream so bad but every hour I’m reminded of realty so I wanna make sure I applaud you in the proper manner,” he wrote. “You are the GREATEST MOTHER I KNOW your soul was beautiful Yu always wanted the best for others and I admired how our family love each other!!! Never had to worry about our kids loving each other cause you were on top of Dat!!!”
Watch the DC Young Fly’s emotional memorial service speech on TMZ here.
