Rapper Twista pleads guilty to not paying taxes and faces potential prison time
WASHINGTON (AP) — Chicago rapper Twista has pleaded guilty to willfully failing to pay income taxes. The IRS says he owes over $440,000 for the years 2019 through 2023. Twista, whose real name is Carl Mitchell, faces up to five years in prison. He is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 22. Known for his 2004 album "Kamikaze," Mitchell has collaborated with artists including Ye and Jamie Foxx. Despite warnings from the IRS and his accountants, he diverted funds to avoid tax levies. The IRS emphasizes that fame doesn't exempt anyone from tax obligations. Representatives for Mitchell did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
Star-maker Clive Davis honored at funeral that draws Bruce Springsteen, Dionne Warwick and others
NEW YORK (AP) — Pop music royalty including Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick were among the many notables who paid tribute to music legend Clive Davis at the esteemed producer's funeral in Manhattan. Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl said Davis would have loved how many stars showed up to Monday's service, which was closed to the public but was livestreamed. Davis, who died June 22 at age 94, launched the careers of stars such as Whitney Houston and Springsteen. At the service, Kenny G played a mournful sax solo, Jennifer Hudson sang Leonard Cohen's “Hallelujah,” and Alicia Keys teared up while talking about Davis' influence on her career.
Lauryn Hill honored, Janet Jackson stuns Teyana Taylor and Druski makes history at BET Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience with an impromptu performance of “Ex-Factor” after receiving the Living Legend Icon Award. Introduced by Ice Cube, Hill was honored Sunday with performances by SZA, Doechii, and others. After accepting the award, Hill encouraged artists to embrace their gifts. Janet Jackson also surprised Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award, praising her work ethic and artistic range. The BET Awards also honored influential figures like Clive Davis and Richard Smallwood. Sylvia Rhone received the BET Ultimate Icon Award, urging the industry to protect artists. Druski opened the show with a dramatic entrance, becoming the youngest host in the ceremony's history.
Kara Swisher took Silicon Valley by force. Now she's eyeing influence in the 2028 campaign
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kara Swisher is expanding her influence from tech journalism to politics. Swisher is known for her fearless interviews and has hosted figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Swisher's podcasts include “On with Kara Swisher” and “Pivot” and are gaining traction as political platforms. The former traditional print journalist often challenges guests like Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Swisher's goal is to engage a wide audience, including Republicans, despite her critical views on some. Swisher's podcasts are financially successful, reflecting the growing importance of digital media in political discourse. Swisher says from her Washington home she gets called by all the presidential candidates and she's "going to get to all of them.”
What to Stream: 'Enola Holmes 3,' Madonna and the 'Legally Blonde' prequel series 'Elle'
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New streaming entertainment options for the week of June 29 include “Enola Holmes 3" and a new Madonna album. The Associated Press highlights some top picks. “Obsession,” a film with surprising box-office success, becomes available via premium video-on-demand on June 30. Millie Bobby Brown returns in “Enola Holmes 3" on Netflix on July 1. Madonna's “Confessions II” album, a sequel to her 2005 hit, releases July 3. New series include “Zorro,” streaming June 30, and “Elle,” a “Legally Blonde” prequel, premiering July 1. Ralph Lauren's stamp collection is featured in a History Channel special on July 5. “Rhythm Heaven Groove” launches July 2 on Nintendo Switch.
Bill Maher accepts Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bill Maher has accepted the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The ceremony happened Sunday night at the Kennedy Center, which has been embroiled in controversy. President Donald Trump has reshaped the center's leadership and did not attend. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was the most prominent administration member present. The event comes amid legal battles over Trump's influence on the center. Maher and Trump have had a contentious relationship, highlighted by a past lawsuit. The ceremony featured celebrities including Woody Harrelson and Jay Leno and will air on Netflix on July 21.
In blow to DC Studios, 'Supergirl' is no match for 'Toy Story 5' at box office
NEW YORK (AP) — In a setback for Warner Bros.′ revamped DC movie operations, “Supergirl” was absolutely no match for “Toy Story 5” at the box office, opening a distant second to the Pixar blockbuster. After a near-record debut for an animated movie, “Toy Story 5” remained No. 1 at the box office with $70 million in domestic ticket sales and another $89.1 million overseas. “Supergirl,” however, failed to lift off. It opened with $38 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters, and $30 million in overseas markets. The poor opening weekend for “Supergirl” puts it behind the disappointing debuts of DC busts like “The Flash” and “The Green Lantern,” and only just ahead of “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
Celebrity birthdays for the week of June 28-July 4 includes Missy Elliott and Margot Robbie
Celebrities having birthdays during the week of June 28-July 4 include “American Horror Story” actor Lily Rabe, singer and TV personality Nicole Scherzinger and “Saturday Night Live” comedian Colin Jost. Actor Lindsay Lohan turns 40, actor Margot Robbie hits 36 and TV chef Sandra Lee reaches 60. Other celebs with big days include actor Tom Cruise, actor David Alan Grier and rapper Missy Elliott. Actor Pamela Anderson turns 59, drummer Bryan Devendorf of The National welcomes 51 and singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens hits 51. Others celebrating are talk show host Montel Williams and country singer Aaron Tippin.
Inside country legend Alan Jackson's triumphant finale concert
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country music legend Alan Jackson has ended his touring career. On Saturday night, he performed his final show at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. The event, titled “Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale,” featured performances by top country stars like Carrie Underwood and Luke Combs. Jackson, who has sold over 60 million records, has been battling a degenerative nerve condition. Despite this, he delivered a memorable performance, sharing stories and hits. Although he's retiring from touring, Jackson recently released a new song and plans to continue making music. An NBC concert special will air later this year.
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