AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:34 p.m. EST

Alex Warren's year has been anything but 'Ordinary.' Now, the Grammys are calling

New York (AP) — Alex Warren's song “Ordinary” is, by many measures, a defining song of 2025. The song was certified three-times platinum and fast-tracked the former social media celebrity into mainstream musical fame. It blew up on TikTok and opened a lot of opportunities for the 25-year-old singer-songwriter. On Feb. 1, he competes for his first Grammy. The first-time nominee is up for best new artist. Warren tells The Associated Press that he is grateful for his breakout year and hopes that his music connects with people. Warren's debut album, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid,” was released last summer.

'Buck Rogers' star Gil Gerard dies at 82

Gil Gerard, known for his role as Buck Rogers, has died at 82. His manager, Tina Presley Borek, said he died Tuesday in hospice care as a result of a rare cancer. Gerard starred in NBC's “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” from 1979 to 1981. The show was based on Philip Francis Nowlan's 1928 novella. Gerard's wife, Janet, shared a posthumous message from him on Facebook, urging fans to focus on what thrills them. Throughout his career, Gerard appeared in various TV shows and movies. He was open about his struggles with addiction and underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2007.

Warner Bros recommends investors reject Paramount's offer in favor of Netflix's

NEW YORK (AP) — Warner Bros. Discovery is telling shareholders to reject an unsolicited takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, saying an offer from Netflix will be better for them and customers. The Warner board said in a letter to shareholders on Wednesday that Paramount’s “inferior” offer carried “significant risks and costs,” in large part because it relies heavily on borrowed money – whereas the Netflix offer is backed by a company worth more than $400 billion. While the letter to shareholders means Paramount's offer is not the one favored by Warner's board, shareholders have the ultimate say.

What to know about bidding war between Netflix and Paramount for Warner Bros.

NEW YORK (AP) — Warner Bros. is telling shareholders of the company that it believes a $72 billion buyout offer from Netflix is superior, and to reject a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance. Paramount went hostile with its bid last week, asking shareholders to reject the deal with Netflix favored by the board of Warner Bros. Paramount is offering $30 per Warner share, or $77.9 billion, to Netflix’s $27.75 per share. A Warner Bros. merger with either company would alter the landscape in Hollywood and will face intense scrutiny from U.S. regulators as it would impact movie making, consumer streaming platforms and, in Paramount’s case, a major source of news for millions of people.

Rob Reiner’s son Nick appears in court on 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, appeared in court as he faces charges of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents. The 32-year-old did not enter a plea as he appeared Wednesday from behind the glass wall of a custody area. He was in shackles and wearing a jail suicide prevention smock. Arraignment was postponed until Jan. 7. The 78-year-old actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead from stab wounds in their Los Angeles home Sunday. Nick Reiner was arrested hours later.

Haunted house and invisible demons: Tennessee Williams' early radio play 'The Strangers' publishes

NEW YORK (AP) — Tennessee Williams' early radio play, “The Strangers,” is featured in The Strand this week. Written in the late 1930s while Williams was a student at the University of Iowa, the play showcases classic radio horror elements like storms and spectral beings. Strand managing editor Andrew Gulli says the play also hints at themes Williams would explore in later works, such as isolation and the blurred lines between imagination and reality. Williams scholar John Bak notes that Williams wrote radio dramas for both commercial reasons and personal exploration, influenced by his sister's mental health struggles.

What Americans think about giving cash as holiday gifts, according to a new AP-NORC poll

NEW YORK (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll finds that most U.S. adults are on board with giving cash or gift cards as holiday presents. Only 30% find secondhand gifts “very” acceptable. The poll also shows that nearly half of Americans plan to be asleep before midnight on New Year's Eve. About 44% of adults won't stay up to greet 2026, and that's especially true of those over age 45. Additionally, 35% of adults plan to leave holiday decorations up after New Year's Day. About one-quarter of U.S. adults say they’re planning to watch sports on Christmas Day. Only 5% say they’ll go see a movie in a theater.

Strikes and a $100 million heist push the Louvre into historic crisis

PARIS (AP) — The ongoing strike at the Louvre has become a major test of the museum's management. Workers are striking over understaffing and safety concerns, especially after a $102 million jewel heist exposed security failures. Tensions rose in June when a strike shut the museum, and worsened when parts of the building were deemed unsafe. On Monday, the CFDT union said 400 workers voted to strike. The museum has partially reopened, but the situation remains tense. The Culture Ministry has proposed measures to address the issues, but unions have rejected them as inadequate. Pressure is mounting on Louvre President Laurence des Cars to resolve the crisis.

More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The global success of “Parasite,” “Minari” and “Squid Game” has opened Hollywood’s doors to South Korean actors, but for those without major agency backing, navigating the American industry remains a challenge. A growing number of consultants like Los Angeles-based Upstage Entertainment are helping local actors bridge the gap — from coaching accent and intonation to explaining unfamiliar norms like headshot standards and audition etiquette. For actors like Amy Baik, who was cut from a Korean commercial for lacking double eyelids, and veteran actor Julian Shin, who transcribed 30,000 English expressions to prepare for international roles, Hollywood offers not just opportunity but freedom from South Korea’s rigid beauty standards and age discrimination.