AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:04 a.m. EDT

Clarence Carter, soul singer known for 'Patches' and 'Strokin',' dies at 90

NEW YORK (AP) — Clarence Carter, the blues and soul singer-songwriter known for hits like “Patches” and “Strokin’,” has died at age 90. Carter, born blind in Montgomery, Alabama, taught himself guitar and majored in music at Alabama State College. His biggest hit, “Patches,” came in 1970. It tells the story of a poor country boy who must take over the family farm. Carter was also known for raunchy songs like “Slip Away” and “Back Door Santa.” He recorded many hits at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Carter and fellow singer Candi Staton were briefly married in the 1970s.

After the Kendrick Lamar beef, can Drake come back with 'Iceman'?

NEW YORK (AP) — A new album from Drake is nearly here. “Iceman” releases Friday. It's his first since his extravagant loss in a very public feud with Kendrick Lamar and experts say it's pivotal. They commend Drake for an innovative album promotion cycle that included a massive ice installation in downtown Toronto. However, they theorize that since he lost the rap beef with Lamar, he needs to release an album of some critical merit with some hits. If not, it may still top the charts, but it won't further bolster his reputation in hip-hop.

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Chaka Khan and Vince Gill enter National Recording Registry

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, and The Go-Go’s are joining America’s audio canon. The National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress on Thursday announced the induction of Swift’s 2014 album “1989,” Beyoncé’s 2008 anthem “Single Ladies,” Khan’s hit “I Feel for You,” and The Go-Go’s debut album “Beauty and the Beat.” Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Newlen announced the 25 recordings. They were chosen for their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance. Other inductees include Ray Charles’ album “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” and the soundtrack to the 1993 video game “Doom.”

Author Ann Patchett urges a 'breath' for books as PEN gala raises $2M amid ban surge

NEW YORK (AP) — Author Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum are among those who spoke at PEN America's annual gala, which raised more than $2 million for the century-old literary and free expression organization. The gala took place as writers and journalists face persecution worldwide. Recent reports from PEN and the American Library Association document the continued surge in book bans in the U.S. Blum received the Business Visionary award, noting the need to protect storytelling from suppression. The gala also honored Iranian dissidents and Tennessee activists fighting censorship, underscoring the importance of defending free expression and democracy.

Finland's hotly tipped Eurovision performance features flames, a valuable violin and a safety plan

VIENNA (AP) — At the Eurovision Song Contest, performers get just three minutes to impress. This year, Finnish duo Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius are favorites with their song "Liekinheitin," or "Flamethrower." Their act combines pop and classical music with dramatic staging, including jets of flame and a valuable 18th-century violin. Eurovision rules usually require prerecorded instruments, but they secured special permission for Lampenius to play live. The pair has been rehearsing since November, trying to ensure their performance is flawless. Behind the scenes, a team of stagehands known as "ninjas" help manage the complex staging, keeping everything safe and seamless.

'The Fast and the Furious' and Vin Diesel roll into Cannes for 25th anniversary

CANNES, France (AP) — The cast of “The Fast and the Furious” rolled into the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday for a 25th anniversary celebration of the nitrous-boosting franchise. This year’s Cannes is largely bereft of Hollywood films. But to help cover the blockbuster-sized hole in this year’s lineup, the French festival will host a midnight screening of the first release in the 10-movie series. On Wednesday, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster posed for photographers in Cannes. They were joined by Meadow Walker, the 27-year-old daughter of actor Paul Walker. In 2013, Walker died in a Los Angeles car crash.

Princess of Wales' Italy visit highlights progressive preschool approach that shuns standardization

REGGIO EMILIA, Italy (AP) — The Princess of Wales’ visit to Italy highlights the Reggio Approach, an educational model that values a child’s curiosity and potential. Used in Reggio Emilia, this method involves teachers as facilitators and engages parents and the community. Princess Catherine, who focuses on early development, is spending two days exploring it. The Reggio Approach, influenced by Montessori, contrasts with models emphasizing standardization. It emerged post-World War II as a community effort. The approach has spread, but its adoption in Italy depends on local investment. Catherine’s visit is significant for Britain, where Reggio isn’t widely recognized.

Giuliani returns to his show after viral pneumonia hospitalization

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has returned to his show after being hospitalized for viral pneumonia. On Wednesday, he assured his audience that he is on the mend, though not fully recovered. Earlier in May, he was in critical condition and placed on a ventilator in Palm Beach, Florida. Giuliani, a longtime adviser to President Donald Trump, was involved in the 2020 election fraud claims. He recently faced legal issues but reached a settlement to retain his assets.

A Vienna cafe offers a welcome for Israel supporters as tensions brew at the Eurovision Song Contest

VIENNA (AP) — Vienna's coffeehouses have embraced the Eurovision Song Contest, but tensions over Israel’s participation have surfaced. Initially, Israel was left out of Vienna's "Eurofan cafes” project to welcome fans from competing countries. MQ Kantine stepped in, offering Israeli food and decor. Security is tight across the city, with five countries boycotting the contest due to Israel's involvement. Pro-Palestinian activists are planning protests before Saturday’s final. Despite the tensions, the mood at MQ Kantine remains supportive. Israeli singer Noam Bettan faced mixed reactions but secured a spot in the final. Some fans feel reassured by the security, while others say the tensions over Israel have divided the Eurovision community.