AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:39 p.m. EST

‘Melania,’ panned by some film critics, opens with strong ticket sales for a documentary

NEW YORK (AP) — Promoted by President Donald Trump as “a must watch,” the Melania Trump documentary “Melania” debuted with a better-than-expected $7 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. The release of “Melania” was unlike any seen before. Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million for the rights, plus some $35 million to market it, making it the most expensive documentary ever. While the result would be a flop for most films with such high costs, “Melania” was a success by documentary standards. It’s the best opening weekend for a documentary, outside of concert films, in 14 years. The Sam Raimi-directed survival thriller “Send Help” was No. 1 with $20 million.

Demond Wilson, who played Lamont on 'Sanford and Son,' dies at 79

Demond Wilson, the actor who played the son on the seminal 1970s sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has died. He was 79. Wilson's Lamont character was the subject of endless insults from Redd Foxx's Fred Sanford in an early sitcom that focused on Black characters. The Vietnam War veteran was born in Georgia and grew up in Harlem. He had starring roles in a few more short-lived shows and returned to acting occasionally. Starting in the mid-1980s, he focused on his role as a minister and had mostly disdain for Hollywood.

Chaka Khan, Cher, Whitney Houston, Fela Kuti get Grammys Life Achievement Awards

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Fela Kuti, and Whitney Houston have received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy at the Grammys Special Merit Awards. Chaka Khan was the only recipient present at the ceremony Saturday in Los Angeles. She reflected on her career and thanked her collaborators. Family members accepted awards for Kuti and Houston. Cher and Santana spoke via video. Bernie Taupin, Elton John's lyricist, praised Simon and received the Trustees Award. Eddie Palmieri, Sylvia Rhone, and John Chowning were also honored. Jennifer Jimenez won the Music Educator Award, and Raye's “Ice Cream Man” received the Song for Social Change Award.

HUNTR/X, Art Garfunkel, Clipse and more light up pre-Grammy gala hosted by Clive Davis

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Music mogul Clive Davis held his annual, star-studded pre-Grammys gala at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The event Saturday was the 51st anniversary of the fundraiser. Republic Records founders, CEO Monte Lipman and COO Avery Lipman, were honored with the 2026 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award. Performers included HUNTR/X from “Kpop Demon Hunters,” Olivia Dean, sombr, Alex Warren, MGK, Jelly Roll, Clipse, John Legend, Art Garfunkel and others. It was a celebration of music past and present, like when Jennifer Hudson paid homage to the late Roberta Flack with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Dan + Shay did the same for Art Garfunkel.

Mariah Carey's secret grunge album part of tribute at MusiCares event

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mariah Carey has been honored as MusiCares Person of the Year for her musical achievements and philanthropy. Two days before the Grammy Awards, Carey enjoyed hearing performances of her hit songs by various artists. Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, and John Legend were among those who paid tribute Friday night. Carey reflected on her journey from writing lyrics as a child to having her work celebrated by fellow artists. The event ended with a group performance of her holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

In Minneapolis, all-encompassing immigration story tests a newsroom in midst of digital transition

With the eyes of a nation upon it, the Minnesota immigration enforcement effort has tested a local newsroom in the midst of a digital transformation — and it hasn't left the local journalists overmatched. The Minnesota Star Tribune has produced some memorable stories and images over the past month. While a two-decade downturn has hollowed out many strong regional newspapers, the Star Tribune is part of a robust journalism tradition and has invested in its product, helping to make it ready for the moment. The news has compelled changes in how it does business, with the Star Tribune website's live blog taking center stage.

Catherine O’Hara was the best part of any scene

Catherine O’Hara was never afraid to go big. Known for roles in “Schitt’s Creek,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Home Alone,” she made her lines and characters memorable. No matter how absurd or how preposterous or even cliché on the page, there was always a beating heart underneath the silliness, a compassion that shone through. And her ability to reinvent herself made her beloved by multiple generations. Before her death at 71, she was still breaking new ground in “The Studio.” Kevin Nealon said it simply: “She changed how so many of us understand comedy and humanity.”

Black history centennial channels angst over anti-DEI climate into education, free resources

Despite proclaiming last February as National Black History Month, President Donald Trump's second term has been marked by what critics say are attacks on Black history in the United States. The administration has dismantled Black history at national parks, most recently a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia. In the 100th year since the nation's earliest celebrations of Black history, the current political climate has energized civil rights organizations, artists and academics to engage young people on a full telling of America's story. Hundreds of lectures, teach-ins and new books are planned to mark Black History Month, which originated as historian Carter G. Woodson's idea for a Negro History Week in 1926.

Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, K-pop and more: AP predicts who will win at the 2026 Grammys

Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammys nominee pack, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny and others are vying for their moment in the spotlight. But who will take home trophies on Sunday? Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory. They predict victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé and Bruno Mars. They also expect close genre races across country, Latin and pop. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.