AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:36 p.m. EDT

Ann Blyth, teen star of 'Mildred Pierce,' dead at 98

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ann Blyth, an Oscar nominee at 17 as Joan Crawford’s wayward daughter in “Mildred Pierce” who later sang opposite Mario Lanza and Howard Keel in MGM musicals of the 1950s, has died at age 98. Blyth was one of the last surviving performers from the old Hollywood studio system. The versatile star appeared in youth movies as well as dramas such as “Another Part of the Forest.” As an adult she played opposite such leading men as Tyrone Power, Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum.

Hollywood gets into the microdrama race as mobile-first storytelling draws stars and major studios

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mobile-first serialized storytelling is rapidly becoming one of entertainment's fastest-growing businesses. Emmy-nominated actor and producer Issa Rae saw the opportunity years ago after studying China's booming microdrama business. Rae's Hoorae Media has produced the TikTok-backed series “Screen Time,” which drew nearly 75 million views during its first week. Celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Taye Diggs are exploring digital-first storytelling, while media companies are investing in vertical entertainment. Peacock recently launched a dedicated microdrama hub. Fox Entertainment invested in microdrama producer Holywater and committed to producing hundreds of vertical titles. TelevisaUnivision is also producing serialized short-form dramas.

Cody Johnson's country music is only getting bigger. On 'Banks of the Trinity,' he'll take you home

NEW YORK (AP) — Texas born and bred country star Cody Johnson is seeing a surge in new fans after two decades in the industry. Johnson released his debut album 20 years ago, and his career has recently hit new heights. He was named entertainer of the year at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards. On Friday, he released his new album, “Banks of the Trinity.” After a health scare last fall, he took time off, which led to a rejuvenated approach in the studio. The result is an album that spans Motown, bluegrass, rock, progressive country and so much more.

Milly Alcock’s ‘punk rock’ Supergirl takes flight as DC bets big on the Woman of Tomorrow

Australian actor Milly Alcock stars as Supergirl in this summer's new DC Studios movie bearing her name. Heading to theaters on June 26, the film finds her character on an intergalactic odyssey of revenge. DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran first noticed Alcock on the “Game of Thrones” prequel series “House of the Dragon.” Since she filmed her cameo for “Superman,” it's been a non-stop ride. Alcock says her character reminded her a lot of herself. She's finding the experience of sudden fame somewhat disorienting and laughs about anyone wanting a toy with her face.

Movie Review: Supergirl is a blast, but the movie doesn't match her punk-rock spirit

A punk-rock Supergirl is a welcome, jagged riff on more buttoned-up superheroes, and Milly Alcock is terrific in the role. If only “Supergirl” was as good as she is, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The latest DC release, and second under James Gunn’s stewardship, has its moments. But “Supergirl” struggles to match Kara’s punk rock energy with an equally spirited supporting cast and story. Alcock's Supergirl sports a Blondie T-shirt, not a spandex suit. When we meet her in Craig Gillespie’s film, she looks like she’s been on an interstellar bender for weeks. She’s more Courtney Love than Clark Kent.

Harvey Weinstein's New York rape charge dropped after accuser says she can't endure a fourth trial

NEW YORK (AP) — New York prosecutors have dropped a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein instead of trying the former movie mogul for a fourth time in the state. The decision was announced Thursday after his accuser said she could not endure testifying again. Weinstein already stands convicted of another sexual felony in New York and others in California, including raping an Italian actress in Los Angeles. But this rape charge had remained unresolved, after an overturned conviction followed by two hung juries. The Oscar-winning producer denies all the accusations.

What is the 2026 song of the summer? AP offers some predictions

NEW YORK (AP) — The song of the summer is a hot topic with no clear winner yet emerging for 2026. Last year, debates raged over whether Alex Warren's “Ordinary” fit the bill. The lack of a standout track like “Despacito” or “Old Town Road” could be due to diverse listening habits from music algorithms. This year, The Associated Press' list of songs of the summer includes undeniable hits like Drake's “Janice STFU” and Ella Langley's “Choosin’ Texas.” Other contenders include Slayyyter, Bruno Mars, BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Shakira and Burna Boy. Each song offers something unique for a wide range of tastes and summer moods.

Will Red Grooms' whimsical, wonderful Tennessee Fox Trot Carousel ride again?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee State Museum in Nashville is considering how to bring a beloved whimsical carousel back to life. The Tennessee Fox Trot Carousel was the creation of Nashville-born artist Red Grooms, featuring imaginative renderings of figures from Tennessee history including Chet Atkins and Davy Crockett. The downtown Nashville riverfront attraction, beset by financial struggles, was dismantled in 2003 and put into storage by the state museum. Museum Executive Director Ashley Howell is trying to find partners to help fund the ride's rehabilitation and admits the most common question she hears from members of the public is: “What about the Red Grooms carousel?”

David Clayton-Thomas, powerhouse lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, dies at 84

NEW YORK (AP) — David Clayton-Thomas, the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears whose husky, high-strung tenor on “Spinning Wheel,” “And When I Die” and other hits helped make the so-called brass rock band among the most popular acts of the late 1960s, has died at age 84. He was a stocky, onetime street fighter and petty thief in Canada who briefly became a rock superstar, the front man of a nine-member group that sold millions of records and won two Grammys for its self-titled second album. Backed by horns, keyboards and percussion, his urgent shout was a signature voice of the era. A spokesman says Clayton-Thomas died Wednesday in Toronto.