Music Review: On Taylor Swift’s 'The Life of a Showgirl,' love and reputation are on the line
Taylor Swift's 12th album, "The Life of a Showgirl," shows she's still at the top of the cultural mainstream. The album released Friday features upbeat pop tracks and a return to the fold of Swedish producers Max Martin and Shellback. Swift isn't ready to past the baton to younger performers. She isn't opposed to sharing it, though, recruiting Sabrina Carpenter for the album's lone feature. The album's themes explore fame, perception, love and Travis Kelce's podcast with witty lyrics and catchy hooks. Swift's dense vocabulary shines, though sometimes it feels a bit too much. Overall, the album captures the glitz and glamour of her "Eras Tour" with humor and humanity.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs is set to be sentenced and faces the possibility of years in prison
NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs faces sentencing in a sordid criminal case that could potentially keep him behind bars for years. The famed hip-hop mogul was convicted in July of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a violation of the federal Mann Act. A jury acquitted Combs of more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. Those could have led to a life prison sentence. Prosecutors say he should still spend over 11 years behind bars. Combs' lawyers want him freed now. The sentencing hearing is Friday.
Decoding Taylor Swift’s 'The Life a Showgirl': A guide to her references
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," is packed with Easter eggs for fans to decode. Her 12th studio album offers clever clues and references to her public life and discography. Some are opaque, sparking fan theories, while others are more explicit. Lyrics mention places like Portofino and Paris, and nod to her engagement to Travis Kelce. Songs reference her past, including her teenage years in Tennessee and friendships. The album's physical variants, like "summertime spritz pink shimmer" vinyl, also tie into the lyrics.
From tequila cocktails to themed pop-ups, Taylor Swift fans celebrate 'The Life of a Showgirl'
Taylor Swift fans around the world are celebrating her latest album release, “The Life of a Showgirl.” The album, her 12th studio offering, dropped Friday. Fans, known as Swifties, gathered in cities like Mexico City and Los Angeles, many dressed in orange to mark the occasion. In Mexico City, a watch party featured Swift-themed cocktails. In Los Angeles, fans lined up at midnight to buy the album on vinyl and CD. Special screenings of “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” in select theaters allowed fans to sing and dance. Swift's new album is described as experimental and upbeat.
'House of David' star Michael Iskander says season two resonates beyond the religious
NEW YORK (AP) — “House of David” premieres its second season on Sunday, and star Michael Iskander, who plays the titular role, is hoping it has the same success as its debut. The series sling-shot its way to No. 1 on Prime after debuting in February, with Amazon reporting more than 44 million viewers watched worldwide. The series is part of a growing number of Hollywood faith-based projects reaching beyond niche religious audiences, thanks to stunning cinematography, high-impact action sequences and suspenseful plots. While “House of David” originally premiered on Prime Video, season two will debut exclusively on the new Wonder Project subscription service that will cost an additional $8.99.
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Tony Shalhoub explores global cultures through bread in new CNN series 'Breaking Bread'
NEW YORK (AP) — Tony Shalhoub has joined the world of celebrity travel hosts with his new show, “Breaking Bread.” The CNN series follows Shalhoub as he explores cultures and food through the lens of bread. The first episode is set in New York City, where he samples various breads and pastries. Shalhoub also visits Brazil, France, and other locations, exploring local food and drink. He aims to focus on the people and cultures he encounters rather than himself. The show is a family affair, with appearances from his wife and children. Shalhoub’s approach offers a fresh perspective on travel and food. The series debuts Sunday.
What the key witnesses at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial told the jury
NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex crimes trial involved testimony from 34 witnesses. They included Combs’ ex-girlfriends Cassie and Jane, who said he forced them into drug-fueled sex marathons, a sex worker they knew as “The Punisher,” personal assistants who said they witnessed his violence and facilitated his sexual exploits, and other women who accused him of abuse. A judge is scheduled to sentence Combs Friday after he was convicted in July of transporting people across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. He could get years in prison.
US book publishers honor Russian dissident house Freedom Letters
NEW YORK (AP) — The Association of American Publishers is honoring a Russian publishing house for its fight against censorship. The group announced Friday that Freedom Letters and its founder, Georgy Urushadze, will receive the International Freedom to Publish Award. Urushadze fled Russia in 2022 after opposing the invasion of Ukraine and being labeled a “foreign agent.” Freedom Letters, established over two years ago, operates mainly out of Ukraine, Latvia, and Georgia. It publishes works by anti-war writers and opponents of President Putin. The house is banned in Russia, but Urushadze says he continues to sell books there online.
Actor Gary Oldman ranks his 'Slow Horses' character Jackson Lamb among the top roles of his career
LONDON (AP) — Gary Oldman calls the physical changes he lives with to play Jackson Lamb a “small price to pay,” as he returns to screens for Season 5 of "Slow Horses." The star reprises his role as the caustic, shabby leader of the group of MI-5 agents in spy purgatory at Slough House, as the critically acclaimed adaptation reaches Mick Herron’s book, “London Rules.” On Wednesday, the day after he was invested with a knighthood by the Prince of Wales for services to drama, the Oscar-winning actor called Herron’s creation one of his favorite roles. The 67-year-old starts filming Season 7 in November.
Carlos King talks ownership, navigating racism and building Black reality TV empires
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Carlos King is a major force in Black unscripted storytelling, known as the “King of Reality TV.” His shows like “Love & Marriage” and “Belle Collective” have turned cities like Huntsville, Alabama, and Jackson, Mississippi, into must-see TV. Through his company, Kingdom Reign Entertainment, King says over 60% of OWN’s original programming is his work. He credits Oprah Winfrey and others for supporting his vision. King emphasizes ownership and has expanded his reach with a podcast and on-camera hosting. He also discusses overcoming challenges as an openly gay Black man in the industry.
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