The Eurovision Song Contest reaches its grand final in Vienna with pop and protests
VIENNA (AP) — The Eurovision Song Contest final arrives Saturday with tight security and rainy weather failing to dampen fans' enthusiasm. Acts from 25 countries will compete in Vienna for the continent's pop crown. The event, marking its 70th anniversary, has been likened to the World Cup with songs instead of soccer. Political tensions continue as calls for Israel's exclusion persist, with five countries boycotting in protest. Finland is the favorite with a fiery duet, but surprises are common once the viewing public gets its say in voting. Moldova and Greece are also fan favorites. Despite political controversies over the years, Eurovision remains a global spectacle.
Cannes and the Hôtel Martinez await a 'White Lotus' close-up
CANNES, France (AP) — As many actors are appearing at the Cannes Film Festival this week, the best role in town might be a little further down the Croisette. Season 4 of “The White Lotus” will be set around the Cannes Film Festival, bringing one the most acclaimed TV series into the heart of cinema’s French Riviera playground. The Hôtel Martinez is one of the iconic luxury hotels that line the beach in Cannes. It will be renamed the White Lotus Cannes and be a central location in Mike White’s HBO series. Shooting has begun along the Riviera. But four days into the Cannes Film Festival, “The White Lotus” production has yet to materialize in Cannes.
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to a Eurovision Song Contest that embraces linguistic diversity
VIENNA (AP) — English has long dominated pop music, but it no longer reigns supreme at the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, 25 languages are being sung onstage, from Albanian to Ukrainian. Performers increasingly want to share their mother tongues with the world. Finnish singer Pete Parkkonen says it’s easier to express feelings in native languages. That led to a string of English-language winners. But in recent years the number of non-English songs has been growing. Eurovision is now a showcase of cultural diversity, with fans embracing multilingual performances. The final of the 70th Eurovision competition takes place Saturday in Vienna.
What to know about Harvey Weinstein's cases after his recent mistrial
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York has declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s rape case from the #MeToo-era that has gone to trial three times so far after a jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision. The trial that concluded Friday without a verdict centered on whether Weinstein raped Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor, in 2013 during a relationship between the then-married Weinstein and the decades-younger Mann. Weinstein’s lawyers argued that the encounter was consensual, while Mann described a hotel-room encounter when he forced himself upon her. Weinstein was initially convicted in 2020, but an appeals court overturned that verdict.
Jane Schoenbrun's queer slasher movie 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' jolts Cannes
CANNES, France (AP) — A bold, bloody queer slasher film starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson gave the Cannes Film Festival a gonzo jolt. Jane Schoenbrun’s “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” is one of the most prominent American films in Cannes this year. And it earned a raucous reception at the French festival in a moment of vindication for Schoenbrun. The most prominent trans filmmaker of their generation, Schoenbrun was turned down nearly everywhere in trying to make their third film. Mubi releases it in August.
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Shakira and Burna Boy release official 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem, 'Dai Dai'
NEW YORK (AP) — Colombian superstar Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy have released the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem. It is titled “Dai Dai.” It’s a mesh of their musical landscapes. Afrobeats and Latin rhythms are prevalent in this undeniably global pop song. In one verse, they name a number of the world’s most famous soccer players and countries competing in this years’ World Cup. But lyrically, the song is about believing in yourself. The FIFA tournament will kick off on June 11 with Mexico taking on South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium just outside New York City.
New Wings exhibit traces Paul McCartney’s reinvention as husband, father and bandleader
CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — A new exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland features the largest public display ever assembled of Paul McCartney’s personal artifacts. “Paul McCartney and Wings” examines the musician’s life after The Beatles through instruments, handwritten notes and photographs by his late wife, Linda McCartney. Curators say the exhibit highlights how Wings reflected McCartney’s reinvention as a husband and father while helping define the sound and spectacle of 1970s arena rock. Most of the artifacts come from McCartney’s personal collection.
A Latino grocery store in Delaware turns its produce aisle into a music stage
NEW CASTLE, Del. (AP) — A family-owned Latino grocery store in Delaware is attracting online audiences and bands from far away with monthly concerts from diverse artists and genres. Jose Luis Aguilar Garcia started the concert series at Fiesta Fresh Market after he was inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. Tens of thousands tune in online to watch artists perform on a colorful and unassuming stage far away from the massive music industry hubs typically associated with artistic opportunity and exposure. Garcia says he hopes the series highlights the persistence of joy and creativity in Latino communities at a time when they’re being targeted by immigration crackdowns.
John Travolta surprised with honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival
CANNES, France (AP) — John Travolta was surprised with an honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his directorial debut. The festival’s artistic director brought out the award for Travolta on Friday just before the screening of his “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.” A visibly moved Travolta clutched his chest while being presented the trophy. Clad in a white beret, Travolta walked the Cannes red carpet with his 26-year-old daughter Ella Bleu Travolta. The actor wrote, directed and co-produced “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” based on his own 1997 children’s novel.
Cuban dancer finds meaning and work in the streets as the island's art scene fades
HAVANA (AP) — Renowned Cuban dancer and choreographer Juan Miguel Mas, has faced significant challenges due to Cuba's economic crisis. Once filling prestigious venues with his troupe, Danza Voluminosa, he now focuses on community dance workshops for children. The crisis has led to blackouts, water outages and soaring costs, impacting artists like Mas with canceled shows and limited venues. Despite losing his teaching contract with the National Theater of Cuba, Mas remains committed to staying in Cuba. He emphasizes the importance of community connection and bringing art to children, transforming street corners into vibrant dance stages.

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