AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:10 p.m. EDT

An Instagram DM changed everything for Rachel Reid, Jacob Tierney and 'Heated Rivalry'

NEW YORK (AP) — Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney were sensations at BookCon, thanks to the success of “Heated Rivalry.” The show is based on Reid's “Game Changer” series and has boosted the popularity of the hockey romance genre. Since its debut last November, it has made stars of actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Tierney plans to start filming the second season this summer, while Reid works on a third book. Despite her Parkinson's diagnosis, Reid remains committed to her writing. Both creators enjoy exploring the evolving relationship of their characters, Shane and Ilya, and the impact of their work on fans.

Beyoncé, Bezos, baubles and bustiers: What to know about the 2026 Met Gala

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s nearly upon us: The Met Gala is back on May 4. This year’s broad dress code, “Fashion is Art,” promises to produce some truly flamboyant ensembles when stars make their way up the carpeted museum steps. None other than Beyoncé is co-chairing, along with Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. The gala is a huge fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Last year it brought in more than $31 million, another record sum. Speaking of record sums: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos are footing much of the bill as lead sponsors and honorary chairs.

Music Review: Noah Kahan's 'The Great Divide' meets the moment as a 'Stick Season' successor

American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan will release his fourth studio album, “The Great Divide,” on Friday. It follows the success of 2022’s “Stick Season.” That album propelled him to mainstream acclaim. “The Great Divide” is a 17-track foray back into the folksy woods Kahan ventured into with “Stick Season.” It picks up where that album left off, The Associated Press’ Mike Catalini writes in his review. It might not be possible to recreate the blazing success of its predecessor. He says it is instead a kindred spirit to “Stick Season.” The album doesn’t endeavor to rehash the past.

Once punished for weaving, this Mexican artisan uses her loom for LGBTQ+ resistance

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Xaneri Merino, a transgender woman and artisan from southern Mexico, was once punished for weaving in her Indigenous community, where men are largely barred from weaving. Today, she uses the backstrap loom to explore identity and resilience while teaching others to turn weaving into a form of personal expression and LGBTQ+ resistance. Merino was expected to tend cattle or work in the fields. Yet her grandmother defied those rigid gender norms, passing on to her the ancestral practice of the backstrap loom — an ancient, portable device operated using a strap secured around the weaver’s waist.

French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud says Algeria sentenced him to 3 years for award-winning novel

PARIS (AP) — French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud says he has been sentenced to three years in prison in Algeria for his book “Houris.” The novel won France’s top literary award in 2024. It focuses on victims of Algeria’s “black decade.” This conflict began in 1991 when the military canceled elections after Islamists won the first round. Daoud announced on Wednesday that the verdict was delivered on Tuesday. He said that he was also fined $38,000. He said he was convicted under Algeria’s Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation. It punishes public mention of the civil war. Daoud criticized the law for targeting writers.

Movie Review: In 'Michael,' the King of Pop is resurrected, sans complications

“Michael” slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. Antoine Fuqua’s movie is sanctioned by Jackson’s estate and its producers include the estate's executors. So it is, by its nature, a narrow, authorized perspective on the King of Pop. “Michael” doesn’t even subtly nod to more difficult facts about Jackson's life. It moonwalks right past them. The result is a kind of fantasy film, one that relives the extraordinary highs of Michael Jackson while turning a blind eye to the lows.

Alan Osmond, the eldest member of the Osmonds, has died at 76

NEW YORK (AP) — Alan Osmond, the eldest member of the million-selling family act The Osmonds, has died after decades with multiple sclerosis. He died Monday at his Utah home at the age of 76. According to a family spokesperson, Alan’s wife and their eight sons were with him at the time of his death. The Osmond Brothers became regulars in the 1960s on “The Andy Williams Show,” where they made their name and forged their wholesome and peppy image. They peaked as a quintet in the early 1970s, as younger brother Donny Osmond became the breakout star. Alan Osmond helped write some of the Osmond Brothers' biggest hits, including “One Bad Apple.”

Virginia Evans and Susan Choi are among 6 finalists for the Women's Prize for Fiction

LONDON (AP) — Four debut novelists are among the six finalists for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction, announced Wednesday. The shortlist includes four American authors. Notable entries are Lily King’s “Heart the Lover” and Susan Choi’s “Flashlight.” Debut novels include Virginia Evans’ “The Correspondent” and Addie E. Citchens’ “Dominion.” British writers Marcia Hutchinson and Rozie Kelly also make the list. The finalists were chosen by a judging panel led by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Gillard highlights the books’ exploration of power and life choices. Winners will be announced June 11 in London. Previous winners include Zadie Smith and Tayari Jones.

Zach Galifianakis brings humor to gardening in a Netflix series premiering on Earth Day

Zach Galifianakis has a new Netflix series on gardening and he's bringing a mix of sincerity and humor. "This Is a Gardening Show" premieres on Earth Day, April 22. There are six 15- to 20-minute episodes. Galifianakis has been a gardener for 25 years. On the show, he explores topics like tomatoes, root vegetables, foraging and compost with curiosity. Experts guide him and viewers through gardening techniques. There are also interactions with schoolkids that recall his satirical interviews with celebrities on the show “Between Two Ferns.” It's a blend of gardening knowledge and comedy.