AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:49 p.m. EST

How the Super Bowl halftime show evolved from pageantry to pop culture's biggest stage

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from marching bands to a global spectacle featuring pop stars and cinematic productions. It now rivals the NFL's championship game for attention, drawing over 100 million viewers worldwide. This year, Bad Bunny takes the stage, highlighting Latin culture and Spanish-language music. The transformation began as the NFL sought to expand the halftime show's appeal, moving from family-friendly performances to star-studded events. Notable acts like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar have shaped the show's legacy. The NFL covers production costs, offering performers priceless exposure.

The Grammys had lots of Mars, Carpenter soaring and a near-naked Bieber. Here are some key moments

The Grammy Awards featured memorable performances, including Bruno Mars and Rosé kicking off the night with their high energy hit “APT.” Lady Gaga delivered a unique performance of “Abracadabra” while Sabrina Carpenter turned the stage into a busy airport with her performance of “Manchild.” Justin Bieber performed “Yukon” in a stripped-down set that stood out from the other busy performances. The in memoriam section rocked with tributes to Ozzy Osbourne, D'Angelo and Roberta Flack, featuring performances by Post Malone and Ms. Lauryn Hill. The best new artists performed in a block, with Chappell Roan, last year’s category winner, then anointing her successor — Olivia Dean.

A smiling Cher laughs at her Grammys flubs in a good-natured, chaotic appearance

Cher may have wanted to turn back time on her rather chaotic Grammys presenting experience. But the pop legend’s obvious good humor made her flubs one of the most meme-worthy moments of the night. In what amounted to a Grammys version of John Travolta’s Adele Dazeem moment at the Oscars — if much more understandable — Cher, presenting record of the year, seemed to award it to the late Luther Vandross. Quickly, though, she realized that the actual winner was the very-much-alive Kendrick Lamar. Lamar won for “Luther,” his duet with SZA which samples Vandross. Cher also had left the stage prematurely before announcing the award — after her own lifetime achievement prize.

Kennedy Center to close for 2 years for renovations in July, Trump says, after performers' backlash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he will move to close Washington’s Kennedy Center performing arts venue for two years starting in July for construction. Trump’s announcement on social media Sunday night follows a wave of cancellations by artists since Trump ousted the previous leadership and added his name to the building. Trump announced his plan days after the premiere of “Melania,” a documentary of the first lady, was shown at the storied venue. He says the proposal is subject to approval by the board of the Kennedy Center, which has been stocked with his hand-picked allies.

Michelangelo's 'The Last Judgment' fresco undergoes 3-month cleaning at Sistine Chapel

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” is undergoing its first major restoration in three decades. The imposing fresco of heaven and hell dominates the Sistine Chapel. The chapel will remain open to visitors during the three-month cleaning. The Vatican Museums said in a statement on Monday that the scaffolding will partially obstruct the view of the fresco. The cleaning will remove microparticle buildup on the plaster from so many people visiting each day.

Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards, a first for a Spanish-language album

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 68th annual Grammy Awards took placed Sunday in Los Angeles. Bad Bunny has won album of the year, the first time a Spanish-language album has taken the Grammys' top honor. Ms. Lauryn Hill returned to the Grammys stage to pay tribute to the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, Jelly Roll and Lady Gaga were among the night's winners. Olivia Dean won best new artist. Kendrick Lamar won the first televised award for best rap album and record of the year. That brings him to a total of 27 career Grammys, the most of any rapper. Many artists used their time on stage to spread a pro-immigration and anti-ICE message.

Woodie King Jr., founder of powerhouse off-Broadway New Federal Theatre, dies at 88

NEW YORK (AP) — Woodie King Jr., an influential figure in American theater, has died at 88. He founded the New Federal Theatre to support Black playwrights, actors and directors. The theater company says King died Thursday from complications after heart surgery. King was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 2020. The New Federal Theatre produced significant works like “For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.” It also helped launch the careers of stars like Chadwick Boseman and Denzel Washington. King is survived by his wife, three children and five grandchildren.

Fela Kuti’s Grammy lifetime achievement award is a major win for African music

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Fela Kuti has become the first African to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy at the Grammys Special Merit Awards. He was honored posthumously on Saturday alongside Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana and Whitney Houston. The award highlights Fela's significant impact on music and his role as a pioneer of Afrobeat. Nigerian music critics see this as a testament to his lasting influence. Fela's music, a mix of jazz, funk and Yoruba rhythms, often criticized government corruption and Western imperialism. His legacy continues to inspire artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid.

Grammys host Trevor Noah takes aim at Nicki Minaj and Trump, drawing ire from the president

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hosting the Grammy Awards for the sixth and final time, Trevor Noah went easy on politics at first but drew the presiden's ire with a joke later in the show. During his monologue, he joked about Nicki Minaj meeting and praising Donald Trump at the White House, getting a big cheer when he said Minaj was not at the Grammys. He later made a joke about Trump visiting Jeffrey Epstein's island, prompting a Truth Social post from Trump saying the statement wasn't true and that he planned to sue the “total loser” Noah.