AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 6:32 a.m. EDT

Samara Joy reflects on her Grammy wins and the creative journey behind 'Portrait'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Samara Joy’s voice transports listeners to the early jazz clubs, evoking legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. At 25, she’s a five-time Grammy winner, with her album “Linger Awhile” earning her best new artist and best jazz vocal album in 2023. Praised by artists like Chaka Khan and Quincy Jones, Joy has gained a large following on TikTok, introducing jazz to a new generation. Her latest album, “Portrait,” is her most personal, capturing the tension between excitement and overwhelm. Joy says it marks a turning point in trusting her instincts and creative vision.

Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons make the case for the wild ride that is ‘Bugonia’

Jesse Plemons urges movie lovers to pause Netflix and watch “Bugonia” in theaters. The film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos features Plemons as a conspiracy theorist who kidnaps Emma Stone's pharma CEO, believing her to be an alien. Despite its seemingly small scope, the film feels grand with its booming score and raw performances. “Bugonia” premiered at the Venice Film Festival and arrives in select theaters this weekend. The film is based on the 2003 Korean movie “Save the Green Planet!” and was adapted by screenwriter Will Tracy. Stone also produced and worked hard to preserve the integrity of the project.

Poker's NBA-and-Mafia betting scandal echoes movie games, and cheats, from 'Ocean's' to 'Rounders'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A big-money poker ring involving NBA figures indicted this week for allegedly cheating unsuspecting rich players echoes decades of films and TV shows, with supposed Mafia involvement adding to the drama. Movies like “Ocean’s Eleven” and “Molly’s Game” and the TV drama “The Sopranos” have depicted similar high-stakes games. George Clooney, linked to those films, joked about the comparisons, saying, “we get blamed for everything.” “Molly's Game” highlighted the allure of celebrity-filled poker games. The legality of private poker games varies, but they often face scrutiny when hosts profit like casinos. Poker's portrayal in films has long captivated audiences.

June Lockhart, beloved mother figure from 'Lassie' and 'Lost In Space,' dies at 100

LOS ANGELES (AP) — June Lockhart, beloved for her roles in “Lassie” and “Lost In Space,” has died at 100. She died Thursday of natural causes at her Santa Monica home. Lockhart became a TV star as Ruth Martin in “Lassie” from 1958 to 1964 and as Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space” from 1965 to 1968. Her warm portrayals endeared her to viewers, though she insisted her real-life persona was different. Lockhart’s career spanned films, TV dramas, and soap operas.

Greek singer-songwriter Dionysis Savvopoulos buried in a state funeral

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek singer-songwriter Dionysis Savvopoulos was buried Saturday in Athens’ First Cemetery. He died at 80 after a heart attack following a battle with cancer since 2020. Thousands paid respects as he lay in state at a chapel in Athens. A Greek navy band played mournful music, reflecting his journey from a counterculture icon to a mainstream figure. Savvopoulos never changed his musical style, blending rock, folk-rock, jazz and Greek music. Conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and others eulogized him, highlighting his role as a speaker of uncomfortable truths.

Bad Bunny didn’t miss the Billboard Latin Music Awards, he was the top winner

MIAMI (AP) — His presence had remained a mystery, but Bad Bunny was there in person Thursday night to receive all the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards that were handed to him, including the special Billboard Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century Award. Bad Bunny had broken a record by being a finalist for 27 categories of the Latin Billboards 2025, and became the top winner of the night with 11 awards, including artist of the year; Global 200 Latin Artist of the Year, and “Hot Latin Songs” Male Artist of the Year. Fuerza Regida, Karol G and Óscar Maydon were other winners of the night.

Jon Bon Jovi talks first tour since vocal cord surgery, new album and Bruce Springsteen

LONDON (AP) — Bon Jovi will embark on their first tour in four years in 2026. It's more than just a victory lap. In 2022, singer Jon Bon Jovi learned one of his vocal cords was atrophying. It caused him to undergo surgery and a lot of rehab. At Wembley Stadium on Friday, the rock frontman discussed the band's new tour and how band members supported him during what he called his “darkest hours.” He also said he was overwhelmed with gratitude for the artists who collaborated with Bon Jovi on their latest album, “Forever (Legendary Edition).” It is out Friday and also features Bruce Springsteen.

Miguel's 'CAOS,' fueled by anger and angst, is his first studio album in nearly a decade

NEW YORK (AP) — R&B superstar Miguel is back with his latest album, “CAOS,” out now after a nearly decadelong hiatus, calling it his most “angry” project to date. It's his first studio album since 2017’s “War & Leisure.” The Grammy winner says global events like the coronavirus pandemic and international wars, along with personal conflicts like his divorce and industry comparisons contributed to his break. The “Adorn” and “Sure Thing” artist writes on all 12 songs on the “CAOS” project, with the album’s lone feature awarded to the legendary George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic. The album also features original Spanish-language songs from the artist whose mother is Black and father is Mexican, embracing his mixed heritage and culture more directly.

Bestselling author Jodi Picoult pushes back after her musical is canceled by Indiana high school

NEW YORK (AP) — Jodi Picoult faces bans on both her books and a musical based on her novel “Between the Lines.” The superintendent of Mississinewa High School in Indiana canceled the musical last week, citing concerns over “sexual innuendo” and alcohol references. Picoult, whose works often tackle difficult issues, says censorship is problematic when one parent decides what's appropriate for others' children. The same school has performed “Grease,” which contains similar themes. The musical, featuring a nonbinary character, had already been edited for conservative audiences. Picoult's books have faced bans, with “Nineteen Minutes” banned 16 times this year.