AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:59 a.m. EST

‘Wicked: For Good’ is even more popular than the first, soaring to a $226 million global debut

Universal Pictures' "Wicked: For Good" has taken the box office by storm, earning an estimated $150 million in North America and $226 million globally in its opening weekend. It's the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing the first film's $112 million launch, and the second biggest of the year. Released earlier this week, the film played in 4,115 North American locations by Friday, with IMAX showings contributing $15.5 million. Women made up 71% of ticket buyers. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande, the film's success is crucial for the exhibition industry as the year ends.

Donald Glover says he had a stroke

Donald Glover has revealed he suffered a stroke last year, which forced him to cancel his tour. Speaking at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, Glover shared that a doctor diagnosed him after he experienced severe head pain during a show in Louisiana. Despite the pain, he performed but later sought medical attention in Houston. Glover also disclosed he had two surgeries for a heart condition. He expressed gratitude for his life and career, saying, "You got one life, guys, and I gotta be honest, the life I’ve lived with you guys has been such a blessing."

On paper, a California city bans the sale of comic books to kids. Officials want to change that

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In the mid-20th century, comic books groups grew in popularity. But some people worried that they were contributing to illiteracy and inciting crime among young people. One California city passed a ban in 1949 banning anyone from distributing comic books prominently featuring crime to children. The Sacramento law is rarely if ever enforced, but the city is taking steps to remove it from the books. Proponents of repealing the law say it is necessary to protect against alarming efforts in recent years to ban books in various states. One comic shop owner in the city says the ban is “silly.”

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is officially eligible for the Oscars

“KPop Demon Hunters” is one step closer to another golden moment: The Oscars. The Netflix hit is among 35 films eligible for the Animated Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the list on Friday. Although it gained fame on Netflix, the film had a qualifying theatrical run in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in June. Other contenders include Disney’s “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” and Crunchyroll/Sony’s “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.” Fans will find out if it makes the cut for a nomination on January 22.

Catholic clergy are ecstatic about Rosalía’s songs of faith in her new album ‘Lux’

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Rosalía has won over millions of music lovers for her fusions of flamenco and urban Latin beats. But the Spanish artist's new album, “Lux,” has taken an even more radical turn. Its 15 songs are laden with a yearning for the divine. From its opening lyrics about God, Rosalía announces that this album is a rupture from its Grammy-winning predecessors. And Catholics have taken notice. “Lux” has drawn praise from the Cardinal in charge of culture for the Vatican and bishops in her native Spain.

UK leader suggests former Prince Andrew should testify in US investigation into Jeffrey Epstein

LONDON (AP) — Pressure is increasing for the former Prince Andrew to give evidence to a U.S. congressional committee investigating the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after Britain’s prime minister suggested he should testify. Keir Starmer did not comment directly about King Charles III’s disgraced younger brother, but told reporters traveling with him for the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg that as a “general principle” people should provide evidence to investigators. The former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has so far ignored a request from members of the House Oversight Committee for a “transcribed interview.”

Music Review: 'Wicked: For Good — The Soundtrack' raises the stakes

"Wicked: For Good — The Soundtrack" offers a fresh take on the original musical's second act. Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, while Ariana Grande brings depth to Glinda. The soundtrack features new songs and lyrics, raising the stakes on the album, writes AP's Elise Ryan. Sometimes, the music is weighed down by the plot that it helps move along. The soundtrack adds over 15 minutes of music, with new songs for Erivo and Grande enhancing the emotional payoff.

Eddie Murphy to receive life achievement award from the American Film Institute

Eddie Murphy is being celebrated with a life achievement award from the American Film Institute. The award will be presented at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on April 18. Murphy, 64, has been a force in entertainment for nearly 50 years. He started as a teenage stand-up comedian, became a “Saturday Night Live” cast member and starred in films like “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Shrek.” He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2023. Murphy is the 51st recipient of the AFI life achievement award, joining honorees like Nicole Kidman and Denzel Washington.

Beloved Italian singer Ornella Vanoni, whose iconic career spanned 70 years, dies at 91

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Ornella Vanoni, a beloved Italian singer with a career spanning seven decades, has died at 91. Known for hits like "Senza Fine" and "L’appuntamento," she left a lasting impact on Italian culture. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sorrow on Saturday, highlighting Vanoni's unique artistic legacy. Vanoni died of cardiac arrest at her Milan home. She recorded over 100 albums, selling more than 55 million copies. Her collaborations included artists like Gino Paoli, Gil Evans, and Herbie Hancock. Vanoni also won prestigious awards, including the Tenco Award, and was a popular TV guest in her later years.