Eurovision Song Contest is expanding with an Asian edition later this year
BANGKOK (AP) — The Eurovision music spectacle is expanding to Asia. Organizers said artists from at least 10 countries are confirmed for the Asian edition of the singing competition to be held in Bangkok later this year. Eurovision’s director said the expansion marks the contest’s 70th anniversary. Artists from Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan have confirmed their participation so far. The finale will be in November. The main gala with mostly European participants will be held in Vienna in May. It is being boycotted by five countries due to discord over Israel's participation.
Bruce Springsteen brings 'Streets of Minneapolis' home to launch a political US tour
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bruce Springsteen returns Tuesday to the “Streets of Minneapolis.” After honoring its residents in song for their courage in standing up against the federal immigration crackdown, he’s using the city to launch his latest U.S. tour. The New Jersey rocker released “Streets of Minneapolis” amid the nationwide outpouring over the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers. His tour will next head to other cities that were sites of immigration crackdowns. It ends May 27 in Washington, D.C., where he says he’ll have a few choice words for the White House.
Celine Dion announces first concerts since stiff-person syndrome diagnosis with Paris residency
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Celine Dion will return to the stage this fall with her first series of concerts since revealing her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, announcing a five-week limited engagement in Paris. The Grammy-winning star said Monday that she will perform 10 shows at Paris La Défense Arena from Sept. 12 through Oct. 14. It will mark a major milestone for Dion, who has spent years away from touring due to the rare neurological disorder she disclosed in 2022. In an emotional video message delivered from beneath the Eiffel Tower on her 58th birthday, Dion thanked fans for their support during her health challenges and said she feels “strong” and “excited” to return to the stage.
Army reviewing after helicopters hovered alongside Kid Rock's swimming pool as he saluted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Army has launched an administrative review after two AH-64 Apache helicopters on a training run maneuvered near the hillside home of Kid Rock. The entertainer who is an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump posted videos on social media. Each shows a helicopter hovering alongside his swimming pool while he claps, salutes and raises his fist in the air. The Nashville skyline can be seen in the background. A spokesman for the 101st Airborne at nearby Fort Campbell says they're reviewing the maneuvers and will take “appropriate action” if violations are found.
As 'The Book of Mormon' on Broadway celebrates its 15th anniversary, meet the last original actor
NEW YORK (AP) — John Eric Parker still performs in “The Book of Mormon” — the only original Broadway cast member still there after 15 years. He says the role gives him real joy, and he stays because the work still feels fresh. He also says he makes time for younger cast members who ask for help. He also worked on “Memphis,” and so, he landed two Tony-winning musicals back to back. He says the show keeps changing as the world changes around it. He says not having to hustle for the next job has freed him to give back, like being on the board of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
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Zendaya teases bridal-themed fashion with something old, new, borrowed ... and soon, blue?
Zendaya has a few more days to wear something blue. The actor, promoting “The Drama” with co-star Robert Pattinson, has worn something old, something new and something borrowed. It all fits in with the wedding theme of “The Drama,” an edgy comedy opening Friday about a Boston couple whose nuptials are thrown into chaos by a dark revelation. Of course, it also dovetails with the bridal theme of Zendaya’s own life. There has been unconfirmed speculation flying — fed in part by rings she’s been wearing — that the superstar is already married to Tom Holland.
Mary Beth Hurt, Tony-nominated Broadway and film actor, dies at 79
NEW YORK (AP) — Tony-nominated actor Mary Beth Hurt has died at 79 after a long career on Broadway and in film. Her daughter says Hurt died on Saturday in New Jersey. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015. Hurt earned three Tony nominations for roles in “Trelawny of the Wells,” “Crimes of the Heart” and “Benefactors.” She also appeared in films like “The World According to Garp” and “Six Degrees of Separation.” She was married to filmmaker Paul Schrader and worked in his films “Affliction” and “Light Sleeper.” Her daughter remembers her as fierce and graceful.
Thieves steal paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse from a private museum in Italy
ROME (AP) — Thieves have stolen three valuable paintings from a private museum in northern Italy. The works by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse are worth millions. Police said Monday that the thieves forced open a door during the night of March 22-23. Local media reported the thieves were out in less than three minutes and escaped through the museum gardens. The museum believes an organized gang did it. Museums in Europe have been targeted in a series of heists recently, including the theft of French crown jewels from the Louvre in Paris last October.
'Project Hail Mary' flies to $54.5 million second weekend, horror reaches a saturation point
NEW YORK (AP) — “Project Hail Mary” stayed aloft in its second weekend, holding strongly with $54.5 million, adding to the long-term prospects of the year’s biggest hit thus far. The Phil Lord and Chris Miller sci-fi adventure dipped only 32% after notching the best non-franchise opening weekend since 2023’s “Oppenheimer.” Amazon MGM’s yet, “Project Hail Mary” has grossed $300.8 million worldwide in two weeks. The weekend’s top new release, “They Will Kill You,” debuted with a disappointing $5 million for Warner Bros. The gory R-rated horror film starring Zazie Beetz only cost $20 million to make. But the result suggests theaters may have become oversaturated in horror.
New York Times accuses Pentagon of flouting judge's order blocking its press access policy
WASHINGTON (AP) — A New York Times attorney claims the Pentagon has flouted a court order blocking it from enforcing a policy limiting news reporters’ access to the Defense Department’s headquarters. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman didn’t immediately rule from the bench on Monday after hearing a second round of arguments from lawyers for the newspaper and the government. The Times claims Pentagon officials implemented a revised press policy that circumvents a prior ruling by Friedman. The newspaper urged the judge to compel the government's compliance with his March 20 order. In that ruling, Friedman said the Pentagon’s new credential policy violated journalists’ constitutional rights to free speech and due process.

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