Pharrell calls for empathy from US leaders after being honored at Black Music Collective event
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pharrell Williams uses the Recording Academy stage to pray for U.S. leaders. He hopes they find empathy and mercy for those who love the country but weren't born there. Williams received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the Black Music Collective event in Los Angeles. The event on Thursday night was held days before the Grammys. It celebrates artists with influence beyond music. Brandy and Kirk Franklin also received honors. Justin Timberlake and Tyler, the Creator praised Williams for his impact. The evening included a surprise Grammy for Eve. The Black Music Collective champions Black creators and supports future leaders.
Melania Trump's documentary premieres at the Kennedy Center ahead of global release
WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump is capping her first year after becoming first lady again with the global release of a documentary about the 20 days before she and President Donald Trump returned to the White House. The Kennedy Center in Washington hosted a screening for the movie, “Melania,” on Thursday, one day before its release in theaters worldwide. Director Brett Ratner says he won't measure success by how it does at the box office, because documentaries traditionally are not “huge box office smashes.” Melania Trump says the film offers rare insight into her life in the run-up to the 2025 inauguration.
The Westminster dog show is turning 150. Here's what has — and hasn't — changed over time
NEW YORK (AP) — The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is celebrating a milestone. The 150th annual show opens Saturday and culminates with the best in show prize Tuesday night New York's Madison Square Garden. What's now the most famous dog show in the United States began when some 19th-century New York gentleman hunters organized an event to compare their dogs. That first show, in 1877, was no small thing, featuring about 1,200 dogs of dozens of breeds. This year’s show boasts 2,500 dogs, representing as many as 212 breeds and 10 “varieties.” Club President Donald Sturz says the trappings have changed over time, but the love of dogs remains the heart of the show.
The Sundance Film Festival's big moments and breakout movies
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The last Sundance Film Festival in Utah is drawing to a close this weekend. The Park City gathering has been a nostalgic farewell, as it moves to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. A Wednesday night screening of “Little Miss Sunshine” was especially emotional, with filmmakers and actors reuniting after 20 years. The festival has focused on discovery, with first-time feature filmmakers making up about 40% of the slate. Highlights included Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite,” which sparked a bidding war, and Adrian Chiarella’s “Leviticus,” acquired by Neon. The festival runs through Sunday.
Katseye, Addison Rae, Lola Young and more light up pre-Grammy Spotify showcase
LOS ANGELES (AP) — All of the 2026 Grammy Awards best new artists nominees have taken the stage at Spotify's annual pre-Grammy Party in Los Angeles. The event Thursday night was held at the Lot at Formosa in West Hollywood. The lineup included Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, Katseye, Addison Rae, The Marías, sombr and Alex Warren. The event spotlighted up-and-coming talent across genres and backgrounds. Each act ran through three to four songs. They introduced themselves to an audience built of new listeners and dedicated fans in seemingly equal measure. The stage rotated to reveal another backline and leaving the audience closest to the stage to guess who would emerge next.
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What to know about the 2026 Grammys
NEW YORK (AP) — This year's Grammys mark a return to normalcy after the 2025 award show was altered to focus on supporting wildfire relief efforts. Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr. says viewers can expect history-making moments. The main show will air live on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday. Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers will be able to stream live as well. All eight best new artist nominees will perform. The in memoriam segment will feature multiple performers and special tributes to D'Angelo, Roberta Flack and Ozzy Osbourne. Doechii and Harry Styles are the first confirmed presenters.
As an uncertain 2026 begins, virtual journeys back to 2016 become a trend
LONDON (AP) — The year is 2016. Somehow it feels carefree, driven by internet culture. Everyone is wearing over-the-top makeup. At least, that’s how Maren Nævdal, 27, remembers it — and has seen it on her social feeds in recent days. For Njeri Allen, also 27, the year was defined by the artists topping the charts that year, from Beyonce to Drake to Rihanna’s last music releases. These days, a lot of people, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are thinking about 2016. Over the past few weeks, millions have been sharing throwback photos to that time on social media, kicking off one of the first viral trends of the year — the year 2026, that is.
The Sundance Film Festival is now streaming. Here’s how, and what, to watch
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Many films from the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, are available to stream online starting Thursday through the weekend. This includes the Channing Tatum drama “Josephine.” Streaming became popular during COVID-19 and remains a beloved option. You can watch on your computer or TV through the Sundance Film Festival website. All feature films in the main competitions are available, including “Josephine,” “Carousel,” and “The Musical.” Some films, like “The Moment” and “The AI Doc,” won’t be streaming due to existing distribution deals. Streaming costs $35 per film, benefiting the Sundance Institute’s programs.
Detroit Opera orchestra to set George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic hits to classical music
DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Opera is showcasing Parliament-Funkadelic in a new way. George Clinton’s and P-Funk’s greatest hits will be performed by an orchestra. The event, titled “Symphonic PFunk-Celebrating the Music of Parliament Funkadelic,” takes place Saturday at the Detroit Opera House. Violins, cellos, horns, and more will bring some of the group’s classics to life. The 84-year-old Clinton says going classical is something he has been expecting to happen at some point with the group’s music. Detroit Opera has assembled 47 players, including a full string section and a harp, to perform these iconic tunes.
Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, K-pop and more: AP predicts who will win at the 2026 Grammys
Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammys nominee pack, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny and others are vying for their moment in the spotlight. But who will take home trophies on Sunday? Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory. They predict victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé and Bruno Mars. They also expect close genre races across country, Latin and pop. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
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