AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:30 p.m. EDT

'Euphoria,' returning for a third season, launched a generation of new stars

“Euphoria” returns Sunday with its starry cast for a third season on HBO Max. The TV series was a launchpad for the careers of Zendaya, Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney, among others. Since the show premiered in 2019, Zendaya won two Emmys for her role and has starred in films including “Dune,” “Challengers,” and “Spider-Man.” Elordi gained fame and an Oscar nomination for Guillermo del Toro's “Frankenstein.” Sweeney received acclaim for “The White Lotus” and “Christy.” Other actors showcased in the series include Hunter Schafer, Colman Domingo, Maude Apatow and Alexa Demie.

Coachella looks like fun and glamour for influencers. Behind the scenes, they fiercely strategize

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Social media content that comes out of the sprawling Coachella music festival often looks spontaneous and fun, but many content creators engage in intense levels of planning and strategy weeks or even months in advance. Securing brand partnerships, lining up sponsored content opportunities and building out a content plan for videos related to the festival require business acumen. The festival, which will feature performances from headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G this year, attracts a vast online audience with an insatiable appetite online for Coachella content.

China's K-pop worries: The reasons why a ban on Korean entertainment has lasted a decade

BEIJING (AP) — BTS is back after a three-and-a-half year break, but their world tour is skipping China. This comes as no surprise, as China has blocked most South Korean entertainment since 2016. The ban started when South Korea allowed a U.S. anti-missile system on its soil, angering China. It isn't total, though. Non-Korean members of K-pop groups can perform in China, and pop-up stores selling K-pop merchandise are popular. South Korean entertainment companies have shifted their focus away from China, with Japan and North America becoming key markets. China has never officially acknowledged the ban.

Stefano Gabbana has stepped down as Dolce & Gabbana chairman but will keep a creative role

MILAN (AP) — Stefano Gabbana has stepped down as chairman of the fashion house that he co-founded with Domenico Dolce. The company said on Friday that Gabbana’s resignation from oversight roles was effective Jan. 1. The company called it “a natural evolution of its organizational structure and governance.’’ The statement said Gabbana, 63, will continue in his creative role at the company.

Picture this: A raffle offers a Picasso for 100 euros to fund Alzheimer’s research

PARIS (AP) — A raffle in France offers the chance to win a Picasso portrait for a 100-euro ticket. Proceeds will support Alzheimer's research. The draw takes place Tuesday at Christie's auction house in Paris. The event is organized by the Alzheimer Research Foundation, a leading private financier of Alzheimer-related research in France. The painting, "Tête de Femme," was created by Picasso in 1941. Previous raffles in 2013 and 2020 raised over 10 million euros for cultural and humanitarian causes. The number of tickets is capped at 120,000, and the draw will be broadcast online.

Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa dies at age 68

Afrika Bambaataa, a hip-hop pioneer, has died of prostate cancer in Pennsylvania at age 68, according to his lawyer. Known for tracks like “Planet Rock,” Bambaataa was a key figure in hip-hop's development and founded the Universal Zulu Nation art collective. Born Lance Taylor in the South Bronx, was influential in shaping hip-hop and electro-funk music. His legacy has been celebrated worldwide, but recent years saw it overshadowed by allegations of sexual abuse from multiple men. Despite his contributions, the serious allegations have complicated his impact on the music world.

Pink to host the 2026 Tony Awards on June 7 at Radio City Music Hall

NEW YORK (AP) — Pink has been chosen to host the Tony Awards, set for June 7 at Radio City Music Hall. The three-time Grammy winner is known for her high-energy performances and acrobatic live shows. Pink expressed her excitement, calling it an honor to celebrate Broadway, a community she admires for its talent and inclusivity. Although she hasn't appeared on Broadway, Pink has had multiple hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Tony Award producers praised her as a fearless artist who embodies live performance. The 2026 awards will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Last year's show drew 4.85 million viewers.

PEN America launches a US safety program for authors facing harassment

NEW YORK (AP) — PEN America has launched the U.S. Safety Program to counter harassment against the literary community. The initiative announced Friday provides safety training and resources for authors facing censorship and threats. PEN America’s co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf emphasizes that writers shouldn't have to choose between safety and expression. Viktorya Vilk, who leads PEN's digital safety efforts, notes a rise in harassment since President Donald Trump's election. PEN has raised nearly $1 million for the program, with contributions from major publishers. Authors like Jodi Picoult will auction character names to support the initiative.

Talk back: Tech deal promotes conversations between journalists and those who follow their stories

NEW YORK (AP) — A media deal is offering a peek into a future where journalists have more than just a one-way conversation with the people following the news. British broadcaster Sky News is leasing technology from the U.S.-based company Noosphere that makes it easier for consumers to ask questions, make comments and otherwise make a connection with the people reporting the news. At a time when people are seeking more authenticity from their news sources and news organizations are coping with declining readership and viewership, it could be a way to promote more loyalty and make business sense.