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Ariana Grande taking break from public appearances, exits West End show amid ‘public scrutiny’

August 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Ariana Grande plans to step back from public appearances after completing The Eternal Sunshine Tour, her representative confirmed to ABC News.

The singer will also no longer star in the upcoming West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George,” which would have reunited her with her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.

“Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” her representative said in a statement to ABC News on Sunday.

“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the statement continued. “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

A source close to Grande said the singer is disappointed to leave the production but remains supportive of the creative team.

“She cannot wait to support the brilliant team bringing this project to life,” the source added.

The representative did not specify what prompted Grande’s decision to step back, though the statement cited “endless, ongoing public scrutiny” tied to her public-facing work and appearances.

Grande’s appearance has been the subject of public discussion and body-shaming in recent years, with renewed online commentary following the release of the music video for her latest single, “Petal,” from her newly released album of the same name.

The Grammy winner has previously addressed comments about her body, including in her 2024 song “Yes, And?,” in which she sings, “Don’t comment on my body.”

Grande launched her The Eternal Sunshine Tour in June in Oakland, California. After wrapping up the remaining U.S. dates, she will head to London, where the tour is scheduled to conclude Sept. 1.

The tour marks Grande’s return to the stage after several years focused on acting and recording music, including her starring role as Glinda in the Wicked films.

After the tour concludes, Grande is next set to appear on the big screen in Focker-in-Law, the latest installment of the Meet the Parents franchise, alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters Nov. 25.

50 Cent reveals why Eminem passed on post-‘8 Mile’ films

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

50 Cent has appeared in enough films and TV shows to break down some of his most iconic roles, but the same can’t be said for Eminem. 50 attributes Em’s limited acting career to a lack of creative control.

“I said, ‘I wanna do a movie,'” 50 explained in a interview with GQ. “Then, when we got into it, it was really no control. So, this is why they couldn’t get [Eminem] back after 8 Mile because he can control things when we work on music in the studio. It’s not ready until we say it’s ready. We can do it and do it over or, you know, it doesn’t matter. ‘Til it’s perfected.”

In a film, however, “you’re just someone on a team of people that can make a great project. And then there’s a whole cast.”

Among the projects 50 discussed in the clip are Den of Thieves, Southpaw, Righteous Kill and Power, among others.

Sublime’s self-titled album certified Diamond

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

A Diamond album is what Sublime’s got.

The “Santeria” outfit’s 1996 self-titled album has passed 10 million certified units by the RIAA, officially making it Diamond.

The album Sublime spawned the singles “Santeria,” “What I Got,” “Wrong Way” and “Doin’ Time.” It marked the band’s final record with frontman Bradley Nowell, who died just months ahead of its release.

While the Sublime offshoot Sublime with Rome would go on to release several albums, the self-titled record remained the final Sublime statement. That is, until the band reformed in 2023 with Bradley Nowell’s son, Jakob Nowell, on vocals and guitar.

With Jakob Nowell stepping into his father’s role, Sublime released their first new album in 30 years, Until the Sun Explodes, in June.

Sublime will be performing in New York City’s Central Park as part of ABC’s Good Morning America Summer Concert series on Aug. 14.

Pink Floyd releases another archival performance video from historic 1989 Venice concert

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Pink Floyd is once again sharing some live footage from their archives.

The band just released video of a performance of The Dark Side of the Moon track “The Great Gig in the Sky,” recorded at their iconic 1989 concert in Venice, Italy.

“Filmed in 1989, this unforgettable concert took place on a floating stage in the heart of Venice,” reads a post on Instagram. “The performance remains renowned not only for the music, but also for its extraordinary setting and ambitious production.”

This isn’t the first archival performance Pink Floyd has shared from the Live in Venice concert, which was a stop on their A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour. Over the past several weeks they’ve posted videos for such tracks as “Time,” “The Dogs of War,” “On the Turning Away” and “Learning to Fly.”

The original concert was filmed for Italian TV and broadcast worldwide.

Ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie case released as sheriff’s office asks for public’s help in identifying writer

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has released two ransom notes received by local media in Tucson, Arizona, in the days after Nancy Guthrie was taken, while calling for the public’s help in identifying their writer.

The redacted versions of the notes arrive six months after the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson-area home. The 84-year-old remains missing.

ABC News has previously described the contents of the notes.

“These communications reveal distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology that reflect the writer’s unique linguistic style,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a press release on Friday. “They also provide valuable insight into the person’s mindset, motives, and the evolution of their tone over time.”

The department said they “believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes’ writer.”

The first note was sent to the local CBS Tucson affiliate KOLD-TV on Feb. 2, according to the sheriff’s department, and is addressed to Savannah Guthrie.

“We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared,” the note stated, while asking for millions of dollars in Bitcoin for her release. If payment was not received, “she will be killed,” the note stated.

The note included descriptions of a smart watch near her bed and a damaged floodlight in the home’s backyard.

The second note was sent on Feb. 6, according to the sheriff’s department, and is addressed to the Guthrie family. The note stated that Guthrie died and “is buried in nature now.”

“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken,” the note stated.

The note included an apology and said to the family, “Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace.”

After receiving the second note, Savannah Guthrie posted a statement in a Feb. 7 Instagram post.

“We received your message and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said at the time. “We beg you now to return our mother to us. … . This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Music Notes: Trippie Redd, Wyclef Jean and Joe Budden

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Joe Budden has another podcast on the way, but this one is about true crime. He tells Forbes, “Without giving you too much, we’re going to delve into some stories. I’m a true crime head. I watch it all. This will be me looking at stories, telling stories, just putting a modern spin on true crime.”

Trippie Redd revealed on Instagram that his new album, NDA, arrives on Aug. 14. He announced the news on Instagram with a trailer. The lead single, “Swagger,” and accompanying music video are out now.

After calling for Tsu Surf’s freedom at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Wyclef Jean teamed up with him for the remix to “Mr. October,” out now. The original version features G Herbo and appears on Wyclef’s Clef Notes album. Surf, born Rahjon Cox, spent time in prison on RICO and weapons charges linked to his role in the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He was released in April.

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean break 73-year-old UK chart record with ‘Rein Me In’

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

With “Rein Me In,” Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have reined in history.

The track, a collaborative recording of a cut off Fender’s 2025 album, People Watching, has spent its 19th week at the top of the U.K.’s Official Single Chart, breaking the record for the longest-running #1 song across the pond.

The previous record of 18 weeks was set 73 years ago in 1953 by singer Frankie Laine’s song “I Believe.”

“Completely lost for words, thank you so much to Olivia Dean and the fans for making this song the juggernaut that it is,” Fender tells Official Charts. “Can’t believe we broke the UK record!”

The version of “Rein Me In” with Dean is included on the deluxe version of People Watching. It currently sits at #25 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.

Modest Mouse guitarist Simon O’Connor dropped from upcoming tour

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Modest Mouse guitarist Simon O’Connor won’t be joining the band on their upcoming U.S. tour dates, the “Float On” outfit announced Friday.

The news comes after a fan alleged that O’Connor, who joined Modest Mouse in 2021, sent them inappropriate messages. In a Reddit post purportedly written by O’Connor, he said, “I would like to just state that I unequivocally oppose any sexual behavior towards minors, as a human and a parent it disgusts me.”

O’Connor wrote that he’d messaged someone a “tasteless meme” by accident thinking they were someone else.

“I unsent the messages and immediately ceased communication,” O’Connor wrote. “I’m genuinely sorry to the person who received those messages. They didn’t deserve to be put in that position, and I’m sorry for the stress and attention this has brought them.”

Modest Mouse’s tour kicks off Aug. 4 in Ojai, California. It supports their new album, An Eraser and a Maze.

Chrissie Hynde shares her thoughts on hugs: ‘When did everyone get so touchy-feely?’

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde doesn’t seem to be the biggest fan of the hug. In a recent post on social media, she seemed to question why “hugs” suddenly became a go-to salutation in emails.

“Question: When did everyone get so touchy-feely?” she wrote. “It seems like a new thing where people sign their emails: ‘Hugs.’ Hate to be a spoil sport, but I’m wondering if there’s anyone else out there who isn’t huggy. Surely, it’s not just me.”

“Has this come from the therapy culture? The Grammy culture? Over-sharing?” she questioned.

“I guess we’re like dogs. Some are Lone wolves (me) and others are lap dogs who like a lot of pampering (hugs),” she noted. “( btw …I’m not confusing touchy-feely-huggy people with out-and- out sexy beasts. Two totally different things).”

Hynde also questioned email sign-offs that read “Stay safe,” simply asking “Seriously?” before signing off with, “OK well that’s my thought for the day.”

Hynde later clarified her comments in a second post.

“Suddenly, I seem to be getting a lot of messages signed: ‘Hugs.’ Maybe I was wrong. Maybe everyone really does need a hug,” she wrote. “That was probably mean spirited of me and so I would like to now say, ‘Have a nice day… Hugs.’”

She added, “I’ll write another riveting blog next time I have something unimportant to say In the meantime, Hugs.”

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II opens up about ‘Wonder Man’ cancellation

July 31, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is opening up about the cancellation of his Marvel TV series Wonder Man.

Abdul-Mateen took to Instagram to post about the surprise cancellation of the series, which had previously been renewed for season 2 on Disney+.

“Word just dropped that Wonder Man won’t be coming back for Season 2. (And if you don’t knowww, now ya knoww!)” Abdul-Mateen captioned his post. “That’s life, right? Everything will shake out.”

The actor, who played aspiring actor and superhero Simon Williams in the show, continued his post by thanking the series’ fans.

“I wanted to say thank you to everybody who WATCHED the show, ENJOYED the show, and SHARED that they enjoyed the show in some way or other. The show worked. And that’s my favorite thing about it,” Abdul-Mateen wrote.

Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest created Wonder Man while Cretton directed its first two episodes. Guest served as the series’ showrunner. Ben Kingsley, X Mayo, Demetrius Grosse, Zlatko Burić, Arian Moayed, Josh Gad and Olivia Thirlby also starred in season 1.

Season 1 of Wonder Man premiered on Jan. 27. Disney announced the show had been renewed for season 2 in March. Earlier in July, Abdul-Mateen was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his work on the series. He is already an Emmy winner for his work on Watchmen.

Despite the renewal reversal, Abdul-Mateen continued his post with positivity.

“I can see in the messages I get saying how the show reminded some of you not to give up, and I feel it in the genuine love shared when I bump into some of you all during the day. So, thinking of you all today. I’m glad we got to be a part of something cool. Thank you for watching… And uhh… See you at the EMMYS,” Abdul-Mateen wrote.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News, Disney+ and Marvel.

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