Babyface and Sheryl Lee Ralph will warm up the crowd ahead of Super Bowl LVII. The stars have been tapped as entertainment for the event’s pregame show.
According to a press release, Babyface will sing “America the Beautiful.” Sheryl, who recently won an Emmy for her role in Abbott Elementary, will showcase her singing during a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Also taking the stage is Chris Stapleton, who will sing the national anthem.
Super Bowl LVII will take place at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Sunday, February 12. The game will air on FOX and will feature a halftime show headlined by Rihanna.
Former child star Ke Huy Quan says he’s “ecstatic” about the pack-leading 11 Oscar nominations for Everything Everywhere All at Once, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for his own performance.
The actor called into Good Morning America Tuesday to revel in the good news, explaining he and the other members of his “EEAAO family” were watching the nominations together via Zoom.
He called the movie’s showing at the nominations unexpected, explaining, “… it was just this little movie that we shot for 38 days in Simi Valley. So to get this kind of recognition with 11 nominations … is absolutely incredible. None of us could have ever imagined this would happen. And yet here we are. So it’s a wonderful feeling. And I’m so, so happy [for] our family.”
Quan starred in Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom and The Goonies when he was a kid, but transitioned to work behind the camera when acting opportunities dried up. He said, “When I stepped away … all the dreams that I had of, you know, imagining one day of walking down the red carpet at the Oscars, I mean, those dreams dissipated, and they were so distant that I didn’t think they would ever come back. And so for me to be here today, to be nominated, it is so surreal. It’s an incredible feeling, honestly. And it goes to show that … dreams do come true, no matter how long you take.”
One big bonus of going to the big show? Reuniting with his Fabelmans-nominated Indiana Jones director, Steven Spielberg, like he did at the Golden Globes. “I just love that man so much,” Quan says. “So it’ll be incredible to see him and to give him a big hug at the biggest award show in the world!”
(WASHINGTON) — The Justice Department and eight other states filed a historic antitrust lawsuit Tuesday targeting Google over what they allege is the Big Tech giant’s monopoly over the online advertising market.
The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, aims to have Google’s dominance in the online ad marketplace broken up by having a court compel the company to divest its Google Ad Manager suite. They also seek an order from the court enjoining Google from further engaging in any of the anticompetitive practices outlined in their lawsuit.
“Having inserted itself into all aspects of the digital advertising marketplace, Google has used anticompetitive, exclusionary, and unlawful means to eliminate or severely diminish any threat to its dominance over digital advertising technologies,” according to the lawsuit. “The United States and Plaintiff States bring this action for violations of the Sherman Act to halt Google’s anticompetitive scheme, unwind Google’s monopolistic grip on the market, and restore competition to digital advertising.”
DOJ is joined in the lawsuit by California, Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Virginia.
“Competition in the ad tech space is broken, for reasons that were neither accidental nor inevitable,” the DOJ wrote in the lawsuit. “One industry behemoth, Google, has corrupted legitimate competition in the ad tech industry by engaging in a systematic campaign to seize control of the wide swath of high-tech tools used by publishers, advertisers, and brokers, to facilitate digital advertising.”
Google is set to take in more than 26% of all digital advertising revenue this year, according to an analysis from data firm Insider Intelligence. In total, tech giants Google, Amazon and Facebook-parent Meta will take in about 64% of the $200 billion in digital ad revenue generated this year, the study found.
Google rebuked the lawsuit’s claims in a statement to ABC News.
“Today’s lawsuit from the DOJ attempts to pick winners and losers in the highly competitive advertising technology sector. It largely duplicates an unfounded lawsuit by the Texas Attorney General, much of which was recently dismissed by a federal court,” a spokesperson said.
“DOJ is doubling down on a flawed argument that would slow innovation, raise advertising fees, and make it harder for thousands of small businesses and publishers to grow,” the spokesperson added.
Google exploits a conflict of interest, the lawsuit alleges, since the company controls the technology used to both offer and purchase advertising space, as well as the largest ad exchange on which marketers are matched with publishers.
Further, the lawsuit accuses Google of using its market power to punish companies that purchase digital ads elsewhere and charge heightened fees for clients that buy ads on its platforms.
In turn, such “anticompetitive behavior” has forced potential competitors out of the digital advertising business and sidelined businesses that remain, the lawsuit said.
“Google has thwarted meaningful competition and deterred innovation in the digital advertising industry,” the lawsuit said.
Motörhead has unearthed a previously unreleased song called “Greedy Bastards.”
The track will be included in the upcoming Seriously Bad Magic collection, a deluxe, expanded version of the “Ace of Spades” outfit’s final album, 2015’s Bad Magic.
A slower burn of a tune, “Greedy Bastards” opens with a spoken word piece expressing the late Lemmy Kilmister‘s thoughts on politicians. As you can probably guess from the title, he’s not exactly a fan.
You can listen to “Greedy Bastards” now via digital outlets and watch its accompanying video streaming now on YouTube.
Seriously Bad Magic will be released on February 24. Its other bonus tracks include the song “Bullet in Your Brain,” which was released for the first time last November, a cover of David Bowie‘s “‘Heroes'” and a full live recording from a 2015 Motörhead show in Japan.
Bad Magic was originally released in August 2015, four months before Lemmy died in December at age 70. Motörhead has since disbanded.
Jax knows “Victoria’s Secret,” but now she knows and is friends with Chad Kroeger. After the Nickelback singer learned of Jax’s wedding plans, especially the part about her wanting “Far Away” to be the song for their first dance, he grabbed his bandmates to make her wish come true.
Jax, who recently announced her engagement to editor Braverijah Greg, revealed on TikTok how the magical moment happened. “Okay, so my fiancé and I have been harassing Nickelback to try to get them to play our first dance at our wedding and we never thought in a million years that they would answer,” the singer said.
She was wrong.
“They can’t make it to our wedding BUT they showed up to our house and they’re in our living room. So, we’re gonna do our first dance right here in our living room,” Jax raved.
The video then cuts to the lovebirds slow dancing as Chad and company perform their 2006 hit “Far Away.” Jax makes it known she can hardly contain her excitement by repeatedly turning to the camera with a wide, open-mouthed grin.
She also jumps up and down and lets out a muffled scream as she and her fiancé share a sweet kiss after the song ends.
Jax added in the caption, “This really happened.”
It should be noted Nickelback totally agrees “Far Away” is a great song for a first dance.
Beck, The Lumineers and Nathaniel Rateliff will perform during Long Story Short, two upcoming concerts celebrating the 90th birthday of legendary country musician Willie Nelson.
The shows will take place on Nelson’s birthday, April 29, and the following day, April 30, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Willie will headline the lineup, which also includes Neil Young, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, Miranda Lambert, Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, The Chicks, Tom Jones and Ziggy Marley.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend my 90th birthday than being surrounded by family, friends, and of course the fans who made this all possible,” Nelson says. “It’s an honor to perform with such an incredible group of artists at such an iconic venue.”
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, January 28, at 10 a.m. PT. For the full lineup and all ticket info, visit WillieNelson90.com.
(HALF MOON BAY, Calif.) — Seven people were killed on Monday in a mass shooting at two locations in Half Moon Bay, California, authorities said.
One person was also taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is in custody. Workplace violence is believed to be the motive, authorities said.
This is the state’s second mass shooting in three days.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Jan 24, 12:41 PM EST
Workplace violence believed to be motive
Workplace violence is believed to be the motive for a gunman who opened fire at two Northern California farms on Monday, killing seven and injuring one, authorities said.
All victims — seven men and one woman — were adults, authorities said. The victims were of Asian and Hispanic descent, authorities said.
The suspect’s semi-automatic handgun was legally purchased, authorities said.
The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, worked at one of the shooting locations, Mountain Mushroom Farm, but it’s unclear what connection he may have had with the victims beyond being co-workers, authorities said.
Zhao was not known to police, according to authorities.
Zhao is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday. Prosecutors will review the case and decide on charges, officials said.
The coroner’s office is working to notify the victims’ next of kin, but authorities said it’s difficult to reach families because some victims are migrants.
-ABC News’ Alex Stone
Jan 24, 8:15 AM EST
Biden calls for federal assault weapons ban after California mass shootings
President Joe Biden released a statement on Tuesday in the wake of the deadly mass shootings in Half Moon Bay and Monterey Park, California.
“Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in the latest tragic shooting in Half Moon Bay, California,” Biden said. “For the second time in recent days, California communities are mourning the loss of loved ones in a senseless act of gun violence.”
“Following a briefing from my homeland security team, I have directed my administration to ensure local authorities and the broader Half Moon Bay community have the full support of the federal government in the wake of this heinous attack,” the president added.
On Monday, two days after another deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park, Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy reintroduced a federal ban on assault weapons as well as legislation that would raise the minimum purchase age to 21. In his statement on Tuesday, Biden said that while “we await further details on these shootings, we know the scourge of gun violence across America requires stronger action.”
“I once again urge both chambers of Congress to act quickly and deliver this Assault Weapons Ban to my desk, and take action to keep American communities, schools, workplaces, and homes safe,” the president said.
Jan 24, 2:04 AM EST
Farm principal says alleged gunman unfamiliar
Aaron Tung, principal at Concord Farms, one of the locations where the shooting took place, said the company wanted to thank the community for the “outpouring of thoughts and support.”
“We thank law enforcement for their swift response and actions. Concord Farms is a family owned and operated mushroom farm at this location for 37 years,” he said in a statement.
Tung added, “With no past knowledge with this gunman or his motives, we are shook and very eager to gain more information from the authorities and their investigations. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the Chinese American community—from Half Moon Bay to Monterey Park.”
Jan 23, 11:01 PM EST
Semi-automatic handgun found in suspect’s car: Sheriff
San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said a semi-automatic handgun was found in the suspect’s car.
The suspect, 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, is cooperating and being interviewed, the sheriff said.
Zhao is believed to have acted alone, Corpus said.
Jan 23, 10:53 PM EST
‘Our hearts are broken’: San Mateo County official
The gun violence in the U.S. is at “completely unacceptable levels,” and it “really hit home tonight,” San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Dave Pine said Monday. “Our hearts are broken.”
“But in the end, there are simply too many guns in this country,” Pine said. “And there has to be a change. This is not an acceptable way for modern society to live its conduct its affairs.”
Jan 23, 10:37 PM EST
Shooting took place at two separate nurseries, victims thought to be workers: Sheriff
San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said the department was dispatched at 2:22 p.m. local time with reports of a shooting in unincorporated San Mateo County with multiple victims.
At the first location, four people were found dead with gunshot wounds and a fifth person was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition, Corpus said during a press briefing Monday.
Shortly afterward, three additional victims were found dead at a separate location about a mile away, the sheriff said.
Both locations are nurseries, large rural properties, and some people live on site; children witnessed the shooting, Corpus said. The victims are thought to be workers.
The suspect is thought to be a farm worker, Corpus said.
The motive and the relationship between the victims and the suspect are unknown at this time. The suspect is cooperating and being interviewed, Corpus said.
Jan 23, 10:11 PM EST
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office identifies suspect
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, a Half Moon Bay resident.
The sheriff’s office located his vehicle at 4:40 p.m. local time in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office Half Moon Bay Police Substation, the department said in a press release.
Zhao was taken into custody without incident, the sheriff’s office said, adding that he is believed to have acted alone.
A weapon was found in his vehicle, authorities said.
Jan 23, 9:35 PM EST
Biden has been briefed on San Mateo County shooting, White House says
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the mass shooting in San Mateo County, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted Monday night.
“He has asked federal law enforcement to provide any necessary assistance to the local authorities. As more details become available, the President will be updated,” she wrote.
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
Jan 23, 9:35 PM EST
Sheriff’s office responded to shooting incident ‘with multiple victims’
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that it responded to a shooting incident “with multiple victims in the area of HWY 92 and the HMB [Half Moon Bay] City limits,” later adding that a suspect is in custody and there is “no ongoing threat to the community at this time.”
Neil Young, Warren Haynes and Bob Weir are among the artists set to celebrate Willie Nelson’s birthday at a two-day celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.
Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, A Star-Studded Concert Celebrating Willie’s 90th Birthday, is happening April 29 (Willie’s actual birthday) and 30. The lineup also includes Willie, along with Lyle Lovett, Tom Jones, Sheryl Crow, The Lumineers, Norah Jones, Roseanne Cash, Snoop Dogg, Chris Stapleton, Beck, Edie Brickell, Kacey Musgraves, The Chicks and Willie’s son Lukas Nelson, with additional artists to be added in the coming weeks.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend my 90th birthday than being surrounded by family, friends and of course the fans who made this all possible,” Willie shares. “It’s an honor to perform with such an incredible group of artists at such an iconic venue.”
The show promises a unique experience each night, filled with yet-to-be-announced collaborations.
Two-day tickets go on sale Saturday, January 28, at 10 a.m. PT, with a presale set for Wednesday, January 25, at 10 a.m. PT. More information on the show and tickets can be found at WillieNelson90.com.
Angela Bassett‘s role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever resulted in a Golden Globe — and now, a groundbreaking Oscar nomination. The actress received a nod in the category of Best Supporting Actress, making her the first actor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to be nominated for an Oscar. This is her second nomination and first since 1994, when her performance as Tina Turner in 1993’s What’s Love Got to Do With It received a nod for Best Actress.
“This morning is a little extra special in the Bassett Vance household with news of my Oscar nomination. What has drawn me to each of the women I’ve portrayed throughout my career is their strength, compassion, resilience, and power,” Angela said in a statement. “Wakanda Forever‘s Queen Ramonda is a character that touched my spirit because she is a mother and a leader who must care for her grieving nation as much as she cares for her family in mourning.”
“I’m thankful to the Academy for including me amongst a wonderful group of actresses,” she continued. “I look forward to March 12 as we cheer for and celebrate with one another.”
Wakanda Forever premiered in November alongside a soundtrack featuring 20 tracks, including Rihanna‘s “Lift Me Up,” which earned the singer her first Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
The film is also up for Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, but was notably left out of the Best Picture category.
Marvel Studios is owned by Disney, parent company of ABC News.
(NEW YORK) — The new service, called RxPass, gives users access to 60 generic medications treating more than 80 of the most common health conditions, including high blood pressure, anxiety and acid reflux, according to Amazon.
While other online pharmacies offer perks like free delivery and discounts on prescription medications, Amazon’s RxPass differs by offering a flat rate for an unlimited number of prescriptions monthly, as long as the medication is one of the 60 types the service carries.
Users also do not need to use health insurance to access medications, meaning they pay the $5 monthly fee only, without any deductibles or copays.
“With RxPass, Prime members can get as many eligible medications as they need for one flat, low fee of $5 and have them conveniently delivered free to their door,” the company said in a statement.
Amazon currently has over 200 million members using its Prime membership, which costs $14.99 per month. The optional add-on of the RxPass membership would push the cost of a Prime membership closer to $20 per month.
“According to the FDA, there are thousands of online pharmacies and this space is only growing,” said Dr. Alok Patel, a physician at Stanford Children’s Health and an ABC News medical contributor. “So it’s good to see companies like Amazon put forward projects like RxPass to further add competition in this space and make getting generic medications more convenient, affordable and with price transparency.”
There are limits though to who can participate in Amazon’s RxPass service.
People who are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid or any other government health care program are not eligible, though Amazon says those customers can still use their government insurance to fill prescriptions at Amazon Pharmacy.
RxPass is also only available to people in 42 states. It is not currently available in California, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, according to Amazon.
Users also have to sign up for an Amazon Prime membership first in order to be able to access the RxPass service.
Amazon says people can cancel their RxPass membership on a monthly basis, or once their supply of medication expires. As an example, Amazon says on its website that if you purchase a 90-day supply of a medication, you have to pay for three months of an RxPass subscription.
Prime members can sign up for RxPass starting today on Amazon’s website or app under the Amazon Pharmacy section.
