Music

Wyn Starks, the former America’s Got Talent contestant best known for his song “Who I Am,” has a holiday hit on his hands with his upbeat cover of “Pure Imagination,” from the classic film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. While it’s not generally considered a Christmas song, other artists have recorded it as one, so Wyn figured he’d put his own spin on it.

“I have such fond memories of the song, you know, watching Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory when I was a kid,” he tells ABC Audio. “For some reason, it always … gave me that holiday feel. And I’ve seen people do it before, like, they did more of a holiday rendition. I was like, ‘That would be a really cool approach,’ but approaching it in my way … something that could be for the holiday, but also be for any time.”

Wyn’s rendition is unique because it starts out slow and then becomes super-fast and jazzy. Wyn says the arrangement was his producer’s idea, and he loved it.

“It ended up turning out so beautifully,” he says. “I was just so happy to be able to share it especially because it brings back such nostalgia for me, the song.”

Wyn recalls “beautiful” Christmases of his childhood, which included watching Willy Wonka with his twin brother who, sadly, died five years ago.

“We always watched [the movie] during the holidays, even though it’s not a holiday movie. And that’s how I want the song to feel to people,” he explains, adding, “It feels very holiday-ish, because of the fantastical feeling you get hearing it.” 

Wyn is planning to release a new album in early 2026.

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

For the 2025 holiday, fans are sharing a special moment between Dylan Scott and his dad, Scotty Robinson. 

Dylan recorded “Two Christmas Trees,” an emotional song about a little boy navigating the season going between two households. 

“My dad wrote it in the ’80s, so I’ve heard it my whole life,” Dylan tells ABC Audio. “Fortunately, I did not grow up in that situation that the song’s talking about, but a lot of families have. It’s very real.”

“And we had to do a Christmas song this year, and I thought, well, if I’m gonna do one, I’m gonna do it for my dad. Something cool, something special,” he adds.

Fans got to see the moment Dylan played “Two Christmas Trees” for his dad thanks to social media.

“I said, ‘I’m gonna play this song for him and surprise him, but you’re not gonna get the emotional dad, you’re gonna get the dad that I’ve always had, the constructive criticism dad, “Hey you’re playing too hard” or “you’re singing too hard,”‘” Dylan explains. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way, because I mean, you don’t need a yes person in your life, you never get better with that, right? You’ve gotta have the guy that’s like, ‘Hey son, do it this way, do it like this.’ And so, yeah, he did the exact same thing I thought he would.”  

Dylan’s 8-year-old son, Beckett Robinson, sings on the track as well. 

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” has landed on yet another year-end roundup, recently earning a spot on former President Barack Obama’s Favorite Music of 2025 list.

The song appears on his latest annual playlist, which also includes Olivia Dean’s “Nice to Each Other,” Burna Boy’s “TaTaTa” featuring Travis Scott, Gunna’s “Just Say Dat,” Chance the Rapper and Jamila Woods’ “No More Old Men,” Drake’s “Nokia” and Olamide‘s “99” featuring Daecolm, Seyi Vibez, Asake and Young John.

Obama also shared his favorite books and films of 2025. Among the movie selections were One Battle After Another, starring Teyana Taylor, and Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan.

“As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favorite books, movies, and music,” Obama wrote on his socials. “I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!”

All lists can be found on his Instagram and Facebook.

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

You know you’re really friends with someone when you get matching tattoos — and new BFFs Alex Warren and Myles Smith have officially taken that huge step.

Myles posted photos on Instagram showing off the new ink: He has “Pookie” tatted on his forearm, while Alex appears to have the same word on his bicep. “Pookie” is what the two call each other, and the tattoos came in commemoration the past few weeks, during which they both played multiple concerts together.

“So much laughter, so little sleep, and somehow still finding moments that will stay with me forever,” Myles wrote on Instagram. “And yes, Alex and I got matching ‘pookie’ tattoos because apparently we needed something permanent to mark the chaos and love of it all.”

So how did the nickname “Pookie” start in the first place? Alex told ABC Audio, “I started calling him ‘Pookie’ first, and I think now it’s just become this thing.”

“He heard me call [my wife] Kouvr it, and then he was like, ‘Oh, I have to start that,'” Alex added. 

Both Alex and Myles have major tours planned for 2026. Reflecting on the recent run of shows, Myles wrote on Instagram to his fans, “I don’t take a single face in the crowd for granted. Thank you for trusting me with your stories, your time, your energy. Thank you for letting these songs belong to us together. Thank you for being patient, kind, and so wildly present.”

“I’m going to rest, breathe, and soak this all in before we do it again,” he continued. “I already miss you.”

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson has shared a review of Hole bassist Melissa Auf der Maur‘s upcoming memoir, Even the Good Girls Will Cry.

“So much love and many heartfelt congratulations to you my dear [Auf der Maur],” Manson writes in an Instagram post. “I read your book with a feral hunger and a pressing sense that in telling your own mad and magnificent survival story, you were in part telling my own. I adore you, fierce and mystic goddess that you are. I loved this book for all its frank and no bulls*** glory.”

“So grateful to have run with the wolves alongside you and yours during the same cultural riptide,” Manson continues. “What a time it was. What a time it remains. Here’s to the good girls we were and to the good witchy women we became. I salute your considerable talents, your love for and dedication to, the black art magic of rock and roll and for your immense grace, glamour and goodness.”

Even the Good Girls Will Cry is due out March 17.

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Former President Barack Obama has released the annual year-end list of his favorite music, movies and books, once again showing off his eclectic musical taste.

Among his favorite songs were Chappell Roan‘s foray into country music, “The Giver,” Alex Warren‘s #1 hit “Ordinary” and Lady Gaga‘s Grammy-nominated track “Abracadabra.” He also mentioned Olivia Dean‘s “Nice to Each Other” and “Luther” by SZA and Kendrick Lamar. Drake‘s “Nokia” also made the cut for anyone accusing him of taking sides in the Kendrick/Drake rivalry.

Obama’s list spans genres, including K-pop with “Jump” by BLACKPINK  and jazz via Laufey‘s “Silver Lining.” He even nods to classic rock with “Faithless,” an archival track pal Bruce Springsteen released earlier this year as part of a box set. 

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.