After a shocking altercation with Chris Rock live on the Oscars stage earlier in the night, Will Smith took home the Oscar for Best Actor.
The 53-year-old actor won for his role in King Richard and very quickly after getting on stage became emotional with tears streaming down his face.
After a brief point about his character, which is based on tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams’ father Richard, being a “fierce defender,” he began reflecting on where he is at this point in his life.
“I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people,” he shared. “I know to do what we do, you got to be able to take abuse. You got to be able to have people talk crazy to you… you got to be able to have people disrespecting you and you got to smile, you got to pretend like that’s okay.”
“Denzel [Washington] said a few minutes ago, ‘At your highest moment, Be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you,'” he added.
His words seemed to reference the earlier incident, where he slapped and cursed out Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Smith continued his acceptance speech and apologized to the Academy and explained the reasoning behind his emotions, stating, “I’m not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me. It’s about being able to shine a light on all of the people.”
“Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said, just like they said about Richard Williams but love will make you do crazy things,” he added.
Noticeably, his speech did not include an apology to Rock.
Things became a little tense when Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith while presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary. It earned him a slap and a cursing out from Will Smith — all live on air.
Chris first joked that Javier Bardem cannot win the Best Actor Oscar if his wife, Penelope Cruz, misses out on Best Actress. “If she loses, he can’t win,” Rock stated. “He is praying that Will Smithwins, like, ‘Please, lord!'”
Chris then turned his attention on Pinkett Smith and remarked, “Jada. Love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it!” The joke didn’t land with the Smiths; the camera cut to Jada rolling her eyes in what appeared to be disgust.
Rock tried defending his joke, saying, “That was a nice one” but quickly said “uh oh” as Will stormed the stage. The King Richard actor slapped Rock and, after walking off the stage, shouted “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth” at him twice. The audio broadcast was cut before any profanities were said on air.
Rock appeared rattled by the unexpected altercation, which he dubbed, “The greatest night in the history of television.” He also flubbed while announcing the category’s winner, saying “We are here to give a documentary out,” meaning to say “give an Oscar out for Best Documentary.”
Billie Eilish and FINNEAS took the Oscar stage Sunday night to perform their nominated song “No Time to Die,” from the James Bond film of the same name.
With FINNEAS at the piano, Billie began the performance seated on a stool, wearing a voluminous black outfit and black hair. Angular laser lights flanked her as she sang and eventually stood up to finish the haunting song. An orchestra backed the pair up for their performance.
The duo was introduced by Oscar-winner Rami Malek, who played the villain in No Time to Die.
Billie and FINNEAS have already won a Grammy and a Golden Globe for the song.
Reba McEntire took the Oscar stage for the second time in her career Sunday night, to perform “Somehow You Do,” the Oscar-nominated song from the film Four Good Days.
Reba sang the song, written by 13-time nominee Diane Warren, while wearing a black gown with huge jeweled detail in the front. Her hair was up and she wore a pair of simple earrings. In the audience, Warren applauded Reba wildly.
Her previous Oscar performance came in 1991: She sang the song “I’m Checkin’ Out,” from the Meryl Streep film film Postcards from the Edge.
Monday just happens to be Reba’s birthday, so no matter if the song wins or loses, it’s safe to say she’ll be celebrating tonight.
On a more somber note, immediately following Reba’s performance, the Oscars held a moment of silence for Ukraine.
After teasing it this past week, Miley Cyrus has confirmed that she’ll release her first-ever live album, ATTENTION: MILEY LIVE, on April 1. It’s available to pre-save now.
In addition to songs from her entire career, ATTENTION also includes Miley’s new songs “ATTENTION” and “You,” the latter of which she premiered on New Year’s Eve. On Instagram, she wrote, “My fans have been asking me for a live album for a long time & I am so exxxited to give it to them! This show was curated BY the fans FOR the fans! I asked my audience what songs they’d like to see me perform at upcoming shows and this is the set list YOU created!”
Her note continues, “From fan favorite covers to some of my oldest songs, newest songs & original unreleased songs ‘YOU’ & ‘ATTENTION!’ I was doing a minimal amount of live shows this year and wanted the MAXIMUM amount of fans to experience ME LIVE! This album wouldn’t be possible without my band & crew! Thank you to everyone who came to see my show & anyone who couldn’t make it THIS ALBUM IS FOR YOU! I LOVE YOU!”
In another post, she added, “Thank you for all of your loyalty and support over the last 16 years! This record is the least I can do to try and show my appreciation for your dedication! We’re in this together forever!“
You can watch a trailer for the album now on YouTube.
Here’s the track list for ATTENTION:
“ATTENTION”
“We Can’t Stop X Where Is My Mind?”
“Plastic Hearts”
“Heart of Glass”
“4×4”
“(SMS) Bangerz”
“Dooo It!”
“23”
“Never Be Me”
“Maybe”
“7 Things”
“Bang Bang X See You Again”
“Jolene”
“High”
“You”
“Like a Prayer”
“Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix)”
“The Climb”
“Wrecking Ball X Nothing Compares 2 U”
“Party In The USA”
Following the shocking news of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins‘ death, more details have emerged as to what transpired on Friday in Bogota, Colombia, where the band had been scheduled to perform.
A tweet from the Attorney General of Colombia on Saturday stated that 10 substances were found in Hawkins’ urine, including THC (marijuana), opioids and both tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines, the latter two of which are used to treat depression.
“The National Institute of Forensic Medicine will continue the medical studies to achieve total clarification of the facts that led to the death of Taylor Hawkins,” the tweet continues. “The Office of the Attorney General of the Nation will continue with the investigation and will report the results obtained within the framework thereof in a timely manner.”
The Colombian news magazine Semana, citing “authorities,” also reported that Hawkins had an enlarged heart, which “collapsed” due to the “cocktail of narcotics” found in his system, and that the cause of death was an overdose of heroin mixed with antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
The local government of Bogota had previously tweeted that an ambulance had been dispatched to a hotel “north of the city” in response to call about a patient suffering chest pain. When it arrived, a private ambulance was already at the scene. Attempts were made to revive the patient, the tweet stated, but he was unresponsive, and declared dead.
Taylor Hawkins and Stevie Nicks in 2013; Gary Miller/FilmMagic
The music world is reacting to the shocking and unexpected death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who passed away Friday at age 50 in Bogota, Colombia, where his band had been scheduled to perform that night at a festival.
Among the famous artists who have posted tributes to Hawkins on their social media pages are Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, Aerosmith and many more.
Here are some of the many homages, a number of which have been edited for length:
Stevie Nicks: “He always came to my shows. He and his best friend Dave even let me be a Foo Fighter for a little while. We recorded a kick a** version of Gold Dust Woman (live) and at the end of the song I yelled out ‘Best Gold Dust Woman ever.’ And I meant it… Taylor was very handsome and he was very cute…He had a huge heart and a glorious smile. When he walked into the room, everyone looked up. When he left the room, everyone was sad…Don’t forget us, ‘ T.’ We’ll be right here.”
Mick Jagger: “So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins. My thoughts are with his family and the band at this time.”
Ringo Starr: “God bless Taylor peace and love to all his family and the band peace and love.”
Aerosmith: “Such a devastating loss. REST IN PEACE Taylor! Our hearts to out to his friends and family.”
Queen‘s Brian May: “No. It cannot be. Heartbroken. Taylor, you were family to us. Our friend, our brother, our beloved child. Bless you. We will miss you so bad.”
Jimmy Page: “After the Led Zeppelin show at the O2, I was invited to play at Wembley Stadium with the Foo Fighters on 7th June 2008. We played Rock and Roll with Taylor on turbocharged vocals and Dave on drums and then for Ramble On they swapped, with Taylor on drums and Dave Grohl on vocals. We put in some serious versions of these two songs. It was so good to play with him. I really admired him and he was a brilliant musician: his technique, his energy and spirited enthusiasm. On this sad day, I would like to send my condolences to his family, his band members in the Foos and his fans.”
Brian Wilson: “I’m heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins. He was such a nice young man. Love & Mercy to Taylor’s family and friends.”
The Doors‘ John Densmore: “A great, great, drummer and friend has passed. Taylor had written on his bass drum, ‘RIP Charlie (Watts)’. Now, RIP Taylor. It is a very sad day.”
Heart‘s Ann Wilson: “Bon Voyage Taylor. Travel well!”
Axl Rose: “Shocked n’ saddened to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins. He was a really great guy, drummer n’ family man. Was always great to see him! Was looking forward to seeing him n’ everyone in Daytona. Truly saddened. My deepest condolences to his family, the Foo Fighters n’ their fans.”
Slash: “Devastated by the loss of our friend #TaylorHawkins I’ve no words to express all the feelings I have about his passing. But my heart goes out to his family. & his band & friends. RIP Taylor.”
KISS‘ Gene Simmons: “Hearts broken all over the world. Taylor Hawkins was a kind soul & a monster musician. Drummer for the Foos, Alanis Morissette & Sass Jordon (who I managed for a time). Taylor and his band were to play our Kiss Kruize in Oct…Prayers and condolences to the Hawkins family.”
KISS‘ Paul Stanley: “Speechless and Gutted. Taylor was a great guy, a dad and a husband. My heart goes out to them, Dave and the band. What awful news.”
Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong: “Shocked and devastated . To Taylor Hawkins family and the Foo Fighters family. Our hearts are with you. Always.”
The Pretenders‘ Chrissie Hynde: “Rock expert and virtuoso drummer Taylor Hawkins has left the building. He made me proud to be in a band. I’ll miss you bro’. XXX”
Joan Jett: “We are gutted to hear about the passing of our dear friend Taylor Hawkins. He was an incredible musician and the kindest, warmest person who always had the biggest smile in the room. We send our love to his wife, children, Dave, Pat, Chris, Rami, Nate and the entire Foos’ family. We love you guys and we will miss Taylor immensely.”
Ozzy Osbourne: “@taylorhawkinsoffical was truly a great person and an amazing musician. My heart, my love and my condolences go out to his wife, his children, his family, his band and his fans. See you on the other side.”
Wolfgang Van Halen: “I’ll never forget meeting Taylor on tour in San Diego in 2012. He was such a ridiculously kind man. The dude just emanated cool. Him, my pops and I talked for as long as we could until we had to leave. An incredible drummer and singer, he was a constant inspiration to me throughout my entire life. This is like a kick in the gut…My most heartfelt condolences go out to his family…You’ll be so sorely missed, Taylor…Rest In Peace.”
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins has died at age 50.
In a statement posted late Friday night, the Dave Grohl-led band wrote, “The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins.”
“His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on all with of us forever,” the statement reads. “Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.”
No cause of death was announced.
Hawkins was born in 1972, and began his musical career as the drummer for the Canadian singer Sass Jordan. He then joined the band of another Canadian rocker, Alanis Morissette, and toured with her from 1995 to 1997 as she supported her Diamond-certified album Jagged Little Pill.
Shortly after Foo Fighters had finished recording their second album, 1997’s The Colour and the Shape, Grohl hired Hawkins to be the band’s new drummer, and he remained with the group ever since. Hawkins was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of the Foos in 2021.
Outside of Foo Fighters, Hawkins had many other projects, including his band The Coattail Riders and a cover group called Chevy Metal. Late last year, Hawkins launched the band NHC alongside Dave Navarro and Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction.
Foo Fighters are currently in Colombia, where they were scheduled to headline a festival Friday night. The band was also previously announced to perform at the Grammys next Sunday, April 3, where they’re up for for three awards.
Latto released her new album 777 on Friday, but there’s a bonus track coming on Monday, and it just may feature Mariah Carey.
The bonus track is a remix of Latto’s hit “Big Energy,” which samples the 1981 song “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club. And you know what other song samples “Genius of Love?” Mariah Carey’s 1995 hit “Fantasy.”
On Friday, Latto tweeted an emoji of a slot machine showing three sevens, then the “plus” sign, and then a butterfly, which is, of course, Mariah’s symbol. Mariah retweeted it and commented with the surprised eyes emoji.
ZZ Top has released their updated version of their 1971 song “Brown Sugar” as the first single from their upcoming album, Raw, which is due out on July 22.
As previously reported, Raw was recorded in conjunction with the blues-rock trio’s 2019 documentary That Little Ol’ Band from Texas, and is being released as a tribute to longtime bassist Dusty Hill, who died in July 2021 at age 72.
For the movie, ZZ Top’s classic lineup of singer/guitarist Billy Gibbons, Hill and drummer Frank Beard played an intimate set of songs from their back catalog that was filmed and recorded at historic Gruene Hall, known as “the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas.” The new album features the audio of that “raw” performance.
In addition to “Brown Sugar,” a Gibbons-penned tune that originally appeared on ZZ Top’s 1971 debut album, the 12-track collection boasts versions of such classics as “Legs,” “Tush,” “La Grange” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and other gems like “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” and “Tube Snake Boogie.”
“‘Brown Sugar’ has been sweetening our concert sets for many decades now, so it seemed like the right song to kick off RAW,” Gibbons notes. “The Gruene Hall session was a satisfying return to our roots and a very special circumstance that we’re delighted to share with the friends and fans who have stuck with us all this time.”
You can check out a video of ZZ Top performing “Brown Sugar” at Gruene Hall on YouTube now.
Raw can be pre-ordered now, and will be available as a 180-gram vinyl LP, on CD and via digital formats.
Prior to the album’s release, ZZ Top will kick off a lengthy U.S. trek dubbed the Raw Whisky Tour on May 27 in San Diego.
