The Band Perry’s “Kill It” (Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment)
The Band Perry’s new song, “Kill It,” completes the “romantic-goth trilogy” they started with their previous tracks “PSYCHOLOGICAL” and “Buzzards.”
“I thought someone new could fix it/ Told myself some lies to trick it/ Drank too much just to forget it/ Tried to put it six feet deep in a hole,” Kimberly Perry sings on the new song. “Thought I had the guts to pull the trigger but I didn’t/ If this is a game, I’d say that you’re winning/ My love’s still alive and kicking/ Guess only one of us knows how to kill it.”
Even though she didn’t write it, it expresses a sentiment Kimberly knows well.
“‘My love’s still alive and kicking’ is my favorite line in this song and, honestly, my entire personality,” she says. “I never know when to give up on someone … or something. ‘Kill It’ is my confession that I’d rather lose with my heart still beating than win by burying mine first.”
Next up, Kimberly and husband Johnny Costello play CMA Fest in Nashville, complete with a June 5 set on the main stage at Nissan Stadium.
Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks with ABC News, Apr. 25, 2025. (ABC News)
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi told members of the House Oversight Committee Friday that the Justice Department had released all the documents required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but that she did not lead every aspect of the process, according to a copy of her prepared opening statement.
After a tumultuous year at the DOJ that was largely defined by her controversial handling of the Epstein files, Bondi participated in a nearly four-hour closed-door interview with the House Oversight panel Friday.
“As the head of a large Department with broad responsibilities, I did not lead every aspect of this effort or conduct that document review myself,” Bondi said, according to her prepared opening statement. “I delegated oversight over this process to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.”
Following her appearance, Bondi, in a social media post, disputed Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia’s claim that she “continues to push all of the investigation and the blame on Acting AG Todd Blanche.”
“NOT TRUE,” Bondi posted. “I praised Acting AG Blanche’s management of this Herculean task. I said his ethics are beyond reproach and that he is an incredible Attorney General.”
The second Trump cabinet official to testify behind closed doors as part of the Oversight Committee’s yearlong Epstein probe, Bondi was expected to face questions about reneging on her promise to publicly release the DOJ’s files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which ultimately prompted Congress to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act forcing the release of millions of documents.
As Bondi walked into the hearing room Friday morning, a group of Epstein survivors shouted, “Tell the truth.” She did not answer questions from reporters.
“Before we start today, I want to reiterate what I have said many times regarding the Department’s handling during my tenure as Attorney General of the voluminous materials that are now commonly known as the Epstein Files,” Bondi told the panel according to her prepared remarks. “To the best of my knowledge, the Department produced everything required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.”
“There were redaction errors,” the former attorney general said. “But since day one of this process, this Department has been committed to accountability and transparency.”
Trump removed Bondi as attorney general in April after sources said he grew frustrated with her handling of the Epstein files and the unsuccessful prosecutions of his perceived political opponents.
“Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,” Trump wrote on social media announcing her departure. “We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.”
Earlier this week, Axios reported that Trump had appointed Bondi to serve on an advisory panel on AI policy, tasked with coordinating cooperation between the government and tech leaders.
In an unusual arrangement, a DOJ spokesperson said that Bondi would be accompanied during Friday’s transcribed interview by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon and other DOJ personnel, in order to “assist the Committee in understanding the Department’s role in implementing and complying with the Epstein Files Transparency Act during her tenure.”
“Because former Attorney General Bondi oversaw the Department at the time the Act was enacted and carried out, DOJ’s presence is solely to ensure accurate representation of Department processes, facilitate any necessary clarifications, and support a complete factual record for the Committee,” a DOJ spokesperson said in a statement earlier this week.
The DOJ originally sought to have Bondi avoid appearing by arguing that the subpoena the committee issued “no longer obligates her to appear” since she left the role of attorney general. Bondi ultimately agreed to testify voluntarily after the top Democrat on the committee introduced a resolution to hold her in contempt for failing to appear.
Shortly after beginning her tenure as attorney general last year, Bondi faced immediate pressure from Trump’s MAGA followers and others to begin releasing the DOJ’s files from its investigations of Epstein and his associates. Speaking to Fox News in February 2025, Bondi said Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review” and said the release of the files was a “directive by President Trump.”
However, when the DOJ released the “first phase” of the Epstein files that month — inviting, with great fanfare, conservative influencers to receive the files — it was determined that nearly every document released was already public. By July, the Department of Justice and FBI said in a joint memo that no further documents would be released, citing victim privacy and the assertion that the documents warranted no further investigations — a decision that sparked backlash from much of the MAGA base.
“To that end, while we have labored to provide the public with maximum information regarding Epstein and ensured examination of any evidence in the government’s possession, it is the determination of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted,” the memo said.
Bondi later defended her statement about Epstein’s client list by clarifying she was referring to the Epstein files generally along with other files released by the Trump administration, including documents related to JFK and MLK Jr. The DOJ/FBI memo also said that their review of the files “revealed no incriminating ‘client list'” and no evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals.
Despite the memo stating that no further investigation was warranted, Trump in November ordered Bondi to investigate Epstein’s ties to Bill Clinton and other prominent Democrats. At the time, Bondi said the DOJ would “pursue this with urgency and integrity” and assigned the matter to the U.S. attorney in Manhattan.
The Justice Department’s subsequent release of Epstein files following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act prompted bipartisan criticism when the DOJ improperly redacted files — both exposing victim identities while concealing other information — and declined to release millions of additional files by claiming they were duplicative, privileged or contained sensitive victim information.
Bondi’s deputy and successor, now-acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, acknowledged the release of sensitive victim information was “horrible” and “inexcusable.”
He said the DOJ is finished investigating Epstein.
“And so I think that to the extent that the Epstein files was a part of the past year of this Justice Department, it should not be a part of anything going forward,” Blanche said in April.
Artwork for Syd’s ‘Beard’ (Free Lunch/Warner Records)
Syd is embracing her “peach fuzz,” unique identity and current chapter in life on Beard, her first new album in four years. She co-produced the record and worked with Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, Rodney Jerkins, James Fauntleroy, Van Hunt and others.
“It’s a snapshot of what my life looks like right now,” Syd said in a statement. “The title was inspired by the peach fuzz on my upper lip that society has always taught me to hate. I fell in love with my peach fuzz and it made me rethink everything that was supposed to make me feel insecure. It allowed me to take my confidence into my own hands, and own everything that I am and everything I love about myself, regardless of what anyone else thinks.”
She added that Beard also “represents the way I see myself in relation to my peers, especially in music. ‘The bearded lady.’ Not so much a spectacle in my case, but an anomaly and an outlier. Hard to compare. I’m owning that too.”
Syd previews the album with its lead single “Callin” featuring Blu June, out now on streaming services.
Beard is set to arrive on July 17 and will be supported with a tour of the U.K. and Europe.
I got a text! It reveals the Islanders who make up the cast of Love Island USA season 8.
Peacock has announced the names of the OG Islanders starting the season before bombshells come in to shake things up. The 12 contestants consist of six women and six men who come from the U.S. and England.
Joining the season 8 cast are Aniya Harvey from Tyrone, Georgia; Beatriz Hatz from San Diego, California; Bryce Dettloff from LA; Gabriel Vasconcelos from Miami, Florida; KC Chandler from Fresno, California; Kenzie Annis from Kennesaw, Georgia; Melanie Moreno from LA; Sean Reifel from Easton, Pennsylvania; Sincere Rhea from Cape May, New Jersey; Trinity Tatum from Newport News, Virginia; Vasana Montgomery from Beaverton, Oregon; and Zach Georgiou from Birmingham, England.
Notably, Zach is the brother of Love Island USA season 7 bombshell Charlie Georgiou.
Love Island USA follows singles who go on a search for love while living in a Fijian villa. “Throughout their stay in a tropical oasis, Islanders will couple up to face brand new heart-racing challenges and bigger twists and turns than ever before,” according to an official synopsis. “Temptations rise and drama ensues as new ‘bombshells’ arrive, forcing Islanders to decide if they want to remain with their current partners or recouple with someone new.”
Ariana Madix hosts the season, which will be narrated by Iain Stirling.
Love Island USA season 8 premieres on June 2. New episodes drop every day during premiere week, with new episodes streaming every day except Wednesdays thereafter.
Additionally, its companion series Aftersun returns on June 13 with new episodes every Saturday. Along with its new hosts Ciara Miller and Tefi Pessoa, the series will now feature never-before-seen footage and Islanders’ genuine reactions as they start to reenter the world.
Noah Kahan performs at CMA Fest. (Disney/Larry McCormack)
Summer is fast approaching, so what songs are going to soundtrack the season?
Spotify has released its list of predictions for song of the summer and is allowing fans to vote on their favorites within the Spotify app.
Making the list this year are Ariana Grande’s newly released single “hate that i made you love me,” Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun,” Noah Kahan’s “Doors,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “drop dead” and Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas.”
Also in the running are Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s “Rein Me In,” PinkPantheress’ “Girl Like Me,” Dominic Fike’s “Babydoll,” Malcolm Todd’s “Earrings,” Bebe Rexha and Faithless’ “New Religion,” and Tame Impala and JENNIE’s viral hit “Dracula – JENNIE Remix.”
“I think above everything, we all know that a song of the summer is about the vibes,” Spotify’s Talia Kraines says in a statement. “It’s a song that makes you feel good, that you can listen to outside in the sunshine with your friends, and that has the ability to travel across genres, people, and countries.”
Corey Kent’s ‘Heartland Rock and Roll’ (Sony Music Nashville)
When Corey Kent’s new record arrives Sept. 25, he’ll have officially defined his sound, in more ways than one.
“Heartland Rock and Roll is my third major label album, and it’s really the first time I’ve been able to finally name the sound I’ve been working towards my entire career,” Corey says. “These songs sound like where I’m from. The lyrics span from nostalgia, to honest regrets and gratitude for the simple things I value most in life.”
“From top to bottom, this is me,” he continues. “Every artist wants to leave their mark in music … a way to say, ‘I was here and I did it my way.’ This feels like mine. This is heartland rock and roll.”
The 16-track album features his top-10 hit with Koe Wetzel, “Rocky Mountain Low,” as well as the previously released “Empty Words” and “Wannabe,” plus “Cigarette Burns,” which is out now.
Artwork for Eve’s ‘Scorpion’ album (Ruff Ryders/Interscope Records)
Eve has released an anniversary edition of her Scorpionalbum to celebrate its 25th anniversary. It’s available as a limited-edition red-and-black splatter two-LP vinyl, complete with an autographed insert, and can be ordered through Complex and U Discover Music.
Released on March 6, 2001, Scorpion marked Eve’s second studio album. The 16-track project featured hits including “Who’s That Girl?” and “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” featuring Gwen Stefani and Stevie J. The latter song earned the first-ever best rap/sung collaboration Grammy, while Scorpion was nominated for best rap album.
The album also featured appearances from Da Brat, Trina, DMX and The Lox, among others, and has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Eve is set to celebrate 25 years of Scorpion with a U.K. and European tour beginning in October.
Here’s the track listing for Scorpion 25th Anniversary:
LP1 – Side A “Cowboy” “Who’s That Girl?” “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”
LP1 – Side B “You Had Me, You Lost Me” “Got What You Need” “Gangsta B******”
LP2 – Side A “That’s What It Is” “Scream Double R” “Thug In The Street”
LP2 – Side B “No, No, No” “You Ain’t Gettin’ None” “Life Is So Hard” “Be Me”
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who perform onstage on May 3, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for The Who)
Remember when The Who did a farewell tour last year? Well, according to Roger Daltrey, that wasn’t exactly the end.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, Daltrey says that The Who still have to do “farewell tours” of England, Australia and the rest of the world, but it won’t be until 2027. “It won’t fall into this year because Pete’s going to have another knee op, which puts him out of action for a long while,” Daltrey says of his bandmate Pete Townshend. “And I’ve had a few things to deal with health-wise in the time off, but we’re hoping to finish it all off next year.”
And, Daltrey says, The Who will still continue to play, if they “get invited to do a charity gig or something.” He clarifies, “What I’m trying to say is we are not retired. [It’s just that] we don’t want to do another tour of America.”
However, Daltrey has a solo U.S. tour booked for later this year and plans to keep his own live shows going as long as he can. “Voices are voices: They don’t last forever, that’s a fact,” he tells Rolling Stone. “Mine is incredibly powerful and still is. I’m very lucky to have it there, but equally it might go tomorrow, and if it does go tomorrow, I won’t be seeing you in August, it’s as simple as that.”
“I’m 82 years old and still got good energy, still can deliver it well. But I can’t do any more than that. I can only do my best and whatever happens, happens. If it’s still like this when I’m 90, I’ll still be doing it.”
When asked about The Who’s legacy, Daltrey notes, “We were just different than everybody else.” Mentioning The Who’s notoriety for playing loud, he contends, “We were the first heavy metal band.”
“Deep End” single artwork. (AWAL; Credit: Adam Powell)
Julia Wolf has premiered a new song called “Deep End.”
“‘Deep End’ is about the confusion of someone’s mind and the way I’d drown to keep a connection alive, while going through the distractions and doubt I experience in the process,'” the “In My Room” artist says in a statement.
