Alex Goodlett/Getty Images for Operation Smile — ABC
Brooke Burke, who hosted Dancing with the Stars from 2010-2013, seems to think the show has lost its way, and she appears to lay some of the blame for that at current host Tyra Banks‘ size 12 heel-wearing feet.
During a video chat with the Behind the Velvet Rope podcast, Burke explained, “It’s tough. It’s a live show. And I know those live tapings are a struggle, you know, behind the scenes.”
She adds of Banks, “You know, she’s a diva. And everybody knows that she’s a diva. There’s nothing wrong with that. And…I’m not saying anything bad about her. Be a diva. It’s not the place to be a diva.”
Burke continues, “You know, your pros are the diva. Your winner. Your perfect-10 score dancer who’s never done it. That defines diva in the ballroom. So, you know, I just think it wasn’t embraced.”
Saying Banks is “great in a shining role,” Burke backhands, “You are just not the star as the host. Like, it is just not about you as the host. Right?”
Tyra succeeded longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews as both emcee and executive producer of the long-running show in 2010, for season 29. Of that, Brooke commented, “I think it was a tough transition.”
It was recently announced that DWTS was moving to Disney+ for seasons 31 and 32, beginning this fall.
Arcade Fire will be headlining Montreal’s 2022 Osheaga festival in place of Foo Fighters, who dropped off the bill following the unexpected death of drummer Taylor Hawkins last month.
“When the Foo Fighters unfortunately had to cancel, it was extremely important to us that we book a band that means something special to our local music fans as well as an artist that would appeal to a huge fan base internationally,” says Osheaga founder Nick Farkas. “We are thrilled that our local hometown heroes Arcade Fire were able to step in and fill the void.”
In an Instagram video, frontman Win Bulter revealed that he and his band mates will be dedicating their performance to Hawkins.
“I considered Taylor from the Foo Fighters a friend,” Butler says. “He was always so sweet and so musical.”
Osheaga 2022 takes place July 29-31. The bill also includes Machine Gun Kelly, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Glass Animals, Bleachers and Mitski, among others.
For the full lineup and ticket info, visit Osheaga.com.
Hawkins died March 25 at age 50. A few days later, Foo Fighters announced that they’d be canceling all of their upcoming tour dates.
As previously supported, Nine Inch Nails is replacing Foo Fighters on the Boston Calling and Welcome to Rockville festival, while Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline the New Orleans Jazz Fest in their stead.
Camila Cabello‘s year continues to get even better. Shortly after releasing her new album, Familia, Camila will be honored with a major award that celebrates women.
Variety announced the “Bam Bam” singer, among others, will be honored at their upcoming Power of Women event, which hails the strongest female voices in media and entertainment. Camila was selected for several reasons, one being her Healing Justice Project that she launched in January 2021. The outreach effort aims to provide activists with mental health support.
In addition, Camila was celebrated for her three Grammy nods, her RIAA Platinum-certified music, and her domination of the music charts, as well as for newly released third studio album.
The “Havana” singer is in great company: she’s being honored in a class that also includes Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Amanda Seyfried, Venus Williams and Kim Cattrall.
Camila and the other five honorees will be the face of Variety’s Power of Women issue, which hits shelves on May 4. She is also invited to attend an in-person event on May 5 to be honored.
Motionless in White has premiered a new song called “Masterpiece,” a track off the band’s upcoming album, Scoring the End of the World.
“‘Masterpiece’ is a song which I feel embodies the raw and brutally honest nature of what makes Motionless In White,” says frontman Chris “Motionless” Cerulli. “It took me many years to fully recognize that these are the types of songs that truly are the lifeblood of the relationship between the band and our fans.”
“There is something really powerful and magical in being able to write a song that not only expresses your own deepest emotions and feelings, but to write something that may express the feelings of those who find it hard to articulate their own at times,” he continues. “It is on another level of special.”
“Masterpiece” is available now via digital outlets. You can watch its accompanying video streaming now on YouTube.
Scoring the End of the World, the follow-up to 2019’s Disguise, arrives June 10. It also includes the previously released song “Cyberhex.”
Motionless in White is currently on the road with Black Veil Brides and Ice Nine Kills on the Trinity of Terror tour. BVB is back on the bill after missing multiple shows due to frontman Andy Biersack testing positive for COVID-19.
Poison frontman Bret Michaels, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, is voicing his support for the Affordable Insulin Now Act, legislation that would put a $35 cap on insulin prices for people with private healthcare plans and Medicare Part D plans.
The Affordable Insulin Now Act was passed by the House of Representatives on March 31, and the legislation is in front of the Senate.
Michaels is encouraging his fans and friends to urge government officials to vote in favor of the act.
“All diabetics deserve a fighting chance to afford insulin,” says Michaels in a statement. “With rising costs for insulin in America skyrocketing, it puts treatments out of reach for many. And, it forces them to make a difficult decision when finances become tighter to decide if they can either ration medication doses or go without it. No one with diabetes should ever go without the opportunity for treatment.”
The 59-year-old rocker has long been involved in raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with diabetes, and the issue is a main focus of his Life Rocks charitable foundation.
“Putting the needs of diabetic children and adults has always been at the forefront of the Life Rocks Foundation,” Bret notes, “and I offer my full support for this bill which will bring costs down for those in need.”
Michaels currently is touring the U.S. on his Nothing but a Good Vibe trek, and in June he and Poison will hit the road on The Stadium Tour, the massive stateside outing that also will feature Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
While on tour, Bret meets with other diabetics at every stop to share their experiences, lend support and advocate for helping those with the chronic condition.
Jersey Shore‘s Angelina Pivarnick says she isn’t doing well amid her split from Chris Larangeira.
In an Instagram Story, the reality star shared video of herself in a hospital bed, and wrote, “In the hospital. Please whomever [sic] is calling me and texting me to respond. I’m not doing well at all.”
“I need to get better. My health comes before everything,” she added.
In a later Story Angelina explained, “My immune systems [sic] been super low from all the stress I’ve endured the past couple of months. I wish this pain on no one in this entire world. I hope this too shall pass and I hope brighter days are ahead of me. Stress is definitely a killer.”
Although the MTV star is admittedly going through a rough time at the moment, she shared that she’s leaning on her faith to get her through.
“God has me that’s all that matters. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Soon enough I will see the light. i’m just waiting to see it,” Angelina expressed.
“I have been keeping prayers and god closer than ever and i know he’s got big plans for me. I love you god, she added, along with an animated emoji that read: “God keeps every promise.”
Angelina, 35, and Chris, 42, wed in November 2019. Angelina filed for divorce in January 2021 but the case was dismissed eight months later after they reconciled. Most recently, Chris filed to divorce in January of this year.
Ariana Grande didn’t waste any time telling Britney Spears exactly how she feels after the latter sweetly shouted her out on Instagram Wednesday.
Britney spoke out about becoming a “makeup junkie” and, after opening up about feeling anxious about welcoming her third child, wrote, “It’s going to be okay and now that @ArianaGrande sent me this unbelievable packaging with her new makeup line @REMbeauty … I believe my day is set !!!”
Britney said she “already put it on” and raved about Ariana’s “awesome” beauty line. “Thank you Ariana for this amazing gift,” she added. “I needed eyeshadow !!! How did you know ??? God bless.”
Soon after, Ariana rushed to the comment section and called Britney “queen !!!!!”
“You deserve every single ounce of love and joy that this life has to offer,” the Don’t Look Up actress continued. “Thank you & i’m so glad you’re enjoying your gifts.”
Ariana also took to her Instagram story to link Britney’s post, which she captioned, “Love you so much.”
In other Ari news, she shared a positive update about her Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund, a new initiative aimed at helping those who would be impacted by anti-LGBT legislation. As of Thursday morning, it has raised more than $762,000, which is more than halfway to its $1,500,000 goal.
Ariana previously announced, “I will be matching all funds raised up to $1,500,000” and explained funds will be divided equally between “organizations advocating for the rights of trans youth.”
Among the beneficiaries of the fund are Gendernexus, House of Tulip, Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, JASMYN, and organizations in states that have put forth anti-LGBT legislation.
Travis Barker newest ink honors late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
In an Instagram post, the Blink-182 rocker unveiled a new tattoo of a hawk on his ankle. In the caption, he wrote, “HAWK forever.”
Along with photos of the fresh piece, Barker also shared a throwback picture of him and Hawkins together.
Hawkins passed away unexpectedly on March 25 in Bogotá, Colombia, ahead of a Foo Fighters show scheduled there for later that night. He was 50 years old.
Barker was among the many artists who paid tribute to Hawkins following the news, writing in part, “To say I’ll miss you my friend isn’t enough. Till the next time we talk drums and smoke in the boys room…Rest in Peace.”
In related news, Shinedown covered the Foo Fighters song “Wheels” in honor of Hawkins earlier this week during a show in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Fan-shot footage of the performance is streaming now on YouTube.
Legendary R&B artist Mary J. Blige will receive the Icon Award at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, Billboardannounced on Thursday. And as part of the recognition, the 10-time BBMA winner will perform in the show.
Blige is now added to a list of only 10 other artist to receive the prestigious award, which recognizes outstanding artists for their Billboard charts excellence and contributions to music. Past recipients include Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Prince and Stevie Wonder.
“My career has been such an incredible and unexpected journey that has included many turns into avenues I never could have imagined like acting, producing, launching businesses and now even my own music festival,” Blige said in the announcement. “Through it all, I always one way or another gravitated back to my first love, music. To be recognized in this way at this moment, with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, is an incredible honor and one that I am truly humbled by.”
Some of Blige’s many BBMA accolades include taking home top trophies at the 2006 show, including Female R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Artist of the Year and R&B/Hip-Hop Album of the Year, for The Breakthrough, an award she previously won at the 1995 awards show, for My Life.
The 2022 Billboard Music Awards air live from Las Vegas on Sunday, May 15 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
(NEW YORK) — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “special military operation” into neighboring Ukraine began on Feb. 24, with Russian troops invading from Belarus, to the north, and Russia, to the east. Russian forces have since been met with “stiff resistance” from Ukrainians, according to U.S. officials.
In recent days, Russian forces have retreated from northern Ukraine, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. After graphic images emerged of civilians lying dead in the streets of Bucha, a town northwest of Kyiv, the United States and European countries accused Russia of committing war crimes.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Apr 14, 10:13 am
Ukraine says 30 citizens returned in 4th prisoner swap with Russia
Thirty prisoners of war will be returned to Ukraine on Thursday as part of the latest exchange of captives with Russia, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.
Vereshchuk said in a statement via social media Thursday that, following an order from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, five officers and 17 servicemen were exchanged, along with the release of eight civilians, including one woman.
“In total, 30 of our citizens are going home today,” Vereshchuk said.
Thursday’s prisoner swap marked the fourth to take place between the two countries since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Apr 14, 10:01 am
9 humanitarian corridors to reopen in eastern Ukraine on Thursday
Nine humanitarian corridors are expected to reopen in eastern Ukraine on Thursday to allow civilians escape heavy fighting, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.
She said in a statement via social media Thursday that evacuation routes were agreed upon for those traveling by private cars from besieged Mariupol in the Donetsk Oblast, as well as from Berdyansk, Tokmak and Enerhodar in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast — all of which lead to the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia.
In the Luhansk Oblast, Vereshchuk said routes were established from the cities of Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Popasna, Hirske and Rubizhne, leading to the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk Oblast.
Humanitarian corridors were not reopened the previous day because Russian forces had blocked evacuation buses in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast and violated the cease-fire in the Luhansk Oblast, according to Vereshchuk.
“All this creates such a level of danger on routes that we are forced to refrain from opening humanitarian corridors today,” she said in a statement via social media Wednesday.
Apr 14, 9:01 am
Two eastern Ukrainian towns may face ‘indiscriminate attacks,’ UK warns
Russian forces are likely to attack the towns of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine, the U.K. Ministry of Defense warned in an intelligence update Thursday.
The towns are both located in the Donetsk Oblast of the disputed Donbas region, where Russian troops are “striking Ukrainian forces in preparation for a renewed offensive,” according to the ministry.
“Urban centres have faced repeated indiscriminate attacks from Russia throughout the conflict,” the ministry said. “The towns of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka are likely to be Russian targets for similar levels of violence.”
The railway station in Kramatorsk was the site of rocket attack that killed dozens of civilians trying to evacuate the region on April 8.
“The combination of widespread missile and artillery strikes and efforts to concentrate forces for an offensive represents a reversion to traditional Russian military doctrine,” the ministry added. “However, this will require significant force levels. Ukraine’s continued defence of Mariupol is currently tying down significant numbers of Russian troops and equipment.”
Mariupol, a strategic port city in the Donetsk Oblast, has been under heavy Russian bombardment since the start of the invasion on Feb. 24. Strong resistance from Ukrainian troops have prevented Russian forces from taking full control of Mariupol.
Apr 14, 4:51 am
197 children killed in invasion, Ukraine says
At least 197 children have been killed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office said on Thursday.
Another 351 children have been injured during the invasion, the office said. The actual number of casualties was assumed to be higher, because Ukraine’s official figures didn’t include “full consideration of places with active hostilities,” the office said.
Two children died after being hospitalized for injuries from a rocket attack on a train station in eastern Ukraine last Friday, according to Thursday’s update. Seven children have now died following that Russian attack, the update said.
Apr 13, 9:43 pm
Ukraine claims to have struck Russia’s Black Sea fleet flagship
Several Ukrainian government sources reported Wednesday that armed forces have struck Russia’s Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva.
The governor of Odesa Maksym Marchenko claimed on Telegram that two anti-ship cruise missiles struck the cruiser in the Black Sea, causing “very serious damage.”
Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych and Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, reported there was an explosion and that the cruiser is on fire.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense said a fire onboard the Moskva caused a subsequent broadside munitions explosion.
“The ship received serious damage, the crew was evacuated,” the ministry said, adding that an investigation is underway.
There was no mention of a missile strike in the ministry’s statement, which was carried by Russia’s state-run news agency TASS.
