Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Every year around Christmastime, you can expect to hear jokes about Michael Bublé coming out of hibernation. While his music does enjoy a second wind on the radio and the Billboard music charts during the holiday season, the singer admits there is only so much Christmas music he can personally stand to hear.
The Irish Daily Star quoted Michael as saying, “Christmas music reminds me of rich food: When you haven’t had it in a while, you are so excited for it and you eat as much as you can. By the 26th of December, you don’t ever want to hear it again.”
Still, Michael admits, “there are worse things than a season where people are kind.”
The 46-year-old Canadian singer adds that, just because he shuts off the holiday tunes the second Christmas is over, that doesn’t mean he feels Grinch-like about the festive season.
“I love Christmas so much and my parents made it so great for us that I still have that sense of wonderment. It’s not that I see it through the eyes of kids, I genuinely have that wonderment. Like, my tree was up November 1st,” he marveled.
Michael released his standout holiday album, Christmas, in October 2011 and it has gone on to sell over 14 million copies worldwide. With a decade now separating him from his best-selling album, he’s dealing with a new issue — feeling old.
“People come up to me that I think are regular middle-aged people and say, ‘Hi I’ve been listening to you since I was a little kid,’ and I go, ‘God I’m old,'” Michael quipped.
Beyonce presents the humanitarian award to Michael Jackson at the 2003 Radio Music Awards; Michael Caulfield/WireImage
Jay-Z set Twitter on fire this week when he compared his wife, Beyoncé, to Michael Jackson.
During a Twitter Spaces chat with Alicia Keys and host Rob Markman, The Harder They Fall executive producer said, “Bey’s gonna be mad at this for saying this, but Michael Jackson never had a Coachella,” referring to Beyoncé’s epic performance at the 2018 Coachella Festival.
“She’s an evolution of him because she watched him at 9. And the kids are the same,” the rapper added. “Find me a concert that’s as culturally relevant and thrilling as Coachella. …Beyoncé is gonna be one of the best singers we ever heard because she is such a student.”
Reactions were fast and furious, predictably divided between fans of The King of Pop, and the Beyhive.
“I Love Beyoncé but don’t take it too far saying she’s better than Michael Jackson,” one MJ fan wrote.
Another tweeted, “Respectfully Michael Jackson never needed anything like Coachella throughout his lifetime. Michael Jackson has had double the audience of anything Beyoncé ever had. mj had people literally fainting and being transported on stretchers…no offense but MJ is unmatched,”
Queen Bey’s followers struck back.
“Beyoncé was pregnant & singing upside down at FWT [Formation World Tour], pregnant & throwing up when she did Glastonbury, sick when she sang her face off at Oprah’s show. Michael Jackson sprained his ankle & did an entire performance sitting down & lip-syncing for his life. the bar is SO low for men. TUH,” wrote a member of the Beyhive.
“Beyoncé is more talented than Michael Jackson. y’all just love to demote her talent because she is a woman. If Beyoncé was a man y’all wouldn’t be saying this,” added another Beyoncé fan.
(RICHMOND, Va.) — A time capsule estimated to be more than 130 years old, unearthed from the base of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, was opened Wednesday in Richmond, Virginia, and the artifacts showed a snapshot of life in the Confederate capital.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam watched intently as historians used tools to painstakingly open the corroded box. After hours of working to unseal it, the team — wearing blue gloves — pulled out the first artifact: a thin maroon-colored book.
“It’s very wet,” Kate Ridgeway, a conservator with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, said as she peered into the rusted time capsule.
“We are trying to preserve what we can of this book,” she said.
Conservators pulled out other items: what appeared to be a coin, a few books of varying size and color, what appeared to be an envelope. Some of the items were difficult to identify given their condition.
The Washington Post reported that one of the books appears to be an almanac from 1875, and a copy of “The Huguenot Lovers: A Tale of the Old Dominion.”
Teams quickly worked to “stabilize” the artifacts, Ridgeway told reporters in the room, so that they could be worked on. As for how long it takes to stabilize them, historians said it depends on how wet the items are.
The time capsule was found by construction crews in early December. Crews taking apart the removed statue’s base came across an area that looked “different,” according to a release from Northam’s office, and chiseled out a section of the 1,200-pound granite block to reveal it.
The capsule is estimated by experts to date back to 1887. According to the governor’s office, records show that, “37 Richmond residents, organizations, and businesses contributed about 60 objects to the capsule, many of which are believed to be related to the Confederacy.”
There was also speculation that there would be more very rare and valuable artifacts in the time capsule. ABC News-affiliate WJLA-TV reports that there were rumors of an incredibly rare photograph of the casket of former President Abraham Lincoln. Some have wondered if this is not the official time capsule, speculating that the dimensions and material differ from historical reports, according to the Washington Post.
The pedestal stood beneath a bronze statue of Lee on horseback that was removed in September 2021, following nationwide racial justice protests after George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis.
The statue’s removal was slowed by lawsuits from some residents who opposed it being taken down, but the state’s Supreme Court okayed it.
As the capsule was opened, the state was making plans to create a new time capsule to reflect present-day Virginia.
“This monument and its time capsule reflected Virginia in 1890 — and it’s time to remove both, so that our public spaces better reflect who we are as a people in 2021,” Northam said in a September press release. “The past 18 months have seen historic change, from the pandemic to protests for racial justice that led to the removal of these monuments to a lost cause. It is fitting that we replace the old time capsule with a new one that tells that story.”
The state has selected 39 individuals to add artifacts to the 2021 time capsule, which are expected to include nods to the 2020 racial justice protests, as well as items, including face masks and vaccination cards, related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It may not feel like it as country artists settle in for the holiday break this week, but a bustling new year is just around the corner, and many stars — like Maren Morris — have got big plans for 2022.
The singer teased…well, something to come on her social media, sharing a short video clip of herself walking alongside a tan, retro car with a California license plate that reads “Go.” A snippet of new music plays in the background, and the caption reads, “Pedal down, 2022.”
It comes as no surprise to fans that Maren’s working on her next album: She’s been teasing it all year. In November, the singer described her new project as a turn back in the direction of her country roots. That follows her 2018 studio album, Girl, which brought Maren crossover success — particularly with “The Bones,” a massive hit that found a home on pop radio along with country radio success.
First up in 2022, Maren’s nominated for a Grammy Award thanks to “Chasing After You,” her number-one duet with her singer-songwriter husband, Ryan Hurd.
Crosses, Deftones frontman Chino Moreno‘s side-project with guitarist Shaun Lopez has a new record deal.
According to an Instagram post from Lopez, the band recently signed a “worldwide deal” with Warner Records, the same label that reps Deftones.
“Looking forward to working with such an amazing crew,” Lopez writes. “Hi fives to the bro @chinowmoreno, we did it.”
Crosses released their 2014 self-titled debut with Sumerian Records. Whatever they release on Warner will mark the band’s major-label debut.
Deftones, meanwhile, released their latest album, Ohms, in 2020. The record’s title track is nominated for Best Rock Performance at the 2022 Grammys, while the song “Genesis” is up for Best Metal Performance.
(NEW YORK) — As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5.3 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 812,000 Americans, according to real-time data compiled by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
About 61.7% of the population in the United States is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Dec 23, 11:47 am
Nearly 30,000 Americans have died of COVID since Thanksgiving
An ABC News analysis of federal data finds that nearly 30,000 Americans have died of COVID-19 since Thanksgiving as the omicron variant spreads across the country.
The U.S. is currently averaging more than 1,200 deaths per day, an increase of 23.3% in the last month with death rates up across almost all age groups.
Nationwide, about 161,000 new COVID cases are being reported every day, up nearly 75% in the last month.
This marks the highest daily case average since Labor Day, and means the U.S. will likely surpass the daily peaks seen during the delta-fueled wave over the summer.
Fourteen states, including New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Wisconsin, are reporting their highest daily case numbers in about a year.
ABC News’ Arielle Mitropoulos
Dec 23, 10:41 am
AstraZeneca monoclonal antibody works against omicron, studies show
New studies are offering additional reassurance that AstraZeneca’s monoclonal antibody drug works against omicron.
The company’s EVUSHELD retains neutralization activity against omicron, according to “live” virus neutralization data from both University College Oxford and Washington University School of Medicine.
AstraZeneca announced last week that its antibody drug would likely retain protection against omicron. These studies add to that growing evidence.
AstraZeneca’s monoclonal antibody was authorized on Dec. 8, but for a narrow group of people. It is authorized as a way to prevent COVID-19 among people who are immune compromised, or people who are allergic to vaccine components. It is not authorized as a way to treat COVID-19 among people who have already tested positive.
There are three monoclonal antibody treatments currently authorized to treat people who already have COVID-19. Two of those treatments — those made by Eli Lilly and Regeneron — appear to have very little activity against omicron. A third treatment, made by Vir and GlaxoSmithKline, appears to work against omicron but is currently in short supply. The companies are working to scale up production.
ABC News’ Sony Salzman
Dec 23, 10:39 am
Cruise ship can’t enter Curacao or Aruba after 55 people test positive for COVID
A Royal Caribbean ship has been blocked from entering Curacao and Aruba after 55 crew members and guests tested positive for COVID-19.
The ship, named Odyssey of the Sea, set sail from Florida on Dec. 18 and had planned to visit the Caribbean for eight nights.
According to the cruise line, 95% of all people onboard were fully vaccinated. The crew and guests who tested positive were all “fully vaccinated and mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic.”
Close contacts of the positive patients have been placed in quarantine and will be monitored for 24 hours prior to testing.
The ship will remain at sea and is scheduled to return to Florida on Dec. 26.
ABC News’ Mina Kaji
Dec 23, 9:56 am
FDA authorizes Merck pill for some
The Food and Drug Administration authorized Merck’s COVID-19 pill Thursday for certain patients.
The authorization is specifically for adults who are at high-risk for severe illness and don’t have access to other FDA-authorized treatments.
This is the second COVID-19 therapy available in pill form after Pfizer’s pill was authorized in patients aged 12 and older on Wednesday.
Children and teenagers are not eligible for Merck’s pill due to fears that the medication could negatively impact bone and cartilage growth.
COVID-19 patients seeking the pills must obtain a doctor’s prescription first.
ABC News’ Sony Salzman
Dec 23, 5:44 am
Rep. Jan Schakowsky tests positive for COVID
Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., has tested positive for COVID-19.
Schakowsky said her husband, Bob, had tested positive last week. After several negative tests, the lawmaker also tested positive on Tuesday night, she said on Twitter.
Both Schakowskys were vaccinated and received boosters. They’re now quarantining, she said.
“We got tested when we felt something was off, and now we can prevent exposure to our family and loved ones,” Schakowsky said. “I implore you to do the same before holiday gatherings this week and next. Get tested if you feel sick or have been around someone who tests positive.”
5 Seconds of Summer is being sued for $2.5 million by their former management firm. YM&U Group, a global talent agency, alleges the Australian band has not paid them what they’re due and therefore are in breach of contract.
Billboardreports YM&U is claiming they were owed commission fees for the many profitable deals they brokered on the band’s behalf, and provided examples, one of which included a contract with BMG, where 5SOS was paid $10 million to record an album. YM&U claims the quartet had previously agreed to pay the full commission amount but refused to pay up after they received several invoices.
The talent agency has named 5SOS’ current manager, Benjamin Evans, as well as band members Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood, Ashton Irwin and Michael Clifford in the suit, alongside their touring company, 5SOS Touring. They are seeking $2.5 million in damages, but are asking for additional punitive damages against Evans, claiming he “acted with fraud, malice, or oppression” by allegedly attempting to avoid paying what YM&U says they’re due.
The “Youngblood” singers signed with YM&U in February 2021 and ended their partnership that September. Evans had represented the group prior to their partnership with the talent agency and, after the band left that summer, he resumed his day-to-day duties as manager.
(NEW YORK) — The World Health Organization is investigating a mysterious illness in South Sudan that has killed dozens of people.
So far, 97 people have died of the unknown disease in Fangak, Jonglei State, in the northern part of the country.
Fangak County Commissioner Biel Boutros Biel told ABC News on Thursday that the latest fatality occurred in an elderly woman.
Deaths have mostly been reported among the elderly and children ages 1 to 14, according to a statement from South Sudan’s Ministry of Health.
The symptoms of the mysterious illness include cough, diarrhea, fever, headache, chest pain, joint pain, loss of appetite and body weakness, officials said.
Biel said the WHO team that traveled to Fangak has since left, but did not communicate their findings to local officials.
In a statement to ABC News, Collins Boakye-Agyemang, a spokesperson for WHO Africa, said the agency began investigating the outbreak in November but did not provide further details.
According to BBC News, because the area has recently been hit with heavy floods, the WHO tested samples from patients for cholera, which is typically contracted from infected water supplies.
However, the samples returned negative for the infectious bacterial disease, the outlet reported.
Sheila Baya, a lecturer in the College of Medicine at University of Juba in South Sudan, told BBC News that WHO scientists had to reach Fangak by helicopter due to the flooding to conduct testing.
Biel told ABC News that some nongovernmental organizations have delivered medical supplies to Fangak and are in the process of setting up mobile clinics to help treat people.
In a statement last month, international humanitarian group Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) called the floods a “perfect storm” for disease outbreaks.
“People do not have enough water or options for water storage, and there is no garbage collection, while dead goats and dogs are left rotting in the drainage systems,” the statement read. “With the conditions further worsened by the influx of new arrivals [at camps], people are at higher risk of outbreaks and waterborne diseases such as acute watery diarrhea, cholera and malaria.”
ABC News’ Morgan Winsor contributed to this report.
(HOUSTON) — Exxon Mobil emergency response teams have extinguished a fire at the Baytown Refinery in Baytown, Texas.
“Our first priority is people in the community and in our facilities,” Exxon Mobil Baytown Area said in a statement on Twitter.
The company said there has been no adverse air quality monitoring impacts to the community.
“Around 1 a.m. on 12/23/2021, a fire occurred at our facility,” the company said on social media. “At this time, emergency vehicles and smoke may be noticeable to the community. We are coordinating with local officials, and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”
The causes of the incident have not yet been determined, according to Exxon Mobil. The company is working with authorities.
“All findings will be incorporated in our continuing effort to enhance our safety performance,” the company stated.
An information line has been set up for anyone affected by this incident at 1-800-241-9010.
Authorities in Texas said they were investigating a “major industrial accident” at the Exxon Mobil plant on Thursday morning.
“Some injuries have been reported. Please avoid the area,” the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said on Twitter.
Initial reports indicated some type of explosion occurred inside the plant, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Four people were injured, with three taken from the scene by Lifeflight and one by ambulance, he said.
Videos posted on social media showed dense smoke rising from the facility.
“My mom lives right behind the plant and around 1 a.m. I heard a loud ‘boom’ and the house shaking,” Kendall Merritt, who lives nearby, told ABC News. “The sound was as if someone had slammed a door right in my ear.”
Exxon Mobil’s Baytown complex covers 3,400 acres about 25 miles east of Houston, according to the company’s website. Its local refinery can process about 584,000 barrels of crude oil each day.
Gonzalez said there wasn’t an order for nearby residents to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
Jim Brickman‘s on tour in support of his latest holiday album, A Christmas Symphony, featuring Jim performing Christmas instrumentals backed by a symphony orchestra. However, a few songs feature vocals, like his current single “Carols of Christmas,” a medley of classic songs like “What Child Is This” recorded with his pal, Five for Fighting‘s John Ondrasik, singing lead.
“I’m a big fan of medleys at Christmas time, because a lot of the…carols, are really short,” Jim laughs. “So I thought if I put it together with his voice and then instrumental in between, we could do ‘What Child Is This?,’ ‘We Three Kings,’ ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,’ ‘Carol of the Bells,’ and weave them all together.”
Jim says he was eager to get John, known for hits like “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and “100 Years,” to use his voice in a different way.
“People hear his voice in such a pop fashion — when you hear it, you know it’s him,” explains Jim. “And I was like, ‘Your falsetto would sound so beautiful.’ So he was all for it, for sure.”
Jim’s been doing Christmas tours for years, because he says his holiday music seems to be his most popular stuff.
“Christmas has always been my time of the year, for sure. Ever since The Gift album, I think people have associated my music with holidays,” he tells ABC Audio. “When I run into somebody who’s a casual fan, usually they’ll say, ‘I have your Christmas album! We listen every year!'”
“I think it’s because there’s not a lot of relaxing, calm piano versions of a lot of Christmas hits,” Jim adds. “Instrumentals give you the flavor and the soundtrack and the memory and the nostalgia, without feeling like you’re hearing, you know, [a] redux of everything.”
