Ed Sheeran is giving fans a little taste of his contribution to pal Taylor Swift’s re-recorded version of Red.
On Instagram Monday, Ed shared a snippet of himself rerecording his part for their duet “Everything Has Changed.” In the caption, he did his part to help spread the word that the vinyl for Red (Taylor’s Version) is up for pre-order today and the album is available to pre-save on streaming platforms.
“Here’s a video of me rerecording my bit for a song you might know,” Ed wrote. “There’s also a brand-new song me and Taylor wrote the first day we met called ‘Run’ that’s out with the new version of the record, November 19th. Enjoy guys! Was so fun reliving all of this.”
Earlier on Monday, Taylor announced the vinyl pre-order news by officially joining TikTok.
Meanwhile, Ed announced last week that his new album, = [Equals], will be out October 29.
The “Kyoto” artist has announced that all of her upcoming fall tour dates will be taking place in outdoor venues. The decision was made “in the interest of safety” amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, all venues will require attendees to be fully vaccinated, except for where that is “not permissible by law.” In those cases, attendees must either show proof of vaccination or obtain a negative test with 48 hours of entering the show.
“Please wear a mask,” Bridgers says. “I love you. See you soon.”
Bridgers’ tour is set to kick off September 3 in St. Louis. Due to the venue rearranging, some shows have been postponed to a different date.
(NEW YORK) — In a blistering farewell address to constituents on Monday, a defiant New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo blasted the State Attorney General’s five-month investigation that found he sexually harassed multiple women, calling it a “political firecracker” that triggered an “unfair and unjust” rush to judgment against him.
The 63-year-old Cuomo is set to leave office at 11:59 p.m. Monday, and his replacement, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, will be sworn in as New York’s first woman governor at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday by the state’s chief judge, Janet DiFiore, in a private ceremony at the state capitol in Albany.
But in a noon address, Cuomo used the opportunity to slam the allegations against him and tout his accomplishments as governor.
“Let me say now that when government politicizes allegations and the headlines condemn without facts, you undermine the justice system and that doesn’t serve women and it doesn’t serve men or society,” Cuomo said. “I understand that there are moments of intense political pressure and media frenzy that cause a rush to judgment, but that is not right. It’s not fair or sustainable. Facts still matter.”
Cuomo, who has insisted he did not touch anyone inappropriately, announced his resignation on Aug. 13, ten days after State Attorney General Letitia James made public the results of an investigation she alleged found the governor sexually harassed multiple women, including current and former state employees, and had retaliated against one of his accusers.
“A firecracker can start a stampede, but at one point everyone looks around and says, ‘Why are we running?'” The truth is ultimately always revealed,” Cuomo said. “The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic and it worked. There was a political and media stampede but the truth will (come) out in time. Of that I am confident.”
Cuomo also sought to establish a legacy beyond the allegations that drove him from office, saying, “No governor in the nation has passed more progressive measures than I have.” He listed his accomplishments, including a refurbished LaGuardia Airport, a new Penn Station transportation terminal in New York City and marriage equality as cornerstones to what he called a “new paradigm of government that actually works.”
He offered advice for the pandemic that made him a national figure for the empathy and seriousness he showed during his daily press briefings on the crisis. And he reminded listeners that under his leadership, “We faced up to the facts and we made the tough but necessary decisions.”
Cuomo acknowledged that at midnight Kathy Hochul will become governor and said “I believe she will step up to the challenge.”
But he returned to the scandal that has led to his dramatic downfall.
“Now there are moments in life that test our character, that asks us are we the person we believe we are or are we the person we try to be at our best. You know me, I am a fighter and my instinct is to fight this because it is unfair and unjust in my mind,” Cuomo said.
“But you also know that I love New York and I serve you,” he said. “That is the oath that I took. And in this moment, I believe the right thing is that my service comes first. Prolonging this situation could only cause governmental paralysis and that is just not an option for you and not an option for the state, especially now.”
He began his last day on the job Monday with his top aid releasing a statement on his behalf, saying Cuomo “has no interest in running for office again.”
Melissa DeRosa, secretary to the governor, issued a statement on Cuomo’s immediate plans when he leaves the job he claimed a decade ago, one once held by his late father, Mario Cuomo.
DeRosa said that Cuomo has spent nearly 25 years in public service, from being secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Clinton administration in the 1990s to getting elected state attorney general in 2006 and serving as governor since 2010.
“And the way he does it, it’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” said DeRosa, whose resignation on Aug. 8 as the most powerful unelected bureaucrat in state government will also take effect Monday night. “He looks forward to spending time with his family and has a lot of fishing to catch up on. He is exploring a number of options, but has no interest in running for office again.”
Over the weekend, Cuomo sought to show he was in control until the end as he presided over briefings on Tropical Storm Henri. He requested his emergency management team remain in place and said Hochul had been briefed despite her absence from the news conferences.
Attempting to keep reporters “on topic,” Cuomo asked that questions be limited to the storm.
“We’re dealing with an emergency and New Yorkers want to hear about an emergency,” Cuomo said.
The first question he took was whether he still planned to resign on Monday.
“And, yes, my final day is [Monday],” Cuomo said during a news briefing Sunday.
Unlike Cuomo, who honed his political instincts at the hip of his father, Hochul’s political career began on a town council in Western New York. She briefly served in Congress and has been lieutenant governor for seven years.
“I’m excited about this,” Hochul said last week during a visit to New York City’s Queens borough. “I’m excited about this opportunity. I’m very prepared for this.”
A public swearing-in ceremony will be held for Hochul at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday in the Red Room of the state capitol building. But she wasted no time in announcing the first two appointments of her administration, picking Karen Persichilli Keogh, a former senior aid to Hillary Rodham Clinton, as Secretary to the Governor and Elizabeth Fine, executive vice president and General Counsel of Empire State Development (New York’s economic development agency), as Counsel to the Governor.
Once she takes office, among Hochul’s first tasks will be appointing a new lieutenant governor and she has said it would be someone from a New York City borough. She has signaled there would be “turnover” from the Cuomo administration, particularly among those in the Executive Chamber that were named in the state attorney general’s report as enabling Cuomo’s alleged harassment.
“I’m looking forward at the right time to introducing the members of my administration,” Hochul said.
Another priority is the pandemic and repopulating the depleted ranks of the state’s health department.
Hochul said the state has the authority to mandate masks in schools statewide and has said she believes “we will need mask mandates for children to go back to school … and that will have to be universal, it will be statewide.”
Kacey Musgraves is star-crossedin her highly anticipated new album.
Kacey announced Monday that star-crossed is the name of her fourth studio album, which will be released on September 10. It’s the follow-up to her multi-Grammy-winning 2018 project, Golden Hour. Kacey teams up again withproducers Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk on the 15-track album, which features tracks titled “good wife,” “angel,” “camera roll,” and “gracias a la vida,” which translates to “thanks to life,” and more.
star-crossed is built around the concept of a modern-day tragedy in three acts, in light of her divorce from ex-husband Ruston Kelly. After teasing the title track on Instagram over the weekend, the singer has now dropped the song in full.
Alongside the album, Kacey will debut star-crossed: the film via Paramount+ featuring Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy, actress Victoria Pedretti of The Haunting of Hill House, singer Princess Nokia, comedian Megan Stalter and RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Symone.
The trailer for the film depicts Kacey as an out-of-the-ordinary bride who ultimately reclaims her freedom, with shots of her running alongside a black stallion and dancing with drag queens in the street in the middle of the desert.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100
As Beyoncé and Jay-Z confirmed with their 2018 duo album, Everything Is Love in their life, and Tiffany agrees as The Carters star in the jewelry company’s new ABOUT LOVE campaign.
In a series of ads debuting September 2, Beyoncé models the iconic Tiffany Yellow Diamond, and Jay wears Jean Schlumberger‘s legendary Bird on a Rock brooch, customized as cuff links.
Mrs. Carter is only the fourth person ever to wear the Tiffany Yellow Diamond, which has last worn by Lady Gaga at the Oscars in 2019. The stone features over 100 carats of white diamonds.
“Love is the diamond that the jewelry and art decorate,” Bey and Jay say in a statement to People.
The campaign also features a 22-carat yellow diamond ring and a 15.02-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, plus an 18-carat yellow and rose gold bracelet
“Beyoncé and Jay-Z are the epitome of the modern love story. As a brand that has always stood for love, strength and self-expression, we could not think of a more iconic couple that better represents Tiffany’s values,” says Alexandre Arnault, Tiffany’s EVP of product and communications. “We are honored to have the Carters as a part of the Tiffany family.”
Queen Bey posted threephotos on Instagram of her wearing a black gown with mesh opera gloves. Hova joins her in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie.
A film about the campaign, shot by Jay, will be released September 15 featuring Beyoncé’s version of “Moon River.”
In partnership with The Carters, Tiffany is donating $2 million toward scholarship and internship programs for historically Black colleges and universities.
John Travolta is opening up about the candid conversation he had with his son following the death of his wife, Kelly Preston.
Preston died of breast cancer in July 2020, leaving behind the couple’s youngest son, Benjamin Travolta, who John revealed was worried he would lose his father, too.
“He said to me once, he said, ‘Because Mom passed away, I’m afraid you’re going to,'” the 67-year-old actor shared while on Kevin Hart‘s talk show on Peacock, Hart to Heart. “And I said, ‘Well, it’s a very different thing.’ And then I went through the differences about my longevity and her limited life.”
The Grease star then got real with his child, telling him, “But you know, Ben, you always love the truth and I’m going to tell you the truth about life. Nobody knows when they’re going to go or when they’re going to stay…”
Referencing the pair’s other son, Jett Travolta, who died in January 2009 after suffering a seizure, John added, “Your brother left at 16. Too young. Your mother left at 57 and that was too young. But who’s to say?'”
“I could die tomorrow. You could. Anybody can,” he said. “So let’s look at life that, it’s part of life, you see? You don’t know exactly. You just do your best at trying to live the longest you can.”
John also has a daughter with Preston, 21-year-old Ella Bleu Travolta.
(WASHINGTON) — The United States Capitol Police Office of Professional Responsibility has cleared the officer involved in the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, U.S. Capitol Police announced in a press release on Monday, saying that officer “will not be facing internal discipline.”
An internal investigation found the actions of the officer were “lawful and within Department policy,” it said.
Babbitt can be seen on video on Jan. 6 attempting to kick through a window, shortly after she entered the Capitol. She was subsequently shot and killed by the officer. The agency says they’ve reviewed all available evidence in connection with the shooting including video and radio calls.
Capitol Police stood by the officer and said their actions saved the lives of lawmakers and family members.
“The actions of the officer in this case potentially saved Members and staff from serious injury and possible death from a large crowd of rioters who forced their way into the U.S. Capitol and to the House Chamber where Members and staff were steps away,” the statement says. “USCP Officers had barricaded the Speaker’s Lobby with furniture before a rioter shattered the glass door. If the doors were breached, the rioters would have immediate access to the House Chambers.”
The statement adds that the officer’s actions were consistent with training and USCP policy and procedure.
Capitol Police did not identify the officer involved in the shooting, and a lawyer for the officer has not responded to ABC News’ request for comment.
“The officer and the officer’s family have been the subject of numerous credible and specific threats for actions that were taken as part of the job of all our officers: defending the Congress, Members, staff and the democratic process,” Capitol Police said in Monday’s statement.
In addition to the internal review, in April the U.S. Attorney’s office in D.C. decided not to pursue charges against the officer involved, saying there was not enough evidence.
Babbitt’s death has become a rallying cry for some on the right in the months since the Capitol attack, including former President Donald Trump.
Pixies have canceled their upcoming fall tour amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
The itinerary includes a run of headlining dates beginning September 10 in Port Chester, New York, as well as sets at festivals including Summerfest and Riot Fest.
“Pixies have determined that with the current surge in COVID cases made worse by the Delta variant, this is the right decision for their fans, crew members and themselves, and ask that their fans stay safe and healthy,” a press release reads.
Pixies were also scheduled to open for two Nine Inch Nails shows in Cleveland. Those were scrapped last week when Trent Reznor and company announced they were canceling all live shows for 2021.
Lil Nas X used to work at Taco Bell in his pre-fame days. Now, he’s teaming up with the fast-food chain in a whole new way.
The singer has been appointed as Taco Bell’s Chief Impact Officer, meaning he’ll be collaborating with the company on exciting new brand experiences.
In his first 60 days in the role, Lil Nas X will launch an exclusive experience, including new menu innovations, tied to the upcoming release of his album, Montero. Lil Nas will also make a cameo in Taco Bell’s breakfast advertising campaign, which kicks off Monday.
“Lil Nas X knows the job, the experience and the culture Taco Bell creates for its fans — including its people,” CEO of Taco Bell Mark King says in a statement. “This unique partnership will deliver on more than just marketing, allowing us to tap into the genius of Lil Nas X to inspire our team members and align with our commitment to unlocking opportunities for young people.”
A recent Dead & Company concert was rattled by a fan who tragically fell to his death. Witnesses say the man attempted to perform a flip on a balcony.
The New York Post reports that the incident happened at the band’s show at Citi Field in Queens, New York, on Friday. Police have withheld the name of the deceased but confirmed that the concertgoer was a man in his 40s.
According to the report, witnesses and police say the man attempted to do a flip and plunged 30 to 50 feet to his death from the fifth floor. It is unclear when the incident took place during the concert.
A driver working outside Citi Field told the Post, “He was unresponsive and he hit the ground head first.” The driver also claimed that the man was “drunk.” Police sources corroborated the claim that the man was under the influence of alcohol, according to the newspaper.
The fan was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital and later died. The man’s identity reportedly will not be released until police notify next of kin.
Representatives for Dead & Company haven’t issued a public comment as of Monday morning, nor have the band’s socials made mention of the incident.
Dead & Company includes Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, as well as singer/guitarist John Mayer, ex-Allman Brothers Band bassist Oteil Burbridge and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti.
