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'60s Rock Band Abruptly Cancels Concerts 1 Day Before Comeback Tour
Just one day before the Beach Boys were set to take the stage in West Springfield, Massachusetts, the band canceled a string of comeback shows.
In addition to their Massachusetts concert—which was originally scheduled for Thursday, September 24—the Beach Boys also axed a show in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, set for September 25, and another in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, planned for September 27.
No explanation was given as to the reason behind the band’s cancellations.
“Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Univest Performance Center, the Beach Boys concert scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, has been canceled,” a message on the venue site read.
The band’s next scheduled show is currently scheduled for October 9 at the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, Illinois.
The Beach Boys are currently celebrating the 60th anniversary of Pet Sounds on the road. Earlier this summer, the group was forced to postpone a number of shows due to frontman Mike Love’s health.
View this post on Instagram“Playing for you is the highlight of our summer every year — especially as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States while saluting the 60th Anniversary of Pet Sounds,” a statement shared to the band’s social media in July read. “We’ve been having a blast out there, and to keep the good vibrations going strong, we’ll be taking a short break to recharge before getting back on the road in September.”
Angry Anderson, Tina Turner's Mad Max Enforcer, Dies at 79
To fans of post-apocalyptic movies, he was the bald, tattooed enforcer who helped keep order in Bartertown for Tina Turner in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. To millions of television viewers, his gravel-edged voice was the sound of Scott and Charlene’s wedding on Neighbours. Gary “Angry” Anderson, frontman of Australian hard rock band Rose Tattoo, died Monday, Sept. 21, at 79, surrounded by loved ones in Australia.
In the 1985 film, Anderson played Ironbar Bassey, henchman to Turner’s Aunty Entity, opposite Mel Gibson‘s Max. He stepped away from Rose Tattoo to take the part, which came two years after his screen debut in a minor role in the 1983 comedy Bullamakanka. Many many fans still remember him as Ironbar.
He was still performing weeks before his death. During the European leg of Rose Tattoo’s farewell run, the One Last Ride tour, Anderson suffered a cardiac arrest and was admitted to a hospital in Germany in August. The band canceled an Aug. 9 concert, then the rest of the European dates, with nine shows still remaining and Australian concerts planned for September. “His loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him,” his family and bandmates said in a statement.
Related: This Post-Apocalyptic Love Story Is Striking a Chord With Readers Right Now
Born in Melbourne on Aug. 5, 1947, Anderson grew up in the working-class suburb of Coburg. He says he was bullied as a teenager and music became the outlet for the aggression that earned him the nickname Angry Ant.
He was with Rose Tattoo from its formation in 1976, fronting hits including “Bad Boy for Love,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw,” “Nice Boys” and “We Can’t Be Beaten.” The band entered the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006, decades after earning a lifetime ban from the TV music show Countdown when Anderson and guitarist Mick Cocks swapped chewing gum, hands-free, mid-performance.
One of his biggest hits came during a break from the band. In 1986, Anderson wrote “Suddenly” with Andy Cichon and Kevin Beamish, his first love song. It charted in Australia, the U.K., Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, and in 1987 it played as Scott and Charlene, portrayed by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue, married on Neighbours. The episode drew more than 20 million viewers across Australia and Britain, according to the National Film and Sound Archive.
Anderson later became a television reporter on youth affairs for Ray Martin‘s Midday and was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 for his youth advocacy. His runs for office with the National Party and the Australian Liberty Alliance drew controversy over his views on immigration. In 2018, his son Liam was killed by a friend in Sydney. Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash paid tribute on social media: “I’m going to miss my good friend, I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Across five decades, Anderson moved between stages, film sets and television studios. Rose Tattoo’s songs are staples of Australian rock, and “Suddenly” is tied to one of the biggest events in Australian soap history. But, like many 80s movies fans, I’ll remember him as the unstoppable wasteland warrior frantically chasing Max on a hand-pumped rail cart.
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Who Is Mary Barth Budenholzer? Gregg Popovich's New Wife and Mike Budenholzer's Ex-Wife
Gregg Popovich has a fresh title outside of basketball: husband. The Hall of Fame coach quietly married Mary Barth Budenholzer on September 16 in Texas, according to a marriage license obtained by TMZ, and longtime Spurs fans might recognize her last name.
Her Marriage to Mike BudenholzerMary was previously married to Mike Budenholzer, who spent nearly two decades on Popovich’s bench in San Antonio, working his way up from video coordinator to lead assistant coach. Budenholzer helped the Spurs win four championships during that stretch before leaving in 2013 to become head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.
Who Is Mary Barth Budenholzer?Mary, 61, is a Texas native; she was born in Corpus Christi and spent years around the Spurs organization while married to Budenholzer. The two share four children: William Vincent, Savoia Elizabeth “Libby,” Hanna Louise, and John Bent. Mike and Mary’s marriage ended in divorce in 2016.
A Complicated TimelineThe timing is hard to ignore: two years after that split, Popovich lost his own wife of four decades. Erin Popovich died in 2018 following a long illness she’d kept largely private. Popovich and Mary reportedly grew close in the years since, and the two were spotted together at Spurs games last season before quietly making things official at the Bexar County courthouse this month.
Where Things Stand NowAs for Mike, he’s since moved on to a new relationship, according to TMZ, and his coaching career has taken him from Atlanta to Milwaukee, where he won a championship in 2021, to Phoenix, where the Suns fired him after a single disappointing season in 2025. Popovich, for his part, stepped away from coaching that same year to become the Spurs’ president of basketball operations, capping a wild stretch for the whole extended coaching tree.
The Spurs haven’t commented on their former coach’s new marriage. Given how tight-knit that coaching family has always been, though, this probably isn’t the last chapter.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, September 24, 2026
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword answers cover a range of topics, including feline friends, garden essentials, former presidents, toilet accessories, types of taco meat, and a place you’d stay in the woods.
Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Thursday, September 24, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Thursday, September 24, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Attendees of the Jellicle Ball, on Broadway — HINT: Starts with the letter “C”
5 Across: Topping on a pizza margherita — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”
6 Across: President who said “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something” — HINT: Ends with the letter “A”
7 Across: Feature of many a smart toilet — HINT: Starts with the letter “B”
8 Across: Rattling kind of drum — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: House in the woods — HINT: Starts with the letter “C”
2 Down: Carne ___ (beef dish) — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”
3 Down: Function in the Clock app — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”
4 Down: Rock used in roofing — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
5 Down: Moves up and down in the water — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: Attendees of the Jellicle Ball, on Broadway — CATS
5 Across: Topping on a pizza margherita — BASIL
6 Across: President who said “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something” — OBAMA
7 Across: Feature of many a smart toilet — BIDET
8 Across: Rattling kind of drum — SNARE
1 Down: House in the woods — CABIN
2 Down: Carne ___ (beef dish) — ASADA
3 Down: Function in the Clock app — TIMER
4 Down: Rock used in roofing — SLATE
5 Down: Moves up and down in the water — BOBS
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Curate a 'Peaceful Vibe' in Your Yard With Walmart's $31 Solar Fence Light 6-Pack
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Solar lights are an easy and practical way to illuminate your backyard, garden, or patio for all your summer and fall gatherings. If you’re looking for a way to add some ambient lighting to your outdoor space, Walmart’s Szrsth Solar Fence Lights 6-Pack is a top-rated option that’s currently on sale for over 50% off.
For a limited time, the popular set is available for just $35, down from $64. Equipped with energy-efficient reflective lenses, these lights feature three different modes that are suitable for all your outdoor activities: warm white for a soft glow, neutral white for daily tasks, and cool white when you need brighter lighting.
Szrsth Solar Fence Lights 6-Pack, $31 (was $64) at Walmart Shop at WalmartNo matter which mode you choose, these solar lights will help brighten up your yard, creating a cozy atmosphere wherever you place them. Their sleek and modern design is versatile enough to use in a range of outdoor spaces, including patios, gardens, garages, driveways, stairs, and more. You can enjoy hassle-free operation wherever you place them, thanks to the auto feature that turns the lights on at sunset and off at sunrise.
With an IP65 waterproof rating, these solar lights are built to withstand all types of weather conditions, including rainy or snowy days. Plus, they’re easy to install; you can mount them with either screws or adhesive, both of which come included in the set. Once fully charged, the lights can stay on for up to 10 hours.
Shoppers praised this six-pack set for its overall quality. One reviewer said the lights deliver “just the right brightness” to their garden, while another noted that they bring a “beautiful and peaceful vibe” to their backyard.
This flash deal won’t last long, so if you’ve been considering solar lights for your outdoor space, now’s your chance to score a great bargain. Snag this top-rated six-pack for just $31 at Walmart while you can. The lights also come in an eight pack, marked down from $90 to $49 for a limited time.
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‘Love Is Blind’ Is Returning to Netflix for Season 11, and Fans Are ‘So Ready for the Tea’
The pods are officially open! Netflix just announced the release date for Love Is Blind Season 11 and revealed the reality show/dating experiment is headed to Boston.
A brand new cast is looking for love in New England. Led by hosts and IRL lovebirds Nick Lachey and Vanessa Lachey, the would-be future husbands and wives will date as many people as they can before finally proposing or accepting a proposal sight unseen.
While Netflix shared the Season 11 news on the Tudum blog and in an Instagram post, it did not provide additional information. That means all we know so far is that Season 11 will happen, it’s dropping (or at least some of the episodes, based on Netflix’s usual slow-release pattern for this series) on October 14, and it takes place in Boston.
View this post on InstagramAs of now, there are no details on how many episodes will air, how many daters will fill the pods, or who these future Mr. and Mrs.’s are.
Oh, and one more thing: Netflix did release one of the best taglines yet—Boston’s never seen this much tea. Get it? Because of the Boston Tea Party.
It looks like we aren’t the only ones who appreciate the humor. Season 7’s Taylor Krause (who married Garrett Josemans) responded to Love Is Blind’s Instagram post, “Lmaooo whoever came up with the tagline deserves a raise.”
Other former Love Is Blind cast members also joined in. Season 4’s Bliss Poureetezadi (who married and had two children with Zack Goytowski) gushed, “SO ready for the tea!” Season 9’s Megan Walerius responded, “Let’s go Boston!” And Season 6’s Amy Tiffany Cortes (who married Johnny McIntyre) wrote, “@johnny_mcintyre and I are sat!”
Of course, Krause, Poureetezadi, Walerius, and Cortes weren’t the only “fans” who jumped on Netflix’s post. One commenter, who we can only assume is a true Bostonian, wrote, “If the cast isn’t full of townies with thick accents and a dedicated snow chair, we riot,” as others added, “They better have real Boston accents, not transplants”, “If one person pronounces their ‘R’s,’ we are rioting…just saying”, “If I don’t see a bunch of actual Massachusetts-born townies, I’m going to riot,” and “We are ready! Bring it on!”
Last season featured 32 hopefuls from Ohio, seven proposals, and only two marriages. As of the reunion special, only one Season 10 couple, Christine Hamilton and Vic St. John, was still together.
Catch the premiere of Netflix’s Love Is Blind Season 11 on October 14.
3-Time NASCAR Champion Darrell Waltrip Reveals Brain Disease Diagnosis 7 Years After His Final Fox Race
If you ever watched a NASCAR race on Fox, you know the call. “Boogity! Boogity! Boogity! Let’s go racing, boys.”
Darrell Waltrip stopped making it in 2019.
On Wednesday, Waltrip and his family said in a statement that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), complicated by possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which they said likely came from injuries he took racing.
FTD is the same disease Bruce Willis‘s family has spoken about publicly since his own diagnosis. Parade followed an Ohio couple through one last year, and in August Hall of Fame running back Roger Craig shared a dementia diagnosis of his own.
He Won 84 Races Before He Ever Picked Up a MicrophoneWaltrip turned up at Talladega in 1972 and aggravated his competitors by beating them on the track and then running his mouth out of the car. Rivals nicknamed him “Jaws.”
He won 84 Cup races. He took the title in 1981, then again in 1982, then again in 1985. Then he moved straight into the broadcast booth. When Fox launched its NASCAR coverage in 2001 he was the network’s first hire, and in January 2012 he went into the third class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
He Left the Booth in 2019 Saying Almost the Same ThingWaltrip called his last race at Sonoma that June, ending a 19-year run. He was 72. He said at the time that he was “still healthy, happy and now a granddad,” and that he wanted to spend more time at home.
Seven years later, his family reached for nearly the same words.
Waltrip’s Family Says He Is ‘Happy and Otherwise Healthy’They said the disease will progress, but that right now it is limited to minor noticeable symptoms, and that is why he is stepping further out of the public eye.
“Darrell is happy and otherwise healthy,” the family said. He is spending his time with his wife, Stevie, two daughters and three young grandchildren.
Waltrip’s family closed by thanking people for their prayers.
Home Improvement Arrest History: Jonathan Taylor Thomas Completes Sibling Trifecta, Leaving Patricia Richardson as the Only Star Without a Record
In the 1990s, television viewers knew the Taylor family as America’s wholesome, tool-obsessed neighbors on the smash-hit sitcom Home Improvement. Led by the accident-prone Tim Taylor and grounded by his wife Jill, the fictional household managed to survive endless kitchen fires, lawnmower explosions, and teenage growing pains across eight successful seasons. Decades later, however, a starkly different and incredibly tragic family history has completely emerged off-screen.
The clean-cut illusion shattered entirely this month following a sudden traffic stop involving actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas. The star, famous for playing the witty middle child Randy Taylor, was booked on charges of public intoxication and resisting an officer. This legal trouble officially completes a tragic sibling trifecta, making him the final Taylor brother to face a real-world mugshot.
Before Thomas, his on-screen brothers had already established extensive legal records. Zachery Ty Bryan, who portrayed the eldest son Brad Taylor, has faced a highly publicized downward spiral. Bryan has racked up a stunning six arrests over a five-year span, culminating in a recent late-2025 arrest for probation violation. Meanwhile, Taran Noah Smith, who played the youngest brother Mark Taylor, was arrested and subsequently convicted years earlier following a major DUI and drug possession charge.
The legal troubles do not stop with the kids. Tim Allen, the beloved patriarch of the series, famously served time in federal prison following a massive drug trafficking arrest back in 1978, a decade before the show ever aired.
With all four men from the Taylor household now possessing real-life criminal records, the internet has turned its collective attention to one lone survivor. Patricia Richardson, who played the iconic matriarch Jill Taylor, stands completely alone with a flawlessly clean record. For millions of fans who watched Jill constantly bail her family out of fictional messes on television, the real-world irony is impossible to ignore.
Two-Time Oscar Winner Mahershala Ali Gets Brutally Honest About Canceled Blade Movie: One of Marvel's 'Biggest Failures'
Fans might still be heartbroken about Marvel’s canceled Blade movie, but perhaps no one is more disappointed than the actor who was set to portray the character, Mahershala Ali.
Speaking with GQ, Ali offered his candid frustrations about the aborted MCU project, flat-out stating he had no idea why the film was canceled while hinting that fans should ask Marvel head Kevin Feige for an explanation.
“That’s a Kevin Feige question,” Ali told GQ when the magazine asked why Marvel’s Blade hadn’t panned out.
“They had, as you said, a two-time Oscar-winning actor under contract and you got billions of dollars,” the actor continued. “That’s a question for them. I don’t mean anything personal to you, but I don’t know why it didn’t. To this day, I don’t know why it didn’t happen. I just know that it was — Kevin, he said it was the biggest failure of his career and I agree.”
Along those same lines, the magazine’s reporter went on to quote a previous interview with Feige on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in which the Marvel exec said he felt “like a gigantic loser and failure that we didn’t get [the Blade reboot] off the ground with Mahershala.”
“I agree with him. I agree with him one hundred percent. One hundred percent. He should feel that way. I agree,” Ali said.
Further fueling his frustration, Ali said that he “spent a year training” for Blade, but that the studio continued “pushing it back, pushing it back, pushing.”
“I trained so hard I blew my knee out. I was just waiting for them,” he vented. “I’m still training. I’m training. I’m learning sword work. Name the martial art, I’m training in it. And I literally moved, uprooted my family, moved to Atlanta. We are there waiting to go. And they just keep pushing it back, pushing it back, pushing it. It doesn’t happen. And then it’s a strike.”
1974 Funk Instrumental 'Played by Scotsmen' Became a Surprise No. 1 Hit Months After Founding Band Member's Sudden Death at 24
You might say “Pick Up the Pieces” was one of the most unusual songs ever to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. First of all, it was an instrumental…except for the occasional shout. (Only a handful of other instrumentals have ever achieved the same feat; examples from that same decade include Edgar Winter Group’s “Frankenstein” and “A Fifth of Beethoven” by Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band.) But perhaps the most unique thing about “Pick Up the Pieces” was the group behind it: The Average White Band.
One of the few groups from Scotland to specialize in R&B, Average White Band caused some confusion among fans.
“People were always asking us: ‘How on earth did a bunch of white Scotsmen end up playing black American funk in the 1970s?'” songwriter/saxophonist Malcolm ‘Molly’ Duncan told the Guardian in 2017.
“Well, we were all into James Brown — but a lot of it was down to our drummer, Robbie McIntosh,” Duncan continued. “If the music wasn’t funky, he wouldn’t play. He was an absolute groove-master, which was strange for a guy from Dundee.”
According to Duncan, the band got their name when a “friend heard us jamming and said: ‘This is too much for the average white man.’ When we’d all stopped laughing, the name just stuck.”
As Duncan explained, the tune that would become Average White Band’s signature song, “Pick Up the Pieces,” came about when the group was starting to make a name for themselves in Los Angeles. But after the band was signed, Duncan argued against releasing the track as a single.
“’You’re completely mad,’ I said,” Duncan admitted. “’It’s a funk instrumental played by Scotsmen with no lyrics other than a shout.’ But that might be why it was a hit, and then became a standard — because it was different. That ‘Pick up the pieces’ shout just fitted: It’s about picking yourself up when things aren’t going well. We’d spent a lot of time making no money whatsoever, so it felt very relevant. And then everything took off. The funk fraternity would hear the record and love it, then come to see us and go: ‘Hey, you’re white!'”
As songwriter/guitarist Hamish Stuart recalled in the same interview, “Pick Up the Pieces” changed everything for Average White Band.
“We went from rehearsing in a house with blankets over the windows to being the hottest ticket in town — interviews in Rolling Stone, Jack Nicholson at our gigs, the works,” Stuart said. “I remember walking into that studio in Miami and seeing Aretha Franklin singing and playing piano. Our jaws hit the floor. ‘We’re here,’ we thought. ‘We’re among the history of what we love.'”
Average White Band’s star was on the rise, but tragically, McIntosh wouldn’t live to see “Pick Up the Pieces” top the charts.
“Soon we were doing two 90-minute sets a night,” Stuart said. “Elton John would turn up, take us out to dinner after, and we’d get back at dawn. We were partying nonstop. One night, several of us were invited to this party in a house that looked over Hollywood. Cher was there. And then suddenly chaos ensued. Robbie was down. We eventually got him back to the hotel, but when he awoke in the morning he had a heart attack and died. In your 20s, you think you’re invincible, and at 24 Robbie was the youngest of us. It turned out he had taken what he didn’t know was heroin.”
“Pick Up the Pieces” went to #1 in the U.S. a few months later.
“He was such a character, the magnet that brought us together — everyone wanted to play with him,” Stuart remembered. “It took us years to get over losing him. We were literally picking up the pieces. It went from being a song about being skint to being a song about Robbie.”
Related: How This ’70s Classic Accidentally Became One of the Only Rock Instrumentals to Hit #1
1976 No. 1 Hit, By 32-Year-Old Adult Film Star, Is Still a Party Favorite 50 Years Later
In 1976, one of the year’s biggest disco hits came from an unlikely singer and an even more unlikely set of circumstances.
Andrea True was already established as an adult film actress when she recorded “More, More, More” with producer and songwriter Gregg Diamond. The infectious disco song ultimately became her signature hit, reaching No. 1 in Canada and on Billboard’s U.S. disco ranking, as well as No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
But the song might never have existed if True hadn’t encountered a rather unusual money problem while working in Jamaica, according to True’s obituary in the New York Times. The singer died in 2011 at the age of 68.
In 1975, True traveled to Jamaica to appear in commercials for a real estate company. At the time, restrictions on transferring assets out of the country meant she couldn’t simply take her earnings back to the United States. Instead of forfeiting the money, True decided to put it toward something she had already wanted to pursue: a music career.
She brought Diamond to Jamaica, where they recorded what became “More, More, More” with local musicians.
True’s previous career wasn’t entirely absent from the song, either. The lyrics playfully lean into her background, with True inviting her listener to get the “cameras rollin'” and the “action goin'” before repeatedly asking, “How do you like it?” Despite the obvious double entendre, the bright, breezy recording sounded more flirtatious than explicit.
Diamond received sole songwriting credit for “More, More, More,” although True later maintained that she wrote the lyrics while Diamond composed the music.
The original recording was released in Jamaica in 1975. Buddah Records later began distributing the song to discos, where its popularity prompted a commercial single release in 1976.
“More, More, More” quickly escaped the confines of the dance floor.
The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s disco ranking. It became a No. 1 hit in Canada and climbed to No. 5 in the United Kingdom, while also reaching the Top 10 in several other countries.
The Recording Industry Association of America eventually certified the single gold for shipments of 1 million copies in the United States.
Decades later, the song’s reputation has endured. Billboard ranked “More, More, More” No. 36 on its 2025 list of the 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time, describing the song as a defining moment of late-’70s decadence while noting that True’s performance sounded seductive but “strangely innocent.”
That assessment is particularly fitting given the record’s playful camera-and-action innuendo and the career True was trying to leave behind. By the time her music career took off, True said she wanted audiences to think of her as a recording star rather than an adult film actress. She went on to perform roughly 300 shows in a single year.
The song found an entirely new audience in 1999, when Canadian band Len sampled its instrumental break for “Steal My Sunshine,” which became a Top 10 hit in the United States.
True followed “More, More, More” with additional songs, including the Top 40 hit “N.Y., You Got Me Dancing,” but she never approached the enormous success of her first smash.
What began as an ingenious way to spend money she couldn’t take out of Jamaica unexpectedly gave True a second career and produced one of the defining dance hits of the 1970s.
Mick Jagger Considered Velvet Underground's Lou Reed the 'Johnny Cash of Rock'
If anyone is qualified to speak on certified legends in the music industry, it’s the Rolling Stones’ larger-than-life frontman, Mick Jagger.
One of the most respected and accomplished names in mainstream rock, Jagger is often credited with fundamentally changing the music industry with his 60-year career and lengthy tenure with the Stones.
As big as Jagger is within the industry, though, there’s only one man Jagger himself considers the pinnacle of rock music: the iconic frontman of the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed.
Following Reed’s death in 2013 from complications of liver disease, Jagger spoke about the impact of Reed’s musical legacy, likening him to Johnny Cash in terms of his overall influence on rock and punk music.
“He had style – that attitudinal New York hipster style,” Jagger said of Reed. “Everyone talks about punk, but to me, he was the Johnny Cash of New York rock; he was always the man in black.”
The guitarist, lead singer and principal songwriter for the Velvet Underground, Reed is often credited as one of the most influential artists in contemporary music. His countercultural lyrics, experimental approach and flat voice helped set Velvet Underground apart from most contemporaries in the ’60s, as evidenced by such hit songs as “Sweet Janes,” “Pale Blue Eyes,” “Sunday Morning,” “Waiting for the Man,” and “Rock & Roll,” among many others.
After leaving Velvet Underground in 1970, Reed embarked on a successful solo career, churning out a number of critically well-received albums like Transformer, Berlin and Sally Can’t Dance.
Reed remained an active musician until 2013, when he passed away from his ongoing health struggles at 71-years-old. For his contributions to the music industry, he was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first as a member of the Velvet Underground in 1996 and then as a solo musician in 2015.
‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 21 Winner Revealed: Who Took Home the $1 Million Prize?
The voting is over, and the results have been revealed for America’s Got Talent 2026 (Season 21) and the winner who took home the $1 million prize and the title was (to come).
The 10 finalists competing included the best performers of the season as voted on by America and AGT judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara. They were: Acro Canine Dance Crew, Come Here, Geno Ploeger, Hundred Fingers, Lai Noelle, Nene Royal, Olivia Befus, Royal Lasers, Unitree, and Veronika Goroshkova,
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Who Won America’s Got Talent 2026? Nene Royal, Terry CrewsPhoto by: Trae Patton/NBC
Nene RoyalFor her audition, Royal stunned the judges with a powerhouse rendition of The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” which quickly went viral across social media. She was invited back to perform for Howie Mandel and celebrity guest judge Nikki Glaser for the all-new Judges’ Callbacks round. Putting her own rock twist on “Hysteria” by Muse!, she captivated the room at the iconic Laugh Factory, sending her straight to the live shows.
During the quarterfinal round she delivered an electrifying spin on “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, earning a coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B and securing her spot in the finals. For last night’s finale performance, Nene brought her full rockstar energy and commanded the stage with a fierce cover of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, receiving a standing ovation from the judges. Ending her AGT run on a high note, Royal performed alongside iconic rock band Linkin Park during tonight’s finale results show.
Originally from Phuket, Thailand, Nene picked up a guitar at just 7 years old and quickly discovered a passion for music. Largely self-taught, she spent years honing her craft through dedicated practice and live sets, developing the electrifying stage presence and musicianship that would later captivate audiences around the world.
Who was eliminated on America’s Got Talent tonight? Acro Canine CrewCome Here
Geno Ploeger
Hundred Fingers
Lai Noelle
Olivia Befus
Royal Lasers
Unitree
Veronika Goroshkova What does the winner of America’s Got Talent get?
The winner of America’s Got Talent earns $1 million.
Here’s how the night went down:
As usual, host Terry Crews kicked off the night by recapping all 10 of the finalists performances from the previous night’s talent competition.
He also announced that there would be special performances by Rei Ami, Josh Groban, Linkin Park, Steve Aoki, and previous AGT winners Jessica Sanchez, and Mat Franco.
REI AMI performed with Come Here
Steve Aoki was accompanied by Unitree and Royal Lasers
Dog acts Olivia Befus and Acro Canine Crew collaborated with TikTok host Lele Pons
Aerialist Veronika Goroshkova performed to Josh Groban rendition of “Skyfall”
Geno Ploeger and Mat Franco demonstrated their up-close magic skills with assistance from Eric Name and Sydney Levrone
Hundred Fingers performed with classical pianist and composer Chloe Flower
Linkin Park jammed with Nene Royal
Last season’s winner Jessica Sanchez sang with Lai Noelle
Finally, it was time for Terry to reveal the results of America’s vote. He began by narrowing down the Top 10 to the Top 5.
Called first to the stage were Come Here and Royal Lasers. Both deserved to be in the Top 5, so it was a tough result to hear, but the act moving on was Royal Lasers.
Facing off next were Hundred Fingers vs Olivia Befus. It was Hundred Fingers that earned America’s vote.
The third countdown was between Lai Noelle and Veronika Goroshkova. The acting taking the next spot in the Top 5 was Veronika Goroshkova.
Moving on to the fourth spot, the choice was between Nene Royal and Unitree. Unitree made a mistake with their act on Tuesday night, dressing the robots like humans instead of letting them look like robots, so the fourth act to make the Top 5 was Nene.
The final spot was between Acro Canine Crew and Geno Ploeger. Both dogs and magicians, are popular, so it was a hard call to make, but America voted for Geno Ploeger.
Then Terry announced the breakdown for the Top 5:
Fifth place: Veronika Goroshkova
Fourth place: Royal Lasers
Third place: Hundred Fingers
Second place: Geno Ploeger
Winner: Nene Royal
America’s Got Talent is currently streaming on Peacock.
Next, All 20 ‘America’s Got Talent’ Winners and Their Amazing Talents
1973 Rock Song, With 24-Year-Old Singer of Led Zeppelin, Is Still a Generational Hit 53 Years Later
In 1973, Led Zeppelin released a commercially succesful album that included some tracks that became rock staples, and even took inspiration from a military term.
“No Quarter” was released as part of the bands Houses of the Holy album, and written by John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant. The track further spotlighted Page’s guitar work, and gave Jones a rare few moments in the limelight performing piano.
While the track gained some infamy among fans, it never entered the charts as it wasn’t released as a commercial single. Like Led Zeppelin’s iconic hit, “Immigrant Song,” the band used Viking imagery to bring “No Quarter” to life amid battles and possible sacrifices.
The seven-minute long epic was actually inspired by a military phrase. A quick search reveals that “no quarter” often takes place during military conflict or piracy. It a directive of executing enemy combatants instead of taking them prisoner.
Le Zeppeling recorded the track at Island Studios in London, with producer Rick Rubin having once commenting about the song’s structure, “It takes such confidence to be able to get really quiet and loose for such a long time. [Led] Zeppelin completely changed how we look at what popular music can be.”
“No Quarter” effectively became one of the band’s signature concert hits sinces it release up until their very final tour. The track was brought back to life decades later when Plant and Page released their 1994 reunion album named No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded.
The long-awaited reunion happened during a 90-minute “UnLedded” MTV project that was recorded in Morocco, Wales, and London. While many fans waited a long time for the reunion, they were stumped to learn that only two of its original memebers were returning.
“No Quarter” was considered a signature track for Jones, and was dismayed to learn his former bandmates named the album after a track predominantly attributed to him. In fact, Jones had no idea about the project until learning about it from the media at the same time everyone else did.
“I just thought I should have been informed about it,” he told Rolling Stone. “To find out about it in the papers was a bit odd.”
A year later during the band’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Jones even commented, “Thank you, my friends, for finally remembering my phone number.” According to Plant, his relationship with Jones took a hit due to misinterpreted words at a press conference for the MTV event. He was asked where Jones was, with the singer replying “He’s parking the car.”
“I apologized, and I went to one meeting and got on one knee as he was walking out – to tie my shoelace, as well – and said, ‘John, surely now we’re way too old for this?’ But he just sidestepped me and walked out into the East London air,'” he said.
Years later, the members would reunite on stage, and “No Quarter” got a new life in 1996. The rock band Tool developed a 12-minute verision and denied it being used for Howard Stern‘s Private Parts film. They instead released it on their 2000 box set.
Related: 1966 Blues Rock Song, Written by a 27-Year-Old, Launched Eric Clapton’s Solo Career
Mariah Carey Was Nick Cannon's 'Greatest Friend,' He Says a Decade On
Ten years removed from one of pop culture’s more unexpected divorces, two exes are proving that a marriage can end without the friendship also evaporating. Nick Cannon says his bond with Mariah Carey has only deepened since their split, and in a new interview, he’s setting the record straight on what people get wrong about their relationship.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Cannon opened up about where he and Carey stand nearly a decade after finalizing their divorce, revealing that they speak almost daily about their 15-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe. “We talk almost every day or every other day, specifically just about the kids,” he said, adding that rumors suggesting otherwise have become something of a running joke between them. “We were laughing about [reports we’re not close]. I was like, ‘Who is telling people that?'”
Related: Kylie Jenner Says She’s Done With Living an ‘Enormous Life’
Cannon and Carey married in April 2008, just weeks after meeting on the set of her “Bye Bye” music video, and welcomed the twins in 2011 on what happened to be their third wedding anniversary. They separated in December 2014, and the divorce was finalized in November 2016. Despite the swift rise and public unraveling of their marriage, Cannon described his ex as central to who he became as both a partner and a parent. “I always say Mariah Carey was my greatest friend and my greatest teacher,” he said, crediting her with teaching him “how to hold on to what’s true and create your own spaces, without letting outside energy infiltrate.” He also pointed to her resilience as something he’s carried with him. “You know all that she’s been through in her life,” he said. “I think that’s what keeps her going, her faith and her ability to block out negative energy. You feel like you know her, but she keeps all the things that are meaningful to her to herself.”
The comedian also addressed persistent chatter about a possible reunion, chatter he’s neither confirming nor fully shutting down. “On the flip side, I’ve heard we’re getting back together,” he said, teasing that more details will surface in his upcoming Netflix docuseries this winter. “I’ll deliver the truth with the doc.” Cannon, now a father of 12 with five other women, has been candid about how differently he approached commitment during his marriage to Carey. “I was married for seven-plus years, and my wife was the only person I was monogamous with because I didn’t want to mess it up,” he said.
For two people who once dominated tabloid coverage over the details of their split, the enduring warmth between Cannon and Carey has become a different kind of celebrity love story, one built on co-parenting rather than romance. As their twins approach adulthood, the pair’s ability to stay close after years of public speculation offers a rare portrait of a Hollywood divorce that never devolved into a rivalry.
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Designers Say This Cheap Kitchen Upgrade Can Start Peeling Within a Year—and They’d Rather You Skip It
If your kitchen cabinets, drawer fronts and counters are showing signs of wear, you might be thinking about starting a home project to upgrade them—but it’s important to do your research first. That’s because, according to designers, not all kitchen surface upgrades are created equal.
In fact, there’s one cheap kitchen upgrade that interior designers are warning homeowners to avoid.
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To learn more about the pros and cons of this controversial kitchen project, Parade spoke with two designers: Sarah Smallwood, an interior designer, hotel designer, design instructor and the founder of Roam + Reside; and Anna Reinhard, an interior designer and the founder of Oregon-based residential design firm Anna Reinhard Interiors.
Both Smallwood and Reinhard agree that homeowners are better off living with their old kitchen surfaces rather than spending money on this upgrade. Keep reading to learn more.
Related: Interior Designers Rank the Best and Worst ’90s Decor Trends—and They Have Some Hot Takes
Designers Are Begging Homeowners to Avoid This Cheap Kitchen Upgrade View this post on InstagramThe kitchen upgrade that Smallwood and Reinhard advise homeowners to avoid is kitchen wrapping.
“Kitchen wrapping is similar to getting a cosmetic filler,” Smallwood tells Parade. “If done well, it can look okay… for a moment. But it’s not the best strategy to elevate your kitchen cabinets long-term.”
“While kitchen wrapping can be a practical stepping stone for people wanting to refresh their space,” Reinhard adds, “I generally tend to urge clients to consider holding off until a full, intentional renovation can happen.”
Related: 9 Back-to-School Organization Tips Professional Organizers Swear By
What Is Kitchen Wrapping? View this post on InstagramKitchen wrapping refers to “wrapping” kitchen surfaces with a vinyl film similar to wallpaper, which can totally change the look of surfaces like cabinet fronts, countertops, drawer fronts and more.
According to Kitchen Wrap Direct, kitchen wrapping is often much less costly than painting or replacing kitchen surfaces, the process is less disruptive than a larger-scale renovation and there are an infinite number of finishes available in the world of kitchen wrapping.
However, a kitchen wrap job doesn’t address any structural issues with the kitchen surfaces, and it typically only lasts for five to 10 years, according to the kitchen wrapping company (though designers we spoke with have observed kitchen wrapping start to peel much faster than that).
What’s Wrong With Kitchen Wrapping? Why Homeowners Should Reconsider This Upgrade View this post on Instagram“It’s a good amount of work for a solution that can look worn down within a few years,” Reinhard says of kitchen wrapping. “Over time, moisture, grease and humidity can do a number on even well-installed vinyl wrapping. If you’re a serious cook, I’ve seen peeling and scratches happen even within a year or so.”
Smallwood agrees, further explaining how everyday kitchen activities can wear down kitchen wrapping. “A full kitchen renovation is a massive expense, so I appreciate the desire to find an affordable solution to upgrade your cabinets without pulling out a sledgehammer and bringing in a crew,” she says.
“There are some fun colors and patterns that make a compelling case for a quick-fix transformation” Smallwood adds. “But consider the typical kitchen environment involving heat, humidity, and greasy fingers. Over time, your cabinets could develop bubbles and peeling edges. Not a good look.”
Kitchen Wrapping Could Be a Perfect Solution for RentersIf you live in a rental home, kitchen wrapping might be a worthwhile temporary solution for flat surfaces.
“I do think [kitchen wrapping] can be a good option for those in rentals who want to transform their kitchen or bathroom space but don’t want to lose their entire security deposit with painting,” Reinhard says.
That said, if you are planning to try kitchen wrapping in a rental apartment, make sure to buy wrappings that can easily be removed before you move out.
How to Make Kitchen Wrapping Look GoodIf you are planning to try kitchen wrapping, here’s some designer-approved advice for making it look good.
1. Only apply kitchen wrapping to flat surfaces“If you choose to do it, make sure that you have a very flat cabinet surface,” says Smallwood. “If you’ve got an early 2000s kitchen, those Tuscan curves are going to be one tricky surface to cover. And given those complex curves, wrapping could trap air and create visible bubbles in the film.”
Reinhard agrees, explaining: “I only recommend it if your cabinets have flat slab or shaker fronts, as more ornate cabinet profiles and edge details can make it hard to achieve a smooth, uniform finish.”
Related: Black Kitchens Are Coming for White Kitchens—Designers Explain Why Everyone’s Making the Switch
2. Apply kitchen wrapping slowly“Like any good house project, the best projects tend to turn out when you take your time,” says Reinhard. “Applying the vinyl film slowly and methodically will result in the cleanest application and the most uniform finish.”
3. Stick to solid colors View this post on InstagramThough there are numerous patterns available in the world of kitchen wrapping (marble is a popular choice), Smallwood recommends sticking to solids.
“If you bring in patterns, you’re going to have to perfectly align them with your cabinet edges and pattern-match every new sheet in succession,” she says. “That requires a level of precision few of us can successfully achieve!”
This especially goes for fake woodgrain wrappings.
“Don’t try to fake the look of real wood by wrapping,” Smallwood adds. “Real wood cabinets have multiple pieces of wood that each have unique wood grains. You can’t fake that by wrapping an entire series of cabinets with the same repeating fake wood grain pattern. You’re not going to fool anyone with that faux effect.”
4. Prep the surfaces properly“For those that do want to commit to kitchen wrapping, the end success lies in prepping the space correctly,” says Reinhard.
“This starts with a solid scrubdown,” she explains. “Take your time in removing the old hardware, get appliances out of the way and thoroughly clean the old cabinets with a potent surface cleaner, a plastic scraper and a whole lot of elbow grease. Clean, clean and clean some more.”
Once you’re done cleaning, wipe the cabinets with a final coat of rubbing alcohol before applying your wrapping. Then, sand the cabinets and apply primer. “This gives the vinyl something to securely attach to so it won’t peel off in two years’ time,” Reinhard adds.
Related: 35 Things in Your House Right Now That Could Be Worth Money, According to Certified Appraisers
Consider These Designer-Approved Affordable Alternatives to Kitchen WrappingIf you aren’t ready for a full reno, try one of these cabinet upgrades instead of kitchen wrapping.
1. Remove cabinet frontsSan Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty Images
If you’re after a refresh, Reinhard is a fan of removing cabinet fronts from select cabinets.
“This can give that lighter, open-shelving look without having to rip out the cabinets entirely,” she says. “Of course, I’d recommend focusing on cabinets that house prettier everyday items like cups, plates and serving bowls versus the more cluttered areas like pantries.”
2. Replace cabinet doors with curtains“Replacing cabinet doors with curtains is another sweet way to revamp kitchen cabinets in place of wrapping them,” she says. “This looks especially good in lower cabinet areas (think the sink cabinet) where you want to introduce some soft, draping fabric while also disguising the cabinets below.”
3. Upgrade your cabinet pullsKseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images
“Buying new cabinet pulls is an instant upgrade,” says Smallwood. “Have some fun with this and let your unique personality come through in your selection. You can choose something sleek and modern, add a bit of bling or even choose something with a retro flourish.”
Related: Your Rug May Be Making Your Small Living Room Look Smaller—Designers Explain Why
4. Upgrade your backsplash“Don’t underestimate the beauty of a brand new tile backsplash,” says Smallwood. “Bring in some natural stone, zellige tiles or even a fun pop of color or pattern to really personalize your space. That’s a design detail that looks amazing and elevates your overall home appeal.”
Up Next:
Sources:- Sarah Smallwood is an interior designer, hotel designer, design instructor and the founder of Roam + Reside.
- Anna Reinhard is an interior designer and the founder of Oregon-based residential design firm Anna Reinhard Interiors.
- Is Kitchen Wrapping Worth It? Kitchen Wrap Direct.
Clarks’ Canvas Sneakers Are ‘Very Cute’ With ‘Great Arch Support,’ Now 35% Off
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If your fall shoes usually fall into two categories: cute but not comfortable or comfortable but not that cute, Amazon has a deal worth seeing. The Clarks Caroline Echo Canvas Sneakers are currently on sale starting at $65, down from $100. Discounts vary by size and hue, but you’ll find many combinations available for $70 or less right now. They’re available in regular and wide widths, with half sizes included in select options.
The sneakers are available in denim, beige, black, rose, lilac, and stone (availability changes depending on the size). They feature a canvas upper, a rubber sole, a lace-up front, and a side zipper, so you can adjust the laces once and use the zipper to put them on and take them off. They also have a foam comfort footbed, a padded collar, and a flexible outsole. The heel height is 1.125 inches, and the sneakers weigh a lightweight 1.3 pounds. When you’re dressing for crisp fall days, they’re a great cozy middle ground between classic walking sneakers and ankle booties.
Clarks Caroline Echo Canvas Sneakers, From $65 (were $95) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThese are perfect for everything from errands and commuting to sightseeing, casual workdays, and long weekend walks. The side zipper adds a unique touch so you don’t have to fully lace them up every time, and they have a slimmer silhouette than many walking shoes, so they can work with regular outfits instead of looking like gym sneakers.
One reviewer called them “very cute,” adding, “I’m on my feet all day, and they do not make my feet ache.” Another wrote, “They are super comfortable right out of the box.” Shoppers also mentioned the “great arch support” and “cushiony” feel.
These kicks would pair well with jeans, office trousers, joggers, and dresses. They’re casual enough for everyday outfits without looking so laidback that they could be mistaken for running shoes, which makes them easier to wear when you want to dress comfortably without having to build the outfit around sneakers.
Related: Clarks’ Walking Sneakers Are ‘Cloud-Like,’ ‘Supportive,’ and Now 30% Off
If you’ve been trying to find a versatile sneaker that looks cute but won’t leave your feet aching halfway through the day, the Clarks Caroline Echo Canvas Sneakers are worth checking out. They check all the boxes for being supportive, lightweight, and stylish at nearly 40% off. Be sure to snag them now before the price goes back up on Amazon.
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The 1994 'SNL' Monologue So Offensive, It Got Martin Lawrence Banned From NBC: 'Inappropriate for Him to be on Any of Our Shows'
Saturday Night Live is no stranger toeing the line between controversy and envelope-pushing comedy, occasionally blurring the distinction between these two set standards.
But even when compared to certain past scandals, Martin Lawrence’s infamous 1994 monologue remains among the most notorious incidents in SNL‘s lengthy history.
Making his first and (so far) only appearance as a host of SNL on February 19, 1994, Lawrence’s monologue proved so offensive at the time, the show ultimately re-edited later tapings of the stand-up comedian’s opening, censoring out certain topics deemed inappropriate by network standards.
In the original uncensored version of the monologue, Lawrence jested about everything from Lorena Bobbitt mutilating her husband’s privates to women failing to properly clean themselves using feminine hygiene products.
“I’m watching douche commercials on television and I’m wondering if some of you are reading the instructions,” Lawrence said in his monologue. “I don’t give a damn what you do. Put a Tic Tac in your a**.”
Following these opening comments, SNL inserted their own disclaimer taped over Lawrence’s two-minute jokes about feminine hygiene .
“At this point in his monologue, Martin begins a commentary on what he considers the decline in standards of feminine hygiene in this country,” the show wrote. “Although we at Saturday Night Live take no stand on this issue one way or the other, network policy prevents us from re-broadcasting this portion of his remarks.”
“In summary, Martin feels, or felt at the time, that the failure of many young women to bathe thoroughly is a serious problem that demands our attention,” the message continues. “He explores this problem, citing numerous examples from his personal experience, and ends by proposing several imaginative solutions.”
“It was a frank and lively presentation, and nearly cost us all our jobs,” the missive concludes.
In fact, the backlash NBC and SNL faced from Lawrence’s remarks proved so severe, the comedian revealed that he was briefly banned from the network following his appearance on Saturday Night Live.
“I’m not banned from SNL,” Lawrence said in 2020. “No, they had banned me from NBC at the time…for a minute.”
Great American Family Just Dropped Its 2026 Christmas Movie Lineup — See What’s in Store
Christmas might be in December but it’s almost here for many networks who start their holiday programming in October. Holiday programming seems to start earlier and earlier every year. Once upon a time, Christsmas movies started in December, then it began after Thanksgiving, now several networks start their programming in October with Great American Family leading the bunch with their Great American Christmas starting on Oct. 8 this year on their streaming platform, Great American Pure Flix.
The network will host 18 new original Chritmas movies this year with world premieres on Pure Flix on Thursdays (unless otherwise noted) followed by broadcast premieres on Saturdays (unless otherwise noted). You’ll see plenty of familiar faces like Candace Cameron Bure, Ryan Paevey, Cameron Mathison, Danica McKellar and more.
Let’s take a look at what’s store for viewers this year on Great Americna Family’s Great American Christmas 2026.
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When does Great American Christmas begin in 2026?Great American Christmas holiday programming begin on Thursday, Oct. 8 on Great American Pure Flix. Holiday programming begins on Great American Family on Friday, October 9 on Great American Family and GFAM+.
How do I watch Great American Christmas?You can watch Great American Christmas movies on Great American Family through your cable or satellite provider or through the GFAM+ app (with a subscription), or through their streaming platform, Great American Pure Flix. You can also watch Great American Family through sites like Frndly, Sling TV, Philo, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream with a valid subscription.
What are the new movies coming to Great American Christmas in 2026?Here’s the complete Great American Christmas schedule of new movies premiering in 2026.
All world premieres on on Great American Pure Flix unless otherwise noted.
All broadcast premires are at 8 p.m. ET on Great American Family and GFAM+ unless otherwise noted.
Great American Media
A Second Chance ChristmasWorld Premiere on Thursday, Oct. 8
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Oct. 10
Starring Candace Cameron Bure, Jonathan Scarfe
After five years, divorced parents Anna (Bure) and James (Scarfe)reunite with their adult children for Christmas, only to find an unexpected ice storm may give their love story a second chance.
Ryan McPartlin, Laura OsnesGreat American Media
Silver Bells at ChristmasWorld Premiere on Thursday, Oct. 15
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Oct. 17
Starring Laura Osnes, Ryan McPartlin
When Ginny (Osnes) fights to save her late mother’s beloved Christmas shop, a determined buyer and the return of her first love force her to choose between holding onto the past and opening her heart to a new future.
Shae Robins, Christopher RussellGreat American Media
A Christmas Prayer TraditionWorld Premiere on Thursday, Oct. 22
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Oct. 24
Starring Shae Robins, Christopher Russell
As Natalie (Robins) prepares to launch her new children’s book, a family’s quiet mission to answer the prayers of neighbors reminds Bellford Falls that some of God’s greatest works begin with simple acts of faith and kindness.
Jill Wagner, Cameron MathisonGreat American Media
A Very Arctic ChristmasWorld Premiere Thursday, Oct. 29
Broadcast Premiere Saturday, Oct. 31
Starring Jill Wagner, Cameron Mathison
When a father-daughter Christmas cruise leaves them stranded in the Arctic, they must rely on a spirited wildlife conservationist to guide them home, turning a holiday mishap into an unforgettable journey of family, wonder, and unexpected romance.
Jana Kramer, Benjamin HollingsworthGreat American Media
Karen Kingsbury’s The Christmas RingWorld Premiere on Thursday, Nov. 5
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Nov. 7
Starring Jana Kramer, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Kelsey Grammer,
When a military widow’s long search for her family’s treasured Christmas ring leads her to a widowed antiques dealer, the heirloom becomes the key to reconnecting the past and opening both their hearts to a second chance at love.
Brianna Cohen, Jonathan StoddardGreat American Media
An Ozark Mountain ChristmasWorld Premiere on Friday, Nov. 6
Broadcast Premiere on Sunday, Nov. 8
Starring Brianna Cohen, Jonathan Stoddard
When a young designer reluctantly returns home to the Ozarks for Christmas, reconnecting with her family’s legacy and a caring local man helps her rediscover the faith, purpose, and sense of home she left behind.
Danica McKellar, Sam PageGreat American Media
The Christmas Yes ListWorld Premiere on Thursday, Nov. 12
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Nov. 14
starring Danica McKellar, Sam Page
When a chronic people-pleaser returns home for Christmas determined to finally say “yes” to herself, an unexpected romance helps her discover that life’s greatest gifts often come when you stop fearing the answer.
Ryan Paevey, Britt RobertsonGreat American Media
Christmas at Moose LakeWorld Premiere on Friday, Nov. 13
Broadcast Premiere on Sunday, Nov. 15
Starring Britt Robertson, Ryan Paevey, Natasha Henstridge and Kevin Dillon
After a breakup sends Alyssa home to Moose Lake for Christmas, a misplaced engagement ring and an unexpected connection with Sean help her rediscover love, family, and the courage to begin again.
Related: UPtv Just Unwrapped Its 2026 Christmas Movie Schedule—and One Premiere Is a Total Mystery
Tony Danza, Dominic Lopez, Mario Lopez,Great American Media
Three Generations, One ChristmasWorld Premiere on Thursday, Nov. 19
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Nov. 21
Starring Mario Lopez, Tony Danza, Taylor Kalupa, Dominic Lopez, Courtney Lopez
When a family’s beloved supper club faces an uncertain future, three generations come together at Christmas to decide what traditions, memories, and legacy are worth holding onto.
Ashley Newbrough, Jesse HutchGreat American Media
Letters This ChristmasWorld Premiere on Friday, November 20
Broadcast Premiere on Sunday, November 22
Starring Ashley Newbrough, Jesse Hutch
When a struggling Christmas novelist returns home searching for inspiration, reconnecting with family, cherished traditions, and her first love helps her rediscover the story she was meant to write.
Cameron Mathison, Candace Cameron BureGreat American Media
A Sweet Christmas AnniversaryWorld Premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 24
Broadcast Premiere on Friday, Nov. 27
Starring Candace Cameron Bure, Cameron Mathison
While celebrating their first anniversary in a storybook Christmas town, Sophie (Bure) and Sam (Mathison) are swept into a royal mystery that tests their love and leads them to rediscover the true spirit of the season.
Stephanie Bennett, Trevor DonovanGreat American Media
A Christmas RescueWorld Premiere on Wednesday, Nov. 25
Broadcast Premiere on Nov. 28
Starring Trevor Donovan, Stephanie Bennett
When a devoted doctor and a visiting veterinarian team up for a Christmas pet adoption event, their shared mission to find homes for rescue animals may lead them to a home for their own hearts as well.
Matthew Marsden, Danica McKellarGreat American Media
The Greatest Christmas GiftWorld Premiere on Friday, Nov. 27
Broadcast Premiere on Sunday, Nov. 29
Starring Danica McKellar, Matthew Marsden
When an unexpected setback threatens their Christmas wedding, Emma (McKellar) and Caleb (Marsden) discover that the greatest gifts are found in faith, selfless love, and a community that reminds them to keep believing.
Merritt Patterson, Ryan PaeveyGreat American Media
The Christmas Ornament LibraryWorld Premiere on Thursday, Dec. 3
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Dec. 5
Starring Merritt Patterson, Ryan Paevey
When a librarian and a newspaper reporter discover a hidden room filled with generations of Christmas ornaments, their quest to reunite each keepsake with its family revives a beloved tradition and reveals the stories that bind the community together.
Olivier Renaud, Laura VandervoortGreat American Media
Christmas by the SpoonfulWorld Premiere on Friday, Dec. 4
Broadcast Premiere on Sunday. Dec. 6
Starring Laura Vandervoort, Olivier Renaud
When a food critic with no cooking skills must prepare her family’s first Christmas dinner after her beloved mother’s passing, she turns to a chef whose business she once nearly ruined, finding forgiveness, connection, and unexpected love along the way.
Making Christmas BrightWorld Premiere on Thursday, Dec. 10
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Dec. 12
Starring Jillian Murray, Liam McIntyre
When a teacher preparing to leave her small-town volunteers for her church’s Christmas Angel Tree and is paired with a newcomer seeking a fresh start, their shared faith and service lead both to reconsider where God may be calling them next.
Jeremy Guilbaut, Katie LeclercGreat American Media
A Very Evergreen ChristmasWorld Premiere Friday, Dec. 11
Broadcast Premiere Sunday, Dec. 13
Starring Katie Leclerc, Jeremy Guilbaut
When Abby (Leclerc) inherits her aunt’s beloved Christmas tree farm, she must spend two weeks working alongside her childhood best friend, rediscovering family traditions, promises worth keeping, and the possibility that home may still hold her future.
Marcus Rosner, Cindy BusbyGreat American Media
Christmas Wrapped in LoveWorld Premiere on Thursday, Dec. 17
Broadcast Premiere on Saturday, Dec. 19
Starring Cindy Busby, Marcus Rosner
When a professional gift finder agrees to pose as an overworked surgeon’s girlfriend while helping him shop for his family, their arrangement becomes something more as she discovers the true meaning of belonging, family, and love at Christmas.
Next, Hallmark Just Revealed Its 2026 Christmas Movie Lineup—See the Full Schedule
'Willy Wonka' Star Peter Ostrum Makes Rare Appearance on Netflix's 'The Golden Ticket' 55 Years After Original Movie's Release
Fans of the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory were in for a treat when they tuned in for Netflix’s new reality competition show, The Golden Ticket (and no, it wasn’t any chocolate-related).
As Entertainment Weekly reported, the movie’s former child actor and lead star Peter Ostrum make a surprise cameo in the new Netflix series, recreating one of his most famous scenes.
In the opening moments of The Golden Ticket, Ostrum pops up in a small cameo by unwrapping a bar of chocolate. Unfortunately, rather than uncovering the golden ticket that sent Ostrum’s Charlie Bucket to the Wonka Chocolate Factory, Ostrum revealed he hadn’t come up with the all-important ticket.
“Not this time, Wonka,” the former actor humorously said.
The principal child star of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Ostrum was originally approached with a three-film offer after the success of the 1971 fantasy comedy. Rather than take the deal, however, Ostrum decided to step away from acting and pursue a fame-free life as a veteraniarian.
In the 55 since the original movie’s release, Ostrum remains incredibly active and vocal when it comes to fans expressing their love for Willy Wonka, regularly reuniting with his former cast mates in various panels, reunions and other events.
“I get calls every time there’s a new version of the story or some fresh look at the film,” Ostrum said to the Daily Mirror in 2018. “You can’t kill Charlie and the Chocolate Factory… it keeps resurfacing in different formats. We had no idea at the time that it would have any kind of success at all, so it’s pretty neat that it is still so loved.”
Along with Ostrum, an AI-generated version of Gene Wilder’s voice also appears in The Golden Ticket, guiding contestants through the show’s challenges with the approval of Wilder’s family.
“More than five decades after Gene brought Willy Wonka to life, people of all ages and backgrounds around the world continue to find joy, laughter and inspiration in his performance,” said Karen B. Wilder, Wilder’s wife, on behalf of the Gene Wilder Estate.
“Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people’s lives, and that connection has endured for generations,” she continued. “We are delighted that Wonka’s The Golden Ticket celebrates the warmth and imagination that he brought to the role, introducing that magic to a new generation while honoring the fans who have cherished it for decades.”
