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RoboCop arrived in theaters in July 1987, looking like the kind of over-the-top action movie audiences had come to expect from the decade that gave us Die Hard, Rambo and Predator. The story of a murdered Detroit police officer who is brought back to life as a heavily armed cyborg and sent back onto the streets was actually an iconic satire of 1980s American corporate culture.

Director Paul Verhoeven was heavily courted to helm the film, initially rejecting the project because he didn’t understand its intended satire. His wife, Martine, encouraged him to take another look. RoboCop went on to become a massive success and is now considered one of the best action films of the 1980s. A new ranking calls RoboCop “genuinely perfect,” a fitting description for a film that only seems to gain popularity over time.

The Story Behind RoboCop

The idea for RoboCop came from Edward Neumeier, then a young Hollywood executive and aspiring screenwriter. While working on the production of Blade Runner, Neumeier became inspired by the film’s futuristic world and began developing the idea of a robotic police officer who was still trying to define what it meant to be human.

He would eventually team up with Michael Miner, who was developing a similar concept, and the pair co-wrote the screenplay that would become RoboCop.

Related: These 2 Beloved ’80s Actors Were Friends for 35 Years Before They Quietly Eloped in 2021

Paul Verhoeven Initially Turned Down RoboCop

Paul Verhoeven, the Dutch filmmaker who would go on to make iconic films including Total Recall, Basic Instinct and Starship Troopers, initially rejected the project, seeing it as a ridiculous, violent science-fiction action movie rather than recognizing the satire underneath it.

Twice, he dismissed the script before his wife, Martine, read it and saw something more than her husband had seen.

Pointing out the irony and deeper themes in the story, Martine encouraged her husband to reconsider. Verhoeven did just that and realized the material was far more layered and nuanced than he had seen at first glance.

RoboCop Was More Than a Guy in a Metal Suit

Verhoeven leaned into the film’s violence and absurdity, creating a brutally entertaining dark satire of 1980s America. The film’s fake television reports, commercials and corporate villains weren’t frivolous side characters or background elements; they were part of the spoof.

The exaggerated violence helped make RoboCop memorable, but the satire gave the film staying power. Beneath the action was a story about corporate greed, privatization, consumer culture and the increasingly blurred line between people and products.

Why RoboCop Still Feels Relevant

Nearly four decades later, appreciation for RoboCop has only grown, with a new ranking calling it one of the best action films of the 1980s.

The film’s exaggerated, even comical, violence and its biting satire of corporate greed and the media have aged remarkably well, becoming even more relevant themes with time.

Initially written off by some as a popcorn action flick about a guy in a metal suit, RoboCop is now being revisited as a subversive action spectacle that had considerably more on its mind than its premise suggested.

Related: Beloved 1980s Movie That Made Patrick Dempsey a Star Couldn’t Have Been Made Without Michael Jackson

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Walt Disney is officially shaking things up with Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest, the whiplash-fast roller coaster known as one of the most popular rides at the Florida theme park.

According to Travel Host, the company is set to remove the popular single rider line for Expedition Everest, allowing for Disney Cast Members to more easily fill out seats from the standby queue.

As per the outlet, the attraction’s single rider line was officially removed on September 21, with Disney instead replacing it with a new loading process that reportedly speeds up boarding times for the ride.

As many visitors to the park are sure to know, the single rider queue is reserved for guests willing to enjoy attractions on their own without sitting next to their party.

While this option proved unsurprisingly popular with solo riders, Disney has formally incorporated a new boarding process that is cutting back on standby wait times for the ride.

Having deemed the single ride as too time-consuming and ineffective for Expedition Everest’s boarding process, Disney has begun sorting guests in the regular standby line into odd- and even-numbered groups prior to their reaching the loading platform.

Once they do reach the loading area, Disney’s Cast Members will use the group numbers to fill all available seats, allowing them to avoid continuously calling for single riders. This process has been successfully employed at several other high-traffic Disney attractions, including TRON: Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

With this new change, Disney has removed all single rider attractions at Animal Kingdom, with only four other rides featuring the option inside Walt Disney World. These rides include:

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT)

“Honest Abe” could easily have been named “Simple Abe”, judging by his favorite meal he was known to order during the Civil War.

Established in 1827, New York City’s Delmonico’s has seen its fair share of famous faces through eras of war, depression, Wall Street crises, and the everyday chaos of the Big Apple.

Standing the test of time and holding rave reviews to this day, the walls may not be able to talk, but culinary traditions have been passed down for generations, including Abraham Lincoln’s favorite meal.

Related: Donald Trump’s Favorite Meal as President Is Still Served at This Popular Restaurant—It’s Not McDonald’s

Despite being a world leader, the president kept his order simple, passing up upscale fare for the beloved potatoes au gratin, which Delmonico’s puts its own twist on with mashed potatoes, cheese and breadcrumbs.

Unfortunately, “Delmonico’s Potatoes” has been 86’d from the menu. But who knows? Maybe passing along a $5 bill could entice the kitchen to remaster this presidential favorite.

That said, the famed steakhouse itself is still just as classy, and oozing nostalgia—though prices have obviously spiked since its 1800s heyday.

More known for its signature steak than potatoes anyway, Delmonico’s has been serving its famous Delmonico Steak since 1850 after first starting out as a pastry shop in 1827, and opening “America’s first fine dining steakhouse” just one decade later.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Favorite Meal Is Still Served at the California Restaurant She Visited for Decades

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln dined at Delmonico’s, where he reportedly praised Lorenzo Delmonico’s cooking—a fitting presidential connection for a restaurant that had already become one of New York’s most celebrated dining destinations.

Lincoln’s connection to New York didn’t end with his dinners at Delmonico’s. Just weeks after his assassination in April 1865, his funeral procession made its way through the city, where thousands gathered along Broadway to pay their respects.

Let’s face it—seafood can be off-putting.

Whether it’s an unpleasant waft of brine, a slimy texture, or questioning if an appendage is still moving after being boiled, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dining on aquatic critters.

Back in 2014, Ellen DeGeneres was still a daytime TV powerhouse. Her talk show was booming with A-list stars such as Taylor Swift filling the guest seat from being the victim of Ellen’s famous jump-scares to participating in playful, in-depth interviews.

Related: Donald Trump’s Former Butler Reveals the One Food the President Won’t Touch

During one such appearance, Swift revealed an especially unusual aversion: sea urchins. While the spiky creatures may be best known for their formidable exterior, they’re also considered a delicacy.

Typically sporting more than 100 spines—sometimes up to 1000 depending on the species—sea urchins are harvested for their roe, commonly known as uni, prized by foodies around the world.

For Swift, however, the unsightly exterior—and cracking of guts—was enough to keep her away. During her 2014 appearance, she explained to DeGeneres why the creatures gave her the creeps, comparing their sharp spines to something far more dangerous:

“They’re like a grenade. They’re sitting there waiting to completely injure you,” Swift said before adding, “It has barbs and it goes into whatever it touches.”

“You could lose your foot.”

Related: Dolly Parton’s Favorite Meal Is Still Served at the California Restaurant She Visited for Decades

It’s a good thing the star singer, who just released a new single, is now married to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, living nowhere near the coastline in the heart of the Midwest.

As she roots on her man from the suite flashed during Chiefs’ broadcasts, we’ll assume sea urchin isn’t making the game-day menu anytime soon.

Following last week’s chaotic double eviction, Rick Devens was the first to guarantee his spot in the Final Four, winning HoH after a grueling, four-hour, meticulous competition. But who did he nominate? Who won the Veto? And, most importantly, who wound up walking out the door in fifth place? We’ll update this story throughout the night as the competition and eviction results are revealed.

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Who was eliminated on Big Brother 28 tonight?

We’ll let you know who the thirteenth person evicted from Big Brother 28 is once all the votes have been cast. Stay tuned!

Who were the nominations on Big Brother 28 tonight? Drew Campbell Melody Morris

Drew Campbell on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

With so many limited options for nominees, Devens was worried about the possibility of not putting Drew on the block, him winning the Veto, and pulling Melody down (which would put Dee up by default). So, a day after being the vote to keep the i

Related: ‘Big Brother 28′ Shifts Schedule and Cancels Episode Ahead of Finale — Here’s When to Watch

Who won the Veto tonight on Big Brother 28? Drew Campbell Drew Campbell on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

For the second week in a row, Drew took home a must-win Veto, guaranteeing his spot in the Final Four.

Who’s left in the game on Big Brother 28? Dee Valladares Drew Campbell Melody Morris Rick Devens Taylor Brown

The Final Four Head of Household won’t be revealed until tomorrow’s episode. But check out our spoilers post if you want to find out what goes down on the live feeds until then!

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’ Star Yash Patel Reveals the Anti-Icon Deal We Didn’t See in the Double Eviction (Exclusive)

Survivor 51 hit the ground running with its two-hour premiere, with plenty of twists, comedy and conflict to boot. But the start of the show’s “open era” closed on a somber note, as the episode ended with a message: “In loving memory of Finian Shea Johnson.” Following the dedication, longtime fans of the CBS reality series were wondering: Who is Finian Shea Johnson? And what role did he play on Survivor?

Here’s everything you need to know about Survivor crew member Finian Shea Johnson.

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Who was Finian Shea Johnson?

Finian Shea Johnson was an editor and supervising producer for unscripted TV. His work primarily includes the Bachelor franchise, which he worked on and off between 2006 and 2020. But he did plenty of other reality shows across his successful career, including The Voice, The Amazing Race, and yes, Survivor.

What role did Finian Shea Johnson play on Survivor?

Finian Shea Johnson was an editor on Survivor. He joined the show in 2023, working on Seasons 45 through 50 before his death. Overall, he contributed to six seasons and 78 episodes of the show’s “new era.” For his work on Survivor 50, he was given his only Emmy nomination, in the category of Outstanding Picture Editing For A Structured Reality Or Competition Program.

Related: What to Know About the Death of ‘Survivor’ Crew Member Vince Costello

When did Finian Shea Johnson die?

According to his obituary on Ever Loved, Finian Shea Johnson died on May 25, 2026. He was 48 years old at the time of death.

How did Finian Shea Johnson die?

A formal cause of death has not been announced for Finian Shea Johnson. We’ll be sure to update this section if any clarifying information comes out in the future.

Related: ‘Survivor’ Turns 45! Meet the “Next Generation” of the Crew Behind the Scenes

Was Finian Shea Johnson nominated for any Emmys?

Yes! According to the Emmys website, Finian Shea Johnson was nominated for his first and only Emmy Award in 2026. He got the nod alongside the rest of the Survivor team for his work in Season 50, in the category of Outstanding Picture Editing For A Structured Reality Or Competition Program.

How has the Survivor community responded to Finian Shea Johnson’s death?

As mentioned earlier, the show acknowledged Finian Shea Johnson’s legacy with a dedication to him at the end of the premiere. We shall see how Survivor crew members and alumni respond in kind to the tribute in the next couple of days.

Related: ‘Survivor 51’ Cast Revealed: Meet the 21 New Contestants — Including a Former WWE Superstar and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star

Sombr is opening up about the best piece of advice he’s gotten from Taylor Swift—and it’s not what fans may expect.

In an interview with Elle published on Wednesday, Sept. 23, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter shared insight into his relationship with the superstar, who has become a mentor to him.

Earlier this year, Swift hand-selected Sombr to perform renditions of her songs “Cardigan” and “Dear John” at her Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The two songs also happen to be among Sombr’s favorite tracks by the pop star.

“‘Dear John’ is a song that she wrote all by herself when she was around the age that I was when I got signed and started doing that,” he said. “When I listened to the lyrics, it really struck me: ‘Don’t you think I was too young to be messed with?’ I just think of where she was at that time and where I was at that time, and I’m like, yeah, that’s real.”

Later in the interview, Sombr shared the advice Swift gave him as the “12 to 12” singer navigates his meteoric rise to fame, which began last year.

“One of the best pieces of advice the legend has given me—The person I look up to most has given me. The amazing pop star. Is that if these hate comments go away, maybe you’re not at your peak anymore. I think it’s a privilege to be receiving these and rise above it,” Sombr said.

“Ever since she gave me that advice, it’s really changed my perspective and has helped,” he added.

RELATED: Travis Kelce Opens Up About Taylor Swift Wedding in New Interview: ‘Best Night of My Life’

In particular, Sombr faced his first major moment of internet scrutiny last year when a TikTok user’s criticism of his allegedly inappropriate behavior in front of underage fans at one of his early shows went viral.

Sombr responded on TikTok at the time, saying that he’s “never uttered a serious word in his life” and that he spends “five minutes” making jokes at his shows, while the rest is music.

“I wouldn’t respond now,” Sombr told Elle. “I think responding only makes it worse. I was a teenager when I was kind of just pushed into the spotlight. All of a sudden, this is one of my first instances of being hated on a larger scale. I thought I needed to defend myself.”

Swift has also been complimentary of the young star, praising him during her Songwriters Hall of Fame induction speech.

“His writing is so exceptional that it makes me actually envious, and I love that feeling. He’s gonna be the top of my Spotify Wrapped this year, guaranteed. It’s locked. It’s in the bag. A lot of my late-night debates with my friends about the state of the music industry involve me saying very loudly, ‘Sombr is the future, and he does it all on his own and he doesn’t need that AI! The kids are fine!'”

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Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the hit horror franchise Scream, beloved ’90s star Drew Barrymore has made a brief surprise return to her iconic role.

The actress, who famously portrayed Casey Becker—Ghostface’s first victim, slain in the film’s legendary opening sequence—partnered up with Chase for a clever new campaign. In the commercial, Barrymore reenacts the iconic phone call scene with the masked killer. However, instead of meeting a brutal end, she is pitched a cash-back credit card program.

By the end, Ghostface is revealed to be comedian Kevin Hart, who then joins Barrymore on a shopping spree—a humorous twist on its classic horror source material.

American actress Drew Barrymore at the UK premiere of Wes Craven’s horror film, ‘Scream’ at the Chelsea Cinema, London, on April 24, 1997.

Dave Benett/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Three Decades of Scream

December 20, 2026 will mark 30 years of the Scream franchise. Wes Craven’s 1996 slasher took the horror genre by storm, slicing through tired ’80s slasher tropes by blending a terrifying mystery with meta-humor.

Upon its theatrical release, the film became a sleeper box-office sensation, grossing over $103 million domestically against a modest $14 million budget. Glowing word-of-mouth acclaim served as the fuel behind its initial success, ultimately transforming it from an underdog winter release into a cult classic.

Since the original debut, the franchise has expanded into seven feature films, with the latest installment hitting theaters earlier this year. With the Halloween season steadily approaching, the series continues to hold a firm grip on pop culture, with Ghostface remaining one of the most recognizable figures in the horror genre.

Related: 1997 Russell Crowe Movie, Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time,’ Has a 99% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Merle Haggard, famously nicknamed “The Hag,” released the 1973 classic “If We Make It Through December,” which became one of his signature songs and has remained a timeless, enduring hit more than five decades later.

Initially released as a single in October, the song eventually became part of the country star’s 18th studio album, Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present, which made its debut in November of the same year.

The song wasn’t a full-blown holiday song like classic tracks such as Ernest Tubb’s “Blue Christmas” or Gene Autry’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” but it was named No. 49 on Billboard’s 2024 staff-curated list of the 100 Best Christmas Songs of All Time.

In the curated list, “If We Make It Through December” ranked at No. 49, with the song presenting a more realistic and bittersweet view of the holiday season.

Singer and musician Merle Haggard during a performance in 1985.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Also described by Wide Open Country as a “holiday heartbreaker,” the Haggard-penned track explores financial hardship and a parent’s resilience in an effort to shield a child from poverty.

Moreover, a conversation between The Hag and his guitarist, Roy Nichols, reportedly inspired the song’s title.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Haggard asked Nichols about his recent marriage after he had gone through multiple divorces. Nichols reportedly replied, “If we make it through December, I think we’ll be all right.”

Despite the sadness woven into the song, “If We Make It Through December” became a major hit, spending four weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

It also became Haggard’s highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 28.

The song’s popularity continued to inspire fellow artists, prompting them to release their own reimagined versions of the country classic.

Among those was Alan Jackson, who recorded a heartfelt rendition of “If We Make It Through December” for his first Christmas album, Honky Tonk Christmas, released in 1993.

Adding to the list of the song’s famous covers was country music supergroup the Pistol Annies, who gave the track an emotional, slower-paced rendition.

Moreover, indie rock artist Phoebe Bridgers delivered a completely different rendition, transforming the country song into an intimate, wintry indie-folk ballad.

Related: 1972 Country Rock Song, With 22-Year-Old Singer of Dr. Hook, Is Still a Generational Hit 54 Years Later

Is Mikayla Matthews actually leaving The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?

Last week, the reality star shared that she was stepping away from the Hulu series following the conclusion of its sixth season, which had just wrapped filming.

Her decision came amid ongoing controversy surrounding co-star Taylor Frankie Paul, who was involved, but not charged in, two separate domestic violence cases involving her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen earlier this year, and the streamer’s apparent decision to allow her to remain on the series.

“I’ve said from the beginning of this that I’m not comfortable being a part of something that continues to platform behavior I don’t agree especially given my own experience growing up in a home with multiple forms of abuse,” Matthews said via a statement on Instagram. “There’s no amount of money worth going against my morals or changing the stance I’ve had since I first saw and heard the things that made me feel this strongly. And for me personally, continuing to directly profit from this behavior feels wrong and unethical. It feels like a disservice to the children, everyone’s healing and the millions of people watching.”

Along with Matthews, castmates Mayci Neeley and Layla Taylor also hinted that they were reconsidering their participation in the hit show.

However, fans were shocked when, days later, Paul also announced that she was stepping away from the series.

The reality star announced on Instagram on Monday, Sept. 21, that she no longer wanted to continue with Mormon Wives. In a lengthy caption, Paul thanked the network that supported her and gave her the chance to return before saying she was relieved to be out.

“I don’t desire to move forward like this. I originally was willing to be removed to let them all continue on with less stress and I’m back to that point,” she said in part.

RELATED: Taylor Frankie Paul Allegedly Failed Multiple Drug Tests

Following Paul’s announcement, fans asked Matthews in an Instagram Q&A if she would reconsider her decision—but she was firm in her stance.

“No I will not be coming back. Everyone has to do what’s best for them, and I was the only one who chose to leave the show due to MANY reasons and of course the recent news a couple weeks ago,” she said on her Instagram Story. “I feel like I took my concerns to the right people and went out of my way over and over again to try to address them. There are so many things wrong with this situation. Because of one person’s actions but also because of the way everything was handled after.”

“Those concerns haven’t changed and neither has my decision right now,” she continued. “Don’t know what the future holds, but I think we can collectively agree that a lot of changes need to be made.”

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 premiered on Hulu and Disney+ on Sept. 10. The season was limited to five episodes after production was disrupted following the cancellation of Paul’s The Bachelorette season and the domestic violence allegations coming to light.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Before “pantry aesthetic” was a thing (I’m looking at you, Home Edit ladies), there was Tupperware. Long before you were decanting everything from cereal to chocolate chips into matching clear containers and arranging them just so for the perfect Instagram shot, Tupperware was already helping people keep their kitchens a little more organized. And if you grew up with Tupperware in the house, you probably have a memory or two involving those familiar containers.

Your mom had a cabinet packed with them, your grandmother had a favorite set and you knew exactly which lid belonged to which container (a genuine childhood superpower). Seeing that unmistakable Tupperware collection in the kitchen was comforting—practical, colorful and built to stick around.

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80th Anniversary Canister Set, $40 at Tupperware 80th Anniversary Canister Set

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Shop It!

Now, the brand is celebrating its 80th anniversary, and it’s marking the occasion with a retro 4-piece canister set that feels like a fun meeting of past and present. The set previously sold out, so I was excited to see a restock. Because while pantry organization may have gotten a very photogenic makeover over the years, there’s still something to be said for a kitchen storage classic that has been around for generations.

The 80th Anniversary Canister Set includes four canisters with matching lids. What I really love is that they nest into one another so you can easily store them without taking up a ton of space in your cabinets.

Related: Aldi’s $7 Mini Cast-Iron Bakers Are Perfect for Cozy Solo Meals

Tips For Maximizing Each Canister

There are four different size canisters included in Tupperware’s 80th Anniversary Set. And while you might not care about arranging your pantry so that it fetches social media likes, you still want to make sure you’re making the most of each storage size option.

The Small Canister Holds 5.25 Cups

This little guy is great for rice, smaller amounts of pasta, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, crackers, granola or baking ingredients like brown sugar and powdered sugar. It’s also a good size for snacks you reach for regularly.

A Medium Size Accommodates 8.25 Cups

When you’re looking for nice all-purpose pantry size vessel for things like cereal, oats, flour, sugar, quinoa, rice or larger quantities of snacks—the medium-size canister is your best bet. It’s the workhorse of the set.

The Large Canister Can Keep 12.5 Cups

When you have larger cereal boxes, pasta, flour, sugar, rice, popcorn kernels or bulk snacks, the large canister is your go-to. It’s also handy if you tend to buy pantry staples in bigger bags and want to decant them (think along the lines of your last Costco haul).

An Extra large Canister Holds a Whopping 18 cups

This is your bulk-storage MVP. Think large bags of flour or sugar, big quantities of rice or pasta, cereal, pet treats or even individually wrapped snacks. It could also be useful for things like marshmallows or baking supplies that take up a surprising amount of space.

Related: A Haunting 1845 Poem Must Have Inspired This Marshalls’ Spooky 2-Tier Cake Stand

The Voice once again proves that age is only a number when tonight coaches Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Queen Latifah and Riley Green award a four-chair turn to 61-year-old Kyle Davis from Prince George, VA, making him the oldest contestant to earn that honor.

“I am 61, so this is such an exciting opportunity to come at a later point in the arc of my musical career, so I hope they turn around,” Kyle said before he took the stage. “I have had success but The Voice is the largest stage you step on to show people what you do all over the country. It’s never really too late. You always have to chase the dream.”

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Kyle’s song choice for his Blind Audition was “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. Kelly was the first to turn, then Riley, third was Adam and finally Queen.

“What the hell have you been doing,” Kelly asked.

“I was raising kids for a while, but before that, I had a record deal with Phil Ramone,” Kyle explained.

“You are so good,” Kelly said. “You have a voice like Peter Gabriel or Bono, one of the voices that is so perfect it has the right amount of storytelling, rasp and heartache. I’ve won this show four times. I swear I can win with you. Remember me. I turned first.”

“Kyle, wow, I’m so excited that I finally get a chance to talk to you,” Adam said, referring to how long Kelly went on making her pitch. “’In Your Eyes’ is Top 3 best songs I’ve ever heard and it’s also something that’s difficult to cover because we all know Peter Gabriel’s incredible. But, man, the broken, emotional feeling I get when I hear you sing, I was enjoying it so much. I have a feeling I would be the best coach for you because I do believe we have a lot of taste in common.”

Kelly interrupted to say, “We do, too.”

Adam continued, “There’s not enough of you out there and I am happy we found you.”

Next to try to woo Kyle to his team was Riley, who said, “Kyle, that was the most unique thing we’ve heard. You came out with just a guitar and a vocal, that was a standout performance. I haven’t heard anybody whose voice reminded me of Dave Matthews and that was awesome. Being new, you reminded me that The Voice is about a voice that’s needing to be heard. I think you’re what the show’s about. Huge fan already.”

Finally it was the Queen’s turn. She said, “You’ve just been making music like this and killing it in Virginia. I just want to say congratulations for this moment. This has to feel amazing to be standing on that stage with your life and your history and coming so close to it, and here you are again. You deserve that four-chair turn.”

Related: Meet the Dollywood Dynamic Duo That Sparked the First 4-Chair Turn on The Voice

Then it was time for Kyle to reveal who he picked as his coach, and he went with Kelly.

On winning, she said, “Kyle is one of my favorite people. His vocal talent is such a gift. It’s such a style unto himself. I feel it’s my turn to win this season of The Voice. I can taste the victory.”

Prior to The Voice, Kyle put out a couple of records and toured a ton, but in the early 2000’s, he took a break and had kids. So, he decided to stay home and became a real estate agent. As his kids got older, they started singing, and Kyle fell back in love with music again. Kyle’s oldest daughter Ande was the one who submitted his videos to The Voice, so in the initial portion of the screening process, Kyle wasn’t even aware of what was happening.

The Voice airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, The Voice Returns for a Milestone 30th Season with Stunning New Format Twists

La Toya Jackson’s latest social media appearance has fans asking questions once again.

The 70-year-old singer shared an unusual two-second video on Instagram on Tuesday, September 22, that offered virtually no explanation for what was going on. In the up-close clip, Jackson silently stares into the camera, looking up and down before blinking. She wore a Gucci baseball cap, orange scarf, and white top for the brief appearance.

Her caption didn’t provide many clues, either. “Just wondering…” Jackson wrote, adding the hashtags “#life,” “#live,” “#love” and “#latoyajackson.”

View this post on Instagram

Fans blew up the comments, letting the singer know the video scared many of them.
“Girl this just scared the [expletive] out of me! 🤣😭😭😭,” one person exclaimed.

Another agreed, “Girl you scared tf outta me egg.”

A third joked, “Me Watching my Uber eats driver pick up my food 😭,” while a fourth said, “It’s me watching my bank account.”

Others hoped she was doing well health-wise, with one writing, “Hope all is well. Stay healthy.”

While Jackson didn’t mention her health or indicate that anything was wrong, the mysterious post comes months after she sparked concern with similarly vague updates about undergoing medical testing.

In November 2025, Jackson revealed on Instagram that she was undergoing multiple doctor’s visits, though she never publicly disclosed why.

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“Hi guys, I hope everyone’s doing well. I’m here at the doctor again, so I’m hoping that everything goes well with me, all results are good,” she told followers in a November 7 video.

Days later, Jackson revealed she was back for another appointment. “Guess where I am on this Monday morning? You guessed, that place again,” she said. “Constantly getting check-ups. Oh well, have a great week guys.”

Jackson never elaborated on what tests she was undergoing or whether doctors had diagnosed her with a medical condition. She continued posting on social media afterward, including photos of herself dressed in a fitted red outfit in December while wishing followers a “fabulous week.”

Have you ever paused mid-thought to truly listen to the voice inside your head? For many of us, that inner dialogue isn’t a supportive cheerleader; it’s a harsh, unforgiving inner critic. We beat ourselves up over minor mistakes at work, replay social interactions in excruciating detail and criticize our physical appearance or personal progress with a relentless sharpness we would never inflict on anyone else.

This toxic inner narrative often operates on loop, silently eroding our self-esteem and driving up our anxiety levels. We mistake this harshness for discipline, convincing ourselves that if we aren’t strict with ourselves, we will fail. But mental health experts argue the exact opposite: constant negative self-talk doesn’t push us toward growth—it traps us in shame.

Breaking free from decades of deeply ingrained harsh self-critique can feel like an impossible task, especially when you don’t even realize you are doing it. That is where a simple yet transformative therapeutic tool comes into play. Known online by different names like the “Friend Test” or “Friendship Test,” as we’re calling it, this rule provides an immediate, accessible frame of reference for reshaping how you speak to yourself. By altering this internal commentary, you can unlock a healthier, more compassionate relationship with the person you spend the most time with: yourself.

Related: 9 Subtle Self-Defeating Habits You Might Not Even Realize You’re Doing, a Psychologist Warns

What Is the ‘Friendship Test’ and How Does It Work?

The concept behind the Friendship Test is straightforward, yet its psychological impact is profound. In a previous Parade article about things your therapist wants you to know, psychotherapist, Dear Therapist columnist and writer Lori Gottlieb shared that we probably need to be nicer to ourselves. And this rule helps by asking you to pause during moments of intense self-criticism and evaluate your internal monologue through a relational lens.

“No matter what people come in for, I notice that they’re very, very hard on themselves,” Gottlieb stated. “It’s important that people take responsibility for themselves, for their lives and what they should be doing differently, but they can do it with kindness.”

Then she continued, sharing the main point of this “Friendship Test.”

Related: 6 Subtle Traits of People Who Often Catastrophize, According to Psychologists

“We would never talk to a friend or a family member the way we talk to ourselves,” she pointed out. “We need to be kinder to ourselves so that we don’t feel so much shame around the way that we are, and so that we can make changes.”

So, to put the Friendship Test into practice, simply ask yourself one fundamental question whenever you catch yourself delivering a blow of self-criticism: “Would I ever say these exact words, in this tone, to a close friend or loved one?“

If the answer is no, it fails the test.

When a friend comes to you after making a mistake, missing a deadline or going through a tough time, you naturally respond with empathy and constructive encouragement. You validate their feelings while offering perspective. The Friendship Test challenges you to extend that same courtesy, patience and warmth inward. It reframes self-compassion not as self-indulgence, but as basic fairness.

Related: Psychologist Warns: This 1 Subtle Sign Reveals a Friendship Is ‘Definitely Unhealthy’

Why Replacing Harsh Self-Talk Is Essential for Long-Term Healing

Continuing to live with a relentless internal critic takes a severe toll on emotional and mental well-being over time. Chronic negative self-talk keeps the nervous system on high alert, flooding the body with stress hormones and reinforcing feelings of worthlessness. When every mistake is met with internal cruelty, we become hesitant to take healthy risks or step outside our comfort zones out of fear of our own internal backlash.

Related: 9 Subtle Ways You Could Be Self-Sabotaging Your Happiness, According to a Psychologist

Plus, ignoring the impact of this internal environment can lead to deeper psychological distress down the line. Treating emotional pain as something to simply power through or ignore only compounds the problem, making simple self-kindness all the more necessary. Addressing these emotional patterns before they overwhelm you is essential to maintaining overall health.

By adopting the Friendship Test, you begin to dismantle the shame cycle that holds so many back from genuine healing. Kindness and accountability are not mutually exclusive. When you speak to yourself with the support and understanding of a good friend, you create a safe internal space to learn from your mistakes, build resilience and move forward with true confidence.

Adapted from Parade’s “8 Things Your Therapist Wants You to Know, According to ‘Dear Therapist’ Columnist Lori Gottlieb” by Becky Hughes

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says People Who Handle ‘Difficult People’ Well Usually Do These 5 Things

Source:

• Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist, Dear Therapist columnist and writer.

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If you’re in need of a full bedding refresh for fall, Walmart’s bestselling Sasttie 7-Piece Comforter Set delivers just that in one complete package. The top-rated set comes with everything you need to upgrade your sleep space for cooler temperatures, and it’s now on sale for up to 61% off in select styles. 

Originally priced at $70, the beautiful queen-sized bedding is currently marked down to as low as $27 in the black-soot and red-black styles. There are over 10 more color options, including purple, orange, hot pink, brown, dark green, and more, ranging from $27 to $36. 

Sasttie 7-Piece Comforter Set, $27 (was $70) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The set offers a stylish and fully coordinated look that will elevate any bedroom, including a comforter, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, two pillow shams, and two pillowcases. The fitted sheet is designed to accommodate mattresses up to 14 inches deep, ensuring a snug and secure fit no matter how much you toss and turn. Each pillowcase also has envelope closures for easy access. 

All seven pieces are made of 100% microfiber material that’s soft, cozy, and breathable enough for year-round use. The comforter has a reversible dual-tone design that gives you two looks in one and elegant square stitching. The box quilting also keeps the fill in place, so you don’t have to worry about shifting or clumping. 

The bedding is also easy to care for. All seven pieces are machine washable, so you can toss them in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry them on low whenever it needs a refresh. The brand recommends avoiding bleach and dry cleaning, although you can cool iron if needed.  

The set has earned over 250 five-star ratings from Walmart shoppers. Multiple reviewers praised the “amazing” quality and “thick and fluffy” feel. One buyer called it “soft and beautiful,” adding, “Great way to refresh a room on a budget! Also washes great.” Another said it’s “pretty” and “good for hot and cold weather.”

Shop More Deals:

• Sonive Washed Duvet Cover Set, $22 (was $39) at Walmart
• IGI Full/Queen Comforter, From $23 (was $37) at Walmart
• Emonia Cooling Comforter, $52 (was $107) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s ‘Sturdy’ 8-Drawer Dresser Is a Versatile Storage Solution for Any Room

With a modern look, reversible design, and a dozen color options to choose from, this seven-piece comforter set makes a beautiful upgrade for any bedroom. Grab one while it’s still on sale for up to 61% off at Walmart. 

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Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Somewhere in my thirties, I developed what I can only describe as a maximalist relationship with my morning makeup routine. Foundation, then concealer, then powder, then more powder, then setting spray, then the vague sense that I’d somehow made things worse. It felt like the more I added, the more tired I looked. Let’s just say, the eye area was particularly humbling. I’d put on everything I owned and walk out looking like an absolute mad woman. 

What I didn’t know then, and what every makeup artist in this piece will tell you, is that the extra steps were the problem. After 50 specifically, when skin texture changes and makeup has more places to go wrong, less product placed more intentionally does something that more product simply cannot. It looks like skin. It looks awake. It looks like you, but better. Chef’s kiss!

The six-minute routine is a lifestyle, and once you’re living it, there’s no turning back. To prove it, we talked to five celebrity makeup artists—James Vincent, whose editorial work spans decades of high-fashion and beauty campaigns; Suna Myles, Beverly Hills celebrity MUA who has worked on stars like Miley Cyrus; Patricia Longo, NYC and Miami-based artist; Tim Quinn, who has worked with Jill Biden, Kerry Washington and Maria Shriver and co-founded Halo 42 skincare; and Ash K. Holm, who has worked with Kim Kardashian and Penelope Cruz—about exactly how to do this, step by step.

Related: Why You Should Never Put Highlighter Here If You Have Mature Skin

Why a 6-Minute Makeup Routine Is All Women Over 50 Actually Need

“The secret to a six-minute face is knowing what not to do,” Vincent tells Parade. “I’m not trying to create a new face—I’m enhancing the one that’s already there.” As skin matures, texture, dryness and changes in volume become more apparent. When you put too many product layers over those changes, you’re not hiding them. You’re often emphasizing them.

Quinn thinks about it the way some people think about a capsule wardrobe—a uniform that works every time. “Once you know the few steps that consistently make you look fresher, you don’t have to reinvent your face every morning. The makeup should support the face, not compete with it.”

And Holm cuts right to the math, explaining, “I would rather use six products in exactly the right places than 15 products all over the face.”

Getty

Step 1: Hydrating Skin Prep for Instant Radiance (1 Minute)

Every single artist starts here, and every single one says the same thing: press, don’t rub. Quinn massages Halo 42 Anti-Aging Eye Oil around the orbital bone first, working it into the skin rather than placing it on top, then follows with Lancôme Absolue Longevity Soft Cream worked upward over the face. “Part of what wakes the face up is the massage itself,” he tells Parade.

Vincent uses Beekman Milkshake for hyaluronic acid and presses the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm Serum into the skin rather than rubbing it around. The logic is simple: “If the skin is properly hydrated, you need considerably less makeup.”

Holm reaches for La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream and La Mer The Eye Concentrate, focusing especially on the under-eyes and anywhere she sees dryness or texture. She lets everything absorb for a full minute before touching any complexion product. When mature skin is properly hydrated going in, the whole rest of the routine gets easier.

Related: The 15 Best Body Lotions for Aging Skin, According to Board-Certified Dermatologists

Step 2: Lightweight Tinted Base and Strategic Spot Concealing (2 Minutes)

“The mistake I see most often is applying foundation as though the entire face needs the same amount of coverage,” Vincent tells Parade. “It doesn’t.”

His approach with RCMA Red Carpet Ready Liquid Foundation: apply sheer to light coverage only where the complexion actually needs evening out, around the nose, mouth, cheeks and center of the face, and leave beautiful skin visible everywhere else.

The same foundation formula doubles as his concealer, layered with fingers or a brush where more coverage is needed like under the eye. Because it’s the same product, the face photographs evenly even with more coverage in certain areas—unlike a separate cream concealer that can crease or draw attention.

“I don’t paint concealer in a big triangle underneath the eye,” he says. “That’s a lot of product in an area that moves constantly.”

Holm uses color corrector on any darkness first, followed by Armani Luminous Silk Concealer only where she needs additional brightness, explaining, “If you’ve neutralized the darkness underneath, you don’t need nearly as much concealer on top.”

And Longo’s trick for avoiding the cakey look is the simplest one. She applies concealer with her fingers, sharing, “The warmth of your fingertips helps it blend into the skin much better than a brush or sponge.”

Step 3: Brightening Eye Lift Technique and Lash Definition (1 Minute)

Hooded or drooping eyes are one of the top makeup concerns after 50, and the mistake artists see constantly is drawing shadow directly into the natural crease. With a hooded eye, that crease may not even be visible when the eye is open, which means you’re adding darkness nobody can see.

• Vincent’s fix is to take a matte medium-toned shadow slightly above the natural crease, where it can actually be seen with eyes open, and blend it upward and outward.
• Holm keeps the darkest definition toward the outer third and blends upward toward the tail of the brow.
• Myles calls it “faking a new crease.”

For lashes, every artist curls first and applies mascara primarily at the roots, concentrating toward the outer lashes.

“A little definition at the outer corner creates an immediate lifting effect,” Vincent says. He loves RCMA Summer Lights Balms as cream shadows for easy application and added lift on any eyelid.

On brows, Vincent’s layered approach gives fullness back to sparse or thinning brows without making them look drawn. A fine pencil in a soft taupe sketches in individual hairs, a small angle brush with a medium-toned powder shadow adds depth and dimension, then a tinted brow gel finishes with structure and softness.

Quinn uses Charlotte Tilbury brow pencils followed by tinted brow gel for the same reason, explaining, “As we mature, brows can lose fullness, and restoring that definition gives structure back to the face.”

Related: 12 Body Lotions That Actually Work for Crepey Skin, According to Dermatologists

Step 4: Cream Blush and Hydrating Lip Color for a Natural Flush (1 Minute)

A rule to remember: Cream over powder, always, and placed higher on the cheek than you think. Vincent applies cream blush above the apple of the cheek so color moves upward and outward rather than sitting flat.

Quinn layers cream or liquid blush pressed in with fingers first, then sets it with a coordinating powder blush for depth and dimension—color placed slightly higher on the cheek, blended upward.

Longo has a move that’s worth stealing. She applies cream blush to her cheeks and then sweeps a little of the same blush over the eyes, sharing, “It’s a simple trick that makes you look instantly more awake.”

Now, onto the lips!

“I stay away from anything too nude because we naturally lose color in our lips as we mature—a shade that magnifies your natural lip color brings life back to the whole face,” Quinn tells Parade.

He uses a Sisley lip pencil first, even just one that closely matches the natural lip tone, for restored definition and volume. Longo finishes with YENSA Luxe Lip Oil for a glossy, hydrated look that needs no powder to last.

Step 5: Dewy Setting Finish To Lock in Youthful Glow (1 Minute)

Setting spray, not setting powder—that’s where most of the artists land for mature skin. “Around fine lines, especially near the eyes, too much powder can make the skin look heavier and drier,” says Quinn. “A good setting spray melds the layers together and provides staying power without taking away the life of the skin.”

If you do use powder, the rules are the same across every expert. A tiny amount with a soft brush, only where makeup tends to move. Holm’s technique: before powdering under the eyes, gently tap out any concealer that has collected in a crease first, then set it, explaining, “The less excess product sitting on the skin, the less there is to settle into fine lines.”

Vincent’s final check before leaving the mirror is about subtracting. He looks at the whole face with the intention of taking away anything unnecessary. If makeup has gathered in a line somewhere, he presses it out with a fingertip or clean brush. “That’s my six-minute philosophy: hydrate, even complexion, correct and conceal, shape, structure and lift, then add color and go,” he tells Parade.

The Exact Products You Need for a Quick, Youthful 6-Minute Makeup Routine, According to the Experts Skin Prep

• Beekman Milkshake Balm (James Vincent)
• Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm Serum (James Vincent)
• Halo 42 Anti-Aging Eye Oil (Tim Quinn)
• Lancôme Absolue Longevity Soft Cream (Tim Quinn)
• La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream and La Mer The Eye Concentrate (Ash K. Holm)
• Moira Complete Face Primer Oil (Suna Myles)
• Dior Prestige La Crème (Patricia Longo)

Foundation and Concealer

• RCMA Red Carpet Ready Liquid Foundation (James Vincent, doubles as concealer)
• Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (Tim Quinn, Ash K. Holm)
• Armani Luminous Silk Concealer (Ash K. Holm)

Eyes and Brows

• RCMA Summer Lights Balms (James Vincent)
• Charlotte Tilbury Brow Pencil and Charlotte Tilbury tinted brow gel (Tim Quinn)
• Lancôme Cils Booster XL (Tim Quinn)
• Maybelline The Rocket Mascara (Patricia Longo)

Lips

• Sisley Lip Pencil (Tim Quinn)
• YENSA Luxe Lip Oil (Patricia Longo)

Up Next:

Related: The 5-Second Trick That Lets You Use Less Concealer, According to Makeup Artists

Sources:

• James Vincent, celebrity makeup artist
• Suna Myles, Beverly Hills celebrity makeup artist
• Patricia Longo, celebrity makeup artist
• Tim Quinn, celebrity makeup artist and co-founder of Halo 42 skincare
• Ash K. Holm, celebrity makeup artist

Sometimes a song is so good, it finds its home in multiple genres and generations. Which is exactly the case for the song “Hurt So Bad.”

Back in 1964, the doo-wop soul group Little Anthony & The Imperials recorded the first version of “Hurt So Bad” for their album, Goin’ Out of My Head. Following the first successful single from the album, “Hurt So Bad” was also released in late 1964. By the following year, the song became a Billboard Top 10 hit, a Top 5 R&B Hit, and went number one on the charts in Canada. During the group’s first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, it was included in their set list. All of the commercial success of the track led it to becoming on the group’s signature, if not most well-known, song in their repertoire.

Over fifteen years later, in 1980, singer Linda Ronstadt was recording and working on her tenth studio album, Mad Love. Ronstadt ended up recording a version of “Hurt So Bad” for Mad Love, but ultimately making it her own. She flipped the gender of the song to make a man the heartbreaker described in the lyrics, and ended up releasing her cover as the second single from the album.

Ronstadt’s version went on to be the most successful of the variants of “Hurt So Bad” that are out in music still to this day.

Upon its release as a single, Ronstadt’s version of “Hurt So Bad” peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and took number nine on the Cash Box Top 100.

The cover went on to being the last Top 10 single Ronstadt had over the course of her career.

While the original may be R&B and Ronstadt’s may skew more country rock, it’s safe to say that “Hurt So Bad” has a legacy that has not only withstood the test of time, but has crossed generations and multiple genres over the span of its life. An impressive feat for a song, indeed.

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Related: 1975 Everly Brothers Soft-Rock Cover Became a No. 2 ‘Billboard’ Hit

Giada De Laurentiis is opening up about her heart wrenching Dancing With The Stars elimination.

The Food Network star and her pro dance partner Alan Bersten were the third couple eliminated from season 35 after scoring a 12/30 for their salsa to “Bella Ciao” by Becky G during “Viral Hits” night on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

“I just wanted to take a second and thank everybody for all of their support through this journey on Dancing With the Stars,” De Laurentiis, 56, said in an Instagram video posted the next day. “And all the moms that shared their stories. It was really, really, really inspiring.”

“I’m honored to represent women in their 50s and try something new,” she continued. “Try something that scares you, ’cause, honestly guys, it is a rush.”

The celebrity chef had previously opened up about saying yes to DWTS after declining multiple times in years prior due to being inspired by her daughter Jade, 18, going off to college this fall.

“Watching Jade watch me dance, that and having her check in with me every day, texting me [asking] how I was doing, and sending support and love from the East Coast, that to me was the Mirrorball. That was everything,” she said.

RELATED: 2 ‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ Contestants Are Dating

De Laurentiis then explained that, even though her journey was cut short, she was grateful for every part of it—including her dance partner.

“A shout-out to Alan, he was such a loving partner. Truly,” she said. “So patient and helped me get really determined. So, it was really great.”

Bersten, for his part, posted a clip of the two embracing backstage shortly after their elimination with the caption, “Thank you for everything.”

DWTS airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+

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Fifty-five years ago, R&B group The Stylistics released “You Are Everything” — a song that became a global smash hit that is still beloved today.

Released in October 1971 as the sixth track from their self-titled debut album, “You Are Everything” became a major mainstream phenomenon. Upon its release, it entered the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 76 on Nov. 6. By Jan. 22, 1972, it peaked at No. 9, becoming one of their first major hit singles.

Aside from its chart success, “You Are Everything” also experienced commercial triumph. On Jan. 3, 1972, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the track Gold for selling over one million copies in the U.S. The group was remarkably young at the time, achieving the milestone while all in their early twenties. The Stylistics’ frontman, Russell Thompkins Jr., was just 20 years old when the band attained their phenomenal success.

Airron Love, Herb Murrell, Russell Thompson Jr., James Dunn and James Smith of the American Philadelphia soul group The Stylistics perform in the studio on BBC TV show ‘Top of the Pops’ on Oct. 24, 1972.

Watal Asanuma/Shinko Music/Getty Images

Due to the single’s immense success, the track inspired several iconic covers. Over the years, the song has been re-recorded by massive artists like Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, whose soulful 1973 duet rendition became a major international hit.

“You Are Everything” was written by the legendary Philadelphia soul songwriting duo Thom Bell and Linda Creed. The song functions as a quintessential heartbreak anthem, exploring themes of painful memories and lingering regret following a breakup. The lyrics focus on a narrator who spots a passerby resembling his ex-girlfriend, a realization that sends him into an emotional spiral that listeners have related to for decades.

Over five decades since its release, “You Are Everything” remains a beloved staple of 1970s soul. On Spotify alone, the song has accumulated over 56 million streams — attesting to its lasting relevance in the digital era.

Related: ’70s Rock Legend, Inspired by Elvis Presley, Turns 79 Today

The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” has been named among the “Greatest Rock One-Hit Wonders of All Time,” more than two decades after the 1997 song became an international hit.

The ranking proved the unusual path of the song, which became The Verve’s biggest international hit and reached No. 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, per Elpee. A major part of its American breakthrough came after Nike used the song in its 1998 “I Can” advertising campaign, exposing the track to a much wider audience.

The song had already made a strong impact in the United Kingdom, where it reached No. 2 on the singles chart. But its arrival in the United States was slower. The Nike commercial changed that.

Released on June 16, 1997, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” was the lead single from The Verve’s third album, Urban Hymns. Richard Ashcroft wrote the lyrics, while the song was built around a sample from an orchestral version of The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” according to Songfacts.

Richard Ashcroft of the Verve during a soundcheck in Belgium on Feb.19, 1994.

Photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images)

The song’s message was far from a typical advertisement soundtrack. Ashcroft sang about the pressure of everyday life, including the famous line: “You’re a slave to money, then you die.”

The Verve had a policy against allowing their music to be used in commercials. However, the band did not control the publishing rights to “Bitter Sweet Symphony” after a dispute involving the sample.

Songfacts said Nike used the instrumental section of the song for its 1998 campaign, which featured everyday athletes training with determination. The commercial first aired during the NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers on Jan. 11, 1998.

That exposure helped the song find American listeners.

Radio stations began adding “Bitter Sweet Symphony” to their playlists, while MTV placed its music video into regular rotation. The song was not released as a U.S. single until March 10, 1998, but by then, listeners were already familiar with it from the Nike campaign.

The song eventually reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Songfacts also reports that The Verve received about $175,000 from the Nike deal, while ABKCO received much more. The band donated its money to the Red Cross Land Mine Appeal.

The Nike commercial also helped give Urban Hymns a sales boost in the United States and brought The Verve greater exposure in the country.

Meanwhile, Collider’s ranking now places “Bitter Sweet Symphony” at No. 4 among its 10 greatest rock one-hit wonders. Collider noted that The Verve did not repeat the song’s huge international impact with another comparable hit.

The success of “Bitter Sweet Symphony” came with a major legal and financial dispute.

The Verve had obtained permission from Decca Records to use a six-second sample from the Andrew Oldham Orchestra recording of “The Last Time.” However, they also needed permission connected to the publishing rights of the Rolling Stones composition.

Allen Klein’s ABKCO controlled those rights. The Verve initially offered 15% of the publishing but were ultimately forced to give up 100% of it to secure the song’s release.

Ashcroft, who wrote the lyrics, received a flat $1,000 payment and lost his songwriting rights at the time. The dispute also resulted in Mick Jagger and Keith Richards being credited as songwriters alongside Ashcroft.

Ashcroft later spoke bitterly about what happened, saying: “I was put under duress to sign away one of the greatest songs of all time.”

The situation changed in 2019.

Jagger and Richards agreed to return the royalties and songwriting credits for “Bitter Sweet Symphony” to Ashcroft. The announcement came as Ashcroft received the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.

That change allowed Ashcroft to finally receive the rights connected to the song he had written.

“Bitter Sweet Symphony” became part of the soundtrack of the late 1990s. It appeared in the 1999 film Cruel Intentions, where it plays during the movie’s pivotal ending. 

The song also received major recognition. It was named one of the songs of the year by Rolling Stone and NME, received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song in 1999, and appeared on Rolling Stone’s lists of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Although The Verve had other notable songs, including “The Drugs Don’t Work” and “Lucky Man,” “Bitter Sweet Symphony” remained the band’s defining international hit. And without the Nike campaign, the song’s American story might have been very different.

Related: Iconic Johnny Cash Song, Ranked Second-Greatest Country Song of All Time, Was Written Backstage in Longview, Texas