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Belinda Carlisle was just in her twenties when she skyrocketed to fame as the lead singer of the ’80s girl band The Go-Go’s, but the legendary singer is thriving in her sixties.

Carlisle, 67, and The Go-Go’s smashed onto the scene with hits like “We Got the Beat” and “Vacation.” She later had a successful solo career with hits like “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You,” and is still touring like crazy. Carlisle released her new album, “Once Upon a Time in California,” back in August. But in a new photo taken while in Paris, the music queen stunned fans and followers as she posed in a white dress with black sunglasses. Looking absolutely ageless, the star made it clear that she's simply getting better with age.

"Out and about in Paris - @juliedelibranthank you - i feel like a princess 👑👑👑👑," Carlisle captioned the photo.

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Struggling With Addiction

While Carlisle is doing great these days, it wasn’t always the case. In addition to struggling with imposter syndrome as a young singer, Carlisle struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. Looking back, the singer told Rolling Stone Australia this fall that she’s grateful there was no social media during the time she was struggling so prominently.

“I would’ve been the Lindsay Lohan of my time!” she said. “Oh my God, yeah. And even when everybody had a cell phone, they didn’t have a camera yet. So that would’ve been the end of me, that’s for sure. Jesus! We were really lucky. None of that was around, so you could behave badly and chances were that no one ever heard about it.” 

Finding Peace in Sobriety

After years of relapse, Carlisle ultimately found sobriety. She opened up in a recent interview with The Sunday Times about her lengthy journey.

“I thought, I’ll just drink wine, and I won’t do coke. I realized that in order to continue with my career — which was in the toilet — the most important thing was to get sober. I remember playing this little club in Northampton at the end of my drinking and using. There were 12 people in the audience, and my dressing room was a closet for cleaning materials, mops, and brooms. I thought, Wow. I was able to turn things around, but I wouldn’t have been able to if I had been behaving in the way I was before I got sober,” she recalled.

These days, things look a lot different for Carlisle.

“I get up at 3:30 am. Then I chant for 40 minutes. I love chanting. It’s not airy-fairy; it’s scientific,” she explained.

No matter whether she’s chanting or singing, Carlisle still knows how to rock. Here’s a throwback from one of her most legendary tunes:

Related: ‘80s Pop Queen Belinda Carlisle, 67, Makes Waiting at the Airport Look Glamorous in Beautiful Selfie

It's hard to think of too many songs that have captured the bittersweet emotion of letting someone go quite like "Wild World."

When Cat Stevens released the song in 1970 on his landmark album Tea for the Tillerman, its gentle acoustic melody and heartfelt lyrics immediately resonated with listeners. More than two decades later, rock band Mr. Big gave the classic a fresh interpretation, turning it into one of the biggest hits of its career and introducing the beloved ballad-turned-soft-rock-hit to an entirely new audience.

The original showcased Stevens at the height of his songwriting powers.

Written by Stevens, "Wild World" is a tender farewell from someone wishing the best for a departing loved one while acknowledging the uncertainties that lie ahead.

"'Wild World' was really my parting song with my girlfriend Patti D'Arbanville," Stevens told Billboard. "We'd had some great times together, but I started recording and she was doing her modeling and it just became like two different worlds. And because I’d had such an experience of almost falling off the planet, I knew there were a lot of dangers out there so it was kind of me talking to myself about the second career I was about to embark on and also talking to her about her career. We'd basically split at that point, and that was the ode to our parting.

Built around acoustic guitar, subtle percussion and Stevens' warm, conversational vocal, the song became one of the defining singer-songwriter ballads of the early 1970s.

"I was just following my heart, and the music was coming out and was being dressed absolutely appropriately with the musicians that I had, and kept very sparse and pure," Stevens told Louder. "It was a very purist period of songwriting and recording. I had a feeling there was something special but I didn’t know how people would take it."

"Wild World" became one of Stevens' signature recordings and has remained a staple of classic rock, folk and soft rock radio for more than 50 years.

In 1993, Mr. Big took the song in a different direction.

Fresh off the global success of the acoustic ballad "To Be With You," the band recorded "Wild World" for its album Bump Ahead. Rather than recreating Stevens' stripped-down folk arrangement, Mr. Big surrounded the melody with polished electric guitars, richer harmonies and a fuller rock production while preserving the song's emotional core. Eric Martin's soaring vocal delivery also gave the lyrics a more arena-ready feel, contrasting with the intimacy of Stevens' original performance.

It was risk that was ultimately worth taking.

Mr. Big's version became a major international hit, charting in several countries across Europe and Asia while earning significant radio airplay. For many younger listeners in the 1990s, it served as an introduction to one of the most beloved songs of the previous generation. The song became a staple of the band's live sets.

"I think when I wrote 'To Be With You' and I brought it into Mr. Big, I started playing acoustic guitar and singing [and doing] the token 'white boy on the acoustic guitar' thing where I did 'To Be With You' and the ballad kind of stuff with 'Wild World' and the more stripped down stuff," Mr. Big frontman Eric Martin told Pop Dose."We kind of had the [part of the show] where we’' play the heavy rock and then we’d have a little B-stage and play the little acoustic songs."

The enduring appeal of both recordings speaks to the strength of Stevens' songwriting. While the original remains admired for its understated honesty and folk-inspired simplicity, Mr. Big's cover demonstrated how the same song could thrive in a contemporary rock setting without losing its emotional impact.

More than 50 years after Cat Stevens first recorded "Wild World," the song continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Reimagined by Mr. Big 23 years later, the timeless ballad proved that great songwriting can transcend genres, generations and musical eras while remaining every bit as moving as the day it was written.

Related: 1978 Rock Song, Originally a Soft Rock Ballad, Remains a Classic on the Fourth of July

Matty Healy's ex-girlfriend Gabriella Brooks was just one of the 1,000 attendees at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.

The model, who dated The 1975 frontman four years before Swift's brief romance with him in 2023, attended the star-studded affair alongside her fiancé, Liam Hemsworth.

Brooks, 30, took to Instagram on July 5 to share some photos from the "Love Story" singer's nuptials, which were held inside Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 3. Giving her followers a look at the pair's date night, Brooks called the wedding "the night of our lives."

"Congratulations T&T, you are a match made in heaven," Brooks captioned the post.

In the photo carousel, Brooks showed off the stunning mauve halter-neck gown she wore for the occasion, adorned with feathered details. Hemsworth, 36, meanwhile, kept things simple, wearing a stylish black tuxedo.

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In addition to sharing a look at her and The Last Song actor before Taylor and Travis' wedding, Brooks snapped a photo of her and Hemsworth's highly accessorized hands. Brooks also included a photo of the sweet party favor Taylor and Travis gifted their wedding guests: a custom-made handkerchief emblazoned with the letter T and the couple's wedding date.

The gift also featured an Easter egg from Taylor's hit "Blank Space," with the lyrics "So it's gonna be forever" written below the couple's monogram.

Brooks and Taylor have grown close since her breakup from Healy, who is now engaged to fiancée Gabbriette. While Taylor only dated the "Somebody Else" singer for a few months in early 2023, following her breakup from Joe Alwyn, the split had a lasting impact on the singer. So much so, that several tracks on Taylor's 2024 album, The Tortured Poets Department, are rumored to be about Healy.

Taylor's heartbreak didn't last long, however, with the Grammy winner coupling up with Travis following his appearance at the Kansas City stop of her Eras Tour.

Brooks and Hemsworth were also among the many stars to attend the record-breaking tour, with the couple, who have been together since 2019, following Hemsworth's divorce from Miley Cyrus, supporting the "Fortnight" singer at one of her London concerts in June 2024.

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Dancing to the music alongside Travis and other celebrities in the VIP tent, Brooks raved about the concert in a post after the show.

"Taylor we love you!!" Brooks shared in the June 2024 Instagram post, which featured photos and videos from her and Hemsworth at the show. "Best night ever."

Princess Catherine, 44, just shared a heartwarming set of photos on the Royal Family's  Instagram from the recent National Three Peaks Challenge to highlight the incredible fundraising effort for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This is important news in light of Kate Middleton’s recent forthright remarks about her battle with cancer. But fans couldn't help but notice something else entirely: Prince George is nearly as tall as his mom.

In one of the photos, Princess Catherine can be seen with one arm around Prince George while chatting with youngest son Prince Louis and George is meeting her almost exactly at eye level. In another shot taken from behind, the Princess of Wales is seen patting George on the back, with the future king appearing to be at or very near her height. *Cue every royal fan collectively gasping and saying "when did THAT happen?"

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"This time last week, completing the National Three Peaks Challenge," Catherine wrote alongside the photos on Sunday, July 5. "A huge thank you to everybody who has supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. To find out more or donate, please visit link in bio."

The mountaineering challenge - which takes place across mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales - was clearly a family affair, with Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all featured in the stunning photos.

For Catherine, the challenge was about more than just the physical feat - the princess has spoken openly about wanting to push herself beyond her comfort zone following her cancer journey, making this milestone a momentous occasion.

The charity work is absolutely worth celebrating but we have a feeling royal fans everywhere are also going to be having a moment, talking about how Prince George is all grown up. Where does the time go?

Some songs never lose their intrigue. The 1979 song "Sara" by Fleetwood Mac is one of those rare ballads that continues to spark conversation nearly 50 years later. With its dreamy sound, emotional lyrics, and tumultuous backstory, many questions still linger about the song's inspiration.

The Making of the Song 'Sara'

By the time Fleetwood Mac began recording their third album Tusk, Stevie Nicks' relationship with Lindsey Buckingham had ended, she had embarked on a brief romance with Mick Fleetwood, which overlapped with Fleetwood falling in love with Nicks' close friend Sara Recor, whom he then married. Around the same time, Nicks also dated Eagles drummer Don Henley.

In other words, there was a lot going on. Nicks was writing songs, which included "Sara," amid all the emotions of this period, and the band continued to record together.

In a 2011 interview with The Independent, she said, "Sara was banished from the studio by the rest of the band ... No one was speaking, and I wouldn't even look directly at Mick. That went on for months. And it was great fodder for writing! The songs poured out of us."

Who — or What — Was 'Sara' Really About?

There have been different explanations over the years about the song's inspiration — even from Nicks herself.

Was the song about Stevie's friend Sara?

About the aftermath of Fleetwood and Recor's affair, Nicks said, "They fell in love, and the next thing, Sara's husband is calling me to say, 'Sara moved in with Mick this morning. And I just thought you might wanna know.' That was three months into a 13-month album. So I lost Mick, which honestly wasn't that big of a deal because that was a rocky relationship. But losing my friend Sara? That was a huge blow."

In a 1994 radio interview with The Tommy Vance Show, Nicks revealed that the two women reconciled eventually and that Sara indeed was, in part, an inspiration behind the song.

She recalled, “I remember the night I wrote it. I sat up with a very good friend of mine whose name is Sara, who was married to Mick Fleetwood. She likes to think it’s completely about her," Nicks continued, "but it’s really not completely about her. It’s about me, about her, about Mick, about Fleetwood Mac. It’s about all of us at that point.”

Related: 1979 Love Ballad, Written in Just 45 Minutes, Became a Timeless Anthem of Hope

Or was the song about Mick Fleetwood?

In 1998, Nicks directly attributed one lyric to Fleetwood specifically, saying, "Well. 'Sara' was pretty much about Mick. So, he was the 'great dark wing.' And it was about everything that was going on at that particular time, too. But he was the reason for the, you know, the beginning of it."

Was the song about a pregnancy?

Another long-discussed interpretation involves Don Henley. According to the Eagles biography by Marc Eliot, Henley said that Nicks got pregnant while they were dating and that Sara was the name she gave "the spirit" of the unborn child.

In a 2014 interview with Billboard, Nicks filled in the blanks on Henley's claim, saying, "Had I married Don and had that baby, and had she been a girl, I would have named her Sara. But there was another woman in my life named Sara, who shortly after that became Mick’s wife, Sara Fleetwood."

Maybe the song's inspiration never really mattered that much

The sweeping production, Nicks' vocal performance, and the song's reflective tone all contributed to the song's success. The six-minute, dreamlike arrangement and drifting, stream-of-consciousness lyrics stood apart from many late-'70s rock hits.

"Sara" was released in December 1979 as the second single from the album, peaked at No. 7 by February 1980, and remained on the charts for 14 weeks.

Almost 50 years later, fans may still wonder about the song's meaning, but the questions only contribute to the mystique. And the lyrics and the song certainly resonate for fans even without a definitive answer. Rolling Stone ranked the song at No. 13 among "Fleetwood Mac’s 50 Greatest Songs." And to date, the song has almost 128 million streams on Spotify alone.

There's a good chance all of the song's mysteries are a little bit true. Perhaps that's why "Sara" has endured. Rather than pointing to a single moment or relationship, the song seems to capture an entire chapter of Stevie Nicks' life — one defined by love, friendship, loss, and change.

Heartbreak rarely comes with clear answers, and neither does "Sara." That's what gives the song its lasting power: listeners continue to bring their own experiences to its lyrics. Nearly five decades later, it remains one of Stevie Nicks' most moving and enigmatic songs.

Watch Fleetwood Mac's "Sara" music video:

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It's never too late to curate your dream space. Some would say it's even better to update your home little by little, so that you can focus on pieces that you actually love. Thanks to Amazon, you can shop for home finds that are unique and budget-friendly, spanning from sideboards to patio sets. Our eye is currently on the Awasen Small Side Table, which is 26% off and marked as Amazon's Choice. 

The table originally cost $43, but has been reduced to just $32 during a limited-time sale. The piece is being sold in four colors: brown walnut, black, natural wood, and rustic brown. The black and brown walnut hues are best for modern homes, while the natural wood and rustic brown offerings are perfect for farmhouse-inspired decor. The table is 11.8 inches long, 11.8 wide, and 21.8 inches tall. 

Awasen Small Side Table, $32 (was $43) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Due to the sizing, this table is perfect for those who live in compact spaces and want additional decor and table space. The furniture is made of water-resistant engineered wood and features a wide circular base to prevent tipping and a rounded top with a raised edge that will prevent drinks and other items from falling over the side. The stem features a vintage bubble design that will effortlessly add dimension to your space.

You will have to assemble the table upon delivery, but setup should take more than a few minutes with no tools required. Over 100 customers have purchased this style in the past month, describing it as the "perfect size," "easy to assemble," "very nice-quality," "functional," "sturdy," "sleek," and "elegant." Most shoppers are placing it next to a couch or accent chair to upgrade the look. 

"It's a perfect accent table to add to any room in your home including the living room, bedroom, sitting room, and can be used as an accent table or small nightstand for a guest room," one reviewer said of the "beautiful" piece. Plus, depending on your area, Prime members can receive the piece in just one day, so you won't have to wait through the weekend to make your space look chic.  

Shop More Deals

• HomeHacks 2-Pack Laundry Baskets, $12 (was $20) at Amazon
• Releany Area Rug, $80 (was $90) at Amazon
• Bedsure Queen Comforter Set, $28 (was $42) at Amazon

Related: Dolly Parton's Garden-Inspired Water Bottle Is the Prettiest Way to Beat the Heat for Under $10

Your dream space is waiting for you, and it starts with this adorable side table. This special deal won't be available for long though, so make sure to shop it while you can. Add the piece to your Amazon cart while it's just $32! 

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The Eagles’ Hotel California is known as one of the biggest rock albums of all time. Nearly 50 years after its release, the title song from the No. 1 hit album repeatedly re-enters the Billboard charts, and the album is one of the best-selling rock albums ever.

But one of the most powerful songs from the album was never released as a single, yet became a concert staple that fans still relate to.

Written by Don Henley and the late Glenn Frey,“Wasted Time” was the final song on the first side of the Hotel California album. The piano-driven ballad featured Henley delivering emotional lyrics about the pain of a lost love and the hope for healing amid fears that the relationship had “all been wasted time.”

“Wasted Time” was inspired by Henley’s real-life breakup with jewelry designer Loree Rodkin, according to Rolling Stone. “Nothing inspires or catalyzes a great ballad like a failed relationship,” Henley told the outlet. “It’s a very empathetic song.”

Not only was "Wasted Time” the last song on side one of the album, but it continued as a lush instrumental, titled ”Wasted Time (Reprise)” at the start of side two.

Frey once spoke about “Wasted Time” and its instrumental reprise, noting that the short orchestral string arrangement was composed by Jim Ed Norman, an old college friend of Henley’s.

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“It’s a Philly-soul torch song,” Frey said of “Wasted Time,” per a post on journalist Cameron Crowe’s website. “I loved all the records coming out of Philadelphia at that time…. and I started creating my own musical ideas with that Philly influence.”

“Don was our Teddy Pendergrass,” the Eagles legend added of the vocals. “He could stand out there all alone and just wail. We did a big Philly-type production with strings — definitely not country rock. You’re not going to find that track on a Crosby, Stills & Nash record or Beach Boys record. Don’s singing abilities stretched so many of our boundaries. He could sing the phone book. It didn’t matter.”

Related: 1981 Classic, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Rock Duets of All Time,’ Became the Biggest Hit Ever for Both Artists

Forty-five years after launching one of heavy metal's most influential careers, Loudness is getting ready to release another album.

The legendary Japanese metal band has confirmed that it plans to record a new studio album later this year as part of its ongoing 45th anniversary celebration. The follow-up to 2021's Sunburst is already well underway, with guitarist Akira Takasaki having amassed dozens of ideas for the project.

Speaking at Finland's Tuska festival, frontman Minoru Niihara revealed just how much material the band already has to work with.

"[Akira] wants to make a new album for 45th-anniversary something," Niihara said in an interview. "He's got ideas, 30 songs already. And then he will make more. Yeah, we will [record] maybe 10 songs from 30 songs. But [it will be released] pretty soon. Maybe end of this year."

Formed in 1981 by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, Loudness quickly emerged as one of Japan's first heavy metal bands to achieve significant international success. Alongside vocalist Minoru Niihara and bassist Masayoshi Yamashita, the group helped introduce Japanese metal to audiences around the world with albums such as Thunder in the East, Lightning Strikes and Hurricane Eyes.

During the mid-1980s, Loudness became one of the few Japanese rock bands to break into the American mainstream, touring extensively and earning airplay on MTV with songs including "Crazy Nights." Their technical musicianship, blistering guitar work and melodic songwriting helped pave the way for countless metal acts that followed.

"Creating songs is as natural as playing concerts for rock musicians," Niihara told Sleaze Roxx in 2018."

The upcoming album will be the band's first studio effort since Sunburst, a 16-song double album that celebrated the group's long history while showcasing that its signature blend of melody and power remained firmly intact.

Loudness officially launched its 45th anniversary celebration in late 2025 and has continued commemorating the milestone with international touring and festival appearances. The announcement of another studio album demonstrates that the celebration isn't simply about looking back, it's also about creating new music for longtime fans.

"There are musicians who create one new band after another, but I wanted to stick with one band," Takasaki said in a 2022 interview. "Maybe I'm clumsy in a way. But that's the way I live my life."

More than four decades after helping put Japanese heavy metal on the global map, Loudness shows no signs of slowing down. With dozens of songs already written and a new album on the horizon, the pioneering band is proving that its next chapter may be just as exciting as the first.

Related: '90s Rocker Announces New Album 37 Years After Beginning Career

Punk rock history would not sound quite the same without Terry Chimes.

The drummer and founding member of The Clash turns 70 on July 5, marking another milestone for a musician whose work helped shape one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s.

Chimes was part of The Clash's original lineup, joining Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Keith Levene as the group began taking form in London in 1976. Though his time with the band came in multiple stretches, his place in its story was established early.

He played drums on the band's 1977 self-titled debut album, which helped introduce The Clash's raw, urgent sound to a wider audience. On the album, Chimes was credited under the name Tory Crimes, a play on his own name that was fitting for the band's early punk-focused image.

The Clash quickly became one of the defining bands of the punk era, known for combining rock, reggae, ska, dub and social commentary into a sound that stretched far beyond one scene. While later albums brought the group even more attention, the band's first record remains a key part of its legacy.

Chimes later returned to The Clash in the early 1980s, joining the band again after Topper Headon's departure. His second major run with the group included touring during the Combat Rock era, when The Clash reached a massive international audience.

Outside of The Clash, Chimes also built a multifaceted rock career. He played with Generation X, Hanoi Rocks, The Cherry Bombz and Black Sabbath, showing a range that extended well beyond the punk movement he helped launch.

However, after years of playing with major rock acts, Chimes eventually found that the success came with a lifestyle he no longer wanted.

Speaking on The Chris Moyles Show, he said that "after 15 years of that," he "kind of had enough of being on the road and traveling and all the craziness." He also joked that the music business was "full of crazy people," while his own health-focused lifestyle made chiropractic work feel like a better fit.

In 2003, Chimes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Clash, solidifying his place in rock history alongside the band he helped form.

Though he eventually stepped away from the music industry and pursued a career in chiropractic care, Chimes' impact remains tied to one of the most important groups of the 1970s. As he turns 70, his work with The Clash continues to stand as part of the sound that changed rock music for generations.

Related: '80s Glam Metal Icon and Lead Singer of Beloved Supergroup Turns 70

Some songs become so synonymous with an artist that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else performing them. Garth Brooks’ “The Thunder Rolls” is one of those songs. But the truth is that the controversial country classic that became one of his biggest hits was originally intended for another country superstar entirely.

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As it turns out, Brooks’ landmark second album,No Fences, wasn’t the song’s original destination. The song was first recorded by Tanya Tucker in 1989, after being written by Brooks, then a struggling artist, and Pat Alger, the Nashville songwriting legend behind Hal Ketchum’s “Small Town Saturday Night” and Kathy Mattea’s “She Came From Fort Worth.”

According to Songfacts, Tucker’s rendition remained unreleased for several years before finally appearing on her 1995 boxed set. Meanwhile, Brooks was riding high off his 1989 self-titled debut and its hit single, “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),” and asked for the song back.

“She obliged,” the outlet shared, and “Garth recorded it for his second album, No Fences, which went on to sell about 18 million copies.”

While working on a song for Kathy Mattea, Alger said Brooks came up with the idea for “The Thunder Rolls.”

“There's a line about thunder rolling in the song,” Alger said, via Songfacts. “Garth had been listening to that song … and said, ‘What if we write a song about somebody who’s cheating on his wife, and every time he does it, the thunder rolls.’ And I kind of laughed. I thought it was kind of a joke.”

As the two got deeper into the verses, however, the song became “less of a joke and more of a cool thing.”  

“When we wrote it, I really did think it was kind of different. And, of course, we were trying to pitch that song immediately. We were trying to get Reba McEntire and Tanya Tucker to record that.”

Brooks’ experience writing the song is a little different. Paying tribute to Alger when he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010, the country star told a story about how he was throwing a ball against the wall to get the creative juices flowing, with Alger ready “to kill” him.

“Alger's sitting there, about ready to kill me, coming up with all these wonderful lines, thousands of 'em that you never use,” he said. “It's the first time I've ever been in a record label. I was scared to death. Pat was kind of like my mentor/buddy--who was scared to death, too, if the truth be known.”

Needless to say, the song was a smash multi-chart hit. Released in April 1991, “The Thunder Rolls” became Brooks’ sixth No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart that summer. It also helped propel its parent album to No. 1 on the country album survey, where it reigned for 41 weeks. Brooks and Alger also received credit for topping the Hard Rock Songwriters chart when State of Mine’s cover featuring No Resolve hit No. 1 in 2021.

The track’s music video starring a soaked Brooks was another commercial and critical success. Although both CMT and TNNrefused to air the video because of its domestic-violence ending, it won the CMA Award for Music Video of the Year in 1991.

Fans of Brooks are keen on the song’s secretly omitted verse. The song itself is a ballad about a cheating husband whose wife is “pacin’ by the telephone in her faded flannel gown” before getting a whiff of “a strange perfume” on her man that confirms her fears that he’s been unfaithful.

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Garth Brooks - The Thunder Rolls #countrytiktok #countrymusicland #foryoupage #countrymusic #garthbrooks

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The omitted verse shares that she “Reaches for the pistol kept in the dresser drawer / Tells the lady in the mirror he won’t do this again / ‘Cause tonight will be the last time she’ll wonder where he’s been.” That verse was included in Tucker’s original, as well as on Brooks’ Double Live album from 1998 and in just about every show he does live.

What was once considered too dark for country music has since become an essential part of the song’s legacy. And in the end, “The Thunder Rolls,” one of Brooks’ most enduring hits, found the stage it was ultimately meant for.

Related: 1982 Rock Anthem Everyone Knows Was Created by a Music Legend Few Can Name

After doomscrolling on social media (usually not the best idea to begin with), it can be hard to walk through the personal care aisle at your local grocery store or pharmacy. Is there anything on the shelves that doesn't raise cancer risk? Can we feel good in our skin without fearing that we will develop the disease?

The answer is yes, but it's still important to have the correct information so that you can make confident choices based on facts, not fear. Social media isn't usually the world's greatest hub for nuanced, accurate health advice.

"With the abundance of information across social media and the entire internet, real scientific evidence can be diluted across the multitudes of opinion and misinformation," Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, an academic hematologist/oncologist and epidemiologist in Dallas, tells Parade. 

Importantly, there's only so much you can do to lower your cancer risk, but knowing what you have agency over can help you feel more empowered.

"Simply put, there are some things we can control and some things we cannot," Dr. Khan says. "Modifiable risk factors for cancer include avoiding tobacco, alcohol, industrial and agricultural chemicals, as well as ionizing radiation, while optimizing diet and exercise."

He adds that while we can't control our age, genetics, race, ethnicity or past exposures, we can control some of our future exposures, including ones that may be lurking in our bathrooms. Oncologists share the one bathroom product they're begging people to throw out, plus healthier alternatives to try.

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The One Item in Your Bathroom Cabinet Oncologists Are Begging You To Throw Out

Three oncologists agree that it's worth ditching talc-based powders, noting they're linked to cancer risk, especially if they're contaminated with asbestos. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of magnesium, silicon and oxygen.

"It has been used for decades in products such as baby powder, body powder and deodorizing powders because it absorbs moisture, reduces friction and creates a smooth texture," Dr. Sudarsan Kollimuttathuillam, MD, a medical oncologist at City of Hope Orange County, tells Parade.

He adds that talc-based powders are also sometimes in face powders, blushes and eye shadows. The World Health Organization assessed talc as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2024.

"That doesn't mean talc has been proven to cause cancer in everyone who uses it, but it does mean there is enough evidence for experts to continue studying the potential risks," Dr. Kollimuttathuillam clarifies.

The issue isn't necessarily with the talc itself, but rather how (and where) it's mined.

"The primary controversy surrounding these powders stems from the fact that talc deposits can be naturally contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, because the two minerals are often mined in close proximity," explains Dr. Ami Vaidya, MD, the co-chief of the division of gynecologic oncology at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center.

The contamination risk—and even labeling rules and regulations—can make it tricky to pick products. Dr. Khan reports that there's "no known safe dose" for talc-based powders. "Cosmetic-grade talc is supposed to be asbestos-free, but contamination has been documented, and the presence of any asbestos raises concern," he says.

Related: Oncologists Are Begging People To Stop Doing This One Thing in the Shower

What Can Happen to Your Body When You Use Talc-Based Powders?

Oncologists' biggest concern with talc-based powders is that talc, the soft mineral, is often contaminated with asbestos because the two are frequently mined near one another. Dr. Vaidya points out that asbestos is a known carcinogen.

"When inhaled, these asbestos-contaminated particles can lodge in the lungs and cause inflammation that leads to mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer for which the link is very strong," Dr. Vaidya says.

Dr. Vaidya adds that there's also a major concern about the potential link between asbestos, including in talc-based powders, and ovarian cancer.

"It is theorized that particles from long-term genital application travel to the ovaries and cause inflammation, though the scientific evidence for this connection remains debated," Dr. Vaidya notes.

Dr. Vaidya notes there are also less conclusive links between lung cancer (mostly in talc miners) and endometrial cancer. Still, she points out that the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies asbestos-contaminated talc as "carcinogenic to humans" and the genital use of talc as "possibly carcinogenic to humans."

It also sounds pretty scary, especially if you've been using talc-based powders for years.

"If you have been using talc-based powder, you are not alone, as these were popular for decades," Dr. Khan says. "What is done is done, and previous exposures cannot be undone, but future exposures can be avoided. So if you are still using talc-based powder, it may be worthwhile to reconsider."

Related: Oncologists Are Begging Women To Ditch This Common Hair Product

Alternatives To Talc-Based Powders

You can't go back in time and change previous use of talc-based powders, but you can control what you use on your body moving forward. Dr. Vaidya shares a few alternatives to talc-based powders that do not seem to pose a cancer risk.

• Cornstarch. This fine powder is made from corn kernel endosperm. Dr. Vaidya says it's easy to find in stores, absorbent and inexpensive. "It's the most common and direct substitute for talc in both commercial baby powders and body powders for adults. It effectively keeps skin dry and helps prevent chafing," she notes.

• Arrowroot powder. Light, fine and soft, this plant-based powder is loved for its absorbency and gentleness. "Many natural and organic brands prefer arrowroot powder because it's perceived as a more 'natural' or premium ingredient than cornstarch," he says. "It also has a silky, smooth texture."
• Rice starch/powder. As the name implies, this fine powder is made from finely milled rice and has been favored for centuries in Asian beauty routines. "It is excellent at absorbing oil and moisture, which is why it's often found in finishing powders for makeup," Dr. Vaidya says. "It leaves a smooth, matte finish on the skin."

Up Next:

Related: Oncologists Are Begging People To Throw Out This Common Laundry Product

Sources:

• Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, an academic hematologist/oncologist and epidemiologist in Dallas
• Dr. Ami Vaidya, MD, the co-chief of the division of gynecologic oncology at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center
• Dr. Sudarsan Kollimuttathuillam, MD, a medical oncologist at City of Hope Orange County
• Volume 136: Talc and acrylonitrile. International Agency for Research on Cancer.
• Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Mesothelioma. American Cancer Society.
• IARC Monographs evaluate the carcinogenicity of talc and acrylonitrile. IARC Monographs Volume 136.
• Carcinogenicity of talc and acrylonitrile. Lancet Oncology.
• Talcum Powder and Cancer. American Cancer Society.
  

Donna Kelce is sharing her thoughts on her son Travis Kelce's wedding to Taylor Swift.

In a conversation with Macy's, shared on Instagram on July 5, Donna opened up about the pair's New York City nuptials, which were held at Madison Square Garden on July 3.

"I really can't say a heck of a lot except it was magical, man, magical," the Kansas City Chiefs tight end's mom revealed.

Though Donna has been tight-lipped about the wedding and has shared little information about the enchanting affair, family was a focal point for the couple, whose guest list included 1,000 attendees.

Opting to forgo the traditional bridal party, Taylor had her brother, Austin Swift, serve as her man of honor, while Travis had his older brother,Jason Kelce, as his best man.

View this post on Instagram

The pair's families have been supportive of the couple since Taylor and Travis began dating in the summer of 2023, with Austin spending time with Travis and even attending his bachelor party, and Taylor appearing on Travis and Jason's New Heights podcast.

Shortly after coupling up, Donna was quick to gush over her son's relationship with Taylor, telling The Wall Street Journalin November of that year that it was the happiest she'd seen him in a long time.

"I can tell you this," Donna told the outlet. "He's happier than I've seen him in a long time… God bless him. He shot for the stars!"

Taylor's mom, Andrea Swift, also gave her stamp of approval, as seen in The End of an Era docuseries last year, in which she took some credit for getting the pair together.

"Travis Kelce, he brings a lot of happiness," Andrea recalled in the docuseries.

She continued, "I thought it was the sweetest thing in the world that he came to your show," Andrea recalled in the docuseries. "He brought you something from your world. To me, that really said a lot."

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce went to extraordinary lengths to keep their July 3 wedding private, leaving fans with very few firsthand details about the celebration. That's why one guest's heartfelt description of the couple's big day has struck such a chord online.

Best-selling American author Glennon Doyle and wife Abby Wambach were among the 1,000+ guests at Madison Square Garden. On July 5, the couple shared a joint post with a special message for the bride and groom.

"Taylor and Travis, Before Abby and I fell asleep that magical night, the last thing we discussed was our hope for you," Doyle captioned the post. "We hope that you feel so surrounded by concentric circles of love and support from your family, friends and global admirers that you enter your new marriage era knowing this: You’re not on your own, kids. You never will be. We love you, Abby and Glennon (Your Retired English teacher and PE teacher)."

View this post on Instagram

In the comments section of the post, someone asked if the wedding was "fabulous"—and Doyle actually replied.

"Yes. And tender. And somehow so big yet so… small," Doyle said. "Intentional, real. So much joy. And I can say without hyperbole that I’ve never witnessed a happier bride or groom."

Fans absolutely loved the first-hand account of the biggest wedding of the year and could barely contain their excitement.

"I LOVE this. And hope the same for them. And also saw y’all’s pic somewhere when you were otw in and thought OMGEEEE THEY LOOK INCREDIBLE," one person commented.

"Ahhh this makes me so so happy to hear! We have Swifties and chiefs fans at our house and have absolutely loved watching this real life rom com. So very happy for both of them, they deserve one another and are such a good match," someone else said.

READ NEXT: Former Taylor Swift Collaborator Breaks Silence on ‘Leaked’ Wedding Photos

Keeping all of your Lego pieces organized can definitely be a feat, but it is not impossible with the right organizational solutions. Take, for example, this new 5-compartment organizer available at none other than Aldi. It is a game changer for Lego lovers (and you can snag it right now).

From the in-house Aldi brand Kirkton House, its Building Blocks Storage Box is pretty much made for Lego storage. It's available in four different lid colors including white, blue, red or yellow. Each container measures 15.9 inches by 11.6 inches by 7.28 inches.

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Kirkton House Blue Building Blocks Storage Box, $12.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Each Building Blocks Storage Box comes with a generously sized clear plastic container where you can loosely store Lego pieces. The big draw of this storage box, however, is its five-compartment tray insert. Here, you can divide up your favorite pieces to make them a breeze to locate. From organizing your Lego pieces by size or color in each section, you can keep things easy to navigate. And if you want more enhanced organization, you could even use a label maker to mark each section accordingly. It's totally up to you.

Related: Aldi Finally Stocked This Cult-Favorite Cut of Meat Again—but Shoppers Will Want to Act Fast

Another cool feature of this Lego box organizer is its lid. When it is not securely placed on the box and keeping everything contained, you can flip the lid over and use it as a building plate. How cool.

This new Kirkton House Building Blocks Storage Box is available at select Aldi stores now as part of the Germany grocery store chain's current rotation of Aldi Finds, product that come and go every single week on Wednesdays. These specials are limited edition and only available while supplies last. Make sure to hit up your local Aldi ASAP if you are interested in grabbing one of these Lego organizers; these are sure to fly off the shelves quickly.

If you are interested in other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out this beautiful 5-piece cookware set with a genius space-saving secret, this retro-inspired 268-piece Lego set that is perfect for vintage video game lovers or this cute coir summer doormat that adds a pop of vibrancy to your front porch.

Related: Aldi Is Expanding Again: Is a New Store Opening Near You?

For some, it's hard to choose which MJ hit is their favorite off his iconic Thriller album.

"Beat It" might be the one for certain fans. After all, it was so popular that "Weird Al" Yankovic even honored the track with his hilarious parody number, "Eat It."

And following the recent success of the biopic Michael, the singer's Grammy-winning LP from 1982 is continuing to see success on the music charts — especially since the movie about Michael Jackson's rise to fame is now available to watch at home.

"Beat It" in particular just hit a remarkable new milestone, Forbes reports, climbing from No. 5 to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart for the first time. It's one of six tracks by the "King of Pop" that can be found on the U.S. survey this week, with hits like "Billie Jean" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" also featured.

Jackson first appeared on the Hot R&B Songs chart in May 2014, several years after the list was introduced by Billboard, Forbes also noted on Saturday, July 4. Since then, he has landed 14 appearances.

Looking back at 2026 thus far, Jackson is clearly having an extraordinary year. “Billie Jean,” meanwhile, recently accomplished two firsts: making it to No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Charts and reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales Chart. Arguably Jackson's most popular song, it first appeared on the R&B Digital Song Sales Chart in 2013, entering at No. 25. Since then, it’s gotten closer to the top, but was repeatedly blocked by other artists.

And then there's the late singer's sister, Janet Jackson — who recently made headlines when she stole the spotlight at the 2026 BET Awards. Her appearance was a tribute that was both subtle and undeniable. She arrived in a look that was a reinterpretation of one of Michael’s most defining eras: “Smooth Criminal.” The ensemble was a combination of their shared artistic DNA. Find out more here.

Kate Middleton is sharing a rare look at a special family moment.

In a post shared to Instagram on Sunday, the Princess of Wales shared some shots from the National Three Peaks Challenge, which she completed last month in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The carousel of new photos shows Kate joined and supported by her husband, Prince William, and their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, all of whom were by her side after she completed the 23-mile trek.

"This time last week, completing the National Three Peaks Challenge," Kate captioned her post. "A huge thank you to everybody who has supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity."

The first photo shows Kate, dressed in athletic wear, hugging William, 44, while a follow-up image shows the princess with her three kids. The third and fourth images feature more interactions between Kate, William, and their children, with a fifth photo showing Kate bonding with her daughter Charlotte. In the background, the couple's youngest, Louis, can be seen playing with a dog, while another shot shows the mother of three placing a hand on her eldest child with a warm smile.

The photos mark a rare glimpse into Kate's family life and show just how much the couple's children are growing, with George, now a pre-teen, appearing to tower over his mother.

Other photos also show the Princess of Wales' extended family in attendance for the speical moment, with Kate, William, and their three children posing with Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother, James Middleton.

View this post on Instagram

Kate's participation in the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which, per its website, helps fund research initiatives to benefit cancer patients during and after treatment, comes after her own battle with cancer.

The princess announced in March 2024 that she was stepping away from the public eye to undergo treatment for cancer. Six months later, Kate shared that she had completed chemotherapy and revealed that she was in remission in January 2025 — making her work with the charity all the more personal.

Kate shared an emotional message on the charity's website about participating in the challenge, which involved climbing the highest summits in Scotland, England, and Wales—Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon, respectively — within 24 hours.

View this post on Instagram

"I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour, but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back," Kate's message read.

"The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life-changing for so many people," she added. "Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness of the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare."

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tied the knot at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 3. Since that day, many fans have been eager to see inside the venue—and to get a look at Mrs. Kelce in her wedding gown. The couple, who started dating in 2023, did their very best to keep the details of their nuptials private, reportedly having guests sign NDAs and putting a strict no cell phone rule in place to ensure that nothing leaked.

However, dozens of purported wedding photos have circulated online in recent days, many of them appearing to be AI-generated. On Saturday, July 4, Swift's onetime music video director, Joseph Kahn, spoke up about the pictures that have popped up on social media.

"Every picture I've seen of the wedding is fake. Trust me, AI would break if you tried to prompt it," Kahn wrote on X. He did not specify whether he was referring only to images circulating on social media or also to photos published by the Daily Mail.

At the time of this writing, neither Taylor nor Travis had released any official wedding photos. There are a few details that have been confirmed, however, including that the bride and groom both wore custom Dior and that actor and comedian Adam Sandler officiated the wedding.

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Kahn, who directed several of Taylor's music videos across her 1989 and Reputation album eras, appears to be the first wedding guest who has addressed the "leaked" wedding photos thus far.

However, Travis' mom, Donna Kelce, commented on the wedding while celebrating America's 250th birthday with Macy's in New York City on July 4.

"I really can't say a heck of a lot except it was magical, man, magical," she said.

READ NEXT: A Country Music Farewell Tour Is Having an Unexpected Impact Beyond the Stage

There are videos all over Instagram that show how relieved people are when their friends cancel plans, oftentimes putting on pajamas and chilling on the couch within seconds of receiving the text. It’s something that we commonly experience in society these days—in fact, as a 2109 UK YouGov survey found, almost a third of people fairly often feel relieved when someone calls off plans. 

People have a range of reasons for feeling relieved when plans change. First of all, as Dr. Anne Welsh, a licensed psychologist and certified executive coach (PCC), says, discarded plans give us back time—and more often than not, we do not have enough time.

“When it’s canceled, it can give a sense of freedom,” she tells Parade. 

Secondly, canceled plans can help us feel a sense of autonomy, since Dr. Welsh says that “we now have a choice over what we do with that time.”

You might also feel relieved that it wasn’t you who pulled out.

“We get to avoid any sense of guilt or disappointing others,” she states. 

And it’s not just introverts who feel relieved when plans are called off. Dr. Welsh says that extroverts can experience this feeling, too. 

“Anyone can have that relief as a reflection of stress, burnout, decision fatigue, caregiving demands, overstimulation, social anxiety or a lack of downtime,” she notes. 

So, whether you're a social butterfly or more of a wallflower, here are nine common traits people might have if they feel relief when plans get canceled (even if you made them).

Related: 9 Subtle Signs of ‘Analysis Paralysis,’ According to a Harvard University Fellow

Why Do We Make Plans if We Feel Happy When They’re Canceled?

OK, so you’ve made the plans—a coffee with a friend, a double-date at the movies, etc.—and they end up canceling. And you feel good about it. Why is this?

“We make plans based on the energy we hope we will have, or have in one moment, only to find that we are more drained when the time comes,” Dr. Welsh explains.

Also, “our plans reflect our values," she adds. "We want to invest in our friendships, celebrate people we love, see that concert or movie or spend time outside. The plan might not have been a mistake, but we are also tired.”

Or maybe you made the plans out of good, old-fashioned people-pleasing. 

“The plan may not have been reflective of our values and might have been a people-pleasing ‘yes,’” the psychologist says. “Now, we get out of disappointing someone.”

Related: Psychologists Say People Who Have ‘Absolutely No Filter’ Likely Have These 7 Traits

9 Traits of People Who Feel Relief When Plans Get Canceled, According to a Psychologist1. Highly conscientious 

One trait that connects with relief over canceled plans is a high level of conscientiousness. 

“They take their responsibilities seriously, follow through and often try to do things well rather than simply get them done,” Dr. Welsh explains. “For them, social plans can become pressure to do them ‘right,’ and therefore, it can cause some anxiety. The relief comes from not having to perform.”

2. People-pleasing

You might simply be a people-pleaser, “attuned to what other people need,” as Dr. Welsh puts it, if you feel alleviation when plans get called off.

“[You] may have difficulty disappointing someone or saying no,” she says.

As a result, she says that the canceled plans can give you the chance to avoid setting a boundary or disappointing someone to get rest.

3. Carrying a heavy mental load

Dr. Welsh says that you might feel weighed down with tracking appointments, work deadlines, groceries, school forms, family logistics and the emotional needs of the people around you. 

“For [you], the canceled plan is one less thing to remember, coordinate, prepare for and recover from,” she points out.

4. Excitable

You may have been excited at the time to make the plans and answered with an enthusiastic “yes,” but you might have underestimated the time and energy that those plans will require. Or, Dr. Welsh says that you may have overcommitted your calendar. 

“When one plan disappears, they finally get the margin their schedule needed all along,” she shares. 

5. Overwhelmed

“Some people need time to move from one headspace to another (i.e., work to happy hour, or home with the kids to out with friends) and that takes energy,” Dr. Welsh says. “Canceled plans allow them not to ‘set shift’ in this way.”

6. Overstimulated

You also might be sensitive to overstimulation. Dr. Welsh explains.

“Maybe they love the people they are seeing, but not the noise, crowds, conversation, travel or other sensory input," she states. "Canceling plans reduces that sensory and social input. What they feel may be nervous-system relief rather than a lack of interest in other people.”

7. Independent

You just might be protective of your autonomy. You might agree to plans, but as Dr. Welsh says, you might not enjoy the sensation of not having a choice. Instead, the plans become an obligation. 

“When plans get canceled, it feels restorative because it returns a sense of agency,” she shares. “They no longer have to be anywhere or perform any particular role.”

8. Experience anticipatory anxiety

Sometimes, you may legitimately enjoy outings, but Dr. Welsh says that you might have social anxiety or other anxiety that causes worry ahead of time. 

“[You] spend a lot of time in that headspace and the cancellation relieves it,” she notes. 

9. Dependable

“They are often the dependable person in their relationships, or the group ‘mom’,” Dr. Welsh says of people who feel relief when plans get canceled. “They make the plans or organize them, and the relief is permission to stop taking care of others and possibly focus on themselves.” 

Related: Psychologists Reveal That People Who Let Others Go Ahead of Them in Line Share These 7 Unique Traits

When Feeling Thankful Over Canceled Plans May Signal More

If feeling relieved about canceled plans becomes the norm instead of the exception, and every invitation feels like a burden even with people or activities you “usually enjoy,” as Dr. Welsh says, there may be something bigger to address.

She also shares that if you experience persistent exhaustion, dread, irritability, difficulty recovering after normal activities or feeling as though any additional request will push you over the edge, you shouldn't ignore that.

“Avoidance can become self-reinforcing,” she states. “Canceling may reduce anxiety in the moment, but if someone increasingly withdraws from supportive relationships or experiences significant distress around ordinary social plans, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional.”

Ultimately, though, don’t feel bad if you feel thankful that plans got canceled. Dr. Welsh puts it like this: “Relief is information—not a moral failing.”

“It does not automatically mean you are flaky, antisocial or a bad friend,” she explains. “So instead of judging the feeling, get curious about it. Were you relieved to avoid the person, the logistics, the noise, the travel, the pressure to perform or simply one more obligation? This can be a really helpful way to assess whether it’s a one-time thing or a pattern to pay more attention to. From there, you can figure out what needs to change and where you might need more space.” 

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says if You Make Pros-and-Cons Lists for Everything, You Likely Have These 8 Traits

Sources:

• Dr. Anne Welsh is a licensed psychologist and a certified executive coach (PCC).
• YouGov (United Kingdom): “When a friend cancels plans, how often do you feel relieved?”

Ice cream is the ultimate summer treat, but regularly kicking back with a bowl isn't great for your health. Some ice creams deliver 400 calories or more per serving, which can add up fast. But there's a solid crew of low-calorie ice creams to choose from if you want to enjoy this sweet treat with less of an impact on your waistline.

There's no exact definition of what makes an ice cream "low-calorie," but it generally means the treat has 200 calories or less per serving. Luckily, there are a lot of different ice creams and ice cream-adjacent treats that fall into this category. Some explicitly call themselves "low-calorie," while others quietly fly under the radar. That's why it's so important to read the nutrition labels if calories are a concern for you.

I'm a diehard ice cream fan of all types and flavors, and I even make my own sometimes. While I love the idea of low-calorie ice creams, I was doubtful that these versions could be as good as their full-calorie counterparts. I was shocked (and thrilled!) to learn I was wrong.

Because low-calorie anything has the potential to taste horrible, I noshed my way through some of the most common and highly recommended options out there. I even found a new favorite! Here's what I discovered along the way.

Related: I Tried 11 Popular Chocolate Ice Cream Brands, and the Winner Was Rich, Creamy and Pretty Much Perfect

How I Chose the Low-Calorie Ice Creams

To choose the best low-calorie ice creams, I polled friends and pored over message boards and social media to see which of these treats got people talking. From there, I cross-referenced nutrition labels to make sure these desserts were, in fact, low-calorie. (All ice creams tested were 200 calories or less per serving, and some were significantly less than that.)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that products contain 10% milk fat to qualify as ice cream, which means most low-calorie treats won't qualify. As a result, I used the term "ice cream" loosely to define treats that look and taste like ice cream. These included frozen yogurts, non-dairy treats and products labeled as "frozen dairy desserts."

Related: I Tried 6 Fast Food Vanilla Ice Creams and the Winner Was Abundantly Clear

Courtesy Korin Miller

How I Tested the Low-Calorie Ice Creams

I tested each ice cream using a range of factors. Taste was crucial. These products don't need to just taste good, they should have a flavor that's consistent with what the label claims. I also looked for any aftertastes and noted them when they surfaced.

Texture also mattered, with products that had a creamy texture ranking higher than those with an icy or chunky consistency. Naturally, calorie counts were considered, too. Each dessert was sampled one at a time, and then compared head-to-head. Because kids have some of the most discerning palates when it comes to eating ice cream, I also recruited my four young children and some of their friends for feedback on each.

Related: I Ranked 14 Ice Creams From Aldi From Worst to Best—and the Winner Won by a Landslide

Parade

10 Low-Calorie Ice Creams, Tested and Ranked From Worst To Best

I was surprised to learn that no low-calorie ice creams used in testing were terrible, although some were better than others. I would happily eat most of these again. Here's what I learned while diving into these desserts.

10. Nick's Cookies & Cream

Courtesy Korin Miller

Nick's is a big name in the low-calorie ice cream world, and with good reason: It produces some really low-cal options. The brand's Cookies & Cream flavor has just 330 calories per pint and 110 calories per serving.

I didn't hate this ice cream, but I didn't love it, either. It's not nearly as creamy as the others on this list, and the flavor was unique. It had an essence of cookies and cream, but didn't taste like the real thing. It also had an aftertaste that lingered.

Because Nick's has such a big fan base, I'll definitely try out the brand again—I just probably wouldn't reach for this flavor.

Related: 15 Healthiest Fast Food Desserts, According to Registered Dietitians

9. Turkey Hill No Sugar Added Vanilla Bean

Courtesy Korin Miller

Turkey Hill's No Sugar Added Vanilla Bean ice cream has a mere 100 calories per serving. It's also fat-free and has no added sugar. Turkey Hill did a great job with the consistency with this, but the flavor was off. It tasted more like tapioca pudding than vanilla and had a fake sweetener flavor that lingered. It wasn't bad—it just wasn't my favorite.

8. So Delicious Dairy Free Sandwiches

Courtesy Korin Miller

So Delicious Dairy Free Sandwiches are the only non-dairy option on the list, and they're 100 calories a pop. The ice cream inside is made with coconut milk, and it has a nice, creamy texture. The chocolate sandwich layers were also perfectly gooey and tasty.

The only downside of this ice cream sandwich is that it has a strong coconut flavor. If you prefer your ice cream sandwiches to taste like vanilla, this isn't for you. But if you like the taste of Almond Joy in an ice cream version and can't tolerate dairy, this is a solid choice.

7. Yasso Coffee Chocolate Chip

Courtesy Korin Miller

Sure, Yasso is technically a frozen Greek yogurt. But it's sold in the ice cream aisle and mimics the look and feel of ice cream. The brand's Coffee Chocolate Chip flavor is 150 calories per serving, too. This treat looks a little icy from the start, but give it a minute to warm up—it has an ice cream-like consistency after that.

The coffee flavor is strong and tasty, and there were plenty of chocolate chunks throughout. There is a slight aftertaste, but it was nothing I couldn't live with. Even my kids, who are not coffee drinkers, enjoyed this one.

6. Breyer's Snickers

Courtesy Korin Miller

Breyer's has a few of those hidden low-calorie ice creams I mentioned earlier, including its Snickers flavor. This treat has a vanilla base with Snickers chunks mixed in, creating a nice texture on your tongue. It's really creamy and has a good blend of vanilla, chocolate, caramel and nuts.

There aren't a ton of Snickers pieces in the mix, but that's probably how Breyer's keeps the calorie count down. Snickers fans will love this—it went fast in my home.

5. Protein Pints Strawberry

Courtesy Korin Miller

The big sell with Protein Pints is its protein content—you'll get 10 grams of the macronutrient per serving. But the Strawberry flavor is also low-calorie at only 120 calories per serving.

Protein Pints needs to warm up a little before scooping to give you a creamier consistency. The flavor leans a little toward frozen yogurt, but it's still highly tasty. The flavor, lower calorie content and higher amount of protein helped this rank higher on the list.

4. Blue Bunny Soft Chocolate

Courtesy Korin Miller

This option is another sleeper hit. Blue Bunny doesn't advertise its Soft Chocolate ice cream as a low-calorie choice, but it has 180 calories per serving. This ice cream is ready to scoop as soon as you open it, with a creamy consistency that's similar to soft ice cream.

It tastes identical to regular ice cream and has a light feel on your tongue that's perfect for hot days. The chocolate is also spot-on. I kept eating this one.

3. Breyer's Chocolate Truffle 

Courtesy Korin Miller

Breyer's Chocolate Truffle flavor pushes the limits of low-calorie ice cream. But it still qualifies and is so delicious that it's worth a solid look. This treat is the creamiest one I tried, with a rich chocolate flavor that's unforgettable.

The ice cream has chocolate truffle chunks sprinkled throughout, creating a nice mix of textures on your tongue. It scoops well, too, making it an excellent choice for sundaes and cones.

2. Halo Top Sea Salt Caramel

Courtesy Korin Miller

Halo Top first debuted nearly 15 years ago, and the brand has rolled out a range of light ice cream flavors ever since. Its Sea Salt Caramel has 130 calories per serving and a nice, creamy texture that feels like regular calorie ice cream. The taste is perfectly caramel-y with a slight butterscotch aftertaste. The flavor is robust and satisfying, too. It's a great choice when you're craving something sweet.

1. The Skinny Cow Chocolate & Vanilla Double Trouble

Courtesy Korin Miller

The Skinny Cow is not messing around with these ice cream sandwiches. They're 100 calories each and taste identical to their full-calorie counterparts. I had trouble keeping these in my house—everybody wanted to eat them. The sandwich layers are chewy and chocolatey, while the ice cream inside is really creamy.

While some ice cream sandwiches will give you a smaller serving to try to skimp on calories, these are a good size. You can savor one of these beauties and walk away feeling like you just ate something special.

Up Next:

Related: The 18 Best Types of Donuts, According to the Chef-Owner of a Fan-Favorite Brooklyn Donut Shop

Mark Hamill is an indisputable Hollywood legend. The actor became a 1970’s and ‘80s icon as Star Wars’ Luke Skywalker. But now it looks like another icon doesn’t really appreciate his status. 

It’s no secret that Taylor Swiftmarried Travis Kelce on July 3rd at Madison Square Garden in New York City, surrounded by 1,000 or so of her closest friends and family. The star-studded guest list included Jennifer Lopez,Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Selena Gomez, Emma Stone, Jessica Alba, Ed Sheeran, Eric Stonestreet, Joey King, Millie Bobby Brown, Ethan Hawke, Dakota Johnson, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Rudd, Maren Morris, Phoebe Dynevor, Adam Scott, Karlie Kloss, Camilla Cabello, Kelsea Ballerini,Ice Spice, Fergie, Miranda Lambert, Nikki Glaser, and so many more. 

Even though it might seem like T and T’s guest list was infinite, there’s one notable absence. Okay, a few. As we now know, Mark Hamill is one Hollywood heavyweight who didn’t attend the NYC nuptials. 

The Star Wars actor took to Instagram on July 5, posting a pic of Swift and Kelce in a sweet nose-to-nose embrace along with the caption, “Congratulations to the newlyweds! I declined to attend the wedding for a variety of personal reasons, but mainly because I wasn’t invited.” 

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Of course, Hamill’s fans had plenty to say about the oversight. One commenter comically commiserated, “Weird coincidence same here,” while another offered, “You are welcome to Thanksgiving at our house this year!”

Another savvy supporter touted Hamill’s prior wedding experience: “But you officiated Sheldon’s wedding so…” And yes, he did. Hamill did indeed make a special guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory’s Season 11 finale to officiate Sheldon and Amy’s wedding. So that does beg the question—was Adam Sandlerreally the way for Taylor and Travis to go? 

But don't worry about Hamill. It looks like he has other offers. The comments kept coming: “Mark, if I ever get married, please accept my wedding invite”, “I’ll get married again if you can come! We love you!” and “I wasn’t invited either, it’s not too big of a deal anyway. If I ever get married, I’ll invite you and the rest of the Star Wars cast and crew.” 

Hamill wasn’t the only celeb whose invite apparently got lost in the mail. Comedian Amy Schumer recently shared a faux photo of herself with Michael Cera (from their Life & Beth wedding) and the caption, “Okay so why weren’t we allowed in?” 

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