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Johnny Cash, the iconic country star, released an unforgettable version of “Hurt” that continues to leave a lasting mark on music.

Originally released by Nine Inch Nails in 1994, the “Man in Black” gave the track a different character, transforming it into a raw, acoustic country-folk rendition that stripped away the original’s industrial rock sound.

According to the iconic singer, he initially hesitated to record the cover despite producer Rick Rubin’s encouragement.

At the time, he was worried that his country-oriented style wouldn’t suit the song’s rock origins.

“When I heard the record, I said: ‘I can’t do that song. It’s not my style’,” Cash mentioned in a 2023 interview as cited by Rolling Stone.

American rock and country singer-songwriter Johnny Cash in 1965.

Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

As for the Nine Inch Nails frontman, he mentioned “feeling weird” hearing the cover but in a good way. 

 “Then I got the recording a little bit later and that felt weird, because that’s my song! That big voice in there, it felt weird,” Trent Reznor recalled during an interview with GQ Magazine. “I remember, I was in the middle of The Fragile when I heard it, [and I thought,] ‘I’m not ready to process what this is right now.”

Ultimately, Cash did not disappoint Rubin or the public as “Hurt,” which was part of his album American IV: The Man Comes Around, became his most famous cover.

The song also achieved a major milestone in his career, earning six nominations at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, including one for the coveted Video of the Year.

In the same year, the song received a standing ovation at the Country Music Association Awards after it posthumously won two awards: Single of the Year and Video of the Year.

Moreover, Cash’s reimagined version of the track was ranked No. 1 on Far Out Magazine’s “10 Most Depressing Rock Songs of All Time,” a ranking that highlights the song's emotional impact and its powerful ability to evoke feelings of sadness and vulnerability in listeners.

@johnnycash

22 years of 'Hurt' and Johnny Cash's voice still echoes through our hearts 🖤. This music video featuring @junecartercash was released in March of 2003.

♬ original sound - Johnny Cash - Johnny Cash

Despite the song’s timeless appeal, the country star’s version did not become a chart-topping hit, peaking at No. 56 on Billboard Hot Country Songs and No. 33 on Modern Rock Tracks.

Interestingly, years after the cover’s release and following Cash’s death, “Hurt” returned to the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 9 on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart in 2016. 

The achievement proved that his rendition had remained timeless and continued to resonate with younger listeners.

Related: 1995 Rock Song, Written by Iconic Supergroup Mad Season, Is Still a Generational Hit 31 Years Later

Fans of The Pitt can expect a November to remember when Season 3 arrives, and according to star Noah Wyle, that's entirely by design.

Speaking on an August 6 episode of LA Times' "The Envelope Podcast," Wyle revealed that the next season of the Emmy-nominated HBO Max medical drama will unfold in November, a departure from the summer setting of Season 2. Rather than simply changing the calendar, he said the move opens the door to an entirely new set of challenges inside Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. 

"It's set in November because it allows us to explore a completely different environment," Wyle explained, noting that colder weather, shorter days and the approach of the holidays naturally bring different medical emergencies — and emotional pressures — for both patients and hospital staff. 

The timing also reflects the show's commitment to realism. Each season of The Pitt follows a single, high-intensity emergency room shift, with every episode representing one hour in real time. Season 3 will jump ahead four months from the July Fourth events of Season 2, placing viewers in the weeks leading up to the holiday season. 

Alexandra Metz, Patrick Ball, Noah Wyle, Gerran Howell, Amielynn Abellera on 'The Pitt.'

Photograph by Warrick Page/HBO Max

Wyle also hinted that the new season will continue Dr. Robby's personal journey, teasing that viewers will finally begin to understand the deeper emotional wounds that have shaped the character long before the events seen in the series. 

As for when fans can return to the ER, HBO Max has not announced an exact premiere date, but the series is expected to return in January 2027, continuing the show's annual release schedule. Production began earlier this summer. 

Things aren’t looking too good for Sam Monroe Jr. The actor, who starred in a string of popular 90s films including Menace II Society and The Players Club, has been on life support in a Los Angeles hospital since April, and his prognosis remains grim.

TMZ reports Monroe Jr. is in a medically induced coma. He was initially hospitalized for a severe case of meningitis, which progressed into MRSA pneumonia. His family says doctors have revealed that any chance of recovery is slim. 

His wife, Shawna Stewart, has kept the public updated on his medical care. She says her husband’s brain continues to swell because ventricles have enlarged; they're not holding the cerebral fluid, which is resulting in seizures. Thus far, he’s undergone three brain surgeries, but nothing is working.

Additionally, Stewart says Monroe Jr.’s left lung has partially collapsed. Doctors are monitoring his brain activity via CT scans, but Stewart says doctors believe Monroe Jr. may end up in a vegetative state. While the family is holding out hope and praying for a miracle, they are forced to make tough decisions, one of which may include taking their beloved family member off life support.

According to The Brain Foundation, A vegetative state is “when a person is awake but showing no signs of awareness, typically occurring when in recovery from a coma.”

Stewart launched a GoFundMe in April. Thus far, nearly $9k of the requested $50k has been raised to assist with his medical bills. The GoFundMe reads, in part: “SAMUEL’s mother Joyce and his wife, Shawna, siblings, and some of SAMUEL‘s good friends have spent months traveling back-and-forth to hospitals, Rehabilitation Center for over more than nine months. In the event of Samuel regains consciousness and is removed from life support. Samuel will require round-the-clock care for a year or more the doctors are saying.”

Monroe Jr., 52, is a Los Angeles native and also had a music career. Other film credits include Set It Off and Tales From the Hood.

Lori Petty is an iconic actress and director who is known for her roles in Point Break, Free Willy, and Orange Is the New Black. She recently spoke with PEOPLE about her time creating the 1992 film A League of Their Own, revealing that the “groundbreaking feminist work” wasn’t easy to make.

“There was vomiting involved because it was super hot,” Petty revealed. “And I’ve got on a wig, a wool hat, wool socks, satin shorts under that heavy costume, and the enormous leather 1940s cleats that had real huge metal things in them. People used to faint all the time on set, and Penny [Marshall] would go, ‘Take off a costume, put it on someone else. Let’s go.’”

Related: Whoopi Goldberg, 70, Revealed This Iconic Movie Role Was Supposed To Go to Bette Midler

Petty explained that when they were playing baseball, they were genuinely playing against local teams in the area. “When I hit my home run, I really hit that damn ball on the high and outside,” she said. “That was my favorite pitch in real life, too. When I hit it, and then I ran those bases perfectly, and with that crane was perfect and then my running... it was perfect. There’s no stutter steps. It was all the inside corner. Come around the thing, bash the hell out of Geena’s double, run over that person. It was great because it was perfect. I loved it.”

Petty also spoke about how many women auditioned for a role in the film. “Marla Maples was at the audition,” she revealed. “There were, I think, Spice Girls at the audition. Women were begging to be more than the wife, or the whore, or the mom. Pick one. I’m like, ‘What about the person who owns a gas station? What about the person who owns the bank in all these movies?’ When you see 40 guys and two girls in the credits, it’s just disheartening and just gross.”

Related: ‘Ted Lasso’ Star, 37, Quietly Marries a Man She Met on the Hit Show

A League of Their Own starred icons like Madonna, Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Rosie O’Donnell, Jon Lovitz, Megan Cavanagh, and many more. The film was nominated for two Golden Globes and an MTV Movie Award. It also inspired the 2022 Amazon Prime series of the same name.

Ella Langley's remarkable 2026 just keeps getting bigger.

The country superstar has earned three of the night's biggest nominations at the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, landing in the Song of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year categories. Winners will be announced Sept. 2 following voting by MusicRow subscribers. The annual awards recognize excellence across Nashville's music industry, honoring artists, songwriters, producers and more.

Related: Ella Langley’s Next Big Hit Is Rapidly Climbing the Charts

The latest recognition follows a career-defining stretch that has seen Langley dominate the charts, collect major awards and cement herself as one of country music's brightest stars.

Langley's sophomore album Dandelion debuted at No. 1 earlier this year and was executive produced by Langley alongside Miranda Lambert and Ben West. The album includes the blockbuster singles "Choosin' Texas" and "Be Her," helping fuel one of the biggest breakout years in recent country music.

"Choosin' Texas" has become one of the defining songs of 2026. Earlier this week, the smash spent a 16th consecutive week atop the Billboard Hot 100, tying for the fourth-longest No. 1 run in the chart's history. The milestone also helped country music accomplish something it had never done before, as country songs swept the entire Hot 100 Top 5 for the first time ever.

The song has continued to shatter records. According to the MusicRow Awards newsletter, "Choosin' Texas" spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, became the longest-running No. 1 by a woman with a country hit on the chart and logged 29 weeks atop Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.

Related: Is This the Next Ella Langley? Country-Pop Sleeper Hit Is Closing In on Langley on Billboard’s Biggest Charts

Earlier this year, Langley also took home seven ACM Awards, including Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year with Riley Green for "Don't Mind If I Do."

This isn't Langley's first time being recognized by MusicRow.

In 2025, she won Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year while tying for Song of the Year. This year's nominations in Song of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year represent another major step forward, reflecting how quickly she has gone from one of country music's most promising newcomers to one of its biggest headliners.

Before moving to Nashville in 2019, Langley honed her craft playing bars and festivals throughout her home state of Alabama. Today, she's headlining her own Dandelion Tour while continuing to add to one of the most remarkable years any country artist has enjoyed in recent memory.

Related: Country Star Breaks a 49-Year-Old Billboard Record With No. 1 Hit Song

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Don't stress if you missed out on Eurosummer, because you can bring the vibe right to your home with the right decor. We've been searching for the best European-style furniture and decor pieces that will upgrade your living area, without having to pay a hefty price tag. Amazon is currently selling the Nearly Natural Tuscan Ceramic Green Vase for 42% off, and it screams Tuscany. 

The vase originally cost $33, but has been reduced to just $19. Over 300 customers have already purchased the pitcher, so you'll want to get your hands on it before it goes out of stock or back to full price. The vase is 4.5 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 10 inches tall, so it can easily work as a centerpiece on your tablescape, entryway table, or wherever you see fit. 

Nearly Natural Tuscan Ceramic Green Vase, $19 (was $33) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The piece is made entirely of ceramic and finished with a glaze, so it can hold water for real flowers, or you can upgrade your space with fake ones for less hassle. The design is the main event anyways, as it features a whimsical green floral pattern with an off-white base. What we really love about this vase is that it has intentional marks of distress, giving it a "vintage" look that will bring character to your space. 

The pitcher is described to be gourd-shaped, with a sculpted handle that allows you to maneuver it easily. If you do use the vase for plants, just note that there aren't drainage holes and it's intended solely for indoor use. Although the accent piece is primarily European-inspired, it will also fit perfectly in cottagecore, farmhouse, and country chic-styled homes. 

Shoppers described the vase as "pretty," "perfect," "beautifully done," "gorgeous," "worth the buy," and "unique," adding that the material is "excellent quality." One customer noted that you can even use it for watering your plants. Since it looks effortlessly "old-fashioned," it will add a "rustic" charm no matter where you place it. 

Shop More Deals 

• Sure Yuesi Ceramic Flower Vase, $32 (was $40) at Amazon
• WallBeyond Gold Vintage Mirror, $95 (was $120) at Amazon
• Bamworld 3-Tier Plant Stand, $20 (was $33) at Amazon

You don't have to purchase a ticket to Europe to incorporate the lifestyle into your daily life. Add pieces like this stunning Tuscan vase to your collection at a budget price. This 42% off Amazon sale won't be available for long though, so shop it before it's gone! 

Related: Amazon's $22 Solar Elephant Statue Adds an 'Adorable' Whimsical Touch to Patios and Gardens

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Jean Lodge was a British actress who worked on stage, in film, and in television. She played Queen Guinevere in Black Knight, a fantasy adventure film that was released in 1954. She also appeared in White Corridors, Brandy for the Parson, and The Hellfire Club. She was 99.

Her granddaughter, Amy, announced the death on August 5 on Facebook.  “Jean Margaret Shaughnessy (neé Lodge) left us today, one day after her 99th birthday,” she wrote. “She passed, as she would say, ‘quite quietly’ and peacefully in her sleep.”

Related: ‘M*A*S*H’ Actress Dead of Natural Causes at 93

Lodge was the mother of Charles Shaughnessy, who played Shane Donovan on Days of Our Lives and Victor Cassadine on General Hospital. He also starred on The Nanny as Maxwell Sheffield, along with Fran Drescher.

Lodge was also the mother of the soap opera director David Shaughnessy. He directed hits like Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful. He is also a voice actor who appeared in Star Wars: Rebels and Big Hero 6.

Lodge was married to Alfred Shaughnessy, who wrote Upstairs, Downstairs, which was a hit series in Britain in the 1970s. He died in 2005.  

Related: ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ Star Dead at 73

As Amy wrote about her grandmother in her social media post, “My grandmother was a beautiful, talented, complicated, passionate, emotional, energetic woman who was always on the move and full of life. The perfect hostess, Jean enjoyed parties, friends, socializing, the theatre, feeding the ducks, museums, gardening, music, culture, long walks in nature, animals, painting (she was amazing!), cooking, art, traveling… the list goes on. She loved her two sons, Charles and David, her daughters-in-law, Susie and Annie, and her five granddaughters, Amy, Jenny, Katie, Maddy, and Josie. She was blessed with two great-grandsons, Julian and Noa."

She continued, “An ever-present matriarch, her silliness, stubbornness, joyfulness, and her love for storytelling will continue on through her family. Us. Forever.  We will miss her. We will carry her with us always. We love her all the world and then some.”

Disney World foodies, rejoice! The creative minds behind Gideon's Bakehouse—arguably the most popular and fan-favorite dessert destination in all of Disney Springs—have officially expanded their culinary empire with the debut of an all-new restaurant concept: Six Ravens.

After months of eager anticipation, the savory new spot hosted an "exceptionally soft" opening, immediately drawing crowds eager to taste what the iconic bakers have been cooking up behind closed doors.

According to reporting by AllEars writer Emma Kenner Cowan, the mysterious new restaurant transports guests straight into an immersive dark-fantasy lore. "Guests will be 'surrounded by the finale of the story,'" Kenner Cowan writes, where a King and his crew have finished six trials to win an audience with "The Six," who are carved into an ancient stone mural inside the space.

Related: Iconic EPCOT Restaurant Is Temporarily Closing This Fall

What's on the Menu? Meet the "Coffyns" View this post on Instagram

While Gideon’s Bakehouse is legendary for its half-pound cookies and towering cake slices, Six Ravens shifts the focus to savory handheld bites known as "coffyns"—essentially an elevated style of stuffed hand pie wrapped in flavorful, seasoned crusts.

To manage early demand and ensure everyone gets a taste, coffyns are strictly limited to two per person. The menu features six core savory options ( priced at $10.99 each) crafted in collaboration with standout regional culinary partners:

• The Villain of Valentina: House basil pesto chicken, balsamic tomatoes, and garlic trapped in an herb-panko-crusted coffyn, served with Bruno's Garlic Knot Juice. Kenner Cowan singled this one out as a top favorite, noting that "pesto chicken and balsamic tomatoes work well together... creating an almost acidic aftertaste," though warning that with "tons of garlic in each bite... all vampires should steer clear!"
• The Wizard’s Wonder: A collaboration with Smoke & Donuts BBQ featuring mac and cheese, pickled poblano peppers, and pulled pork shrouded in a BBQ-crumb-covered coffyn. AllEars named it a top-three standout, praising the "smoky pork" with visible layers of meat and perfectly creamy mac and cheese.
• The Peasant’s Patty: A collaboration with The Pink Salamander, recreating a classic cheeseburger with beef, melted American cheese, and dill pickle bits inside a sesame-seed-dusted coffyn, paired with a "perfectly spicy" Pink Salamander dipping sauce.
• The Imperial Idol: A mildly spicy chicken curry coffyn made in collaboration with Red Panda Noodle, featuring potato, carrot, and coconut curry wrapped in a fried-garlic exterior.
• The Moreish Monk: A Middle Ages-inspired gourmet grilled cheese packed with Vermont white cheddar, Havarti, and house tomato jam in a parmesan-smothered crust.
• The Forager’s Find: The menu's plant-forward option, filled with spiced roasted sweet potatoes, black bean corn salsa, crushed pepitas, and queso cotija inside a pumpkin-seed-topped crust paired with a sweet-and-spicy mango aioli.

Related: This Is Disney's Best Food Festival—And It's Not In A Theme Park

Sides & Sips

To round out the meal, guests can order Tale Teller Tatties ($8.66), crispy smashed potatoes seasoned with warm spices that Kenner Cowan notes "reminded us of a barbecue potato chip but better," especially when paired with the restaurant's signature house honey mustard.

To wash it all down, Six Ravens is pouring Friar's Fault ($6.96), a house-brewed tap root beer described as smooth, creamy, and wonderfully drinkable with just the right touch of sarsaparilla spice.

Related: Here's How I Eat Gluten-Free at Disney World and Miss Nothing

How to Visit

Just like its sister bakery down the walkway, Six Ravens is already proving to be a massive draw. The restaurant utilized a Virtual Queue on its very first day of soft opening to manage the crowds, taking guests' phone numbers to text them when it's time to join the physical line.

If you're planning a trip to Disney Springs soon, be sure to head over early, join the virtual line, and prepare for one of the most uniquely delicious new dining experiences in Walt Disney World!

Related: The Ultimate Spot for Your Next Adult Family Night Out Is Coming to Disney Springs

CNN anchor Sara Sidner is opening up about a very stressful 15 days.

Two years ago, Sidner revealed her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis and has provided updates over the years. But now she is talking about "15 days of torture" she experienced when she believed that her cancer had advanced to an incurable stage 4.

During the CNN News Central segment on Friday, Aug. 7, Sidner detailed what happened.

“I want to share this update with you, about me. During these past few weeks i thought that cancer had spread all over my body," she said, adding that her recent PET scan “lit up like a Christmas tree.”

“It indicated I was likely metastatic,” she continued. “Stage 4 cancer, incurable. It appeared to have spread to my hip, my spine, my liver, my lungs. I was inconsolable at the time. I immediately, as one does, looked up how long do I have to live. The number came back: Less than five years. That is the median overall survival time for stage 4 breast cancer.”

She explained that hearing this news "knocked the breath out of me, as you might imagine."

“Then I cried. My husband cried with me. My mother was stunned and scared, but surprisingly hopeful, bless her," Sidner added, explaining that following the PET scan, doctors conducted a biopsy, where they would "stick needles in a few areas to try to get a sample of your body to test it. Fifteen days of torture later, waiting for results, they came back.”

However, when the results came back, they were negative. She received the email while she was at the CNN studio.

“Like a moth to a flame,” she said, “I had to open it. ‘Negative,’ it said. I uncharacteristically grabbed [co-anchor] John Berman’s hand in the cubby hole where we work side by side. ‘Negative,’ I croaked. A lump of tears was in my throat.”

Willie Hall was a member of The Blues Brothers band who played the drums. He started pursuing music when he was still in high school, then went on to back major recording artists. In the late ‘70s, he joined The Blues Brothers and appeared in the films The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000. He also played himself in the film Soul Men. Today, he turns 76.  

Related:1960 Song Hit No. 1 When Brian Hyland Was Only 16—and He Never Went Back to High School

In an interview with the Memphis Flyer, Hall spoke about the summer when he was offered to join the iconic band, while he was driving a popsicle truck. “After I got off work one night, I picked up my kids and, with what little money I had, I took them to McDonald’s,” he explained. “Paul Compton, who worked as an engineer for Shoe Productions, lived around the corner, and I decided to stop by. He said, ‘Hollywood’s looking for you.'”

Originally, Hall didn’t love watching The Blues Brothers perform on Saturday Night Live. “I thought it was a farce,” he said. "Even though they were playing Stax songs, I’d turn the TV off because I thought they were mimicking us in a bad way. Little did I know. During the nine months of filming the first movie, I got a chance to hang out with John [Belushi] and Danny [Ackroyd] in their camper. They had a Rock-Ola jukebox with every soul and R&B record I’d ever heard in my life. That’s when I knew they were serious about music.”

Related:1966 Rock Song, Inspired by a Fairytale, Was the Frontman’s Last Hit Before Leaving Music Forever

Once he joined the band, he got along well with all the other members. When speaking about the films they made, he said, “I didn’t have to pretend. We just had fun. When John was sober, he was one of the greatest people to be around. Everything he did was funny. And because I knew Duck [Dunn] and Steve [Cropper] personally, John and Dan took me in and made me feel welcome.”

In addition to  performing with The Blues Brothers, Hall also toured and recorded with famous artists like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, KC and the Sunshine Band, Bonnie Raitt, and Earl Scruggs.

Planning a trip for three generations of family members is notoriously expensive and logistically chaotic. Feeding a group of 10+ people three times a day—not to mention shuttling everyone to and from restaurants—can quickly drain your vacation budget and turn what’s supposed to be a relaxing getaway into an exhausting exercise in crowd control.

When we asked top travel advisors for their single best secret to keeping multigenerational trips stress-free and on-budget, their advice sounded counterintuitive at first: hire a private chef.

While hiring a personal chef or booking a fully staffed villa might sound like an extravagant luxury splurge, travel experts reveal it is actually one of the smartest ways to save money, time, and sanity when traveling with a big group.

Related: I Often Travel with My 80-Year-Old Mom and Teens—Here's the One Thing I Always Do Differently

Why a Private Chef Beats Dining Out Every Night

"A private chef or full board dining package included in a villa buyout actually saves a big family money in the long run," explains Fora Advisor Kara Kassuba. "It turns dining out—a variable daily expense—into one predictable line item, while sparing everyone the hassle of deciding where the group should eat every meal."

Beyond flattening your food budget, staying in also eliminates the steep hidden costs of group transportation, parking, and marked-up restaurant beverages.

"If you are trying to provide meals for 10 to 14 people, plus drinks and transportation, having a chef can be not only easier, but also less expensive," says Accessible Travel Lead Karen Morales. "At many villas, the staff can help pre-purchase alcohol, and in some cases you can return what you do not drink. Having a kitchen also means you can keep leftovers for lunch or bring food along on excursions."

For families with young children or picky eaters, the flexibility is priceless.

"Villas can be pre-stocked with groceries, making it easy to feed small children and picky eaters, and menus and meal times can be tailored to each family," notes Fora Advisor Maggie Moran. "Often, families choose an early dinner for the little ones, put them to bed, and then enjoy a later adult dinner together. This format proves to be more flexible—and often more economical—than dining out for every meal."

Related: The One Thing Grandparents and Parents Need to Do for a Fight-Free Family Vacation

Turn Meals Into the Activity

To save even more while creating lasting memories, advisors suggest swapping out high-end group dinners for interactive, hands-on culinary experiences right at your accommodations.

"While multi-gen trips can get expensive quickly, a private chef or a cooking class built into the trip can actually end up saving money in the long run than paying à la carte," says Fora Advisor Danielle Fisher. "One of my client families did a paella-making class together at their villa, and it replaced what would've been an expensive group dinner out. It became the most memorable meal of the trip because they made it themselves."

Related: 9 Ways to Get a Premium Travel Experience on a Basic Economy Budget

The 'One Anchor Activity' Rule for Itineraries

Pairing a private chef at your home base with a smart itinerary strategy ensures grandparents don't burn out while teenagers stay engaged. Advisors recommend building each day around one central anchor activity that offers different levels of participation.

"You need one anchor activity a day that flexes for every age group," Fisher explains. "For one family, it was a half-day boat trip. The kids and teens could jump in the water and swim, the parents could sunbathe on deck with a glass of wine, and the grandparents could enjoy food and drinks while watching from the shade. Same activity, completely different pace for each generation."

Kassuba agrees, adding that "private boat experiences and golf cart tours tend to be crowd pleasers for multi-gen trips" because they offer effortless sightseeing with zero walking fatigue for older travelers.

By keeping your daily excursions flexible and anchoring your evenings around relaxed, chef-prepared meals at home, you eliminate the daily logistics headache—giving the whole family a chance to actually enjoy their time together.

Related: We Asked 4 Travel Advisors for the Best Multigenerational Vacation Right Now—They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

• Kara Kassuba — Los Angeles-based Fora Advisor specializing in luxury and boutique hotels, experiential travel, Europe, Africa, and multi-gen/group trips.
• Maggie Moran: Fora Advisor with a 15+ year background in hotel brand and marketing for luxury portfolios like Marriott and Starwood, focusing on luxury family travel and custom group getaways.
• Danielle Fisher: Fora Advisor specializing in boutique luxury, family, and group travel across Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
• Karen Morales: Accessible Travel Lead at Fora, dedicated to designing luxury, fully accessible travel itineraries for families and travelers with diverse mobility needs.

Unless you’re building a gallery-worthy art collection with work from critically acclaimed artists, collecting things can be a bit of a mixed bag. Coins continually ebb and flow in value, figurines are pretty much worthless unless they’re originals in pristine shape, and playing cards only net tons of cash if they’re ultra-rare and in mint condition. But, if you ever bought one of those kitschy fast-food collectible glasses from the ‘90s, you could be sitting on a gold mine and not even know it.

That’s right my fellow millennials: it appears that incessantly begging our mom to buy us one of those limited-edition themed glasses that would eventually find its way to the back of a cabinet or in a dusty box in the attic could actually end up paying off—literally. Maybe we were on to something after all.  

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To give you the full rundown on how to determine if you can turn your vintage '90s glassware into a generous stack of cash, we scoured the internet to find the collections worth unearthing from the ‘90s time capsule—better known as your kitchen cabinet. Here’s everything you need to know to cash in on the growing trend. See what the most valuable '90s fast-food glasses are, and how to tell if they're actually worth anything.

Why '90s Fast-Food Promotional Glasses Are So Valuable Now

For those of you who are unfamiliar, back in the ‘90s, fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and even Pizza Hut were all in on offering fans collectible merch like glassware, dinner plates and magnets that they could use at home. Typically, the glasses were timed to coincide with movie releases or holidays and came in sets with multiple designs. It was a genius way to market chains and franchises beyond the drive-thru—and it looks like said genius could potentially be very lucrative for us.

Part of the reason these glasses are worth so much right now is the nostalgia factor. They remind us of what feels like a lost era when things were simpler and a little less noisy. There’s also the fact that most of these glasses had limited runs, which makes full sets even rarer and more desirable. But which ones are guaranteed to bring in the big bucks? Lucky for you, we’ve got the answer. 

Related: 5 'Outdated' Cooking Rules Your Grandmother Swore By That Chefs Actually Still Use Today

The Most Valuable '90s Fast-Food Glasses to Look For

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to actually clean out your cupboard, consider this your sign. Here are the most valuable ‘90s fast-food collectible glasses to look for.

1. McDonald’s Topps All-Time Greatest Team Glasses, 1993 View this post on Instagram

Baseball card collectors know just how valuable rare cards can be, and unsurprisingly, these trading card-themed glasses in collaboration with arguably one of the most recognizable names in the business, Topps, could net you a pretty generous payday. Individual glasses can go for about $8 to $20 depending on the player, with hall of famers like Babe Ruth and Nolan Ryan being the most expensive. If you have the full set of 10, however, you could make anywhere between $70 and $85.

2. McDonald’s Flintstones Bedrock Mugs, 1993 View this post on Instagram

Although newer generations might not be as familiar with the hype of The Flintstones, in the ‘90s the Stone Age-era animated series was all the rage. Case in point: these limited-edition mugs selling for substantial amounts of cash today. For the most part, you can find these for about $10 to $20 for individual mugs, with full sets going for upward of $200 depending on condition. There are even listings on eBay and Etsy for nearly $5,000, but those are generally one-offs.

3. Burger King Disney Masterpiece Series, 1994

As far as collector's items go, Disney anything is usually a pretty good investment. The limited-edition glasses released by Burger King in 1994 typically sell for about $5 to $10 individually, while complete sets can go for anywhere between $180 and $200. To really cash in on this one, you’ll want to look for pristine glasses in their original packaging.

4. McDonald’s Batman Forever Glasses, 1995 @a90slife

McDonald’s Batman Forever “Gotham Glassware Collection.” 1995. . . . . . . . . . . . #mcdonalds #batman #batmanmug #batmanforever #90s #90skid #90sbaby #90saesthetic #90sads #90scommercial #throwback #nostalgia #nostalgic #childhood #childhoodmemory #retro #vintage #millenial #memoryunlocked #90stv #80sbaby #80skid #a90slife

♬ original sound - a 90’s Life

Batman has never been unpopular, but when McDonald’s gave its entire packaging a Gotham-themed makeover, fans went bananas. Beyond just splashing the Caped Crusader on its fry boxes, McDonald’s also unveiled the Batman Forever Glass Mugs that can resell for anywhere between $5 to $15 today. The full set can get you significantly more, with some going for as high as $75. You can even find listings on eBay for $150.

Related: 10 Bizarre 1970s Jell-O Molds That Prove the Decade Was Absolutely Wild

How to Tell If Your Vintage Glasses Are Actually Worth Money

Once you’ve located your glasses, it’s important to check a few things first to ensure their authenticity and general safety. 

1. Check for lead.

Although it’s not as common today, vintage glassware can often contain lead, which is very toxic to humans. You can check by using at-home test kits or by performing visual and sensory checks, like clicking the glass or testing the weight. Another good tell is if your glasses refracts light into a vibrant rainbow of colors.

2. Assess wear and quality.

Before you start snapping photos of your treasures and throw up a listing online, you’ll definitely want to assess the quality of your glasses and look for any damage like cracks or fading. Pristine designs and glasses that look good as new are likely to generate the most cash in the long run.

3. Keep the box.

Unless you’ve got a significant amount of restraint, the likelihood that you would’ve kept the box or packaging your glassware came in is pretty much zero. But if you are one of the few who did, you can end up walking away with a decent amount of extra cash. 

Where to Sell Your Vintage Fast-Food Collectibles

There are tons of different marketplaces to sell collectibles, but eBay is probably the most recognizable if you’re looking to sell online. You could also take your collection on the road and try hawking them at trade shows and auctions, but you’d definitely want to get them appraised first. If all else fails, you could take your treasures to a pawn shop, but you probably won’t get as much as you potentially could for your items. 

Related: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every '90s Mom Had on Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

Jorge Messi, father and longtime representative of soccer icon Lionel Messi, has died at 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, according to multiple outlets in Argentina and Spain. The family has not disclosed an official cause of death, only confirming he had been fighting a long illness.

News of his passing has sent shockwaves through the football world, with heartbreaking tributes pouring in from fans, former teammates, and soccer commentators within hours of the announcement.

Jorge's declining health first became public during this year's World Cup, where Argentina reached the final before falling to Spain. After one emotional on-field moment, former Argentina teammate turned pundit Juan Pablo Sorin asked Messi directly about his tears, referencing both his family and the national team. Messi responded that the emotion was mostly for his family, adding that they'd been going through a difficult stretch together.

Days later, the Messi family released a statement confirming Jorge was dealing with a health issue, saying he was under medical supervision and "recovering and evolving favorably" at the time.

In the wake of his death, fans online are now revisiting that emotional World Cup moment, with many saying it carries far more weight knowing what the family was quietly facing behind the scenes.

Online, the outpouring has been immense. Fans and fellow soccer figures flooded social media with condolences, many expressing gratitude for the joy Messi has brought the sport and for the sacrifices Jorge made behind the scenes to help get him there. Several commenters specifically pointed back to that emotional World Cup moment, saying it's impossible not to see it differently now, knowing the full weight of what he was carrying.

Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, sons Lionel, Rodrigo and Matias, daughter Maria Sol, and several grandchildren. As tributes continue arriving from across the football world, many fans say their focus now is giving the family space to grieve privately.

Donald Trump’s political campaign account recently posted a clip on TikTok of the President and his wife, Melania Trump, watching fireworks set toTaylor Swift’s track ‘August.’ 

Like many other artists, Swift did not approve the use of her song for the video. Recently, Katy Perry and Noah Kahan both made headlines after the administration used their music. This time it wasn’t the White House or the President. Instead, it was Trump’s “Team Trump” account that made the misstep. 

Along with the video and the title “Mood because it’s August and Donald Trump is your President,” Team Trump added the caption, “I’m sure @Taylor Swift is going to be super excited we used her song!” The post also includes the hashtags #taylorswift, #maga, and #august.

Fast forward to a few days later, and the song is gone. While the video remains, clicking on the sound icon reveals a message reading, “This sound isn’t available.”

@teamtrump

I’m sure @Taylor Swift is going to be super excited we used her song! #taylorswift #maga #august

♬ som original - ⸆⸉ ོ What did Taylor Swift’s fans say about Team Trump using her song?

Taylor’s fans weren’t exactly thrilled about the song choice. After it was removed, Swifties had a swift response, with comments such as, “Hey where did the music go? Didn’t you tell us he was in control of everything? Hahahahah!”, “Taylor just owned you!” and “Taylor removing the studio Queeeeeen.”

Another Swift supporter posted, “I hope Taylor Swift sues you and wins.” And of course, the comments flowed from there as followers wrote: “What’s she gonna sue him for? Using a public song on TikTok because its supposed to be used for videos,” and “Yeah see how that worked out for Noah Kahan.” 

Of course, Taylor’s fans weren’t the only ones to jump on this post. One commenter replied early on, writing, “Here before Taylor Swift tells him to take it down.” Others responded to the comment with, “You really think at this point him using these liberal artists music is anything but a ragebait to them?”, while another defended Trump, adding, “He’s far from perfect but a great president nonetheless.”

Along with Perry and Kahan’s recent problems with Trump using their music for his purposes, plenty of other artists have found fault with the President’s decision to set their songs to his promotional posts or use the music at rallies.Beyonce, Celine Dion, the Foo Fighters, Neil Young, and Jack White are just a few celebs who have objected to unauthorized use of their tracks.

Michael Jackson introduced a slew of legendary tracks throughout his music career, but his 1984 song “Thriller” continues to reach remarkable milestones.

Serving as the title track of his best-selling album, the iconic song is the latest MJ track to join Spotify’s Billions Club.

The streaming giant unveiled the list of songs that recently joined the elite ranking.

Alongside Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and Luke Combs’ “Fast Car,” “Thriller” has surpassed one billion streams on the music platform, further cementing the King of Pop’s enduring legacy.

Michael Jackson performs on stage on the Dangerous Tour in 1992.

Rob Verhorst/Redferns

Prior to this, the award-winning singer had four songs in Spotify’s Billions Club, including “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” “I Want You Back” and “Billie Jean,” with the latter hitting more than three billion streams, making it the second-most-streamed song from the 1980s on the platform.

Michael Jackson’s Song ‘Thriller’ Was Part of His Record-Breaking Grammy Night

Written by British songwriter Rod Temperton and produced by the iconic Quincy Jones, the spooky funk-pop smash was regarded as one of Jackson’s most commercially successful songs.

Temperton once revealed that the inspiration behind it was the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s love for horror movies.

"I came up with the idea that I should write something really theatrical," he told M Magazine in 2012, as cited by PEOPLE. "I’d been really impressed with Michael’s participation in the rhythm section when recording [the Off the Wall song] 'Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,' so I wanted to write something with the same power, but a really dramatic melody structure."

Despite its massive popularity and lasting impact on pop culture, the track never reached No. 1 on the chart, unlike "Billie Jean" or "Beat It.”

The 1984 song instead peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, but it still marked a defining moment in Jackson’s music career.

During the 26th Annual Grammy Awards, the late singer became the first artist to win eight awards in a single night, setting a record during the height of his Thriller era.

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At that time, the song won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, while “Beat It” took home Record of the Year and Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male.

“Billie Jean” also earned two awards, winning Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Completing the iconic feat, Thriller won Album of the Year, while Jackson and producer Quincy Jones shared the award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical.

Jackson also received the Best Recording for Children award for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which he narrated.

Related: 1980 Rock Classic by ‘Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy Osbourne Hits 1 Billion Streams 46 Years After Release

As temperatures begin to cool and back-to-school season kicks in, shoppers are starting to crave cozy, hearty meals, and Costco is bringing back a fan-favorite prepared food just in time.

The Kirkland Signature Beef Chili has once again been spotted in Costco’s prepared foods section, according to Instagram account Discovering Costco.

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The returning warehouse favorite gives shoppers an easy dinner option without the effort of making their own homemade batch from scratch.

The chili delivers on the home-cooked vibe, as it's packed with beef, beans, onions, green bell peppers, and seasoned tomato sauce, and topped with shredded cheddar cheese and parsley.

And seeing it back on shelves seems to signal the start of comfort food—and soup—season.

While the dish has earned a reputation as a beloved prepared food at the warehouse giant, like many Costco favorites, it has also sparked plenty of opinions.

In a Reddit thread from seasons prior, one likened the taste to Wendy’s chili, which could go either way, but in this case, the user followed up with, "and I like Wendy’s chili.”

Another expressed, “It’s a good chili," adding that it's loaded up on the beef: "More beef than anything else.”

However, someone else argued, “It’s a middle of the road chili. Lacks a lot of spice and seasoning, likely because they need to cater to a broad group of customers with varying tastes. Like any prepared food. You’re right, plenty of beef.”

Back in 2023, a common complaint was that the chili lacked enough beans, though it is said to include pinto beans and kidney beans, as well.

Many were in agreement that it’s “not the best,” but also “not bad,” serving as a good starting base for other recipes and dishes, including nachos and chili dogs. 

Parade even suggests pairing it with the infamous food court hot dog.

“If you add it with the Costco mac & cheese, it’ll make a really good chili Mac. It’s been my go to meal this winter,” another customer chimed in. 

The value is where it truly shines, as "each container holds approximately 4 pounds of chili, providing enough for 8 servings," per Warehouse Runner, sold at $3.49 a pound for an approximate cost of $12.99.

One customer confirmed that they always “make two batches of chili with it," noting, "I break up the big chucks of beef and add extra fixings to make it taste like what I would make from scratch. So basically a meal starter. 10/10 recommend that route.”

Despite the mixed reviews, another thread highly recommended the chili, adding, “The Costco beef chili is incredibly good!!!!”

“It’s unreal how good it is,” someone else complimented, with many stating another perk is that it freezes well for an easy meal during busy nights.

Whether you’re getting it to eat straight out of the container or dress it up at home, Costco’s chili is once again giving members an easy excuse to skip the cooking and grab a comforting favorite instead!

Related: Costco Brings Back Beloved Bakery Favorite After Years of Fan Requests

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Makeup lovers can all agree that foundation is a must-have when you want to look your best. The popular product can address a range of skincare woes, including blemishes, uneven skin tone, redness, dark spots and aging.

Over time, we all develop our own tricks for applying makeup, but there's nothing like watching the pros work their magic. Parade was intrigued to learn more about one popular technique, so we asked a professional makeup artist about the "damp sponge" foundation hack every woman over 50 needs to try.

We chatted with Lindsey Trop, a Connecticut-based professional makeup artist, and asked her to explain why the buzzworthy bounce-and-press damp sponge technique is particularly effective for women over 50.

Trop reveals how a damp sponge prevents foundation from caking in wrinkles and shares some step-by-step instructions for the technique. She also reveals some of her favorite liquid and serum foundations to use with a wet sponge, and a few other makeup base hacks that work well for mature skin.

Related: 16 Best Foundations for Dry Skin, According to Celebrity Dermatologists

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What Is the 'Damp Sponge' Foundation Hack?

The damp sponge foundation hack is a technique to help your makeup melt into the skin instead of sitting on top of it.

"Using light to medium pressure, you bounce a damp makeup sponge onto the skin to create a very skin-like yet seamless complexion," Trop tells Parade.

According to the makeup artist, "This is especially beneficial for those with texture, such as acne or fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a great technique for filling in larger pores. Using a bounce-and-press motion helps foundation meld with the skin for a smoother, more hydrated and naturally youthful-looking finish."

For women over 50, specifically, the damp sponge foundation hack is better than dragging or wiping a sponge across the skin.

"This can accentuate concerns such as fine lines, enlarged pores and dry patches," Trop explains. "Instead of evenly pressing foundation into the skin, dragging tends to move the product around, which can create streaks, patchiness and uneven coverage. It can also disrupt the skincare underneath, making foundation more likely to cling to dry areas."

Related: A Dermatologist Is Begging Women To Stop Making This Mistake With Their Beauty Blenders

Blanchi Costela/Getty Images

Why a Damp Sponge Prevents Foundation From Caking in Wrinkles

One simple step—wetting your sponge before you use it—can make a big difference in how your foundation looks.

"A damp sponge helps you to apply thinner, more even layers," Trop tells Parade. "Thin layers are much less likely to settle into fine lines or emphasize wrinkles. The moisture from the damp sponge also helps sheer out the product slightly, creating a finish that looks more like healthy skin rather than a layer of makeup."

While choosing your makeup sponge, just keep in mind that there's a difference between latex and latex-free options.

"For mature skin, I typically recommend a latex-free sponge," Trop explains. "When the sponge is damp, it stays soft and doesn't absorb as much foundation, so more product goes onto your skin instead of disappearing into the sponge. The result is more seamless, even coverage that looks hydrated rather than heavy."

Latex sponges, on the other hand, are usually firmer and can soak up more foundation.

"They're less ideal if you're trying to create a fresh, natural-looking finish," Trop says.

Related: The Clever Lipstick Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

How To Do It: Step-by-Step Guide

To work your own magic at home, Trop shares a few tips on how to do this trick:

1. Start by prepping your skin with your go-to moisturizing routine: "I love Sonia Roselli Beauty for all skin types, but especially for women who are concerned with sensitive, aging skin," Trop explains.
2. Run your makeup sponge under water: "Squeeze it over and over again under the running water until the sponge is about twice its original size," she says. "Make sure all excess water is squeezed out so it feels damp but isn’t dripping."
3. Apply a small amount of foundation to the back of your hand: "Press your sponge into the foundation," Trop instructs.
4. Begin at the center of the face and start bouncing into the skin: "Then move outwards towards the hairline, jaw, etc.," she says.
5. Build coverage only where needed: "Add another thin layer instead of applying one thick coat," Trop explains.

Related: A Celebrity Makeup Artist Is Begging Women to Finally Stop Following This Outdated Rule

2 Best Liquid Foundations To Use With a Wet Sponge

Now that you have some pro tips for applying foundation with a wet sponge, filling your beauty bag with some top-notch makeup comes next. Here are Trop's top picks for the best liquid foundations to use with this hack.

1. NARS Light Reflecting Skin Improving Medium Coverage Foundation, $55

Ulta

Shop It at Ulta

According to Trop, "It makes the skin look like a glowing dream. It gives such a beautiful radiant finish and does an amazing job covering up sun spots and other blemishes."

2. Dior Forever Skin Glow Liquid Foundation 24H Wear, $60

Sephora

Shop It at Sephora

"It’s a skincare-forward formula that leaves a beautiful glowing finish. Pores and fine lines look blurred and the seamless coverage lasts all day without caking," Trop tells Parade.

Related: The Genius Mascara Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

2 Best Serum Foundations To Use With a Wet Sponge

And here are Trop's favorite serum foundations to use with a wet sponge.

1. IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40, $39

Ulta

Shop It at Ulta

"I love everything about this foundation," Trop explains. "It offers beautiful, smooth coverage that doesn’t settle into lines and wrinkles, a youthful radiant finish and high SPF content."

2. ILIA True Skin Medium Coverage Serum Foundation, $56

Sephora

Shop It at Sephora

"It creates a very skin-like natural finish with tons of skin-loving ingredients that help to hydrate and correct unevenness over time," Trop says. "Your skin will look like the best version of itself."

Related: Makeup Artist Reveals How To Give Mature Eyes a ‘Natural Lift’ With 1 Key Product

3 More Makeup Artist-Approved Base Hacks for Skin Over 50

The damp sponge foundation trick isn't the only expert-approved tip for applying makeup. Trop also has a few other base hacks that work equally well for women over 50:

1. Focus on sheer layers

"Instead of trying to achieve full coverage in one application, apply several sheer layers and only where needed," Trop tells Parade. "This approach looks more natural and is much less likely to crease or appear heavy on mature skin."

2. Use powder sparingly

"Many women over 50 benefit from powdering only areas prone to shine, such as the T-zone," she explains. "Leaving the cheeks and under-eye area powder-free helps maintain luminosity and prevents the complexion from looking dry or flat."

3. Step up your hydration game

"If you’re seeing more texture than you’d like after your base is completed, add in more hydration," she recommends. "Gently tap a tiny amount of moisturizer onto the areas that look dry or textured. The key is to use a very small amount and to tap, not swipe."

Up Next:

Related: Celebrity Makeup Artist Reveals a Clever Concealer Trick for Mature Skin I Wish I'd Known About Sooner

Source:

• Lindsey Trop, Connecticut-based professional makeup artist

This lawsuit filed against Megan Thee Stallion is more like a reality TV episode than a legal battle. Only the drama is playing out in a federal courtroom. And considering the rapper recently made her reality TV debut on Love Island USA, perhaps that comparison is especially fitting.

 According to Billboard Pro, a judge has ruled that several claims in a lawsuit filed against Megan and Roc Nation by former cameraman Emilio Garcia can move forward, meaning the case will head toward a jury trial.

Garcia filed the lawsuit in 2024, alleging that he was forced to witness Megan having sex in a car while they were on tour in Spain in 2022. He said the alleged incident left him “embarrassed, mortified and offended” and contributed to what he described as a hostile work environment.

Garcia also accused Megan and Roc Nation of failing to properly pay him, discriminating against him and retaliating after he complained about his wages.

Megan and Roc Nation have strongly denied any wrongdoing. Her attorneys have called Garcia’s allegations “false and fabricated,” arguing that he added sensational claims about sex and workplace harassment to what they characterized as ordinary wage complaints.

Friday’s ruling does not mean a judge determined that Garcia’s allegations are true. Instead, Judge Gregory H. Woods found that some of his claims had enough support to be decided by a jury.

The judge allowed Garcia’s discrimination, wage and wage-related retaliation claims to proceed, while dismissing his claim that Megan or Roc Nation retaliated against him specifically for complaining about the alleged car-sex incident.

Garcia’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, welcomed the decision, saying his client is “looking forward to having his day in court.” With the case now headed to trial, both sides appear ready to let a jury decide who's telling the truth.

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

There are few kitchen tools that inspire as much frustration as a subpar ice cream scoop. We have all been there: you pull a fresh pint of premium ice cream from the freezer, full of anticipation, only to have your excitement brought to a grinding halt by a rock-solid block of dairy that sends your ice cream server into retirement.

The truth is, a flawless hot fudge sundae or a picture-perfect cone depends entirely on the tool in your hand. A truly great scooping tool shouldn't require a full-body workout to pull a uniform, parlor-worthy portion. It needs to balance weight, ergonomics and structural design so seamlessly that it glides through hard-frozen ice cream like butter, releasing it effortlessly without a fight.

To separate the top performers from the disappointments, we put the market's most popular models through a rigorous side-by-side test. We scooped our way through dozens of pints, evaluating each scoop for comfort, durability, ease of use and ability to glide through everything from rock-hard frozen ice cream to softer gourmet gelato. We measured how comfortably they fit in the hand, how effectively they curl the ice cream onto itself, and checked if they can survive a trip through the dishwasher.

Whether you're an occasional sundae eater or a dedicated homemade ice cream enthusiast, you shouldn't have to wrestle with your dessert. From sturdy spade-style scoops to comfortable everyday favorites, these are the ice cream scoops that impressed us most—and the one that didn't make the cut.

Related: I Tested 12 Pizza Cutters To Cut Dozens of Slices—Here Are 8 Winners and 4 To Skip

Theresa Greco

Top Ice Cream Scoops

• Best Overall Ice Cream Scoop: Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Premium Ice Cream Scoop: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Budget Ice Cream Scoop: Good Cook Touch Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Ice Cream Scoop for Every Last Bite: Farberware Professional
• Best Scoop for Effortless Serving: Sur La Table Soft Grip Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Gift-Worthy Ice Cream Scoop: KitchenAid Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Paddle Ice Cream Scoop: OXO Spade Ice Cream Scoop
• Best No-Mess Ice Cream Scoop: William Sonoma Tilt Up Ice Cream Scoop

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

What Makes the Perfect Ice Cream Scoop

The secret to a perfect scoop isn't just the ice cream itself—it's the design of the scooping tool. Different shapes and materials affect how easily the scoop cuts through frozen desserts, the shape of each serving, and even how much effort is required to fill your bowl or cone.

For many ice cream enthusiasts, liquid-filled aluminum scoops have long been favored for producing smooth, effortless scoops, particularly when the final presentation is the priority. Their sealed handles contain a heat-conductive fluid that transfers warmth from your hand to the scoop, helping it glide through firm ice cream while naturally rolling smooth, rounded curls with minimal resistance.

Theresa Greco

Modern stainless steel scoops often feature a pointed or tapered tip that concentrates pressure at the front edge, making it easier to break into hard-frozen pints without bending or excessive force. Many also include flat sides that scrape the corners of containers more effectively, reducing waste. Although they may not always create the same airy curls as a liquid-filled scoop, they're exceptionally durable, easy to maintain, and versatile enough for everyday use.

Traditional spring-loaded scoops take a different approach. Their deep bowl and release lever make serving quick and convenient, especially when preparing multiple portions. While they excel at releasing the ice cream cleanly, they typically produce denser, more compact scoops than liquid-filled designs.

Theresa Greco

Ultimately, the best ice cream scoop depends on your priorities. If presentation is your goal, a heat-conductive aluminum scoop is hard to beat. If you value durability, easy maintenance or serving large batches, a well-designed and ergonomic model may be the better choice.

Related: Ina Garten’s Easy Hack for Turning a Pint of Ice Cream Into a Boozy Dessert Is Brilliant

How I Tested the Ice Cream Scoops

To find the best ice cream scoops, I tested each model with hard-frozen ice cream straight from the freezer, evaluating how easily each one cut through, released and shaped every scoop. I measured the effort required, noted whether the scoop flexed under pressure, and looked for designs that consistently delivered smooth, clean portions.

I also tested how well each scoop navigated standard pint containers, including reaching into corners to minimize leftover ice cream.

Beyond performance, I considered handle comfort, grip, balance and overall ease of use during repeated scooping sessions. The final recommendations are based on a combination of scooping ability, ergonomics, durability and value.

Related: The Genius Jacques Pépin Ice Cream Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

Parade

9 Ice Cream Scoops, Tested and Reviewed1. Best Overall Ice Cream Scoop: Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop, $25

Theresa Greco

There's a reason the Zeroll has been the scoop of choice for decades. From the very first scoop, it simply feels different. It glides through hard-frozen ice cream with noticeably less effort than most other scoops, producing smooth, rounded portions that release cleanly with very little sticking. The secret is its liquid-filled aluminum handle, which transfers the natural warmth of your hand to the scoop head to make serving easier—no dipping in hot water required.

What we liked most was how little effort it took to get consistently attractive scoops, even from rock-solid pints. The one-piece design has no springs or moving parts to wear out, giving it a solid, durable feel that's built for years of regular use.

The only real drawback is that it must be hand washed to protect the aluminum construction and the heat-conductive fluid sealed inside the handle. For anyone who scoops ice cream regularly, though, that's a small trade-off for a tool that delivers dependable results.

2. Best Premium Ice Cream Scoop: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop, $20

Theresa Greco

Shop It at Sur La Table

For cooks who value exceptional craftsmanship and long-lasting quality, the Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop delivers a timeless design built to last. Crafted entirely from polished 18/8 stainless steel, it features a beautifully curved scoop head and a handle that provides outstanding balance and natural leverage with every scoop.

The all-stainless-steel construction eliminates plastic components, rubber grips, and specialized coatings that can wear down over time. This scoop is designed to withstand years of regular use and repeated trips through the dishwasher without corrosion or deterioration. Its sturdy construction and compact scoop head also make it versatile enough for portioning cookie dough, serving soft desserts and handling a variety of other scooping tasks.

With its exceptional durability, balanced feel and premium materials, the Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scooper is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a premium kitchen tool that will serve them well for years to come.

3. Best Budget Ice Cream Scoop: Good Cook Touch, $10

Theresa Greco

The GoodCook Touch Ice Cream Scoop proves that reliable performance doesn't have to come with a premium price tag. Offering an impressive balance of affordability and quality, it features a heavyweight cast-metal head with enough heft to glide through hard-frozen ice cream without bending or flexing.

The oversized, soft-grip handle provides a comfortable, secure hold, making each scoop easier and more controlled. For shoppers seeking exceptional value without compromising on comfort or performance, the GoodCook Touch Ice Cream Scoop is a standout budget pick that delivers dependable results scoop after scoop.

4. Best Ice Cream Scoop for Every Last Bite: Farbareware Professional Ice Cream Scoop, $10

Theresa Greco

Shop It at Walmart

The Farberware Professional Ice Cream Scoop is designed for the moments when a standard scoop leaves behind the best parts. Its heavy cast-zinc, chrome-plated head features a distinctive pointed corner that helps break through hard-frozen ice cream and reach into the tight edges of rectangular paper cartons, making it easier to scrape out every last bite.

The ergonomic handle pairs a stainless steel top with a soft rubber bottom, offering a secure grip during use. Its added weight helps power through firm ice cream, although the front-heavy balance can cause some fatigue during longer scooping sessions.

For anyone who hates leaving ice cream behind in the corners of the carton, the Farberware Professional delivers a smart, purpose-built design that helps maximize every serving.

5. Best Ice Cream Scoop for Effortless Serving: Sur La Table Soft Grip Ice Cream Scoop, $20

Theresa Greco

Shop It at Sur La Table

When you're serving a crowd, or keeping up with an eager line of kids at a birthday party, comfort matters just as much as scooping power. The Sur La Table Soft Grip Ice Cream Scoop is designed with exactly that in mind, featuring a modern, ergonomic shape that helps reduce hand fatigue during extended use.

Its soft, contoured handle provides a secure, comfortable grip and excellent control, while the scoop bowl features subtly indented circles that minimize sticking and help release each scoop cleanly with less effort.

It excels at everyday use, producing smooth scoops with minimal mess. Add in its dishwasher-safe construction, it's a practical, user-friendly tool you'll reach for again and again.

6. Best Gift-Worthy Ice Cream Scoop: KitchenAid Ice Cream Scoop, $33

Theresa Greco

Shop It on Amazon

Finished in the fun, vibrant colors that have become synonymous with KitchenAid products, this scoop is an easy choice for anyone looking to give a kitchen tool that feels both personal and practical. Whether matched to a stand mixer color or selected to complement a favorite kitchen color scheme, it has a polished, coordinated look that elevates it beyond an ordinary utensil. That thoughtful design makes it especially well suited for weddings, housewarmings, holidays or anyone building a stylish, well-equipped kitchen.

A thick cast-metal head and sturdy, comfortable handle give the scoop a satisfying weight and durability, making it feel like a quality tool from the first use. It slices through standard ice cream with ease, producing consistent scoops for cones, bowls and desserts.

Its slightly blunter edge is most noticeable when scooping very firm ice cream, where it requires a bit more effort than some competitors, but it remains a dependable tool for everyday use. Its combination of attractive styling, solid construction, and trusted KitchenAid quality makes it a gift that's as functional as it is beautiful—one that recipients are likely to use and appreciate for years.

7. Best Paddle Ice Cream Scoop: OXO Spade Ice Cream Scoop, $18

Theresa Greco

Shop It at Walmart

If you've ever struggled to break into a rock-hard tub of ice cream, a spade-style scoop can be a game changer. Unlike traditional rounded scoops that form balls, its broad, flat edge slices through dense ice cream with ease.

Instead of forcing you to twist or strain your wrist, the flat leading edge glides under the ice cream to lift generous portions with less effort. It also doubles as a handy tool for cutting neat squares for ice cream sandwiches and other frozen treats.

This isn't the scoop to reach for if you want perfectly round balls of ice cream, and its wide head isn't ideal for small pint containers. But for powering through hard-frozen desserts in larger tubs, it's hard to beat. If strength and efficiency are your priorities, this spade-style scoop is an excellent choice.

8. Best No-Mess Ice Cream Scoop: Williams Sonoma Tilt Up Ice Cream Scoop, $20

Theresa Greco

The Williams Sonoma Tilt Up Ice Cream Scoop solves one of the small annoyances of serving ice cream: where to put the scoop between servings. Its clever tilt-up design features built-in feet that keep the scoop head elevated off the countertop, helping to create a cleaner serving experience.

Beyond its thoughtful design, the scoop features an ergonomic handle designed for a comfortable, secure grip. It is easy to maneuver through firm ice cream while the footed base adds a level of convenience that traditional scoops lack.

While the unique design adds a little bulk compared with a simple scoop, the Williams Sonoma Tilt Up stands out for its combination of function and style. For anyone who values a tidy countertop and a thoughtfully designed kitchen tool, it is a smart upgrade from a standard ice cream scoop.

Ice Cream Scoop To Skip: OXO Steel Lever Ice Cream Scoop, $20

Theresa Greco

The OXO Steel Lever Ice Cream Scoop sounds like a convenient idea on paper, but in practice, the lever-release mechanism creates more frustration than convenience. The release lever is positioned awkwardly, making it difficult to operate comfortably while maintaining a secure grip on the scoop. Rather than helping the ice cream slide out cleanly, the mechanism often requires extra effort and feels unintuitive to use.

Considering how many excellent ice cream scoops are available today—with comfortable ergonomic handles, sturdy one-piece construction, and bowls designed for effortless release—this model simply doesn't measure up. The added complexity of the lever doesn't improve the scooping experience and instead introduces another point of frustration. There are plenty of easier, more reliable options on the market, making this one difficult to recommend.

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

Imagine it’s 1990, and Vanilla Ice is everywhere. It’s 1995, and you just moved in with your college besties, and The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You” feels like it was written just for you. Or it’s 1999, and “Save Tonight” is playing on the radio on loop. One-hit wonders—songs that made it big but were never followed up with a comparably successful tune—can’t help but bring vivid memories to mind. One quick stream of a track you may not have heard in decades can take you right back to a whole different time in your life. But which ‘90s one-hit wonder best reflects who you are at your core? Consider looking to your birth date, which offers helpful insight into your personality, perspective, strengths, and dreams. 

The ‘90s One-Hit Wonder That Best Reflects Your Personality, Based on Your Birth Date

Read on to find out which chart-topper from a “one and done” artist fits your personality and point of view.

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th: “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim

You were born on a date associated with the sun, the luminary that rules self-image, confidence, and purpose in astrology. You’re full of joie d’vivre, stand strong in your sense of self, are capable of celebrating yourself for who you are, and encourage others to do the same. That’s why this 1999 hit by English big beat musician Fatboy Slim best reflects your M.O. It’s upbeat vibe and lyrics like “I have to celebrate you, baby/I have to praise you like I should” are so aligned with how you move through the world. 

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th: “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb

You were born on a day that’s aligned with the moon, which rules intuition, instincts, and emotions. You’re whimsical, a dreamer, full of big heart, sentimental, and sweet, all characteristics that mirror the energy of Lisa Loeb’s big hit in 1994, which appeared on the Reality Bites soundtrack. The pop folk track details feeling regretful in the face of a split from a lover, and its longing lyrics (“So I, I turned the radio on, I turned the radio up/And this woman was singing my song/Lovers in love and the others run away/Lover is crying 'cause the other won't stay”) mirror your sensitive soul. 

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th: “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis

Your birth date reduces down to three, a number ruled by Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system that oversees abundance, expansion, and good fortune. You believe in putting it all out there and going all in on your heart’s desires, which is the emotional sense that underlies Donna Lewis’ 1996 one-hit wonder “I Love You Always Forever.” With its vivid, uber-romantic lyrics (“Feels like I'm standing in a timeless dream/Of light mists with pale amber rose…/You've got...the most unbelievable blue eyes I've ever seen”) and big-hearted promise at its core (“Everywhere I will be with you/Everything I will do for you”), it may very well be one of the most Jupiterian declarations of love in all of pop music.

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st: "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)” by Us3

Your birth date reduces down to four, which is associated with Uranus, the planet of revolution, electricity, and sudden change. You’re imaginative, rebellious, and often shocking people with your ability to present unique takes on tried-and-true formulas. A forward-thinking, futuristic-sounding blend of jazz and hip-hop based on Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" from 1964, featuring samples from Hancock's original recording, 1993’s “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)” feels like it echoes your quirky, bold, innovative vibe. 

NEXT: The Throwback MTV Music Video That Fits Your Vibe, Based on Birth Date

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd: “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts

Because you were born on a day that reduces down to the number five, your numerological planetary ruler is Mercury, the planet of technology, transportation, storytelling, and cerebral energy. Mercury is a super-social planet, thriving on connection and fueling the witty banter that we tend to cherish so much within our platonic bonds. The messenger planet also feels like it would be the ruler of smash hit sitcomFriends, which debuted in 1994 with one-hit wonder “I’ll Be There For You” as its theme song. Your social, buzzy, and likely bubbly nature fits perfectly with this smile-inducing track. 

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th: “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree

If you came into the world on one of these dates, you were born with the influence of Venus, the planet of romance, pleasure, art, and music. You’re a master of bringing more peace, balance, beauty, and harmony into the world, and the meditative, self-reflective, empowering tone of Des’ree’s 1995 track fits with that perspective. Not only do you “try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time,” but you likely agree that “love will save the day.”  

OTHER: These 4 Birth Months Radiate a Nurturing Aura

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th: “No Rain” by Blind Melon 

Your artistic, sensitive, imaginative, even slightly psychic perspective is the result of your birth date reducing down to seven, a number aligned with Neptune, the planet of illusion, spirituality, and dreams. Neptune’s influence means you might also be a bit of an escapist, which mirrors the perspective of the narrator in 1993 one-hit wonder from Blind Melon (“And I don't understand why I sleep all day…and all I can do is read a book to stay awake/And it rips my life away, but it's a great escape”), which also captivated MTV audiences with its whimsical “bee girl” music video.  

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th: “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals

Because you were born on a date that reduces down to the number eight, you’re hardworking, committed to your goals, and mature—practically the wise, grounded professor type within your circle, because your birth date is overseen by Saturn, the planet of boundaries and putting your nose to the grindstone. Your ability to self-motivate and get through even the toughest challenges in life echoes the message behind the New Radicals’ one-hit wonder “You Get What You Give” from 1999. Your friends and loved ones probably rely on you to tell them, “This world is gonna pull through/Don't give up/You've got a reason to live/Can't forget—we only get what we give.” 

MORE: Which Classic Supermodel Matches You, Based on Birth Month

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th: “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane

If your birth date reduces down to nine, you’re a go-getter with a youthful, fiery, action-oriented soul, given that the day you were born is associated with Mars, the planet of energy. With lyrics that bring to mind zipping down an interstate with the wind in your hair (“Life is a highway/I want to ride it all night long/If you're going my way, I want to drive it all night long”) feeling like you’re going to make the most every moment life has to offer, 1992’s one-hit wonder from Tom Cochrane feels like it echoes your drive, passion, and ambition. 

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