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'The Vampire Lestat' Star Explains How the AMC Shows Blend the Vampire Chronicles to Please Anne Rice Fans
AMC's The Vampire Lestat left off with a cliffhanger that teases the aftermath of the events of Anne Rice's fan-favorite book, The Queen of the Damned, much to the excitement of fans.
Sheila Atim (Dust Bunny) was predominantly featured in the role of Akasha (made famous by Aaliyah in the 2002 film) to set up her conquest for vampire domination. Star Sam Reid recently appeared on The Final Encorepodcast to discuss how two seasons ofInterview with the Vampire and this past season of The Vampire Lestat (the series' Season 3) have sown the seeds of the rest of the books into the main storylines earlier than a traditional book-by-book adaptation to remix the Anne Rice universe of supernatural characters.
Related: Sam Reid Became Anne Rice's Lestat at the Beacon Theatre and Fans Were Not Ready
Reid explained how moving forward, the writers' room will pull much more than before from at least three major volumes of The Vampire Chronicles when it returns with Season 4's adaptation of The Queen of the Damned: "They're very good at transplanting certain things in different contexts."
Reid shared how Akasha's introduction through his time as her watcher really set this up. "The long table, for example, is the first image that Akasha gives to Lestat of his past, the physical long table of his father's home. So it's not like it's just come straight out of nothing. It's come from a very specific place. It should show you how they are adapting the material because they are bleeding into several books at the same time. And particularly, and I love Anne Rice, obviously, you know that, I've dedicated a small portion of my life to it now. But she is prone to reiterating the same story over and over again."
The actor who got to take the mic to give Lestat's point of view was glad that they were able to mine the Vampire Chronicles material at large to fill in gaps, instead of just retreading Louis' version of the events from Seasons 1 and 2. "I think when you're doing television, you have to be careful about not repeating overly or consciously the same beats again and again and again and again. So there is a way that they do look at, particularly now as we're going forward," he said of not just doing Interview With the Vampire: Lestat's Version.
He described how the character's rock star era establishes more perspectives by expanding the character of Daniel Molloy to be his foil too, as well as a new vampire made by the often-spurned vampire Armand. "I think they're pulling pretty strongly from The Vampire Lestat, TheQueen of the Damned, TheTale of the Body Thief," Reid revealed, "and they're adapting from all of them, and The Vampire Armand, obviously."
Even the beginning of The Vampire Lestat, which takes place at an auction attended by major players of the Vampire Chronicles, including Louis, Armand, and a certain Talamasca figure, where the season's main character is seemingly dead, plays with the timeline a lot.
Later in the season, but before the auction with Phantom of the Opera vibes, we see he and Louis beheaded by Armand, which is a callback to the books reinvented. Reid pointed to the source material where readers got "the revelation that Armand had severed Claudia's head and had tried to stitch her onto other bodies" and shared how that "is obviously the inspiration for the butcher shop scene and feels very in character for him, even though it's very confronting." It raises the stakes to the main throughline of Anne Rice's books and her thoughts about the existence of a soul.
Through Armand's curiosity about how a body can survive an attack like that, the show begins to explore just how the blood of Akasha (The Queen of the Damned) comes into play. "The way that they adapt these things, there's always room to go back. And particularly when you start to look at the Queen of the Damned, there is a thread that existed from The Vampire Lestat that would not have made sense for them to have put it in that season, particularly as they're examining him through a musical context."
Reid reflected on where we left off on Lestat before his head got put back on his body and tiptoed around what that means for his soul's transfer back. "It was really a lot about how this character has used his traumas and experiences of life to write music. But look, don't hold your breath because I can't guarantee anything," he said.
Related: 'Romeo Must Die' Stars Reunite 26 Years After the Original Film
He continued to give credit to the writers behind the show, making a gamble to foreshadow the events before and after Akasha awakens to attempt a bloody reign and Lestat's role in that. "It's a big jump, and it was one of the primary concerns for Rollin to make sure that now we have to have the concept of the soul present within the show [and Lestat's] long-table performance is surrounded by people who he has killed or traumatized or made."
Fans of The Tale of the Body Thief know that the Talamasca's influence to make sure Lestat didn't stay dead just yet teases more than just what summoning Akasha next season will. Reid left things up to interpretation by bringing up how the table of souls talking to his soul nods at the core of the Anne Rice series. Reid gave a wink to it being a way for the show to show the existence of a soul outside its body: "to try and thread this concept through so it's not so jarring. Because it does remain as a core thread throughout the books and throughout the show. It's a pretty tall order to try and do that."
'90s One-Hit Wonder That Became a Worldwide Phenomenon Began a 14-Week Run at No. 1, 30 Years Ago Today
On Aug. 3, 1996, a dance craze that has become a cultural staple officially hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its status as a timeless track that will be played for decades to come. "Macarena" by Los Del Río may be considered a one-hit wonder, but with a smash this huge, one could argue that one hit was all it took to catapult the artists to legend status.
The 1962-formed Spanish pop and flamenco duo, comprised of Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones, could never have predicted the immense success the song would experience. In fact, it was released in 1993 on the album A Mí Me Gusta, but three years later, got the remix treatment by the Bayside Boys—and the rest is history.
That version became one of the longest-running No. 1 hits of the 1990s—and among the Top 15 of all time, according to Billboard—topping the chart for 14 consecutive weeks starting today, three decades ago.
The Bayside Boys' version was a catchier, more rhythmic tune, and they even added some English lyrics and a dance-friendly beat. The hit exploded internationally. It rose to No. 1 in the United States and Australia, No. 2 in the United Kingdom, and topped charts in over a dozen countries worldwide. It remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for 60 weeks total.
An Instagram post celebrating the track's legacy provided backstory on how the track came to be. "The song was actually inspired by a real woman named Macarena, and the lyrics tell a playful story about her living her best life while her boyfriend is away. But what truly made the track unforgettable was the choreography," its caption read. However, according to History.com, the lady's name was actually “Magdalena,” though the lyric was later changed during recording.
"The simple, repetitive dance moves helped it become a global phenomenon. It was performed everywhere: weddings, school events, sports games, and even at the 1996 Democratic National Convention in the U.S," the social media post noted.
View this post on Instagram“We have no words to thank everyone,” the pair’s Monge told Billboard in 2016 of the endurance of the song, which remains a pop culture staple 30 years later. “We’re just two guys from a small town, doing things very humbly because we come from very humble families.”
Perdigones (comically) added, “That girl Macarena really was something.”
In 2023, Billboard ranked "Macarena" No. 500 on their list of Best Pop Songs of All Time. Meanwhile, VH1 once ranked it the No. 1 Greatest One-Hit Wonder of All Time.
View this post on InstagramNext, 1991 Upbeat Song, With 18-Year-Old Singer, Became an International Hit
1969 No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of All Time,' Was Saved by an Off-Beat Cowbell
If you've ever seen the Rolling Stones live in concert, you know the second "Honky Tonk Women" kicks off with that iconic cowbell, the entire venue goes nuts. The unmistakable intro means it's time to start dancing...but, interestingly enough, the hit song didn't always begin that way.
Released as a non-album single in 1969, "Honky Tonk Woman" went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for four weeks. (Another version, "Country Honk," appeared on the album Let it Bleed.) As Keith Richards explained in a promotional interview, the song's cowboy theme was inspired by a Brazilian ranch where he and Mick Jagger were vacationing.
"'Honky Tonk Women' started in Brazil," Richards explained, per Songfacts. "Mick and I, Marianne Faithfull and Anita Pallenberg who was pregnant with my son at the time. Which didn't stop us going off to the Mato Grasso and living on this ranch. It's all cowboys. It's all horses and spurs. And Mick and I were sitting on the porch of this ranch house and I started to play, basically fooling around with an old Hank Williams idea."
"We really thought we were like real cowboys," Richards continued.
"Honky tonk women. And we were sitting in the middle of nowhere with all these horses, in a place where if you flush the john all these black frogs would fly out. It was great. The chicks loved it," he quipped.
"Anyway, it started out a real country honk put on, a hokey thing. And then couple of months later we were writing songs and recording," Richards explained. "And somehow by some metamorphosis it suddenly went into this little swampy, black thing, a Blues thing. Really, I can't give you a credible reason of how it turned around from that to that. Except there's not really a lot of difference between white country music and Black country music. It's just a matter of nuance and style. I think it has to do with the fact that we were playing a lot around with open tunings at the time. So we were trying songs out just to see if they could be played in open tuning. And that one just sunk in."
Keystone Features / Getty Images
As Bob Spitz wrote in The Rolling Stones: The Biography (2026), "Honky Tonk Women" was a "beast of a song to perfect" in the studio. Multiple versions were cut with varying rhythms and instrumental tracks. Finally, in a "breakthrough moment," someone suggested adding a cowbell to the tune.
"That's Jimmy [Miller, producer] playing the cowbell," Charlie Watts said, "and either he comes in wrong, or I come in wrong — but Keith comes in right, which makes the whole thing right."
Indeed. In addition to being a #1 hit, "Honky Tonk Women" went on to become one of the band's most popular tracks ever. In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked it at #116 on a list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time; at the time of this writing, over 50 years since it was first released, "Honky Tonk Women" has 259,287,350 streams on Spotify alone.
Martha Stewart's ‘Sophisticated’ Stoneware Bathroom Accessory Set Gives You a Boutique Hotel Look for Less
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When it comes to updating a bathroom, most of us focus on the big-ticket upgrades first. We swap out the shower curtain, buy fresh towels, add a new bath mat, or invest in better storage. But it's often the smaller countertop accessories — the soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, tray, and canisters — that pull the whole room together. Those everyday essentials can make the difference between a bathroom that feels pieced together and one that looks intentionally styled.
That's exactly why Macy's current deal is worth a closer look. The Martha Stewart Tara 4-Piece Bath Accessory Set is now marked down 41% with the code HOME, bringing the price from its usual $67 to just $40. With four coordinating pieces included, that breaks down to just $10 per piece — a small price to pay for a perfectly matched countertop without having to visit multiple stores searching for accessories that actually work together.
Martha Stewart Tara 4-Piece Bath Accessory Set, $40 (was $67) at Macy’s Shop at Macy'sThis four-piece set proves that the smallest accessories can have the biggest impact. It includes a coordinating soap and lotion dispenser, divided toothbrush holder, tumbler, and matching tray, giving all those everyday necessities that usually end up scattered across the countertop a designated home. Whether it's sitting on a primary bathroom vanity, brightening up a guest bath, or adding polish to a powder room, the set instantly makes the entire space feel more finished and thoughtfully styled.
The standout detail is the “sophisticated” embossed damask pattern that wraps continuously around every piece, giving the collection far more character than a standard solid-color bathroom set. Inspired by classic European motifs, the raised design features scrolling vines, ornate flourishes, and floral medallions that resemble hand-carved stone or vintage ceramic tile. Rather than relying on bold colors, the texture does all the work, creating dimension that catches the light from every angle. A glossy glaze enhances the intricate pattern without overwhelming it, giving the monochromatic stoneware a sophisticated, spa-like feel that's elegant enough for a luxury hotel bathroom but timeless enough to work in almost any home.
Shop More Deals- Madison Park Mosaic 4-Piece Bath Accessory Set, $42 (was $71) at Macy’s
- Smart Design Ceramic Soap Pump and Brush Set, $32 (was $67) at Macy’s
- Clara Clark Bathroom Accessories Set, $42 (was $48) at Macy’s
The tall dispenser measures 3 inches wide by 7.8 inches high and is topped with a polished chrome pump that's perfect for hand soap, lotion, or hand sanitizer. A divided toothbrush holder keeps toothbrushes and toothpaste neatly separated instead of rolling around the sink, while the set's coordinating tumbler can serve as a rinsing cup or hold makeup brushes, razors, cotton swabs, or cotton balls. Completing the collection is a shallow tray measuring just under 5 inches across, offering the perfect landing spot for bar soap, jewelry, hair ties, bobby pins, or any of those small items that always seem to disappear on a busy countertop.
Crafted from durable ceramic stoneware, every piece has a substantial weight that helps keep it securely in place during everyday use, so nothing feels flimsy or easily knocked over. The smooth glazed finish is easy to wipe clean while also highlighting the raised detailing, allowing the pattern to remain the focal point. Its versatile neutral grey or white colors blend effortlessly with virtually any bathroom style, pairing just as beautifully with crisp white towels and marble counters as it does with warm wood vanities, brushed brass hardware, matte black fixtures, or woven storage baskets.
You don't need a full remodel to make your bathroom feel brand new. Shop the Martha Stewart Tara 4-Piece Bath Accessory Set while it's still over 40% off at Macy's with the code HOME.
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This Y2K-Era Witchy Cult Classic Film Got a Screening at a Cemetery, With Special Appearances From Its Stars
As August ushers in the start of spooky season, fans of Practical Magic recently got to enjoy the Halloween season favorite at an outdoor screening put on by Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
On hand to introduce the Y2K-era witchy movie based on the books by Alice Hoffman were the original Owens sisters, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Bullock, who plays Sally Owens, thanked the crowd for showing up for the original, as it's a "perfect movie to show in a cemetery," and joked, "We should also thank the spirits that are floating around us as well."
Related: ‘Practical Magic 2’: Will Aidan Quinn Return as Gary Hallet?
Kidman, who reprises the role of Gillian Owens, added, "Thank you for all the support, for getting the second film made. It's coming to you very soon," she said of Warner Bros.' upcoming Practical Magic 2, which is set for release on Sept. 11, 2026.
With that, Bullock also introduced the new generation of witches featured in the upcoming sequel, announcing, "We would like to bring out the next generation."
Watch the video of the Practical Magic 2 cast appearance from @ThatsSoJessieJessie on YouTube below:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tztLXjvu2cg?feature=share
Bullock continued, "I would like to bring out Joey King, who plays my daughter, Kylie Owens, and Maisie Williams, who plays Antonia Owens. The new Owens sisters!"
The duo replaces Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip, who played the roles, respectively, in the 1998 feature film. Notably, original cast member Wood toldEntertainment Tonight, "I read the book, and it seems like they’re not following the book,” she said of the re-casting for Kylie. “I think in the book it would have made sense to bring me back; I think in the way they’re redoing it and approaching it, it didn’t make sense.”
Related: Evan Rachel Wood ‘Sad’ on Not Returning for ‘Practical Magic 2’
King who now plays Kylie, told the fans at the Cinespia screening, "Maisie and I are so excited to be joining the coven as Kylie and Antonia," with Williams adding, "We really hope you enjoy the new movie as much as we did making it."
To continue to cast a spell on this witchy season, the cast also surprised a movie theater audience who thought they were seeing Practical Magic with a special early screening of the sequel.
Practical Magic 2 opens on September 11, 2026.
2000s Metalcore Band Scores Rare Double Victory on the ‘Billboard’ Rock Charts
Motionless in White, an industrial metalcore band from Scranton, Pennsylvania, has just achieved a massive double feat on the Billboard rock charts. Not only did the gothic outfit’s seventh studio album, Decades, debut at No. 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums survey, but its fourth single, “Fight Like Hell,” rocketed to the top spot on the Hot Hard Rock Songs tally.
Meanwhile, 11 other songs from the 14-track album also appeared on the chart, including “R.I.P.” featuring Skylar Grey at No. 2, “Afraid of the Dark” at No. 4, “Playing God” featuring Corey Taylor at No. 5, and the title track at No. 8.
View this post on InstagramFormed in 2004 by high school friends Chris Cerulli, Angelo Parente, Frank Polumbo, and Kyle White, Motionless in White went through several monikers—One Way Ticket, When Breathing Stops—before settling on MIW in 2005. Utilizing MySpace and the local Scranton music scene, they carved out a unique space in the metalcore genre.
Blending the subgenre's aggression with theatrical aesthetics and Goth subcultures, Motionless in White made their EP debut with The Whorror in 2007 through Masquerade Recordings. Their breakthrough came in 2010 with Creatures, their official debut full-length album, through Fearless Records.
Following various fanbase-building appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and the release of their 2012 album, Infamous, they dropped Reincarnate, which hit No. 9 on the Billboard 200 in 2014, launching the band into the mainstream and cementing their transition to major rock and metal headliners.
For more than two decades now, the metalcore rockers have evolved through major releases—Graveyard Shift (2017), Disguise (2019), and Scoring the End of the World (2022). With Decades, the band is celebrating their 20th anniversary.
Featuring high-profile collaborations from Corey Taylor and Skylar Grey, the album was released through Roadrunner Records and produced by Drew Fulk and Justin “JD” deBlieck. It’s said to have a nostalgic 2000s vibe that blends heavy metalcore, industrial electronics, and techno-synth vibes.
According to Louder, Decades is “the most impressive Motionless in White album so far.”
Fans seem to agree, with the double victory as proof.
“We definitely wanted to make sure [that what] the fans love the most was considered heavily on this one," Cerulli said about the album, per Blabbermouth. “And I think that's maybe the reason why things at least feel pretty positive so far.”
Related: Heavy Metal Legend Who Helped Define a Generation of 2000s Rock Turns 58
1975 Rock Ballad Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 51 Years Later
In 1975, Fleetwood Mac released a quiet acoustic ballad that would become one of the band's most beloved songs. More than 51 years later, "Landslide" is once again climbing the charts.
The beloved Fleetwood Mac ballad has just entered the TikTok Top 50 at No. 16, marking yet another remarkable resurgence for one of the band's most enduring songs. Much of the renewed interest is coming from heartfelt videos celebrating lifelong friendships, graduation, children growing up and the bittersweet transitions that come with the end of summer.
Unlike many songs that go viral because of a dance or comedy trend, "Landslide" has become the emotional backdrop for some of TikTok's most touching moments.
@knj.s#seniors #classof2026 @Thattan_f150🖤
♬ original sound - ✶𝓵𝓸𝓾𝓲𝓼𝓮✶One widely shared video shows two young women embracing at graduation beneath the caption, "And suddenly there's no more next year together," capturing the emotions of friends heading off to different colleges. Another celebrates "the girl you met in college who you instantly clicked with," while a third shows a graduating son lighting up after spotting a loved one filming him, reminding viewers that simply showing up for someone can mean everything.
The song's renewed popularity continues a remarkable second life that has unfolded over the past several years.
Although "Landslide" was first released on Fleetwood Mac's landmark 1975 self-titled album, it wasn't issued as a single during its original run. A live version from the band's blockbuster 1997 reunion album The Dance finally reached the Billboard Hot 100 in 1998, spending 26 weeks on the chart and climbing to No. 10 on Adult Contemporary.
@preslie_graisonso glad that college brought me you!! I’ll miss you so much @Kenadie
♬ original sound - V 🎀The original studio recording achieved another milestone earlier this year after appearing in the series finale of Stranger Things. More than five decades after Stevie Nicks wrote the song, it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time, entering at No. 41 as streaming surged following the Netflix episode.
That achievement added another chapter to one of Fleetwood Mac's most remarkable chart histories. Thanks to "Landslide," the band has now debuted songs on the Hot 100 in five different decades, joining a select group of acts to accomplish the feat.
Related: ‘Queen of Rock and Roll’ Stevie Nicks Just Named No. 1 Greatest Frontwoman in Rock History
The song's staying power is hardly surprising given how it came to be.
Nicks wrote "Landslide" in 1973 before she and Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac. At the time, the pair had been dropped by their record label, and Nicks was supporting them by working as both a waitress and a cleaning lady. While visiting Aspen, Colorado, she looked out at the Rocky Mountains and reflected on what she later described as "the avalanche of everything that had come crashing down on us," inspiring one of rock's most beloved ballads.
Over the decades, "Landslide" has taken on a life far beyond its original release. It has been covered by artists including The Smashing Pumpkins and The Chicks, appeared in television shows and films, and become a staple of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks concerts. In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked it No. 163 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, praising its timeless reflection on growing older and life's inevitable changes.
Now, nearly 51 years after it first reached listeners, "Landslide" is connecting with another generation, proving once again that some songs never stop finding new meaning.
Christina Applegate Spent Nearly 4 Months in the Hospital
Christina Applegate is finally back home after spending nearly four months in the hospital.
According to a TMZ article shared Monday, August 3, the Dead to Me star was recently discharged after being hospitalized in Los Angeles since late March. While the reason for her lengthy stay has not been publicly disclosed, a source close to the actress told the outlet she is now home and "doing well."
The update comes just months after news broke of Applegate’s hospital stay in mid-April. A little over a week later, the comedian reassured fans that, despite ongoing health challenges, she remained optimistic about her recovery.
In the Instagram post, she thanked supporters for the flood of encouraging messages along, with writing, "Health Issues are a constant for me, but I'm a strong chick and I'm getting stronger and better everyday." She added, "I'm taking a moment to focus on my health, but I'll be back with more to say soon enough."
Although it remains unclear whether the hospitalization was related to the 54-year-old’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, the actress has been open about living with the condition since revealing it publicly in 2021.
READ MORE: Christina Applegate Breaks Silence After Reported Hospitalization
Applegate has become increasingly active on Instagram in recent weeks, giving fans glimpses into both her recovery and her life at home. Most recently, she shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the shoot for her memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, in late July, revealing that one of the images was inspired by her mother, singer Nancy Priddy's 1968 album cover, You've Come This Way Before. The side-by-side recreation featured both women sitting cross-legged in denim.
"This was a pic taken for possibly back of book. Hold please while I find the other inspo pic. It's so cool. Also have you read or listened to YOU WITH THE SAD EYES?" Applegate wrote in the caption. When she realized she couldn't upload her mother's album cover for comparison, she turned to her followers with another humorous update: "Ok can't make it work. It's my mom's album cover called YOUVE COME THIS WAY BEFORE from 1960 something.” She then asked her followers to Google the image.
Dairy Queen's Fall 2026 Menu Features 2 New Blizzard Flavors & a Returning Favorite
Dairy Queen just announced its fall 2026 menu — and the lineup features two new Blizzard flavors as well as one returning fan favorite.
On Monday, Aug. 3, DQ officially revealed its new offerings as summer winds down and autumn-inspired flavors take over.
Starting on Aug. 31, customers will be able to order Dairy Queen's Blizzard of the Month, the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Blizzard. The frozen treat features "cheesecake pieces and caramel apple topping" blended with vanilla soft serve.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Blizzard at Dairy QueenThe second new member of the Blizzard family is the Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Blizzard. DQ describes it as "brown sugarcookie dough pieces and brown sugar topping" blended with vanilla soft serve.
Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Blizzard at Dairy QueenTo round out the fall Blizzard flavors is a returning fan-favorite, DQ's Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. It features "real pumpkin pie pieces" blended with vanilla soft serve and "garnished with whipped topping and nutmeg."
Pumpkin Pie Blizzard at Dairy QueenAlso new on Dairy Queen's fall 2026 menu is the Toasted Marshmallow Mocha DQ Coffee Cooler. It features "cold brew blended with toasted marshmallow syrup," vanilla soft serve with cocoa fudge, and whipped topping.
Toasted Marshmallow Mocha Coffee Cooler at Dairy QueenDQ rewards members can also buy one Blizzard treat and get a second for 99 cents from Aug. 3 to Aug. 30. Customers can redeem the offer once per day during this timeframe.
In other fall-flavored news, both Starbucks and Dunkin' recently announced their autumn line-ups, with release dates just around the corner.
What do you think of Dairy Queen's three fall Blizzard flavors?
Next: Wendy’s Releases New Fall-Inspired Frosty Flavor & Fans Are "Here for" It
Trump Administration Debuts Online Cooking Show, Focused on Healthy '$5' Meals
As many Americans continue feeling the pinch at the grocery store, the Trump administration, through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has stepped into the world of online cooking shows with a new digital series aimed at helping families eat healthier while saving money.
The Real Food Show centers on showcasing easy-to-make meals costing "less than $5 per serving whenever possible." Some might wonder if that's realistic today, as even a Big Mac meal can easily creep into the double digits, depending on the market.
As HHS secretary, his latest project continues to promote the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative he has championed since taking office in February 2025, and he has even publicly — and ironically — poked fun at President Trump's diet choices.
That's why he's playing host as America's chef.
Related: World’s ‘Number One’ Restaurant Reopening This Summer with New Menu Every Month
In a statement, RFK said, "I am grateful to President Trump for his courage and leadership in making the health of the American people a national priority. The Real Food Show reminds Americans that healthy eating starts at home—and that cooking with real food can be simple, affordable, and within reach for every family. By bringing people back to the kitchen table, we can strengthen our families, improve our health, build healthy habits that last for generations to come, and Make America Healthy Again.”
The show's name is rooted in a simple idea: encouraging Americans to eat "real food." The first episode has already premiered with the menu item "Crispy Salmon Cakes with Apple, White Bean & Greens Salad."
Americans seeking practical nutrition tips using budget-friendly ingredients can watch it at their convenience on YouTube or the HHS website, though there doesn't appear to be a set schedule for video releases.
Per the official statement, each recipe is tailored toward the following:
- Made with real, whole-food ingredients.
- Family-friendly recipes that kids can help prepare.
- Designed for an everyday home kitchen with basic equipment.
- Keeps costs below $5 per serving whenever possible.
- Offers flavorful, practical meals for cooks of all skill levels.
- Follows the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
'60s Rock Band, Once Banned From United States, Ranked Among 'Greatest Rock Bands' of All Time
The Kinks, the iconic English rock band from the 1960s, continue to cement their legacy in music as one of the greatest bands in the industry.
Following The Beatles' breakthrough in the U.S., a number of British bands rose to fame among American audiences during that era. Among them was the quartet formed by Ray Davies on vocals and rhythm guitar, Dave Davies on lead guitar and occasional lead vocals, the late Pete Quaife on bass and Mick Avory on drums.
Their music helped lay the groundwork for hard rock, punk and heavy metal, setting them apart from their contemporaries and earning them lasting acclaim.
In a list of 100 Greatest Pop/Rock Bands, The Kinks joined legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Pink Floyd.
While those iconic bands secured the top five spots, the "You Really Got Me" hitmakers ranked No. 12.
Described as "one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s," the group became well known for highlighting the lifestyle and culture of Britain in its music, as well as Ray Davies' wit and sharp social observation, which transformed pop music into something more personal and relatable for ordinary people.
The Kinks as musical guest on Saturday Night Live 1977NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Debuting in the early 1960s, the quartet released its self-titled debut album Kinks in 1964. The album featured their breakthrough track, "You Really Got Me."
In 1965, the band released two studio albums, Kinda Kinks and The Kink Kontroversy, followed by its first American tour.
Breaking into the mainstream, The Kinks embarked on a relentless promotional campaign, including efforts to expand their presence in the U.S. However, the summer trip didn't go as planned.
The band's schedule was derailed by a series of controversies, including reported disputes with promoters, missed appearances and allegations that Ray Davies punched an official from the American Federation of Musicians.
Although the band completed its series of shows in June and July and appeared on U.S. television programs like Hullabaloo on NBC, Shindig! on ABC, Where the Action Is on ABC and The Red Skelton Show on CBS, The Kinks were banned after the union refused to issue their performance permits.
"The reason we got banned was a mixture of bad agency, bad management, bad luck, and bad behavior,” Ray Davies shared during a book signing in 2013, as cited by Collider.
The ban lasted four years and ended only after the band signed what the vocalist described as a confession of guilt.
“We literally signed a confession -- it was a confessional. We didn’t even read it,” he said.
After the ban, The Kinks returned to the U.K. and continued releasing acclaimed albums, including Face to Face (1966), Something Else (1967) and The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968).
The band went on to release several more records before issuing its final studio album, Phobia, in 1993 and officially disbanding in 1996.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle covers everything from skateboard terminology and types of family members to words from famous book titles, political mistakes and more.
Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you're working on today's Mini Crossword on Tuesday, August 4, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Tuesday, August 4, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Put in persistent hard work — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"
6 Across: The "A" of A/V —HINT: Ends with the letter "O"
7 Across: Buzzers by the trash — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"
8 Across: What was always seen blocking Wilson's face, on "Home Improvement" — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"
9 Across: Outer boundaries — HINT: Starts with the letter "E"
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Politician's stumble — HINT: Starts with the letter "G"
2 Down: Was totally awesome — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"
3 Down: What bar bouncers spend all night doing — HINT: Ends with the letter "G"
4 Down: Nephew's sister — HINT: Starts with the letter "N"
5 Down: Units of a vaccine — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"
Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: Put in persistent hard work — GRIND
6 Across: The "A" of A/V —AUDIO
7 Across: Buzzers by the trash — FLIES
8 Across: What was always seen blocking Wilson's face, on "Home Improvement" — FENCE
9 Across: Outer boundaries — EDGES
1 Down: Politician's stumble — GAFFE
2 Down: Was totally awesome — RULED
3 Down: What bar bouncers spend all night doing — IDING
4 Down: Nephew's sister — NIECE
5 Down: Units of a vaccine — DOSES
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Monday, August 3, 2026
Alec Baldwin Asked His Wife Hilaria for 'Another Baby' — See Her Reaction
It looks like Alec Baldwin is ready for another baby. Hilaria Baldwin? Not so much.
On Monday, August 3, Hilaria shared a playful Reel on Instagram that poked fun at the couple's ever-growing household. The clip opened with her kneeling on a chair by the pool in a pink patterned bikini as text on the screen read, "I would do anything for you."
The camera then cut to Alec, 68, whose on-screen response read, "Have another baby with me." Without uttering a word, Hilaria, 42, gave the camera an icy look before swatting the camera aside and walking off.
"When “I’d do anything for you” meets reality with its terms and conditions … 😂" she wrote in the caption. The reel was set to a karaoke version of Olivia Newton-John'sGrease ballad "Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
Fans got a kick out of the moment, with many leaving multiple laughing emojis.
“Run Hilaria run!!!! 🏃♀️😂,” one joked.
Another commented on Hilaria’s physique, saying, “Girlllllll your bawdy.”
“But seriously, you should....😂😛😜🤪😁😁,” another suggested.
“Oooooohhhhhh your babies are so cute though,” a fourth replied.
Alec and Hilaria, who married in 2012, share seven children together: Carmen, 12, Rafael, 10, Leonardo, 9, Romeo, 8, Eduardo, 5, María Lucía, 5, and Ilaria, 2. Alec is also father to 30-year-old Ireland, whom he shares with ex-wife Kim Basinger, and is grandfather to Ireland’s daughter, Holland.
Last year, the couple invited cameras into their home for TLC's reality series The Baldwins, which followed the chaos of raising their large family. Despite the attention surrounding the series, it was canceled after just one season following disappointing viewership.
As for whether baby No. 9 is actually on the horizon? For now, it looks like Alec might have to keep dreaming.
1966 One-Hit Wonder, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Is Still 'Shaping Rock' 60 Years Later
John “Sean” Byrne was only 19 when he wrote "Psychotic Reaction." The song may have made Count Five a one-hit wonder, but it went on to become one of the most influential tracks of the garage rock era.
Years before their big break, guitarist John "Mouse" Michalski and bassist Roy Chaney were playing surf music in local San Jose groups like Johnny & The GTOs.
But when the British Invasion changed the rock landscape, the two moved away from surf-style tunes and toward a more electric sound.
Things fell into place with the addition of singer and harmonica player Kenn Ellner, drummer Craig "Butch" Atkinson and Byrne on rhythm guitar. With the lineup complete, the group took on the name Count Five.
"We thought at first maybe we'd be the Counts," Byrne revealed in 1994, per San Jose Rocks. "And then we added the 'Five' part because we were all big fans of the Dave Clark Five." Byrne also began using the name "Sean" onstage, hoping it would fit the British image.
The band quickly earned a reputation for high-energy live performances. Local KLIV disc jockey Brian Lordtook notice of those shows and helped set up auditions with several record labels. It took a few rejections, but he eventually got them a deal with Double Shot Records, a Los Angeles-based label.
"I can't tell you how great it felt when those guys burst out of the control booth after we played 'Psychotic' and told us, 'You've got a record contract,'" Byrne said, per American Songwriter.
By then, "Psychotic Reaction" had become a favorite at Count Five's live shows. Byrne wrote the song, blending British Invasion energy with fuzzed-out guitars, unlike much of the pop music at the time.
Double Shot reportedly considered another song, "They're Gonna Get You," for the band's first single. Instead, the label released "Psychotic Reaction" as the A-side, with "They're Gonna Get You" appearing on the flip side.
"Psychotic Reaction" was released in 1966 and quickly became a national sensation, climbing all the way to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 that October. Count Five hit the road, touring and sharing stages with acts like Buffalo Springfield and The Doors. They even appeared on American Bandstand to perform their breakthrough hit.
But with success came new problems. Double Shot wanted to capitalize on the hit right away, so they rushed Count Five into the studio to record a full album. The band later felt the album sessions were rushed and that they had not been given enough time to develop new material.
Released in 1967, the Psychotic Reaction album had some strong moments, like "Pretty Big Mouth" and a couple of Who covers, including "My Generation." But overall, it couldn't match the excitement of the single.
They tried again with "Peace of Mind," but it only made it to the lower end of the charts, nowhere near the impact "Psychotic Reaction" had. A few more singles came and went, and eventually the band just drifted apart, with several members heading back to college.
Count Five broke up in 1969, but "Psychotic Reaction" kept getting radio play for years afterward. It picked up new fans in 1972 when Lenny Kaye included it on his influential compilation, Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era 1965–68, alongside other garage rock pioneers.
Decades later, "Psychotic Reaction" was still a favorite among garage rock fans, and it even made the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll."
Related: 1966 Rock Song, Written by a 15-Year-Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 60 Years Later
1970 Acoustic Ballad, One of the Band's Most 'Moving' Songs, Was Written After a Long Walk Through the Mountains
Just because Led Zeppelin was one of the most influential hard rock bands of all time doesn't mean they didn't have a softer side, too. In fact, it was an acoustic ballad on 1970's Led Zeppelin III that won over one of the toughest critics of the era.
"That's the Way" was written while Robert Plant and Jimmy Page were on vacation, staying at an 18th century cottage in the Cambrian Mountains of Wales named Bron-Yr-Aur. Plant had visited the spot as a child and thought a getaway to the countryside would do them both good.
As Bob Spitz wrote in Led Zeppelin: The Biography, the cottage was "in the middle of nowhere" with no bathroom or electricity.
"Oh, we're here, we're in nature, we can hear the birds sing, there's not a car sound, there's no airplanes, there's no concert to do," recalled Page. "It was just fantastic."
"The original plan was just to go [to Wales], hang out, and really appreciate the countryside," Page continued.
Of course, even though the trip wasn't intended to be a working holiday, inspiration struck anyway.
"So, there we were, up in the mountains with one of the very first Sony cassette recorders and a bunch of Eveready batteries," Plant said, "Just sitting, going, 'Well, what shall we do?'"
The pair packed up the guitars and tape recorder and set out for a long afternoon walk through nature.
"It was a tiring walk coming down a ravine, and we stopped and sat down," Page said. After he started playing around with a chord pattern he'd been working on, Plant couldn't help but join in: "He sang the first verse straight off," Page explained.
"Bron-Yr-Aur gave Jimmy and me so much energy," Plant said of the songwriting session. "Because we were really close to something. We believed. It was absolutely wonderful, and my heart was so light and happy."
Page also remembered the time as a particularly creative phase for the band.
“Led Zeppelin was definitely growing, there’s no doubt about that,” he told Brad Tolinksi of Guitar World in 2010. “Where many of our contemporaries were narrowing their perspective, we were really being expansive. I was maturing as a composer and player, and there were many kinds of music that I found stimulating, and with this wonderful group I had the chance to be really adventurous. It was the same for everybody in the band. Because with the high level of musicianship and creativity of the four members, we were really able to approach anything — attack anything.”
Page went on to say that "the only song we really finished up there was ‘That’s the Way,’ but being in the country set a tone, and it established a standard of traveling for inspiration.”
Of course, as any Led Zeppelin fan can tell you, "That's the Way" went on to become one of the band's most beloved tracks of all time. The song even managed to make an impression on legendary music critic Lester Bangs. Though he wasn't a huge fan of Led Zeppelin III, he singled out "That's the Way" as a standout in his 1970 review of the album for Rolling Stone.
"I must mention a song called 'That's the Way,' because it's the first song they've ever done that has truly moved me," Bangs wrote. "Son of a gun, it's beautiful. Above a very simple and appropriately everyday acoustic riff, Plant sings a touching picture of two youngsters who can no longer be playmates because one's parents and peers disapprove of the other because of long hair and being generally from 'the dark side of town.'"
"The vocal is restrained for once — in fact, Plant's intonations are as plaintively gentle as some of the Rascals' best ballad work," Bangs continued, "and a perfectly modulated electronic drone wails in the background like melancholy harbor scows as the words fall soft as sooty snow: 'And yesterday I saw you standing by the river/I read those tears that filled your eyes/And all the fish that lay in dirty water dying/Had they got you hypnotized?' Beautiful, and strangely enough Zep. As sage [Chuck] Berry declared eons ago, it shore goes to show you never can tell."
Related: 1969 Hit, Written on an Organ, Changed Hard Rock Forever
1968 Figure Skating Legend Won the Gold at 19 Years Old After Tragic Plane Crash Devastated Entire U.S. Team
Every Olympic athlete faces intense pressure, but perhaps none so much as figure skating legend Peggy Fleming, who won the gold at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France.
A talented skater from the age of nine, Fleming was just 12 years old when her coach, Bill Kipp, was killed along with the entire U.S. figure skating team in a horrific plane crash. The team was headed to the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia, when their Boeing 707 crashed on approach to Brussels Airport. The lives of 18 young skaters, in addition to family members, judges, officials and coaches, were lost in the tragedy, leaving the sport absolutely devastated.
"All the young women who would have been the stars in ’62, ’63 and ’64 (were) gone," USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan said in the new CNN Original SeriesDecades in Sports.
Suddenly, Fleming was thrust into the spotlight, according to Brennan
"She is the hope for the American future. The pressure was enormous," Brennan said.
Italian bronze medalist Carlo Fassi took over as Fleming's coach, changing her life "immeasurably" in the process. Though she competed at the 1964 Winter Olympics when she was 15, Fleming wasn't quite ready yet. Four years later, with five national titles and back-to-back world titles under belt, she was more than ready.
The 19-year-old skated to victory wearing a chartreuse dress made by her mother, who had the idea to use that particular color, Fleming explained years later.
"She put a whole lot of thought, maybe too much thought, into this color," Fleming said. "Because of the Olympics in '68 being in Grenoble, France...she heard that there was a little town called Chartreuse near Grenoble that made this liqueur and she thought if I wore that color, it would endear me to the French people."
"I think it went way over their head," she continued, adding, "it went way over mine too, but the green color did come in handy because of my Irish heritage, it did bring me good luck."
As Fleming told Today in 2018, “My most memorable moment, I think, at that Olympics was seeing my mother's face. She put so much into me and guided me and made me feel strong. And that she really saw the big picture of what I could do. She helped me be strong. And she pushed. And I needed that.”
Her mother's face when Fleming walked off the ice said it all, she recalled.
“I could see it. It's the happiest I've ever seen her,” she said.
Fleming's mother wasn't the only one who was thrilled by her success, which was both important and deeply meaningful for the sport and the country.
"She dropped into American living rooms while literally rising from the ashes of one of the greatest tragedies in American sports history," Brennan said. "It’s a story linked in tragedy, but it’s also a story of the ultimate triumph in sports.”
Walmart's Vintage-Inspired Solar Lanterns Double as Planters, and You Can Snag a 2-Pack for Under $30
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
A thoughtful mix of lighting and greenery makes your outdoor space come alive. Twinkling lights create a welcoming glow, while lush plants add color, texture, and personality. Whether you're entertaining friends or unwinding after a long day, thoughtful design transforms any patio, deck, or garden into an inviting outdoor retreat.
Walmart's DJGIFI Solar Powered Outdoor Lamp with Planter 2-Pack offers an eco-friendly way to brighten your patio or garden while also infusing your space with a little greenery — plus, the low-maintenance decor option is currently on sale.
DJGIFI 2-Pack Solar Powered Outdoor Lamp with Planter, From $21 (was $30) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThis set includes two full solar lamp posts, each with an integrated planter at the base, making it easy to add even, symmetrical lighting to your porch, garden walkway, or patio border. The roomy planter at the bottom of each lamp can be filled with flowers, vines, herbs, or decorative stones, so you get the benefit of outdoor lighting and a landscaped accent in one.
The lights stand just under thirty inches tall and are easy to set up, thanks to a snap-together design that requires no tools. Once assembled, the monocrystalline solar panels charge in the sun during the day, and the LED lights switch on automatically at dusk. The IP44 waterproof rating means these lamps will keep working through rain or sun, making them a reliable option for year-round outdoor use, even in unpredictable weather.
Shoppers say the set is "beautiful and functional," noting that the planters are a nice touch for adding personality. Many use them to frame their front doors, mark the edges of patios, or give garden beds a finished look.
"I bought this solar-powered garden planter to add a little style and lighting to my patio walkway, and it ended up being a really nice upgrade," one shopper said. "The design looks modern but still blends well with outdoor decor, and the built-in planter adds a decorative touch without taking up extra space. I planted small flowers in mine, and it instantly made the area feel more welcoming."
Shoppers also noted that the solar-powered feature "works surprisingly well," loving that the "light automatically turns on at dusk and stays illuminated through the night."
Shop More Deals- Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, $54 (was $64) at Walmart
- Jessica Simpson Cherry Barrel Five-Pocket Jeans, $15 (was $35) at Walmart
- Bubble Skincare 3-Step Hydrating Routine Bundle, Set of 3, $25 (was $40) at Walmart
At a little over $10 per lamp, Walmart's $21 Solar Lamp Planter Set is a solid pick for anyone looking to refresh their exterior this season. Grab your set for a smart way to add lighting and some curb appeal to your outdoor space for not much money or effort.
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’80s Soft Rock Hitmaker Returns to the Charts With New Single 44 Years After Biggest Hit
More than four decades after “Key Largo” became one of the defining soft rock hits of the early '80s, Bertie Higgins is back on the Billboard charts with his new single, “A River.” At 81, Higgins is still rocking with his track debuting at No. 29 on the outlet’s Adult Contemporarychart, dated Aug. 1, making this the first time the hitmaker has charted in 44 years.
Released through Toucan Cove as a digital single rather than on a full-length album, “A River” is currently sharing the chart with massive artists including Alex Warren, Bruno Mars, Olivia Dean, and Taylor Swift, the latter of which Higgins addressed specifically with Billboard.
“To compete with that, that’s amazing,” Higgins said. “God bless her.”
Written with pop-rock/Christian singer Eddie Hedges, “A River” has a fascinating backstory. Oddly enough, the two weren’t inspired by another love song, but rather a single line spoken by Anthony Quinn in the 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia: “The Turks pay me a golden treasure, yet I am poor! Because I am a river to my people!”
One of yacht rock's defining voices, Higgins never stopped writing, recording, and touring. To Billboard, he called himself a vessel, always open to everyday inspiration.
“As a songwriter, I’m tuned in to every street sign, things that people mumble about that I can barely understand, so I’ve got my brain out there for all this material,” Higgins said. “So I wrote ‘A River’—‘Her love flows like a river into my heart’—which I thought was a good idea. It’s amazing where you get your inspiration from.”
Before “A River,” Higgins rolled out several projects including A Christmas Card, Let’s Sail Away to Key Largo, and Forever Casablanca. He also released a sped-up, re-recorded version of his biggest hit, “Key Largo,” in 2023 to catch on to modern streaming trends.
Originally released in late 1981, “Key Largo” climbed to No. 1 the following year on the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 8 on the all-genre Hot 100, becoming the artist's signature soft rock and yacht rock ballad. It, too, took inspiration from the big screen, borrowing its title and romantic narrative from the 1948 film of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
The track, which shares writing credits between Higgins and Sonny Limbo, propelled Higgins’ debut album, Just Another Day in Paradise, into the Top 40 on the Billboard 200, and it continues to find new audiences. It’s been streamed nearly 75 million times and has sold more than 243,000 downloads, according to Luminate via Billboard. “Key Largo” clearly still has places to go.
“My publisher in Atlanta, Bill Lowery … great ears … said, ‘Lad, if this damn thing ever gets legs, it’ll live forever.’ And he’s been so right—that song won’t go away,” Higgins said. “The song had an amazing run, and it still is running.”
Few artists return to Billboard airplay charts more than four decades after their signature hits, making Higgins’ comeback especially rare and exciting. Now, only time will tell where “A River” goes.
Beloved Soap Star Allegedly Hit Child In the Face Before Arrest, Court Docs Claim
New court documents are shedding more light on the incident that led to the recent arrest of former soap star Brenda Dickson.
According to legal filings obtained by TMZ on Monday, August 3, a man named Richard Chamberlin has filed for a civil harassment restraining order against the 77-year-old actress, alleging she physically and verbally confronted his young daughter during a dispute at the apartment building where they both live.
In the filing, Chamberlin claims Dickson struck his daughter, Isabella, in the face and chest during an alleged July 8 altercation. He also alleges that she bumped the child with trash bags, made threatening remarks, and verbally harassed both his family and another resident.
The court documents state that Chamberlin works as a property maintenance employee and rents a unit in the same building as the former The Young and the Restless star. Along with seeking protection for himself, he asked the court to include Isabella, another tenant, and even the family's dog in the requested restraining order. Apparently, it’s something that’s been happening for months.
Despite the allegations, the outlet notes that the court declined to immediately issue the restraining order. According to the filing, the request was denied for now because the submitted paperwork did not sufficiently demonstrate that Dickson had committed violence, threatened violence, or caused substantial emotional distress. A hearing has been scheduled for August 24, where the matter will be revisited.
Dickson rose to fame after originating the role of Jill Foster Abbott on The Young and the Restless, a role she starred in from 1973 to 1980 before returning for another run from 1983 to 1987. She later appeared in series including Falcon Crest and Love, American Style.
In her 2013 memoir, My True Hidden Hollywood Story, Dickson alleged she was blacklisted from Hollywood following her departure from the soap, claiming the setback left her broke and homeless.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit their website.
‘DWTS: The Next Pro' Eliminates Two Dancers in a Brutal Chemistry Challenge — See Who Went Home
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro continued its competition tonight with the eight remaining dancers facing a couples challenge, dancing the Rumba and the Argentine Tango.
Hosted by wildlife conservationist and Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Len Goodman Mirrorball Champion Robert Irwin, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, began with 12 exceptional up-and-coming dancers who moved into one house to compete in a grueling audition process, all vying for a coveted spot as a pro dancer on Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.
Three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas “The Queen of Latin” served as judges.
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“I can see the hunger to be the best, and that’s a good thing,” Mark said of the remaining dancers. “But I also need to see the grit. How you deal with setbacks will tell whether you really have the resilience to cope with the pressure of being a Dancing with the Stars pro.”
The challenge for Night 4 was mentored by two-time DWTS winner and Emmy-nominated choreographer Jenna Johnson, who challenged the four couples to create a passionate routine that built trust and chemistry while tackling the Rumba or Argentine Tango. For the first time in the series, the dancers choose their own partners with the lowest-scoring pair eliminated.
“When two people dance together, chemistry is critical,” Jenna said. ‘It’s one of my favorite things about dance. Sometimes it’s genuine, sometimes it isn’t, but it’s our job to make the audience believe it’s real. So, dancers, this week’s theme is chemistry. Your challenge is to connect with your partner and build a performance so intimate, it will send pulses racing.”
And Mark added, “I want to believe in you as a couple. I want to see a dance so intimate that I am not even sure I should be watching it, especially with my mum.”
Here's our spoiler-filled recap of who went home on The Next Pro tonight, and who made it through to Week 5.
Who was eliminated on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro tonight?Stephani Sosa Stephani SosaDisney/Maarten De Boer
Tristen Sanders Tristen SandersDisney/Maarten De Boer
Who's left on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro?Adele ZaikmanAJ Pritchard
Allen Genkin
Erik Linder
Nina Mayster
Selena Hamilton
Related: Ezra Sosa Defends Sister Stephani After ‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ Accident Sends Contestant Home
Here’s how the night broke down:
First, Jenna watched the dancers pair off to determine who had the most natural chemistry in a dance version of speed dating, as they switched partners so they all danced with each other. Then, she had the women pick who they wanted to pair up with. Both Nina and Stephani chose Allen, so that left Tristen with no partner, which was understandable because he would have been eliminated in Week 3 if Natalie hadn’t been injured and had to exit as a result of not being medically cleared to continue.
Adele chose AJ, Selena chose Erik, and Allen chose Nina, which meant that Stephani was paired up with Tristen, who she had danced with the previous week.
But being Stephani’s second choice didn’t sit well with Tristen, who said, “What can you say? I didn’t think I was somebody who wouldn’t get picked and it makes me review how I think of me and Stephani’s relationship. I thought we were close.”
ADELE AND AJ: RUMBAShirley said: “First of all, for me, Adele, you are a superstar in my book. Your chemistry skills are off the chart. You come in here and it’s all of you. Chemistry for me, I think you really have to dig deep. AJ, I think it’s a little bit new for you. I think as international Latin dancers, it’s a little staged: point on two, wink on one. You don’t need to be so formed. I would have liked to see you rip open your shirt maybe. I want to see you dig a little more deep.”
Jenna said: “Thank you for being so receptive to the feedback I gave you in the room. Those little nuances – you didn’t go butt cheek but you went back and it was hot.”
Mark said: “The beginning was a little bumpy for me. The entrances and exits were a little [bumpy]. However, when you danced the Rumba, it was great from both of you.”
Selena Hamilton, Jenna Johnson, Erik LinderDisney/Vince Valitutti
SELENA AND ERIK: ARGENTINE TANGOShirley joked: “I need a fan. Where’s my fan,” meaning the dance was so hot.
Jenna said: “I am speechless. Erik, who are you? I want to dance with you. That is a lesson on how a beautiful chemistry piece should look like. Great jobs you guys. I am a little hot.”
Mark said: “Selena, what a redemption from last week. This is what hunger looks like. Erik, when you dance like that, it tells me you’re ready. You’re turning this into a fistfight now. Good job.”
Shirley said: “Well, well, well. I’m going to give you a standing ovation because in my 50 years of teaching, I’ve never seen anything quite like that. That number could be on Dancing with the Stars tomorrow. That’s how good it was. Well done. We may have a new frontrunner here. He’s the dark horse."
Related: ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Reveals First Member of Season 35 Troupe
TRISTEN AND STEPHANI: RUMBAMark said: “You both interpreted the lyric of the song really well. I could feel pain, I could feel fight, I just wish there had been a couple of moments of stillness, so that those explosive moments hit a little harder. For me, I know this was like a fight for you guys to get it together to come back stronger than the last round that you had. There were moments when I was in and out of the chemistry.”
Shirley said: “There was enough choreography in there for two Rumbas. I felt it went a little wham, wham, boom, boom, boom. Clever choreography, I will give you that. You are quality dancers, but we are on Week 4 and we are expecting a lot. I want to bring in the technique, the story, the group things that you learned and the chemistry. It’s something you feel when you watch, and I didn’t quite feel it.”
Jenna said: “Steph, I think you’re such a gorgeous dancer. I’m a big fan of you. There’s just a slight fire missing. You are so capable. Get out of your own way. You are so stunning and I want you to own that. Tristen, I loved that you performed with your heart. I do wish that there was more breadth, more moments of just staring at each other, but I love your fight, your grit. Great job.”
NINA AND ALLEN: ARGENTINE TANGOJenna said: “We asked for spice, passion, Nina when you walked around in the beginning and you found a space and did those swivels, girl, I was just captivated. That was some chemistry.”
Shirely said: “I’m a little confused and wondered if you got the same brief as me. My brief says Argentine Tango. I see Tango, I see Rumba and I see Samba with promenade runs and back rocks.”
Allen answered: “We decided to go outside of the box a little bit and do something different, special.”
Shirley replied: “You must have been speaking to Mark, who normally bends the rules. For me, the assignment was Argentine Tango, but first, I have to give you some flowers today Nina because you were on time, you were led by this wonderful man who is a force to be reckoned with because everybody you’ve danced with so far, you make them shine. I would have liked to have seen those passionate moments in your Argentine Tango, where you get together. I didn’t get that flavor. But whatever you executed today was very good, so well done.”
Mark said: “The brief was Argentine Tango, where, where? But sometimes you’ve got to tear up the rule book because that was your best dance Nina.”
Shirley interrupted to say: “It does matter how much Argentine Tango you put in.”
Mark continued: “Allen, you’re a great partner. Could there have been some more Argentine Tango? Sure, but great job.”
Then it was time for the elimination of the couple that failed to pass its chemistry test.
Mark announced the first couple in jeopardy was Stephani and Tristen and Shirley announced the second couple was Allen and Nina because they failed to include enough Argentine Tango in their dance routine so it wasn’t obvious if they would be able to teach it.
From the earlier comments, though, it was obvious though that it would be the last dance for Stephani and Tristen, and that was the result.
“I am proud of myself,” Stephani said. “My journey was cut too short but I feel like I have to close a chapter for me with Dancing with the Stars. From here on out, I am never going to let myself get in head again. I am never letting that fire dim.”
“For me, you are the company you keep and for me right now, I am in the company of champions, industry dancers, legends, legends to be,” Tristen said.
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
