Kendrick Lamar sets Billboard record with three albums in top 10Music
Author: business
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JoJo Siwa says she’s ‘queer’ not ‘lesbian’ on ‘Big Brother’
JoJo Siwa felt ‘pressure’ to outdo her KISS iHeartRadio Awards look
JoJo Siwa teased the announcement of a “massive project” that’s coming soon while wearing a massive rhinestone headpiece.
Entertain This!
JoJo Siwa is opening up about her evolving sexuality.
In a moment captured on the April 22 livestream of “Celebrity Big Brother UK,” Siwa told co-star Danny Beard that she felt like “queer” was a more apt identifier for her than “lesbian.”
“I feel, like, so queer, do you know what I mean?” Siwa, 21, told Bear, who landed in the house after a stint on “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.”
“I think that’s the thing, I’ve always told myself I’m a lesbian, and I think being here I’ve realized: ‘Oh, I’m not a lesbian, I’m queer.’ And I think that’s really cool,” Siwa continued.
A children’s entertainer turned pop star, Siwa first came out in 2021 and is currently dating Australian influencer Kath Ebbs.
Her candidness about coming out, and evolving as an entertainer in the public eye, has endeared her to a new set of fans − less interested in the brightly colored outfits and dance moves that made her a favorite among children and more fascinated by a newfound unfiltered nature.
That quality is on full display during Siwa’s stint at the “Big Brother” house, where she’s formed an unlikely friendship with ex-“Love Island” star Chris Hughes.
“I’m switching letters!” Siwa continued, in her comments to Bear, joking that she’s moved from the L to the Q in LGBTQ.
“That’s what I love about sexuality,” she said.
“You are Q, honey. And you know that British people love a queue!” Beard quipped.
Earlier in the season, Siwa also mused about gender, saying: “Met a lot of males — love them, definitely not them. Met a lot of people in my life that are nonbinary, and these beautiful nonbinary people are who I feel the most like.
“I don’t know, it’s not something I want to say about myself yet, but it’s something that is confusing,” she added.
JoJo Siwa gets candid following Mickey Rourke’s ‘Big Brother’ exit
Siwa’s revelation follows an exit from fellow castmate Mickey Rourke, who made inappropriate comments regarding her sexuality and used a slur.
“If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay anymore,” Rourke, 72, said during an episode that aired earlier this month.
“I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship,” Siwa shot back.
The 72-year-old actor and former pro-boxer has since initiated legal action against the show, according to People and Buzzfeed, disputing his pay and alleging the series was “publicly embarrassing him.”
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Pope funeral: Where is King Charles?
Thousands pay respect to Pope Francis as he lies in state
The body of Pope Francis was carried in a solemn procession from his residence within the walls of the Vatican City to St. Peter’s Basilica.
King Charles III will not attend the funeral of Pope Francis alongside other world leaders.
The British monarch is expected to skip the late pontiff’s funeral service at St Peter’s Basilica church in the Vatican on April 26, keeping in line with royal traditions, Kensington Palace confirmed to Vanity Fair and BBC. Instead, British heir Prince William will join President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Rome for the ceremonies.
USA TODAY reached out to reps for Buckingham Palace for comment. The late Queen Elizabeth II, Charles’ mother and predecessor, never attended a funeral service for a head of the Roman Catholic Church during her 70-year reign.
In 2005, when Charles and now-Queen Camilla were set to tie the knot, the couple’s wedding was delayed because Charles had to attend Pope John Paul II’s funeral in Elizabeth’s place that April. The ceremony was pushed back a day.
Pope John Paul’s successor Pope Benedict XVI, who preceded Francis, died at 95 in 2022, but Charles did not attend his funeral because the service was not a state event. Benedict left the papacy nine years before his death amid a 2013 resignation, with Francis appointed that same year.
Pope Francis, 88, died Easter Monday of a stroke and irreversible heart failure following a lengthy bout of double pneumonia, the Vatican shared. Despite Charles’ lack of attendance at his funeral, the pair shared a warm relationship.
The monarch was the last head of state to meet with the late pope, who he saw during a state visit of Italy two weeks ago with Camilla. Charles, whose workload needs to be carefully managed due to his own cancer recovery, wrote privately to the pope when Francis was taken ill, a source previously told Reuters.
King Charles, Queen Camilla were ‘deeply saddened’ by Pope Francis death
The British royals mourned the death of Pope Francis in a lengthy statement on Monday.
Charles, 76, wrote in a statement on social media that he and the queen were “deeply saddened” by the pope’s death, but their “heavy hearts were somewhat eased” knowing “His Holiness was able to share an Easter greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.”
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others,” he added. “His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.
Charles continued: “Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many. The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier this month.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful father of Jesus Christ,” the statement concluded.
Contributing: Anna Kaufman, Taijuan Moorman, Cybele Mayes-Osterman, John Bacon, Susan Miller, Bart Jansen and Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY
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Lawyers argue over evidence, anonymous accusers, 911 call
What we know now about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ pre-trial court appearance
Sean “Diddy” Combs was in court for a pre-trial hearing in his federal sex crimes case. What was decided in today’s hearing? Here is what we know now.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers are pushing back against the federal government’s early requests ahead of trial.
The music mogul’s legal team has responded to the prosecutors’ requests about which evidence should be included – or excluded – in court documents filed in the Southern District of New York April 22. Judge Arun Subramanian’s ruling on these requests will shape the entirety of the Bad Boy Records founder’s trial, set to begin with jury selection May 5.
Prosecutors and Combs’ team are arguing over evidence that could make or break either side’s case. Prosecutors appear to be setting up much of their case ahead of time, while Combs’ lawyers say the government is seeking sweeping decisions too soon.
Diddy on Trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom with USA TODAY as Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces sex crimes and trafficking charges. Subscribe to the newsletter.
Combs’ criminal trial is set to begin in less than two weeks. The 55-year-old Grammy-winning hip-hop mogul is on trial for two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Combs’ legal team is looking to iron out details around the government’s use of anonymous accusers, particularly the use of pseudonyms for “Victim-3” and “Victim-4,” arguing allowing these particular accusers to remain unnamed impacts Combs’ right to a fair trial and face his accusers publicly, and that the government’s reasoning for keeping them anonymous isn’t strong enough.
Prosecutors also want broad permission to use statements made outside of court – which are typically not allowed – using several legal exceptions, including those made by alleged “co-conspirators,” Combs’ employees and prior statements from accusers. Combs’ lawyers argue that each should be reviewed case-by-case during the trial.
Other evidence or testimony in question:
- The admission of a 911 call from an alleged burglary victim of Combs
- The government’s attempt to exclude evidence of Diddy’s consensual sexual encounters, personal background or “good acts”
- The Combs team’s use of a rebuttal expert if a government expert is allowed to testify
Why Diddy’s lawyers, prosecutors are arguing ahead of trial – including that 911 call
Prosecutors are looking to use evidence from a December 2011 911 call from a man reporting a break-in, which prosecutors claim Combs committed. Combs’ lawyers say it’s inadmissible.
Prosecutors don’t want Combs’ team sharing Combs’ prior sexual encounters where consent was present, nor “good acts” like philanthropic work or his personal life, as it may confuse and distract a jury.
But Combs’ lawyers argue consensual sexual encounters would be used to rebut the government’s racketeering claims. His team also claimed that any evidence of “good acts” or personal background would not be used to get sympathy from the jury.
The government is also seeking witness testimony from Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist, who is set to explain to the jury concepts and patterns of domestic and sexual abuse. Combs’ team wants to offer its own witness, Dr. Alexander Bardey, a psychiatrist said to disagree with Hughes’ “opinion that certain patterns are typical in such cases.”
Contributing: KiMi Robinson
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'Vanderpump Hotel' is coming to the Las Vegas StripEntertainment
‘Vanderpump Hotel’ is coming to the Las Vegas StripEntertainment
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Harvey Weinstein photos: From Hollywood to convictionCelebrities
Harvey Weinstein photos: From Hollywood to convictionCelebrities
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Lorde ‘What Was That’ debuts with impromptu park concert
Lorde performs new song at surprise Manhattan show
Videos on social media showed Lorde’s surprise pop-up event in Manhattan’s Washington Square Park that got shut down by authorities.
Lorde fans stampeded through the streets of Lower Manhattan as news spread like wildfire that the notoriously elusive musician would offer a one-time pop-up concert.
As fans flocked to Washington Square Park, the small quadrant that serves as the center of New York University’s campus life, the pop star’s unreleased single “What Was That” blared from speakers.
The April 22 event, which was so mobbed that New York police eventually broke up the crowd, was announced via text − a new, more intimate form of communication Lorde has opted for with fans.
“In the park,” she texted a few hours before the performance, which police later said was unscheduled.
“A sound and parks permit is required to have a concert in a New York City Park. This individual did not possess either. Organizers of the event were informed they could not perform and they left the location,” a spokesperson for the New York Police Department’s Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information wrote in a statement to Rolling Stone.
“Omg @thepark the cops are shutting us down,” the Grammy-winning artist wrote on her Instagram stories in response, according to Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. “I am truly Amazed by how many of you showed up !!! But they’re telling me you gotta disperse … I’m so sorry.”
This was all before she had even arrived. The loyal throngs of fans that stuck around, even as the crowd dwindled, were duly rewarded when, a few hours later, Lorde arrived in the flesh to perform.
Singing “What Was That,” out now, Lorde offered loyal listeners a sneak peek at her upcoming album. The moody track mimics the tone of her most popular album, “Melodrama,” blending heavy synth and bass with confessional lyrics.
Lorde danced above the crowd as fans sang along. In a white button-down with a bikini top underneath and baggy jeans, the singer punched the air and swayed as listeners lifted their phones to capture the moment, flashes lighting up the darkened park.
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Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal return in 'The Accountant 2' trailerMovies
Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal return in ‘The Accountant 2’ trailerMovies
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Ben Affleck revisits autistic hero
Ben Affleck stars in action-packed sequel ‘The Accountant 2’
Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) and Braxton (Jon Bernthal) reunite for “The Accountant 2.”
Amazon MGM Studios
Take Ben Affleck’s original “The Accountant,” subtract the math, add country line dancing and multiply it by two brothers. The result is a crime thriller sequel that’s not as winning but still mostly satisfying.
Director Gavin O’Connor’s 2016 movie was a combo of “A Beautiful Mind” and B-movie action, featuring Affleck as a socially awkward CPA with high-functioning autism, special-forces skills and a big heart. It didn’t knock Hollywood’s socks off when it was released but found a cult fandom via cable TV reruns. So now we have “The Accountant 2” (★★½ out of four; rated R; in theaters April 25), boasting a more conventional formula and taking Affleck’s Christian Wolff on a cross-country journey to help a friend and connect with his hit man brother, Braxton (Jon Bernthal).
In the first film, Chris saved a junior accountant (Anna Kendrick), reunited with his lost sibling and rode his Airstream into the sunset. Eight years later, he’s contacted by Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), the treasury agent who previously hunted him because of Chris’ dealings with criminals.
Her old boss Raymond King (J.K. Simmons), someone Chris had helped, was shot dead in LA and left a wall of random evidence involving a broken family, human trafficking and global assassinations. (For the record, it’s not as cool as Christian’s window walls painted with math equations from the first movie.)
Marybeth doesn’t know what to do with this stuff. But before he died, Ray wrote “Find the accountant” on his arm, knowing that Christian’s uncanny penchant for solving puzzles and problems would make him a natural to tackle the various mysteries.
Chris recruits Brax to help as well as a room of brilliant computer wizards led by Justine, Chris’ partner with nonverbal autism who communicates via a British computer voice. (The role was recast for the sequel with autistic actress Allison Robertson, but original actress Alison Wright still plays Justine’s voice.) Along the way, they uncover a prison full of kids in Mexico they need to deal with, plus an enigmatic assassin (Daniella Pineda) who was the last person to meet with Ray before he was killed.
The first “Accountant” really dug into Christian’s world, from why he has a collection of priceless artwork and rare comic books to his thought-provoking backstory. The sequel spends more time with the detective work, which just isn’t as interesting, but the movie finds nifty little moments for character-building excursions.
A speed-dating outing for Chris goes hilariously awry, and while it’s tonally weird considering much of the movie, it’s fun because it peels a few more layers from the paradox that is Chris. Same for a trip to a country bar, where Chris picks up the dance moves insanely quickly and Brax starts a window-crashing brawl.
The pairing of Affleck and Bernthal is essential. Chris doesn’t get his brother’s jokes, the brash Brax has a bunch of hard feelings he needs to work through, but there’s a gentle warmth between the two actors that makes them a joy to watch. It gives this franchise a secret sauce: These movies could easily be dumb, two-fisted affairs, yet there’s a thoughtfulness in them, alongside a commitment to exploring heroic neurodivergent characters that the usual macho movie wouldn’t even touch.
Let Jason Statham wreck dudes with “The Beekeeper” and “A Working Man,” and let Affleck be a role model for empathetic masculinity – who can still wreck dudes if needed – with “The Accountant” movies. Just toss in some more math next time.
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Lover Tribute Band takes unofficial Eras Tour around the world
Welcome to the (unofficial) Eras Tour!
The record-shattering, stadium bumping and happiness generating adventure through Taylor Swift’s 11 eras lives on through singer Charity Eden and her Lover Tribute Band.
“Taylor really is my biggest inspiration,” Eden says over a video call. “It’s just the relatability of her music and how her experiences are my experiences. It’s her ability to create a soundtrack to our lives.”
What fans may be shocked to learn is how fast the 35-year-old learned the lyrics and dance moves to 50+ songs. Surprisingly, she had never scream-shouted to “All Too Well,” danced to “Shake It Off” or harmonized to “Willow” until 2022.
“I honestly only listened to Christian music up until three years ago,” she says. Eden’s introduction to non-Christian music was the superstar’s 10th studio album. “When ‘Midnights’ came out, it wrecked me and literally changed my life.”
A friend invited her in 2023 to see the Eras Tour in Dallas, where she was indoctrinated in Swift lore. As the “Karma” confetti enveloped her at the end of the show, she knew she wanted to recreate the magic of the three-hour show. She just didn’t know how.
‘OK, I guess I’m doing this’
At Eden’s birthday party in June 2023, the University of North Texas music grad performed some Swift covers for her family and friends.
“My friend and now drummer,” she explains, “told a venue booker shortly after, ‘My friend Charity does a Taylor Swift tribute, you should call her.’ I got a call and was like, ‘OK, I guess I’m doing this.’”
The little white lie propelled her into a full-fledged career. She quit her finance and wealth management job and dived in, enlisting friends to join her 10-person team of bandmates, dancers and stage managers. She styled her hair like Swift’s signature blonde bangs, sharpened her cat eye and donned a bold red lip.
“This is what I was born to do,” she says. “I love when people come up after the show and say, ‘I wasn’t able to go to the Eras Tour and it feels like I got to go’ or ‘I was able to go to the Eras Tour and it feels like I got to go again.’”
Long live the Eras Tour with our enchanting book
Eden bought a bunch of spangly outfits on Etsy and had them professionally altered. Her portable closet of gowns, catsuits and jackets has followed her across the U.S. and to Japan, Canada and Kuwait.
“The costume changes are the craziest 2 minutes every 12 minutes,” she says. “In the beginning, I didn’t realize how long it would take. I had three friends backstage helping me do everything. But I learned a few tips and tricks like investing in high-quality zippers. There was one show where four zippers broke.”
She perfected the transitions between eras and now only needs one assistant to help backstage. And like Swift, she sings live.
“I’m not going a full three hours. It’s usually two,” she says. “There are days I don’t talk at all, just to fully recover my voice. I try to be as healthy as I can.”
Booked through 2026
Eden makes a point to emphasize she’s not affiliated with Swift’s team and her intention is to spread some of the sparkly and shimmery magic to cities and countries that never got the chance to see the show.
The tribute is as close to the Eras Tour as a fan can get, aside from turning back time. Eden hands out a “22” hat, plays a moss-adorned piano, faints after “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” and sings “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me.”
Her most memorable performance happened last Fourth of July for an audience of troops stationed in Kuwait.
“It was almost all men and it was fun to see how in the beginning, the crowd was maybe 50 feet from the stage and they weren’t really interacting,” she says. “During the ‘Fearless’ era I went out into the audience and slowly started luring them in. By the end of the show, they were right at the stage. I loved singing ‘Karma’ because they were all dancing and singing it down the octave.”
The Lover Tribute Band is booked through February 2026 with trips to Canada, Mexico, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Oklahoma, Bermuda, Virginia, Utah, Minnesota, Ohio and Florida.
Don’t miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.
Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network’s Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.