It began as an ordinary press conference on an ordinary afternoon — until the moment Governor Gavin Newsom walked toward the podium carrying a single, sealed envelope like it was a live explosive. No entourage.No binder filled with policy briefings.No teleprompter humming with safe, rehearsed lines. Just an envelope. The room full of reporters fell into a stunned silence, the kind of silence that ... Read more
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Avoid Press at the Wicked: For Good New York Premiere, Leaving Fans and Media Buzzing.QN
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande won’t be doing interviews at Monday night’s New York City premiere of “Wicked: For Good.” Universal reps informed members of the media just hours before the carpet is set to open at Lincoln Center that “Cynthia is not feeling well and has lost her voice, therefore she and Ariana will not be doing interviews this evening.” Variety has learned that Grande decided to skip interviews in ... Read more
Between Witch Battles and Broomstick Flights, Ariana Grande Shines Brilliantly in Wicked: For Good’s Return to Oz.QN
The thrillifying follow-up to last year’s incomplete musical hit fixes flaws in the Broadway show’s second act, elevating Cynthia Erivo, while sharpening its critique of those who lead by deception. Oz has never felt more great and powerful than it does in “Wicked: For Good.” Where the first entry in director Jon M. Chu’s exuberant two-parter succeeded in wowing audiences last fall, its more familiar follow-up delivers ... Read more
Tate McRae, the Marías, Buddy Guy, Alex Warren, and KPop Demon Hunters Set to Be Honored at Variety’s Ninth Annual Hitmakers Event.QN
Today, Variety announces eight honorees for its ninth annual Hitmakers celebration. Spanning a wide range of musical genres and experience, all recipients are being recognized for their breakthrough success over the past year. All of the artists and producers being honored are also nominated for 2026 Grammy Awards. Tate McRae — Powerhouse of the Year EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X ... Read more
Legendary Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff, Star of The Harder They Come, Dies at 81, Leaving a Global Legacy of Music.QN
Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican singer, actor and cultural ambassador for reggae music, who starred in and wrote the title song for the iconic 1972 film “The Harder They Come,” has died, according to a message from his wife. He was 81. A message from his wife Latifa Chambers on Instagram reads: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. ... Read more