Milania Giudice has honored childhood BFF Victoria Zardoya following her tragic death.

“Always my baby V,” Milania, 20, wrote over a photo she shared via her Instagram Stories on Monday, August 3, per a report by People the following day, that showed inked script on her wrist reading “Baby V.”

Milania’s tribute comes one week after Zardoya died from injuries sustained during a fall that occurred on Friday, July 24, while she was visiting Egmont Key off the coast of Tampa Bay, Florida. She was 20 years old.

Us confirmed three days after Zardoya’s death, via a conversation with her friend Molly Page Morris, that she had been “flying in from New Jersey” to Tampa. “I was supposed to hang out with her that evening, and I was able to be there at the hospital,” Morris told Us at the time.

Related: Milania Giudice ‘Can’t Believe’ Late BFF Victoria Zardoya’s Death ‘Is Real’

Milania Giudice is saying goodbye to her childhood best friend Victoria Zardoya following her tragic and sudden death at 20. “Hello, this is my first time,” Giudice, 20, began a Friday, July 31, TikTok video, getting emotional. “They are packing up Victoria’s hospital room. She just went in, she’s saving eight people’s lives [via organ […]

Milania, one of exes Teresa and Joe Giudice’s daughters, took to Instagram on Saturday, August 1, to pay tribute to Zardoya through words of her own. “My Victoria. My best friend. My sister. My soulmate. My partner in crime,” she began. “There are no words in any language that could ever describe losing you. I still wait for your name to pop up on my phone, I still expect to hear your laugh, and I still catch myself wanting to tell you something. My heart keeps forgetting what my mind already knows.”

Detailing that she met Zardoya at the age of four, Milania continued, “We went to art school together, grew up on Indian Lane, and somehow two little girls who lived two houses apart became sisters. I was at 6 Indian Lane, and you and Alexandra were at 16 Indian Lane. We ARE the girls.”

Zardoya is survived by her parents and twin sister, Alexandra.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Teresa Giudice Breaks Silence on Milania’s BFF Victoria Zardoya’s Death

Former reality star Teresa Giudice is breaking her silence on the tragic death of her daughter Milania Giudice’s best friend, Victoria Zardoya. “My sweet beautiful Victoria,” the former The Real Housewives of New Jersey star wrote via Instagram on Saturday, August 1. “This just doesn’t seem real. You were like a daughter to me and […]

Us reported on Wednesday, July 29, that an autopsy for Zardoya has been delayed by the Manatee County Medical Examiner’s Office due to Zardoya’s body being transferred once organ donation is completed.

Milania’s Instagram tribute, which was accompanied by a carousel of memories that showed the friends throughout the years, touched on Zardoya’s organ donation. “The most Victoria thing of all … you are still giving love. Through your organ donation, you are saving 8 lives and giving other families more time with the people they love,” Milania wrote.

Her message continued, “I promise I will keep telling your stories. I will stand beside Alexandra and your family forever. Forever my best friend. Forever my sister. Forever my Victoria.”

A$AP Rocky canceled a potential collaboration with Instagram-famous graphic designer Allan Peters after he screenshotted their private conversation and posted it online.

Perhaps the rapper was looking to undergo a brand makeover to reflect where he currently is, as he previously explained that fatherhood has changed his creative process.

Rocky’s creative agency recently called out the “selective reporting” surrounding him despite the success of his North American tour.

A$AP Rocky doesn’t like his business being put out in public.

The “Praise The Lord” rapper canceled a potential creative collaboration with designer Allan Peters after Peters posted a screenshot of their private conversation online.

In the image, the Grammy-nominated rapper reached out directly through his official Instagram account to inquire about standard rates for brand logo revisions.

“Good morning Allan,” the purported message read, per Complex. “How much do u charge for brand logo revisions? Assuming you would be willing to do so, I would be honored, love ur work, god bless.”

Rocky Calls Designer’s Move ‘Distasteful’ After DM Leak

4

However, Peters, a prominent logo designer with more than one million Instagram followers, posted a screenshot of the rapper’s inquiry alongside the simple caption, “I have no words.”

He may have shared the post because he was star-struck or simply wanted to celebrate the opportunity, but Rocky made it clear in the comments that publishing private business correspondence was “distasteful.”

“THIS IS JUST DISTASTEFUL,” Rocky wrote in all caps. “WELL I GUESS WE WON’T BE WORKING, BEST OF LUCK BUDDY.”

Following the public callout, Peters deleted the post but has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident.

He has, however, continued posting his regular content on Instagram, including an IG Stories post celebrating reaching one million followers on the platform.

4

The missed opportunity left a sour taste for many internet users, who weighed in on the importance of professionalism and discretion in a social media-driven world.

“Bro was so eager to share a private DM, to get a bunch of validation from a bunch of nobodies, that it cost him probably his biggest client. Clout really is a drug smh,” one user wrote on X.

Another added, “There is a reason why it’s called a private message. If you really want to share it publicly, you ask the other party involved for permission. The quest for fame cost him a big gig.”

“Can’t really blame him. If someone shares a private DM before you’ve even worked together, it raises questions about trust. Professional relationships need a bit of discretion,” another person commented.

A$AP Rocky Credits Fatherhood For Creative Evolution

4

Earlier this year, the 37-year-old father of three reflected on how fatherhood has influenced both his emotional outlook and creative process.

Speaking in a January interview with W Magazine, he explained that becoming a parent has made him far less “cold-hearted” and more in tune with his emotions.

“I am way more emotional,” Rocky admitted. “Before the kids, I was probably cold-hearted. But now I’m a loving kind of fella. I’ve got a lot of love to give to the world.”

In a separate appearance on The Run-Through With Vogue, he said fatherhood has also become central to his creativity.

“Being a father is my creative process now because I just embodied it as a whole. I never really had a role model or just an iconic figure,” he said. “And I guess I’m that for people, and I didn’t purposely try to do that, but I take it as a badge of honor. I’m so flattered and, just being me, that it can inspire people to actually do something that is considered good, being a present, active father.”

Rocky shares three children with his partner Rihanna: sons RZA and Riot, and daughter Rocki.

AWGE Defends Rocky Amid ‘Selective Reporting’ Claims

4

The incident comes as Rocky recently wrapped up the North American leg of his tour and prepares to kick off the European run in support of his album Don’t Be Dumb.

His creative collective, AWGE, has continued to maintain tight control over branding and creative direction across his projects but recently called out what it described as the “selective reporting” surrounding the rapper amid his successful tour.

“FUNNY HOW QUIET IT GETS WHEN YOU SELL OUT ARENAS STATE TO STATE,” one post read, before adding in a second message, “SELECTIVE REPORTING.”

AWGE did not specify which stories it was referring to, but it had previously shut down rumors claiming the company’s founder wore a thong during one tour stop.

“DON’T BE DUMB YOU PLAYED YASELF,” the post read alongside teasers for an AWGE thong collection. “MISTOOK A MIC PACK. YOUR DUMBNESS IS OPPORTUNITY.”

Trisha Paytas has had it with people hurling comments about others’ physiques amid scrutiny of Ariana Grande.

The media personality took to social media to address the heavy scrutiny making waves around the “God is a Woman” Singer’s body. Internet users have been voicing their concerns about the singer’s intense weight loss and overall health.

Trisha Paytas has been open about her personal medicated weight loss journey. Although faced with nothing close to what Ariana Grande is getting from the media, the actress had a fair share of public critique over her body.

4

Paytas hopped on her platform to give her two cents on the heavy online attention Grande’s body has been getting lately. Her statement comes after it was announced that the “7 Rings” singer will be stepping away from her part in a West End production of the musical “Sunday in the Park With George.”

The mom of three noted that these days, people on the internet are getting too comfortable talking about bodies, but specifically women’s bodies. The internet sensation acknowledged the pre-existing reality that “fat people or even larger or even like midsize to larger people have always been getting the body shaming.”

However, with the rise in use of medications like GLP-1s and more people switching to the thin side of the spectrum, “body checking” people with smaller physiques has become “more intense.”

Paytas cited the heat that arose as Grande’s “Petal” music video was released, stating that so many people pointed out the singer’s visible collarbones and chest bones. “Is it alarming? Is it shocking? Yes. I don’t know necessarily if we need to be commenting on it as much as we are,” she explained. 

Paytas Stressed That People Don’t Need To Highlight The Obvious

@trishlikefish88 ♬ original sound – trishapaytas

She continued airing her thoughts in the Tiktok video as she explained that people are aware of their looks and do not need to be reminded when they step out in public. “It can be really hard to admit there’s a problem to yourself, to the public, to your fans. I assure you, if that person has a problem, they’re aware,” she added.

Paytas cited that people who were thin and get thinner over time, not specifically Grande, are fully aware of their body size and shape. She went on to highlight those struggling with issues like body dysmorphia, saying, “They’re fully aware ’cause it’s all their mind thinks about.”

The mom of three added that commenting on people’s bodies does more harm than good. It does not help in any way and needs to stop. “So many times when people say, ‘Oh, you look sick,’ or ‘We see your bones’… it’s almost like encouraging, enabling that issue, if that makes sense,” Paytas said, noting that the comments may push them more to the problem than the solution.

What Did People Say About Ariana Grande?

4

Grande has faced scrutiny over her body and looks since her early days as a child star and young entertainer. The comments have seemingly increased over the years, with many of her followers questioning whether the musician is suffering from a condition in silence.

The comments flooded the media once again after her recent hit song’s music video was released. In the video, the Nickelodeon alum appeared super slim, perhaps underweight, with her clavicle and ribs very evident through her outfits, as reported by The Blast. Her face also appeared very thin as she sang the lyrics to “Petal.”

Fans expressed that she looked “deeply unwell,” with some stating that she might be going through a “fatal mental health crisis.” “Bro, this is so sad. She’s one of our generation’s biggest talents, and we’re all just watching her die right in front of our eyes,” a follower wrote. A different internet user echoed a similar sentiment, writing, “This poor woman is fading away before our eyes.” 

The ‘Wicked’ Star Is Stepping Away From The Cameras

4

With the heightened public scrutiny surrounding Grande’s health, looks, and personal life, she has decided that it’s best she stays out of the spotlight till the dust settles. As reported by The Blast, the popstar’s reps have announced that she will be “taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.” 

Her rep noted that while she has enjoyed every minute of her ongoing tour, which ends on September 1, and loves her fans so much, the weight of the conversations around her body has taken a toll.

According to the “Wicked” star’s rep, “She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.” 

Trisha Paytas Previously Detailed Her Weight Loss Journey

4

Paytas opened up about her decision to turn to the medication-assisted path for her weight loss goals. She explained that she had been struggling to lose weight “the natural way” by going to the gym and controlling her diet, but it was not working out as she intended.

After welcoming three children, Paytas gained about 80 pounds, which proved difficult to get rid of until she tried using a GLP-1, which became a game-changer. The YouTuber shared that since using the “miraculous” medication, she lost 26 pounds in 6 weeks.

As reported by The Blast, the mom of three noted that her weight loss journey was not fueled by public opinion and had nothing to do with seeking others’ approval. Although People often commented on her postpartum body and mocked her weight, Paytas ultimately decided to work on her body for herself.

Pete Davidson has sparked fresh romance speculation after being spotted on a cozy outing with “Love Thy Nader” star Sarah Jane Nader in Brooklyn. The former “Saturday Night Live” comedian and the Freeform reality personality were seen together Sunday night in footage shared online.

Davidson held open a car door for Nader before the pair drove away together, fueling questions about whether the outing was friendly or the beginning of something romantic. The sighting came only two days after Davidson and former girlfriend Elsie Hewitt released a joint statement confirming their commitment to co-parenting their baby daughter, Scottie.

4

Davidson and Nader appeared comfortable with one another in the video, although the footage did not show them kissing or engaging in other obvious public displays of affection. The comedian is approximately a decade older than the reality star, whose growing profile has come through modeling, influencing and her family’s television series. Neither Davidson nor Nader has commented publicly on the sighting or confirmed that they are dating.

Davidson’s dating life has attracted considerable attention throughout his career because of his relationships with several high-profile actresses, models and musicians. The Brooklyn outing now places Nader at the center of that scrutiny, even though a single appearance together does not establish the nature of their relationship.

Who Is ‘Love Thy Nader’ Star Sarah Jane Nader?

Nader appears on “Love Thy Nader” alongside her sisters Brooks, Grace Ann and Mary Holland. Brooks, the most established member of the family, has built a modeling and acting career that includes an appearance in “Baywatch.” Sarah Jane and her sisters have reportedly been filming the second season of their family reality series, which is expected to premiere this winter.

Outside television, Sarah Jane works as a model and influencer. She has secured paid partnerships with brands including Adidas, BUXOM Cosmetics, QUAY Australia and Jukebox. Her possible connection to Davidson could introduce her to a substantially larger audience, but she was already establishing her own public profile before their Sunday outing.

Advertisement

Sarah Jane Nader Opened Up About Coming Out

4

Nader publicly came out as bisexual in 2023 and later dated Alexis Williams, who now serves as Deputy Press Secretary for Culture Partnerships and Black Media under New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

In February, Nader reflected on discussing her sexuality publicly when she had not yet come out to everyone in her family. “At that time, I was not even out to any of my family members. So I’m really happy that I was able to tell my story from a place of confidence,” she told Elite Daily.

Nader said viewers subsequently contacted her to explain how her openness helped them navigate their own experiences. “A few people have messaged me saying that they have experienced homophobia in their family or have not felt comfortable to come out, and then they watched the show and felt comfortable enough to come out.,” the reality star said. “That is insane to me.”

The reality star described the messages as an unexpected but meaningful consequence of sharing her life publicly. “To be a part of anyone’s experience, I feel honored, and just honored to have a platform to be authentically myself,” she said. “To see that effect makes me want to be more open about more sh-t.”

Pete Davidson And Elsie Hewitt Commit To Coparenting

4

The new sighting came shortly after Davidson and Hewitt addressed how they plan to raise their daughter following the end of their relationship. “We are cooperatively coparenting our daughter whose well-being remains our top priority, and we are fully committed to working together to give her love from both of us,” the former couple said in a joint statement to PEOPLE. Scottie will turn eight months old on August 12.

Davidson and Hewitt ended their 14-month relationship when their daughter was approximately five months old. Despite the split, the two have emphasized their shared commitment to her well-being. Davidson has reportedly continued providing financial support and covering Scottie’s expenses, although the former couple has not publicly disclosed the complete terms of their coparenting arrangement.

Advertisement

Comedian Has A Long History Of High-Profile Relationships

4

Davidson’s potential romantic life has remained a fascination for fans since his years on “Saturday Night Live.” Before rising to widespread fame, he dated comedian Carly Aquilino from 2014 to 2015. He subsequently spent two years with Cazzie David, the daughter of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator Larry David.

Davidson began dating Ariana Grande shortly after his relationship with David ended in 2018. He and Grande became engaged within weeks but separated later that year. He was then linked to Kate Beckinsale, Margaret Qualley and Kaia Gerber before beginning a long-distance romance with “Bridgerton” star Phoebe Dynevor.

One of his most publicized relationships began after he kissed Kim Kardashian during her October 2021 hosting appearance on “SNL.” The two dated for approximately nine months before their work schedules reportedly contributed to the breakup.

Davidson later had shorter relationships with Emily Ratajkowski and “Bodies Bodies Bodies” co-star Chase Sui Wonders.

Advertisement

Bravo dropped the first sneak peek of “Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip,” and former “RHOA” star NeNe Leakes is front and center. In the six-minute teaser clip, Leakes hops out of her all-white Range Rover and into Porsha Williams’ sprawling Atlanta estate to catch up with her about everything she’s missed since she’s been away from the franchise. Although Leakes’ first scene in the upcoming series is brief, fans are already freaking out over seeing her back in the mix and are also calling for her return full-time.

In the sneak peek, Leakes is seen wearing an all-brown jumpsuit with high heels and carrying her iconic Hermes Birkin with her most memorable phrases on it. She knocks on Williams’ front door before giving the mother of one a long hug.

Throughout the scene, Williams jumped in and out of confessional interviews, reminding viewers of the last time they saw Leakes: the “RHOA” season 12 reunion in 2020.

Williams then told Leakes that she was beyond excited for her to be featured in the “Ultimate Girls Trip” special, saying there was no way they could do it without including “the queen herself.”

Advertisement

Bravo Fans Are Freaking Out Over NeNe Leakes’ Upcoming Appearance In ‘RHUGT’

Yall just don’t understand what this moment means to me. And my girl. To the culture. I love you GOAT-Ne Leakes 🫶🏽 https://t.co/JbHe1dKoB7

— Carlos King (@thecarlosking_) August 4, 2026

Leakes’ appearance means a lot to Bravo fans, especially because many believed her time with the network was done after she filed a bombshell lawsuit against them in 2022.

In her filing, Leakes accused Bravo, NBC Universal, Truly Original, and Andy Cohen of fostering a hostile work environment and of alleged racial discrimination.

Both sides appeared to have made amends, though, as Leakes announced her return to the network and franchise at the beginning of this year.

Advertisement

“I am happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo,” she said. “I almost can’t believe the words that are coming out of my mouth.”

Online, fans have shared their positive reactions to Leakes’ appearance, with one saying, “This means EVERYTHING to me,” while another said, “This is the Super Bowl of BRAVO.”

Another user said that they “cried” after realizing Leakes was the first housewife to appear, and another said viewers need to “run the numbers up” so Bravo realizes what they’ve missed.

NeNe Leakes Will Be A Major Player When The Series Stops In Atlanta

While Leakes is not a main cast member on “RHUGT,” the Bravo OG will be a major player in the series when the women stop in Atlanta on their multi-day road trip.

The series, which begins airing on Sunday, August 9, will follow a group of iconic housewives from the OC to Salt Lake City, as they travel across the US to visit notable cast members from the show’s past and present.

Advertisement

“The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip’ is a love letter to the women who turned a reality television show into a cultural phenomenon — and the fans who’ve been there for every laugh, gasp, toast, and table turn,” said Frances Berwick.

Is This The Start Of Something New With Leakes?

According to a previous report from The Blast, sources close to Bravo said that Leakes’ appearance in “RHUGT” was how the network would usher her in for season 18 of “RHOA.”

The insider claimed that contracts were sent to the ladies recently and that Bravo was “very interested” in having Leakes appear.

Leakes fanned the flame when she told her four million Instagram followers late last week that something happened recently that made her “so happy.”

Cohen Denies The Rumors

Cohen shot back at the rumors, though, and said that the claims were false.

According to Cohen, the current group of housewives, which includes Williams, Shamea Morton, Phaedra Parks, Pinky Cole, Angela Oakley, Drew Sidora, Kelli Potter, and K Michelle, are perfect and need no changes.

Advertisement

“If you want a preview of next season of Atlanta, look at this cast. This is the group. We love this group. Spoiler alert: we’re very happy,” he said about the cast.

Even then, stranger things have happened in the Bravoverse, so while Leakes hasn’t received an official contract yet, that doesn’t mean things can’t change over the next few weeks.

Strength training has moved from the gym’s forgotten corner to Hollywood’s most talked-about workout. Celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Jurnee Smollett, Jessica Alba and George Takei are pointing to lifting weights as the single biggest change they have made to their fitness routines.

The shift matters because these stars are challenging decades of cardio-first advice, especially for women, older adults and busy parents who once assumed running or aerobics were the only path to real results. Their message is that strength work builds muscle, protects bones and delivers confidence at any age.

How Jennifer Aniston Rebuilt Her Routine Around Strength Training

Aniston told People she is “smarter about how I’m working out” and has learned to “really honor where your body is.”

Her partnership with Pvolve launched a Longevity Bundle inspired by her routine. “Strength training has made the biggest difference for me,” she said, adding that trainer Dani Coleman keeps her “getting stronger.”

Related: How Jennifer Aniston Stays Fit and ‘Unlocks New Levels of Strength’ at 56

Jennifer Aniston has a refreshingly simple approach to staying fit: keep moving. The Friends star’s personal trainer Dani Coleman shared Aniston’s secrets to remaining trim and toned at 56, revealing that Aniston stays both consistent and compassionate with herself when it comes to her wellness goals. “She loves a challenging workout. The only things that […]

Her old approach looked very different. “It used to be pounding, pounding, pounding,” she told British Vogue, describing a time when she believed only long cardio sessions counted. She now uses resistance bands like the P.band and gliders that make her feel like she is “dancing.”

Even short sessions work. “I can do a 30-minute Pvolve workout and be drenched and have such incredible results without literally breaking my body,” she said.

Why Strength Training Matters for Women Over 40

Aniston has been especially vocal about aging. She told Allure that strength training is “the most important thing for women in their 50s,” warning that lost muscle leads to brittle bones and osteoporosis. “We fall down, we break a hip, and that’s a wrap,” she said.

She works out at least four times a week and told Women’s Health she wishes she had learned sooner that she did not have to “kill” herself to stay fit. “Our bodies need to be loved and cared for,” she said.

Her motivation trick is simple. “I will say to myself, ‘You can do anything for 20 minutes,’” she told People. On low-energy days, the first step is even smaller. “Just put your clothes on. Put your workout pants on.”

How Jurnee Smollett Built 20 Pounds of Muscle

Jurnee Smollett’s transformation is one of the most dramatic recent examples. To play former Marine Michelle Calderone in the Apple TV+ series Smoke, she added 20 pounds of muscle, reuniting with Birds of Prey trainer Jeanette Jenkins.

“We started lifting heavier and heavier and heavier, and she just kept pushing me beyond the limits that I thought I could do,” Smollett told Women’s Health.

When she first began, she could not deadlift 50 pounds. Now she lifts more than her own body weight. Her sessions include yoga, mobility work, glute activation, deadlifts, sumo squats, hip thrusts and cable kickbacks, plus boxing and stunt training for endurance.

Smollett said nursing her son, Hunter, left her body “really depleted of a lot of important nutrients.” Her joints felt wobbly. “That’s really where I started focusing on my strength training,” she said.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

She told Photobook her approach evolved from mobility-focused work on Birds of Prey to bulking up for Smoke. “I wanted to make sure she had a more muscular posture than I typically have,” she said.

What Other Celebrities Say About Lifting Weights and Strength Training

Alba mixes hot yoga with light weights in a 105-degree room. “I have to break a sweat or I don’t feel like I’ve gotten anything done,” she told SHAPE. She credits martial arts, gymnastics, dance and strength training from her Dark Angel days for her athletic build.

Takei of Star Trek fame, now in his 80s, keeps a simple daily habit. “I do 100 push-ups every morning,” he told Attitude. “Strength training is important.” His broader philosophy is basic. “Eat, exercise, sleep properly.”

Ariana Grande‘s decision may bring her peace, but at a high cost for the West End.

The singer recently announced that she would be taking a step back from public visibility due to the heavy scrutiny surrounding her appearance, relationships, and body. Her time away from the public eye is set to begin once she drops the mic from her “Eternal Sunshine” Tour on September 1.

With the recent development, Ariana Grande will not be performing in the “Sunday in the Park with George” musical on the West End stage despite preparations already in the works.

5

A few days before Grande announced her career hiatus, the singer performed at Montreal’s Bell Center, giving listeners a feel of her ever-crisp four-octave vocal range. She performed some of her hits like “Hate That I Made You Love Me” and “Into You” dressed in an ethereal flowing white dress.

Notably, the singer gripped her microphone and moved a little stiffly on stage, but her voice remains as clear and magnificent as when she first sang on Broadway as a rising teenage star. Hours before the “Victorious” alum dropped her microphone in Canada, her new music video for “Petal” was released, and her vocals remain unmatched.

While Grande and her team seemingly hoped the video would gain attention for its setting, storyline, and ending when she attacked a group of male music executives in an audition room with a chainsaw, fans took a different route. The video gathered millions of views, with many viewers mainly commenting on the singer’s physique.

It is safe to say that the gripping, coupled effect of the comments from Grande’s recent music video and thousands over the years fueled her shocking decision. Barely 48 hours after taking her bow in Canada, the musician made one of the most dramatic decisions of her career that sparked global headlines, according to The Daily Mail.

The Grammy Winner Pulled Out Of A Huge Future Performance

5

A rep for the Nickelodeon alum announced that she would be taking a step back from public visibility come September 1, which marks the end of her ongoing tour. This decision affects the highly anticipated London stage musical, which has been scheduled for Summer 2027.

“Sunday in the Park with George” was tipped to be one of the biggest shows Theatreland has ever seen, and Grande has walked away from it as she looks forward to taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny. She was supposed to star opposite Jonathan Bailey in the Barbican production of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary 1984 musical.

According to earlier reports, the artist’s casting had been a major win in the bag for producers and a triumph for the London venue. A source revealed that both Bailey and Grande, who also starred in “Wicked,” were excited to do the show together. 

Despite the recent turn of events, the actor is said to remain committed to the project, and the schedule remains unchanged. “Production will open as planned next summer, with tickets going on sale next month,” according to the show’s producers.

Ariana Grande’s Decision Left The Musical’s Production Team ‘Absolutely Gutted’

5

Grande’s West End exit was not news that rolled off the tongue smoothly. According to insiders, the news of her departure from the project left the crew in “a terrible mess” considering all the work and publicity that had already gone into the show.

It was also revealed that the popstar told the “Sunday in the Park with George” production team that she was quitting the role of Dot, the mistress of the 19th-century French painter Georges Seurat in the musical, just less than an hour before her spokesperson went public with the news.

The Barbican [Center] was informed at 8 p.m. on Sunday,” a source shared, adding that the timing od Grande’s “mind-bending” decision meant that the Barbican had to scramble to get ahead of the story. 

“It is their most expensive theatrical project ever, and all involved are absolutely gutted. There were promotion plans in place, with magazine covers lined up,” the source shared, noting that in any theatre production, occurrences like this have to be taken into consideration.

The Popstar Previously Canceled ‘SNL’ Performance For ‘Emotional Reasons’

5

Back in 2018, Grande was reportedly scheduled to perform on the 44th season premiere of “Saturday Night Live.” However, the singer was ultimately replaced by Kanye West after she stepped away two days before the performance for emotional reasons.

The show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, disclosed the reason for the singer’s absence while appearing on the “Origins with James Andrew” podcast, as reported by US Weekly. A separate source told the outlet that she “was never booked to perform” during the premiere.

While Grande did not address Michaels’ comment, she previously admitted she was having a “tough month.” The “SNL” show was scheduled to take place shortly after the “God is a Woman” singer’s team announced that she would be taking a break after the death of her close friend and ex-boyfriend Mac Miller. He was found dead of an apparent drug overdose.

Another Ariana Grande’s Previous Last-Minute Cancellation

5

A decade ago, the iconic singer was forced to cancel her show in Portugal at the last minute for health reasons. She was supposed to perform at the Rock in Rio Lisboa festival on May 29, 2016, but had to pull out of the performance after being advised by her doctors not to sing.

The “Sam & Cat” alum released a statement expressing how sad she was to cancel the show, adding, “I’ve literally been crying over this for an hour” before promising to make it up to her fans once she was fully recovered, as shared by Anasharp.

“I have a throat and sinus infection & my doctors have advised me not to sing for a few days. I promise to make it up to you, and to give you the best show I’m capable of when I return. Again, I’m so sorry to the babes who were coming to see me. I love you with all my heart,” Grande’s statement read.  

In 2015, the singer also reportedly pulled out of the MLB All-Star concert performance in Cincinnati, claiming she had some of her wisdom teeth pulled out earlier in the week.

Has Ariana Grande’s decision affected other projects?

Fox’s remake of Doc Martin, Best Medicine, is set in Port Wenn — but is the town a real place?

Best Medicine follows a doctor who “moves from the city of Boston, Massachusetts to a small practice in the East Coast fishing village where he vacationed as a child,” according to the official synopsis.

Josh Charles plays Dr. Martin Best while Abigail Spencer, Josh Segarra, Cree, Annie Potts, Didi Conn, Clea Lewis, Stephen Spinella, Jason Veasey, Cindy De La Cru, John DiMaggio, Carter Shimp and dog cast member Wattson make up the rest of the cast.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

While Port Wenn is introduced as a small town in Maine, filming actually took place in Cornwall, New York. During Us Weekly‘s set visit for Best Medicine, Spencer spoke about the change of scenery.

“It’s nice. I’ve actually done quite a few shows where we I lived in a house with my producer and my costars. When I did Rectify, we were in Georgia. It just feels more like you’re going there to make something all together,” the actress shared with Us. “And then you’re really invested in the community. I’ve made friends a lot with the local businesses. That’s part of what we get to do is invest in community as well.”

Keep scrolling for a glimpse at Us‘ behind the scenes visit to the Best Medicine set:

Gracie Abrams is opening up about the two relationships shaping her creative life in very different ways: her friendship with Taylor Swift and her romance with Paul Mescal. In a new cover story, Abrams praised Swift’s creative freedom and prolific output after witnessing her career up close as an opening act on the “Eras Tour.” Gracie Abrams also clarified earlier comments about worrying that a stable relationship could weaken her songwriting drive, insisting that Paul Mescal has actually had “the most amazing effect” on her work.

5

Abrams has been a fan of Swift for years, but touring together gave her an intimate look at how the superstar approaches songwriting and her evolving musical eras. “Something I’ve admired so much about Taylor’s career, as a forever fan, is her output, not just from a place of a quantity, but seemingly from a place of freedom within herself, to just be like, ‘Yep, here’s the nutshell from this time,’” Abrams told Rolling Stone.

Rather than focusing only on the number of projects Swift has released, Abrams appears most inspired by her willingness to document distinct periods of her life without becoming trapped by what came before. Each album can serve as a snapshot of a particular emotional chapter, allowing Swift to release it and then continue evolving. That example carries particular relevance for Abrams as she moves into a new phase of her own career and personal life.

Taylor Swift And Gracie Abrams Toured Together

5

Abrams opened for Swift during the “Eras Tour,” placing her in front of massive stadium audiences while her own career was rapidly growing. The tour offered the younger artist more than increased exposure. It also gave her the opportunity to observe the creative and professional discipline behind one of the world’s biggest touring productions.

Now, as Abrams releases more music and enters a new level of mainstream success, Swift’s example appears to have given her a model for remaining creatively free without feeling obligated to repeat a previous version of herself.

Singer Clarifies Paul Mescal ‘Threatened’ Her Career Narrative

5

Abrams also used the Rolling Stone interview to address the reaction to comments she previously made about Mescal. While speaking with Vogue, the musician admitted that she initially “worried” a stable relationship might end up “threatening [her] drive to write music.”

Some readers interpreted the remark as Abrams saying Mescal himself threatened her career, which caught the singer completely off guard. “I’m like, ‘Are we on crack? Like, what the f-ck?’” she recalled. “That was my cue to be like, ‘Oh, remember why you don’t look [at social media]?’”

Her concern was not that Mescal would interfere with her ambitions or prevent her from working. Instead, Abrams had questioned whether being happy and secure might change the emotional conditions that had previously fueled her songwriting.

According to the singer, that fear proved unfounded.

Paul Mescal Has Had ‘The Most Amazing Effect’ On Her Music

5

Abrams said her relationship with Mescal has only strengthened her writing by creating room for reflection. She described the romance as having “had the most amazing effect on my writing.”

The “Normal People” actor has reportedly offered Abrams “the most amount of space to reflect on everything in my life.” That perspective has extended far beyond their relationship, helping the singer reconsider past romances and better understand her other personal connections. “It has held a mirror to me in ways that I didn’t know a relationship with another person of any kind could,” she continued.

Abrams credited the relationship with allowing her to examine areas of her life that may not have previously felt connected. “It has given me all the perspective that I could have ever hoped for, on previous relationships, on my relationship with my family, on my friendships,” she said. “It is the greatest gift, period.”

Gracie Abrams Is Protecting Her Relationship From Online Noise

5

The confusion surrounding her Vogue remarks served as a reminder of why Abrams tries to avoid social media commentary about her personal life. A concern about how emotional stability might affect the songwriting process was quickly transformed into a larger narrative about Mescal supposedly threatening her career.

The singer’s decision to step away from online interpretations also allows her to protect a relationship she believes has created greater emotional and artistic clarity. Rather than diminishing the heartbreak and introspection often associated with her music, Mescal has apparently given her new angles from which to examine them.

Shay Martin is opening up about her new husband, Hunter, and how he helped her find love again in the wake of her late husband Tanner Martin’s death.

“‘I would want to get to know Tanner,’” Shay recalled Hunter telling her when they first connected in an interview with Today digital published on Tuesday, August 4, revealing the eight words her new spouse said that opened up the influencer to the possibility of love again.

Tanner died in June 2025 following a five-year battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer. He was 30. He is survived by Shay and daughter AmyLou, 15 months, who the pair welcomed just one month before his death.

After Tanner’s death, Shay confessed that she “cried a whole lot” while processing her grief.

Related: Shay Martin Reveals She ‘Found Love Again’ 1 Year After Tanner’s Death

Influencer Shay Martin is sharing a heartbreakingly beautiful update one year after her husband Tanner Martin died from colon cancer. “I know there are a lot of people on the internet that care a lot about AmyLou and I, so if that’s you this message is for you,” Shay said over a compilation video shared […]

“I didn’t get divorced from Tanner,” she told the outlet. “I still loved him, and I was always going to love him.”

When Shay was ready to start dating again, she wanted to find a person who wouldn’t try to compete with or be deterred by what she and Tanner had

“He was the first guy who didn’t see Tanner as a threat,” Shay recalled. “I think it takes a confident, empathetic man to do that.”

More than a year after Tanner’s death, Shay gave an update on how she and AmyLou were doing. Shay revealed in the post that she found a second chance at love.

“I know there are a lot of people on the internet that care a lot about AmyLou and I, so if that’s you this message is for you,” Shay said over a compilation video shared via Instagram on Sunday, August 2. “I’ve seen a lot of questions asking how AmyLou and I are doing and where we are in life. It’s been a year filled with both heartbreaking sadness but also incredible blessings. In the past year we’ve welcomed AmyLou, we’ve lost Tanner, I moved to Arizona, where I grew up, and I found love again.”

Shay explained that Tanner wanted her to “find someone who would love AmyLou as his own and honor the life” the couple “built together.” Shay shared that Hunter fulfilled that one wish with no hesitation.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Shay Martin Shares Why Family Still Pays for Late Husband Tanner’s Phone

Influencer Shay Martin is opening up about one way she and late husband Tanner Martin’s family have kept his memory alive after his death. “We are still paying for Tanner’s phone number,” Shay, 29, responded to a fan who asked if Tanner’s phone was still active during a Q&A on her Instagram Stories on February […]

“I am incredibly grateful to say that I found that person. He has never asked me to leave Tanner behind. Never. He honors my memory with Tanner,” she reflected. “He honors Tanner. He celebrates the love that I had and have for Tanner. And he loves AmyLou the way Tanner would want AmyLou to be loved.”

Shay emphasized that “moving forward is not the same as moving on” from Tanner.

“I remember thinking to myself, even during the five years Tanner fought cancer, ‘I’m never going to remarry. I’m going to be alone and I’m just going to live with that,’” she said. “And eventually, I changed and decided that there is enough love to give, you can never run out of love. And I will never graduate from grief.”