Ed Sheeran’s cousin does not have his back amid the ongoing drama.

Jethro Sheeran, who is also a British musician and performs professionally as Alonestar, has openly slammed the “Perfect” singer since “Thrift Shop” rapper Macklemore was kicked off the ongoing Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a New Jersey performance.

Ed Sheeran’s cousin joins the list of people who have frowned at the singer’s actions. Since the controversy, fans have been divided, with many withdrawing their support from the Grammy Winner.

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Jethro has taken his comments about his cousin a notch higher after previously calling him a “coward.” He addressed the ongoing fiasco about Macklemore being dropped from the Loop Tour, sharing his thoughts on the situation and his view of his cousin.

The British musician also chipped in some details about his relationship with Ed during his early days and how things allegedly went south after the dad of two rose to the top.

“We were pretty close. But early on, I saw the snake in him,” Jethro said during his first appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored.” The interview, which aired on Friday, September 25, featured Alonestar saying, “He’s very talented, and people think I’m jealous. But jealous of what? His looks? His guitar? His singing?”

Jethro Sheeran Claims His Cousin Forgot His Days Of Humble Beginnings

In addition to the blistering remarks, Jethro also claimed that he took his cousin, who is nearly ten years younger, to the studio and on stage “for the first time, and then he just kind of went his own way.”

He continued, telling Morgan that Ed was “doing all my shows and supporting me there, and then he kind of went and just blew up, and then just completely left everything that we built behind.”

Around 2018 and 2019, the musician cousins’ professional relationship became fractured following a feud when Ed’s record label issued legal warnings to Jethro, demanding he remove the Grammy winner’s name from their 2010 collab “Raise ‘Em Up.” This led to their estrangement as the fashion model felt deeply betrayed by Ed.

Ed Sheeran’s Cousin Previously Called Him Out As ‘Not A True Sheeran’

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Jethro took to social media, blasting the “Shape of You” singer after the Macklemore drama made headlines. He expressed that he was “ashamed of my Cousin Ed,” adding, “He’s not a good person, I don’t like his music, so I can’t say he’s even a good artist.” 

He went on, describing Ed as a “selfish individual with malicious cunning ways” and alleging that the “Dive” singer “screwed me over, made fun of my mental health and mental health in general.” 

The Blast reported that Jethro claimed in his post that he helped Ed start his career, doing all he could to help him rise in the industry; however, his kindness was not repaid with good deeds.

The record producer also maintained that his cousin personally dropped Macklemore from his tour despite Ed’s claims. “That’s my honest opinion, and I’m family!! He’s not a true Sheeran! Don’t hate on a Sheeran because of this silly little boy,” Jethro ended his lengthy post.

The ‘Photograph’ Singer Tried To Avoid Things Getting Physical

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Since Macklemore was kicked off Ed’s tour after his New Jersey performance where he made pro-Palestine chants, the backlash has been heavy. The singer reportedly lost thousands of online followers, and many fans began requesting ticket refunds.

Outside the venue for his Philadelphia concert, protesters showed up about an hour before the start time, expressing their displeasure with Ed’s actions. The Blast shared that he later told the audience that he had originally planned to perform on a B Stage during the show. 

With that initial setup, Ed would have performed in the middle of the audience. He admitted that they had to change the stage plans because he was afraid of what might happen if he stood in the middle.

The “Perfect” hitmaker confessed that he was unsure whether the situation might escalate and whether some concertgoers might throw things at him while he performed.

Ed Sheeran’s Concert Faced Another Low Blow

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Besides the displeased fans, loss of followers, low ticket sales, and blistering remarks from his cousin, Ed’s Loop Tour suffered another significant setback; however, this time the universe is behind it. The Blast shared that both of his scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium were canceled due to dangerous weather conditions.

The “photograph” singer was set to perform at Robert Kraft’s Foxborough, Massachusetts, on September 25 and 26. However, the plans had to be canceled because the stadium and tour officials deemed it unsafe for Ed, his crew, or his fans.

They released a statement informing the public that the difficult decision to cancel those shows stemmed from close monitoring of the weather forecast over the past week. The statement also noted that everyone’s safety was a priority and that refunds would be available to fans.

Will Ed Sheeran’s cousin continue issuing scathing remarks?

The series premiere of S.W.A.T.’s spinoff featured a time jump that swept over several exits, death — and a divorce.

During the Friday, September 25, episode of S.W.A.T. Exiles, Hondo (Shemar Moore) is reintroduced two years after the events in the original CBS series. This time Honodo is in a darker headspace after his marriage ended, his mother died and a mission that went wrong forced him out of S.W.A.T.

“Oftentimes, art imitates life. In real life, my mom is in heaven six years now. My father passed away just six years ago. And now I have a daughter and she’s my everything. So I’ve experienced — in my life — the highs and lows,” Moore, 56, exclusively told Us about using his own experiences as inspiration for Hondo. “When there’s lows, you got to sit in it.”

Moore wanted Hondo to go on a personal journey.

“The way my mother raised me is you got to get up and keep fighting. Also look around at what you’re blessed with. So it is very similar for Hondo. So I was like what if Hondo is divorced? He’s been exiled from S.W.A.T. when he was set up for a mission gone bad,” Moore explained. “Everything that he was about and that he worked for was taken from him. Now he’s in that dark stage that he went through when he lost his wife. He has a daughter that he’s fighting to stay a part of her life. And his mentor, his best friend and his confidant have passed away.”

S.W.A.T., which premiered on CBS in 2017, followed a police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team named Twenty Squad that operated in Los Angeles. After numerous cancellations — and returns — on CBS, the show has shifted to Starz with a new cast and new story.

“This version of S.W.A.T. is more layered — and not just with Hondo,” the actor told Us. “I just love being a superhero. But being just a superhero can get redundant and boring. To be a flawed, optimistic, defiant, persevering human being that enjoys the highs and has to endure the lows but never quits, I think a lot of people can relate to that. That’s why a lot of people root for Hondo and root for this show because even this show itself — because it’s replacing something that people loved for so many years.”

He concluded: “There’s a lot of pressure on this show, and so everybody involved in this show wants to show why this show is worth it, and we can defy the odds because that’s what we do.”

Moore defended the new take on S.W.A.T.

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“I was like, ‘OK, if it’s going to be different, then what’s going to be different?’ It looks darker, it feels darker and it’s edgier. The writing is different and I believe a little more grounded and a little more intense in storytelling and character development,” he teased. “It’s multilayered in the storytelling.”

He continued: “There’s going to be a lot of badassery. There’s going to be super cops. We’re going to have helicopter chases, motorcycle chases and car chases. We’re gonna be in there throwing fists and hand-to-hand combat. We are going to do that. But there’s also a lot of layers in the characters that you get to meet in the chemistry dynamic.”

S.W.A.T.: Exiles airs on Starz Fridays at 10 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on the Starz app.

Presley Gerber’s best friend, Ryan Frederick, has shared a poignant tribute in the wake of his death.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, September 25, Frederick shared a carousel of photos of the pair together alongside a lengthy caption in honor of Gerber, who died at 27 on September 20.

“You weren’t just my best friend. You were a brother to me. We shared so many memories, so many good times, and so many moments I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” Frederick wrote.

He continued, “There was nobody in this world I laughed harder with. Some of my happiest memories are with you. Surfing together, traveling around the world, experiencing new places, getting into adventures, and somehow always finding a way to laugh through it all.”

Related: Police Release New Details Amid Investigation Into Presley Gerber’s Death

New details have emerged after Preston Gerber‘s death at age 27. The Santa Monica Police Department tells Us that officers responded to a call regarding a possible overdose at 9:35 am local time on Sunday, September 20. Authorities found an unresponsive adult male at the scene. “The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has […]

As well as reflecting on their close friendship and the memories shared together, Frederick praised Gerber for the way he tried so hard to navigate his challenges.

“You were a true fighter and someone who kept battling through more than most people ever knew. I’ll always remember you for your heart, your humor, your loyalty, and the way you could make any moment better.” Frederick wrote.

Frederick ended the tribute by listing what he’ll miss most about Gerber and expressing his ongoing love for his late friend.

“I’m going to miss your laugh, your energy, our trips, our time in the water, and all the memories we still thought we had ahead of us,” he penned. “I love you, brother. I’ll carry you with me everywhere I go. Rest easy, Pres 🤍.”

Us confirmed on Sunday, September 20, that Gerber — the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber — had died while in rehab. (The couple also share daughter Kaia Gerber.)

“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time,” his family said in a statement.

The Santa Monica Police Department told Us on September 21 that officers responded to a call regarding a possible overdose at 9:35 a.m. local time the previous morning. Authorities found an unresponsive adult male at the scene.

Related: Presley Gerber’s Ex Breaks Silence on His Death in Heartbreaking Tribute

Presley Gerber‘s ex-girlfriend Charlotte D’Alessio shared a heartbreaking message after his sudden death at age 27. “Shared a pure love with you & for that I thank & honor your life,” the 28-year-old wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, September 21. “You deserved more time. You deserved more life. Very angry [about] this.” D’Alessio […]

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Gerber’s death is being investigated as a possible overdose. No foul play is suspected. Gerber’s autopsy was completed on Monday, September 21, Us confirmed.

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The model’s official cause of death is still listed as “deferred” and pending investigation despite the cremation and autopsy being complete.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Dax Shepard’s latest “Armchair Expert” guest did not arrive with a movie, album, or television series to promote. He came armed with ancient DNA, three enormous puppies and a plan to bring mammoth-like creatures back to the planet. Colossal Biosciences co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm joined Shepard for the podcast’s September 23 episode, where he explained the science behind Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi. Colossal has promoted the animals as the world’s first de-extincted dire wolves. However, the headline-making achievement has also sparked a debate among outside scientists over what the puppies actually are.

Dax Shepard Hears How The Dire Wolf Project Began

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During his appearance on “Armchair Expert,” Ben Lamm walked Shepard through Colossal’s efforts to study the dire wolf, an Ice Age predator that disappeared approximately 13,000 years ago. Dire wolves once roamed throughout North and South America. Fossils have been discovered from Alaska to Mexico, with a particularly large number found at California’s La Brea Tar Pits.

Colossal’s scientists examined genetic material obtained from two ancient specimens. One was a tooth found in Ohio that was approximately 13,000 years old. The other was an inner ear bone discovered in Idaho that was approximately 72,000 years old, per Colossal’s website.

Researchers used the genetic information to identify features that differentiated dire wolves from their living relatives. The team then made 20 targeted edits across 14 genes in gray wolf cells. The edited cells were used to create embryos, which were implanted in domestic dog surrogates. That process ultimately produced Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi.

Romulus and Remus were named after the legendary founders of Rome who were raised by a she-wolf. Khaleesi’s name honors the “Game of Thrones” character played by Emilia Clarke, giving the project an unavoidable connection to the HBO series that helped make dire wolves famous to modern audiences.

The Puppies Were Engineered To Have Dire Wolf Traits

The puppies were designed to exhibit physical characteristics associated with dire wolves, including a larger frame, broader shoulders, a wider skull, muscular legs, and prominent canine teeth. They also have thick white coats, although the exact appearance of prehistoric dire wolves remains a subject of scientific discussion.

Romulus and Remus were born in October 2024, while Khaleesi arrived in January 2025. The male pups had already reached approximately 80 pounds by the time Colossal publicly announced them, while the younger Khaleesi weighed around 25 pounds. By their first birthday, Colossal reported that Romulus and Remus had grown to approximately 120 pounds.

The three animals live on a secure, undisclosed 2,000-acre preserve in the United States, where they are monitored by animal-care and scientific teams.

Colossal says the wolves have displayed different vocalizations and physical features from typical gray wolves. The company also expects them to reach as much as 150 pounds, potentially making them considerably larger than many modern wolves.

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The scale of the project gave Shepard plenty to unpack as Lamm explained how researchers moved from fragmented ancient DNA to living animals displaying traits last seen thousands of years ago.

Are They Really Dire Wolves?

While Colossal describes Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi as dire wolves, some independent scientists have challenged that classification. The animals are not clones of preserved dire wolves, and no ancient dire wolf DNA was directly inserted into their genomes.

Instead, scientists edited genes in gray wolf cells to recreate selected traits linked to the extinct species. That distinction has led outside experts to describe the puppies as genetically modified gray wolves rather than resurrected dire wolves.

Colossal Has An Even Bigger Goal In Sight

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Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi are only one part of Colossal’s much larger de-extinction mission. The company was founded in 2021 by Lamm and Harvard geneticist George Church, whose work on the woolly mammoth helped inspire the venture. Lamm told Shepard that he asked Church what scientific project he would pursue if funding were not an obstacle. That conversation helped set Colossal on its current path.

The company is now working to produce a cold-resistant elephant with defining woolly mammoth characteristics, including shaggy hair, insulating fat and other adaptations associated with surviving in Arctic environments. As part of that research, Colossal created what it calls “woolly mice.” Scientists edited seven genes in laboratory mice to produce long, thick, and wavy hair along with changes connected to fat metabolism.

The mice were intended to serve as a faster testing model for combinations of traits that may eventually be introduced into Asian elephant cells. Elephants have a gestation period of approximately 22 months, making early experiments in mice significantly faster and less costly.

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The woolly mouse results were initially posted as a preprint and had not undergone independent peer review when they were announced, according to the Associated Press. Outside researchers again described the work as technologically impressive while questioning whether it amounted to genuine de-extinction.

Colossal is also pursuing projects involving the dodo, thylacine, moa and bluebuck antelope.

Ben Lamm Says The Mission Goes Beyond Headlines

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Although the prehistoric animals generate enormous publicity, Lamm emphasized that Colossal wants its technology to benefit species that are still alive. The company has worked on cloning endangered red wolves and developing genetic tools that could help increase diversity within threatened populations.

Colossal also announced a partnership to build a biovault capable of preserving biological material from thousands of species. The goal is to store genetic material that could become critical if wild populations decline or disappear. The company has additionally partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on efforts to preserve genetic samples from endangered species.

The full Ben Lamm episode of “Armchair Expert” is available now.

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Billie Lourd is giving an intimate look into the experience of watching her children get to know her late mother, Carrie Fisher.

Fisher is recognized worldwide for playing Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” franchise before her death in 2016.

Nearly 10 years later, Lourd is raising children of her own and introducing them to the grandmother they never got to know through her work. 

Billie Lourd Says Her Kids Are Getting To Know Carrie Fisher Through ‘Star Wars‘

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During a Thursday appearance on “The View,” Lourd explained that her kids, who are 4 and 6, are still learning the difference between Fisher and Princess Leia.

The actress admitted that seeing her children watch their grandmother on screen feels “trippy” and “special.” However, she has had to explain that Leia is a character while Fisher was her mom, because the children are still too young.

“It’s such a gift that they get to have those movies; it’s like a high-budget home video. They get to see my mom all the time. It’s so special for me that I have that and that’s their way of getting to know her because she’s so much like that character,” she gushed.

How Billie Lourd Keeps Her Mother’s Spirit Alive

Lourd’s kids aren’t the only ones who have found a way of connecting to the late Fisher through her work.

The 34-year-old also revealed that she listens to her mother’s audiobooks “all the time,” giving her another way to hear her mother’s voice. She described the experience as a unique one that helps keep Fisher’s spirit alive.

The “America Horror Story” actress also spoke about how fans continue to share their own memories of Fisher with her, recalling how she got a better idea of her mother’s influence at a recent fan convention.

Billie Lourd’s Children Also Connect With Carrie Fisher At Home

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Fisher’s work isn’t the only way her legacy has been memorialized and passed on to her loved ones. Lourd has another personal connection to her late mom inside the home where she grew up.

As reported by The Blast, Lourd has continued raising her own children in the same house her mother once owned and lived.

She noted the house is filled with reminders of Fisher, giving her children another way to connect with their grandmother. She also said she puts “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Star Wars” movies on for them.

Lourd Reflects On Carrie Fisher Through Her Own Children

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Lourd’s recent revelation about holding on to her mother’s memory through her kids echoes her sentiment on the ninth anniversary of Fisher’s death.

Lourd shared a tribute recalling a morning with her daughter and the way the moment brought her famous mother to mind.

Per The Blast, Lourd wrote about her daughter waking early, laying her head on her chest, and telling her, “I love you, mama.” She then told her daughter how much her “grandmomby” would have loved her.

The actress also reflected on watching her father spend time with her children, describing it as one of the greatest joys she had experienced.

Carrie Fisher’s ‘Star Wars’ Princess Leia Dress Failed To Sell At Auction

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Although it has been a decade since Fisher passed away, her impact on the sci-fi movie world remains undeniable.

In 2023, her original Princess Leia dress from the first “Star Wars” movie was put up for auction. The iconic white costume, which appeared in the final throne room sequence of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” had been discovered decades after production.

According to The Blast, a crew member found the dress in an attic in London after taking it home and later giving it to a friend. It underwent eight months of professional cleaning and restoration before being offered for sale, with reports placing the bid at nearly $1 million.

Regrettably, the dress did not meet the seller’s minimum price and remained unsold after the auction. However, the seller and the top bidder could likely negotiate privately. 

Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson learned about sexual misconduct allegations against him shortly before his suicide attempt, police documents have revealed.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department report, which was obtained by Us on Friday, September 25, detailed what occurred when police responded to a medical dispatch call about a suicidal male at Thompson’s Las Vegas home on September 18 at 4:21pm.

The report noted that Daniel O’Leary, who described himself as Thompson’s tour manager, was at the scene.

According to the report, O’Leary stated that a news article broke at approximately 3:20pm, which covered a lawsuit that was filed against Thompson, 61, accusing him of sexual misconduct. O’Leary described Thompson’s behavior as upset, with the comedian making comments expressing his concern that his shows were going to be stopped.

Related: Carrot Top’s Rep Gives Update on Comedian After Alleged Suicide Attempt

A representative for Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson is reportedly giving an update on the comedian’s condition as he remains hospitalized following an alleged suicide attempt. “Scott remains hospitalized and under close medical care,” Jami Schlicher, Carrot Top’s rep, told Entertainment Weekly in a Sunday, September 20, statement. “He is now awake, breathing on his own […]

Thompson told him that he hoped a female third party (who was redacted in the report) and her daughter “would be okay” without him. Thompson subsequently hung up before texting O’Leary “done.” Per the report, O’Leary was not able to reach Thompson after this text message.

O’Leary then called the female and informed her about the article and their conversation and asked her to go check on Thompson.

She “arrived at the residence and observed the doors open to the home.” After looking for Thompson, the woman eventually located Thompson “in the backyard, next to the pool, unconscious.” According to her statement, the woman then “ immediately called for help.”

Us has reached out to Thompson’s rep for comment.

Thompson was hospitalized in Las Vegas after the incident, which has been widely reported as a suicide attempt. As a result, several of his comedy shows were subsequently canceled. (Carrot Top has headlined a residency at Las Vegas’ Luxor Casino since 2005.)

“Mr. Thompson is recovering in the hospital and is receiving the care and support he needs,” Thompson’s rep Jami Schlicher said in a statement shortly after the incident. “His family and those closest to him are deeply grateful for the concern, prayers and respectfully ask for privacy.”

Related: Carrot Top’s Las Vegas Show Reportedly Canceled After Alleged Suicide Attempt

Comedian Carrot Top’s Saturday, September 19, comedy show has reportedly been canceled following an alleged suicide attempt. The comedian, real name Scott Thompson, will reportedly remain hospitalized on Saturday and as his scheduled performance at the Luxor Casino is canceled, according to TMZ. Us has reached out to reps for both the comedian and venue […]

Two days later, Schlicher gave an update on Thompson’s condition.

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“Scott remains hospitalized and under close medical care,” Schlicher told Entertainment Weekly in a September 20 statement. “He is now awake, breathing on his own and continuing to improve, surrounded by his family and those closest to him.”

The statement continued, “Humor has always been such an important part of who Scott is and how he connects with people, and that remains true today as he shares moments of humor with the medical staff caring for him. Many messages from fans have been shared with Scott, including stories from people about how his comedy helped them through difficult periods in their own lives.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

If you’ve ever been to a male revue, you know that eventually, the clothes come off (at least some of them). “Magic Mike Live” at Sahara Las Vegas is no different, but they like to get the crowd warmed up and ready for the magic to begin happening before anything comes off. 

The Blast recently had the chance to check out the Vegas show and speak to some of the cast to get some insight into what guests can expect, what they love most about being in this show, and just what “unicorn” means when you’re in the audience. 

‘Magic Mike Live’ Takes The Audience On An Exciting Journey

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Created and co-directed by actor Channing Tatum, “Magic Mike Live” at Sahara Las Vegas features world-class dancing, singing, comedy, and acrobatics to give memories that will last a lifetime. That whole “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” vibe goes out the window here, because you won’t soon forget what happens during this show. 

With many twists and turns, audience interaction, and performers that come to you, this experience is something that will make you smile, laugh, and want to relive it again and again. 

The Blast spoke to a few of the stars of the show to get some background information on how they landed on the “Magic Mike Live” stage, what their favorite part is about being in the show, and more. But first, let’s talk about the “unicorn” in the room. A theme from the time you walk through the doors until you leave is the unicorn. That’s the show’s “safe word” if you don’t want to be brought into the action and would prefer just to watch without being thrust into the spotlight. There are also some other “unicorn” sightings throughout the show.

“We have a lot of conversations about how to approach the guests and how to respect them and talk to them. We can avoid people that we feel are going to be very hesitant or avoidant,” Anthony Curley, otherwise known as “Mike” in the show, told The Blast. “It’s just all about trial and error. There’s no one way to do it. It’s good that we give them the safe word of ‘unicorn.’”

Meet Anthony Curley, Otherwise Know As ‘Mike’ In The Show

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Anthony is an award-winning contemporary dancer from Phoenix, Arizona who began dance training in 2008. He’s mastered ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, acro, and musical theater throughout his dance journey. His career really took off when he was crowned the Season 18 winner of “So You Think You Can Dance.” He then danced behind Paula Abdul in the Magic Summer Tour and was a featured dancer in music videos for Doechii and Dermot Kennedy.

Anthony has been part of “Magic Mike Live” for 13 months now. Joining the show was a bit of a “curveball” for him. 

“It was a very welcomed one,” he said. “I got the call on the Fourth of July last year, and it’s funny because my whole life I’ve actually joked about doing ‘Magic’ with my friends. We would always do dolphin dives and stuff and be like, ‘Who has the best Magic Mike dolphin dive?’ and now all of a sudden, I’m the one out of them that got to be here.”

He said his favorite part about being in the show is the “camaraderie with everyone in the building.” 

“I didn’t realize when I first got here how deeply intertwined I would become with all the cast and it feels like a big family here,” he told The Blast. “And with a resident show that goes on so long, it can get very tedious in that sense, but we keep each other fresh and keep the morale high. I think that’s definitely my favorite thing about being here.” 

Something he hopes to do in the future is dive more into his music and become a recording artist. He would also love to take his show on the road and do some touring, make more albums, and of course, mix lots of dance with it all. 

Mariah Ware Is One Of Few Women In The Show

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Raised in Las Vegas, Mariah was always destined to shine on the stage. She began her professional dancing career on Carnival Cruise Lines before hitting the world-famous Las Vegas Strip with her talent. She’s been in many productions, including opening for Metallica, Mayfair After Dark, New Year’s Eve performance with Natasha Bedingfield, Wheel of Fortune’s 30th Anniversary, and more. She said she knew early on in life that dancing was what she wanted to do professionally thanks to a friend’s introduction to it. 

She told The Blast that her role in the show is a “very coveted role” so there are always a lot of women wanting to audition for it. She shares the role with one other female dancer. 

“The role is called the flying mermaid,” she said. “We do every other night, so there’s always two of us in the building.” 

Her role has a bit of a surprise element to it and she enjoys that night after night. 

When talking about the major misconceptions of the show, she said from the guys’ perspective, most people show up expecting strictly a strip show and no storyline. But that’s not at all what “Magic Mike Live” is all about. 

“People think there’s not anything to it. They’re just going to come on stage, take their clothes off, and the lights are going to go down, and that’s it,” she told The Blast. “There’s so much more that goes into it, so I think it’s the common misconception that it’s like any other male revue show.” 

If she wasn’t in this production, Mariah said she would still be in entertainment in one form or another. 

“I love entertainment in every aspect, so I feel like I would transfer over to film and television,” she said. “Whether that be acting or just being on set, maybe dive into directing or being a visual director.” 

Carson Brooks Knew Early In Life He Wanted To Be A Dancer

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Born and raised in Vegas, Carson knew at a young age that dancing was going to be his life. At 18, he moved to Los Angeles with a dream of dancing professionally and the rest is history. He performed for major events such as Beyonce’s CECRED launch event, Live Mas Live for Taco Bell, and Aria Resort & Casino’s New Year’s Eve celebration. 

“I remember when I was 13, I had friends in school who would go inot dance and I’d see them post dance videos on Instagram and I’d be like, ‘Oh, that’s so cool.’ And then from there, I just got into it,” he told The Blast. “I actually did musical theater at first, but now I don’t sing or act, just dance.” 

He shared that the biggest misconception people have about “Magic Mike Live” is that many think it’s all about “body rolls, take clothes off, done.” 

“I don’t think people understand or know about the dancing part, or the aerial stuff and drumming,” he said. “I don’t think they know about all the special skills behind it.” 

With every show having a different audience, it’s a whole new vibe night after night. Thanks to the audience and their reactions to the show, it’s tough to be on autopilot, so the dancers are 100 percent bringing the magic. 

CJ Jensen Has Performed With Some Big Names In Entertainment

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CJ moved to Vegas to be a part of “Magic Mike Live” just as he was considering quitting dancing. Before that, his career brought him to work with some big names – Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, JoJo Siwa, and more. He toured as a dancer on The Descendants Tour and performed in the Michael Jackson Celebration episode of “Lip Sync Battle.” 

“I was actually about to quit dance. I was in an impasse where I was like, I don’t know if I want to dance anymore,” he told The Blast. “Dancing was for the love of it, but then it started slowly turning into I have to do it to make money and once it became a job, it was different.” 

When CJ’s agent approached him about “Magic Mike Live,” he first asked his “boss,” aka his wife, and since it aligned with them as a family, it made sense to pack up and move to Vegas. 

When discussing what he loves about his new home of Las Vegas, CJ said he loves the food scene. 

“I’m a big foodie, so we love going to Chinatown to try different foods everywhere,” he said. He also added that he’s been thinking about opening a coffee shop for a while, so that could be something on his radar for the future. 

For more information about “Magic Mike Live,” visit the website.

As someone who shops for a living, I spend an unreasonable amount of time keeping tabs on what fashion people are wearing next. This fall, my feeds are filling up with chocolate brown, burgundy, suede, oversized accessories and relaxed silhouettes that make getting dressed feel fun again. And thankfully, you don’t need a designer budget to get in on any of them.

Amazon’s Fall Fashion Edit is packed with pieces that look like they could have come straight from the cool-girl brands filling my Instagram feed. I found chunky sweaters, retro sneakers, statement bags, baggy denim and plenty of rich fall textures that nail the season’s biggest trends. The best part? You can start refreshing your closet for just $15.

17 It-Girl Fall Fashion Finds a Shopping Editor Is Eyeing on Amazon

1. My Favorite: Nothing says fall ‘It-Girl’ quite like a chunky cream sweater, relaxed jeans and an oversized tote. The exaggerated cable knit and slouchy fit give this turtleneck that cozy, expensive-looking feel I’d expect to spot all over Pinterest this season.

2. Cool-Girl Clogs: I’m trading at least a few loafer days for suede clogs this fall. Their chunky shape and rich taupe finish would look especially good poking out beneath baggy jeans or wide-leg trousers.

3. Layer Up: A burgundy knit wrap might be the easiest way to bring fall’s favorite color into your wardrobe. Draped over a simple sweater or dress, it adds warmth and makes the whole outfit feel a little more elevated.

4. Burgundy Babe: If there’s one color I’m expecting to see everywhere this fall, it’s burgundy. This faux-suede jacket combines the rich shade with an equally autumnal texture, making the $37 find feel like two trends in one.

5. ’90s Calling: This suede shoulder bag looks like something an off-duty supermodel could have carried three decades ago. The slim rectangular shape gives it that minimalist ’90s attitude fashion keeps revisiting.

Related: These 17 French Girl-Style Blouses Are My Latest Fall Obsession, From $10

Every fall, I inevitably find a new way to work the classic French girl aesthetic into my wardrobe. Some years I’m constantly wearing ballet flats or trench coats, but right now, I can’t stop looking at blouses covered in stripes, polka dots, lace and other romantic details. They’re an easy way to make everyday fall […]

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6. Chocolate Fix: I’m currently incapable of scrolling past a chocolate brown accessory, especially one that looks this expensive. The suede texture, relaxed shape and belted detail make this $30 bag feel straight out of a much pricier fall collection.

7. Arm Candy: Why buy one bracelet when $15 gets you four chunky bangles? Between the tortoiseshell, caramel and creamy marbled finishes, they look collected over time rather than purchased together.

8. Buckle Up: After years of ultra-minimal bags, I’m ready for accessories with a little personality again. This barrel satchel bag delivers with buckled handles, studs, tassels and enough hardware to make the Y2K-inspired shape feel interesting from every angle.

9. Stripe Hype: At first glance, I would have guessed this retro striped set came from one of the cool-girl brands filling my Instagram feed. It’s actually $50 on Amazon, with an oversized silhouette and rich burgundy palette that make it feel much more fashion-forward than standard loungewear.

10. Trench Twist: Classic trench coats aren’t going anywhere, but their proportions are getting much more interesting. This funnel-neck version keeps the double-breasted buttons and belted waist I love while losing all that extra length for a sharper, more modern feel.

11. Bandana Babe: Western influences are still working their way into everyday fashion, but you don’t need cowboy boots to participate. The paisley knit cardigan borrows bandana-inspired motifs and plenty of fringe for a more unexpected take on the trend.

12. Pretty Pointelle: Basic crewnecks have their place, but the tiny open-knit details on this $16 pointelle sweater make it feel much more special. I also love the relaxed shape and dainty buttons, which give the everyday knit just enough romantic charm.

13. Fall Footwork: Brown suede might be my favorite way to make a sporty sneaker feel seasonally appropriate. These retro suede sneakers trade bright white leather for a warm, textured finish without losing that easy everyday appeal.

14. Shade Upgrade: These oversized tortoiseshell frames prove tiny sunglasses have officially met their match. The glamorous, face-covering proportions make a simple accessory feel like an entire fashion statement.

15. Baggy Business: Skinny jeans could never deliver this level of nonchalance. These baggy Levi’s jeans combine a waist-defining fit with dramatically loose legs, creating the kind of effortlessly cool denim silhouette I keep seeing everywhere.

16. Major League: Nothing says model-off-duty quite like a New York baseball cap pulled over second-day hair. The chocolate brown color gives this sporty staple a richer, more fall-ready feel.

17. Hot Chocolate: The chocolate brown wash is what takes these wide-leg jeans from everyday basic to It-Girl territory. It feels richer and more seasonal than classic blue while still being neutral enough to earn serious closet mileage.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –> 

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Related: I’m Ditching Stiff Trousers for These 13 Comfy Fall Office Dresses

Consider this my official resignation from wearing stiff trousers five days a week. As much as I love how polished they look, I’d rather spend an eight-hour workday in something soft, stretchy and considerably easier to move in. Thankfully, a good fall dress can give me the best of both worlds. I found 13 polished […]

25 years ago, the epic genre mash-up anime series, Cowboy Bebop, debuted on Cartoon Network’s brand-new Adult Swim block. The programming block and series were game-changers, and decades later, Cowboy Bebop stands out as one of the most iconic shows of its era, achieving mainstream crossover success and becoming a foundational piece of contemporary postmodern art. Cowboy Bebop’s popularity endures to this day, as the series is charting among the Top 5 shows on the Apple TV Store. Cowboy Bebop remains an unfettered masterpiece 29 years after its original debut in Japan.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ Created Mixed Multiple Genres to Create a Unique Anime

Set in 2071, Cowboy Bebop follows a crew of bounty hunters, nicknamed “cowboys,” aboard the spaceship Bebop, who travel the solar system trying to make ends meet. A cataclysm rendered Earth a wasteland, so humanity spreads across the cosmos, colonizing planets such as Mars, Venus, the moons of Jupiter, and even asteroids. Wayward cowboy Spike Spiegel (Steven Blum), an ex-mafioso, travels on the Bebop with his partner, Jet Black (Beau Billingslea), eventually recruiting compulsive gambler and perpetually in-debt femme fatale Faye Valentine (Wendee Lee), computer hacker Edward (Melissa Fahn), and the adorable corgi data dog Ein. This ragtag band will take just about any gig as they can barely scrape together enough credits for their next meal.

Cowboy Bebop features an eclectic mash-up of genres. Despite its futuristic sci-fi setting, the narrative leans heavily on a highly cinematic neo-noir style, mixing in elements of the buddy comedy dynamic of the Bebop crew, cyberpunk, science fiction, horror, and even surrealism. Series director Shinichirō Watanabe combined so many different visual and narrative styles that Cowboy Bebop essentially became a new genre. Hence the eye-catchers and subtitles throughout the show stating, “The work which becomes a new genre itself will be called… Cowboy Bebop!” The series utilizes an incredible score composed by the incomparable musical genius Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts. The show’s jazz and blues-style music becomes an indelible character throughout the series, empowering the characters’ bittersweet adventures across the galaxy.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ Became a Foundational Gateway Series for Anime Fans

Cowboy Bebop was not only a foundational and highly influential series, but thanks to its airing on Adult Swim, a new programming block created to air more adult-themed and edgier content late at night, the show became a gateway series for many anime fans. Many viewers were introduced to anime through Cowboy Bebop and turned into devoted fans of the art form. Cowboy Bebop translated to Western audiences incredibly well because the creators behind the series were inspired by Western visual styles and works, as well as the series boasting an excellent English dub. Cowboy Bebop’s English reversion proved that a Japanese anime series could be dubbed into English and match or surpass its Japanese counterpart for many fans.

With the series airing on Adult Swim, Bebop aired virtually uncensored. Before Adult Swim, whenever an anime series traveled to the West and aired on television, it usually included a boatload of edits and censorship, butchering a show’s quality. Plus, the English dub tracks would be heavily altered to play down to younger audiences, significantly changing the intent of the characters and story. Adult Swim allowed many iconic and classic shows to air with most of their original content intact, which drew in whole new demographics and audiences to anime, creating legions of new fans.

‘Cowboy Bebop’s Legacy Endures

Image via Sunrise

It’s been 29 years since Cowboy Bebop originally debuted in Japan, and 25 years since it made its U.S. broadcast debut. Over two decades later, the show’s legacy endures, thanks to its memorable storyline and characters. Throughout the series, the crew of the Bebop comes together, becoming a weirdly dysfunctional and charming found family; yet even that emotional arc is finite. The narrative also peppers in unique dreamlike motifs, suggesting ambiguity about whether events throughout the story are even real.

Cowboy Bebop ultimately leaves viewers as emotional wrecks by its 26th episode, offering a deeply profound viewing experience. The show’s final line says it best: “You’re gonna carry that weight.” Almost thirty years later, devoted fans continue carrying the weight of the crew of the Bebop wherever they go. Watanabe and his crew crafted an indelible, one-of-a-kind work that transcends the art form. It’s a show that makes you genuinely wonder, even for a moment, “Are you living in the real world?” Cowboy Bebop is an anime masterpiece that’s worth watching, whether to experience it for the first time or revisit its exceptional quality years later. “See you, space cowboys!”

It’s 2026, and it’s getting harder than ever to pretend the “streaming revolution” didn’t just loop back to where it started. Earlier this week, Prime Video launched a $29.99/month bundle with AMC+, BritBox, MGM+, PBS Masterpiece, and Starz. The tech giant calls it a deal — and it is, technically, 39% cheaper than subscribing to all five on their own.

In this economy, saving money without sacrificing has us all salivating, but let’s look past the sale’s sheen and ask the obvious question: Who asked for this? Was there really a critical mass of viewers willing to pay one flat monthly rate to keep a bunch of services that hardly anyone subscribes to year-round?

You get AMC+ for Interview with the Vampire, Starz for Power, and PBS Masterpiece because your mom wants to watch All Creatures Great and Small. Bundling them doesn’t make the content more essential. It just makes unsubscribing more of a pain, which is exactly how cable kept people paying $200 a month for 400 channels they didn’t watch back in the day. And this, on top of the news that the ad-free versions of the major streamers like Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, and Apple TV+ already run $139 a month combined (which, adjusted for inflation, is the cable bill we all canceled in 2016), makes this new deal sound even more sinister. Has Amazon just figured out a way to replicate the cost of cable with an app instead of a box?

What’s Included in Prime Video’s New Streaming Bundle?

Look at which platforms are actually in this bundle. Prime Video is the anchor, obviously, because of Amazon. The other five are the streamers that don’t have the muscle to keep customers on their own. AMC+ has never cracked the mainstream conversation the way its parent network did with Breaking Bad and Mad Men. BritBox exists in that awkward middle ground of being niche enough that Anglophiles love it and small enough that Anglophiles are pretty much the entire customer base. MGM+ has been rebranded so many times that even loyal subscribers probably couldn’t tell you what’s on it this month. PBS Masterpiece has a devoted following that skews older than any algorithm finds attractive. And Starz has men in kilts. These are the services that Netflix, Max, Disney+, and Hulu will never bundle with because they don’t need to.

The big streamers can survive off tentpole hits and password crackdowns. The middle tier can’t. They have to link arms and hope consumers keep them all around for the shows they each have one or two of, because otherwise those consumers are dropping them the moment a season finale airs. Amazon knows this, which is why it’s not offering the bundle out of generosity. Prime Video is positioning itself as a distribution layer, the way Comcast used to bundle Bravo and IFC into your basic cable package, because those channels couldn’t survive à la carte. And things have been heading this way for a while.

Through Prime Video Channels, Amazon already sells add-ons for Peacock, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Apple TV, so plenty of people are managing their streaming through Amazon’s app. That’s the cable company’s job description. Amazon just never had to send a technician to anyone’s house to rope customers in. It also isn’t a neutral middleman here, since MGM+ has belonged to Amazon ever since the company bought MGM in 2022. So one of the five “partners” in this bundle is just Amazon selling its own channel back to Prime members.

Cord-Cutting Was a Nice Idea While It Lasted

The pitch for streaming, back in 2013 or so, was that you were free. You could subscribe to Netflix for a month, watch Orange Is the New Black, and cancel. You could pick up HBO for Game of Thrones and drop it after the finale. The math worked because each service was cheap and standalone. That math started falling apart the moment every network launched its own platform, and it broke completely when studios started shuffling licensed content between services like a shell game. You might subscribe to one streamer for a show only to find it has moved to another platform by the following season. Bundling plasters over this by giving you access to everything, all the time, so you never have to think about where anything lives. The convenience is real. It also happens to be the reason your monthly card charges keep climbing without you ever really noticing. Try to unsubscribe from a bundle sometime — not this one, but any of them. Disney’s bundle, the Apple One tier your family plan somehow acquired. Friction is the business model. Cable perfected that trick a long time ago, and the streamers have finally stopped pretending they were ever going to do it any differently.

That autopay habit is also where the viewership problem starts. When everything lives behind one login and one charge, it gets much harder for anyone, including the subscriber, to tell what’s actually being viewed. Streaming was sold to us as the way out of paying for things we didn’t watch. Ten years after a lot of people cut the cord, the monthly total is creeping back up, but the payoff isn’t as good, and the channels are getting packaged together again.