Entertainment
14 Years Later, Disney’s Cult Sci-Fi Movie Tom Cruise Wanted to Star in Is Way Better Than Its Baffling Box Office Would Suggest
Tom Cruise has a career packed with plenty of science fiction films. Edge of Tomorrow survived a turbulent production and became a surprise success. Oblivion may not have been as successful, but it led to Cruise working with Joseph Kosinski, and the two eventually reunited for Top Gun: Maverick. One could even argue that the technology used by Cruise’s Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible franchise borders on the edge of science fiction. But there’s one science fiction movie that Cruise never managed to become a part of, despite his desire to play the lead role, and that’s John Carter.
Based on the John Carter of Mars novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the John Carter movie was shaping up to be truly epic. Andrew Stanton, the mastermind behind Pixar hits Finding Nemo and WALL-E, was making his live-action debut with the film. Michael Chabon, an accomplished novelist who helped contribute to the Spider-Man 2 screenplay, co-wrote the script. The cast was talented, including Bryan Cranston, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Strong among them. However, John Carter ran into a number of roadblocks that led to it being one of the biggest box office bombs in history — yet it’s far from a horrible movie.
Taylor Kitsch Beat Tom Cruise for the Lead Role in ‘John Carter’
In an oral history conducted by TheWrap, Stanton admitted that casting John Carter himself was a tough process, especially since the list of potential candidates was apparently a very long one. Taylor Kitsch would land the role, but Tom Cruise was determined to get it first. Stanton had his mind set on casting Kitsch, though:
“I had Taylor already in mind by the time Tom made his interest known. Tom had a long history with the material, so it wasn’t too surprising to discover he still had interest in it. He was a consummate professional in his discussions with me about the role, and beyond respectful to the fact I was already on an audition path with Taylor,” he said.
This wasn’t the first time Cruise had been attached to a John Carter film. Back in 1990, Disney was flirting with the idea of adapting the material with Cruise as Carter and Julia Roberts as the Princess of Mars, Deja Thoris. The team behind the scenes was just as impressive: John McTiernan was approached to direct following the success of Predator and Die Hard, with Back to the Future screenwriter Bob Gale tapped to flesh out the script. Things stalled out when McTiernan decided to direct Last Action Hero (which ironically turned out to be another box office bomb), but it’s not surprising that Cruise wanted to join Stanton’s version.
‘John Carter’ Is a Good Movie That Was Let Down by Its Marketing
Looking back at John Carter, it’s a film that was ahead of its time. Most of the political intrigue and worldbuilding rivals anything displayed in Dune or Game of Thrones, and Stanton’s work with Pixar makes many of the computer-generated characters — including Dafoe’s Tars Tarkas, leader of the Green Martians — feel like actual flesh and blood. Stanton and Chabon also manage to distill the essence of A Princess of Mars into an action-packed adventure that also has a fair amount of humor and heart. So what exactly led to its box office misfortunes?
The answer lies in the marketing campaign which saw Stanton making a number of baffling choices. He chose not to advertise his work with Pixar in the trailers, when that could have drawn newcomers to the theater. Instead of going with A Princess of Mars as the title, the choice was made to simply call the film John Carter, without considering that some audience members might not know about the books. The cherry on top was the fact that Disney’s marketing team at the time was led by someone who had no experience in movies, and therefore didn’t really know how to sell the film. “This is one of the worst marketing campaigns in the history of movies,” a Disney exec told Vulture. “It’s almost as if they went out of their way to not make us care.”
The Failure of ‘John Carter’ Marked a Turning Point for Disney
John Carter might have been yet another example of Disney fumbling a potential sci-fi franchise, but it would also mark a turning point for Disney. A few months after John Carter‘s failure, The Avengers would take the box office by storm and Disney would also acquire Lucasfilm. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe proving to be a moneymaker and the Star Wars franchise under its belt, Disney would slowly rely on those two properties for sci-fi stories.
John Carter is a simple case of execution failing to meet intent. While Andrew Stanton intended to deliver a cosmic epic that matched Edgar Rice Burroughs’ books, he didn’t take marketing into account. But the film’s reappraisal in later years proves that it had the glimmers of something special — and it didn’t need Tom Cruise to pull it off.
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Shania Twain took the reins to ensure a night of big fun for the winners and nominees at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards.
The singer, 60, was the host of the Sunday, May 17, awards show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This year marked Twain’s first time overseeing the ceremony.
“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home,” she said in an April press release. “It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating country music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night.”
As Twain noted, Megan Moroney led the pack of nominees with nine nods, followed by Miranda Lambert with eight and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson with seven each.
In addition to handing out awards, the Prime Video broadcast featured performances by Lambert, 42, Langley, 27, Wilson, 33, Blake Shelton, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lee Ann Womack, Riley Green, Thomas Rhett and more top country artists.
Scroll down for the complete list of 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards nominees — and look for the bold names to see who won each category:
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Megan Moroney
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Female Artist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
Male Artist of the Year
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Group of the Year
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James
New Female Artist of the Year
Avery Anna
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts
New Male Artist of the Year
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore
Album of the Year
Ain’t in It for My Health, Zach Top
Cherry Valley, Carter Faith
Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), Riley Green
I’m the Problem, Morgan Wallen
Parker McCollum, Parker McCollum
Song of the Year
“A Song to Sing,” Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton
“Am I Okay?,” Megan Moroney
“Choosin’ Texas,” Ella Langley
“I Never Lie,” Zach Top
“Somewhere Over Laredo,” Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year
“6 Months Later,” Megan Moroney
“Choosin’ Texas,” Ella Langley
“I Never Lie,” Zach Top
“Somewhere Over Laredo,” Lainey Wilson
“The Fall,” Cody Johnson
Music Event of the Year
“A Song to Sing,” Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton
“Amen,” Shaboozey and Jelly Roll
“Don’t Mind If I Do,” Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
“Trailblazer,” Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson
“You Had to Be There,” Megan Moroney and Kenny Chesney
Visual Media of the Year
“6 Months Later,” Megan Moroney
“A Song to Sing,” Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton
“Cuckoo,” Stephen Wilson Jr.
“Somewhere Over Laredo,” Lainey Wilson
“The Fall,” Cody Johnson
Artist-Songwriter of the Year
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen
Songwriter of the Year
Jessie Jo Dillon
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass
Lainey Wilson ditched her signature bell-bottoms for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Wilson, 33, stunned in a strapless red-orange gown for the Sunday, May 17, awards show in Las Vegas, which she paired with delicate gold drop earrings.
For glam, Wilson had forgone her usual cowboy hat to wear her long blond tresses in loose waves.
The country star, who is up for seven ACM trophies including Entertainer of the Year, wore — if you can believe it — her first dress to her wedding to Devlin “Duck” Hodges earlier this month.
Country music’s biggest stars delivered a fashion moment worth singing about even before the trophies were handed out at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy […]
“Feeling royal and confident in my dream dress and veil, made by the incredible Oscar de la Renta team,” Wilson told Vogue. “First time wearing a dress and I caught the perfect breeze to show it off! Shout out to my amazing stylist Ali Mandelkorn for bringing this vision to life with Oscar de la Renta.”
Wilson and Hodges, who accompanied his bride on Sunday night, dated for four years before the former NFL player, 30, popped the question. They tied the knot on May 10 at Tennessee’s Ruskin Cave.
Leah Puttkammer/FilmMagic Lainey Wilson sings about heartbreak in her music, but in real life, she’s found lasting love with Devlin “Duck” Hodges. The country singer introduced her fans to Hodges while attending the 2023 ACM Awards, but the duo’s romance actually began two years prior. Wilson confirmed their timeline in June 2023, teasing that she […]
“Duck and I were driving backroads in Tennessee and saw a billboard for The Ruskin Cave,” Wilson recalled of the venue, before Hodges asked if they wanted to exchange vows inside. “I said, ‘Done deal.’ We dropped by, saw the venue, and fell in love with the natural beauty of the cave and the simplicity of the property.”
According to Wilson, their ceremony ended up being a dream come true.
“You could hear the water trickling down and birds singing, and we had a nice spring breeze,” she gushed. “I arrived in a white horse-drawn carriage and walked down the aisle with my Deddy to join Duck at the altar. … I have never seen Duck smile as big as he did then. It made me feel giddy about turning the page into this next chapter of marriage. We were both anxious to say ‘I do!’”
Shania Twain made her mark as the host of the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards by paying homage to the women who came before her.
The singer, 60, helmed the 61st ACM Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17.
“Thank you Las Vegas. Thank you Lainey [Wilson] and congratulations on your wedding last Sunday. Like Lainey, I cannot sit still either because I tell you I am so full of energy and excitement that I am hosing the concert of the year for the first time ever.”
She added, “Tonight the ACM awards are choosing Vegas, and I sure do love this town and nothing makes me happier than being with these amazing stars sitting right here in the front.”
Twain then paid homage to a slew of country music greats, including women who hosted the annual event before her: Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
Twain made her ACM Awards hosting debut this year, taking over the role from McEntire.
Shania Twain speaks onstage during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards Getty Images
“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home,” Twain said in an April press release. “It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating country music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night.”
ACM CEO Damon Whiteside added at the time, “We are honored to welcome global music superstar Shania Twain as our host this year. We couldn’t imagine a more perfect icon to follow our previous iconic hosts Dolly, Garth [Brooks] and Reba, blending one of the most important nights in country music with the excitement of Las Vegas. Shania has an impressive history on the ACM Awards stage including her win of the coveted ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy and receiving the ACM Poet’s Award honoring her prolific songwriting career.”
Throughout her career, Twain has won five ACM Awards and received 14 nominations. Her past accolades include Top New Female Vocalist and Album of the Year for The Woman in Me in 1996, the Double Diamond Award for The Woman in Me and Come on Over in 1999, Entertainer of the Year in 2000 and the Poet’s Award in 2022.
Days before her ACMs hosting gig, Twain opened up about what she was looking forward to at the awards show.
“It’s a chance for me to just get back with everybody,” she told Billboard in an interview published on Tuesday, May 12. “It’s one of the rare moments when I get the chance to see everybody and catch up with a lot of the newer artists. A lot of them I have not met yet, and I’m excited to just be among the whole experience of the ACMs.”
After hosting the People’s Choice Country Awards in 2024, Twain brought her previous experience to her ACM Awards role.
“I like to put my own personality into things because I’m a terrible reader. If I rely entirely on the teleprompter, I’m definitely going to stumble and get lost,” she explained. “I just really like having fun and going with the flow, getting into the excitement that I’ll be sharing with the artists who are performing and up for awards.”
Twain also revealed how McEntire, 71 — who has hosted the ACM Awards 18 times over the years — inspired her approach to overseeing the ceremony.
“When it comes to Reba, she’s flawless,” she said. “I’m definitely more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of person, very spontaneous, which makes it a different style and character to hosting something. But Reba is everything. She’s funny, she’s a great actress, which makes her really good at getting the flow of speaking and cadence. She’s just a pro.”
Country music’s biggest stars delivered a fashion moment worth singing about even before the trophies were handed out at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards.
Celebs dressed to the nines for the star-studded event held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday, May 17, serving up a mix of sparkle, fringe and cowboy boots. From sequins to stetsons and glamorous gowns, the 2026 ACM red carpet was certainly a rhinestone rodeo full of stylish looks.
Fans have been looking forward to the ceremony, which Shania Twain is hosting for the first time. Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson will be performing while Keith Urban is among the stars who will be presenting awards.
Keep scrolling to see the ACM Awards 2026 red carpet arrivals:
Amy Schumer will always keep it real — no matter what.
“I feel happier than I’ve ever been before,” Schumer, 44, said during a “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast event with Dear Media. “I actually had, kind of, a botched colonoscopy, so I’m not feeling very sexual.”
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which a doctor examines the large intestine through a microscopic camera to screen for colorectal cancer. While the comedian did not further elaborate on the alleged colonoscopy mishap, she has previously been candid about her health challenges.
“I feel reborn,” Schumer wrote in a 2024 issue of the “News Not Noise” newsletter, confirming that she had been diagnosed with exogenous Cushing syndrome. “There are a few types of Cushing. Some that can be fatal, require brain surgery or removal of adrenal glands.”
Amy Schumer feels “reborn” after being diagnosed with exogenous Cushing syndrome. Schumer, 42, confirmed her medical diagnosis in the Friday, February 23, issue of the “News Not Noise” newsletter. Cushing syndrome, which is brought on by getting steroid injections in high doses, is characterized by a round, red and full face, as well as weight […]
Cushing syndrome is often brought on by high-dose steroid injections, and is characterized by a round, red and full face, as well thin skin and weight gain. Per the Mayo Clinic, Cushing occurs when the body has an excess of the hormone cortisol.
Schumer was diagnosed after receiving an onslaught of online comments about her supposedly puffy face.
“I was getting these steroid injections, and so it gave me this thing called Cushing syndrome; which I wouldn’t have known if the internet hadn’t come for me so hard,” she said on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in 2025. “I learned that I had something called ‘moon face,’ and I’m starring in a movie [Netflix’s Kinda Pregnant] and there’s a camera in my face, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God.’ I was feeling really down on myself before I started filming this movie.”
As Schumer started to feel better thanks to her friends’ support, the swelling began to dissolve on its own. The actress has also been on a weight loss journey, entrusting GLP-1 medications to slim down.
“Three years ago, I tried Wegovy. I was puking, I couldn’t handle it. I don’t know if they’ve changed the formula, whatever,” she said in a March 2025 social media video. “I went on this Telehealth meeting with Midi Health, and it was cheap. I wanted to try it myself ‘cause I wanted to recommend it to my friends who are nurses and teachers. They put me on estrogen and progesterone because I realized I was in perimenopause and my symptoms from being perimenopause have disappeared.”
She continued, “My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy, I want to get down more, if you know what I mean. I’m talking about sex. So that’s been great and Mounjaro’s been great.”
Schumer is currently separated from estranged husband Chris Fischer, with whom she shares son Gene.
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We hate to admit it, but once the temperature reaches a certain degree, our sense of style starts to slip. Who can think of a cute outfit when you’re sweating bullets straight out of the shower? Thankfully, Selma Blair has already done the hard work for Us, putting together a breezy, warm-weather look that only requires one standout piece: a white button-down tank top.
The actress was recently spotted rocking the easiest (yet timeless and totally chic) outfit formula while out in Los Angeles. Aside from slipping on staples we already own — a.k.a. denim cutoffs and strappy brown sandals — Blair wore Madewell’s Lace Inset Pintuck Sleeveless Top, which quickly became the star of the show. Surprisingly, her exact airy, eye-catching tank is still available at Nordstrom in sizes XXS through XXL.
Get the Madewell Lace Inset Pintuck Sleeveless Top for $88 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Made from 100% cotton and machine washable, this bold yet versatile tank is a summer staple that will serve you well. It somehow does it all, standing out against basics (thanks to its dainty lace design), yet still working as a neutral when styled with more elaborate items, like a polka-dot skirt or striped capris. It’s essentially your best button-down, but with a seasonal twist — quick to throw on, loose enough to keep you comfy, and polished enough to read as put-together, even when you’re not trying hard.
It seems like every time we open Instagram, another influencer is telling Us that something we love wearing is suddenly uncool. We’ve decided to stop paying attention, especially when it comes to the debate about Bermuda shorts. Not everyone wants to rock booty-baring options, and after seeing how Selma Blair styled her denim pair, we’re totally sold on […]
As Blair demonstrated, the Madewell find looks dreamy with denim, but nothing’s stopping you from slipping it on under a cardigan and pairing it with trousers for the office. This is also the top you’ll reach for when dressing up, since it works well with satin bottoms, like the luxe-looking midi you’ve been meaning to wear. While it does show your arms, the bubble-like shape will keep your midsection hidden, so there’s no need to struggle with shapewear when it’s 90 and humid outside.
Despite a stylish celebrity endorsement, the sleeveless shirt is still flying under the radar, with just one 5-star review on Nordstrom’s site. That means you’ll be ahead of the game when the world eventually catches on and sizes sell out, leaving some of the most stylish women bummed they didn’t discover it sooner. And trust Us, this top is bound to be a must-have in the months ahead — Katie Holmes recently wore a similar breezy design, as did Dakota Johnson.
Shop this Blair-approved pick now, and be prepared to reach for it once (or twice) or twice a week once things really heat up!
Get the Madewell Lace Inset Pintuck Sleeveless Top for $88 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Celebs rarely wear the same pieces, but Katie Holmes and Dakota Johnson totally matched. They wore billowy white blouses with jeans and flats, a.k.a. the easiest everyday formula. All you need is one of the boutique wonders below to recreate it. These spring-to-summer blouses are loose yet never frumpy, balancing flow and structure like art. […]
Former Real Housewives of New York City Bethenny Frankel landed herself in a cross-franchise feud with Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Dina Manzo — over a pair of shoes.
The drama kicked off on May 15, 2026, when Frankel shared a photo of a strapless sundress to her Instagram Stories.
“This dress is insane and the price is ridiculous,” she wrote at the time. After a follower complimented her black peep-toe pumps, Frankel directed fans to a $375 Bloomingdales pair “for the same look.”
Manzo’s daughter, Lexi Ioannou, soon claimed that Frankel was actually wearing shoes from Nou, her fashion brand. Ioannou chastised the Skinnygirl founder for allegedly failing to give credit where credit was due.
Bethenny Frankel has made contestant headlines ever since she got her start in reality TV. Frankel made her first reality TV appearance in 2005 on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. She finished as the runner-up in the competition for her BethennyBakes business, which made egg-free, wheat-free and dairy-free cookies and meal delivery in New York. Following […]
Keep scrolling for a full breakdown of the drama:
Dina Manzo and Lexi Ioannou Call Out Bethenny Frankel
Ioannou aired her grievances in an Instagram video, calling Frankel “a weirdo” for refusing to tag her brand in an upload featuring a pair of her shoes.
“I sent her a pair of shoes from Nou almost a year ago because I look up to her. [She is a] female entrepreneur [and from the] Bravo universe like me,” Ioannou said, taking issue with Frankel’s affiliate link post. “OK, that happens, but then she posted a video today that’s going viral and a bunch of people are asking where the shoes are [from]. Instead of linking them, she linked a dupe with an affiliate link.”
She continued, “I guess she’s got to get that bag in some sort of way? So, she got the shoes for free from a woman-founded brand, mine, and then she made money sending her followers somewhere else.”
Manzo backed her daughter on Instagram Stories, channeling one of Frankel’s iconic RHONY arguments with Ramona Singer. “‘Wow Bethenny Wow!!’ So odd of you to post a dupe of your GIFTED @shopnou shoes instead of giving a young woman entrepreneur credit,” she wrote. “You wear them often so we know you like them??”
She also commented on her daughter’s OG post, “Proud of you for standing up for yourself and the brand you’ve worked so hard to build ❤️“
Bethenny Frankel Issues Sharp Response
Frankel course-corrected that same day with an “Outfit of the Day” video, in which she did name-check the brand. “FYI I always give credit where credit is due,” she wrote on her Stories.
In the clip, she said, “The shoes are Nou. N-O-U, I think.”
But by May 16, 2026, Frankel had a much longer message, firing back on TikTok and framing the entire situation as a “business lesson” for Ioannou.
“The shoes were sold out so we linked to something similar because the audience gets frustrated when there’s something they can’t buy. Why would I wear something and talk about it, if they can’t buy it?” Frankel said. “This female owner decided to post a scathing video of me. Her body, her choice. I have stated multiple times that if you send me something, I have no obligation to link, like, use, wear, buy, tag. I can do whatever I want. My account. My body. My choice. Once you send those shoes into my house, my shoes. You’re welcome!”
Dina Manzo Doubles Down
Hours after Frankel posted another Instagram video of herself walking in an all-leather outfit — and briefly losing her footing — Manzo couldn’t resist a parting shot.
“Better change back to your comfortable @shopnou_ heels. Looks like you almost ate pavement there for a minute,” Manzo commented.
She later clarified on her Instagram Stories, “Just giving her some advice for the ‘long game’ but guess she didn’t like it? I mean, she did trip.”
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
Country music’s hottest couples enjoyed date night at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Thomas Rhett and his wife, Lauren Akins, were among the many A-list duos who got cozy on the red carpet ahead of the Sunday, May 17, ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, making a rare red carpet outing after welcoming their fifth baby at the start of the year.
Shania Twain is lined up to host the 61st ACM Awards for the very first time, streaming live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET. The evening will feature performances by Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Kacey Musgraves, Riley Green, Thomas Rhett and more.
Megan Moroney is the most-nominated artist of the night, with nine total nods. Lambert, 42, trails behind her with eight nominations, while Langley, 27, and Wilson, 33, each have seven. This is the second year in a row that women have secured the most nominations.
Scroll through the photos below to see which country music couples attended the 2026 ACM Awards:
Kelsea Ballerini is calling dibs on owning the red carpet all by herself.
While attending the 2026 ACM Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17, Ballerini, 32, showed up solo after a few public reunions with ex Chase Stokes.
The country music superstar wowed fashion lovers with her ethereal Roberto Cavalli dress, which included a short train. She completed her look with curly locks and hair pins that matched the design of her dress.
It’s about to be a special night for Ballerini, who is once again nominated for Female Artist of the Year alongside Ella Langley, Megan Maroney, Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert.
Country music’s biggest stars delivered a fashion moment worth singing about even before the trophies were handed out at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy […]
While some fans remain focused on her music and career, others can’t help but also be curious about Ballerini’s dating life.
Days before the ACM Awards, DeuxMoi spotted Ballerini taking a stroll with Stokes, 33, in New York City. In April, the pair were also seen spending time together in the Big Apple.
Despite the hangouts, a source exclusively shared with Us Weekly that the duo are not back together.
“There’s always a feeling of unfinished business with them, and both feel it’s hard to fully close the door on the relationship,” one source explained to Us. “Chase was visiting NYC for separate commitments and asked her to meet up. They knew there was a chance they’d be seen, but are OK with it since they are on good terms now.”
Kelsea Ballerini David Becker/Getty Images
Ballerini and Stokes first sparked romance rumors in January 2023 when the Outer Banks actor posted a photo cozying up to the country singer.
Since then, the couple have been in an on-again, off-again romance. (Us broke the news in February that they had split for at least the third time.)
Relationships aside, Ballerini appears to be working on being her best self as she calls New York City her new home.
“I’m loving this chapter of life just because I really feel like I’m being really intentional about connecting to myself,” she said on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle in April. “Also, being off the road right now. This is my first time not touring in a while and being somewhere new and making new friends. I just haven’t had the time to invest in myself like that for a while.”
While Ballerini’s summer schedule may be a bit more open than usual, she’s still finding ways to connect with her fans.
She will perform at the Barefoot Country Music Festival in New Jersey this June before ending the month as the headliner for the 2026 DICK’S Open concert at En-Joie Golf Course in New York on Friday, June 26.
Celebrity doppelgängers Will Ferrell and Chad Smith reunite on “Saturday Night Live,” continuing a long-running comedic bit built on their striking resemblance.
Over the years, the comedian and the Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer embraced the ongoing joke, leaning into the confusion with humor and raising money for charity while making fans laugh. Their latest appearance highlights their shared commitment to the gag more than a decade after they acknowledged their striking similarities.
“Saturday Night Live” alum Will Ferrell returned to the sketch comedy show that launched his career, taking over hosting duties for the final episode of Season 51. As he was introduced, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith appeared, decked in a gray suit while impersonating the comedian.
“I’m thrilled to be back here hosting ‘Saturday Night Live.’ I was a cast member here for seven years, and now I’m hosting for the sixth time,” Smith declared. The real Will Ferrell then runs in wearing the exact same attire, accusing Smith of pushing him backstage. “I fell. Hard. Lorne had to give me mouth-to-mouth,” he said, referring to “SNL” creator and showrunner, Lorne Michaels.
Ferrell then shoos Smith off the stage, telling the audience not to clap. “He’s a bad guy,” he told them. The comedian then takes a question from the audience and points at musical guest, Paul McCartney, who said, “Nice try, Chad. Get back behind the drums where you belong.”
Will Ferrell And Chad Smith’s First Meeting
Fans noticed Ferrell and Smith’s uncanny resemblance long before the two made it into a bit. In 2010, the drummer even wore a shirt that read, “I AM NOT WILL FERRELL” while performing on “Conan.”
At a conference in 2013, Smith begrudgingly told the story of his first encounter with the comedian. Ferrell and Smith both attended an advanced screening of the 2000 comedy film “The Ladies Man” and ran into each other while getting food at the buffet.
“We’re looking at each other, right? He looks me up and down, and says, ‘You’re very handsome,’ and then just walks away,” Smith said. At that time, Smith thought Ferrell was very funny. “But I don’t think he can play the drums for sh-t, and I certainly can not act as well as he does,” he said.
Will Ferrell Claimed To Be Chad Smith
In a 2014 Reddit AMA, one online user brought up Ferrell’s resemblance to the Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer. In response, the comedian wrote, “A lot of people think that it’s me playing for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But that would be an insult to Chad Smith. The truth of the matter is there is no Will Ferrell. Only Chad Smith.”
In a post for Funny or Die, Ferrell said it was “great to finally clear up the fact that I am Chad Smith.” In response, Smith told him to stop impersonating him and challenged him to a drum battle. “I’ve seen your skills, you don’t got ’em.”
On Smith’s Reddit AMA, Ferrell accepted the drum challenge, provided they raise funds for charity. “Hey Will, I’ve logged back in JUST to accept your challenge. Bring IT!” Smith said.
The Look-Alikes Had A Drum-Off In 2014
In 2014, Ferrell and Smith appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” to end their “feud.” They appeared wearing the same clothes: a KISS shirt, a leather jacket, jeans, and a backwards cap. While talking to Fallon, they committed to the bit, impersonating each other and appearing disgruntled.
At one point, Farrell told the host that he jammed with the Chili Peppers at their “jam house,” making Smith crack a bit. To end their feud and raise money for charity, they had an epic drum-off to find out who was the better drummer. Before they started, however, Ferrell said, “We were tricking you the whole time. This is Chad Smith, and I’m Will Ferrell.”
The two men took the stage, showing off their capabilities. While Smith delivered an epic performance, Ferrell gave an all-out effort despite lacking skills. Ferrell was declared the victor, and the rest of the Red Hot Chili Peppers joined them on stage for a performance of Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” a nod to one of Ferrell’s most famous “SNL” sketches.
Will Ferrell And Chad Smith Had A Second Drum-Off
Two years later, Ferrell and Smith reunited to co-host the “Red Hot Benefit Comedy + Music Show & Quinceañera” charity event sponsored by Funny or Die.
They took their competition to the next level, recruiting members for the team competition. On Smith’s team were Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee, Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins, and The Police’s Stewart Copeland. Ferrell, on the other hand, chose drummer and comedian Fred Armisen, Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood, and teen drummer Andy Lee.
Ferrell declared himself the winner, saying, “I win again! Now, who looks stupid, Chad?”
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