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20 Greatest Classic Rock Acoustic Guitar Intros, Ranked
Rock and roll isn’t all about the amp. The acoustic guitar is definitely preferred in certain situations, whether it’s only for parts of a song or for the entire piece. A great unplugged introduction can be more than enough to hook listeners in for an entire track, every bit as much as an electric one. Starting off with a more raw sound can help a song build up to something more grand, or simply establish the kind of song you’re about to get. Often the introduction is basically just how the guitar is played throughout the song before the vocals and the rest of the band have joined in, which is no less beautiful than one more distinct from the rest of the song. In fact, setting the tone is pretty essential; imagine how awkward it would be if “Here Comes the Sun” or “Stairway to Heaven” began without their wordless introductions.
That said, sometimes the beginning of a track calls for something that doesn’t resemble the rest of the song—which sets the tone in its own unique way. There are many iconic classic rock intros to choose from, and there are certainly many not included here that totally could be. Built deliberately so that bands like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles don’t dominate this list, the following entries are exemplars of the form and taken from a variety of legendary artists from the 60s and 70s. A reminder: Just because one intro may be “better” than another does not mean that the song as a whole is better than the lower-ranking ones. Ordered based on their beauty, creativity, and complexity, the 20 best acoustic intros from rock’s greatest era never get old.
20
“Something in the Way She Moves”
James Taylor
“Fire and Rain” could be here too, but there is something so life-affirming about the opening seconds of James Taylor’s “Something in the Way She Moves.” Maybe it’s the magic of the A7 chord, or the way Taylor slides up the guitar neck ever so slightly. In any case, it shows that two chords and ten seconds are all you really need to hypnotize the listener.
It’s no surprise that Taylor’s fingerpicking is some of the best in the business, and this majestic lick shows us that he had this quality from his first album. This is more folk than rock, of course, but writing about acoustic pieces from this period without discussing Taylor just wouldn’t be right. It’s no wonder the brilliant George Harrison borrowed that first lyric for his own song; anything Taylor said after this intro would immediately stick in the mind.
19
“Tangled Up in Blue (Take 3, Remake 2)”
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan had a knack for taking his time on certain songs, and his acoustic version of “Tangled Up in Blue” is a hidden gem that does that in a way that feels effortless. As opposed to the version from Blood on the Tracks that most fans know, this version from The Bootleg Series, Volumes 1-3 is in the open-E tuning. That makes for some magnificent chords, which are put front and center in the introduction.
In just under 40 seconds, Dylan completely subverts and transcends our expectations. He doesn’t play anything differently here than in the rest of the song, but these chords are just so riveting that we only love them more as the song continues. Fun fact: listen closely and you can occasionally hear Dylan’s guitar clanging up against a button (on Dylan’s sleeves, probably). This would be sloppy for anyone else, but for mid-70s Dylan, this just makes this song (and introduction) feel even more grounded and raw.
18
“The Prophet’s Song”
Queen
“Bohemian Rhapsody” this, “You’re My Best Friend” that. But when it comes to Queen‘s famous A Night at the Opera, people need to start talking about “The Prophet’s Song.” While the vocal-heavy middle section meanders for way too long, the majority of this track is top-notch. Especially the introduction, which starts off with wind (actually an air conditioner with a phaser on the microphone). When Brian May‘s acoustic guitar comes in, we know we’re in for a wild ride.
The extremely foreboding guitar pairs so well with that higher-noted instrument (a toy koto that May had been given in Japan), creating a perfectly atmospheric introduction to this tale of a prophet. The riff is strong on the electric later on, but there is something so terrifying in how it comes across on the acoustic. The takeaway: these first 40 seconds are shockingly overlooked.
17
“Mother Nature’s Son”
The Beatles
Such a casual walk down the guitar neck as the one-and-only Paul McCartney plays around with the D-chord. Volleying between lowering notes on the G-string and two strings below, he makes us wonder where this song is going. All the way to the top of the guitar, on the open E string, apparently. Then we hear a few knocks, presumably on the body of the guitar, and McCartney begins to strum.
This intro seems odd at first, given how bouncy the general rhythm of “Mother Nature’s Son” will be. The chords he’s playing now are either D major or variations of it, featuring little hammer-ons and pull-offs that display a McCartney-esque playfulness. Yet the tone is largely sad. Listening to the intro a second time, it seems as if the somewhat somber notes at the beginning prime us for a track that may very well make us cry. It’s one of those things that feels odd and unnecessary when you first hear it, fitting when you hear it again, and brilliant when you listen to it again and again.
16
“Dust in the Wind”
Kansas
It’s a classic, it’s heavenly, it’s Kansas‘ “Dust in the Wind.” Sometimes an introduction doesn’t need to do anything fancy or depart from how the rest of the song goes, and this is one of the most obvious examples of that. We start immediately with that C chord and those slight variations on the B string, the A minor chord with those same changes on the B string, and the fingerpicking pattern that’s used throughout the rest of the song.
That’s all you need, man. With what appears to be two guitars playing at the same time, the effect is so gorgeous that these first 20 seconds effortlessly float by like so much dust in the wind. It would be too abrupt for the song to begin with Steve Walsh singing the melody before we even get to appreciate the guitar it’s built upon, and this introduction gives us the perfect amount of time to steep into this tragic world.
15
“Dogs”
Pink Floyd
“Dogs” has some very cool chords, including and especially in the beginning. That E minor 9 whooshes in like a storm, and the effects in the background make the guitar feel all the more ominous. The coolest part of this chord progression may be those two suspended chords; the way that note on the high-e string changes from an open note to the second and first frets kind of jolts the listener.
The environment described here feels as sharp as a knife, which will go nicely with the rather dark description of these “dogs” to come. It’s not so common to have a few acoustic guitars dominate the space of a Floyd song, which makes the accomplishment of this intro all the more unique. As is happens with almost all their songs from this time, we’re reminded that no band was better at setting the mood than Pink Floyd.
14
“April Come She Will”
Simon and Garfunkel
Shifting gears now with Simon and Garfunkel‘s “April Come She Will,” which boasts an introduction that is so gorgeous that the only thing that could possibly improve it is Art Garfunkel‘s angelic voice. At first Paul Simon plays up the guitar neck, using a unique picking pattern that offers some nice contrast between open notes and relatively high ones.
Then Simon transitions to a chord that’s slightly lower down the neck, and finally settles on a deeper chord that feels much more shadowy. At this point, he uses a totally different (and more complicated) picking pattern from before. In fact, he uses two with this chord. Instead of tediously describing the difference between them, let’s just say that they each breathe life into the guitar in a way that only Simon and Garfunkel songs can.
13
“Here Comes the Sun”
The Beatles
What would a list of acoustic guitar introductions be without The Beatles‘ famous “Here Comes the Sun”? Clamping that capo on the seventh fret of his guitar, George Harrison flicks us through a bright and shiny day like it’s nobody’s business. It already sounds like the sun is out, what with these very high notes and how pretty much every single part of this song is essentially a hook. Which is why Harrison’s vocal melody will follow the guitar’s lead.
But the guitar isn’t the only thing here. We also have some kind of synthesizer joining in at the second half of the intro, adding more to the shimmering sense of happiness that inevitably comes whenever this song is played. Last but not least, we have that final pause right before the first verse begins. When the synthesizer gets a moment for itself, and we hear that byooooo passing by, it sounds like we’re watching the sun come up. A perfect start to a perfect Beatles song.
12
“Baker St. Muse”
Jethro Tull
Thirty seconds with Ian Anderson and an acoustic guitar is a gift, as shown in the introduction to Minstrel in the Gallery‘s “Baker St. Muse.” A deep minor chord transitions up the neck to a high note, and it already feels like we’re in for something complex. A few intriguing chords follow, and we turn to some very fast hammer-ons and pull-offs. But Anderson apparently messes up, amusingly swearing and calling for a second take.
Anderson’s irreverent sense of humor only makes this intro more memorable, emphasizing just how unpredictable this song will be. When he plays it right, he plays it one more time before he starts to sing. Along with that other guitar complimenting this main one in the background, we could have listened to another ten minutes of this classical-style intro.
11
“Stairway to Heaven”
Led Zeppelin
Sometimes slow and steady wins the race. The quintessential example would be Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” a masterwork so universally acclaimed that some fans might consider it heresy to not put this intro at number one. While that would be a bit high in this writer’s opinion, there’s no denying that this intro couldn’t possibly do its job more effectively.
Jimmy Page plays most of these notes one at a time, so we get the feeling that this track will gradually build in intensity. This first descending section ends with a sense of heavy finality. Then it’s repeated with a wind instrument that helps establish a tone that makes us feel like we’re walking through a forest. The different chords in the intro’s second half fit in just as perfectly, the best part arguably being how that G major shifts into a D major. Even 55 years after its release, this intro still keeps us listening to the rest of this Zeppelin IV powerhouse.
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Nikki Glaser has made a major life change, and she is fully embracing it. After years of living in Los Angeles and keeping up with the fast-paced demands of Hollywood, the comedian decided to return to St. Louis, the place she has always called home.
The move came after the pandemic and quickly turned into a permanent shift. Now, instead of chasing status and industry pressure, Nikki is enjoying a calmer, more relaxed life surrounded by family, friends, and familiar faces.
Nikki Glaser made the life-changing decision to leave Los Angeles in 2022, choosing instead to return to St. Louis, where she spent much of her childhood.
After years of living in a fast-moving entertainment hub, the comedian wanted a complete reset.
The transition was even documented on her reality series “Welcome Home Nikki Glaser?,” which gave fans a glimpse into her return to a more familiar environment alongside her parents.
Speaking about the move during her April 22 appearance on “Live With Kelly and Mark”, Nikki explained per PEOPLE, “I live in St. Louis,” adding, “I moved back to St. Louis after Covid and kind of just got away from it all and stayed there.”
Her decision wasn’t impulsive as it came after years of navigating a lifestyle that demanded constant visibility and comparison.
Nikki Surrounds Herself With Familiar Faces And Family
Returning home allowed Nikki Glaser to reconnect with the people who have known her long before fame.
While promoting her comedy special “Good Girl,” which was filmed in St. Louis, she shared how meaningful it was to perform in front of a crowd filled with familiar faces.
“Lots of people from high school, people from my pilates class, my self-tan lady from the strip mall. But it was fun,” she told hosts Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa.
The experience brought a different kind of comfort, even if it came with a bit of humor about how much her audience now knew about her personal life.
“It’s fine that my childhood dentist knows about my sex life now. I guess that’s appropriate,” the 41-year-old joked.
More importantly, going back home allowed her to spend quality time with her parents. Nikki noted that the move gave her the chance to “focus on my family while they’re still around and healthy, and want to hang out with me,” a priority that had become increasingly important.
Nikki Glaser Finds Freedom Away From Status And Comparison
One of the biggest reasons behind Nikki’s move was the culture she experienced while living on the coasts.
According to her, life in cities like Los Angeles and New York often revolved around competition and appearances.
In August 2025, she described it plainly during a conversation on “St. Louis on the Air,” saying, “When I’m on both of the coasts, it’s like constantly comparing yourself, and everyone’s just really chasing that status.”
Back in St. Louis, that dynamic shifted entirely. The “FBoy Island” star explained, “Here [in St. Louis], it just feels a bit more relaxed, and I get back to what’s important: having a good time and going out to eat.”
In her hometown, social clout and industry recognition carry far less weight, something she found refreshing.
“That’s not here, and that’s not what people value here. And it just recalibrates me,” Nikki added.
Nikki Reflects On Her Journey From Midwest Roots To Stardom
Although Nikki Glaser now calls St. Louis home, her journey began elsewhere. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, before her family relocated to Missouri, where she grew up in the suburb of Kirkwood.
Her early years in comedy were deeply tied to the Midwest, something her father, EJ Glaser, reflected on in a 2025 interview with FirstAlert4.
“She worked out of our house while driving all over the Midwest to do comedy,” he recalled, adding, “Her work ethic is just amazing. I’m so proud of her.”
That determination eventually paid off, leading to Nikki’s first stand-up special in 2016 and a successful career that has included hosting major events like the Golden Globe Awards.
Nikki Glaser Joins Growing Trend Of Celebrities Leaving Hollywood
Nikki is far from alone in stepping away from Los Angeles. In recent years, several high-profile figures have made similar moves, citing issues such as overcrowding, the cost of living, and lifestyle pressures.
Comedian Joe Rogan famously left the city, explaining per the Daily Mail, “I want to go somewhere in the center of the country… somewhere you have a little more freedom,” while also pointing to challenges like traffic and overpopulation.
Actor Mark Wahlberg also relocated his family to Nevada, seeking what he described as a “better life,” while Hilary Swank moved to Colorado during the pandemic and embraced a quieter lifestyle on a ranch.
Josh Brolin followed a similar path, relocating to Atlanta with his family while maintaining ties to California.
For Nikki, the decision wasn’t about leaving her career behind but reshaping how it fits into her life.
Rita Wilson thought she knew her family story, until a shocking discovery changed everything.
While exploring her roots for a documentary, the actress uncovered a hidden chapter about her late father that had never been shared during his lifetime.
What she learned left her emotional, confused, and full of questions, as it revealed a past marked by loss, secrecy, and resilience that quietly shaped the man she knew growing up.
Rita Wilson opened up about a deeply personal revelation during an appearance on the “How to Fail With Elizabeth Day” podcast, where she shared how she discovered her father once had another family before coming to America.
Her father, Allan Wilson, originally named Hassan Halilov Ibrahimoff, had lived a very different life in Bulgaria before immigrating in 1949.
Wilson explained that she uncovered the truth while filming “Who Do You Think You Are?” in 2012.
While many episodes trace ancestry across generations, hers took a different direction.
“What they found with my dad was that his story was so shocking and unusual that they stuck with his story,” the “Sleepless in Seattle” star recalled. That story included a marriage and a child she had never known existed.
Rita Confronts A Painful Family Loss
As she learned more, Rita Wilson discovered that her father’s first wife, Alice, died during childbirth, and their son, Emil, passed away just four months later due to an infection.
The timeline stunned her, especially because she had grown up without any knowledge of this tragedy.
She recalled asking, “Am I going to meet someone? Am I going to meet a family?” only to be told there was no one left to meet.
The 69-year-old admitted the revelation was difficult to process, saying, “I still can’t get over that,” while also reflecting on the silence that followed.
“He never said anything to us. I wish I could have talked to him about that,” Wilson shared.
She also noted how poverty may have played a role in the tragedy, explaining, “It was right after the war [in] Bulgaria. I don’t know how they would have afforded formula or something, but I’m sure they made ways.”
Even so, she clarified that the baby “didn’t die from starvation,” but from an infection.
Rita Wilson Reflects On The Strange Family Coincidences
As Wilson processed the revelation, she began noticing eerie connections within her own family.
Her nephew and her youngest son both share the same birthday as her father’s late son, December 26, something she described as deeply unsettling.
“This is where it gets weird. My sister’s firstborn child was born on December 26, and my youngest son was born on December 26,” she shared.
The coincidence made her think about her father in a new way, imagining the quiet memories he may have carried each year.
She reflected on how he celebrated those birthdays while privately remembering Emil, saying it made her see his life with a new level of empathy.
Rita Reflects On A Childhood Shaped By Silence And Strength
Rita Wilson also spoke about the cultural and familial tendencies that may have contributed to the secrecy.
She explained that her Greek Orthodox upbringing placed a strong emphasis on privacy, saying her family “kept things so private.”
Looking back, she expressed a desire for more openness, adding, “I think if we were all more open with each other, then we all can see that we’re all in the same boat.”
Despite the hidden past, the “Jingle All The Way” star spoke with admiration about her parents and the life they built together after her father arrived in the United States.
He later married her mother, Dorothy, and together they raised their children in Los Angeles with strong values rooted in hard work and resilience.
She described them as “uneducated, but they were incredibly smart and incredibly intuitive and very hardworking [and had] incredible values.”
Rita credited her father for providing stability, noting that he supported the family as a bartender, bought a home, and lived debt-free.
She also highlighted their long marriage, sharing that her parents were together for 59 years and created a loving, stable home.
Rita Wilson Shares Emotional Tributes And Life Today
Over the years, Rita has continued to honor her parents through heartfelt tributes.
In one message she shared in 2024, she wrote per the Daily Mail, “Dad. Happy Heaven Birthday. You are so missed. I am so grateful for all you taught me about courage, hard work, devotion to family, generosity of spirit.”
She also reflected on his journey from Bulgaria, writing, “My dad escaped communist Bulgaria for a life of freedom in America. His vision and courage continue to inspire me.”
She has also paid tribute to her mother, calling her “an extraordinary woman” and expressing gratitude for the love she received growing up.
Today, Rita continues to balance her personal reflections with her career and family life. She has been married to Tom Hanks since 1988, and together they share two sons, while also raising Hanks’ children from his previous marriage.Looking ahead, Rita remains active in her work, with her upcoming film “Start Without Me” and her sixth studio album “Sound of a Woman” set for release.
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All about Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late King of Pop, and his costars.
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FCC seeks parent feedback on whether 'controversial gender identity issues' should be in children's programming
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The Federal Communications Commission wants parents to weigh in on potentially changing the content warning system over these topics.
Entertainment
Say Goodbye to Sylvester Stallone’s Franchise-Starting Crime Thriller on Free Streaming
After expanding his Western streaming empire earlier this year with The Madison and Marshals, one of the jewels in Taylor Sheridan‘s Paramount crown just received a huge update. On April 15, a first look at the fourth season of Tulsa King was revealed by none other than Sylvester Stallone himself, who took to his personal social media to drop a suave-looking selfie and a caption that read, “Tulsa King” Season 4 “is being edited and is COMING YOUR WAY SOON!”
Following a third season that was the “best outing yet,” according to Collider’s Jeff Ewing in his official review, the fourth season of the hit series will see Stallone and other fan favorite faces return for an explosive battle of wits and action. Although Stallone’s post promises the show will return “soon,” an exact release date is still unknown. With editing underway, it’s likely we will see Tulsa King Season 4 either late this year or early next year. Along with this great update for Stallone fans comes some disappointing news, as it is confirmed that one of the actor’s hardest-hitting action movies from this century is about to lose its place on free streaming.
The film in question is Escape Plan, which stars Sly alongside fellow action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger. Written by Miles Chapman and Jason Keller, the movie was directed by Swedish filmmaker Mikael Håfström, who wouldn’t return for either of the subsequent sequels, Escape Plan 2: Hades and Escape Plan: The Extractors. The film simply follows two tough guys who hatch a plan to escape from a high-tech prison facility. If that sounds like your sort of movie, you’ll have to hurry, as Escape Plan is officially leaving Plex on May 1, 2026.
‘Escape Plan’ Received Mixed Reviews
Although it featured Stallone and Schwarzenegger doing what they do best, kicking ass and delivering sharp one-liners, Escape Plan wasn’t the critical hit it might’ve hoped to be. This is illustrated on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, where the movie earned a middling 50% score, with critics denouncing the film’s lack of innovation and reliance on ’80s action movie tropes. “The most surprising thing about this movie, outside of its length, is just how unsurprising it really is,” one critic wrote, with another adding, “You’ll have to accept the absurdity and understand that there are several questions you’ll never get sufficient answers for.”
Escape Plan is leaving Plex this May. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.
- Release Date
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October 10, 2013
- Runtime
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116minutes
- Writers
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Jason Keller
- Sequel(s)
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Escape Plan 2: Hades
Amber Heard’s life once revolved around red carpets, blockbuster films, and high-profile relationships.
Now, everything looks very different. After years of intense public scrutiny and a bruising legal battle that dominated headlines, the actress has stepped away from Hollywood and into a much quieter world.
Living far from the spotlight, she has rebuilt her routine around family, privacy, and a fresh start, one that reflects a dramatic shift from the fame that once defined her career.
Amber Heard’s departure from Hollywood followed the end of her widely covered defamation case with ex-husband Johnny Depp in 2022.
The legal fight, which stemmed from her 2018 op-ed about alleged abuse, played out in front of a global audience and ultimately reshaped both of their public images.
While Depp was awarded millions in damages, Heard also secured a smaller amount in her countersuit before both parties agreed to settle.
Speaking about her decision to settle, Heard said per the Daily Mail, “After a great deal of deliberation I have made a very difficult decision to settle the defamation case brought against me by my ex-husband in Virginia.”
She made it clear that the process had taken a heavy toll, adding, “It’s important for me to say that I never chose this. I defended my truth and in doing so my life as I knew it was destroyed.”
The 40-year-old also addressed the online reaction that followed, stating, “The vilification I have faced on social media is an amplified version of the ways in which women are re-victimized when they come forward.”
Heard Chooses Spain As A Fresh Start Away From Scrutiny
In the wake of the trial, Amber Heard made a deliberate move to leave the United States behind.
She initially relocated to Mallorca, where she kept a low profile under a different name, before eventually settling in Madrid with her daughter, Oonagh Paige.
The decision to move abroad was seen as a way to distance herself from the intense scrutiny she faced in America.
A source explained her mindset at the time, telling PEOPLE, “The trial was beyond stressful, and she wanted to start fresh.”
The insider also noted that the “Aquaman” actress “has new energy and is focused on things that she loves.”
Since moving to Madrid, Heard has built a quieter life in an upscale neighborhood where privacy is respected, allowing her to live without the constant attention she once faced.
Neighbors have observed how seamlessly she has blended into the community. One shared, “She wears a cap and sunglasses and normal clothes and keeps a low profile,” while also noting that the initial media attention surrounding her arrival has since faded.
Over time, she has become just another resident in a neighborhood filled with high-profile individuals who value discretion.
Amber Heard Embraces A Simple Routine Centered On Family
Away from Hollywood, Heard’s daily life now revolves around her children and a more grounded routine. She has spoken openly about how stepping away from the spotlight has allowed her to focus fully on motherhood.
In a previous interview on the “Today” show, she told Savanna Guthrie, “I get to be a mom full-time, where I’m not having to juggle calls with lawyers.”
Her daughter attends a local school in Madrid, and Heard is often seen going about everyday activities, from school runs to shopping trips. She has also made an effort to adapt to her surroundings, learning Spanish and engaging with the local culture.
Despite her efforts to stay out of the public eye, glimpses of her life still surface occasionally. Whether she is visiting local stores or spending time outdoors, her routine reflects a conscious effort to prioritize stability and normalcy for her family.
Heard Keeps A Low Profile While Adapting To Spanish Life
Beyond her home life, Amber Heard has gradually adapted to her surroundings in Madrid, embracing everyday routines that allow her to remain largely unnoticed.
She has been seen running in El Retiro park, a popular spot in the city, and navigating public spaces with minimal attention compared to her life in the United States.
When she does encounter public interest, she keeps her responses brief and focused on maintaining boundaries.
During one interaction with photographers, she said, “Thank you very much. It is my private life and I ask for respect.”
Her routine also includes regular visits to local stores, including Taste of America, a supermarket that specializes in American products.
An employee shared, “She comes here a lot in the afternoon with her little girl, my colleague has served them many times,” suggesting she still holds onto small pieces of home while adjusting to life abroad.
Amber Heard Expands Her Family And Shares Personal Milestones
As she settled into her new life, Heard also experienced major personal milestones. After welcoming her first child, she later revealed that she had expanded her family further.
In an emotional message on Instagram, she shared, “Mother’s Day 2025 will be one I’ll never forget,” before announcing, “Today I officially share the news that I welcomed twins into the Heard gang. My daughter Agnes and my son Ocean are keeping my hands (and my heart) full.”
Reflecting on motherhood, she added, “When I had my first baby girl Oonagh four years ago, my world changed forever.”
Heard expressed even greater joy, adding, “I thought I couldn’t possibly burst with more joy. Well, now I am bursting times three!!!”
She also described the deeper meaning behind her journey, explaining, “becoming a mother by myself and on my own terms despite my own fertility challenges has been the most humbling experience of my life.”
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What happened to the cast of “Frasier”? See the cosmopolitan comedy's ensemble, then and now
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Break out the tossed salads and scrambled eggs.
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Jennifer Lawrence has never been one to chase trends, but somehow, she always ends up defining them. Her latest off-duty shoe moment is proof: stepping out in sneakers with a Mary Jane-style strap, she’s leaning into the “sneakerina” silhouette that feels equal parts polished and practical.
“Ballerina sneaker” is exactly what it sounds like: a hybrid shoe that merges the delicate look of a ballet flat with the comfort and functionality of a sneaker. Instead of the stiff, ultra-flat sole you’d get with traditional ballet flats, the ballerina sneakers are built with cushioned footbeds, flexible soles and supportive construction, so they feel closer to your everyday trainers — but look far more refined.
The Project Cloud Mary Jane Shoes hit that same “sneakerina” sweet spot Lawrence wore — delicate on the outside, comfortable underneath. The slim shape and Mary Jane-style strap give them that soft, ballet-inspired look, but they’re built with cushioned insoles and a flexible sole, so they feel more like your everyday sneakers than a typical flat.
Get the Project Cloud Mary Jane Shoes for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Lawrence isn’t the only one co-signing the look. Nicole Kidman has also stepped out in similarly polished, comfort-first styles that tap into the same ballet-meets-sneaker aesthetic. The Project Cloud Mary Jane Shoes deliver the femininity of a ballet flat, the practicality of a sneaker and the kind of versatility that works for real life.
Ballet flats will always have a place in our closets, but fashion insiders know there’s another shoe design quietly stealing the spotlight. Enter the Mary Jane: a classic footwear style with a modern edge that’s now everywhere, including celebrity closets. One A-lister who loves the trend is Katie Holmes who wears the style in fun […]
Throw your ballerina sneakers on with jeans, trousers or even a casual dress, and they instantly make the outfit feel a little more polished without trying too hard. They’re also lightweight and easy to walk in, which is exactly why this style is gaining traction. People want shoes that look elevated but don’t require a break-in period or a backup pair in your bag.
Just take it from one Amazon reviewer who said, “So so so comfy and fits absolutely perfectly. Got lots of compliments and love them!!”
If you’ve been looking for a sign to try the trend, this is it. Slip into a Mary Jane–style ballet sneaker, style it with pieces you already own and consider your spring shoe rotation officially upgraded.
Get the Project Cloud Mary Jane Shoes for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more ballet sneakers here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
More Must-Have Ballerina Sneakers
If you love the stability and comfort of a sneaker but love the dainty, lightweight feel of a ballet flat, we have good news. Mary Jane-style sneakers are quickly taking over spring 2026’s footwear trends, and we’re so here for it. Also known as ballerina sneakers, this easy shoe style combines the traction of a […]
Storage Wars alum Darrell Sheets reportedly met with fans prior to his death at age 67 in an apparent suicide.
Sheets posed for photos at his Lake Havasu City, Arizona, antique shop Havasu Show Me Your Junk at around 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday, April 21, per TMZ. The Storage Wars star can be seen smiling and giving a thumb’s up to the camera in images obtained by the outlet, with the fans describing him as friendly and upbeat during the encounter.
A Lake Havasu City Police Department confirmed to Us Weekly on Wednesday, April 22, that officers responded to a call about a “reported deceased individual” earlier in the day and later “pronounced [Sheets] deceased on scene.”
“The male subject has been identified as Darrell Sheets, a 67-year-old resident of Lake Havasu City and Darrell’s family has been notified,” a police spokesperson told Us. “This incident remains under active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Sheets was survived by his son and Storage Wars costar, Brandon “The Sidebet” Sheets, as well as daughter Tiffany Shane Sheets and granddaughter Zoie. He was previously married to Kimber Wuerfel before separating in 2016.
As an original cast member on Storage Wars, Darrell was known affectionately by the nickname “The Gambler.” Many of his Storage Wars costars have paid tribute since news of his death broke, including Brandi Passante of the A&E show’s “Young Guns” duo.
“I’ve known Darrel [sic] Sheets for many years. I’m just so very sorry, to hear the circumstances of his passing,” she shared via Instagram on Wednesday. “My heart hurts for [his son] Brandon, [his granddaughter Zoie], and [ex-wife] Kimber. I unfortunately lost a parent and a brother to similar situations. I would like to say to everyone, if you are struggling, if you feel hopeless or like no one cares. I assure you they do!! You are not alone.”
Darrell Sheets, Kimber Sheets, and Brandon Sheets in May 2013 in New York City. Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for A+E Networks
Rene Nezhoda — a frequent rival to the Sheets family on Storage Wars — suggested that Darrell was dealing with cyberbullying before his death.
“I know Darrell would want something positive out of this. He had a guy really tormenting him lately on cyberbullying,” Nezhoda revealed to TMZ. “Just cause you watch us on television doesn’t mean you know us … it doesn’t mean you know what we’re about. Also it doesn’t entitle you to bully somebody.”
Nezhoda went on, “You shouldn’t cyberbully at all. As a matter of fact. If you have somebody in your life that thinks its fun to cyberbully other people, maybe a celebrity athlete or a little girl or school or schoolmate, slap [them] in the back of the head. Make them become a better human being, because you never know what demons somebody faces and what they go through and what you might push them through.”
A&E also paid tribute to Darrell’s legacy after airing more than 340 episodes of Storage Wars since 2010. (Darrell stepped back from Storage Wars after suffering a heart attack in 2019 but continued making sporadic appearances until 2023.)
“We are saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our Storage Wars family, Darrell ‘The Gambler’ Sheets,” a network rep told Us on Wednesday. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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