Happy New Music Friday! The weekend is here, which means more streaming, new playlists and the best that music has to offer — and ET has you covered for everything in between.

Paul McCartney has announced his first solo album in over 5 years, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, out May 29. The album is his most introspective album to date and takes listeners back to where it all began. Paul has released a new song, “Days We Left Behind,” which he says is “very much a memory song of me. I was thinking just that, about the days I left behind and I do often wonder if I’m just writing about the past but then I think how can you write about anything else?”

Miley Cyrus celebrated the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana with a star-studded premiere of Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special at the El Capitan Theatre earlier this week. The special is streaming on Disney+ and Hulu and takes a look back as Miley revisits her most memorable moments. Miley shared, “HM was the beginning of the life I know now. The bond my fans and I share is as rare and beautiful as this whole journey has been.” In honor of the anniversary, she released a new song “Younger You” from the special.

Miley was honored yesterday at 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards where she received the Innovator Award. Taylor Swift, the night’s most nominated artist made it a date night with fiancé Travis Kelce and took home 7 awards including Pop Album of the Year, Album of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite Tour Style, and Artist of the Year.

Charlie Puth has a lot to celebrate this week with the arrival of his first child, a son named Jude who was born on March 13, and his new album, Whatever’s Clever!

During his sold out Los Angeles stop on the Wishbone World Tour last weekend, Conan Gray made a surprise announcement that he is releasing the deluxe version of his album Wishbone on April 24. He shared, “these songs are not songs that didn’t make the album, they’re all new songs written after wishbone, feelings i could only reach in the aftermath of the album’s release, these songs aren’t missed pages, they’re the next chapter.” McKenna Grace also made a surprise appearance to help break the wishbone. Conan’s new single “The Best” is out now.

Spotify hosted an exclusive event with BTS this week to celebrate the release of their album, ARIRANG at New York City’s Pier 17. Marking their first U.S. performance in 4 years, the group sat down with superfan Suki Waterhouse for a Q&A before performing new tracks for an audience of over 1000 fans. The group opened up about the meaning of their new single “SWIM” and making their return to New York to perform.

Plus, new music from ZAYN, Luke Bryan, Becky G, RAYE, Suki Waterhouse, Thomas Rhett, TAEMIN, Stray Kids, NE-YO, Yeat, Jessie Reyez and more.
 

“Days We Left Behind” – Paul McCartney

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Younger You (from The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special)” – Miley Cyrus

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Whatever’s Clever! – Charlie Puth

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Sideways” – ZAYN

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Country And She Knows It” – Luke Bryan

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“MARATHON” – Becky G

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. – RAYE

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Back in Love” – Suki Waterhouse

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Georgia On My Mind” – Thomas Rhett

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“The Best” – Conan Gray

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Up Out & Gone” – NE-YO
 

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

ADL (A Dangerous Lyfe / A Dangerous Love) – Yeat

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“별, 빛 (STAY)” – Stray Kids

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

Zavier – Fetty Wap

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Long Way Home” – TAEMIN

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

RISE – Melissa Etheridge

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“In My Truck” – BRELAND

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

$TILL PAID – Jessie Reyez

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

HADES – Melanie Martinez

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

DEVOUT – David Archuleta

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

Ice Cream – YUNA from ITZY

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

CANDY – Justine Skye

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Disassociate” – JUTES

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“I Always Do” – Sophia James

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Baby Blue” – Cody Simpson

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

1.2 – Whitney Whitney

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

Spring Forward – Florence Road

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

Heavy On The Soul – Ty Myers

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“JUNGLE” – Flyana Boss

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“AYE” – GELO

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Chemical Love” – FILLY

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Stay” – Stephen Dawes

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“Box Wine Problems” – Alison Nichols

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Sometimes a single tweet is all it takes to send the internet spiraling—and on Thursday afternoon, Ted Cruz reminded everyone that he doesn’t hold back. The Texas senator took to social media to share his thoughts on Druski’s recent viral skit, and let’s just say his response left fans shook.

RELATED: Social Media Can’t Stop Mentioning Erika Kirk After Druski Parodies “Conservative Women” In Viral Skit (VIDEO)

Ted Cruz Shades “Conservative Women” Joke

On Thursday, Ted’s reaction on X was short, sharp, and dripping with disdain—he labeled the skit, “Beneath contempt.” Social media immediately exploded, with folks debating whether Cruz’s reply was justified or if he was just providing free publicity to Druski’s comedy. The skit itself pokes fun at conservative women’s behaviors. Now, thanks to Cruz, it’s getting even more attention—and laughs—than before.

Beneath contempt. https://t.co/vwyOs7UYZL

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 26, 2026

Cruz Gets Dragged By Social Media

The moment hit TSR’s Instagram, and the comment section immediately went off. Some fans were cracking up that Ted Cruz actually responded. Meanwhile, others were quick to point out that pretty much everyone else seems to be vibing with Druski’s message. And of course, a few turned the tables, reminding everyone that Trump joked about Obama—so maybe politicians just can’t help but get pulled into the tea.

One Instagram user @frankvasquez_ said, “Oh it’s a problem when you guys are at the end of a joke😂😂😂”

This Instagram user @_oh.itschrissy added, “WE THE PEOPLE 🗣️🗣️🗣️ Support Druski’s message & representation of current day US 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽”

And, Instagram user @truly.rare shared, “Makes it funnier that he responded 😂💥🐕”

Likewise, Instagram user @truly.ese commented, “Druski got a senator to respond. He won 😂”

Then Instagram user @halfpintfilmzz claimed, “Target Audience Reached“

Lastly, Instagram user @paulanaja_ shared, “Sh*t was cute when Trump was posting about Obama tho. He’ll be alright. 😂👍🏽”

Recap Of Druski’s Viral Skit

This week, Druski had the internet gagged—and it’s not hard to see why. In just 15 hours, his skit “How Conservative Women in America Act” racked up more than 273,000 comments on Instagram alone. And, he’s trending across social media.

Druski’s performance shows him in full white woman makeup and a crisp white suit, strolling onto a stage surrounded by sparklers and American flags, smiling, dancing to rap, and striking prayer poses. From pretending to offer prayers during media interviews about international crises to wiping fake tears during the pledge of allegiance, ordering an “organic pup cup” from Starbucks, trying pilates, and giving a mock speech about “protecting white American men, the ones who matter most,” the skit skewers the quirks and behaviors of conservative women in the most exaggerated way possible.

RELATED: What’s Tea? The Internet Has Questions After Druski Sits Courtside With OnlyFans Model Sky Bri (PHOTOS + VIDEO)

Miley Cyrus celebrated her Innovator Award win at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards with a heartfelt acceptance speech paying tribute to her Hannah Montana roots.

The “Slide Away” singer, 33, took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday, March 26, to accept the honor.

In her speech, Cyrus reflected on celebrating 20 years of Hannah Montana, describing the milestone as “a dream come true.”

“My double denim and gold scarf thank you because they’ve been waiting over a decade to leave the house,” she joked.

Cyrus went on to credit Hannah Montana for influencing her real life, explaining that the character “inspired me so much in my own career.”

“I fell in love with the idea that you can create a persona that gives you the confidence and the courage to perform authentically and that sometimes the fake you can actually reveal the real you,” she said.

Cyrus also reflected on what the concept of innovation has meant for her throughout her career.

“Innovation for me hasn’t been about leaving who I’ve been behind, but about keeping the journey of finding myself a lot of fun,” she said. “I’ve always written songs and told stories because I love it, and winning awards for that work is of course rewarding, but it’s not my compass, because if it was, I’m sure I’d end up very lost.”

She added: “When the win isn’t recognition, but making art that reaches the hearts of people I may never meet, it brings me a kind of joy that is deeply meaningful. Younger me is so honored to share this moment with you. I’m proud to stand here and tell you how much you mean to me.”

Since its 2014 inception, the iHeartRadio Innovator Award has been presented to an artist who has impacted music and global culture during their career. Past recipients include Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Chance the Rapper and U2.

In addition to the Innovator Award, Cyrus already has two iHeartRadio Music Awards on her shelf after winning Best Lyrics for “Wrecking Ball” in 2014 and Pop Song of the Year for “Flowers” in 2024.

Cyrus’ latest accolade comes just days after she marked the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana’s premiere with a Disney+ special on Tuesday, March 24.

“I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice from [godmother] Dolly [Parton],” Cyrus told Variety earlier this month of how the special came to be. “She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no. So I just started promoting a Hannah Montana 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist.”

She continued, “I think even Disney sometimes forgets the connection between me and Hannah. It’s not just a TV show. I see daily how important Hannah is to people. When I travel, people bring me Hannah merch. They ask, ‘Are you ever going to do another season?’”

At a screening of the special, Cyrus delivered a speech reflecting on her big break as Hannah Montana.

“Everything in my life is so amazing because Disney took a chance on me,” she said. “I had no business coming out to Los Angeles thinking that I could carry a show or pretend to be a pop star. I had no experience. I had done some theater before. … There were some years where I think they thought they made the right call. I think it all worked out just fine because whatever got us here in this room to honor and celebrate — not just the show itself — which has been the beginning of all of this. The cast is here tonight and it’s so amazing. Without you all, this show would never [have] been what it is.”

She continued, “I might be the only one in this room that never got to go to a Hannah Montana concert [because] I was the Hannah Montana concert. But now I understand why it was so much fun to go to one of Hannah’s shows to dress like her, wear the wig and wear the scarf. That’s what it felt like for me to celebrate Hannah Montana — now from the other side.”

Miranda McWhorter is addressing the drama surrounding her ex-husband Chase McWhorter and her Secret Lives of Mormon Wives costar Jessi Draper.

After an insider told Us Weekly that Jessi and Chase got cozy at a recent party, Miranda took to her TikTok account on Thursday, March 26, to react.

“[Get ready with me] while I process my friend group being a waiting room for my ex-husband,” Miranda, 27, wrote over footage of herself touching up her makeup in a mirror.

Tellingly, Kesha’s song “Backstabber” was used as the music choice to accompany the clip.

Related: Ex-Husband of MomTok’s Miranda Details His Role in Soft Swinging Scandal

When Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered earlier this month, many longtime MomTok followers had one question: Where’s Miranda McWhorter? Now, her ex-husband is sharing his side of the swinging story. In an exclusive interview for Us’ Mormon Wives cover story, Chase McWhorter revealed he tuned in to “about five episodes” of the […]

Miranda doubled down on her perspective on the situation in her caption for the post, writing, “It’s not even a betrayal at this point, it’s a tradition 🥰🥰.”

Miranda and Jessi’s Mormon Wives costars Mayci Neeley, 31, and Whitney Leavitt, 32, weighed in in the comments section.

“I have no words 😶,” commented Whitney, while Mayci simply reacted with the emojis, “😳😳.”

An insider shared details of Jessi and Chase’s recent interaction with Us on Thursday after speculation was first reported by DeuxMoi earlier the same day.

“They were having fun at a party, and it’s not serious between them,” the insider told Us.

@miranda__hope

it’s not even a betrayal at this point, it’s a tradition 🥰🥰

♬ Backstabber – Kesha

Meanwhile, a witness told DeuxMoi that Jessi and Chase were spotted “being cozy” and “later kissing” at a birthday party this past weekend.

Later on Thursday, Miranda appeared to address the incident via Instagram. Miranda shared an apology note and flowers she had received from Jessi.

“I completely understand you being upset with me,” read the card, which she posted via her Instagram Stories. “But wanted to send you a little something to let you know I’m thinking about you and I am so so sorry. – Jessi.”

Miranda captioned the post, “Received the prettiest flowers just minutes ago.”

Related: Mormon Wives’ Jessi Breaks Silence After Husband Jordan Files for Divorce

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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jessi Draper is breaking her silence on husband Jordan Ngatikaura filing for divorce after five years of marriage. “In the last year, I’ve told him, actually, a few different times I want to get divorced. But he always calms me down,” Jessi claimed during the Wednesday, March 25, episode […]

Us Weekly previously reached out to Jessi and Chase for comment.

Last week, news emerged that Jordan Ngatikaura had filed for divorce from Jessi. (The former couple married in 2020 and share two kids: Jagger and Jovey.)

“I’m grateful for the shared memories and the lessons,” Jordan said in a March 19 statement to Us. “While our paths are now moving in different directions, my priority remains my children and ensuring they feel loved, supported, and protected through this transition.”

Meanwhile, Miranda and Chase, who share son Brooks and daughter Cohen, called it quits after seven years of marriage in 2024.

“I think we both realized that we’d gotten married a little prematurely, and that’s why our relationship still is pretty, good 1774618930, like, we’re really cordial, really friendly,” Chase exclusively told Us as he reflected on their split in September 2024.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has found its Fox McCloud. Glen Powell announced on his personal Instagram that he will voice Fox McCloud in the upcoming sci-fi sequel starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Pratt.

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Release Date

April 1, 2026

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Runtime

98 Minutes

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Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, Fabien Polack

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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Teddi Mellencamp turned a major awards show into something deeply personal as she stepped on stage to honor her father, John Mellencamp. 

What began as a celebratory moment quickly became emotional, with the reality TV star reflecting on her ongoing cancer battle and the role her father has played through it all. 

As the audience watched, Teddi didn’t just introduce a music legend; she shared a story about survival, family, and the bond that carried her through her toughest days.

Teddi Mellencamp Gets Emotional While Honoring Her Father On Stage

Teddi Mellencamp fought back tears while presenting the iHeartRadio Icon Award to her father during Thursday night’s ceremony. 

The father-daughter duo shared the stage in what became one of the night’s most heartfelt moments.

Before her speech, iHeartMedia CEO Robert Pittman introduced Teddi, highlighting her strength while battling cancer, including her surgeries and ongoing treatments. 

The moment came shortly after Teddi had been discharged from the hospital following a difficult emergency room stay earlier in the month.

Once on stage, the TV personality shifted the focus away from the glitz of the awards and onto something more personal. 

“Tonight, we celebrate the career of my dad, John Mellencamp,” she said per the Daily Mail, before making it clear she wanted to tell a different story. 

“But before I tell you the story of John Mellencamp, the artist, I want to tell you the story of him as a father,” she continued.

Teddi Shares Personal Memories Of Growing Up With A Star

Teddi Mellencamp reflected on what it was like growing up as the daughter of a music icon.

She admitted that while others often saw her father’s fame as extraordinary, her experience felt surprisingly normal. 

“In my eyes, it was no different than anybody else. He gave me advice. He’d give me groundings. He would love on me,” she shared.

Still, there were moments when his fame felt surreal, especially hearing his songs in everyday places. 

The 44-year-old described hearing tracks like “Jack & Diane” in an Uber or “Hurts so Good” at karaoke, moments that reminded her of his global reach.

One song, however, carried a deeper meaning for her: “Longest Days.” She quoted its lyrics, saying, “But nothing lasts forever / Your best efforts don’t always pay / Sometimes when you get sick, you don’t get better / That’s when life is short, even at its longest days.”

Teddi Connects Song’s Message To Her Cancer Journey

Teddi Mellencamp explained that the song took on a deeper meaning after her cancer diagnosis, as it reflected exactly what she was going through.

She said, “Because it was a little over a year ago when I got sick, my life felt short, even when the days in the hospital seemed to go on forever,” describing how her experience reshaped her understanding of time and illness.

The reality TV star added that during that period, her father stepped in fully, saying, “He stepped up, took control, fought for me and pretty much changed my life, saved my life.”

Teddi has since reflected on the progress she has made in her cancer journey. In October 2025, after months of treatment, including 17 surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Teddi revealed that doctors found “no trace of cancer.” 

Despite the positive update, she explained that her journey is not over, noting that she will continue immunotherapy for another year and is still fighting. She clarified that she is “not considered in remission or anything like that” yet. 

Teddi Mellencamp Opens Up About Cancer Diagnosis And Ongoing Health Battle

Teddi revealed her cancer diagnosis in 2022 after doctors discovered a melanoma during a routine skin check, a moment she later said changed everything. 

She shared that the diagnosis came after initially ignoring regular screenings due to anxiety, but a suspicious spot on her back led to further testing and confirmation of stage 2 melanoma.

The “Falling From Grace” star has since been open about her journey, undergoing multiple surgeries to remove cancerous growths. 

Her condition later became more serious when the cancer spread to her brain and lungs, advancing to stage 4 in 2025.  

She has continued treatment, including immunotherapy, and has used her platform to encourage others to prioritize regular health checks. 

Teddi has said she shares her story not for sympathy but to raise awareness, stressing the importance of early detection and listening to one’s body.

Teddi Mellencamp Issues Urgent Cancer Warning, Says ‘Don’t Be Like Me’

In February, Teddi took to her Instagram page with a message about cancer awareness, urging fans not to repeat her mistake of delaying medical checks.

As The Blast reported, she warned, “Don’t be like me and put cancer screening off,” explaining that early detection played a major role in giving her more treatment options.  

The Bravo star revealed she initially ignored screenings until a friend pushed her to get tested, which ultimately led to her melanoma diagnosis. 

Teddi stressed that screenings for different cancers can detect illness before symptoms appear, calling them potentially life-saving. 

She also encouraged people not to hesitate when it comes to their health, emphasizing that taking action early can make a critical difference in outcomes.

Taylor Swift delivered a moment no one saw coming when she took the stage at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards and turned a major career win into a deeply personal declaration. 

While fans expected a celebration, the singer instead pulled back the curtain on her private happiness, crediting fiancé Travis Kelce in a way that quickly became the night’s most talked-about highlight. 

The emotional reveal came as Swift dominated the ceremony, blending romance, gratitude, and career milestones into one unforgettable appearance.

Taylor Swift Credits Travis Kelce For Her ‘Happy And Free’ Era

Taylor Swift dedicates #iHeartAwards2026 win to Travis Kelce: “This album probably also feels very happy and confident and free because that’s the way I get to feel every single day of my life because of my fiancé” pic.twitter.com/OrJZCY2Vsa

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 27, 2026

Taylor Swift surprised fans when she used her acceptance speech for Pop Album of the Year to spotlight Kelce. 

Accepting the award for her 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl,” the singer reflected on the emotional tone behind the project, describing it as rooted in joy and confidence.

She explained that the album carried “an energy of just feeling really happy and strong and confident and free,” before revealing what has shaped that mindset. 

Swift then made the unexpected moment personal, adding per the Daily Mail, “And I think that this album probably also feels very happy and confident and free because that’s the way that I get to feel every single day of my life. Because of my fiancé, who’s here tonight. So thank you, thanks for all the vibes.”

The crowd erupted instantly, and cameras cut to the NFL star, who was seen smiling and applauding proudly from his seat. 

Swift Reflects On The Album And Her Connection With Fans

Taylor Swift has truly mastered how to treat her fans, especially the little ones & make them feel special.

This is definitely one of her biggest strengths. Love her or not, this is one Taylor Swift quality I fully vibe with.👏 pic.twitter.com/vYUWXgVbSd

— Hanz (@fashionistaera) March 27, 2026

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Taylor Swift continued her speech by shifting focus to the connection she shares with her audience, explaining that “The Life of a Showgirl” was heavily influenced by her live performances. 

She described the project as being “inspired by the energy that I felt, like, looking into crowds and seeing you guys and connecting with you every single night.”

The singer also took time to celebrate a major milestone tied to the album. Her track “The Fate Of Ophelia” became the biggest hit of her career, something she admitted still feels surreal.

“I just love my fans so much for giving me the ability to do this. I love what I do. I love that you’ve allowed me to do it for this long, and I just appreciate every day I get to do it. Thank you so much,” Swift said.

Taylor Swift Dominates The Night With Multiple Award Wins

Swift’s emotional speeches were only part of a much bigger night. The 36-year-old swept the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, taking home seven trophies. 

Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu introduced Swift as Artist of the Year, calling the moment “an incredibly huge honor” and reminding the audience of her record-breaking achievements.

“With 34 iHeartRadio Music Awards – the most in history – she is the goat of music,” Liu said.

In addition to Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year, Swift also won Album of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, Favorite Tour Style for the Eras Tour, Best Lyrics, and Best Music Video for “The Fate of Ophelia.”

When she returned to the stage, Swift expressed admiration for Liu, saying she was “inspired” by her dedication and passion. 

She then reflected on her own journey, admitting songwriting began as something far more casual before evolving into a career.

Swift Opens Up About Her Journey And Creative Passion

Taylor Swift used her Artist of the Year speech to reflect on how her career began and what continues to drive her. 

She shared that songwriting has always been at the center of everything she does.

“I love writing songs more than anything in the world. And it, I didn’t think I was an artist when I first started doing it. It was a hobby. And then it was my favorite hobby,” the Grammy Award winner explained.

She encouraged fans to protect their ambitions, offering advice rooted in her own experience. 

“I’m a firm believer that anything you feed your mind, it will internalize anything. Anything you feed the internet, it will attempt to kill. And I don’t want that for your dreams,” Swift stated.

The “Cruel Summer” hitmaker added, “So, just thank you for allowing me to turn my hobby into a love, into a passion, into a dream, into a career. Thank you for allowing me to have it this long, and I wish you the best with everything you do.”

Taylor Swift And Kelce Share Rare Public Moments Together

Travis Kelce hyping up the crowd for Taylor Swift 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹😭🩷 pic.twitter.com/nuOa4IPLxx

— Lizzz_Win$ (@Lizzz_Wins) March 27, 2026

Swift’s appearance also gave fans a glimpse into her relationship with Kelce throughout the night. 

Although she walked the red carpet solo, she reunited with him inside the Dolby Theatre shortly before the ceremony began. 

The couple was later seen cheering on performers and posing for photos together, including moments with Sombr. 

Swift also mingled with fellow artists like Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson, showing a relaxed side during the event. 

Her red carpet look reflected that same ease, as she arrived just minutes before the show began, wearing her sandy blonde hair in a half-up, half-down style paired with natural makeup and a glossy pink lip. She also made sure to display the large diamond engagement ring on her left hand. 

Earlier in the evening, she posed with iHeartMedia executives, including Rich Bressler, John Sykes, Bob Pittman, and Ashley Tabor-King. 

The outing marked one of her first major public appearances in months following a quieter period after her album’s release.

Horror fans delight, because if you’re looking for a single-season series to binge through late into the night that’s full of thrills, chills, and lots of blood, then look no further than this decade-plus-old network television take on Dracula. This 2013 adaptation flips the entire script on the original Bram Stoker novel, pushing the titular vampire into a more action-packed adventure with vengeance at the center. After the network had previously hit genre gold with Grimm, NBC aimed to expand its supernatural reach by bringing literature’s most famous vampire to the small screen — and it’s a take on the tale that will surprise you at every turn.

‘Dracula’ Is a Completely Re-Imagined Take on Bram Stoker’s Literary Masterpiece

Created by Cole Haddon and Daniel Knauf, Dracula was technically a co-production between NBC and the UK network Sky Living that came about when an executive asked Haddon what he thought of bringing the vampiric Count to the small screen. Although the co-creator knew that it would be tricky to turn Count Dracula into a sympathetic character, as he recorded in his four-part series of reflections on Medium, he was pushed to reinvent the dark lord as a protagonist who, while unashamedly evil, is far more emotionally complex than the character we’re used to. Jonathan Rhys Meyers starred as Vlad Tepes, aka Count Dracula, who has come to London disguised as American entrepreneur Alexander Grayson, hoping to use this cover as a way to tear down the ancient Order of the Dragon — an order he has been resurrected by Dr. Abraham Van Helsing (Thomas Kretschmann, who ironically played the vampire in Dracula 3D only a year prior) in order to destroy.

What made Dracula so fascinating is that the series is not really an adaptation of the novel. Sure, it uses the same familiar characters that Bram Stoker dreamed up, but the main plot is completely reworked. Dracula and Van Helsing are uneasy allies here in a massive twist that throws their age-old rivalry out the window, and Dracula’s backstory better represents what we see in the Francis Ford Coppola film — especially his relationship with Mina Murray (Jessica De Gouw). But it was the secret society plot surrounding the Order of the Dragon that is really what makes this small screen adaptation stand out. Much of what you would traditionally expect to find in a Dracula story is still here, including the heavy involvement of Jonathan Harker (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and Lucy Westerna (Katie McGrath), but it’s these major twists — which also includes the vampire hunter Lady Jayne Wetherby (Victoria Smurfit) — that make it stand out as unique among other interpretations of the character. The complete reinvention of R. M. Renfield (Nonso Anozie) alone is perhaps one of the most novel and compelling changes made to the material, as he and Dracula share a strange but strong friendship.

Related

Netflix’s Gruesome 3-Part Horror Show Completely Rewrites the Genre’s Rules

Nothing brings a family closer than murder!

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With two common enemies forging an alliance against the Order, no matter the personal cost, Dracula and Van Helsing ignite a shadow war on the streets of Victorian London that is more bloody and action-packed then you’d think could come from NBC. The show doesn’t shy away from the supernatural horrors that come with a period vampire story, nor does it pacify its protagonist to make him seem like a hero. He’s not, but we learn to understand him in a way that only pictures like Dracula Untold truly allow. In short, Dracula is a wild ride. It balances this complicated mythology with the romantic tensions between Dracula and young Mina, again portrayed as the reincarnation of his dead wife. Despite being a monster to his core, it’s Dracula’s human side that prompts him to lust after her, risking his friendship with Jonathan Harker (who likewise wrestles with a dark side) and threatening to expose his plans with Van Helsing against the Order. If you haven’t seen this thrilling network take that feels as if it should’ve been a cable or streaming series, now is your chance.

‘Dracula’ Lasted Only One Season Before It Was Cancelled

Although NBC was incredibly supportive of the series from the get-go, giving it a straight-to-series order of 10 episodes before the pilot had even been shot, the drama was tragically canceled after a single season. As you can imagine, Dracula ends on a few cliffhangers, all while setting up a more traditional status quo for each character involved. Although this adaptation will admittedly not suit everyone — it’s incredibly violent at times, not to mention pretty sexual for a program that aired on network television — it’s the overall world that Dracula creates that makes it a fascinating binge worth giving a shot. Especially if you’re a fan of unique interpretations of the villainous Count, you will find the show to be irresistible. It certainly makes for an effective and engaging horror-themed watch that reinvents the legend of Dracula in some of the most creative ways possible.

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Release Date

2013 – 2014-00-00

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Directors

Andy Goddard, Brian Kelly, Steve Shill, Tim Fywell

Writers

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Daniel Knauf, Harley Peyton, Cole Haddon, Tom Grieves, Nicole Taylor, Katie Lovejoy

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  Dracula/Alexander Grayson/Vlad Tepes

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  Richard Rifkin

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  Theatre Actor

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  Victoria Smurfit

  Lady Jayne Wetherby

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