Las Vegas welcomed a different kind of competition this past weekend when Mister USA brought some of the country’s most charismatic contenders to Sin City to compete for the coveted title. The event put male pageantry, style, and confidence center stage, with contestants representing their states and showcasing their personalities and talents behind the sashes. 

Mister USA Finals were held on Sunday evening at The Portal at AREA15, just a few minutes off the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Not only was The Blast in attendance for the event, but we were also one of the judges.

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During an exclusive chat with Jino Cabrera, CEO & President of Mister USA & Mister Universe Organization, he explained why they decided to bring this year’s Finals to Las Vegas. 

“We’ve hosted it in LA the last two years, so this is actually our third year for Mister USA. Mister USA has become bigger, more exciting, more diverse, and truly entertainment driven. [Las Vegas] is one of the entertainment capitals of the world and people come here expecting to experience something memorable,” he told The Blast exclusively.

“So for Mister USA, we’re building more than a traditional pageant, we’re creating a national entertainment platform that celebrates the modern man from across the country, their stories, ambitions, confidence, individuality, and purpose and bringing that vision to Las Vegas felt like the perfect next chapter for us.” 

The First Two Years Were Held In Los Angeles

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Cabrera felt The Portal was the perfect venue for the Finals because it has a different feel than a traditional pageant venue. The space gives the event the ability to combine many facets, such as fashion, competition, and visual production” into one experience. 

“We want audiences to walk in and feel like they’re attending a major entertainment event, not simply sitting in a ballroom watching a pageant,” Cabrera said. “So the venue really reflects where we believe men’s pageantry is heading.” 

The Blast Was Asked To Judge The Mister USA Finals

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When Mister USA organizers asked if I would consider being a judge, I thought it could be a fun experience. I was planning to be there to cover it for The Blast, so why not get a little more involved?

While they couldn’t possibly know, I have a past that included pageants. I was a contestant in a Miss Arizona pageant in the early ’90s, I judged a children’s pageant that was run by one of the moms from the show “Toddlers and Tiaras” over a decade ago, and I had done some modeling and walked in fashion shows in my early 20s. So, this opportunity wasn’t just fun, but it was nostalgic for me on so many levels.

Judging is not easy; at least for me. I’ve judged a few competitions in my time, and it doesn’t ever get easier in my eyes. Listening to everyone’s stories, because they all have a story of what led them to this moment, makes this process even more difficult. But I will say this…listening to so many stories that include how they got to this point is inspiring.

Mister USA 2026!

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The competition was tough, but the judges were able to narrow it down from 23 contestants to 12 before ultimately crowning the winner. After scoring them all in three categories — personal interview, swimwear, and formal wear — it was time to tally the votes.

Drumroll please…introducing Mister USA 2026 – Mister Tennessee (Jaydon Kanipe) in first place and Mister Nevada (Colin Walling) in second place!

Mister USA 2025 (Michael Chadwick) will be competing in this year’s Mister Universe competition in Los Angeles in November, and this year’s winner will be doing the same next year.

If there was any doubt about just how massive Grand Theft Auto VI is going to be, the latest pre order data may have put it to rest.

According to a new report from digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower, an incredible 89% of GTA 6 pre orders are reportedly for the $99.99 Ultimate Edition, compared to just 11% for the $79.99 Standard Edition.

The numbers are particularly surprising considering premium editions traditionally account for a much smaller percentage of early game sales. Sensor Tower’s data reportedly shows the trend is nearly identical across both major console platforms, with approximately 88.5% of PlayStation pre orders and 90% of Xbox pre orders going toward the Ultimate Edition.

That means players aren’t simply lining up for GTA 6. They’re overwhelmingly choosing the most expensive version available.

Take Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick recently acknowledged that the Ultimate Edition was outselling the Standard Edition, attributing the early trend to the franchise’s most dedicated fans.

“The most avid consumers are the ones who are pre-ordering now,”

Zelnick said.

The $99.99 Ultimate Edition includes additional premium content, including vehicles, weapons and apparel integrated throughout Jason and Lucia’s story. Rockstar has priced the Standard Edition at $79.99.

The staggering 89% figure also arrives shortly after Take Two described overall demand for GTA 6 as “unprecedented.” Zelnick called the response to pre orders both “unprecedented and astonishing,” although the publisher has stopped short of revealing exactly how many copies have been reserved.

Pre orders officially opened on June 25, and the response further illustrates the enormous anticipation surrounding Rockstar’s first new Grand Theft Auto installment in more than a decade. Grand Theft Auto V has sold more than 230 million copies since its original 2013 release, creating an almost unprecedented built in audience for its successor.

GTA VI [rockstar games]

The Ultimate Edition’s dominance could also be an important indicator for the broader gaming industry. Publishers have increasingly experimented with higher prices and premium editions, but convincing nearly nine out of every ten early buyers to spend an additional $20 would be an extraordinary achievement for any franchise.

Of course, the percentage could change significantly as launch approaches. Early adopters are typically among a franchise’s most dedicated fans, while more casual players may ultimately gravitate toward the cheaper Standard Edition.

Still, an 89% premium edition share this early is another indication that GTA 6 isn’t behaving like a normal video game release.

Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Hayden Panettiere‘s mom, Lesley Vogel, opened up about the sudden deaths of her two children in an emotional sit-down interview.

“It’s a process. And I think it will probably hit me later on,” she told ABC News reporter Rhiannon Ally on the Monday, August 24, episode of Good Morning America.

The interview aired eight days after news broke of the actress’ death at the age of 36. Hayden’s brother, Jansen Panettiere, previously died in 2023 at the age of 28.

“I would say to the haters out there, you don’t have a right to tell me how I mourn the loss of my second child,” Vogel, 70, said during Monday’s interview. “That’s my domain.”

Vogel choked up as she recalled the moment she learned about Hayden’s death. “I was numb. I was just numb,” she admitted. “I just couldn’t feel anything. I still [am] not grasping this is real. It doesn’t feel real. My mind tells me it’s not at times. It’s going to be a process.”

When asked how she moves forward after losing her two children, Vogel was once again overcome with emotion. “I think you just have to find that inner strength,” she said. “I have been knocked down throughout my life and I’m not complaining, because I have the strength to get back up. … It’s how we get back up that defines who we are.”

Vogel, who was estranged from the Heroes alum prior to her death, also told the outlet how she hoped her daughter would be remembered.

“I want Hayden to be remembered for the talented, beautiful, outgoing, intelligent woman she really was,” she said. “But I also want people to understand that it is my belief that she was suffering. Now, that doesn’t make sense. Because when you look at a beautiful career who’s got an incredible career, even though it had its ups and downs, but you look at that big picture and you go, ‘Why would you be suffering?’ People don’t understand that you can have all of this, but that doesn’t mean that’s what’s going on [inside] matches.”

She noted that Hayden “had a very happy life” until she was cast as Claire Bennett on Heroes at 16. “So here she was, the star of a major TV series. But I would say at about 17, I started seeing her going downhill,” Vogel claimed. “As she got older, it wasn’t my voice anymore. I wasn’t in charge of her choices. I tried to give her the best advice I could. But again, you know, any young person, teen, they want to be liberated. And I get that. I did get that.”

Related: Hayden Panettiere’s Mom Shares What She Told Cop at Scene of Actress’ Death

Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, has revealed what she claims she told authorities at the scene of her daughter’s death after the late actress was found unresponsive from an apparent drug overdose. “[The officer] said to me, ‘Well, what do you think about Brian Hickerson?’ And I said, ‘I think he’s culpable,’” Vogel, 70, […]

Vogel previously opened up to The New York Times about spending time with Hayden one year prior in Los Angeles. “She was in pain,” she told the outlet. “She was afraid. She couldn’t physically function properly.”

Following news of Hayden’s death, Gayle King publicly criticized Vogel’s public statement the loss, which claimed her daughter had “lost her way” amid not staying “true to herself.” Vogel reacted while speaking to the Daily Mail on Saturday, August 22.

The mom, who served as Hayden’s manager when she was a child actor and model, told the outlet that she was “very, very hurt and deeply disappointed” about the criticism’s “lack of professionalism” and compassion. “No one reached out to me before. It’s shameful. It’s unconscionable to me,” Vogel told the outlet on Saturday.

Hadyen’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed his daughter’s death in a statement to Us on August 16 after she was found unresponsive in a South Carolina apartment. The late star is survived by her parents and her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she shared with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.

A cause of death has not been confirmed, however, an autopsy showed “no signs of trauma” contributed to her passing. A local police report claimed that Hayden’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were both in attendance at the scene of her death.

Brian’s attorney told Us in a statement that there were “no signs of foul play” amid an ongoing investigation into Panettiere’s death. Zach later told TMZ that he and Brian had attempted to save Hayden’s life.

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“When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious,” Zach alleged to the outlet on Friday, August 21. “I immediately called 911, and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life.”

Narcan is a nasal spray “designed to rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency,” according to the brand’s website.

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

Kacey Musgraves is not just talented; she is also extremely generous!

The musical powerhouse took some time out of her busy tour schedule to solicit assistance, both monetary and in other ways, for children whose parents were affected by the current wave of deportation in the United States.

Kacey Musgraves’ reputation for giving so freely over the years has been widely written about, including a financial apology for a sarcastic joke targeted at her roots in Texas.

The talented songwriter opened her “Middle of Nowhere” tour with a bang on Friday, August 21 evening at Chicago’s United Center, asking her eager audience to help. She asked fans to donate to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights as part of her upcoming birthday celebrations.

She explained that the non-profit organization helped children whose parents were deported by giving them legal aid and money. Musgraves clarified that her plea for help had nothing to do with politics and stemmed from genuine concern for the affected children.

Musgraves’ public appeal on Friday doubled down on an initial move she made in April, when resale platform Depop announced that 20 pieces from her wardrobe, including clothing from music videos and tours, would be sold in capsule drops. 

As Page Six reported, Women’s Wear Daily said all proceeds from the sale would benefit the Young Center. Musgraves’ North American tour will run through the rest of October. 

The Grammy Winner Made A Major Impact With Six-Figure Charity Fundraiser

In 2019, The Recorder reported that Musgraves headlined the “Sing Out Loud Festival Benefit” concert, which raised $225,392.50 for two local charities. The organizations were identified as HorsePlay Therapy Center and the Green Hands Initiative for St. Johns County Public Schools, which the singer personally selected.

Tickets for the benefit concert saw sales surge within an hour of their release in March for the September show. Before taking the stage, she presented each organization with a check for $112,696.25.

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Horseplay Therapy Center provides horseback-based physical, occupational and speech therapy for kids with special needs. The organization planned to use its share for therapy scholarships and a covered arena that would allow services to continue year-round.

As for the Green Hands Initiative, its donation would fund filtered water refill stations in St. Johns County schools, encouraging reusable bottles while teaching students to reduce waste and protect the environment.

In 2024, TMZ noted that the singer tried to smooth over drama with her hometown of Texas after a remark during one of her concerts upset locals. 

To bolster her apology, the country singer doled out a whopping $10,000 to the Alba-Golden Seniors Scholarship Fund after a clip surfaced of her saying Golden, Texas, was not exactly something to celebrate while performing in Canada. 

The singer explained that her comment was meant as playful sarcasm, not a criticism of the community, emphasizing her affection for her Texas roots and apologizing to anyone who took offense. Musgraves reportedly also contacted organizers in Golden privately to express her regret, as locals turned the viral moment into a fundraiser of their own. 

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The Golden Sweet Potato Festival began selling “Something to Cheer For” shirts inspired by Musgraves’ remark, generating about $8,000 for the same scholarship fund before her $10,000 contribution. Festival organizers welcomed Musgraves’ apology and donation, saying they appreciated her continued connection to Golden.

The ‘Slow Burn’ Singer Previously Shelved Her Opening Concert

Musgraves’ ongoing tour experienced an unexpected shake-up shortly before the North American leg kicked off. Musgraves struck out three concerts, including the Chicago show, which was billed to kick off the tour.

As stated by The Blast, fans were informed via Ticketmaster that the Chicago date slated for August 20, the Boston show slated for August 29, and the September 2 Brooklyn performance would no longer take place. 

The Grammy winner had planned over 20 performances across 25 North American cities, with a show in Seattle wrapping things up in October. The country singer is also scheduled to take the tour train to Australia in January 2027 before heading to the United Kingdom the months after.

Musgraves’ musical career began in the early 2000s when she was still a teenager and independently released her first album “Movin’ On” in 2002, at just 13. The star has 8 Grammy Awards to her name from 15 nominations, with her album “Golden Hour” winning Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards.

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Kacey Musgraves Faced Outburst Over Collaboration With Walmart

The singer’s wardrobe collab with the retail giant faced a different kind of criticism over the sizing of her Kacey Lee collection at Walmart. Musgraves created the denim brand, which carried a series of western-inspired lines, including 100 pieces across clothing, swimwear, and pet accessories.

The collection was made affordable through pricing and offered a broad selection, but it left some shoppers disappointed with its limited size range. Many of their tops reportedly ended at XXL, while most bottoms went up to size 18, failing to tend to the plus-size community.

Several content creators, including Megan Ixim, called out the collab for the sizing issues and for not extending larger sizes across all lines. Walmart listings showed that 2X and 3X sizes were mainly available for certain swimsuits, including bikinis and one-pieces, but not for the rest of Musgraves’ collection.

Hayden Panettiere reportedly instructed her private security team to keep Brian Hickerson away from her as she promoted a memoir detailing their tumultuous relationship. The security directive was allegedly issued before the actress began her book tour in May, approximately three months before Hickerson was present at the South Carolina residence where she died. The revelation offers new insight into where the “Heroes” star reportedly stood with her on-again, off-again boyfriend before they reconnected.

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Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in May and began promoting the book with an appearance in New York City on May 19. According to The New York Times, the actress’ private security team received “clear instructions” to prevent Hickerson from approaching her during the tour. Barnes & Noble in Union Square, which hosted the first stop, was reportedly given a “specific instruction” to “not let in a man named Brian Hickerson.”

The report does not indicate that Hickerson attempted to enter the event. However, the alleged security measure suggests Panettiere wanted distance from him while publicly discussing their relationship and the domestic violence she said she experienced.

Brian Hickerson Was Present When The Actress Died

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Despite the security directive, Hickerson was with Panettiere when she died on August 16 at age 36. A police report confirmed that Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the Greenville residence when emergency personnel attempted to save the actress.

Brian showed officers a “bag of medication” that Panettiere was reportedly taking. The responding officer described Zach as “very emotional” while first responders worked on Panettiere. Brian reportedly did not become visibly emotional until she was pronounced dead.

The heavily redacted police report does not provide a complete account of the hours preceding her death. Hickerson has not been accused of causing or contributing to Panettiere’s death.

Hickerson Breaks His Silence Through His Attorney

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Hickerson addressed Panettiere’s death in a statement released by his attorney, Sloan Ellis. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” he said. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

The statement did not address the report that Panettiere’s security team had been instructed to keep him away during her book tour. The investigation remains active while authorities await toxicology results and additional studies.

Hayden Panettiere Previously Spoke Out About Abuse

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Panettiere and Hickerson began their on-and-off relationship in 2018. He was later arrested on multiple domestic violence charges. After his 2020 arrest on eight domestic violence charges, Panettiere publicly addressed her experience.

“I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,” she said at the time. “I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.”

Hickerson pleaded no contest in April 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in county jail, four years of probation, 52 domestic violence classes and a $500 fee. He also received a five-year restraining order barring him from going near Panettiere.

Actress Later Reconnected With Hickerson

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During a 2022 interview with PEOPLE Magazine, Panettiere described her relationship with Hickerson as “a very dark and complicated time in my life.” “I wanted to party, I wanted to do everything I wasn’t supposed to do. Acting was my life, but I felt so bad about myself that I lost trust in myself. And that is very detrimental. The idea of not having a responsibility was very appealing at the time,” she explained.

Panettiere had reconnected with Hickerson as a friend by the time of that interview. “I think [Brian] has done his time and was willing to get help. I think about the things I have done in my life that people forgave me for. Making amends is a really important thing that you learn in treatment,” she said. “And it gives you a lot of inner peace.”

The police report from the day of her death identified Panettiere as Hickerson’s girlfriend, indicating their relationship had reportedly become romantic again.

Lesley Vogel Calls Their Bond ‘Codependent’

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Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, claimed her daughter and Hickerson shared a toxic “codependent bond” that was “much more powerful than people realized.” Vogel has repeatedly expressed concern about Hickerson’s influence and said her daughter once recognized that she needed to remove him from her life.

Hickerson has not publicly responded to Vogel’s latest allegations.

Chances are that you have a good amount of dresses hanging in your closet — after all, they’re a go-to piece for wearing to a range of occasions. However, not all of them are going to be suited for work, which is why it might be time for a wardrobe refresh. For fall, we curated flattering styles that women over 40 will feel confident wearing each day.

The best office-ready dresses make you feel your best, so we looked for slimming details that’ll make you happy to get ready in the morning. From clever waist ties to vertical pleating, all of these dresses on Amazon get a thumbs up for looking and feeling good. Shop the fall-forward options to prepare for the season ahead.

17 Slimming Office-Friendly Dresses for Women Over 40

1. Our Favorite: There’s no need for a belt, because this cap-sleeve midi dress cinches in the waist all on its own. There are 10 colors to choose from, including classic neutrals and more fun hues.

2. Wondrous Waist: If you’re looking to hide your midsection, this short-sleeve midi dress has a dramatic waist tie that covers the area. The fabric is very stretchy, too, so it works with your body.

3. Not a Skirt: Putting a top and skirt together can even feel like too much in the morning, but this casual midi dress does the work for you. The top half is a solid color, and the bottom half provides a not-too-loud pattern.

4. Collared Cutie: Hitting just below the knee, this sleeveless collared dress is ready for the boardroom. It can be worn on its own or with a cardigan on chilly days.

5. Must-Have Midi: With longer sleeves that nearly hit the elbow, this lightweight sweater dress is ideal for the summer-to-fall transition. And the included belt can be tied as loose or as tight as you’d like.

Related: 17 Summer Office Dresses That Are Flattering for Women Over 40

Summer workwear isn’t always as effortless as it looks. Between hot commutes, freezing office air conditioning and packed calendars, finding dresses that are both flattering and practical can be surprisingly difficult. That’s exactly why a great office dress earns its spot in your wardrobe. These Amazon finds are designed to make getting dressed feel simple. […]

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6. Pretty Pleats: You can’t go wrong with a long pleated dress, and this sleeveless option can be topped with a sweater or blazer. There’s also smart ruching at the waist, making the choice between the 20 colors even more important.

7. Affordable Find: The three-quarter sleeves and to-the-knee length make this an office-ready A-line dress. But the $9 price tag might be the best part of all.

8. Cozy Choice: It’s hard to imagine cold days now, but they’ll soon be here, and you’ll be glad you have this long-sleeve maxi sweater dress. Plus, it has pockets!

9. Belted Beauty: With so many patterns to choose from, including polka dots and florals, this short-sleeve, to-the-knee dress is a fun option to shop. The built-in belt gives a slimming effect, as the dress flares out to skim your curves.

10. Welcomed Wrap: There’s something so flattering about a wrap-style dress (even if it’s faux). This three-quarter-sleeve pick has a V-neck that’s more on the modest side.

11. Pretty Polka Dots: Office outfits don’t have to be so stuffy, and this sleeveless polka-dot number is a winner all around. The boatneck silhouette is a nice change from the typical crewneck, too.

12. Real Ribbing: This long-sleeve midi dress is a complete outfit, thanks to the sweater-like material and adorable collar detail. Just pair it with your favorite shoes and accessories, and you’re ready to go.

13. Short-Sleeve Sweater: With short sleeves and thicker fabric, this flowy maxi dress nails transitional style. And the vertical pleating elongates the body for a flattering fit.

14. Gorgeous Gingham: Another pattern worth trying is gingham, and it looks elevated on this collared midi dress. We like the breezy sleeves and cinched-in waist, too.

15. A+ Accessory: This long-sleeve, chiffon-like dress comes with a belt, but you can easily remove it so you can style it your way. The smart collar and pleating make it look like you mean business.

16. Mindful Mockneck: Once the temperatures drop, this midi sweater dress is what you’ll regularly find us in. And the waist tie will disguise anything we’d rather keep hidden.

17. Striking Stripes: This pleated midi dress makes it look like you’re wearing a striped cardigan on top, so it’s a unique addition to your fall wardrobe. The gold button detailing is also an elevated touch.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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