Month: September 2024

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Pop Daypop

Anitta, Karol G, Shawn Mendes set to perform at 2024 MTV VMAs

Anitta arrives for Baby2Baby Annual Gala on November 12^ 2022 in West Hollywood^ CA

Anitta, LL Cool J, Karol G and Shawn Mendes will perform at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Megan Thee Stallion and airing live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Sept. 11 from New York’s UBS Arena.

They join previously announced performers Lenny Kravitz, Halsey, Blackpink‘s Lisa, Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Rauw Alejandro and Katy Perry, who will also receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award

MTV previously said that, in observance of the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, MTV will again support the nonprofit 9/11 Day, which organizes the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Tuesday’s Children, which serves the families of 9/11.

  • Anitta, nominated for three VMAs this year, will take the stage at the VMAs for a third consecutive year to perform a medley of “Savage Funk” and “Alegria” plus the world premiere of “Paradise” with guest appearances by Fat Joe, DJ Khaled and Tiago PZK.
  • LL Cool J will return to the VMA stage this year after 2023’s ’50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop’ tribute. The rap legend will perform songs from his upcoming album, The Force.
  • This will be Karol G’s second VMA performance; in 2023, she performed “Oki Doki” / “Tá Ok” and also won her first VMA, for best collaboration. At this year’s VMAs, she’s vying for best Latin alongside Anitta.
  • Shawn Mendes will return to the MTV stage for his fourth VMA performance, and the first televised performance from his fifth studio album, Shawn, set to drop on Oct. 18.

Taylor Swift leads the 2024 VMA nominees with a total of 10 noms, followed by Post Malone with nine; Ariana Grande, Eminem and Sabrina Carpenter with six each; Megan The Stallion and SZA with five each; and Lisa (from BLACKPINK), Olivia Rodrigo and Teddy Swims each with four noms.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Dallas Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott agree to record-setting 4-year, $240M contract extension

4 DAK PRESCOTT DALLAS COWBOYS VS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS DECEMBER 18^ 2022 at TIAA BANK FIELD JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA

Ahead of Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns. the Dallas Cowboys announced that quarterback Dak Prescott has agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $240 million – an NFL record. Prescott will now be under contract through the 2028 season.

Prescott’s agency Athletes First shared that the pact includes $231 million guaranteed, an $80 million signing bonus, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history. Prescott, 31, will receive $100 million in the first year of the extension. This is Dak’s second extension with the Cowboys; in 2021, Prescott signed a four-year, $160 million extension.

Prescott – the fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft – is 73-41 as a starter over 114 career appearances. The QB completed a career-high 69.5% of his throws for 4,516 yards, an NFL-high 36 touchdowns and nine interceptions over 17 starts last season en route to his third Pro Bowl selection. He also ompleted 67% of his throws for 29,459 yards, 202 touchdowns and 74 interceptions through his first eight seasons with the Cowboys.  In the playoffs, Prescott owns a 2-5 record as a starter.

Editorial credit: April Visuals / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Elton John recovering after ‘severe eye infection’ left him with limited vision

Sir Elton John headlines the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. New Orleans^ LA - May 2^ 2015

Elton John said he is on the road to recovery after a severe eye infection left him with limited vision.

Elton shared in a message on social media that he had “been dealing with a severe eye infection” over the summer, leaving him with “only limited vision in one eye.”  Elton expressed his gratitude towards the ‘excellent team of doctors and nurses who have taken such good care of [him] over the last several weeks,’ adding: “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye. I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far.” John also underwent knee replacement surgery in January, with his husband David Furnish telling The Sun back in March that John was “doing amazing,” with surgery scheduled for his other knee that same month.

John’s announcement came just before his appearance at the premiere of the “Elton John: Never Too Late” documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival. Never Too Late is said to feature “never-before-seen concert footage” of John over his 50-year career, as well as “hand-written journals and present-day footage of him and his family.”

Elton had also recently announced that the documentary is slated to premiere on Dec. 13 on Disney+, writing on Instagram: “Very excited to share the first look at the key art for Elton John: Never Too Late! This documentary is such a special journey through the memories, music, and moments that have shaped my life. Mark your calendars for 13 December when it lands on @disneyplus ✨”

Editorial credit: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Elton John recovering after ‘severe eye infection’ left him with limited vision

Sir Elton John headlines the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. New Orleans^ LA - May 2^ 2015

Elton John said he is on the road to recovery after a severe eye infection left him with limited vision.

Elton shared in a message on social media that he had “been dealing with a severe eye infection” over the summer, leaving him with “only limited vision in one eye.”  Elton expressed his gratitude towards the ‘excellent team of doctors and nurses who have taken such good care of [him] over the last several weeks,’ adding: “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye. I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far.” John also underwent knee replacement surgery in January, with his husband David Furnish telling The Sun back in March that John was “doing amazing,” with surgery scheduled for his other knee that same month.

John’s announcement came just before his appearance at the premiere of the “Elton John: Never Too Late” documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival. Never Too Late is said to feature “never-before-seen concert footage” of John over his 50-year career, as well as “hand-written journals and present-day footage of him and his family.”

Elton had also recently announced that the documentary is slated to premiere on Dec. 13 on Disney+, writing on Instagram: “Very excited to share the first look at the key art for Elton John: Never Too Late! This documentary is such a special journey through the memories, music, and moments that have shaped my life. Mark your calendars for 13 December when it lands on @disneyplus ✨”

Editorial credit: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Kendrick Lamar to headline Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar arrives to the 2017 Video Music Awards Press Room on August 27^ 2017 in Los Angeles^ CA

Kendrick Lamar will headline the NFL’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, set to take place at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, airing on Fox.  The NFL posted on its social media: @kendricklamar. #AppleMusicHalftime. NOLA. 2.9.2025. #SBLIX @applemusic @rocnation @nflonfox”

The Grammy-winning rapper captioned a video clip of himself on social media “Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans. February 2025. #AppleMusicHalftime”. In the clip, Lamar – on an Astroturf field with a large American flag as backdrop – shares: “What it doing everybody? My name’s Kendrick Lamar and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl 59. Will you be pulling up? I hope so. You know there’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos. Let’s get it, boom!  I wouldn’t want you to miss it. Meet me in New Orleans February 9, 2025. Wear your best dress, too, even if you’re watching from home. Let’s go! Now we can get to it for real!”

Lamar, 37, said in a statement following the announcement: “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”  Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter added: “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, said in a statement: “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop. We’re excited to collaborate with Kendrick, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to deliver another unforgettable Halftime Show.”

Editorial credit: Ga Fullner / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Kendrick Lamar to headline Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar arrives to the 2017 Video Music Awards Press Room on August 27^ 2017 in Los Angeles^ CA

Kendrick Lamar will headline the NFL’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, set to take place at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, airing on Fox.  The NFL posted on its social media: @kendricklamar. #AppleMusicHalftime. NOLA. 2.9.2025. #SBLIX @applemusic @rocnation @nflonfox”

The Grammy-winning rapper captioned a video clip of himself on social media “Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans. February 2025. #AppleMusicHalftime”. In the clip, Lamar – on an Astroturf field with a large American flag as backdrop – shares: “What it doing everybody? My name’s Kendrick Lamar and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl 59. Will you be pulling up? I hope so. You know there’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos. Let’s get it, boom!  I wouldn’t want you to miss it. Meet me in New Orleans February 9, 2025. Wear your best dress, too, even if you’re watching from home. Let’s go! Now we can get to it for real!”

Lamar, 37, said in a statement following the announcement: “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”  Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter added: “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, said in a statement: “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop. We’re excited to collaborate with Kendrick, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to deliver another unforgettable Halftime Show.”

Editorial credit: Ga Fullner / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Kendrick Lamar to headline Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar arrives to the 2017 Video Music Awards Press Room on August 27^ 2017 in Los Angeles^ CA

Kendrick Lamar will headline the NFL’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, set to take place at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, airing on Fox.  The NFL posted on its social media: @kendricklamar. #AppleMusicHalftime. NOLA. 2.9.2025. #SBLIX @applemusic @rocnation @nflonfox”

The Grammy-winning rapper captioned a video clip of himself on social media “Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans. February 2025. #AppleMusicHalftime”. In the clip, Lamar – on an Astroturf field with a large American flag as backdrop – shares: “What it doing everybody? My name’s Kendrick Lamar and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl 59. Will you be pulling up? I hope so. You know there’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos. Let’s get it, boom!  I wouldn’t want you to miss it. Meet me in New Orleans February 9, 2025. Wear your best dress, too, even if you’re watching from home. Let’s go! Now we can get to it for real!”

Lamar, 37, said in a statement following the announcement: “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”  Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter added: “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, said in a statement: “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop. We’re excited to collaborate with Kendrick, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to deliver another unforgettable Halftime Show.”

Editorial credit: Ga Fullner / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

San Francisco Giants sign 3B Matt Chapman to 6-year, $151M extension

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman jogs from the dugout during a game against Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum. July 5^ 2022

The San Francisco Giants announced Thursday that they have signed third baseman Matt Chapman to a six-year, $151 million contract extension, beginning in 2025 and running through the 2030 season. Chapman, 31, will earn $25 million annually through 2030. He also will earn a $1 million signing bonus in 2025 and make annual donations of $125,000 to the Giants Community Fund.

Chapman was the No. 25 overall pick by the Oakland Athletics in 2014, making his MLB debut in 2017 and selected as an All-Star in 2019. The A’s traded the veteran infielder to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022; and the Giants later signed him to a three-year, $54 million contract earlier this year.

Chapman owns a career .241 average with 177 home runs and 24 stolen bases through his first 1,004 appearances. He hit .247 with 22 home runs, 33 doubles, 69 RBIs and a career-high 13 stolen bases through 136 games this season.

Editorial credit: Conor P. Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

USWNT star Alex Morgan announces retirement, pregnancy

Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride) of United States during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between England and USA at Stade de Lyon on July 2^ 2019 in Lyon^ France.

USWNT star Alex Morgan – considered one of the most-decorated players in the history of the U.S. Women’s Soccer – announced on Thursday that she will retire from soccer after her final match Sunday with the San Diego Wave. In a four-minute, 33-second video posted to her social media with the caption ‘Thank you🫶’, Morgan, 35, announced that she had decided to retire, and also announced that she is pregnant with her second child.

Morgan said: “I’m going to get to the point quickly: I’m retiring… I have so much clarity about this decision and I’m so happy to be able to finally tell you. It has been a long time coming and this decision wasn’t easy, but at the beginning of 2024, I felt in my heart and soul that this was the last season I would play soccer. Soccer has been a part of me for 30 years and it was one of the first things that I ever loved. I gave everything to this sport. What I got in return was more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

Morgan is a two-time World Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist. She will go down as one of the greatest goalscorers in USWNT history, finishing her illustrious career with 123 goals (fifth most in program history) in 224 international appearances.  Her 123 goals trail only Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, Carli Lloyd and Kristine Lilly. The former team captain also totaled the ninth-most assists (53). Morgan won a gold medal at London 2012 and a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020. Morgan also was a member of World Cup winning teams in 2014 and 2019. She was on the second-place squad at the 2011 World Cup.

U.S. Soccer posted a video tribute to Morgan after news of her retirement went public (HERE), captioned: Two-time Women’s World Cup Champion and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Alex Morgan announced her retirement from professional soccer on September 5, 2024. She closes her incredible international career with 224 caps, 123 goals and 53 assists, and led the USWNT to three world championships. Her undeniable impact on the field is matched by a remarkable influence on the broader game, championing women’s soccer and female athletes worldwide through her advocacy for equity, accessibility and support for mothers

Morgan said in her video: “Success for me is defined by never giving up and giving your all and I did just that. Giving my all every single day on the field, and I did that. Giving my all in the relentless push for global investment in women’s sports because we deserve that. Giving my all in my various businesses beyond the soccer fields and giving my all as a mom to my daughter, Charlie. Charlie came up to me the other day and said that when she grows up she wants to be a soccer player and it just made me immensely proud, not because I wish for her to become a soccer player when she grows up, but because a pathway exists that even a 4-year-old can see now. We’re changing lives and the impact we have on the next generation is irreversible. I’m proud of the hand I had in making that happen and pushing the game forward and leaving it in a place that I’m so happy and proud of.”

Morgan will play her final professional game for the San Diego Wave on Sunday against the North Carolina Courage at 8 p.m. EDT Sunday in San Diego. The Wave also announced that they will celebrate Morgan’s career at their final home match Nov. 3 at Snapdragon Stadium.

Editorial credit: Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

See trailer for Ryan Murphy’s new series ‘Grotesquerie’ premiering on FX in September

Ryan Murphy attends Netflix The Politician premiere at DGA Theater. New York^ NY - September 26^ 2019

FX announced that Ryan Murphy‘s new 10-episode horror/drama series “Grotesquerie” will premiere Sept. 25 at 10 p.m. on FX. Grotesquerie is written and created by Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken; the series centers on “a series of heinous crimes” in a small community, with detective Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash-Betts), feeling the crimes “are eerily personal, as if someone — or something — is taunting her.”

Per a show synopsis, Lois (Nash-Betts) is struggling at home with “a strained relationship with her daughter, a husband in long-term hospital care and her own inner demons,” and teams up with Sister Megan (Micaela Diamond), a nun and journalist with the Catholic Guardian:  “Sister Megan, with her own difficult past, has seen the worst in humanity, yet she still believes in its capacity for good. Lois, on the other hand, fears the world is succumbing to evil. As Lois and Sister Megan string together clues, they find themselves ensnared in a sinister web that only seems to raise more questions than answers.”

“Grotesquerie” stars Niecy Nash-Betts as Detective Lois Tryon, Courtney B. Vance as Marshall Tryon, Lesley Manville as Nurse Redd, Micaela Diamond as Sister Megan, Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Father Charlie, Raven Goodwin as Merritt Tryon and NFL star Travis Kelce in an undisclosed role.

FX first shared a teaser for the series (seen here) and later released the official trailer, with Kelce saying in the introduction: “Check out the trailer for FX’s Grotesquerie. That’s right. You might see some familiar faces.”

Grotesquerie premieres Sept. 25 on FX at 10 p.m. EDT and will stream on Hulu the next day, Sept. 26.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com