Boost Immunity: Arm Yourself This Flu Season

Flu Season Strikes Hard—Unleash Your Natural Defenses!

As flu cases surge across the nation, leaving schools shuttered and parents scrambling, it’s time to arm yourself with nature’s own shield—your immune system. The recent flu wave serves as a harsh reminder that prevention is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. Here’s how you can turn the tide in your favor with simple, powerful steps.

**Fuel Your Fortress with Nutrient Powerhouses**

Imagine your immune system as a castle, fortified by the vibrant colors of fresh produce. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and dark leafy greens aren’t just tasty—they’re your frontline defense, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. This vibrant arsenal boosts your body’s ability to fend off invaders, helping to keep illness at bay.

**Hydrate Like a Warrior**

Water—essential, yet often overlooked—is the lifeblood of every soldier in your immune army. Dehydrated cells are like soldiers without armor. Keep your body battle-ready by drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm teas rich in ginger and turmeric, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

**Rest and Recharge**

In the battle against flu, sleep is your secret weapon. A well-rested body is a resilient one, capable of producing the necessary antibodies to fight off infections. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of restorative sleep to stay sharp and ready for whatever comes your way.

**Move with Purpose**

Exercise doesn’t just build muscle—it powers up your immune system too. Regular, moderate activity like brisk walking or cycling keeps your blood circulating, which helps flush out toxins and keeps your cells vigilant. But remember, balance is key; overexertion can wear your defenses down.

**Mind Your Mind**

Stress—the invisible enemy—can compromise even the strongest defenses. Incorporate stress-relieving activities such as yoga or meditation into your routine. Picture it as a calming shield, protecting your body from the negative impacts of stress on your immune health.

**Flavor Your Defense with Garlic and Honey**

These kitchen staples aren’t just culinary delights—they’re potent natural antibiotics. Garlic boosts your immune heroes, the white blood cells, while honey’s soothing properties can ease a sore throat. Together, they turn a simple meal into a medicinal powerhouse.

**Banish Misconceptions**

The flu vaccine remains a crucial ally, despite whispers of skepticism. It doesn’t just lower your risk of catching the flu—it reduces the severity if you do fall ill, preventing complications that could land you in the hospital. Think of it as your insurance policy against the season’s illnesses.

In these heightened times, your health is your most valuable asset. Don’t just react to the flu’s swift advance—take control of your defenses. With these tips, not only will you protect yourself, but you’ll stand as a beacon of resilience in your community. Gear up, and face the season with confidence and vigor!

FireAid Showcases Music’s Biggest Acts To Raise Money For LA Wildfire Relief

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Pop stars, first responders, rock stars and those who’ve lost everything in the devastating LA-area wildfires came together for FireAid, a massive benefit concert Thursday that combined spectacular performances with moving storytelling from survivors and reminders of the destruction.

In a night full of surprises, a reunion of Nirvana — fronted by St. Vincent, Kim Gordon and Joan Jett in the place of the late Kurt Cobain — tops the list. They launched into “Breed,” “School” and “Territorial Pissings” respectively, inspired and unexpected choices.

Drummer Dave Grohl’s daughter, Violet, then emerged on stage for “All Apologies.”

Closer Lady Gaga, after powering through the Oscar-award winning “Shallow” and “Always Remember Us This Way” from “A Star Is Born,” played a new song on the piano. “It’s just for tonight, it’s just for you,” she said of the song she wrote with fiancé businessman Michael Polansky. “Time is a healer.”

“All I need is time,” she sang in the folk-y pop chorus. “To heal my broken wings and then I’ll soar.”

Green Day kicked off the massive show by launching into “Last Night on Earth” at the Kia Forum and were soon joined by Billie Eilish for the first surprise of the night. The lyrics are surprisingly astute: “If I lose everything in the fire / I’m sending all my love to you.”

After their set, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong hugged actor Billy Crystal, who was there to welcome to the crowd at the Kia Forum.

“Our goal is simple tonight, to spend more money than the Dodgers spent on free agents,” he joked. He told the audience U2 offered the first big donation of the night: $1 million dollars.

Crystal said he was wearing the clothes he had on when he evacuated. He lost his home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood that he lived in for 46 years.

Is there any band more Southern California in spirit and geography than the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Bassist Flea did a handstand on stage wearing only a Speedo before they launched into one of their countless odes to the state: “Dani California,” “Californication” and “Under the Bridge.”

The first true-blue Los Angeles moment came from a surprise performance by Dr. Dre. The progenitor of West Coast hip-hop tackled “Still D.R.E.” with Anderson .Paak and Sheila E. before pivoting to Tupac and Dre’s classic “California Love.”

It was followed by the figurehead of Laurel Canyon folk, a moving set of “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell.

Later in the night, the recently reunited, Orange Country ska punk legends No Doubt launched into “I’m Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak” and “Spiderwebs,” led by frontwoman Gwen Stefani.

Katy Perry was joined by the Pasadena Chorale for “Rise” before launching into “Roar” and “California Gurls.” She paraded across the stage with the California state flag in hand.

And Eilish and her brother Finneas, who’ve called Los Angeles home for their entire lives, performed beautiful acoustic versions of her recent hits “Wildflower,” “The Greatest” and “Birds of a Feather.”

FireAid spread its performances between two venues, the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, providing a near seamless stream of music for nearly six hours. Behind early performances, images of firefighters and the devastation brought forth by the fires appeared on screen.

Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, Sting and Pink provided memorable sets.

Stevie Nicks did “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back” and “Landslide,” and told the story of evacuating her Pacific Palisades home that miraculously did not burn down. Her home is mostly wood, built in 1938, and she theorized its loss would have destroyed the whole street.

Earth, Wind & Fire did a medley of their biggest hits: “That’s the Way of the World,” “Shining Star” and “September.” The Black Crowes backed up John Fogerty for “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” Then the band was joined by Slash.

Lil Baby offered a rare hip-hop break in the night of mostly pop and rock, with his hits “So Sorry” and “Emotionally Scarred.”

Tate McRae performed her 2020 cut “You Broke Me First” and a cover of Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over.” Jelly Roll brought country music to the event, performing his hit “I Am Not Okay” and a cover of Bob Seger’s “Hollywood Nights” with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.

Between sets, survivors telling stories of losing their homes were broadcast throughout the arena, both in person and in video packages.

Non-celebrities brought heart. The Williams family, including four daughters and their mother, took the stage and discussed losing four homes in Altadena, California. They introduced the folk rock band Dawes, whose members also were directly affected by the Eaton fire.

Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith lost a portion of the Altadena house he shares with actor-singer Mandy Moore and his home recording studio and instruments were destroyed. Goldsmith’s brother and bandmate, Griffin Goldsmith, and his pregnant wife also lost their home in the fire.

Spirits were high. “We’re appreciative of this moment. I hope people remember this concert forever,” said Scott Jones, 54, who brought his daughter to the concert at the Kia Forum. The Los Angeles-resident and his daughter wore black T-shirts with “First Responders” written across their chests.

“I hope some of the firefighters who are able to attend can come and decompress a little,” Jones said. “They needed it. I’m supportive of what they have done for this city.”

Throughout the show, viewers and attendees were encouraged to donate via FireAidLA.org.

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie pledged to match all donations made during the live broadcast, doubling the proceeds. Crystal noted that because of their announcement, U2’s million dollar donation was worth twice that amount.

All of the proceeds will go to those affected. A 501(c)(3) was set up, and contributions to FireAid will be distributed under the Annenberg Foundation, which with FireAid has assembled a small committee to advise.

___

AP Entertainment Writers Mark Kennedy and Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report.

Dave Grohl makes rare appearance with daughter after devastating affair news

Dave Grohl of Nirvana performs onstage during the FIREAID Benefit Concert

Dave Grohl stunned fans on Thursday as he reunited on stage with Nirvana’s surviving members.

The musician was also joined by his 18-year-old daughter Violet for the surprise reunion as they wrapped up their stunning set with an emotional rendition of ‘All Apologies’.

It comes as celebrities came together for a special concert in a bid to raise funds for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. While the surviving members of Nirvana weren’t officially part of the FireAid bill, they took to the stage at the Kia Forum show to perform a number of their huge hits.

And it was Dave and daughter Violet Grohl who sent fans wild with an ultra rare public appearance together. Violet sang the lyrics once belted out by the late Kurt Cobain and impressed those watching on.

One user on Twitter/X said: “How the hell is Dave Grohl keeping it together right now at #FireAidBenefitConcert He’s playing the drums (which he rarely does anymore) for a Nirvana song but instead of his dead best friend singing “All Apologies” it’s his f***ing daughter and she’s nailing it.”

Another added :”Just Dave Grohl’s daughter Violet singing All Apologies with the surviving members to a global audience. No biggie.” And a third said: “A beautiful rendition of the All apologies,” while a fourth commented: “Absolutely Amazing!!! #Nirvana #FireAid #FireAidLA Dave Grohl! #fireaid”

However, some hit out at his appearance, labelling it a publicity stunt. One user jibed it was a “slam dunk” by his PR team, writing: “Dave Grohl PR team deciding to make his first public appearance after his scandal a surprise Nirvana performance at a wildfire charity concert.”

It comes after the drummer sensationally confessed that he had cheated on his wife. The Times Like These rocker has been married to director and actress Jordyn, 48, since 2003. They share daughters Violet Maye, 18, Harper Willow, 15, and 10-year-old Ophelia Saint.

However, in September last year Dave announced on social media that he had welcomed a fourth daughter “outside of my marriage”. He vowed to work to save his relationship with his wife and their children, however.

His wife admitted in December she “hopes to keep family together” as they try to move forward from the cheating scandal. She had initially considered divorce. An insider has told People : “It was just such a shock for Jordyn. Her first instinct was that she wanted a divorce. The betrayal felt too heavy. But as weeks passed, she got some space to think and it just felt very sad to her if the family would split up.”

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FireAid combines music’s biggest acts and stories of loss to raise money for LA wildfire relief

FireAid combines music’s biggest acts and stories of loss to raise money for LA wildfire relief

MARIA SHERMAN

Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:29 PM

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FireAid Benefit Concert – Show

Olivia Rodrigo performs during the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Pop stars, first responders, rock stars and those who’ve lost everything in the devastating LA-area wildfires came together for FireAid, a massive benefit concert Thursday that combined spectacular performances with moving storytelling from survivors and reminders of the destruction.

In a night full of surprises, a reunion of Nirvana — fronted by St. Vincent, Kim Gordon and Joan Jett in the place of the late Kurt Cobain — tops the list. They launched into “Breed,” “School” and “Territorial Pissings” respectively, inspired and unexpected choices.

Drummer Dave Grohl’s daughter, Violet, then emerged on stage for “All Apologies.”

Closer Lady Gaga, after powering through the Oscar-award winning “Shallow” and “Always Remember Us This Way” from “A Star Is Born,” played a new song on the piano. “It’s just for tonight, it’s just for you,” she said of the song she wrote with fiancé businessman Michael Polansky. “Time is a healer.”

“All I need is time,” she sang in the folk-y pop chorus. “To heal my broken wings and then I’ll soar.”

Green Day kicked off the massive show by launching into “Last Night on Earth” at the Kia Forum and were soon joined by Billie Eilish for the first surprise of the night. The lyrics are surprisingly astute: “If I lose everything in the fire / I’m sending all my love to you.”

After their set, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong hugged actor Billy Crystal, who was there to welcome to the crowd at the Kia Forum.

“Our goal is simple tonight, to spend more money than the Dodgers spent on free agents,” he joked. He told the audience U2 offered the first big donation of the night: $1 million dollars.

Crystal said he was wearing the clothes he had on when he evacuated. He lost his home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood that he lived in for 46 years.

SoCal in the building

Is there any band more Southern California in spirit and geography than the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Bassist Flea did a handstand on stage wearing only a Speedo before they launched into one of their countless odes to the state: “Dani California,” “Californication” and “Under the Bridge.”

The first true-blue Los Angeles moment came from a surprise performance by Dr. Dre. The progenitor of West Coast hip-hop tackled “Still D.R.E.” with Anderson .Paak and Sheila E. before pivoting to Tupac and Dre’s classic “California Love.”

It was followed by the figurehead of Laurel Canyon folk, a moving set of “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell.

Later in the night, the recently reunited, Orange Country ska punk legends No Doubt launched into “I’m Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak” and “Spiderwebs,” led by frontwoman Gwen Stefani.

Katy Perry was joined by the Pasadena Chorale for “Rise” before launching into “Roar” and “California Gurls.” She paraded across the stage with the California state flag in hand.

And Eilish and her brother Finneas, who’ve called Los Angeles home for their entire lives, performed beautiful acoustic versions of her recent hits “Wildflower,” “The Greatest” and “Birds of a Feather.”

Two venues, one huge concert

FireAid spread its performances between two venues, the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, providing a near seamless stream of music for nearly six hours. Behind early performances, images of firefighters and the devastation brought forth by the fires appeared on screen.

Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, Sting and Pink provided memorable sets.

Stevie Nicks did “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back” and “Landslide,” and told the story of evacuating her Pacific Palisades home that miraculously did not burn down. Her home is mostly wood, built in 1938, and she theorized its loss would have destroyed the whole street.

Earth, Wind & Fire did a medley of their biggest hits: “That’s the Way of the World,” “Shining Star” and “September.” The Black Crowes backed up John Fogerty for “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” Then the band was joined by Slash.

Lil Baby offered a rare hip-hop break in the night of mostly pop and rock, with his hits “So Sorry” and “Emotionally Scarred.”

Tate McRae performed her 2020 cut “You Broke Me First” and a cover of Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over.” Jelly Roll brought country music to the event, performing his hit “I Am Not Okay” and a cover of Bob Seger’s “Hollywood Nights” with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.

Music mixed with stories of fire’s toll

Between sets, survivors telling stories of losing their homes were broadcast throughout the arena, both in person and in video packages.

Non-celebrities brought heart. The Williams family, including four daughters and their mother, took the stage and discussed losing four homes in Altadena, California. They introduced the folk rock band Dawes, whose members also were directly affected by the Eaton fire.

Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith lost a portion of the Altadena house he shares with actor-singer Mandy Moore and his home recording studio and instruments were destroyed. Goldsmith’s brother and bandmate, Griffin Goldsmith, and his pregnant wife also lost their home in the fire.

Spirits were high. “We’re appreciative of this moment. I hope people remember this concert forever,” said Scott Jones, 54, who brought his daughter to the concert at the Kia Forum. The Los Angeles-resident and his daughter wore black T-shirts with “First Responders” written across their chests.

“I hope some of the firefighters who are able to attend can come and decompress a little,” Jones said. “They needed it. I’m supportive of what they have done for this city.”

Donations are the focus

Throughout the show, viewers and attendees were encouraged to donate via FireAidLA.org.

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie pledged to match all donations made during the live broadcast, doubling the proceeds. Crystal noted that because of their announcement, U2’s million dollar donation was worth twice that amount.

All of the proceeds will go to those affected. A 501(c)(3) was set up, and contributions to FireAid will be distributed under the Annenberg Foundation, which with FireAid has assembled a small committee to advise.

___

AP Entertainment Writers Mark Kennedy and Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report.

Nirvana performs surprise reunion set with Joan Jett, Kim Gordon and St. Vincent

No one could have expected a surprise Nirvana reunion with a rotating cast of female singers standing in for the late Kurt Cobain, but that’s what fans received Thursday night with Dave Grohl behind the drums, Pat Smear on guitar and Krist Novoselic on bass.

There also was a family reunion with Grohl’s 18-year-old daughter, Violet, who has frequently sung with her father onstage, joining the gathering of alt-rock royalty for Nirvana’s almost-ballad, “All Apologies.”

The surprise one-night-only performance was one of more than a dozen sets at Inglewood’s Kia Forum during the dual FireAid benefit concerts, which raised money for recovery efforts following historic wildfires that devastated areas in and around LA County and killed at least two dozen people.

The band slammed through a quartet of Nirvana songs with sometimes questionable audio, especially with St. Vincent’s frantic “Breed.” But the volume and energy never relented as Kim Gordon stormed through “School” and Joan Jett growled during “Territorial Pissings.”

Nirvana’s last performance with Cobain – who died April 5, 1994, at 27 – was a month prior in Germany. The band’s last performance, which featured Gordon, Jett and Lorde, was when was Seattle grunge group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

The set was part of a star-studded lineup – which also included Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes, Stevie Nicks and the Red Hot Chili Peppers – at the Forum. Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Rod Stewart and Katy Perry were among the acts that took the stage at the nearby Intuit Dome.

Every FireAid performance: Which songs Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, No Doubt and more performed

The Nirvana reunion was not initially included in FireAid’s lineup.

This was the first time that Grohl, the Foo Fighters frontman, and daughter Violet have performed together since he announced the birth of a daughter outside of his 21-year marriage last fall. Grohl has been married to Jordyn Blum since August 2003, and the two largely keep their relationship private. They have three daughters together.

Per organizers, funds raised “will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation” and “will be distributed for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.”

The dual benefit concerts took place just three days before the 67th annual Grammy Awards, which will take over Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA on Sunday.

Who is Ormund Hightower? Find out who will play him in House of the Dragon season 3

House of the Dragon season 3 is gaining another ally for the Greens. James Norton has been cast as Ormund Hightower in House of the Dragon season 3.

Per Variety, Norton’s Ormund Hightower is currently leading an army of Hightower troops to King’s Landing to support the Greens in their fight against Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and the Blacks. Ormund is Otto’s (Rhys Ifans) nephew, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Gwayne’s (Freddie Fox) cousin, and the Lord of Oldtown. Ormund was referenced in season 2, but never appeared on screen.

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Norton is an English actor best known for his roles in TV shows like Happy Valley, War & Peace, Grantchester, McMafia, and The Nevers. Norton will next appear in House of Guinness, Netflix’s upcoming drama series from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, and King and Conqueror, a historical series with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. On the film side, Norton starred in Bob Marley: One Love, Little Women, and Joy.

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In August 2024, House of the Dragon co-creator Ryan Condal revealed the show had been renewed for two more seasons, with season 4 to serve as the series’ epic conclusion. However, season 4 has not been officially greenlit by HBO. Season 3 is expected to go into production in the first half of 2025. No release window has been confirmed for the third season. Seasons 1 and 2 aired in October 2022 and June 2024, respectively. Using these timeframes as a template, it’s safe to assume season 3 will air in the summer of 2026.

House of the Dragon Season 2 | Official Trailer | Max

Set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon depicts the violent civil war within the Targaryen family. At the end of season 2, war is inevitable, as the Greens and the Blacks ready their dragons for battle.

House of the Dragon’s ensemble includes Matt Smith, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, and Jefferson Hall.

Condal and George R.R. Martin created House of the Dragon, based on the latter’s 2018 novel Fire & Blood. Stream the first two seasons on Max.

Who should win, and who will win, at this year’s Grammys – The Boston Globe

The last few years have seen the fruits of those labors, and the 67th annual Grammy Awards, which take place on Sunday, are continuing that trend. Highlighting artists like Beyoncé (who leads the field with 11 nominations), Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar while also giving props to breakout acts like Chappell Roan and Doechii, this year’s awards provide a healthy (if not entirely complete) snapshot of how popular music shook out during this year’s nomination period, which ran from Sept. 16, 2023, through Aug. 30, 2024.

Read on for a look at all six of the general field’s races as well as select fields from this year’s 94-category field. The Grammys’ heft means that only select awards will be given out on the main telecast, which begins at 8 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+, and which will feature performances by Roan, Eilish, Doechii, and others. Completists can see all the trophies get doled out by tuning into the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, which begins streaming on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on Grammy.com at 3:30 p.m.

RECORD OF THE YEAR (given to artist, producers, and engineers)

Should win: Most of this category’s nominees, honestly. Kendrick Lamar’s acid-tongued party jam “Not Like Us” paired memorable, precisely delivered sobriquets with a beat that commanded movement; Billie Eilish’s lovesick “Birds of a Feather” combined glassy keyboards with a career-best vocal performance. Chappell Roan’s seething “Good Luck, Babe!” was the coming-out party of a star, its catharsis draped in synths and jewels.

Will win: Ah, but then there are the Beatles. Their final — for now, anyway — single “Now and Then,” a John Lennon demo fleshed out and made whole by old and new recordings and a bit of machine-assisted learning helmed by Peter Jackson, is the lone veteran in the field. Why vote for pop’s present when you can vote for its past and future in one fell swoop?

Also nominated: Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ‘Em”; Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”; Charli XCX, “360”; Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone, “Fortnight”

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Should win: Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” continued her schooling of pop audiences, elegantly and hookily guiding listeners through country’s origins in Black music while spotlighting newer Black country artists like Shaboozey (more on him in a moment) and Tanner Adell. Honorable mention should go to Roan, whose “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” — released just as the eligibility year began in September 2023 — was both a rebuke of the label that fumbled her earlier this decade and a killer collection of energetic, euphoric anthems.

Will win: Eilish’s sharply rendered, artistically open “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” making her 2-for-3 on AOTY wins.

Also nominated: Andre 3000, “New Blue Sun”; Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet”; Charli XCX, “Brat”; Jacob Collier, “Djesse Vol. 4”; Taylor Swift, “The Tortured Poets Department”

SONG OF THE YEAR (given to songwriters)

Should win: “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” the breakout single by the Beyoncé-approved Virginia singer-songwriter Shaboozey, defined the sound of pop’s 2024, blending sing-along-ready honky-tonking with throwback hip-hop (the hook is borrowed from the 2004 J-Kwon track “Tipsy”). Its blend of genres and Shaboozey’s amiable delivery would seem to make it more suited for a Record of the Year nod, but the Grammys still work in their own ways.

Will win: “Birds of a Feather,” another sterling effort from the bedroom-pop team of Eilish and her brother FINNEAS.

Also nominated: “Die With a Smile” (Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga); “Fortnight” (Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone); “Good Luck, Babe!” (Chappell Roan); “Not Like Us” (Kendrick Lamar); “Please Please Please” (Sabrina Carpenter); “Texas Hold ‘Em” (Beyoncé)

BEST NEW ARTIST

Should win: Roan had a Cinderella year topped off by memorable live performances at festivals and awards shows. But I also have a soft spot for the Florida rapper Doechii, whose mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal” documents a talented MC fully immersing herself in a wild, twist-filled universe.

Will win: Atlanta singer Teddy Swims, whose gravelly voice and aw-shucks charm helped propel his throwback single “Lose Control” to the top spot of 2024’s year-end Hot 100.

Also nominated: Benson Boone; Sabrina Carpenter; Khruangbin; Raye; Shaboozey

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL

Should win: Mustard, who turned Lamar’s laundry list of issues with Drake into the song of the summer.

Will win: Dan Nigro, whose records with Roan and Gen Z ’90s revivalist Olivia Rodrigo amplified the sound of young America in thrilling fashion.

Should win: Édgar Barrera, who’s been at the forefront of Latin pop’s push into US pop’s mainstream through his work with the likes of Shakira, Karol G, and Grupo Frontera.

Will win: Amy Allen, who helped Sabrina Carpenter craft some of the year’s gooiest, most caffeinated hits.

Should and will win: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’s “Die With a Smile” shows off Gaga’s ability to absolutely nail power ballads and Mars’s chameleonic nature. It’s a big swing that resulted in a home run.

Also nominated: Beyoncé feat. Post Malone, “Levii’s Jeans”; Charli XCX and Billie Eilish, “Guess”; Ariana Grande, Brandy, and Monica, “The Boy Is Mine”; Gracie Abrams feat. Taylor Swift, “Us”

BEST ROCK ALBUM

Should win: This category is a bit of a toss-up, with newer acts like Idles and Fontaines DC facing off against old hands like Pearl Jam and the Rolling Stones. If I had a ballot, I’d probably vote for the Black Crowes’ “Happiness Bastards,” a rip-roaring comeback album from the Robinson brothers that adds a bit of world-weariness to their snarling blues-rock.

Will win: Similarly, Jack White’s “No Name” finds the Detroit punker turned elder statesman returning to his early career’s hooks-and-riffs basics with gusto.

Also nominated: Fontaines DC, “Romance”; Green Day, “Saviors”; Idles, “Tangk”; Pearl Jam, “Dark Matter”; the Rolling Stones, “Hackney Diamonds”

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Should win: College-rock patron saint Kim Gordon’s “Bye Bye” blends noise rock and trap, updating the idea of her former band Sonic Youth’s 1990 manifesto “Kool Thing” in a surrealistic fashion appropriate for the chaotic mid-’20s.

Will win: Art-popper St. Vincent, a perpetual favorite in the increasingly nebulous “alternative” categories.

Also nominated: Cage the Elephant, “Neon Pill”; Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, “Song of the Lake”; Fontaines DC, “Starburster”

BEST R&B SONG (given to songwriters)

Should and will win: SZA’s “Saturn,” which debuted during last year’s telecast, finds the singer-songwriter immersing herself in psychedelia in hopes of escaping her head’s crueler thoughts.

Also nominated: “After Hours” (Kehlani); “Burning” (Tems); “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” (Coco Jones); “Ruined Me” (Muni Long)

BEST RAP ALBUM

Should win: Doechii’s “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” which showcases her gloriously idiosyncratic rhymes and dexterous flow.

Will win: Future and Metro Boomin’s “We Don’t Trust You” was a crossover triumph for the emotional MC and the hit-making St. Louis producer that featured a slew of heavy hitters including Lamar, The Weeknd, and Rick Ross. But Eminem’s high-concept “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce),” on which the fast-talking Detroiter channels and casts off his past, could also nab the trophy — Eminem is 6-for-7 in this category so far, making him its most-awarded MC.

Also nominated: J. Cole, “Might Delete Later”; Common & Pete Rock, “The Auditorium, Vol. 1”

BEST ALTERNATIVE JAZZ ALBUM

Should and will win: Enigmatic hip-hop heavyweight André 3000’s surprising, New Age-y “New Blue Sun” also being nominated for Album of the Year tips this category’s hand a bit.

Also nominated: Arooj Aftab, “Night Reign”; Robert Glasper, “Code Derivation”; Keyon Harrold, “Foreverland”; Meshell Ndgeocello, “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin”

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE

Should win: Kacey Musgraves’s thoughtful “The Architect” was a high point of the expectation-defying singer-songwriter’s luminous, clear-eyed “Deeper Well.”

Will win: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which combined working-man woes with after-hours revelry.

Also nominated: Beyoncé, “16 Carriages”; Jelly Roll, “I Am Not Okay”; Chris Stapleton, “It Takes a Woman”

Will win: Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind,” a top-notch collection from one of Nashville’s brightest stars that’s studded with gems like the arena-size, yet diaristic lament “Bar in Baton Rouge.”

Should win: Kali Uchis’s “Orquideas” finds the exploration-minded romantic crafting her own take on Latin pop’s canon alongside stars like reggaeton supernova Karol G and música Mexicana troubadour Peso Pluma.

Will win: “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” the first album in seven years from Colombian superstar Shakira, is similarly adventurous and guest-star-studded, with a high-profile breakup as its backdrop.

Also nominated: Anitta, “Funk Generation”; Luis Fonsi, “El Viaje”; Kany García, “García”

BEST MUSIC FILM

Should and will win: The all-star charity cut “We Are the World” turns 40 in March, and it remains one of pop’s biggest charity singles to this day. But the crackling documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop,” which chronicles its genesis, is so well-crafted that it manages to keep viewers in suspense about whether or not Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and Michael Jackson — not to mention the limo-loads of the early MTV era’s hugest names — will be able to pull it off until its end.

Also nominated: “American Symphony”; “June”; “Kings from Queens”; “Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple”

Karla Sofía Gascón apologizes for resurfaced post calling George Floyd a “swindler”

“Emilia Pérez” star, Karla Sofía Gascón, has issued an apology in the wake of considerable backlash surrounding the actress’ resurfaced social media posts in which she condemned Islam and called the late George Floyd “a drug addict” and a “swindler.”

in a statement via Netflix, Gascón writes, “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”

The Spanish actress recently became the first transgender person nominated for an Oscar, with the crime musical, “Emilia Pérez,” snagging 13 nominations at the Academy Awards. The film has been on a winning streak after it took home the award for Best Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes earlier in January.

Gascón has been mired in controversy since early Thursday after journalist Sarah Hagi unearthed Gascón’s old tweets from 2016 to 2021. Gascón’s posts have since been wiped but Hagi’s thread, which has been viewed three million times, highlights numerous posts from the actress berating Muslims for their faith, language and culture, claiming the faith should be banned.

In one of Gascón’s posts from 2020, she wrote, “I’m sorry, Is it just my impression or is there more Muslims in Spain? Every time I go to pick up my daughter from school there are more women with their hair covered and their skirts down to their heels. Next year instead of English we’ll have to teach Arabic.”

During the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, Gascón wrote, “I really think that very few people ever cared about George Floyd, a drug addict swindler, but his death has served to once again demonstrate that there are people who still consider black people to be monkeys without rights and consider policemen to be assassins. They’re all wrong.”

In a post from 2021, Gascón criticized the Oscars for awarding “Nomadland” Best Picture.

“More and more the #Oscars are looking like a ceremony for independent and protest films, I didn’t know if I was watching an Afro-Korean festival, a Black Lives Matter demonstration or the 8M,” Gascón wrote. “Apart from that, an ugly, ugly gala.”

The Best Actress race has also seen more controversy from Gascón when she claimed in a Brazilian interview that fellow Best Actress nominee, “I’m Still Here” star Fernanda Torres, allegedly used online tactics to smear her and “Emilia Pérez.”

“What I don’t like are social media teams — people who work with these people — trying to diminish our work, like me and my movie, because that doesn’t lead anywhere,” Gascón said. “You don’t need to tear down someone’s work to highlight another’s. I have never, at any point, said anything bad about Fernanda Torres or her movie. However, there are people working with Fernanda Torres tearing me and ‘Emilia Pérez’ down. That speaks more about their movie than mine.”

Gascón clarified to Variety that her comments were not “directly associated” with Torres, but were aimed at “toxicity and violent hate speech on social media.”

Reese Witherspoon ‘reveals’ name of A-list actor who ‘doesn’t like’ her

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Reese Witherspoon has appeared to accidentally reveal the name of an A-list actor “doesn’t like” her after a speech-gone-wrong.

On Thursday (20 January), the Legally Blonde and Big Little Lies star said that a female Hollywood star, whose name she didn’t reveal, was left unimpressed after Witherspoon “roasted” her at a “classy” awards show in the UK.

‘It was pretty bad,” Witherspoon, who stars in new comedy You’re Cordially Invited, with Will Ferrell, told PEOPLE. “Yeah, not even kidding – she doesn’t talk to me anymore.”

According to the actor, she is still “haunted” and “embarrassed” by the reaction to her speech, which she wrongly assumed should be a roast sending up the unnamed star, which many are deducing to be Kate Winslet.

“So this friend of mine – who I didn’t really know that well, but she was a very serious, proper actress – she asked me to give her an award,” Witherspoon said.

“But I had never been to this award ceremony, so I thought it was like a roast. So I got up and I roasted her. The tone was British and elegant and classy, and I was like, ‘Remember the time we got laser hair removal?!’”

Internet sleuths jumped to action and quickly surmised that Witherspoon might be talking about Titanic star Winslet.

Their evidence derives from the fact that Witherspoon poked fun at the British actor while presenting her with an award at the Bafta/LA Cunard Britannia Awards – and cracked a joke about laser hair removal.

A Witherspoon fan site, as flagged by JustJared, states that the actor said in November 2027: “I always wanted to be a European movie star, wear giant sunglasses, elaborate neck scarves, smoke hand-rolled cigarettes, and have savoir faire and gravitas.

“Imagine my good fortune when Kate Winslet moved into my neighbourhood, rang my door bell and said, ‘Darling, Sam [Mendes, Winslet’s ex] is off shooting, and I believe our children are the same age. Could they possibly have a play date and oh, by the way, it’s almost nine o’clock and I’ve had nothing to do drink. So you have any wine?’”

She then revealed that the pair once considered getting laser hair removal and also hinted at a funny escapade in their underwear, telling the crowd she can’t delve into the stories as “they’re all too bawdy or tawdry or drunken to tell”.

Witherspoon said in the new interview: “I thought it was so funny and it was just, I had the wrong audience.”

Both Witherspoon and Winslet appeared on stage together at the Oscars in 2016 to present two Best Picture nominees, Bridge of Spies and Spotlight. The pair didn’t speak to one another during their segment.

Dave Grohl brings daughter Violet onstage to perform Nirvana song

Dave Grohl took the stage for the first time since his cheating and baby scandal was revealed in September last year.

He joined Krist Novoselic, 59, and Pat Smear, 65, as the surviving members of pioneering rock band Nirvana as part of the Fire Aid concert in Los Angeles.

The Everlong singer, 55, was uncharacteristically silent behind the drum kit during the band’s four song set, leaving the introductions to Novoselic.

His daughter Violet Grohl, 18, filled in for the late Kurt Cobain on All Apologies off the band’s seminal 1993 album In Utero.

Grohl was choked up as he drummed along to the song while watching his eldest daughter performing for the sold out and enraptured crowd.

Four months ago, Dave and Violet were reportedly not on speaking terms after it was revealed he’d cheated on his wife and her mother Jordyn Blum, 48, and fathered a child with his mistress.

Dave Grohl took the stage for the first time since his cheating and baby scandal was revealed in September 2024

He joined Krist Novaselic, 59, and Pat Smear, 65, as the surviving members of pioneering rock band Nirvana as part of the Fire Aid concert in Los Angeles

The Everlong singer, 55, was uncharacteristically quiet behind the drum kit during the band’s four song set

Violet’s participation in the first Nirvana reunion since 2020’s Heaven Benefit Concert signals that tensions between the Foo Fighters frontman and his daughters are dissipating, at least somewhat.

Violet was one of four women who stepped into Cobain’s shoes for the evening.

Read More FireAid concert: Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga lead music’s biggest stars in Los Angeles benefit show

St. Vincent, 42, took the stage first to perform a blistering version of Breed off Nirvana’s 1991 breakthrough album Nevermind.

Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth, who was instrumental in Nirvana’s early success, booking them as an opening act for her more established band, was next.

Gordon, 71, looked incredibly youthful as she belted out School, which is off the band’s 1989 debut album Bleach.

Joan Jett, 66, lent her famous voice to Territorial Pissings off of Nevermind.

Jett also performed with Nirvana in 2018 at the Cal Jam Music Festival in Devore, California.

The band was a surprise act and was not listed on Fire Aid’s lineup alongside Lady Gaga, Green Day, No Doubt, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Dawes, John Mayer and many others.

His daughter Violet Grohl, 18, filled in for the late Kurt Cobain on All Apologies off the band’s 1993 album In Utero

Grohl was choked up as he drummed along to the song while watching his eldest daughter performing for the sold out and enraptured crowd

Four months ago, Dave and Violet were reportedly not on speaking terms after it was revealed he’d cheated on his wife and her mother Jordyn Blum and fathered a child with his mistress

Violet was one of four women who stepped into Cobain’s shoes for the evening

Joan Jett, 66, lent her famous voice to Territorial Pissings off of Nevermind Jett also performed with Nirvana in 2018 at the Cal Jam Music Festival in Devore, California

The band was a surprise act and was not listed on Fire Aid’s lineup alongside Lady Gaga, Green Day, No Doubt, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Dawes, John Mayer and many others

The surprise appearance and inclusion of Violet in Nirvana’s set gave the evening a mystical flashback to the early 1990s.

On September 10, Dave shocked fans when he confessed to cheating on his wife Jordyn and welcoming a baby girl with an as-yet unnamed woman.

He announced to his 1.4 million followers on Instagram: ‘I’ve recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage.

‘I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her,’ he stated.

‘I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness.’

He concluded: ‘We’re grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together.’

Dave, who has been married since 2003, did not share any information about his fourth child’s mother in the post.

The rocker also shares Harper Willow, 15, and Ophelia Saint, 10, with Jordyn.

Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth, who was instrumental in Nirvana’s early success, belted out School, which is off the band’s 1989 debut album Bleach

St. Vincent, 42, took the stage first to perform a blistering version of Breed off Nirvana’s 1991 breakthrough album Nevermind

The surprise appearance and inclusion of Violet in Nirvana’s set gave the evening a mystical flashback to the early 1990s

After the scandal broke, the Foo Fighters cancelled festival appearances and their 2025 tour and went on hiatus while Grohl pieced his personal life back together.

Grohl hired a divorce attorney before releasing the statement about his affair but has since fired them.

‘He’s no longer working with a divorce attorney and instead hoping to work things out with his wife,’ a source told People in November.

A second source said the star ‘loves his family’ adding: ‘Dave’s been prioritizing his family. He knows he messed up.

‘It’s one of those situations where you don’t realize what you have until you’re about to lose it. He doesn’t want to lose his family.’