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The R&B world lost another bright light this weekend when Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler, the beloved hype-man and backing vocalist of Kool & the Gang, died in a tragic car accident outside Atlanta. He was 71.

Late Saturday night, on a stretch of road near Buckner Road, Sumler’s black Nissan collided with another vehicle. While the other driver walked away unscathed, Sumler — whose infectious energy had lifted countless performances over three decades — couldn’t be saved.

“We’ve lost another brother,” said Robert “Kool” Bell, the band’s founding bassist and sole remaining original member. His voice heavy with emotion, Bell added, “The stage won’t be the same without Mike.”

The loss cuts deep for a group that’s been no stranger to heartbreak lately. Just last year, they bid farewell to drummer George Brown after his battle with cancer. Now, barely a month after their long-overdue Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, they’re mourning again.

Those close to Sumler paint a picture of someone whose offstage persona matched his electric stage presence. “He was the real deal — a true mentor,” remembers Adrian Meeks, a longtime friend who spoke with Fox 5 Atlanta. “Mike lived to see others succeed in this business. That was just his nature.”

Since joining in ’85, Sumler had been an integral part of one of R&B’s most enduring success stories. The numbers tell part of the tale: 25 Top Ten R&B singles, nine Pop hits that cracked the Top Ten, and a staggering 31 gold and platinum albums. But numbers barely scratch the surface of their impact on American music.

From the funk-drenched grooves of “Funky Stuff” to the eternal party starter “Celebration,” Kool & the Gang carved out their place in music history. Their achievements — two Grammys, seven American Music Awards, and that gleaming star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — speak to their lasting influence.

Despite this devastating setback, the band’s scheduled appearance at the UK’s Boogietown festival this summer alongside UB40 and Billy Ocean suggests their determination to keep the music playing. Yet anyone who witnessed Sumler working his magic knows — there’ll be an empty space on that stage that no one else can quite fill.

Sometimes, the truest measure of a performer isn’t just in the music they make, but in the spirit they leave behind. By that standard, Chicago Mike’s legacy is secure — remembered not just for the joy he brought to audiences worldwide, but for the countless artists he inspired along the way.

Sometimes life has a funny way of reminding us that rock stars aren’t so different from the rest of us. Just ask Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill, who’s been forced to hit pause on the band’s highly anticipated UK and European tour after a decidedly un-rock-and-roll mishap — a broken heel from playing with his kids.

The Tennessee rockers dropped the bombshell announcement last week, sending festival organizers scrambling and leaving fans wondering if 2025’s summer concert season is cursed. (Let’s not forget the string of weather-related cancellations that plagued Glastonbury’s spring warmup events.)

“I broke my foot pretty bad playing with my kids,” Followill shared in a surprisingly candid video message, his characteristic drawl tinged with frustration. The sight of his foot wrapped in what looked like half a medical supply store told fans everything they needed to know. Emergency surgery in Nashville followed, and doctors slapped an eight-week recovery timeline on the injury — effectively grounding the frontman right when the band was ready to soar.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Kings of Leon were set to headline some of Europe’s most prestigious festivals — Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival, Belgium’s Rock Werchter — not to mention the red-hot Blackweir Live series in Cardiff. The Lytham Festival lineup, where they were supposed to share the stage with Justin Timberlake and Alanis Morissette, now has a gaping hole where their signature sound should’ve been.

What makes this particularly gut-wrenching? The band had been cooking up something special in the studio. “We’ve got a bunch of new songs,” Followill explained, his disappointment practically radiating through the screen. Their latest album, “Can We Please Have Fun,” which claimed the #2 spot on the UK Albums Chart (and a respectable #35 on Billboard 200), was just the beginning.

But here’s the thing about musicians who’ve weathered nearly two decades in the industry — they know how to pivot. The band, comprised of brothers Caleb, Jared, and Nathan Followill, along with cousin Matthew, isn’t letting this setback derail their creative momentum entirely.

“We’re gonna have to find a new way forward,” Caleb mused in his update, somehow managing to sound optimistic despite everything. “Exciting stuff is coming… it’s going to be all right.”

Looking ahead (cautiously), Kings of Leon should be back on stage by July 18, supporting Zach Bryan at New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium — assuming Followill’s heel cooperates with the doctors’ timeline. Though given how 2025’s festival season has unfolded so far, maybe it’s best not to tempt fate with too many predictions.

The whole situation serves up a reminder that’s equal parts humbling and human: sometimes the biggest disruptions to our plans come from the most ordinary moments. Even when you’re the voice behind some of rock’s most iconic anthems, you’re still not immune to the chaos of family life — broken heels, medical boots, and all.

Live sports have a way of delivering unscripted moments that no screenwriter could dream up. Just ask the Comerica Park grounds crew member who, in the midst of Wednesday’s Tigers-Giants matchup, turned a routine injury delay into what might be 2025’s first viral baseball moment — complete with a gesture that definitely wasn’t meant for family viewing.

Between innings of Detroit’s eventual 4-3 victory over San Francisco, the baseball gods decided to throw everyone a curveball. An unnamed member of the grounds crew — those unsung heroes who keep the diamond pristine while most fans are queuing for hot dogs — went down with a leg injury during the familiar dance of infield maintenance.

What happened next? Pure, unfiltered reality TV.

NBC Sports Bay Area, fresh from their commercial break and presumably expecting nothing more exciting than some routine field grooming, found themselves with front-row seats to an impromptu drama. Their cameras zoomed in with the kind of attention usually reserved for ninth-inning nail-biters, while play-by-play veteran Dave Flemming’s voice carried genuine concern: “You do not see this very often, I hope he’s OK.”

The injured groundskeeper, clearly not thrilled about becoming the unexpected star of the afternoon’s broadcast, decided to offer his own editorial comment on the situation. Making direct eye contact with the camera — no small feat while dealing with what appeared to be significant discomfort — he delivered a single-finger salute that spoke volumes about his feelings toward sudden fame.

“Can’t do that,” Flemming deadpanned, as medical staff scrambled to lower the worker’s expressive appendage. But by then, the moment had already been captured for posterity — and yes, for the endless echo chamber of social media.

The whole scene served up a stark reminder of just how demanding infield maintenance can be. These aren’t just folks pushing dirt around; they’re performing a precisely choreographed routine against the relentless clock of baseball’s between-innings countdown. As Giants analyst Hunter Pence noted with characteristic optimism, “Hope it’s just a leg and something not too serious.”

While the Tigers’ front office has maintained radio silence about their employee’s condition — and his impromptu contribution to broadcast history — the incident adds another colorful chapter to baseball’s rich tapestry of grounds crew moments. Though usually these tales involve losing battles with wind-whipped tarps rather than emergency medical situations.

The game, as baseball games tend to do, rolled on. Detroit completed their sweep of the Giants, but let’s be honest — nobody’s talking about the final score. Instead, this game will be remembered for one frustrated groundskeeper who decided that his close-up deserved a very specific kind of direction.

Sometimes the best baseball stories happen between the plays. And sometimes those stories come with a content warning.

Hollywood’s latest odd-couple experiment might just be its most intriguing yet. Amazon MGM Studios is rolling the dice on what could be 2025’s most unexpected duo — Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson — in their upcoming action-comedy “The Pickup.” And honestly? The pairing sounds so bizarre it might actually work.

Remember that moment when Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger somehow made “Twins” work back in ’88? Amazon’s betting lightning might strike twice here, though this time with a decidedly different flavor. They’ve got Tim Story in the director’s chair — you know, the guy who gave us “Barbershop” and turned Kevin Hart and Ice Cube into an unlikely but golden partnership in “Ride Along.”

The premise? Well, it’s basically “Die Hard” meets “48 Hours” for the TikTok generation. Murphy and Davidson play armored truck drivers caught up in what should’ve been just another day at the office. But here’s where things get interesting — Keke Palmer steps in as Zoe, the mastermind behind whatever chaos is about to unfold. The marketing folks are having a field day with their tagline: “They’re armed, but she’s dangerous.” Cute, right?

Let’s talk about that cast for a second. Beyond the headline-grabbing leads, they’ve assembled quite the roster. Eva Longoria’s in there, along with Marshawn Lynch (yeah, Beast Mode himself), and even WWE’s Roman Reigns — though he’s going by his government name, Joe Anoa’i. Throw in Andrew Dice Clay and Ismael Cruz Córdova, and you’ve got yourself a proper Hollywood gumbo.

The whole setup practically begs for Murphy to dust off that quick-fire wit we all know and love, while Davidson can do his whole millennial-anxiety-meets-deadpan-humor thing. It’s either going to be comedy gold or a spectacular train wreck — and honestly, either way, we’re here for it.

Some industry insider (who’s probably hoping their NDA doesn’t cover anonymous quotes) describes it as a story about “high-risk danger, clashing personalities, and one very bad day that keeps getting worse.” Sounds about right for a summer blockbuster dropping when everyone’s desperate to escape the August heat in their air-conditioned living rooms.

Here’s the thing, though — Amazon’s not just throwing this out there hoping it sticks. Dropping it on Prime Video August 6th, right in the sweet spot of summer streaming season? That’s a power move. They’re betting big on this unlikely generational collision of comedy styles creating something special.

Will it work? Who knows. But in a landscape cluttered with predictable franchises and cookie-cutter action flicks, there’s something refreshingly bold about throwing Murphy and Davidson into the same armored truck and seeing what happens. At the very least, it should be interesting to watch these two try to navigate their way through whatever mayhem Palmer’s character has in store for them.

Darlings, hold onto your designer coffee mugs — UBA’s glitziest drama is about to get even more deliciously complicated. “The Morning Show” returns this September with a cast that’s frankly making other prestige series look like community theater (no shade, but… shade).

The latest additions? Oh, just a casual sprinkling of Oscar-winning stardust. Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons are stepping into the already-dazzling ensemble, and honestly? This feels less like casting and more like a coup d’état of talent.

Set in spring 2024 (which feels weirdly like yesterday now that we’re deep into 2025), the new season promises to dig its stilettos into territory that’s uncomfortably familiar — the whole “what’s even real anymore?” mess we’re all swimming in. Between deepfakes making grandma look like she’s selling crypto and corporate spin doctors working overtime, the show’s timing couldn’t be more perfect… or more unsettling.

Jennifer Aniston’s Alex Levy — still television’s reigning queen of power suits and perfectly-timed takedowns — appears unusually contemplative in the first-look photos. Perhaps someone finally switched her morning coffee to decaf? (Kidding, darlings — that would be an actual crime.)

The newcomers? Let’s dish. Cotillard steps in as Celine Dumont, some fancy European operator who probably makes Alex’s designer wardrobe look like fast fashion. Meanwhile, Irons is playing Alex’s father, though something about his Jordan Peterson-esque vibe in the promo shots suggests there’s more brewing than daddy issues.

They’re not stopping there, honey. William Jackson Harper joins as Ben, running the sports division (and presumably running circles around the old guard), while Boyd Holbrook arrives as Brodie, some hotshot podcaster who’s definitely going to stir up trouble. Because what’s UBA without a dash of chaos?

Karen Pittman dropped some seriously juicy hints about filming during the actual 2024 election — talk about art imitating life imitating complete mayhem. The political undertones are apparently thick enough to spread on toast, which… considering how 2024 actually played out? Feels right.

The ten episodes (running September through November) couldn’t land at a better moment. With traditional media doing its best impression of a swan dive into uncertainty and truth becoming more slippery than a politician’s promises, “The Morning Show” seems ready to serve up exactly what we need: sharp commentary wrapped in enough glamour to make the medicine go down smooth.

And yes, sweeties, all your favorites are back — Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Jon Hamm. Because sometimes the best accessory is a familiar face… especially when that face belongs to Jon Hamm. (Sorry not sorry.)

With Charlotte Stoudt running the show and Mimi Leder directing, we’re in for something special. In an era where clicking “fact check” feels like a full-time job, “The Morning Show” is positioning itself to be both mirror and magnifying glass — examining not just what fills our screens, but how we consume it.

September feels like an eternity away, but darlings? This one might actually be worth the wait. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to clear my schedule and stock up on viewing essentials. These episodes aren’t going to watch themselves.

Jensen Ackles is trading supernatural battles for police badges, and Prime Video’s newest venture proves they’ve struck gold yet again. Their upcoming series “Countdown” might just be the sleeper hit of 2025’s packed streaming calendar – assuming anyone can actually sleep through its heart-pounding premise.

The first-look images dropped yesterday, and they’re absolutely electric. Ackles steps into the shoes of LAPD detective Mark Meachum with the kind of ease that makes you wonder why he didn’t ditch the demon-hunting gig years ago. Then again, perhaps it’s that very Winchester charm that makes his transition from supernatural savior to hardened cop feel so seamlessly right.

“Countdown” feels like the lovechild of “24” and “The Departed” – but with better lighting and considerably sharper wardrobe choices. (Seriously, whoever’s handling the costume department deserves an early Emmy nod.)

After his scene-stealing turn as Soldier Boy in “The Boys,” Ackles couldn’t have picked a better moment to step into a leading role. “I had an incredible experience working with the Prime Video team,” he shared at last week’s industry panel. The statement might sound standard, but in today’s fractured streaming landscape, that kind of platform loyalty speaks volumes.

The plot? It’s deliciously complex without feeling contrived. A Homeland Security officer’s broad-daylight murder spirals into something far messier – and potentially more explosive. Think less procedural drama, more edge-of-your-seat thriller that’ll have viewers reaching for their blood pressure meds between episodes.

Speaking of stellar casting choices – Eric Dane brings his signature intensity to the mix, while Jessica Camacho proves why she’s become one of streaming’s most reliable players. Add Violett Beane, Elliot Knight, and Uli Latukefu to the ensemble, and you’ve got a cast that could make even a DMV waiting room scene riveting.

Derek Haas (yes, that Derek Haas – the mastermind behind the “Chicago” franchise) is running this show. His track record with high-stakes drama practically guarantees “Countdown” won’t be your typical cop show. Though honestly, in 2025’s oversaturated crime drama market, anything less would be criminal.

The three-episode premiere kicks off June 25th, with weekly releases until the September 3rd finale. It’s an old-school release strategy that’s somehow become fresh again – funny how streaming trends work, isn’t it?

For Ackles, this marks his first proper leading role since “Supernatural” wrapped in 2020. While die-hard fans might still be nursing their Winchester withdrawal, his upcoming slate – including that much-whispered-about “Vought Rising” project – suggests he’s not just surviving post-supernatural life; he’s thriving.

The trailer… well, it’s something else. Between the explosions, conspiracies, and enough intense close-ups to fill a Michael Bay highlight reel, “Countdown” looks set to become Prime Video’s next must-watch series. Network television could never.

Rock royalty doesn’t always wear a crown, as Zak Starkey is discovering in early 2025. The son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr finds himself in an unexpected position – watching from the sidelines as two major chapters in his musical story take surprising turns.

The latest twist? Being left out of the hotly anticipated Oasis reunion tour. Starkey, who kept time for the Britpop giants from 2004 to 2009, recently shared his disappointment during a candid BBC Breakfast appearance. Like any musician worth their salt, he went straight to the source.

“I texted them and said ‘why am I not in it?’” Starkey revealed, his straightforward approach reminiscent of the no-nonsense attitude that made him such a perfect fit for the band in the first place. The gig’s gone to Joey Waronker – you might know him from his work with Beck and R.E.M. – but Starkey’s taking it on the chin.

Here’s the kicker, though – his appreciation for Oasis remains unchanged. “God, yeah. Greatest rock and roll band of my generation. Greatest rock and roll singer of my generation,” he declared, proving that sometimes you can separate the art from the awkward situations.

But wait – there’s more to this tale of musical musical chairs. In a twist that feels almost too perfectly scripted, Starkey’s also navigating a peculiar exit from The Who. Picture this: a disagreement over playing “The Song Is Over” (oh, the irony) from 1971 somehow snowballed into a bizarre “fired” versus “retired” semantic dance.

Pete Townshend took to social media, painting it as a mutual parting of ways. Starkey? Not so much. “I love the who and would never had quit,” he stated plainly, probably while wondering how rock and roll drama manages to follow him around like a particularly persistent groupie.

The situation got even more tangled when Roger Daltrey apparently told Starkey he hadn’t been “fired” but “retired” – a distinction that left both parties scratching their heads. “I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!!” Starkey shared, adding an almost sitcom-worthy layer to the whole affair.

Meanwhile, back in the Oasis camp, those reunion tour preparations are rolling along. Starting July 4th at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, they’ve got 41 shows lined up through November. Word has it the Gallagher brothers are rehearsing separately – perhaps some habits die harder than others.

Even rock royalty dad Ringo’s gotten involved, reportedly “not too happy” about The Who situation. But then again, who would be? (Pun absolutely intended, and we’re not even sorry about it.)

For Starkey, it’s a reminder that even with rock’s most impressive DNA and decades of experience, the music industry can still throw you a curveball. Or in this case, two of them. Still, in an industry where comeback stories are practically their own genre, who knows what the next beat might bring?

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a musical renaissance, blending digital innovation with old-school live performances in ways nobody quite expected. Remember when virtual concerts seemed like a pandemic-era compromise? Well, they’ve evolved into something entirely different — and surprisingly wonderful.

Take Sabrina Carpenter’s latest venture into Fortnite. The “Dance With Sabrina” experience (running May 30 through June 16) isn’t just another virtual concert — it’s reshaping how fans connect with their favorite artists. Emily Levy, Epic Games’ Director of Music, Talent & Influencer, puts it perfectly: artists aren’t just showing up in Fortnite; they’re creating authentic digital spaces where music and gaming collide in the most delightful ways.

But let’s talk about what’s happening in the real world, because — wow — the summer lineup is absolutely electric this year.

St. Louis is about to witness something special at the Dome at America’s Center. Kendrick Lamar and SZA sharing a stage? That’s not just a concert; it’s a cultural moment. Especially after Lamar’s eyebrow-raising Super Bowl LIX performance (you know the one — that Drake diss track “Not Like Us” is still causing ripples months later).

The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre is throwing quite the party this season. Avril Lavigne — whose “Let Go” album somehow still feels as fresh as it did in 2002 — brings her signature punk-pop energy to the venue. Then there’s Dave Matthews Band, fresh from their long-overdue Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and the absolutely legendary Outlaw Music Festival. Ten years of outlaw music celebrations, and they’ve managed to get Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan on the same stage? That’s the kind of magic that doesn’t happen every day.

Speaking of legends — the Fabulous Fox Theatre is hosting something truly special. The Temptations and Four Tops are bringing that classic Motown sound back to life. Sure, time has taken its toll on the original lineup, but watching Otis Williams, the last standing original Temptation, keep that soul-stirring legacy alive? That’s something worth witnessing.

And here’s a hometown story worth celebrating: Smino’s coming back to his roots with the “Kountry Kousins” tour. The Hazelwood Central grad isn’t just performing; he’s bringing his fourth album “Maybe in Nirvana” to life at St. Louis Music Park. Anyone who’s seen him perform for a hometown crowd knows — this isn’t just another tour stop. It’s family coming home.

From virtual dance parties to soul-stirring live shows, summer 2025’s entertainment landscape feels like a beautiful contradiction. It’s simultaneously pushing boundaries and honoring traditions, creating something entirely new while keeping the soul of live music intact. These aren’t just concerts or digital experiences — they’re moments that’ll stick with us long after the last note fades.

Divine beats met divine calling when a Brazilian nun’s impromptu beatboxing session turned a routine Catholic TV appearance into 2025’s first viral sensation. What started as a standard religious programming segment morphed into something straight out of Sister Act — minus Whoopi Goldberg, but with twice the authenticity.

The unlikely scene unfolded on Portuguese-language channel Pai Eterno. Sisters Marisa and Marizele showed up dressed in their traditional garb — light blue skirts, white cardigans, habits, the works. Standard stuff, really. Until it wasn’t.

Because Sister Marizele? She had other plans.

Grabbing the mic with the confidence of a seasoned performer, she launched into a beatboxing routine that would make the Lords of the Underground do a double-take. Her fellow sister and an unsuspecting priest (complete with regulation black attire and clerical collar) caught the spirit of the moment, breaking into synchronized moves that’d put most TikTok dance challenges to shame.

The internet, predictably, lost its collective mind. The clip spread faster than a church gossip network after Sunday service, spawning reactions that ranged from delighted shock to pure joy. One particular Reddit comment captured the absurdist beauty of it all: “As a brazilian I can confirm that not only all our nuns knows how to beatbox but all our preachers also know to breakdance mid Sunday mass.” (Look, if that’s actually true, Brazil’s Catholic Church might be onto something revolutionary.)

Sister Marisa — quickly dubbed the “dancing nun” by social media’s unofficial naming committee — earned particular praise for footwork that somehow managed to look both divinely inspired and professionally choreographed. Her infectious smile and enthusiasm turned her into what one viewer called “the ultimate hype woman,” proving that joy knows no denominational bounds.

The social media response has been nothing short of biblical in proportion. TikTok creators, never ones to miss a trend, have been particularly creative with their takes. “I need the mixtape, call it ‘It Aint Nun But Vibes’” wrote one user, while another’s “heaven yeah” comment racked up over 113k likes — proving that sometimes the best puns come with a side of divine inspiration.

TV Pai Eterno’s YouTube channel captured the essence perfectly in their caption: “Sisters Marisa and Marizele spoke about vocation… and out of nowhere: they started beatboxing live!” The exclamation points feel entirely warranted here. Because really, how often does one witness a nun dropping beats between discussions of religious calling?

This whole situation serves up a refreshing reminder that spirituality doesn’t have to be stuffy. In an age where religious institutions often struggle to connect with younger generations, these sisters might’ve stumbled upon a rather effective form of outreach. Who knew the path to modern relevance might involve a habit and some sick beats?

While comparisons to Sister Act are inevitable (and fair), this real-life display of musical prowess suggests Hollywood might need to step up its game. As calls for more performances flood social media — including surprisingly serious requests for studio recordings — it seems these sisters have found their own unique way to spread the good word.

And honestly? The world could use more of whatever this is — this joyful fusion of traditional devotion and contemporary expression. Because sometimes the most profound statements about faith come wrapped in unexpected packages. Or, in this case, in the form of a beatboxing nun with moves that could make angels jealous.

Love works in mysterious ways — just ask Hollywood’s latest unlikely power couple. In what feels like a plot twist worthy of both a country ballad and a Hugh Grant film, Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley have stepped out together, proving that romance knows no boundaries of geography or genre.

The pair turned heads at Rome’s prestigious Palazzo Barberini last week, making their relationship red-carpet official at the Orizzonti/Rosso exhibition opening. And boy, did they make an entrance.

Cyrus, the 63-year-old country crooner who gave us “Achy Breaky Heart” (remember that line-dancing phenomenon?), couldn’t help but gush about his new love. Breaking from the usual celebrity habit of playing coy, he went straight for the heart with a social media post celebrating his “beautiful girlfriend in Rome ❤️” — no publicist-approved ambiguity needed.

The visual contrast between the two couldn’t be more striking — or more perfectly matched. Hurley, who’s somehow defying time at 59, brought her signature glamour in a head-turning pink gown that probably had half of Rome reaching for their sunglasses. Meanwhile, Cyrus stayed true to his Nashville roots, rocking a black ensemble that screamed “cowboy meets Italian fashion week.” Somehow, it worked.

Their chemistry? Electric. The kind that makes cynics roll their eyes and romantics reach for their handkerchiefs. But here’s the kicker — they actually have stuff in common. At the recent Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hot Pink Party (where else?), Hurley spilled the tea about their shared interests: “We both like to laugh a lot, and we both love the country. And we both love country music, both love movies.” Then, with perfect comic timing, she added, “We’ve got a lot in common — and cowboy boots, definitely.”

This isn’t just some random Hollywood hookup — their spark ignited during the filming of “Christmas in Paradise” back in 2022. Since then, they’ve been writing their own romance script, complete with family approval. Hurley’s son Damian (who showed up in Rome sporting a red suit that would make any fashionista proud) seems thoroughly on board, dropping supportive emojis on their social media debuts like confetti at a wedding.

The skeptics? Well, they’re doing what skeptics do best. But according to those in the know, Hurley’s not losing sleep over the naysayers. “She’s focused on the special things they have in common,” reveals an insider to PEOPLE. “She loves his Southern vibes. He’s very calm and happy around her.” (And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be?)

For Cyrus, who’s weathered some family storms (including a much-publicized estrangement from daughter Miley), this relationship seems to be hitting all the right notes. Social media observers have pointed out something remarkable: the man is actually smiling. Like, genuinely beaming. As one fan put it, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Billy Ray smile. It definitely looks good on him!”

As Hurley approaches her 60th birthday celebration next month (which, knowing her style, will probably be spectacular), their relationship is blossoming into something that feels refreshingly authentic in an industry often criticized for its superficiality. It’s like watching a country music video collide with a British rom-com — and somehow, against all odds, creating a perfect harmony.

Who’d have thought that 2025 would give us this delightfully unexpected pairing? In an era of carefully curated celebrity relationships, there’s something wonderfully genuine about a country boy and a British bombshell finding common ground in cowboy boots and belly laughs. Sometimes the best stories are the ones you never saw coming.