Carly Pearce Explores the 'Double Standards' of Faith in New Single 'Church Girl': 'We're All Human Beings' (Exclusive) Daniela AvilaJanuary 23, 2026 at 11:10 PM 0 Carly Pearce released a new song titled "Church Girl" on Friday, Jan. 23 The new song explores her complicated relationship with religion "Church Girl" follows the release of "Dream Come True" Carly Pearce is being candid about her relationship with religion. On Pearce's new single "Church Girl," which she released on Friday, Jan.

- - Carly Pearce Explores the 'Double Standards' of Faith in New Single 'Church Girl': 'We're All Human Beings' (Exclusive)

Daniela AvilaJanuary 23, 2026 at 11:10 PM

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Carly Pearce released a new song titled "Church Girl" on Friday, Jan. 23

The new song explores her complicated relationship with religion

"Church Girl" follows the release of "Dream Come True"

Carly Pearce is being candid about her relationship with religion.

On Pearce's new single "Church Girl," which she released on Friday, Jan. 23, the country singer took a bold stance and opened up about her ever-changing relationship with her faith, in hopes that her fans will feel acceptance.

"I'm a girl who grew up in church, I grew up with faith being a very big part of my life, it still is a very big part of my life, but I think there are a lot of double standards with faith," Pearce, 35, tells PEOPLE exclusively.

"There's a lot of things that have happened in my life that maybe are not very pretty, none of us are perfect, and I've had to live that out in public," she continues. "And have felt as a Christian woman a lot of shame and guilt and judgment and confusion."

Big Machine Records

"Church Girl" cover art

Ultimately, "Church Girl" is something she needed to hear when she was growing up and navigating her Christian-based values — like sexual purity.

"I [also] needed it when I was going through a very public relationship splitting, and 'Oh gosh, I feel like I've let God down of what marriage is,'" Pearce says. "So many different things in my life that I've been like, 'Well, does this mean I'm not a Christian? Does this mean that God hates me?'"

She continues, "I think what I have come to find for myself is I wish I could go back and tell her, 'You're okay, you're okay, and we're all on a journey. We're all figuring it out, and no matter where you're at on your journey, Jesus loves you. I know that.'"

Luke Rogers

Carly Pearce

But the song isn't entirely for her. During her writing sessions, the "What He Didn't Do" singer also kept her fans in mind — and her hope is that the music can provide a sense of solace.

"I wanted them to know, I don't judge you, I don't want you to feel shame, I don't want you to feel guilt," she says. "I want you to know that we're all human beings and you're welcomed here."

"Church Girl" follows the release of her November single "Dream Come True," which is an introspective reflection on the price of success.

"I don't want people to think I'm going to be just heavy and intense throughout the whole project, but I will say what these two songs are very boldly showing you what's to come," she says, adding that she "dug deep" and "didn't hold back."

Luke Rogers

Carly Pearce

In the process of writing her fifth studio album, which she says is coming in 2026, the "Every Little Thing" singer "uncovered parts" of herself that most people wouldn't know existed. This time around, Pearce is no longer writing from a place of wonder — she's writing from experience.

"It's being very self-aware of who I am and also reflecting back on a lot of different experiences in my life," she says. "I'm in an emotional place where I can talk about this, I feel confident enough to share this. I'm just in a really good space to put out songs like this. I don't think that I would be making this music at this time if I hadn't lived the last 10 years in the spotlight."

She adds, "So, I think these two songs just show you a little glimpse into the personal growth that I've had as a person and artist."

"Church Girl" is out now.

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WNBA's Portland Fire Reunites "Portlandia" Stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein to Announce Debut Season Virginia ChamleeJanuary 23, 2026 at 11:23 PM 0 Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic Fred Armisen (L) and Carrie Brownstein (R) In a new ad, Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen revive a classic Portlandia sketch The two say it "feels like old times" in the ad, which offers a look at the debut season of the WNBA's Portland Fire Portland was the setting for the duo's popular absurdist comedy series, which included skits gently poking fun at the laidback Pacific Northwest city and aired from 2011 to 201...

- - WNBA's Portland Fire Reunites "Portlandia" Stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein to Announce Debut Season

Virginia ChamleeJanuary 23, 2026 at 11:23 PM

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Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Fred Armisen (L) and Carrie Brownstein (R) -

In a new ad, Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen revive a classic Portlandia sketch

The two say it "feels like old times" in the ad, which offers a look at the debut season of the WNBA's Portland Fire

Portland was the setting for the duo's popular absurdist comedy series, which included skits gently poking fun at the laid-back Pacific Northwest city and aired from 2011 to 2018

Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen are teaming up once again in Portland — this time, to announce the Portland Fire's debut WNBA season.

In a new ad, the Portlandia stars can be seen at Portland's Mother Foucault's Bookshop, with 59-year-old Armisen saying, "It's so nice to be back" as the two settle in to a table.

"It feels like old times, huh?" Brownstein, 51, responds.

The duo then began to detail all the "new places" that have opened up in Portland — the setting for the duo's absurdist IFC series, which included skits gently poking fun at the laid-back Pacific Northwest city and aired from 2011 to 2018.

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"Have you been to the new vegan restaurant?" asks Brownstein. "The food isn't vegan, but the servers are."

The conversation then devolves into a one-upmanship, a callback to Portlandia's recurring "Did You Hear?" skit, with each attempting to impress the other with what they've heard about the latest restaurants, bars and shops in town.

But the two are silenced when they learn the Portland Fire are making their WNBA return, with Armisen noting, "They haven't been a team since 2002."

"That's awesome. Portland Fire reignited. Should we get season tickets?" Brownstein then asks, before the season schedule is listed on the screen.

The Fire were the city's first WNBA team, though they played just briefly — from 2000 until it was folded in 2002.

Netflix

Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein on Portlandia

In September 2024, Portland was officially awarded a franchise — the WNBA's 15th team — and announced in July 2025 that it would be named the Portland Fire, reviving the name of the original team.

Speaking to The Oregonian, Kimberly Veale, Portland Fire's senior vice president of marketing and communications, said the team chose to use Armisen and Brownstein to "set the tone."

"We set out to do something that felt uniquely Portland, and set the tone for our debut season," she told the outlet. "Portlandia has such a strong connection to this city, and celebrating what it represents for Portland was the perfect way to unveil our schedule."

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Fernando Mendoza Literally Breaks Records with Jimmy Fallon While Celebrating Indiana Hoosiers National Championship Win Natasha DyeJanuary 23, 2026 at 11:25 PM 0 Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Fernando Mendoza on Fallon Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Jan. 22 to celebrate his team's national championship win Fallon challenged Mendoza, who broke several records in the Rose Bowl Game and for the Hoosiers, to break literal records for a segment Mendoza, who announced his declaration for the 2026 NFL Draft on Jan.

- - Fernando Mendoza Literally Breaks Records with Jimmy Fallon While Celebrating Indiana Hoosiers National Championship Win

Natasha DyeJanuary 23, 2026 at 11:25 PM

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Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Fernando Mendoza on Fallon -

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Jan. 22 to celebrate his team's national championship win

Fallon challenged Mendoza, who broke several records in the Rose Bowl Game and for the Hoosiers, to break literal records for a segment

Mendoza, who announced his declaration for the 2026 NFL Draft on Jan. 23, broke eight of the ten records Fallon threw for him

Fernando Mendoza just can't stop breaking records.

The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback, 22, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, Jan. 22 after leading his team to a national championship just days before, where he and the late night host literally broke records.

Jimmy Fallon congratulated Mendoza on the title to kick off the segment and showed viewers the touchdown that secured the Hoosiers their victory. The quarterback then revealed that he felt "like a human pinball machine" scoring the points.

Fresh off @IndianaFootball's historic college football championship win, 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner Fernando Mendoza crashes Jimmy's monologue to break some more records! #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/FuzF2M5IKB

— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) January 23, 2026

Then, Fallon, 51, challenged Mendoza to break more records — literal ones.

Mendoza was up for the challenge and impressively hit eight of the ten records Fallon threw into the air. Fallon accidentally threw one behind himself, but that fortunately didn't count toward Mendoza's score.

In addition to the eight literal records he broke on television, Mendoza set the Rose Bowl Game record for completion percentage and passer rating, and broke Kellen Lewis' single-season record for most touchdowns in a year against Ohio State, per the Hoosiers.

Following his appearance on Fallon, Mendoza announced he's officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft in a video on social media.

View this post on Instagram

"Coming to Indiana was a leap of faith," Mendoza said in a voiceover as highlights from his college career played in the clip.

Mendoza said that leap of faith led him to a national championship and to where he is now, ready to declare for the draft.

Mendoza thanked his family — whom he shared an emotional viral moment with after the Hoosiers won the championship — as well as the teammates that "pushed" him and the coaches who "took a chance on" him.

"It is only with your support and the glory of God that I am here today," he said.

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Mendoza captioned the video, "Let's get to work. I'm humbled to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft," and received support in the comments from fans and teammates, like Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith, who wrote, "Go get it done, like you always have🤞🏼."

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Mom Buys Stuffed Bear for Son with Late Father's Voice. When She Gets the Wrong Package, She Turns to TikTok for Help (Exclusive) Jordan GreeneJanuary 24, 2026 at 5:12 AM 0 Mariah Austin Azriel Palomino with latedad Antonio Palomino; BuildABear Antonio Palomino passed away on Nov. 28, 2025. Since then, his 9yearold son, whom he shared with Mariah Austin, has grieved the loss of his father To help her son grieve, Austin decided to create a custom BuildABear featuring her late partner's voice Mariah Austin just wanted to give her son a way to say goodnight to his dad.

- - Mom Buys Stuffed Bear for Son with Late Father's Voice. When She Gets the Wrong Package, She Turns to TikTok for Help (Exclusive)

Jordan GreeneJanuary 24, 2026 at 5:12 AM

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Mariah Austin

Azriel Palomino with late-dad Antonio Palomino; Build-A-Bear -

Antonio Palomino passed away on Nov. 28, 2025.

Since then, his 9-year-old son, whom he shared with Mariah Austin, has grieved the loss of his father

To help her son grieve, Austin decided to create a custom Build-A-Bear featuring her late partner's voice

Mariah Austin just wanted to give her son a way to say goodnight to his dad.

Austin, a 28-year-old advanced EMT in Arizona, shared her 9-year-old son, Azriel, with Antonio Palomino, who passed away on Nov. 28, 2025. In the weeks after his death, she searched for a small comfort her son could hold onto when grief felt overwhelming.

That's when she thought of Build-A-Bear.

"I remembered you can put voice recordings in them," Austin tells PEOPLE exclusively. "I thought if I got him a bear to cuddle at night, he could always tell his dad, 'Goodnight, I love you.' "

Mariah Austin

Azriel Palomino with late-dad Antonio Palomino

Finding the right recording wasn't easy.

After digging through old videos, Palomino's mother located a usable audio clip from his indoor cameras — a familiar snippet of his voice. Austin ordered the bear, hoping it would bring her son some peace.

But when the package arrived, something felt off.

"I saw it get dropped off on my Ring camera and immediately knew it wasn't right," she says. "The box looked too small, but I tried to stay optimistic."

When she opened it, her heart sank. Inside was a pink Build-A-Bear — not the one she had ordered. "I was devastated," Austin says. "I worried about who received our bear, and I felt awful knowing we had someone else's. I just wanted both bears to go to their rightful owners."

Unsure what to do next, Austin turned to TikTok.

She had done it once before — posting a video asking for help finding her labor and delivery nurse, and it worked, albeit on a much smaller scale. Still, she decided to try again.

"At first, nothing happened," she says. "We weren't getting views, and I started to lose hope. Then it took off, and when no one came forward, I panicked that we'd never find it."

Mariah Austin

A photo of the bear received

Eventually, TikTok did what it does best.

A creator named @bamaloungeflygirl reached out, saying she believed she had the correct bear. Even then, Austin was cautious. "I was skeptical because we'd had so much bad luck," she says. "I didn't want to get too excited."

But when the woman sent a video, and Austin heard her late husband's voice — everything changed. "I broke down crying," she says. "It was pure relief."

She adds how the woman who found the bear also shared with her that she, too, had lost her father at 11 years old.

For Austin, the bear is about more than a viral mix-up. It's about giving her son comfort in moments when he needs it most.

"He tries to be tough," she says. "But at night, when he thinks we're asleep, I've caught him crying for his dad. Now when he misses him, he'll have his bear — and his dad's voice — with him."

Looking back, Austin hopes others take something meaningful from her experience. "Don't give up hope," she says. "I went out on a whim and trusted that if TikTok could help me once, it might help me again. It felt impossible — but our bear is coming home."

Mariah Austin

A close up of the bear Mariah Austin ordered

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She also has one more piece of advice: "Please record your loved ones. Document everything. You never know when that might be the last thing you have of them."

Now, Austin is thinking about how to help other families like hers. "I'd love to start a fund for kids who've lost someone important, so they can get bears with their loved one's voices," she says. "Build-A-Bears are expensive — ours was $80 — but every child deserves that kind of comfort."

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Spanish prosecutors drop sexual assault complaint against Julio Iglesias January 24, 2026 at 2:51 AM 0 FILE Spanish singer Julio Iglesias smiles during his star unveiling ceremony at the Walk of Fame in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, file) () MADRID (AP) — Spanish state prosecutors said Friday they were shelving an initial investigation into accusations of sexual assault by Julio Iglesias in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic after concluding that Spain's National Court lacked jurisdiction to judge the matter.

- - Spanish prosecutors drop sexual assault complaint against Julio Iglesias

January 24, 2026 at 2:51 AM

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FILE - Spanish singer Julio Iglesias smiles during his star unveiling ceremony at the Walk of Fame in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, file) ()

MADRID (AP) — Spanish state prosecutors said Friday they were shelving an initial investigation into accusations of sexual assault by Julio Iglesias in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic after concluding that Spain's National Court lacked jurisdiction to judge the matter.

Earlier this month, Spanish prosecutors had opened an investigation studying allegations that the Grammy-winning singer had sexually assaulted two former employees at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

Iglesias denied the accusations, writing on social media that: "With deep sorrow, I respond to the accusations made by two people who previously worked at my home. I deny having abused, coerced or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and cause me great sadness."

An email seeking comment sent to a Florida attorney whose website says Iglesias is among his clients was not immediately answered.

Iglesias, 82, has been among the world's most successful singers in the decades since his 1969 debut album, "Yo Canto." He has sold more than 300 million records in more than a dozen languages.

After making his start in Spain, Iglesias won immense popularity in the U.S. and wider world in the 1970s and 1980s, partly due to duets with U.S. artists including Willie Nelson and Diana Ross.

He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and in 1988 won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance for his album "Un Hombre Solo." He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2019.

He's also the father of pop star Enrique Iglesias.

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The Beckhams Would 'Take' Brooklyn Back 'in a Minute,' Source Says: They're Afraid of Permanently 'Losing Their Son' (Exclusive) Charlotte Phillipp, Linda MarxJanuary 24, 2026 at 2:55 AM 0 Karwai Tang/WireImage; Phillip Faraone/Getty David and Victoria Beckham; Brooklyn Beckham. David and Victoria Beckham are prepared to welcome their son, Brooklyn, back into their lives anytime he wants to reunite with them, a source says "They are afraid of losing their son and would take him back in a minute," says the source The source's information follows Brooklyn's bombshell Instagram post slamming his ...

- - The Beckhams Would 'Take' Brooklyn Back 'in a Minute,' Source Says: They're Afraid of Permanently 'Losing Their Son' (Exclusive)

Charlotte Phillipp, Linda MarxJanuary 24, 2026 at 2:55 AM

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Karwai Tang/WireImage; Phillip Faraone/Getty

David and Victoria Beckham; Brooklyn Beckham. -

David and Victoria Beckham are prepared to welcome their son, Brooklyn, back into their lives anytime he wants to reunite with them, a source says

"They are afraid of losing their son and would take him back in a minute," says the source

The source's information follows Brooklyn's bombshell Instagram post slamming his parents on Jan. 19

David and Victoria Beckham are prepared to welcome their son, Brooklyn, back into their lives anytime he wants to reunite with them, a source says.

Following Brooklyn's bombshell Instagram post slamming his parents on Jan. 19 — detailing what he claims is an ongoing attempt by his parents to sabotage his relationship with wife Nicola Peltz Beckham in the name of publicity — a source tells PEOPLE that the couple does not want to lose their son and would accept him back into their lives whenever he wants to form a relationship again.

"They are afraid of losing their son and would take him back in a minute," says the source. "They are a close family, too. Just in a different way than Nicola's family is."

According to the source, the Beckhams — who are also parents to sons Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 20, and daughter Harper, 14 — were extremely upset after his Instagram post.

"They love Brooklyn and are horrified about everything," the source says.

Reps for David and Victoria did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the situation.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty

Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the 'Beckham' UK Premiere on October 03, 2023 in London, England.

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A second insider tells PEOPLE the Beckhams are hopeful that this strain between them will eventually end.

"David and Victoria believe time will heal this," the source close the situation says. "They know over time that Brooklyn will come back. They can't really do anything until then."

The insider also gave more insight on the day to day communication between the young couple and David and Victoria.

"Brooklyn and Nicola do not speak with David or Victoria," the source says, adding that "they speak only through mediators."

In Brooklyn's Instagram post, which followed months of speculation about a rift between the couple and his parents, he accused them of trying to "ruin" his relationship with his wife.

"My wife has been consistently disrespected by my family, no matter how hard we've tried to come together as one," he wrote. He further alleged, "My mum has repeatedly invited women from my past into our lives in ways that were clearly intended to make us both uncomfortable."

"My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn't stopped," he claimed.

Stefanie Keenan/Getty

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz attend Revolve's Holiday Shop Grand Opening on November 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

"My mum hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance to a romantic love song," Brooklyn, 26, added of his 2022 nuptials to Nicola.

"In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage, where the scheduled was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me instead. She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone. I've never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life."

The couple tied the knot in front of their nearly 600 guests in April 2022 at the Peltz family's estate in Palm Beach, Fla.

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Victoria and David have yet to respond to the accusations Brooklyn made on his Instagram Stories. However, David briefly discussed his children's social media use during an appearance on CNBC's Squawk Box the following day.

The former soccer star said that he tried to educate his kids on the power and danger of social media, but that it hasn't stopped them from making "mistakes."

"They make mistakes, but children are allowed to make mistakes," David continued. "That is how they learn. That is what I try to teach my kids. You sometimes have to let them make those mistakes as well."

Amid the family's ongoing rift, a source with knowledge of the situation told PEOPLE earlier this month, "David and Victoria have repeatedly asked Brooklyn and Nicola to meet and talk in order to move forward."

"David loves his kids," the insider added. "They are his everything."

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Just How Much Are Halftime Performers Paid for the Super Bowl? The Esquire Editors, Eric FranciscoJanuary 23, 2026 at 5:36 PM 4 "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." To perform the Super Bowl halftime show is kind of a big deal. It's one of the biggest stages in the world. Every year, there's a packed stadium lit up with hundreds of thousands in attendance and millions more watching from home. One might assume that playing the "Big Game" means a big payday. But you'd be surprised if you knew the truth.

- - Just How Much Are Halftime Performers Paid for the Super Bowl?

The Esquire Editors, Eric FranciscoJanuary 23, 2026 at 5:36 PM

4

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

To perform the Super Bowl halftime show is kind of a big deal. It's one of the biggest stages in the world. Every year, there's a packed stadium lit up with hundreds of thousands in attendance and millions more watching from home. One might assume that playing the "Big Game" means a big payday. But you'd be surprised if you knew the truth.With NFL quarterbacks pulling in annual salaries around $50 million, we'd forgive you for thinking that the superstars who lend their talents to the Super Bowl rake in similar figures. But they don't. Bad Bunny is this year's halftime performer, and he won't take home anything near an NFL salary for the big concert. The reality is that halftime performers aren't paid to perform at the Super Bowl.

Per league policy, the NFL covers all costs related to production of the halftime show, including travel expenses. But the talent themselves don't receive a paycheck. According to a Sports Illustrated report from 2025, 2024's halftime performer Usher was paid "$671 for the actual performance" and "about $1,800 for the rehearsals leading up to the Super Bowl."

Still, "the halftime show at the Super Bowl remains a highly coveted spot for many artists," entertainment attorney Lori Landew told Forbes in 2019. "Some of those artists do not see their appearance as a political statement, nor do they see the show as a cultural battleground, but rather view their live performance as an opportunity to entertain an enthusiastic crowd and to share their music and their talent with millions of viewers."

The cost of a halftime show production can be sky-high. While it may not match the budget of an Avatar sequel, it's still a huge price tag for a 13-minute one-night show. The 2020 performance by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira cost the NFL approximately $13 million. That amount finances the paychecks of up to 3,000 staffers involved in the production, as well as technical elements of the performance, like a collapsible 38-part stage and the massive audio equipment rolled in on 18 carts. Don't even get us started on the cost of awe-inspiring spectacles, like Katy Perry riding into the stadium on a mechanical golden lion or Lady Gaga parachuting into her performance from the roof.

So, what's in it for performers? It might sound familiar to freelance writers everywhere: exposure. Performing on one of the world's biggest stages that airs on televisions everywhere can be converted into real financial gain in the form of increased music sales. When Justin Timberlake performed in 2018, his music sales rose 534 percent that same day; as for Lady Gaga, sales of her digital catalog spiked 1,000 percent following her 2017 performance. Kendrick Lamar's show was, among other things, an elaborate promo for his acclaimed 2024 album GNX.

However, it's not all balanced. Not only are the star performers not paid, but neither are their dancers. The NFL has been under fire for failing to pay some halftime dancers, framing them as "volunteers." According to an investigation by the Los Angeles Times, "paid dancers received $712 for show day and $45 per hour for their rehearsal time, as well as a $30 per diem and a $250 COVID stipend if a dancer was asked to report to a clinic for a test on a non-work day. Unpaid dancers sat in stadium bleachers for up to two hours in the cold while waiting to rehearse as their paid counterparts spent that time in green rooms."

After backlash from the dance community, SAG-AFTRA (the union representing professional dancers) met with producers of the show to ensure that all background dancers are paid. "SAG-AFTRA and the producers of the Super Bowl Halftime Show have met and had an open and frank discussion, and have agreed that no professional dancers will be asked to work for free as part of the halftime show," the union said in a statement given to the Los Angeles Times. "SAG-AFTRA will be advising our professional dancer members that they should not be rehearsing or working on the Super Bowl halftime show without compensation."

While Bad Bunny is refusing to play in the United States as part of his ongoing world tour due to the threat of ICE raids targeting his concerts, he has made an exception for the Super Bowl; the game will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Given his activism for Puerto Rican independence, queer rights, and other humanitarian causes, it's clear that Bad Bunny sees fit to deliver his inclusive messaging to audiences everywhere. Even if it won't pay him a dime.

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&34;I think it would've meant we wouldn't have been able to work together anymore,&34; the &34;The Rip&34; star joked. Ben Affleck reveals the Matt Damon movie he's glad he wasn't in: 'People would've been sick of us forever' &34;I think it would've meant we wouldn't have been able to work together anymore,&34; the &34;The Rip&34; star joked. By Mike Miller Mike Miller Mike Miller is the executive editor on the movies team at . He previously worked as a writerreporter for PEOPLE and TMZ. EW's editorial guidelines January 16, 2026 6:20 p.m.

"I think it would've meant we wouldn't have been able to work together anymore," the "The Rip" star joked.

Ben Affleck reveals the Matt Damon movie he's glad he wasn't in: 'People would've been sick of us forever'

"I think it would've meant we wouldn't have been able to work together anymore," the "The Rip" star joked.

By Mike Miller

Mike Miller

Mike Miller is the executive editor on the movies team at . He previously worked as a writer-reporter for PEOPLE and TMZ.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 16, 2026 6:20 p.m. ET

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in 'The Rip'. Credit:

Warrick Page/Netflix

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have collaborated on more than a dozen films over the past 30 years, but there's one movie Affleck admits he's glad Damon did solo.

When the duo sat down with * *in support of their latest joint project, crime-thriller *The Rip*, we asked them a hypothetical question: Which movie from the other's filmography would they have liked to have starred in themselves.

"The only problem with that thought exercise is taking that movie away from him; it means that he didn't get to do it," Damon muses. "And the whole inspiration starts with what he did in the movie."

Affleck has an easier time picking one of his pal's movies that he's happier he didn't take part in.

"I'll tell you what I *wouldn't* have liked to have done, because I think it would've meant we wouldn't have been able to work together anymore, is play Greg Kinnear's part in Stuck With You," Affleck offers with a laugh. "I think that would've been pushing it, trying to lean too much into the narrative."

Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear in 'Stuck on You'.

20th Century studios/everett

**"People would've been sick of us forever," Damon agrees.

"Yeah, they'd be like, 'That's it. No more!'" Affleck jokes, before adding, "I love that movie, though."

In the 2003 comedy written and directed by the Farrelly brothers, Damon played one-half of a pair of conjoined twins alongside Kinnear. Also starring Eva Mendes and Cher (as herself), the film featured a slew of celebrity cameos, including Jay Leno, Meryl Streep, Luke Wilson, Frankie Muniz, and Tom Brady (who appeared uncredited). Still, the film received mixed reviews and failed to make much of a splash at the box office.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon say this aspect of their lifelong friendship might surprise people

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon remember their 'biggest fight': 'I had to go to the hospital'

In *The Rip*, Affleck and Damon play Miami cops whose loyalties are put to the test when they find millions in drug money hidden in a rundown home.

"It was a page turner," Damon says about what attracted him to the script. "There are these competing agendas, and people aren't saying exactly what's going on, and you're trying to figure out who you can trust, who you can't, who's the good guy, who's the bad guy."

To prepare for the role, they both spent time with real police officers. "All the stuff that I find surprising and that I tend to be proud of comes from research," Affleck says of the experience. "I think I'm better skilled at recognizing interesting things from the world that I can put into films than just conjuring up from my imagination something to do."

Steven Yeun, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Kyle Chandler in 'The Rip'.

Claire Folger/Netflix

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"All of us are there just madly stealing all their life's details and quirks and wardrobe habits," Damon adds. "It's gotta be a weird feeling when a bunch of actors descend on you and ask like, 'What kind of glasses are those?' 'Where did you get that shirt?'"**** Also starring recent Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor, Kyle Chandler, and Steven Yeun, *The Rip* is streaming now on Netflix.**

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What Is the Cast Of "Zoboomafoo" Up To Now? All About Chris and Martin Kratt and How They're Still Connecting Kids with Animals Victoria EdelJanuary 24, 2026 at 1:48 AM 0 Vince Talotta/Toronto Star via Getty Martin and Chris Kratt with Zoboomafoo on 'Zoboomafoo' in 1996 PBS's Zoboomafoo found a huge following of kids and their parents, beginning with its 1999 premiere The series starred Chris and Martin Kratt and the Coquerel's sifaka lemur Jovian, who played Zoboomafoo The Kratt brothers continue to make children's wildlife programs today "Me and you and Zoboomafoo!" For a generation of forme...

- - What Is the Cast Of "Zoboomafoo" Up To Now? All About Chris and Martin Kratt and How They're Still Connecting Kids with Animals

Victoria EdelJanuary 24, 2026 at 1:48 AM

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Vince Talotta/Toronto Star via Getty

Martin and Chris Kratt with Zoboomafoo on 'Zoboomafoo' in 1996 -

PBS's Zoboomafoo found a huge following of kids and their parents, beginning with its 1999 premiere

The series starred Chris and Martin Kratt and the Coquerel's sifaka lemur Jovian, who played Zoboomafoo

The Kratt brothers continue to make children's wildlife programs today

"Me and you and Zoboomafoo!" For a generation of former kids, those are lyrics to the theme song for PBS' Zoboomafoo, a beloved series about brothers Chris and Martin Kratt and a Coquerel's sifaka lemur named Zoboomafoo.

Zoboomafoo aired on PBS from 1999 to 2001 for two seasons and 65 episodes. However, many PBS stations continued to air reruns for years, continuing to bring new fans to the series, which mixed songs, animation, humor and real information about animals. Zoboomafoo was a real lemur named Jovian, as well as a puppet performed by Canadian puppeteer Gord Robertson that spoke to Martin, now 60, and Chris, now 56.

Martin and Chris told PEOPLE in 2001 that they grew up in Warren Township, N.J., as major animal lovers. Martin majored in zoology at Duke University, while Chris majored in biology at Carleton College. After Martin graduated, they went on a six-month trip to Costa Rica, where Martin was working as a research assistant, and started filming.

Chris and Martin Kratt with Zoboomafoo on 'Zoboomafoo'

"When we were kids, there had never been enough books, magazines, TV shows about animals," Martin said, "so we decided, 'Why don't we make one?' "

They edited their amateur video and started showing it at school assemblies. When PBS saw it, they greenlit the brothers' first show, Kratts' Creatures, which aired in the summer of 1996 and continued to prove popular in reruns.

That led to Zoboomafoo, which was meant for preschool kids and filmed on a set called the "Animal Junction." It proved popular with both kids and their parents — and the brothers told Entertainment Weekly in 2000, that college students had even created a drinking game for the show. It included drinking every time the Kratts fell in the mud (a very common occurrence).

Chris told PEOPLE in 2001, "Our show is really turning a lot of kids on to creature adventuring, so they are going on adventures out in their yards." The brothers also had an interactive website, coordinating books and performed a live theatre show for kids.

In 2021, Chris told Variety that one of the toughest parts of making Zoboomafoo was the puppet; switching back and forth between the real and puppet lemur was complicated. "Fortunately, lemurs kind of look like puppets in the first place, so the idea of cutting between the puppet version and the real live version worked in the end," Chris said with a laugh. "And the set of Animal Junction was very colorful and kind of confusing, so it was very forgiving if we were cutting from one place in Animal Junction to another."

What happened to Jovian, the real Zoboomafoo?

The real lemur, Jovian, died in 2014 from kidney failure. He was 20.5 years old, according to the Duke Lemur Center, where he was born in 1994. "He was great to work with," Martin told Duke. "He'd jump in through the window and we'd feed him mangoes or garbanzo beans. Sometimes he'd grab our noses with those soft sifaka hands." Jovian's parents, Nigel and Flavi,a also occassionally appeard on the show.

Chuck Liddy/Raleigh News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty

Jovian the lemur in 2013

David Haring, the center's registrar and photographer, said, "Watching our young interns get excited over being in the presence of the real Zoboomafoo this summer made me realize just how lucky those of us at the Lemur Center were who had the opportunity to get to know the real Jovian in his prime. He was a playful, gentle, intelligent animal and perhaps one of the best sifaka sires ever." He sired 12 sifakas during his life.

Where are Zoboomafoo hosts Chris and Martin Kratt now?

From 2003 to 2007, Martin and Chris made the show Be the Creature for National Geographic. On the show, they visited different animals around the world in their environments. "We wanted to get back to being out, living with the animals for big chunks of time, because we'd spent a lot the time in Animal Junction for many years," Chris told Variety. This filmed 75 hours of raw footage for every 40-minute episode.

In 2008, the brothers moved to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Their show Wild Kratts began airing in 2011. Each episode starts and ends with Chris and Martin and live animals, but the bulk of the show is animated. The series has aired consistently since it premiered, making it the Kratt brothers' longest-running show.

In 2018, the brothers launched a YouTube Channel, The Kratt Brothers.

Both brothers tied the knot in 2000: Chris married Laura Wilkinson, while Martin married Tania Armstrong. Martin and Laura welcomed sons Ronan (a professional soccer player) and Gavin, a musician. Chris and Tania welcomed sons Aidan and Nolan. All four sons appeared on Wild Kratts as animated versions of themselves when they were younger.

Martin and Chris founded the Kratt Brothers Creature Hero Foundation to help protect wildlife and teach kids about their efforts. "We got so many letters from kids saying, 'Hey, I know I'm just a kid, but I really want to help animals; what can I do?' " Martin told The New York Times in 2000. "Kids felt powerless. They felt like they couldn't do anything. What we're trying to do is give them a chance, give them a project that they can rally around and be a part of." They created the wildlife refuge Grizzly Gulch as part of their efforts.

Now, '90s kids who loved Kratts' Creatures and Zoboomafoo are sharing Wild Kratts with their kids, as Martin and Chris keep exploring the world of animals they love so much.

"I think it feels really good just to be a part of that continuum, and families learning about the animals," Martin told Romper in 2024. "I love it. Because we always wanted our shows to be something that anybody could watch, not just for kids."

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Martha Stewart, 84, Shuts Down Plastic Surgery Rumors: 'I Look Pretty Good for My Age' (Exclusive) Skyler Caruso, Hedy PhillipsJanuary 24, 2026 at 1:49 AM 0 Theo Wargo/Getty Martha Stewart in New York City on Dec. 4 2025 Martha Stewart addressed plastic surgery rumors while speaking to PEOPLE exclusively about her skincare line, Elm Biosciences The lifestyle mogul revealed the truth about her glowing skin at age 84, despite what people think about her She also shared a story about having reparative work done to her face Martha Stewart is spilling her skincare secrets.

- - Martha Stewart, 84, Shuts Down Plastic Surgery Rumors: 'I Look Pretty Good for My Age' (Exclusive)

Skyler Caruso, Hedy PhillipsJanuary 24, 2026 at 1:49 AM

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Theo Wargo/Getty

Martha Stewart in New York City on Dec. 4 2025 -

Martha Stewart addressed plastic surgery rumors while speaking to PEOPLE exclusively about her skincare line, Elm Biosciences

The lifestyle mogul revealed the truth about her glowing skin at age 84, despite what people think about her

She also shared a story about having reparative work done to her face

Martha Stewart is spilling her skincare secrets.

The lifestyle mogul is revealing the truth behind the plastic surgery rumors surrounding her youthful appearance while also sharing her favorite beauty routines and healthy habits credits for making her look and feel her best at age 84.

"Everybody insists that I've had plastic surgery and I have not ever had plastic surgery," she tells PEOPLE exclusively while speaking about her skincare line, Elm Biosciences. "I'm the most honest person on earth — but if they won't take my word for it, I don't know."

"How can they not take my word for it?" she wonders, doubling down, "That's the truth!"

Martha Stewart, Instagram

Martha Stewart's selfie on Instagram

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Stewart, however, did share a time she had a plastic surgeon do reparative work on her face about a decade ago after she sustained an injury from one of her French bulldogs — but she doesn't consider that plastic surgery.

"I had to be at Today at 7 a.m. and there was a big blizzard. I leaned down in my dark kitchen to kiss the dogs goodbye," she recalls, explaining, "I put my head down to one of my French bulldogs and I frightened her and she bolted up."

"She didn't bite me. She bashed my lip into my tooth and split it from my lip almost all the way to my nose and blood started gushing out all over the dog," she continues, noting, "This is 11 p.m. in a blizzard. This is the only time I've ever missed an appearance."

Getty Images

Martha Stewart

Stewart said she called the hospital immediately, telling the person on the phone that she had a "very bad accident." She then requested a plastic surgeon "right away" to help her before hopping into a car with her security guard who drove her through the snow storm.

"I get to the hospital and I think they did 16 stitches in my lip," she says. "I can't call that plastic surgery, that is a repair. It's a terrible, terrible, terrible split lip... you cannot see. I healed so well. That is the extent of a plastic surgeon working on my face."

Stewart adds, "That is the only time I've ever had a plastic surgeon touch my face."

The beauty entrepreneur, meanwhile, says her diligent skincare routine, which includes her recently-released A3O™ Elemental Night Cream ($165), is why she has such glowing skin now. The Elm Biosciences product is a third from the brand, which launched in September 2025.

Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty

Martha Stewart in New York City on Oct. 21, 2024

She even referred to an Instagram selfie posted on Jan. 12 to prove that her skin has benefitted from the product — as well as her healthy lifestyle, which includes diet and working out.

"I took that picture right at the reservoir that adjoins my property and the light was so beautiful, that's just daylight and it looks so good," she says. "But no retouching. You can't see any scar and no lines. I mean, hardly any imperfections in my skin."

"That's this stuff," she says, referring to the serum. "This stuff is really working. You have to remember my age too — and I look pretty good for my age... But no plastic surgery."

In February 2024, Stewart opened up about cosmetic procedures on her iHeartPodcasts show, The Martha Stewart Podcast, and spoke about using botox, fillers and skin tightening.

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty

Martha Stewart in New York City on Oct. 16, 2024

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Belkin broke down the types of treatments he does on Stewart, including muscle-relaxing injections in her neck and jawline and the kind of fillers he has administered into her cheeks.

"We've done a little bit of skin tightening on you," Belkin shared. "We've done a little ultrasound tightening I think, a long time ago. We did a little softwave, which is an ultrasound based tightening device. And we've done a little bit of Ulthera, which is a great ultrasound based skin tightening that works."

Stewart also admitted that having botox on the upper part of her face hasn't always gone in her favor. "My eyebrows kind of go up in a V and that looks so unnatural," she said.

As for what the future holds for Elm Biosciences, Stewart tells PEOPLE, "I'm looking forward to working on several other products that will be launching [in 2026]. This is a big step in the right direction for us."

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Delroy Lindo, 73, 'Proud That I'm Still in the Game' After Earning FirstEver Oscar Nom for "Sinners" (Exclusive) Stacy LambeJanuary 24, 2026 at 1:51 AM 0 John Nacion/Variety via Getty Delroy Lindo at the Gotham Film Awards on Dec. 1, 2025 Delroy Lindo is now a firsttime Academy Award nominee for his performance as Delta Slim in Sinners The actor reflects on earning his nod in the Best Supporting Actor category "What's resonating is certainly the recognition, the acknowledgment," he tells PEOPLE Fifty years after making his screen debut, Delroy Lindo has earned his firstever Oscar nomination at...

- - Delroy Lindo, 73, 'Proud That I'm Still in the Game' After Earning First-Ever Oscar Nom for "Sinners" (Exclusive)

Stacy LambeJanuary 24, 2026 at 1:51 AM

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John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Delroy Lindo at the Gotham Film Awards on Dec. 1, 2025 -

Delroy Lindo is now a first-time Academy Award nominee for his performance as Delta Slim in Sinners

The actor reflects on earning his nod in the Best Supporting Actor category

"What's resonating is certainly the recognition, the acknowledgment," he tells PEOPLE

Fifty years after making his screen debut, Delroy Lindo has earned his first-ever Oscar nomination at 73 years old.

The longtime actor — perhaps most famous for his collaborations with director Spike Lee — is now up for Best Supporting Actor for his standout turn as Delta Slim in Sinners, the vampire thriller written and directed by Ryan Coogler that set a new record with 16 Oscar nods.

"I didn't know what would happen this morning," Lindo admits to PEOPLE following the Academy's announcement on Thursday, Jan. 22. "What's resonating is certainly the recognition, the acknowledgment."

Looking back on his career, he says "there are a number of pieces of work that I'm really proud of," from portraying West Indian Archie in Malcolm X to Rodney in Clockers and Arthur Rose in The Cider House Rules. "I'm proud of all of it… I'm proud that I'm still in the game," he continues, explaining "these particular parts that just popped out" while reflecting on becoming a first-time nominee with Sinners.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim in 'Sinners'

It also comes amid a renewed appreciation for the actor that was kickstarted roughly 10 years ago with The Good Fight, a spinoff of The Good Wife from creators Robert and Michelle King, both of whom reached out Thursday morning to congratulate him. In addition to playing law partner Adrian Boseman opposite Christine Baranski, he also reunited with Lee, 68, for Da 5 Bloods, portrayed Bass Reeves in The Harder They Fall and teamed up with Kerry Washington on the Onyx series Unprisoned, which ran for two seasons on Hulu.

"The time that I spent on Good Fight brought into my sphere a slightly different kind of audience," Lindo says, noting that five years after leaving the show, "people are still referencing my work in that TV show… and then from there, it took this [upward] trajectory."

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Mentioning the projects that he starred in leading up to Sinners, he says, "I think that represents an uptick. Yeah, that's an uptake."

To cap it all off, his Sinners performance as a pianist recruited by twin WWI veterans (both played by Michael B. Jordan, who is also nominated) who are opening a juke joint for the Black community in Clarksdale, Miss. that becomes targeted by vampires, garnered acclaim from several critics groups in the run-up to the Oscars. Looking back on his role, Lindo is happy how Delta's poignant monologue in the film landed with viewers. "It's been very special to me that it has resonated for audiences in that way that it has," he says. "That's become a special piece of experience for me."

John Phillips/Getty

From left: Jack O'Connell, Delroy Lindo, Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld and Miles Caton in April 2025

The performance and Oscar nomination also comes after many felt that he was snubbed for his work in Da 5 Bloods. While the actor was candid about his disappointment at the time, he tells PEOPLE now that "it's apples and oranges," explaining that this nomination is "not a question of making up for it — in my mind anyhow."

Lindo says with Sinners, "this is a new experience, this is a new time, this is a different piece of work. And I'm thankful that it has been acknowledged."

Now, in the lead up to the Oscars being handed out live on Sunday, March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., the actor is looking forward to celebrating with the cast and crew. "I'm excited at the prospect of reconnecting with everybody on this Sinners' journey because it's a special journey," he says.

Conan O'Brien is returning to host the Oscars live on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming on Hulu. (Starting in 2029, the award show will air on YouTube.)

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