AP Entertainment

February 4, 2025

FireAid benefit concert raised more than $100 million so far

NEW YORK (AP) — The stars came out for FireAid and so did wallets — the massive benefit concert last week to raise money for those affected by the devastating LA-area wildfires is expected to raise more than $100 million. Over 50 million viewers streamed the over six-hour concert Thursday on 28 broadcasting and online outlets. The money raised includes ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise sales and donations from the public, including $1 million from the band U2. Every dollar raised by the concert was matched by L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie. That matched amount is included in the $100 million total.

‘Riverdance’ tour celebrates its 30th anniversary with a pair of siblings leading the way

NEW YORK (AP) — Before they hit the stage every night, Irish siblings Anna Mai and Fergus Fitzpatrick have a special ritual they share: A hug and a low five. It’s a sweet way to check in for a brother and sister dancing duo who are propelling “Riverdance 30 — The New Generation,” a touring celebration of the show that put Irish dance on the global map. The “Riverdance” tour kicks off this month and will visit over 40 North American cities, including two weeks at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and performances at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Suit up! Met Gala reveals dress code and a slate of new celeb hosts

Met Gala guests, suit up! The Met Gala revealed the dress code for its annual lavish celebration of fashion in May. It’s “Tailored for You,” a nod to the accompanying exhibit’s focus on suiting and menswear. The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art also announced it will be reviving a former tradition of a “host committee.” It’s basically a new slate of high-profile celebrities on top of the previously announced hosts Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and LeBron James. New hosts include Simone Biles, Janelle Monaé, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Lee and many more.

Despite Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar, ratings for the Grammys fall

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ratings for the Grammy Awards dipped from last year, despite the nail-biting tension of whether Beyoncé would win album of the year and a surprise appearance by The Weeknd. Sunday night’s broadcast on CBS was seen by 15.4 million viewers according to Nielsen. That represents a decline from 2024, which was seen by 16.9 million, a 34% increase from the year before. The numbers this year only account for viewers on CBS. The show was also available to stream by those who purchased the Paramount+ With Showtime package. The three-hour-plus show — with Trevor Noah once again hosting — took place in a Los Angeles still reeling from wildfires.

Christie Brinkley has a memoir out in April. Yes, it’s called ‘Uptown Girl’

NEW YORK (AP) — Christie Brinkley will have a memoir out this spring. And yes, it’s called “Uptown Girl.” Her publisher says the memoir will follow Brinkley’s adventures from her rise to supermodel to her acting career to her marriage to Billy Joel. Brinkley turned 71 this week. She has been a celebrity for half a century, since she was discovered in Paris by photographer Errol Sawyer. Her image has appeared on hundreds of magazine covers, from Sports Illustrated to Rolling Stone. She’s also known for her cameo in the video of Joel’s “Uptown Girl.”

Juliette Binoche named jury president of 78th Cannes Film Festival

CANNES, France (AP) — Juliette Binoche will preside over the jury for the 78th Cannes Film Festival, festival organizers announced Tuesday. Binoche will succeed last year’s jury president, Greta Gerwig. This is the second time Cannes has had back-to-back female jury heads. The French actor has been a mainstay at Cannes over the years. She first appeared at the festival 40 years ago, with the premiere of André Téchiné’s “Rendez-vous.” She’s since been back to Cannes many times, including for Krzysztof Kieślowski’s “Blue,” Michael Haneke’s “Caché,” and Abbas Kiarostami’s “Certified Copy.” The Cannes Film Festival runs May 13-24.

The man accused of stabbing Salman Rushdie is going on trial and the author is set to testify

MAYVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — The New Jersey man charged with severely injuring author Salman Rushdie in a 2022 knife attack is standing trial in New York. Lawyers are starting to pick a jury Tuesday for the trial of Hadi Matar in Chautauqua County Court. Matar is charged with attempted murder and assault in the attack that happened as Rushdie took the stage for a discussion on writer safety. He has pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor says jurors will hear from more than a dozen witnesses and will see video of the attack at the Chautauqua Institution. Matar faces separate federal terrorism-related charges related to the assault.

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar led one of the best Grammys in years. Has the awards show transformed?

LOS ANGELES (AP) — For years the Grammy Awards have been criticized over a lack of diversity. But the Sunday’s edition suggests something may have shifted. Already the most awarded and nominated artist in the show’s history, Beyoncé finally won album of the year. Kendrick Lamar took home two of the top four prizes of the night spotlighting hip-hop on a televised program that has historically neglected the genre. Young pop performers were placed in the spotlight at the moment of their ascent. It might be that the Recording Academy’s concerted efforts to diversify are the reason the Grammys seemed to correct course. Or it could’ve been a great one-off.

Beyoncé announces 2025 ‘Cowboy Carter’ stadium tour, fresh off Grammy wins

LOS ANGELES (AP) — This ain’t just Texas. It’s also the U.S. and Europe. Starting in April, Beyoncé will bring her Grammy-winning “Cowboy Carter” to stadiums on both continents. She’ll start in Los Angeles before making her way to Chicago, the New York metropolitan area, London, Paris, Houston, Washington and Atlanta. A BeyHive presale begins Feb. 11 at 12 p.m. local time. General ticket sales will begin Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. local time. The announcement arrived Monday morning after the superstar won album of the year at the Grammys for the first time.

Paradox Museum Miami takes guests through a 21st century funhouse of mind-boggling illusions

MIAMI (AP) — It’s a mix of art gallery, science exhibit and a 21st century funhouse. Paradox Museum Miami is taking guests on a tour through optical illusions and other enigmas geared to the age of Instagram. The 11,000-square-foot museum opened in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood in 2022 and features more than 70 mind-boggling exhibits. The Miami museum is one of more than a dozen locations worldwide and now includes locations in Las Vegas and New Jersey. Many of the exhibits recall old carnival funhouses, like the mirror maze, the spinning tunnel and the upside-down room. But the catch is, visitors are explained the math and science behind each illusion.