AP Entertainment

February 24, 2025

Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning ‘Killing Me Softly’ singer with an intimate style, dies at 88

NEW YORK (AP) — Roberta Flack has died at 88. The Grammy-winning singer and pianist was known for her intimate vocal and musical style on “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and other hits. Her publicist says she died Monday, surrounded by her family. Flack became an overnight star in the early 1970s after Clint Eastwood used “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film “Play Misty for Me.” Flack’s other hits included “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and a duet with former Howard University classmate Donny Hathaway, “Where is the Love?”

Come ‘Beyond the Gates’ for the first Black-led soap opera — the first new network soap in decades

NEW YORK (AP) — The first thing viewers of “Beyond the Gates” see is a black Mercedes gliding past manicured lawns and stately estates. That car and the elegant woman behind the wheel is driving into TV history on Monday as CBS begins airing the first Black-led daytime soap opera and the first new network soap since “Passions” premiered in 1999. The show is centered around four generations of the Dupree family, from a grandfather who is a civil rights icon to grandchildren who are social influencers. Set in an affluent Maryland gated community, “Beyond the Gates” has drama, joy and heartbreak played by very attractive people with an upper-crust vibe.

Remembering Roberta Flack: 8 timeless hits to salute an unrivaled talent

NEW YORK (AP) — The great Roberta Flack has died. The Grammy-award winning singer’s intimate vocal and musical style made her one of the top recording artists of the 1970s and an influential performer long after. She leaves behind a rich repertoire of music that avoids categorization. In this playlist, Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman celebrates her legacy. The song selection includes Flack’s best-known hits, like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” But other tracks worth listening to include her cover of “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” and “The Closer I Get to You.”

Oscar performers include Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Lisa. Here’s what to know about the show

After devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards are going forward. Performers were added to the bill Monday, including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Queen Latifah, Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat and RAYE. Presenters include Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, and last year’s acting winners. Those include Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The 97th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Conan O’Brien is hosting for the first time. In another first, the Oscars will be streamed live on Hulu.

‘Conclave’ cast celebrates with Timothée Chalamet and Ariana Grande after big SAG Awards win

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The cast of “Conclave” has accepted congratulations from generations of big stars backstage at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The group that included Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini and John Lithgow won the big prize of best ensemble at the Sunday night show in Los Angeles. Ariana Grande congratulated Fiennes and said she’d been rooting for “Conclave” despite her “Wicked” cast also being nominated. SAG Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jane Fonda hugged Fiennes and the two talked about her rousing political speech. Best male actor award winner Timothée Chalamet congratulated Fiennes and Lithgow at the station where winners pick up their trophies.

Legendary rap group Wu-Tang Clan announces final North American tour, kicking off in June

NEW YORK (AP) — Wu-Tang Clan is forever but their touring days are coming to an end. The legendary rap group is made up of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and previously, the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. They will kick off their final tour this summer, hitting many major cities in North America. The “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber” tour launches June 6 in Baltimore at the CFG Bank Arena and concludes on July 18 at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. Wu-Tang Clan will be joined by openers Run the Jewels. Tickets go on sale Friday, local time. There is no pre-sale.

Trump administration in court over AP lawsuit on White House access

WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge is hearing in The Associated Press’ lawsuit against three staff members of President Donald Trump, whose administration has barred the news agency from presidential events. The AP is appearing in federal court in Washington over its emergency motion. It wants the court to undo the administration’s move to shut its journalists out of the Oval Office, Air Force One and other areas. The dispute stems from the news agency’s refusal to conform to Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” The AP says it is adhering to the “Gulf of Mexico” terminology because its audience is global and the waters are not only in U.S. territory, but it is acknowledging Trump’s rechristening as well.

Music Review: Rebecca Black says goodbye to ‘Friday’ and masters the dancefloor on ‘Salvation’

Rebecca Black, she of the inescapable 2011 online smash hit “Friday,” has re-invented and re-emerged. The singer, songwriter and DJ is out now with “Salvation,” a dance-heavy EP. The Associated Press’ Ron Harris writes in his review that Black’s release reminds us that fun is foremost in the artist’s ever-evolving career. Across its tracks, she appears to understand the highs and lows of becoming very famous, very fast, while very young. If there is a standout, it is “Sugar Water Cyanide,” a club-ready song ripe for a deep remix and accessible with pitched-up vocals. The dance floor beckons.

Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas says brain tumor has returned

Michael Tilson Thomas’ brain tumor has returned, and the 80-year-old conductor intends to lead his final performance in April. Thomas announced in August 2021 that he had undergone surgery for a glioblastoma. He returned to conduct with a reduced schedule and the following March resigned as artistic director of the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, after 34 seasons. He said there are treatment options, “but the odds are uncertain.” Thomas is conducting the New World Symphony in late March and April, then the San Francisco Symphony on April 26 in a belated 80th birthday celebration.

Book Review: Ada Calhoun’s ‘Crush’ is a personal essay on love disguised as a novel

Ada Calhoun’s debut novel “Crush” explores the concept of love through a fictionalized story heavily based on the author’s life. The nameless narrator agrees to her husband’s proposal to open their marriage. She finds kissing other people invigorating, particularly after COVID lockdowns. But when she reaches out to her college crush, their relationship quickly takes a life of its own and becomes an all-consuming, marriage-threatening soul connection. Donna Edwards of The Associated Press says although the plot points are predictable, the voice is ensnaring and the book leaves room for interesting discussions. “Crush” is scheduled for release Tuesday from Viking.