Perhaps it’s the promise of warm weather, or maybe it’s the recent premiere of The White Lotus season three (this seems likelier), but we’ve been loving linen lately. The lightweight, flax-based fabric is a warm weather staple for a reason. Linen dries quicker than cotton (aka what denim is made of), and it’s ultra-breathable.
Whether you’re visiting a tropical destination or need comfy pants that won’t make you overheat, a pair of linen pants is in order to keep you cool and stylish. Below, find 13 linen pant styles that flatter all body types — starting at just $26!
11 Loose-Fitting Linen Pants to Wear Instead of Jeans This Spring
1. Everyday Staple: Available in navy, green, white or black, these wide-leg linen pants are the breathable basic to have in your wardrobe. And they have pockets!
2. Posh PJs: We accept any excuse to wear our comfy clothes outside. These blue and white striped pants lean into the pajama trend while still feeling adult and put-together.
3. Barreled Beauties: The internet has been all about barreled jeans, but these barreled linen pants are just as flattering and a bit more subtle in their silhouette. The blush tint color is so sweet for spring.
4. Some Slack(s): Take linen from the beach to the office with these sophisticated trousers that can be accessorized with a thin belt and kitten-heeled sandals. Right now they’re up to 60% off!
5. Wide Legs for Days: These roomy pants are so wide, they’re practically gauchos. We’re loving the navy pair because they could pass as flared jeans — but way comfier.
6. Precious Cargos: These pocketed pants are on the cutting edge of current fashion trends and practical to boot. Pair them with a tee and sneakers for a cute, casual look.
7. Big on Baggy: Linen fabric and lantern-style pants are a match that just makes sense. With more than 4,000 reviews and 4.2 stars on Amazon, these all-purpose pants cost less than $40.
8. Not-Your-Average Joggers: These tapered pants hit at the ankle and have a similar silhouette to joggers. Take them from day to night simply by switching out your flip flops with strappy sandals.
9. Gingham Moment: Palazzo pants get a trendy update with this checkered pair. The pants almost look like a chic, full-length skirt due to the ultra-wide legs.
10. Western Wonder: The cowboy motifs, such as boots, horseshoes and bulls, on these blue- and cream-colored Free People pants are too cute. Plus, their slouchy cut is so in style.
11. Cut It Out: This flowy item is a cut above the rest thanks to its cut-outs. Criss-crossed up the side, the slits add visual interest and tons of airflow. Each color is as cute as the next.
Armie Hammer once attempted to hook up with a man after experiencing frustration with women — but it didn’t go quite as well as he hoped.
The actor, 38, revealed he tried “hooking up with a dude one time” during his “The Armie HammerTime Podcast” on Monday, March 3. “It was hilarious because I was like, you know what, women are the worst. Like, gay dudes seem to have it so easy, like so easy.”
To test this theory, Hammer downloaded the dating app Grindr and soon got an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“I’m at a restaurant, my phone blows up and it’s, like, Grindr, and someone else is like, ‘I’m at the same restaurant do you want a b— j– in the bathroom?’” he recalled. “And you’re like, ‘Hey guys, I’ll be back in five minutes.’”
Hammer went to meet the man, but it didn’t take long for him to realize he wasn’t feeling it.
“I remember I met this dude, handsome, French, the whole thing, and I was like, ‘OK, this could work, let’s try this,’” he explained. “I remember I started making out with him and I just remember being like, ‘Urgh, God, beards, like I get it why women like it when you shave. This thing is f—ing rough, how do I get in there?’”
Armie HammerJim Spellman/WireImage
The Call Me by Your Name actor was also put off by the man’s size, adding, “And I remember I put my arms around him and I was like, ‘Oh, my God, and these shoulders are so wide, he’s so big, like he’s almost my height, this is so strange.’ And it did physically for me, absolutely nothing. Not even a twitch.”
Hammer went on to say he felt like he was just “going through the motions” rather than enjoying himself. He ultimately put a stop to the encounter when the man attempted to touch his “flaccid penis.”
The Lone Ranger star’s latest revelation comes weeks after he admitted to cutting the heart out of a live animal and taking a bite.
“You take a bite out of the heart, and you’ve got all your buddies around you, they’re goading you on,” Hammer said during an interview on “The Louis Theroux Podcast” last month. “It’s sort of like an almost overly charged male rite of passage when you go hunting for your first time. Everyone that I know who went hunting for their first time had to do something similar.”
He went on to note that taking the bite was “not for the purpose of any cannibalism or any sexual gratification.”
When host Louis Theroux directly asked whether Hammer is a cannibal, he replied, “You know what you have to do to actually be a cannibal? You have to actually eat human flesh. So, no.”
Hammer’s career in Hollywood effectively ended in 2021 after he was accused of rape by an ex. At the time, various unverified direct messages on social media detailing vivid sexual fantasies — including cannibalism — were attributed to him. He vehemently denied the rape allegations and said all of his sexual encounters were consensual. A Los Angeles Police Department investigation into the claims was closed in May 2023, and Hammer was not charged.
Speaking to Theroux, Hammer claimed that nothing he ever did was against the law, but he admitted that some of his actions made people uncomfortable.
“I left a lot of people in that wake very angry at me for my behavior. … A—— behavior. There’s no way around that,” he said. “Does it make me a d—? Absolutely. Like, I have no problem admitting that. I was a d—. That’s not illegal.”
If you aren’t following Rare Beauty on Instagram, you’re missing out. The brand’s founder, Selena Gomez, is always popping on to talk about her viral beauty products (hello, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush!) and demonstrate how to apply them properly. Recently, however, it was the actress’ accessories that created a buzz. Fans spotted Gomez’s earrings in an Instagram post and immediately wanted the details. Unfortunately, her original pair is over $2,750, but we found a near-identical alternative for under $100!
The Brook & York gold hoops look just like the Jennifer Meyer ones the Emilia Pérez star was seen sporting. Made of 14k gold-plated brass, this lightweight, two-inch pick is a way to make a statement without the discomfort that comes with bulkier alternatives. While hoops are a classic choice for any occasion, be it fancy or casual, part of the draw with this particular pair is the unique hammered pattern. A stainless steel post keeps these earrings secure, and taking care of this option is fairly easy — just keep them away from moisture and clean them with a dry cloth to ensure they last for years to come!
Even if your goal isn’t to copy Gomez’s style, shoppers can confirm that these lookalike hoops are well worth their price tag.
“Sturdy. . . good quality. . . love them!” one reviewer wrote on the Brook & York website. Another added that they were skeptical at first, but admitted that “these are my new favs!”
We’re never opposed to a style splurge, but if you can achieve the same vibe with something more budget-friendly, why not give it a go? However, you’ll want to hurry — now that the secret is out, there’s no telling how long these hoop earrings will be in stock!
Gene Hackman’s family is not jumping to any conclusions about the deaths of the legendary actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, before getting all the facts.
“We’re waiting on toxicology. That will tell us everything,” Gene’s nephew Tim Hackman exclusively told Us Weekly on Monday, March 3. “It’s hard to theorize. There are lots of theories out there and I don’t want to speculate. It’s easy to speculate negative theories.”
Tim explained, “The family wants to keep it positive for now and when we know the truth we will deal with it.”
Us confirmed on Thursday, February 27, that both Gene, 95, and his wife, 64, were found dead inside their residence one day prior after authorities were called for a wellness check. (The couple tied the knot in 1991 and lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for more than 30 years before their deaths.)
TheReplacements actor’s daughter Leslie Anne Allen told Us previously that carbon monoxide “was one of the things [police] thought might have happened.” (Gene is survived by his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie, and granddaughter Annie from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.)
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has since called the deaths “suspicious” after a search warrant revealed the detectives reportedly “found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom.”
A detective explained in an affidavit obtained by Us that there were signs that the heater was “moved” and “the pill bottle being opened, and pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent being located in a separate room of the residence.” The report noted, “No obvious signs of a gas leak.”
A search warrant obtained by People on Friday, February 28, revealed the previously mentioned pills found by police were Tylenol, unspecified thyroid medication and diltiazem, a medication used to treat high blood pressure.
That same day, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza shed some light on their ongoing investigation. “Both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide, [and] an initial interrogation was conducted of Mr. Hackman’s pacemaker,” he said in a press conference. “This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17, 2025. I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed.”
The sheriff explained, “According to the pathologist, I think that is a very good assumption” that when Gene’s pacemaker last registered was “hist last day of life.”
Mendoza noted that Gene and Arakawa’s deaths were still under “active investigation” and it had not been determined who died first. He added that they were waiting on several tests, including a toxicology report.
Tim, whose father, Richard Hackman, was Gene’s brother and a stuntman for the Oscar winner, told Us that the description of the scene where the bodies were found has raised a lot of questions.
“My uncle was 95 years old at an age where you think about, ‘OK, it’s time,’” Tim said on Monday. “But from the circumstances now things have changed a bit. It’s a major change.”
Despite having so many unanswered questions about Gene and Arakawa’s deaths, Tim said he is holding onto his fond memories of the actor — including their last in-person interaction when Gene came to his dad’s funeral about 11 years ago.
“He was [living] in Santa Fe, New Mexico,” Tim recalled of that time. “I would call Betsy and give an update on the kids. He’d come to California just to see his family or for the weather.”
Tim remembered that when The Royal Tenenbaums actor came around he was “like any other family member,” but at times his nephew was still starstruck.
“For me personally, it’s something I would find strange because I was a fan and a nephew. There were moments of, ‘Wow, Gene Hackman is in front of me,’” he shared.
Tim revealed that there was also another role Gene played that his fans may not have known. “He was a reconnaissance Marine radio man [and] he felt he didn’t deserve the title but he earned it,” he told Us. “He represented the Marines with pride in his own way. They say Marines lead the way and my uncle sure did and I’m very, very proud.”
When it comes to Gene’s legacy, Tim said he was “looking forward to seeing how the Oscars would remember” his late family member, who won the prestigious award twice — for Best Actor in William Friedkin‘s thriller The French Connection (1971) and for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood‘s western Unforgiven (1992).
During the 2025 Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2, Gene was among the actors who were honored during the In Memoriam segment of the show. Morgan Freemankicked off the tributes, recalling fond memories with Gene while filming 2000’s Under Suspicion.
“I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work. He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world,” Freeman, 87, shared. “Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people will remember me as someone who tried to put in good work.’ I think we speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and for so much more.’ Rest in peace, my friend.”
Tim tuned in for the broadcast, telling Us, “[I] thought they did a good job. I was touched by that.”
During the Sunday, March 2, awards ceremony, O’Brien, 61, quipped, “We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.” The joke was an apparent reference to Lamar’s scathing Super Bowl LIX halftime performance in February, where Lamar performed his Drake diss track, “Not Like Us.” (Lamar famously accused Drake of pedophilia on the 2024 track, something Drake has denied.)
Skyler Higley, O’Brien’s joke writer, told TMZ on Monday, March 3, that the quip was all about tapping into the pop culture zeitgeist and not a diss toward either artist.
“The idea that it’s being taken as a real call-out or taking sides in any way in the beef is absurd,” Higley, who worked on O’Brien’s former TBS talk show, told the outlet.
During Sunday’s Oscars telecast, O’Brien also delivered some stinging one-liners about Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet and Best Actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón.
Conan O’Brien speaks onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
“Timmy Chalamet is up for Best Actor tonight, you’re amazing and you look amazing. I love that suit. You will not get hit on your bike tonight,” O’Brien told the audience inside Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, referring to the actor receiving a fine for taking a rideshare bike to the London premiere of A Complete Unknown. “Safe! Amazing actor. Timothée is nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, yeah. Bob Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not that badly.”
Addressing Gascón, whose past offensive X posts resurfaced following her Oscar nomination for Emilia Pérez, O’Brien joked, “Karla, if you’re going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel.”
“There are times where you think, ‘We’ve got a good joke here, but I’m not gonna do it. It doesn’t feel right.’ We made a lot of changes backstage,” O’Brien told E! News at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. “You just decide, ‘Oh, this is a better joke,’ or you think of something in the moment, and you just go with it, and those can be blessings.”
Thankfully, O’Brien’s hosting style went down well with the A-listers in attendance.
“There’s the agony of before — preparation, getting ready — and that goes on for months. Then we worked so hard that by the time we got to the point where it was time to go, I couldn’t wait. And it was a really great crowd. They were laughs, thank God,” he told E! News.
As a shopping writer and petite fashion girlie, I’ve mastered the art of making myself look a little taller and leaner with the help of dresses. My secret lies in selecting styles that have elongating silhouettes, vertical details to draw the eye up and fabrics that skim the body without adding bulk. To make a petite frame look longer, aim for dresses with a v-neckline, an adjustable tie waist or ruching for that cinched-in look, or a tailored silhouette to create a streamlined effect.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe with a boutique-looking dress or want to keep it casual with a comfortably-cute pick, this roundup offers a range of petite dress styles for everyone. Below, shop 15 petite-friendly spring dress styles I’m most excited to grab ahead of spring. Even better, these slimming styles start at just $20.
15 Petite-Friendly Spring Dresses to Look Taller and Leaner
1. Our Absolute Favorite: Checking all of the boxes for a streamlined silhouette is this boutique-style mini dress that has a defined waist, tailored look and v-neckline.
2. New and Notable: Bringing Us petites high-end style while on a budget is this designer-looking mini dress that features a cinched waist.
3. Shopper-Favorite: With over 9,600 five-star ratings, shoppers can’t get enough of this ruffled floral dress that features a deep v-neckline, which draws the eye upward.
4. Wrap Dress Wonder: The diagonal details of this flared wrap dress define and elongate the body.
5. Rich Mom Style: Nail the rich mom aesthetic this spring with this striped shirt dress from Steve Madden. The vertical lines create a streamlined effect.
6. Stunning Swiss Dot: This smocked midi dress pairs perfectly with a denim jacket and strappy sandals.
7. Floral and Fabulous: Show off the legs in this floral paisley dress from Petal & Pup that creates the illusion of length.
8. Chic Shirtdress: Channel quiet luxury style in this timeless mini shirtdress that’s best accessorized with a waist-cinching belt.
9. Elevated Comfort: Combining comfort with flattering style is this tie waist mini dress.
10. Waist-Flattering: Perfect for spring brunches, this stunning, puff-sleeve mini dress ties at the waist and has a ruffled hem.
11. Puff-Sleeve Princess: A go-to brand for petites, Abercrombie has a new puff-sleeve mini dress that comes in short girl sizing.
12. Create an Hourglass: Give your body some extra shaping with this smocked waist dress from Anthropologie that fakes an hourglass shape.
13. Boutique-Looking: Get boutique-looking style for less with this lace trim mini dress that’s now on sale at Gap.
14. Date Night Perfection: Be comfy and cute for your next date night with this little black dress that over 2,000 shoppers bought within the last month!
15. Designer-Looking: Looking like it came straight from a designer boutique is this slimming striped dress that comes in a plethora of pastel spring colors.
There may be thousands of neck creams on the market right now, but few rarely deliver on their promises to minimize lines and restore the area to its youthful appearance. Plus, these products tend to cost a fortune. If you’re shopping for a new formula to add to your routine — as in, one that actually yields visible results — it’s time to snag the goPure Neck Firming Cream from Amazon.
The firming neck cream is powered by active ingredients that work to reduce the appearance of sagging, crepey-looking neck skin. The formula includes hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, shea butter and wrinkle-reducing Bakuchiol — all of which are dermatologist-tested and meant to be gentle on the skin. At the same time, the neck cream is meant to pack a punch, providing a bit of lift while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Another plus is that goPure Beauty’s formulas never include formaldehyde, parabens or dyes, making the products must-haves in your skincare routine.
When it comes to application, the luxurious, lightweight cream immediately melts into your skin, leaving it feeling nourished and soothed sans a greasy finish. Be sure to apply the product to clean skin before massaging it into the neck and decollete area.
Over 30,000 Amazon shoppers added the neck cream to their carts this month — proving it’s a sought-after skincare solution for many.
It’s “magic in a jar,” one impressed customer said. “I am writing this one in shock because I have bought ALL the things,” they continued. “I have been using this for two to three weeks. Honestly, I paid no attention to my neck until randomly this morning, I noticed it. I had to double and triple take, then had to scroll my phone to find a photo from the same side and in the same room. MINDBLOWN on how well this one has worked.”
“This product tightens loose, sagging skin in the neck area,” another wrote. “Just bought my second jar. It goes on smoothly and is not greasy. I’ve lost some weight in the neck area, and it has helped to firm my neck.”
“The best neck cream on the market,” someone else raved. “It makes your neck feel tight and moisturized without heaviness. The cream is lightweight, and the smell is not overpowering. For the price, I would recommend it to any woman or man who wants to keep their neck looking fabulous!”
With such promising reviews, we’re sold. What are you waiting for? Head to Amazon to stock up on this skincare essential.
Ahead of the Tuesday, March 4, premiere of her new Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, was surprised with a sweet note and gorgeous bouquet of flowers from her family to celebrate the launch.
Meghan shared a snap of the thoughtful gift via her Instagram Stories on Monday, March 3.
“Congratulations Mumma! We love your show and we love you!” reads a handwritten note accompanying an arrangement of pink and white flowers, including pink roses.
The sweet message — written on light pink paper — is hand-signed by all of the family, including Harry, 40, who signed off as “Papa,” Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, who wrote “Lili.”
Meghan’s new lifestyle series features the duchess offering tips for cooking, baking, crafting and hosting with help from friends including comedian Mindy Kaling and chef Roy Choi.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Us Weeklyrecently watched advanced screeners of all eight With Love, Meghan episodes and can confirm that the show features sweet nods and references to Meghan’s family.
In the debut episode, Meghan made homemade bath salts out of arnica, lavender and pink Himalayan sea salt.
“We have a lot of Arnica in my house,” she said. “Toddler life! Lots of bumps and bruises.”
During Meghan’s DIY process, she revealed that her former Suits makeup artist Daniel Martin was due for a visit and gushed that Archie and Lili call him “Uncle Daniel.”
“He was in my life for the before, during and after, shall we say,” she said, subtly referring to her life as the Duchess of Sussex.
In another episode, featuring Choi, Meghan told Choi that she often makes a crudité platter for Archie and Lili. “We have them every day because that’s how our kids love eating vegetables,” she said.
Meanwhile, in the second episode, Meghan shared some sweet insights into her home life with Harry while cooking up a feast for Kaling. “I have a family, a husband who no matter what meal is put in front of him, before he tastes it, always puts salt on,” she said. “So, I try to undersalt.” Kaling chimed in, joking, “I love knowing that your husband likes it salty!”
Meghan Markle had a “magical” surprise for some of her most loyal fans.
The Duchess of Sussex surprised longtime supporters who followed her former lifestyle blog, The Tig, at a special New York City screening of her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, on Monday, March 3.
Meghan, 43, documented the surprise with photos and videos shared via her Instagram Stories Monday. “OK, we have a big surprise in store for girls who have been following The Tig and everything else for so long,” she said in a clip filmed outside the screening room.
“They don’t know I’m coming,” she added as she entered the theater, much to the surprise of the audience. “What do you guys think?” Meghan asked as she greeted her shocked fans.
The duchess shared more photos and videos of her hugging and talking to some of her most loyal fans. She captioned one image, “The girls that have been supporting me for nearly a decade!”
Meghan also got some surprises of her own. She shared a picture of two fans with tattoos bearing the logo of her recently rebranded lifestyle company, As Ever. In a video, she also received friendship bracelets that appear to be gifts for her and Prince Harry’s two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
Courtesy of Meghan Markle/Instagram
Meghan shared a photo of an autumnal floral display with branding for her show visible in the background. “Thank you [Netflix] for hosting this magical evening!” she wrote over the pic.
Meghan’s eight-episode show premieres on Netflix on Tuesday, March 4. Us Weekly recently watched advance screeners of all eight episodes, which feature Meghan sharing her tips for cooking, baking, crafting and hosting with the help of friends including Mindy Kaling.
During the episode with Kaling, Meghan revealed that her last name is now Sussex. “It’s so funny, you keep saying ‘Markle,’” she told the actress. “You know it’s Sussex now. You have kids and you go, ‘I share my name with my children.’ I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me, but it just means so much to go, ‘This is our family name.’ Our little family now.”
Meghan also shared with Kaling that her husband, Harry, 40, always seasons his food. “I have a family, a husband who no matter what meal is put in front of him, before he tastes it, always puts salt on,” she said. “So, I try to undersalt.” Kaling chimed in, joking, “I love knowing that your husband likes it salty!”
Millie Bobby Brown is hitting back at “disturbing” comments about her appearance.
The Stranger Things star shared an impassioned video via Instagram on Monday, March 3, calling out media articles “dissecting” her looks.
“I want to take a moment to address something that I think is bigger than just me, something that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny,” Brown, 21, captioned the post, sharing the transcript of her video.
“I think it’s necessary to speak up about this. I started in this industry when I was 10 years old. I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me. Instead, they act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time, like I should still look the way I did on Stranger Things Season 1. And because I don’t, I’m now a target,” she continued.
The Electric State actress went on to call out a series of recent headlines that she said are “desperate to tear young women down,” including pieces titled, “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?” and “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?”
Pointing out one particular article, titled “Little Britain’s Matt Lucas takes savage swipe at Millie Bobby Brown’s new ‘mommy makeover’ look,” the British star said the piece amplified “an insult rather than questioning why a grown man is mocking a young woman’s appearance.”
“This isn’t journalism. This is bullying. The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, it’s disturbing,” Brown shared. “The fact that some of these articles are written by women? Even worse. We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks. Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs.”
The Enola Holmes star went on, “I refuse to apologize for growing up. I refuse to make myself smaller to fit the unrealistic expectations of people who can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman. I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself. We have become a society where it’s so much easier to criticize than it is to pay a compliment. Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice? If you have a problem with that, I have to wonder—what is it that actually makes you so uncomfortable?”
“Let’s do better. Not just for me, but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without fear of being torn apart for simply existing,” Brown concluded her post.
This isn’t the first time Brown has hit back at criticism of her appearance.
Netflix
In January, the actress clapped back at internet trolls who claimed she looked older than her age via Instagram. “Women grow!!” she wrote in a since expired Instagram Story, per Page Six. “Not sorry about it :).”
Last week, Brown subtly responded to social media posts that claimed she looked older than she is via her Instagram Story. Brown reshared a British Vogue article headlined, “No One Cares How Old You Think Millie Bobby Brown Looks,” and wrote, “Thank you.”
Doja Cat performing at the 2025 Oscars.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Doja Cat is clapping back at critics who slammed her performance at the 2025 Oscars.
The artist, 29, took to Instagram on Monday, March 3, and defended herself a day after performing “Diamonds Are Forever” during a James Bond medley.
“Thanks to the Academy Awards and Vanity Fair for having me,” Doja Cat captioned a photo of her in the curve-hugging, gold sequined Balmain gown that she’d worn to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party the night before. “I never get to sing like that and what I did was brave and scary as f— for me. I know a lot of people didn’t like it but a lot of people did and I feel good that I pushed myself. The song is a classic and I put a lot of work into it but the nerves got to me and a bitch hit some flats.”
She added, “I can’t wait to do something like that again. What a blessing that was. I feel amazing about the whole thing. Bye. .”
The rapper, singer and songwriter teamed up with Raye and Blackpink’s Lisa for the Bond tribute that took place toward the midpoint of Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony. After Margaret Qualley appeared in a dance number, Lisa, 27, performed a rendition of “Live and Let Die” from the 1973 Bond movie of the same name. Afterward, Doja Cat sang “Diamonds Are Forever” — originally sung by Shirley Bassey in 1971 — while wearing a jeweled dress befitting a Bond girl. Then Raye, 27, crooned “Skyfall,” the theme song of the 2012 movie.
Watching the tribute unfold, many viewers criticized Doja Cat, airing their grievances via X.
“Shirley Bassey deserves an apology on so many levels. Why was this approved,” one user complained, while another wrote, “That’s a really tough song to replicate and I don’t think she was the correct artist for this one.”
Despite the negative reactions, Doja Cat’s fans came to her defense.
“She was frickin’ great!” a fan gushed via X. “The entire Bond medley was powerful and awesome.”
Doja Cat, Lisa and Raye recently released their collaboration “Born Again,” but the official Oscars X account noted ahead of the telecast that the trio wouldn’t be singing that song.
“Not ‘Born Again!’ But still legendary. Stay tuned. ,” read a message posted in late February.
The announcement of the group’s performance surprised Oscar aficionados, as neither of the women had a connection to any of the movies up for awards this year. In 2022, Doja Cat contributed the song “Vegas” to the soundtrack for Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which starred Austin Butler as the titular rock icon. The film was nominated for eight awards at the 2023 Oscars but came away empty-handed.
“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton, 79, wrote via an Instagram statement. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
The pair tied the knot in 1966, when Parton’s music career was taking off. While the “Jolene” singer became super-famous, branching out into acting and philanthropy, her intensely private spouse preferred to stay out of the limelight.
After Parton gave her statement Monday, People published photos that reportedly showed Dean visiting a post office near their Brentwood, Tennessee, home in December 2019. The outlet reported that it was the first time Dean had been photographed publicly in 40 years. In the snapshots, Dean was then 77 years old and dressed in jeans, a checkered shirt and a tan coat. According to People, Dean had stepped out with an assistant that day.
“We’re the perfect partners,” Parton exclusively told Us Weekly in January 2022. “We both have a great sense of humor. … We’re able to solve any problem and any situation, making a joke about it and not letting it get too heavy, but we respect each other and we like each other. We lucked up, let’s put it that way.”
Parton and Dean in their younger days.Courtesy of Dolly Parton/Instagram
She added, “You know, most people can keep a marriage [going strong] if you make a little effort. Some people just get slouching and lazy and about stuff that ain’t important, like leaving the toilet seat up. And if that’s the worst thing you’ve to worry about, you’re already in trouble.”
The day after graduating from high school in 1964, Parton moved to Nashville from her hometown of Sevierville to pursue singing. She soon met Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat.
When Dean set eyes on Parton, “My first thought was I’m gonna marry that girl,” he revealed on their 50th anniversary in 2016. “My second thought was, Lord she’s good lookin.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.”
As for Dolly, “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”
Dean supported his wife’s high-profile career but wasn’t interested in being famous himself. He disliked the spotlight so much that he avoided attending events with his wife.
While interviewing Parton for a profile in 1979, a Cosmopolitan reporter finally caught a glimpse of Dean. “Tall and good-looking, rather like a young Gregory Peck, he has a way of moving his angular body so that he seems to come toward you in sections,” the article read. “He is a fan of television and nightclub comic Steve Martin.”
Parton previously addressed Dean’s need for privacy in a 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight.
“A lot of people have thought that [he doesn’t exist] through the years, because he does not want to be in the spotlight at all,” Parton told the outlet. “It’s just not who he is. He’s, like, a quiet, reserved person.”
“He said, ‘I didn’t choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can keep our lives separate and together.’ And we do and we have,” Parton said at the time, adding that she “always respected and appreciated” that side of him.
The comedian, 50, and the actor, 62, sparked romance rumors after they were spotted leaving Vanity Fair’s Oscar party arm-in-arm on Sunday, March 2. In photos published by People on Monday, March 3, Handler wore a strapless silver gown and her blond hair long and wavy. Fiennes sported a black tuxedo with the jacket buttoned.
Us Weekly has reached out to reps for Handler and Fiennes for comment.
Earlier Sunday, Fiennes attended the Academy Awards, where he was among the Best Actor nominees for his role in the film Conclave. He lost the trophy to The Brutalist star Adrien Brody.
Handler teased Fiennes while she hosted the Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles last month. She stood next to him in the audience for a staged bit, joking that he “played a ruthless Nazi, an evil lord and a celibate cardinal, and somehow you’ve made me want to have sex with you in all roles. … I’m begging you never play Vladimir Putin. I can’t do that again.”
Handler had also included Fiennes in another bit where she referenced Nicole Kidman’s notorious milk-drinking scene in Babygirl. That film “inspired me to hire a new sexy intern,” Handler quipped, drinking a glass of milk. “Good girl. Good girl. Good girl,” Fiennes, playing along, said encouragingly.
The Harry Potter star was previously married to actress Alex Kingston from 1993 to 1997 and later moved on with actress Francesca Annis. Handler previously dated fellow comedian Jo Koy and now has a new man in her life.
“I’m dating. Dating is wonderful,” she told Us Weekly exclusively last month, without naming her beau. “Now, I understand what kind of date I am. I want lovers all around the world. I want lovers all around the globe.”
Handler told Us that she’s “very honest and upfront with anyone who I’m dating, that you may not be the only one. And if you need to know, I’ll let you know, but I’m just letting you know. Hopefully you don’t need to ask any further questions.”
Handler said she doesn’t “thrive with dependency,” especially in a romantic relationship.
“I think an attractive quality in a man — the most attractive quality — which is hard to come by, is to find small egos on men. Men who have no egos,” Handler explained to Us. “Right now, I’m dating someone who has no ego. He’s very good at a lot of things, but he’ll never ever show you. He doesn’t need that kind of validation. He doesn’t need to be good at something. He doesn’t need to show off.”
She also described a nice moment they shared recently.
“The other day, he goes, ‘God, you know how lucky I am to be waking up next to you. Do you know how many men would die to wake up next to you?’ I wanted to go, ‘Do you know how many men would never in a million years even think about that?’ Nevermind, say it,” Handler said. “What a sweet thing to even think. Then a sweeter thing to even say, because just by virtue of saying that to someone means that you don’t have a big ego.”
Dolly Parton and Carl DeanCourtesy of Dolly Parton/Instagram
Dolly Parton is one of the most beloved stars on the planet. As a singer, actress and philanthropist, she looms larger than life; as a wife, she kept a veil of privacy over her marriage to late husband Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
Parton and Dean tied the knot in 1966, just as her music career was getting off the ground. While she soared to fame, making her mark in both Nashville and Hollywood, Dean managed to stay out of the public eye. Their union stood the test of time, perhaps because she was famous and he was not, making for an easy, yin-yang balance.
“We’re the perfect partners,” Parton exclusively told Us Weekly in January 2022. “We both have a great sense of humor. … We’re able to solve any problem and any situation, making a joke about it and not letting it get too heavy, but we respect each other and we like each other. We lucked up, let’s put it that way.”
She continued: “You know, most people can keep a marriage [going strong] if you make a little effort. Some people just get slouching and lazy and about stuff that ain’t important, like leaving the toilet seat up. And if that’s the worst thing you’ve to worry about, you’re already in trouble.”
Here’s everything Parton has said about her late husband over the years:
Why Dean Stayed Out of the Spotlight
The “Jolene” singer addressed Dean’s aversion to the limelight in a 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight.
“A lot of people have thought that [he doesn’t exist] through the years, because he does not want to be in the spotlight at all,” Parton told the outlet. “It’s just not who he is. He’s, like, a quiet, reserved person.”
She explained at the time that Dean “figured if he ever got out there in that, he’d never get a minute’s peace, and he’s right about that,” adding that she’s “always respected and appreciated” that side of him and has honored his wish for privacy.
“He said, ‘I didn’t choose this world, I chose you, and you chose that world. But we can keep our lives separate and together.’ And we do and we have,” Parton said. “We’ve been together 56 years, married 54.”
Parton and Dean Had a Shared Sense of Humor
“When people ask me why it’s lasted this long, I say, ‘Because I stay gone.’ And there’s a lot of truth in that — the fact that we’re not in each other’s faces all the time,” Parton explained in 2020. “But we do have a great respect and admiration for each other. We both have a great sense of humor. So, we have a lot of fun.”
Despite their different comfort levels with fame, the Steel Magnolias star has said that she and Dean traveled well together.
“We have very similar tastes,” she said. “We love to travel around our little RV, and we don’t like parties and all that stuff.”
Parton and Dean Rarely Bickered Throughout Their 60-year Marriage
“Any time [there is] too much tension going on, either one of us can, like, find a joke about it to really break the tension, where we don’t let it go so far,” Parton told the “Dumb Blonde” podcast in December 2024. “We never fought back and forth — and I’m glad we never did.”
Parton and Dean Had Compatible Zodiac Signs
According to Parton, she and Dean were astrologically matched.
“Well, he was a homebody, and that worked well for us,” she said in her “Dumb Blonde” interview. “He was in asphalt paving, but his sign is Cancer and I’m Capricorn, and those are compatible signs. The Capricorn is the mountain goat because it’s always climbing and the Cancer is more of a homebody. He really was. He wanted to be around home. I loved to go and see what else is out there, but I think that’s worked well for us.”
How They Met
The couple met outside a Nashville Wishy Washy laundromat in 1964.
“I left two boyfriends that had wanted to marry me and kept saying, ‘No, I’m gonna move to Nashville,’” Parton said in 2024, the year they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. “I thought, ‘The last thing I want is a boyfriend,’ and so, I got here … the very day I got to Nashville, I met Carl Dean. And 60 years later, I’m still with Carl Dean!”
When Dean set eyes on Parton, “My first thought was I’m gonna marry that girl,” he revealed in a statement on their 50th anniversary in 2016. “My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin.’’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.”
As for Dolly, “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me). He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.”
Parton once “begged” Dean to attend her 1967 BMI Song of the Year award ceremony.
“I rented him a tux and begged him to go and, oh, he was so uncomfortable the whole night,” she recalled to “Dumb Blonde” host Bunnie Xo. “As soon as we hit the door, he started pulling off stuff. He said, ‘Look, now, I want you to do everything you want to do and I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going.’ And he never did!”
Despite his distaste for attending industry events, Dean would go on to celebrate the couple’s personal milestones — away from Parton’s devoted fanbase.
“He doesn’t even like to go out to dinner, so even on anniversaries we usually stay home and make something special,” she reminisced two months before Dean’s death. “Now, we will go to Mexican restaurants and sit in a booth. He loves that! We’ll go sit in a booth … we know where to go before the big crowds come, but he’s just special to me.”
How They Felt About Not Having Children
Parton and Dean never become parents — something neither seemed to regret.
“Now that Carl and I are older, we often say, ‘Aren’t you glad we didn’t have kids?’ Now we don’t have kids to worry about,” Parton told Billboard in 2014.
They Kept The Romance Alive
The “Here You Come Again” songstress celebrated Valentine’s Day with Dean by wearing “some little fun” outfit and showering Dean in presents.
“I always wear some heart-shaped something and I always get him several Valentine’s cards,” Parton revealed to Us Weeklyin 2022. “You know, cause when you start looking for cards, you find so many and you want ’em all.”
At the time, she filled Us in on her secret to maintaining the spark with her spouse.
“You find little ways,” said Parton, who was then 76 years old. “Like last year on his birthday, I dressed up in my Playboy bunny suit, made him breakfast and [ran] around in that for a little while.”
The Couple That Cooks Together, Stays Together
“I’m the better cook, but [Carl] actually can cook pretty good,” Parton told Us, adding that “every once in a while” she’d let her husband lend a hand in the kitchen. “I’ve been gone so much [that] he had to [learn to] cook, but he actually does pretty good. He knows how to cook the things he likes, but he loves my cooking better.”
We’re officially three episodes deep into The White Lotus season three, and we can’t seem to get enough. Aside from being completely confused by — yet totally enamored with — the Ratliff family, there’s one tiny detail we can’t get over: How did the women of season three achieve such beautiful, long-lasting makeup looks in Thailand’s humid weather? More importantly, how did their mascara not melt off?
Lucky for Us, we learned the exact mascara worn by the women of season three — and it’s only $26. The sweat-proof formula is the Make Beauty Lash Prototype Volumizing Mascara. Not only does it hold up in extremely humid weather, it’s vegan, safe for your eyes and totally buildable to create dramatic, long lashes. Here’s everything we know about the gorgeous mascara.
Makeup Artist Rebecca Hickey, who has worked on all three seasons of The White Lotus, shares: “[The mascara] adds so much volume but never smudges, which would have been a disaster with the scorching temps of Thailand! We needed a mascara to add volume and length without budging, and this mascara was the perfect fit for filming.”
This buildable mascara has your back, whether you’re going for a casual, daytime vibe or a bold, glam look for a night out. It’s dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes, and it’s also cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free. We love a clean formula that actually works, and this mascara is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or PEGs, making it a safe addition to your makeup bag.
Made with a vegan beeswax alternative, the mascara also features ingredients that form a protective layer around your lashes — promoting growth and thickness over time. To apply, start at the base of your lashes and swipe the brush from root to tip. You can wiggle the brush at the root of your eyelashes to build volume, and if you’re looking for a more dramatic look, repeat and layer as needed.
Even if your upcoming travel plans don’t come with all the drama of The White Lotus (in fact, we hope they don’t), this humidity-proof mascara ensures your lashes are always on point. It’s only a matter of time before this hidden gem sells out, so grab a tube (or two) before it’s too late!
The Bachelor officially made it to hometowns, and Grant Ellis went from meeting too many family members to count to one family opting not to show up at all.
Every once in a while there is a family that refuses to film for The Bachelor (more on that later), but it seemed like there wasn’t one Pasarosa missing when Grant met Juliana’s parents, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and dog Charlie in Newton, Massachusetts. Hell, the guy who yelled her name on the street at the beginning of the date probably made it in time for the family cheers.
While Juliana’s dad briefly made it seem like he was going to be a tough guy to win over, it’s clear he is down for whatever will make his daughter happy. Juliana’s mom was another easy sell, listening to Grant talk about his “lone wolf” tattoo with only a slight amount of judgment in her eyes.
During a chat with her sister, Juliana declared “I know he’s my guy” and Grant returned the favor when he revealed he was “falling for” her.
“I feel like it could be a fit for me,” he told Juliana before he had to leave. Juliana set Grant off with a “bye, boyfriend” and seemingly a ticket to the final three.
Grant went to New York City to see Zoe next, heading straight to an engagement photo shoot that ended with Zoe in a full-on wedding gown. While the twosome make a ridiculously good looking couple (and I guess the point of the date was to introduce Grant to her job as a model), it felt slightly out of place as hometowns are the time to ditch the anatics and get real.
Once they changed out of their wedding fits, Grant prompted Zoe to do just that. Fans previously saw Zoe speak about being adopted and growing up as a Black woman in a predominantly white neighborhood. She explained on Monday’s episode that Grant will not be meeting her parents, revealing she cut ties with her “adoptive parents” one year ago. While she didn’t get into many details, Zoe didn’t seem confident she would be mending the relationship anytime soon while applauding Grant for making amends with his father after his struggles with substance abuse.
When Grant does spend time with Zoe’s sister, her aunt, uncle and some friends, there is a slight concern that Zoe hasn’t received a one-on-one date yet. No one pushes Grant too hard, though, and he leaves Zoe thinking that she has made big strides in the relationship.
Grant’s first real test comes with Litia’s family, as he’s the first person she’s brought home to meet her family who isn’t Mormon.The Garr family quickly rivals the Pasarosa family in size with 40 relatives — including her parents and brothers — coming out to meet the Bachelor for a get-together complete with “dirty sodas.”
While Litia’s parents tell Grant that he doesn’t necessarily have to be Mormon to be with their daughter, Us is plotting for Grant and Litia to join The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Before that, however, they will have to get through fantasy suites. While Litia told her grandfather, “I think that I love him,” she also told her mother that she will not sleep with Grant and does not want him to be intimate with anyone else on the show.
As Grant prepared to say goodbye, the twosome exchanged “I’m falling for yous,” but did not tap into the sex conversation just yet.
Dina.Disney/Anne Marie Fox
For his final hometown date, Grant met Dina in Chicago. Us almost choked when we relearned that Dina has 11 siblings, thinking we hadn’t seen anything yet despite Juliana and Litia’s large showings. Dina subsequently revealed that her family did not want to film the series as her deacon father doesn’t approve of the journey, revealing that they “opted” out.
“The fact that her family isn’t here today is concerning,” Grant admitted, before he headed to the pumpkin patch to meet her friends.
The friend meet-up went well, with the girls definitely approving of Grant. However, things between Dina and Grant (or Zoe and Grant, TBH) certainly don’t seem as far along as they do with Juliana or Litia.
While Grant met up with season 28 Bachelor Joey Graziadei for advice (the long and short of it was “go with your gut”), the final four girls got together to talk about the anxiety spirals of a rose ceremony — and learned that Dina’s family backed out at the “last minute.” While she seemed concerned about it, Grant tried to spin it during his chat with Joey.
“With Dina, her family, actually, didn’t show up,” Grant told Joey of the situation. “At first … it kind of rubbed me the wrong way. But I actually think that we tackled it together. We met her friends, we had a blast. We tackled that issue together.”
At the rose ceremony, Litia, Juliana and Zoe got roses and Grant said goodbye to Dina.
“You taught me what to look for in a woman. I was developing feelings for you,” Grant said, thanking her for the time that they spent together.
Dina noted how close she felt to him, but acknowledged that he clearly had stronger feelings for the other women. She kept it together on her limo exit and had Us screaming bring back The Bachelorette and give Dina a shot! (If she can get at least one of the 11 siblings to show up.)
The Bachelor: The Women Tell All airs on ABC next Monday, March 10, at 8 p.m. ET.
During the Monday, March 3, episode of The Voice, the Maroon 5 frontman was more than excited to fill his team with aspiring country singer Trevon Dawson.
“Trevon was the perfect person to round out team Adam,” Levine, 45, shared. “He has one of these young country voices that I hear a lot. You listen to the guys that are killing it right now in country music and I think he can do it. I can’t wait to coach country. We’re gonna kick ass.”
For the first 16 seasons of The Voice, Levine struggled to obtain country singers for his team because they would often pick Shelton, 48, given his award-winning career in country music. This season, however, Levine’s longtime frenemy is no longer a coach, allowing him to secure talented cowboys (and cowgirls) like Dawson, 17.
“I’m going to call my friend Blake Shelton and I’m going to be like, ‘Hey stupid. Help me,’” Levine joked.
Shelton left the show after season 23 to focus on other projects. Although Levine briefly stepped away from The Voice after season 16, he returned this year for season 27.
Trevon Dawson on ‘The Voice.’Christine Bartolucci/NBC
During week five of the blind auditions, Dawson wowed the judges with his rendition of Bailey Zimmerman’s “Religiously.”
After Kelsea Ballerini argued that Levine hit the “jackpot” with the Missouri native, she also explained why the audition was so special.
“You arguably had the highest stakes performance because our teams are full,” she said, while acknowledging fellow coaches John Legend and Michael Bublé. “There is one spot left for this season and it’s Adam. He is tough because Blake has broken his heart over and over again. That’s a long time of loving a genre that you just can’t get to do because of Blake.”
Before the battle rounds kick off on Monday, March 10, Levine had one final message of encouragement for Dawson.
Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
“To me, the people who end up winning the show are the ones that have those voices that just cut through all the noise,” he said. “I’m going to take all the no’s I heard from country music and I’m going to pour all of that into you.”
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean.Courtesy Dolly Parton/Instagram
Celebrities are sharing their condolences with Dolly Parton after the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
The country icon, 79, confirmed on Monday, March 3, that Dean passed away at the age of 82. “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” Parton wrote via an Instagram statement. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
Parton shared that her husband of nearly 60 years died in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee and would be “laid to rest in a private ceremony.” A cause of death was not revealed.
Dean was born in Nashville in 1942. He met Parton when he was 21 and she was 18 while outside a Wishy Washy laundromat, and the pair tied the knot two years later. “My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,'” Dean said in a 2016 statement for the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary. “My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin’.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.”
Throughout her career, Dean chose to remain out of the spotlight, leading an ultra-private lifestyle. In January 2022, Parton opened up exclusively to Us Weekly about what made the couple a “perfect” match.
“We both have a great sense of humor,” she explained. “We’re able to solve any problem and any situation, making a joke about it and not letting it get too heavy, but we respect each other and we like each other. We lucked up, let’s put it that way.”
She continued: “You know, most people can keep a marriage [going strong] if you make a little effort. Some people just get slouching and lazy and [it’s] about stuff that ain’t important, like leaving the toilet seat up. And if that’s the worst thing you’ve [got] to worry about, you’re already in trouble.”
Keep scrolling to see which stars are honoring Dean after his passing:
Lainey Wilson
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for American Greetings
The singer sent Parton her affection in the comments section, writing, “I love you .”
Khloe Kardashian
“Oh my heart! I am so sorry for your loss! My heart aches for you! My deepest condolences. ,” Kardashian wrote via Instagram, adding, “Praying for you and sending you love and prayers .”
Diplo
“That’s beautiful you to have such a long time with your husband,” the DJ commented via Instagram. “I hope he rests easy.”
Since American Idol premiered in June 2002, the show, its judges and contestants have become the subject of numerous scandals and controversies.
Prior to the days of voting by app for your favorite contestant, fans reported an unfair voting system during season 1 of American Idol when about 100 people used auto-dialing technology to reportedly place almost 10,000 votes every night for their favorite contestant.
Because not everyone had access to the technology, some said the system gave certain Idol hopefuls (whose fans were lucky enough to be on top of their tech) an unfair advantage. Nevertheless, production company Fremantle Media told USA Today in August 2002 that the number of votes coming from the software were “statistically insignificant.”
The next season, the drama became more personal when Ruben Studdardwon the competition, beating Clay Aiken by 140,000 votes out of a total 24 million. While fans complained that the crown belonged to the “Invisible” singer, both season 2 stars went on to have successful careers.
Scroll down to see more of the biggest American Idol controversies through the years:
During season 2 of American Idol, fans were angry that Studdard won the competition over Aiken by a minuscule number of votes. There were no hard feelings between the artists, however.
“We’re polar opposites when it comes to almost everything, and I think that works really well for us, not only onstage but offstage,” Aiken told The New York Times in October 2018. “[On American Idol we] went through a very different sort of experience than everyone else did, and I think that’s why we became such good friends.”
Season 9 semifinalist Joanna Pacitti was disqualified from the show in February 2009 after her history in the music business was revealed. The singer had a record deal and previously joined Nick Lachey on tour as his opening act prior to competing on the reality series.
"It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition," Fox said in a statement to Billboard at the time.
Pike, who was 20 years old when he was on the show, left American Idol abruptly in April 2021 after making it to the top 12 of the series and receiving rave reviews from judges.
“I had to leave the @AmericanIdol competition for personal reasons but am so thankful I get to play music for the rest of my life,” he wrote via Instagram following his departure. “Fellow contestants - miss you all, good luck! Thank you to everyone for your support… do stick around for more musical things soon! 💙.”
Following Pike’s departure, fellow season 19 contestant Caleb Kennedy left the competition after making it to the top five. His leave was prompted by a video resurfacing in which he was seated next to someone who appeared to be wearing a Ku Klux Klan outfit.
“Hey y’all, this is gonna be a bit of a surprise but I am no longer gonna be on American Idol,” Kennedy wrote via Instagram in May 2021. “There was a video that surfaced on the internet and it displayed actions that were not meant to be taken in that way. I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse. I wanna say sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down.”
During an April 2008 episode of the competition’s seventh season, Paula Abdul angered fans by judging a song that contestant Jason Castro hadn’t yet sung. The “Straight Up” singer later set the story straight, claiming during an appearance on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show that she was able to offer feedback on the song because she’d heard “the last minute” of it in dress rehearsal.
Years after the “Home” singer won season 12 of American Idol, he found himself in a legal battle with the show’s production company, 19 Entertainment, in January 2015 after claiming they “manipulated” him into accepting gigs that benefited them more than his career. The case was settled in June 2017.
One of American Idol's sponsors, AT&T, admitted they’d unfairly given out free phones and texting services to fans of Kris Allen at parties hosted during the show’s season 8 final voting rounds. While Allen did end up winning over Adam Lambert, the company denied they’d attempted to fix the contest. Fox also noted the competition’s results were "fair, accurate and verified” in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter in May 2009.
After a video showing the A-list judges fighting backstage surfaced in October 2012, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey decided to put the controversy behind them.
"The whole thing is convoluted. It's a distraction from the show and a distraction from the contestants,” the “Fantasy” singer said during a January 2013 press tour. Minaj added, "Every time we try to talk about the contestants, we have to field questions about [this].”
Throughout almost every season of American Idol, a scandal of some sort has occurred due to a contestant being voted off the show. During season 3, fans complained the phone lines were too overwhelmed for them to be able to cast their vote. Two years later, more complaints came in after fans claimed votes for Chris Daughtry were rerouted to count for Katharine McPhee.
During the May 2021 season 19 finale, Arthur Gunn didn’t show up for his scheduled duet with Sheryl Crow. The following day, he addressed his absence in an Instagram post.
“What happened is not much to discuss at this point. It was last minute decision but I couldn’t help but say no cause of some personal morals and values due to unpleasant environmental experiences,” the Nepal native wrote.
While he stayed vague about what exactly his “unpleasant” experiences were, he alluded to an issue with someone (or multiple people) connected with the show: “It’s not the show @americanidol to blame, they were there long before nor anyone related to show. … I feel upset about it as much as all you might have, and I’m sorry if I did let down anyone but I felt like all these confrontations didn’t need to happen at the show, so I just had to move on from there, sometimes all we can do is move on!!!”
The season 17 winner was issued an arrest warrant by the Louisiana State University Police Department in April 2022, telling fans in a statement that he was "fully cooperative" with the investigation. "I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans. However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time," he added at the time, not specifying the reason for his arrest. "I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward."
A spokesperson for LSU later noted in a statement to Us: "Lane Reed Hardy (Non-LSU student) was arrested by LSU Police today and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for violation of 15:1303 — Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication. His arrest warrant has been filed with clerk of court."
The season 13 winner said he felt "really bummed" after his 2014 victory because he knew he would have to record a single that he hated: "As Long as You Love Me," written by Justin Hawkins. "I knew that, by de facto, if you won you had to sing the song, and the song was just utter crap," he told Insider in July 2022. "Like, it was just the worst song ever." The North Carolina native tried to push back against performing the track, but he claimed that producers ignored his request. "I pitched a fit about it to the management company and all this stuff," he said. "And they were like, 'Look at this as kind of a graduation present or something.'"
The Tulsa Police Department announced in October 2024 that Glaze had been arrested on aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material and taken to the Tulsa County Jail after an arrest warrant had been issued. The department noted that they had “received information regarding criminal activity” of Glaze in April 2024.
“As part of the investigations, the Spider Unit obtained a search warrant for Glaze’s residence,” the statement continued. “During the search, a smartphone was recovered that was found to contain over 700 images and videos of child sexual abuse material.”
Meghan, 43, relocated to California in 2020 with her husband, Prince Harry, after they stepped down from their duties as senior working royals. Now, they maintain a somewhat private life with son Prince Archie, 5, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 3.
In addition to parenthood, Meghan has rediscovered her passions for lifestyle trends, cooking and gardening, all of which she explores in With Love while rubbing shoulders with an array of famous friends.
“I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it,” Meghan said in a trailer for the docuseries. “Surprising people with moments that lets them know I was thinking of them.”
Keep scrolling for a complete guide of every reference Meghan made on With Love to Harry, Archie and Lili:
A Mom’s Always Prepared
In the debut episode, Meghan made homemade bath salts out of arnica, lavender and pink Himalayan sea salt.
“We have a lot of Arnica in my house,” she said. “Toddler life! Lots of bumps and bruises.”
During Meghan’s DIY process, she revealed that her former Suits makeup artist Daniel Martin was due for a visit and gushed that Archie and Lili call him “Uncle Daniel.”
“He was in my life for the before, during and after, shall we say,” she said, subtly referring to her life as the Duchess of Sussex.
An Aromatic Home
As Meghan harvested berries to make her As Ever jam, she gushed in episode 2 that the fruit would impress Archie and Lili.
“My kids will come home smelling sweetness,” the duchess said, also detailing how her brood likes her bacon-filled frittata for breakfast. “When I’m cooking bacon, my kitchen very immediately becomes full of [my] husband and three dogs. My bacon brings all the boys to the yard.” (Meghan and Harry are proud pet parents to canines Pula and Mia, while beagle Guy died ahead of the With Love premiere.)
“I take a lot of pride in making breakfast for my family,” Meghan added. “The morning’s fast, gotta get the kids to school.”
Harry’s Eating Preferences
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While chatting with guest Mindy Kaling in episode 2, Meghan revealed how Harry seasons his food.
“I have a family, a husband who no matter what meal is put in front of him, before he tastes it, always puts salt on,” she said. “So, I try to undersalt.”
Kaling chimed in, joking, “I love knowing that your husband likes it salty!”
Meghan also revealed that Harry refers to ladybugs as “ladybirds.”
“Making a balloon arch looks like a lot of work,” she explained. “You can say you did it for your kids.”
Harry returned in episode 8 to attend a brunch alongside Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. The duke arrived, bestowing a flurry of kisses on his wife.
“Are the greens from the garden?” Well done! You did a great job,” he gushed. “I love it.”
Meghan’s Preferred Last Name
Netflix
Meghan jokingly responded to Kaling calling her “Meghan Markle” throughout the visit.
“It’s so funny you keep saying ‘Markle.’ You know, it’s Sussex now,” she said. “You have kids and you go, ‘I share my name with my children.’ I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means too much to go, ‘This is our family name. Our little family now.’”
Meghan and Harry were given the titles of Duchess and Duke of Sussex, respectively, by Queen Elizabeth II when they got married in 2018. (The long-reigning queen, Harry’s paternal grandmother, died in 2022.)
All About Balance
“When you’ve had kids you’re used to balancing things on your hip,” Meghan said in the third episode, getting ready to welcome chef Roy Choi into her kitchen.
Meghan later told Choi that she often makes a crudité platter for Archie and Lili.
“We have them every day because that’s how our kids love eating vegetables,” she said.
In episode 5, she offered more insight into how she gets the kids to sample veggies.
“There are ways to make store-bought things look and taste even better,” she said. “Even for our kids — why they love eating vegetables is because it looks colorful and fun.”
Lili’s a Budding Dancer
As Meghan and Choi sampled the fruits of their labor, the former Suits actress did a brief jig.
“My daughter does the same thing when she likes something she’s eating,” Meghan quipped. “She looked [like she] sways a little bit.”
While making hibiscus sun tea for lunch with friend Delfina Blaquier in episode 4, Meghan revealed how Archie has started to follow her culinary lead.
“[Growing up,] I was taking a bag of tea … and putting it in a mason jar or a jar that once held spaghetti sauce and putting it in the sun and sitting there and waiting for it to change color,” Meghan said. “Funny enough, [it] is what Archie does now.”
“[There’s] a lot of pink — Lili would love that,” she gushed.
Arranging Bouquets
Meghan started taking an interest in the art of floral arranging during her 2019 baby shower for Archie. While she gets to work, she noted that Lili likes to remind her to clean up as she goes.
“Lili made a song,” Meghan teased in episode 5. “‘Clean as you go! Clean, clean clean!’”
Family Time
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In episode 5, Meghan detailed a recent “family vacation” and praised Archie for catching two trout while fishing. She and Harry then used the fish for dinner.
“[They] loved it,” Meghan recalled. “It was very sweet.”
For Meghan, she’s found her relationship with cooking has “changed” since having kids.
“It’s so much a part of what I want them to learn and to have these great formative memories of being with me, like, ‘Oh, mama used to make this!’” she recalled. “H is a great cook [and makes a] really great breakfast.”
When Meghan makes family meals, meanwhile, she opts to “sprinkle” chia seeds into pancakes and salads.
In episode 5, Meghan opened up about one of her daughter’s most cherished toys.
“Lili got a doll that was, I don’t remember who gave it to her,” she recalled. “She has a little baguette, she has a little cheese and she’s called Stella Al Fresco!”
Meghan also enjoys working in the kitchen with her little girl.
“Lili and I made [a preserves] batch together,” Meghan recalled. “[She said,] ‘No, mama I’ll do it. I’ll stir it, I’ll mash it.’ She’s proud. That part felt good!”
Getting Honest
During episode 7, Meghan and her “dear friend” Vicky Tsai, the founder of Tatcha skincare, addressed how she dealt with mom guilt.
“Just because you can’t do everything doesn’t mean you don’t want to do some things. Some things is where a lot of that love can come in,” Meghan said. “You’re not losing extra credit — you’re not losing the gold star by not making the dumpling wrapper.”
An Egg-cellent Addition
Meghan gave Tsai a harvest basket, which featured eggs that bore the label “Archie’s Chick Inn.” (As seen in Harry and Meghan’s bombshell CBS interview in 2021, they have a backyard chicken coop named in their son’s honor.)
In episode 8, Meghan explains that most of the chickens had been rescued from factory farms save for a few, which were gifted. Two of the present ones, according to Meghan, were “named Phil and Jill” by Archie and Lili.
“It’s fun for kids and adults,” Meghan added. “If a morning starts like this, you think about your day differently.”
