‘Wicked’ Composer Stephen Schwartz and Kennedy Center Trade Claims Over Gala Appearance Amid Growing Artist Backlash

Stephen Schwartz

The Kennedy Center says Stephen Schwartz was never booked for its gala, but tickets once listed him — adding to growing artist unrest. The Kennedy Center and Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz are telling sharply different stories about his supposed role in an upcoming Washington National Opera Gala, highlighting the growing confusion — and tension — … Read more

Kennedy Center Shake-Up Triggers Fresh Artist Boycott as Stephen Schwartz Pulls Out Over Trump Name Change

Stephen Schwartz

The Kennedy Center faces new backlash as “Wicked” composer Stephen Schwartz exits an upcoming gala, deepening the culture clash around Trump’s name change. The political storm around the Kennedy Center continues to grow, with another high-profile artist stepping away after the venue’s controversial name change. This time, it’s Stephen Schwartz, the Oscar-winning composer behind Wicked, … Read more

Will Smith Sued by Violinist From ‘Based on a True Story’ Tour Over Alleged Retaliation

Will Smith

A violinist from Will Smith’s “Based on a True Story” tour says he was fired after reporting a disturbing hotel incident in Las Vegas. A new lawsuit tied to Will Smith’s Based on a True Story tour is drawing attention to how the actor and rapper’s team handled a reported hotel incident involving a touring … Read more

Taylor Swift Spreads Holiday Cheer with Meaningful Donations to Children’s Charities in Nashville and Kansas City

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift spreads holiday cheer with donations to children’s charities in Nashville and Kansas City, supporting health, care, and education. This holiday season, Taylor Swift is once again showing that her impact goes far beyond music. While fans know her for sold-out tours and chart-topping hits, many communities are feeling her generosity in a much … Read more

Kennedy Center Honors Ratings Drop as Trump’s First-Time Hosting Sparks Debate

Donald Trump on '60 Minutes' Nov. 2.

CBS’ Kennedy Center Honors hit a record low in ratings as Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to host the event. The 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors faced a tough night on television, drawing the lowest viewership in the show’s long history. The Dec. 23 broadcast on CBS averaged about 3.01 million viewers, … Read more

Jazz Artists Pull Back From Trump-Kennedy Center, Citing Values Over Stage Time

Jazz band

Jazz band The Cookers cancel a New Year’s Eve show as artists weigh money, audience, and values after Kennedy Center renaming. An ongoing debate over art, politics, and personal values took a new turn this week after acclaimed jazz group The Cookers canceled their New Year’s Eve performance at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center, just … Read more

Richard Smallwood, Beloved Gospel Legend Whose Songs Touched Generations, Dies at 77

Richard Smallwood

Grammy-nominated gospel icon Richard Smallwood, known for “Total Praise,” has died at 77 after kidney failure complications. Richard Smallwood, a towering figure in gospel music whose songs became staples in churches around the world, has died at the age of 77. His passing marks the end of a powerful era in gospel, but his music … Read more

Ye Denies Viral “Bucket List,” Says Handwritten Note Isn’t His

Kanye West

Ye shuts down a viral handwritten “bucket list,” calling it fake and saying it’s not his handwriting as fans debate its wild goals. Ye is clearing the air after a handwritten “bucket list” said to belong to him started spreading fast across social media. The list, packed with adventurous and unexpected goals, caught fans’ attention … Read more

Chappell Roan Responds to Fan Backlash Over Brigitte Bardot Praise, Says She Was Unaware of Star’s Politics

Chappell Roan; Brigitte Bardot.

Chappell Roan walks back praise of Brigitte Bardot after fans point out the late icon’s far-right views and hate speech convictions. Chappell Roan is facing a moment many modern pop stars know well: learning, in real time, that a cultural icon she admired comes with a complicated and troubling legacy. The singer recently paid tribute … Read more

Nicki Minaj Faces Backlash After Calling President Donald Trump ‘Handsome’ at Conservative Event, as Deportation Petition Gains Steam

Nicki Minaj in Turning Point USA event.

Nicki Minaj faces backlash and a viral deportation petition after praising President Donald Trump at a Turning Point USA event. Nicki Minaj is once again at the center of controversy, but this time the debate is less about music and more about politics. The rapper is facing heavy criticism after making positive comments about President … Read more