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Michael Jackson biopic now released to streaming

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When it was initially released, there was some speculation that the musical biopic “Michael” wouldn’t be available for streaming any time soon. Those fears proved wrong. “Michael,” which made its theatrical debut April 24, is now available on premium video on demand. It hit the streaming market June 9. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson — who is the son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of the late pop icon — as Michael Jackson in his teen and adult years. The film chronicles the life of the singer as a 10-year-old (Juliano Valde) with his brothers in The Jackson 5 through his tour for his “Bad” album in 1988. The PG-13 film also stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson’s parents, Joe Jackson and Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as the singer-songwriter’s longtime manager, John Branca. Lionsgate made the announcement earlier that it would be available to purchase on PVOD for $24.99 on such digital platforms as Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and YouTube Movies & TV. Since digital rentals are typically $5 less than purchase prices, Michael should be available to rent on PVOD for $19.99 for a 48-hour period. The film has been a blockbuster, earning $97 million in North American ticket sales for its opening week. At the start of this week, “Michael” to date had earned $340.1 million domestically and $509.6 million internationally for a worldwide box office tally of $849.7 million. It had a production budget of $200 million before marketing costs, according to Variety. Currently, “Michael” is the second highest-grossing music biopic of all time, behind the Queen and Freddie Mercury 2018 biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which earned more than $900 million worldwide. It hasn’t gotten widespread critical praise. Rotten Tomatoes critics largely blasted “Michael” with …

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The 2026 ESPYS

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The The 2026 ESPYS presented by Capital One honored Jalen Brunson, Myles Garrett, Alysa Liu, Fernando Mendoza, Shohei Ohtani, A’ja Wilson, the New York Knicks & more Hosted by Marcello Hernández, the awards show featured appearances from The Savannah Bananas, Simone Biles, Stephen Curry, Allyson Felix, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, DJ Khaled, Tracey Morgan, Jayson Tatum, Lindsey Vonn, and more  By Courtney Clawson On Wednesday evening, an elite lineup of athletes and Hollywood stars gathered at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City to celebrate the year’s best moments in sports at The 2026 ESPYS Presented by Capital One. The show, which aired live on ABC and streamed on the ESPN App in pattern with ABC airings across time zones, was hosted by comedian, actor, writer and producer Marcello Hernández, who became the first Latino host of the ESPYS in 25 years. Jalen Brunson, Myles Garrett, Alysa Liu, Fernando Mendoza, Shohei Ohtani, A’ja Wilson, and the New York Knicks took home some of the biggest awards of the evening. The show featured appearances by The Savannah Bananas, Simone Biles, Stephen Curry, Allyson Felix, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, DJ Khaled, Tracey Morgan, Jayson Tatum, Lindsey Vonn, and more.  Each year, The ESPYS recognizes individuals in the sports world who have demonstrated admirable strength and bravery in the face of adversity with three marquee awards: the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and the Pat Tillman Award for Service.  The late Jason Collins was posthumously honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in professional athletics. The award is given to a deserving member of the sports world who has made a difference beyond the field of play by fighting for what they believe in, ultimately impacting people worldwide. Jarron Collins accepted the award from former Arthur Ashe Awards recipient Robin Roberts on behalf of his late …

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THE ODYSSEY World Premiere Photos

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Christopher Nolan’s next film, The Odyssey, is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX®film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX® film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.  The Odyssey stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong’o, with Zendaya and Charlize Theron. The Odyssey is produced by Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan for their company, Syncopy. The executive producer is Thomas Hayslip.  Genre:  Mythic Action Epic     Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong’o, with Zendaya and Charlize Theron Written and Directed by: Christopher Nolan  Produced by: Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan  Executive Producer: Thomas Hayslip Christopher Nolan’s next film, The Odyssey, is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX®film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX® film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026. Starring: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong’o, with Zendaya and Charlize Theron Directed By: Christopher Nolan Produced By: Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan

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MOANA in theaters July 10

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Moana In Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”); produced by Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated features “Moana” and “Moana 2.” Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of “Moana” in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026.

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LECRAE WINS BIG AT 2026 BET AWARDS

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Lecrae closes out Black Music Month with a win. During the 2026 BET Awards this past weekend, the Reach Records co-founder received the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for “Headphones” (with Killer Mike & T.I.) off of his critically acclaimed album, Reconstruction. It’s his third win overall.  The new win further solidifies Lecrae’s role as one of the most influential artists in the Christian hip-hop space. His tenth studio album, and the equally attuned deluxe version (Reconstruction: Second Story), crystallizes the sound he’s been honing across his prolific discography over the past two decades.  Following two Grammy nominations, announcing his retirement from touring, and the release of his book, Set Me Free, the award-winning artist made history by becoming the first Christian rapper to headline NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. Now, Lecrae extends his winning streak while bringing his signature style of faith-based hip-hop to “Culture’s Biggest Night.” 

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 Lauryn Hill honored for decades of impact

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Lauryn Hill added another defining chapter to her decades long career this week, becoming the first ever recipient of the Living Legend Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated Hill’s lasting influence on music and culture across more than three decades. The recognition followed an emotional tribute performance featuring an impressive lineup of artists, including Doechii, SZA, Nas, Queen Latifah, Doja Cat and Common, all paying homage to Hill’s body of work before she took the stage herself. Hill closed out the moment with a performance of Ex Factor, one of the standout tracks from her solo career, before formally accepting the award. In her acceptance remarks, Hill spoke about her motivation for making music, describing it as an extension of the love and support she received growing up. She explained that once she recognized not everyone had access to that same kind of nurturing upbringing, she felt a responsibility to share that same sense of care through her art, using music as a vehicle to pour into others the way she had once been poured into. She also reflected on the weight of representing her community through her work, acknowledging that artists sometimes have to say difficult or uncomfortable things in service of a larger truth, trusting that understanding will come later. She framed her career as an ongoing form of advocacy for the people who have supported her throughout the years. The Living Legend Icon Award was created to recognize artists and cultural figures whose influence has shaped the industry while remaining rooted in authenticity. According to BET, the distinction is meant for creators whose work has stayed essential not because audiences refused to let go of it, but because the artists themselves never stopped staying connected to …

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FIFA FAN FESTival™ – CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK Atlanta

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Atlanta has kicked things off with a core program of festival days — launching the FIFA Fan Festival with energy and momentum. As the tournament unfolds and the city comes alive, they’ll continuously evaluate opportunities to extend programming and add additional festival days. As the world comes to Atlanta, the city is showing up the way it always does: with big energy and the kind of Southern hospitality that makes everyone feel right at home. The excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ extends far beyond the stadium. Centennial Olympic Park has become the official home of the FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta, transforming one of the city’s most iconic public spaces into a lively gathering place where fans, families, and visitors come together to celebrate the game. Hosted by the City of Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), the festival will run for an initial 18 days during the tournament. Hosting the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Centennial Olympic Park carries special meaning. In 2026, the park marks 30 years since it first welcomed the world during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. With deep roots in Atlanta’s global legacy, civil rights history, and community pride, the park once again welcomes fans from near and far — creating a festival that feels like a small town in the middle of a global event, where Southern hospitality makes visitors feel welcome. For tickets visit: https://fifafanfest.wrstbnd.io/p/fifa/atl26/events source: https://atlantafwc26.com/fan-fest-old/

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CHRIS BROWN AND USHER OPEN THE R&B TOUR  WITH A BLOCKBUSTER SOLD OUT NIGHT IN DENVER

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GRAMMY Award-winning icons USHER and Chris Brown officially launched The R&B Tour on Friday, June 26, delivering an epic sold out opening night performance at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado and kicking off one of the most anticipated tours of the year. The show featured an approximately 3-hour stadium spectacle, with USHER and Chris Brown trading the spotlight across nine cinematic acts that seamlessly wove their catalogs together. Rather than traditional back-to-back headline sets, the production featured an innovative format with the two superstars alternating performances throughout the night, creating a dynamic, nonstop celebration of R&B’s biggest hits from “U Remind Me” to “With You”, plus several duet performances including closing with their track, “New Flame.” The production also featured surprise appearances from special guests Mario and EricBellinger, who joined Chris Brown throughout the show as vocal accompaniment . During a DJ break, Eric Bellinger stepped into the spotlight to perform his hit single “G.O.A.T” followed by Mario who performed a medley of his chart-topping hits.  Opening night generated wide excitement across social media, with fans flooding socials throughout the evening to share clips, photos, and reactions from the performance. The excitement around the show further reinforced the tour’s position as one of the most anticipated live music events of the year. Produced by Live Nation, The R&B Tour unites two of the genre’s most influential performers for a landmark stadium run across North America. The opening night featured career-spanning hits and a celebration of R&B’s enduring cultural impact, setting the stage for a tour that will visit major markets throughout the United States and Canada, with upcoming stops in Detroit, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Nashville, and more through December.The R&B Tour supports Usher’s New Look (UNL) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit’s (BGCGD)Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition—a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative that provides a select cohort of interns …

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Obama Presidential Center Opens to the Public

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On June 18, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center was officially unveiled with a dynamic ceremony livestreamed globally. Relive this milestone moment and celebrate our new hub for hope and change. President Obama spoke about our shared American values and our collective responsibility to strengthen democracy at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center. In electrifying remarks at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, Mrs. Obama called on all of us choose hope. The ceremony included performances by Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder, Guitars Over Guns, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Tems, The Roots, U2’s Bono and The Edge, and Uniting Voices Chicago. “We wanted the center to be a vibrant, living celebration of community, where we can learn together and share the joys of art and music and sport and play, because it’s in those moments that we’re reminded of our common humanity and strengthen the bonds of trust that not only make our lives richer, but make our democracy stronger.” – President Obama, Grand Opening Ceremony, June 18, 2026 source: https://www.obama.org/visit/grand-opening/livestream/ photo cred:  (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/06/18/obama-center-opening-celebrities/ PUBLISHED: June 18, 2026 at 4:15 PM CDT | UPDATED: June 19, 2026 at 10:34 AM CDT

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2026 BET AWARDS – Winners & Couples Fashion

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BET AWARDS WINNERS Viewers’ Choice Award – Burning Blue, Mariah the Scientist Best Female R&B/Pop Artist– Kehlani Best Male R&B/Pop artist– Leon Thomas Best Group– Clipse Best Collaboration– Chains & Whips, Clipse ft. Kendrick Lamar Best Male Hip-Hop Artist– Kendrick Lamar Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – Cardi B Video of the Year – Folded Video Director of the Year – Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor Best New Artist – Olivia Dean Album of the Year – Let God Sort Em Out, Clipse Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Headphones, Lecrae, Killer Mike and T.I. Best Actress – Teyana Taylor Best Actor – Michael B. Jordan Youngstars Awards – Jazzy’s World TV Best Movie – Sinners Sportswoman of the Year – A’ja Wilson (basketball) Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Brunson (basketball) BET Her Award – Girl, Get up., Doechii ft. SZA Fashion Vanguard Award – Teyana Taylor Pulse Award – Durski _________________________________________________________________________________________ Some of the big winners during the Sunday night ceremony, hosted by Druski, include Cardi B, Teyana Taylor, Leon Thomas and Kehlani.  BY KIMBERLY NORDYKE, CARLY THOMAS JUNE 28, 2026 5:00PM The 2026 BET Awards were handed out Sunday night. Some of the night’s winners included Cardi B with the best female Hip-Hop artist award, Kendrick Lamar with the best male Hip-Hop artist award, Teyana Taylor with the Fashion Vanguard Award, video director of the year and best actress awards, and Michael B. Jordan with the best actor award. Sinners also won the BET Award for best movie. Leon Thomas also took home the best male R&B/pop artist award and Kehlani won the best female R&B/pop artist award, while Doechii and SZA also won the BET Her award for their song “girl, get up,” and Olivia Dean received the award for best new artist. Later during the ceremony, Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson came …

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