Category: Entertainment

No glam squad, no problem. 

As Kylie Jenner continues self-quarantining inside the comfort of her own home, she’s embraced a tone-down aesthetic her fans aren’t always used to seeing from the cosmetics queen. 

In a new selfie video shared to Kylie’s Instagram Stories, the 22-year-old appears without a stitch of makeup and—perhaps most surprising—sans hair extensions. 

These days, Kylie, who typically prefers to rock a hairstyle from her elaborate collection of wigs, is loving her bronde bob. “avocado pajamas all day,” she captioned the shot of her flipping her blunt locks around. 

If you’re keeping up with the Kar-Jenner sisters as much as we are, you might remember Kylie’s big sis, Khloe Kardashian, debuted a similar ‘do a few months ago.

Earlier this week, Kylie stepped out in L.A. to visit her longtime bestie, Stassie Karanikolaou. She kept things au naturel in a casual sweat suit, ponytail and fresh complexion.

Jenner isn’t the only celeb to get the internet talking after revealing their “real” appearance. YouTube star and teen mogul Jojo Siwa shocked her millions of TikTok followers when she took down her signature ponytail and bow to show off her hair. 

Fans can catch up on full episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians online here!

Look no further than this week’s Feel Good Friday round-up of inspiring stories for further proof that Tom Hanks is a national treasure.

The beloved actor donated a very special item to a child in need of a friend this week, with rapper Eminem also making a special delivery to healthcare workers in Detroit amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. You might just lose yourself in the thoughtful gesture.

In New York City, a woman is helping families fighting childhood cancer by raising money and delivering their groceries, while a dog in Maryland is performing his duties as a “Dogtor,” helping out both the workers and the patients at the hospital his owner works at. 

Meanwhile, the nation’s leading disease expert took a break from his very busy schedule to ease the concerns of one child who was worried about whether or not she’d be receiving a visit from a famous fairy after losing her tooth.

Here are six stories to lift your spirits heading into the weekend…

New music Fridays are a thrilling, yet daunting prospect for any music lover. 

It’s essentially a weekly holiday where fan-favorite artists and fresh faces alike drop their latest offerings for all the world to hear, flooding streaming services and digital retailers with an onslaught of aural goodies. But who has the time to sit there and listen to everything before updating their playlists? There’s just too much good stuff! (And, if we’re being honest, usually a few stinkers, too.)

As it turns out, we do. Welcome to The MixtapE!

Time may feel a bit like a flat circle right now, with each day melting into the last as we all shelter in place and live out our personal versions of the movie Groundhog Day. But we can always mark the passing of another week with the arrival of a treasure trove of new releases each New Music Friday. 

As always, we’ve listened to (nearly) all of the week’s new releases and returned in hand with our picks for the best of the best. What follows is our lovingly curated playlist for the weekend of April 24-26, 2020. Enjoy and, as always, stay safe.

Keith Urban — “Polaroid”

On the latest single from his forthcoming fall album, Mr. Nicole Kidman delivers a sweet and summery country-pop bop that we’d say would be a staple of pool parties as we head into the warmer months if, you know, we thought people would be able to have these this. Anyway, the song hits that nostalgic sweet spot perfect for helping you forget about our current situation for at least a few minutes.

JoJo — “Lonely Hearts”

Our anticipation for the songstress’ forthcoming album good to know, due May 1, continues to rocket sky-high with the release of this sumptuous and self-empowered R&B song. “This song continues the journey of self-love that I’ve been on,” JoJo said in a statement announcing the track. “Realizing that while temptation and self-doubt may arise, at the end of the day, choosing self-preservation over toxic relationships is what I’m doing in my life right now.” 

Kane Brown — “Cool Again”

The country crooner continues his genre exploration with this new single about longing for a lost love that finds him singing over a breezy dance beat. The wistful wishing for better days sure hits a little differently in the current climate, something Brown noted in a statement announcing the track. “At the time, it was about missing warm weather, but then it became so much more,” he explained. “It made us think about all the amazing memories of summer. We were really wanting to go back to that. I think that’s something people can really relate to in their own lives, especially right now.” You can say that agian.

Wiz Khalifa feat. Megan Thee Stallion, Ty Dolla $ign & Mustard — “Y U Mad”

On the sleek opening track from Khalifa’s latest project, The Saga of Wiz Khalifa, the rapper’s gathered an impressive list of bold-faced names to call out their haters. This one would be perfect to bump out your car windows on a hot day. Hopefully that can be a reality someday soon.

Malia Civetz — “Heart Broke”

The rising pop-R&B songstress has a winner on her hands with this sparkly song that finds her looking for a love so good that it’ll leave her heart broken. Between her powerhouse vocal and the rousing production, this one’s impressive.

Regard & RAYE — “Secrets”

The Albanian DJ and producer joined forces with the soulful British singer for a track about suspicious lovers and the result is an absolute banger, perfect for a dark and sweaty late-night dance session.

Maluma — “ADMV”

The Latin pop powerhouse leaves himself nowhere to hide on this latest single, a romantic ballad comprised of nothing more than the strumming of an acoustic guitar and his soulful singing. “This song is very special for me, this is something that comes from the heart, it has made me realize the reason I started my career and it makes me think about what will happen in the future – if we are going to take the time to love one another, hug one another – Today I release it so that we can dedicate it to all the people we love before they are gone,” he said in a statement announcing the track entitled with an acronym standing for “Amor De Mi Vida,” which translates to “Love of My Life.”

Jidenna — “Feng Shui”

On the latest release from the Insecure season four soundtrack, personally curated by creator Issa Rae, the Nigerian-American singer and one-time guest star on the HBO hit delivers a track that’s guaranteed to get you on your feet. Truly, its groove in undeniable. “‘Feng Shui’ is an Afro-funk and trap-inspired single that feels like a festival day of sound, while celebrating one’s personal swank,” Jidenna said in a statement. “It’s one of those songs that joins a tribe of vibey sounds on Insecure‘s tastefully curated soundtrack.”

Spencer Sutherland — “Help”

The Ohio-born one-time X Factor (UK) contestant absolutely shines on this relatable alt-pop bop that finds him struggling and making a full-throated plea for the titular assistance. One thing that needs no help? His stunning falsetto, employed to perfection here. 

Victoria Monét — “Dive”

Ariana Grande‘s bestie takes things to the bedroom on this blissed-out and sensual track, the latest release off her forthcoming project Jaguar. Accompanied by a sooth horn section and the bouncing of mattress springs (yes, really), this one will make you sweat. “Women are an adventure. We are as powerful as oceans, as beneficial as H20, and as fun as any theme park,” she said in a statement. “Anyone lucky enough to taste that thrill should go all in. ‘Dive’ playfully invites one to do so. It emphasizes the importance of women getting our pleasure through oral sex. It’s not talked about enough from our perspective and I wanted to break the ice. They say most humans are about 60% water, but I believe women must be 69% so dive in, baby.”

Bonus Tracks:

Black Coffee feat. Sabrina Claudio — “SNCBCLSY”: The South African DJ and the American songstress link up for some seriously sensual R&B-influenced deep house music.

YUNGBLUD — “Weird!”: “Come hold my hand, hold it tight/We’re in a weird time of life,” the English alt-pop star sings on this rousing and self-described “coming of age record.” You can say that again.

New Kids On The Block feat. Boyz II Men, Big Freedia, Naughty By Nature and Jordin Sparks — “House Party”: A motley crew of musical legends come together for this uplifting banger, written entirely over FaceTime and computer apps, that encourages everyone to keep the party inside. All net proceeds from the track will go to No Kid Hungry in their effort to aid the COVID-19 pandemic relief.

Alanis Morissette — “Diagnosis”: The wait for the ’90s icon’s new album, Such Pretty Forks in the Road, will be a little longer, as she’s just revealed she’s pushing the release back a bit in light of the coronavirus pandemic, but until then, we have this devastating and all-too-relatable track about a general malaise with the modern world to hold us over. “I no longer give a damn about things that used to matter,” she sings. Oof.

Zella Day — “People Are Strangers”: With five years between her and her most recent album, the singer-songwriter returns with a spellbinding and smoky little track about human nature.

Avril Lavigne — “We Are Warriors”: The net proceeds from this re-titled and re-recorded anthemic track, originally featured on the punk-pop icon’s 2019 album Head Above Water, will be donated to Project HOPE’s relief efforts around the world benefitting workers on the front line.

Alex Newell — “Mama Told Me”: On his second single of 2020, the Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist co-star and Glee alum pays tribute to mothers of all kinds with this uplifting and upbeat track.

Masego — “Veg Out (Wasting Thyme)”: The Jamaican-American artist delivers a potent message on this jazzy and jaunty ode to kicking back at home.

Jessie Ware — “Ooh La La”: If this latest single, a funky ’80s-inspired fantasy, from the English chanteuse’s forthcoming album What’s Your Pleasure? is any indication, this LP is going to be something special. 

Galantis & Wrabel — “The Lake”: The Swedish DJ duo switch things up with this introspective EDM track, written with Kesha’s BFF “a reflection of what we’re all experiencing around the world right now,” the guys wrote on YouTube. “As we are all seeking peace of mind and hoping for a better tomorrow, we hope everyone out there can find a ‘lake’ of their own. Stay safe.”

Happy listening!

No act of kindness—no matter how big or small—is ever wasted.

It’s no secret that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has his hands full these days as he tries to manage a state hit dramatically by the Coronavirus.

But in between meetings, interviews, press briefings and even time with brother Chris Cuomo, the New Yorker received a touching letter from a stranger that will absolutely inspire. 

“I received this letter from a farmer in northeast Kansas. His wife is ill and he is aging,” Andrew shared on Instagram Friday morning. “He sent me 1 of 5 N95 masks he has from farming to pass on to a doctor or nurse in New York. This is humanity at its best. I share his letter as inspiration.”

So what exactly did the letter say? A couple named Dennis and Sharon took a piece of paper to write a hand-written letter to the governor. After following the news, they felt the need to make a difference and donate.

“Dear Mr. Cuomo, I seriously doubt that you will ever read this letter as I know you are busy beyond belief with a disaster that has befallen our country. We are a nation in crisis, of that there is no doubt. I’m a retired farmer hunkered down in northeast Kansas with my wife who has but one lung and occasional problems with her remaining lung,” the letter began. “She also has diabetes. We are in our seventies now and frankly I am afraid for her.”

But instead of asking for help, assistance or sympathy, the couple shared one N95 mask that was left over from Dennis’ farming days.

“It has never been used. If you could, would you please give this mask to a nurse or doctor in your state? I have kept four masks for my immediate family,” he shared. “Please keep on doing what you do so well. Which is to lead. Sincerely, Dennis and Sharon.” 

Who else just fell in love with this Kentucky couple? Oh, just about everyone in the comments section.

“As a doctor in NYC, this literally brought me to tears,” one user wrote. ‘This man is amazing.”

Another added, “It’s one thing to be a human being but it’s another to be a human…bless this man’s heart.”

So, who’s ready to do something kind this weekend?

Nick Cordero‘s wife is giving an update on his health battle.

Amanda Kloots took to her Instagram Story on Friday morning to share “good news” with her followers about the Broadway star’s recovery from Coronavirus.

“Good news, dada had two negative COVID tests! Yay!” Amanda said in a video with the couple’s son. “Which means we think the virus is out of his system and now we’re just dealing with recovery and getting his body back from all the repercussions of the virus.”

“But COVID is two negative tests, which means hopefully the virus is out of Nick,” Amanda continued. “Thank God!”

Nick, who has been in a medically induced coma, was first hospitalized in March after being diagnosed with pneumonia. The 41-year-old tested negative for Coronavirus twice before doctors administered a third test. That third test was positive.

It was just days ago that Nick had to have his leg amputated amid his health battle.

“We are on day 18 of Nick being sedated in the ICU. It is April 18. We got some difficult news yesterday,” Amanda told followers on social media over the weekend. “Basically, we had issues with his right leg with clotting and getting blood down to his toes. And it just isn’t happening with surgery and everything.”

“So, they had him on blood thinners for the clotting and, unfortunately, the blood thinners were causing other issues: blood pressure and some internal bleeding in his intestines,” she shared. “So we took him off the blood thinners, but that again was going to cause some clotting in the right leg. So the right leg will be amputated today.”

She later told fans that Nick was “recovering well” after surgery.

On Thursday, Amanda took to her Instagram Story to update followers on Nick, discussing the MRI that he underwent on his brain and spine.

“The doctors said that there was nothing on the MRI that would show that he won’t wake up, which is amazing news. We are so happy about that because that was a big worry for all of us,” she shared. “However, he hasn’t woken up and it’s been 12 days out of sedation. The doctors do think he should have woken up by now.”

Amanda added that because Nick was “heavily sedated” for 13 days prior to this, she is “hoping and praying every day that Nick wakes up.”

She told followers, “In putting that energy and positivity out there, because I do believe he will. He is on Nick time and when he wakes up, we’ll all be there to celebrate it.”

Ed Sheeran is that you?

A social media user is making fans do a double take due to his uncanny resemblance to the 29-year-old singer.

The doppelgänger has about 454,000 followers on Instagram and about 205,600 followers on TikTok. 

But the celebrity look-alike doesn’t just look like Sheeran. He also performs under the guise of the four-time Grammy winner.

While the impersonator goes by the username @edsheerandouble, his social media accounts seem to suggest that his real name is Nic and that he lives in Germany.

“It’s the official German Ed Sheeran Double Nic!!!” part of a website for the imitator reads. “In public, people can’t really tell the difference between the native Bavarian and the original Ed Sheeran. That’s why Nic often can’t save himself from screaming fans.”

While Nic has been acting like Sheeran for years, he was reintroduced to the internet after his girlfriend posted a video of him on TikTok.

“My boyfriend looks like a celebrity,” she wrote alongside the footage.

Of course, Nic isn’t the first celebrity doppelgänger to go viral. 

Also, here’s a video of Sheeran for comparison.

What do you think, Ed? Is it a “Perfect” impersonation, or does he have “Nothing on You”?