Three people have died after they were swept into the sea off the coast of Tenerife during treacherous weather, officials said on Sunday.
Strong waves pulled them into the Atlantic Ocean during a tidal surge on Saturday.
A man who had fallen into the water at Charco del Viento, a rocky beauty spot in the north of the island not far from Icod de los Vinos, was airlifted to hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival, Spanish media reported.
In a separate incident, a man was found floating off Cabezo beach in El Medano in the south of the island.
Lifeguards and paramedics were unable to resuscitate him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A woman suffered a heart attack and died when a wave swept several people into the sea at Puerto de la Cruz in northern Tenerife. Three people were seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
The victim was a 79-year-old Dutch woman, according to El Dia.
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The Spanish newspaper reported the deceased at Charco del Viento was a 43-year-old man from La Orotava, a town in northern Tenerife, while the identity of the man who died at Cabezo beach had not been released.
Around 15 people were injured in four different incidents along the coast of the island of Tenerife on Saturday, according to emergency services.
Authorities had warned people of a tidal surge and strong winds, advising them not to walk along coastal paths and avoid putting themselves at risk by taking photos and videos of the rough seas.
The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the west coast of Africa that includes Tenerife, are on alert for coastal hazards, officials said.
Jen Janecek Hartman helps prepare bagged meals for a food bank for students at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in New Town, N.D.
John Locher/AP
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The Trump administration late Saturday directed states that they must “immediately undo” any actions they have made to provide benefits to low-income families via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a release. “Please advise the appropriate FNS Regional Office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.”
The directive follows an administrative stay granted by the U.S. Supreme Court late Friday temporarily blocking a lower court order that ordered the Trump administration to pay SNAP benefits in full for November.
The high court said its order would last until the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit acted on the administration’s request in that court for a stay.
Passive income involves earning money without working for it.
Nice in theory, but not always so actionable in practice.
For example, one approach to creating passive income streams is to set up an online retail business and then earn money from sales. But to my mind, setting up an online business (let alone managing it) is not truly passive at all.
By contrast, many investors put their money into businesses like Next or Sainsbury that have already shown they can make profits — and then earn passive income in the form of dividends from those shareholdings.
Dividends can be lucrative!
Dividends are a way for a company to distribute some (or all) of its spare cash among shareholders.
The average dividend yield of the FTSE 100 right now is 3.3%. That means that each £100 invested will hopefully earn £3.30 in passive income each year.
But I think a higher yield is possible while sticking to blue-chip dividend shares. Let’s say 5%.
£5 a day is £1,825 per year. Investing at a 5% yield, that ought to earn around £91 of passive income per year.
Taking the long-term approach
Those dividends could keep flowing for years or even decades after the initial investment.
But things could get even better!
If the investor keeps putting in £5 a day for a decade, compounding (reinvesting) the dividends along the way, after a decade they ought to be sitting on a portfolio worth over £23,000.
At a 5% dividend yield, it should earn annual passive income of around £1,174.
As I said above, I do not think 5% is a particularly challenging target, even while sticking to proven blue-chip businesses.
One share I think investors ought to consider is FTSE 100 insurer Aviva (LSE: AV).
The share has recently hit its highest price for over a decade. But despite that – and a dividend cut in 2020 – it still yields an attractive 5.5%.
The company aims to grow its dividend per share each year. I am optimistic it can do so because it has a highly cash generative business focused on the UK insurance market and is aiming to build on its strengths.
It is already the nation’s largest insurer by some distance. Moves such as acquiring rival Direct Line should help it build further economies of scale.
Aviva has long experience in the insurance market, helping it operate its business profitably. But rivals would love to take some of its market share and I see a risk that any serious price competition could eat into its profit margins.
Demand for insurance is set to endure, though. As the market leader, I see Aviva as well-placed to benefit from that.
The country music legend and television star Reba McEntire has declared the comeback of her NBC sitcom ‘Happy’s Place’ through an animated and creative video, verifying the start of the show’s second season this Friday at 8/7c. The post was so thrilling that it almost dared the supporters to ‘go wild’ like mad.
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Reba McEntire is a fun-loving TV star that always brings the party back. The queen of country went public with the news and put up a very nice video on social media with a super simple yet quite catchy caption ‘We said ‘go crazy’ and we meant it!’ The post, with the tag #HappysPlace and a beer mug emoji, was the official announcement for the season two launch of her NBC comedy. The short script of the video, ‘Go crazy I Made a balloon,’ gives the hint of the cute and riotous atmosphere that the viewers have been receiving from the show so far.
The announcement created a forceful positive reaction and attracted a huge number of people to her online presence from the very beginning. A clapped-for and very enthusiastic person told that he would turn his house into ‘Another Happy Place’ for Friday nights, thus perfectly describing the nature of the series. A different user praised the interaction among the whole cast of actors in a comment, ‘You guys are so much fun!!! Bring on the Premier!!!’ with lots of clapping and heart emojis.
The announcement of the show’s return was not only seen by the viewers at home but was also really appreciated by the live audience at the place where the shooting was going on. One lucky fan who was present at the live shooting described his experience: ‘I had so much fun at the tapings! Can’t wait to watch and come back!’ This testimony supports the authenticity of the buzz, suggesting that the on-screen chemistry is as real behind the scenes.
Reba McEntire’s charm was the main highlight in many responses. ‘Ugh @reba, you’re the cutest!! Can’t wait to watch!!’ one person exclaimed while another said, ‘Gorgeous can’t wait to see the Show. Cute.’ The star’s love was a recurring theme in the comments. Another emphasized their joy saying, ‘I’m so HAPPY about this 😍😍😍,’ like the title of the show expressing their feeling.
There were plenty of comments that showed people’s faces with the quote waiting for the new season, and one user called the show ‘Best on TV!’, another one yelled ‘I can’t wait for Friday,’ thus proving the series has the number of appointment viewing each week. ‘👏👏👏love this show and can’t for season 2❤️’ was the comment that best represented the overall mood of the audience’s support.
One of the funny yet interesting comments was the one that was both funny and playful at the same time. One audience member was joking about the cast’s pay saying, ‘I’m not sure if you guys have earned a paycheck yet. It seems like you all are playing more than WORKING but maybe we will let it slip for this ONE TIME.’ Then the user commented as if he was speaking directly to Reba McEntire, ‘But you guys are (as Reba would say, cuter than a ? ) Come on Reba, help me out here.’ This exchange illustrates the close and affectionate bond that the star has with her fans.
Not all comments were strictly a celebration but still every comment was somewhat engaged. One commenter made a cryptic, almost mischievous, warning that was very much like advice: ‘My advice: if you’re under 17? Don’t watch my videos. You might get addicted.’ This odd, off-topic remark introduced a strange but humanizing quirk to the otherwise uniformly positive thread, a common occurrence on any large public forum.
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Reba McEntire’s journey from the country music industry to the sitcom industry continues with this new season. ‘Happy’s Place’ has definitely secured a special spot in the hearts of the audience, providing them with a weekly dose of laughter and comfort. The similarity in messages from the audience shows that they are all set to watch the upcoming shows, indicating that the ability of Reba McEntire to connect with the audience is still very strong. This Friday’s premiere will be a lovely comeback for a show that has already been a happy place for many. The show’s energy reminds many of Niall Horan‘s vibrant performances. In a recent viral kitchen moment, Reba showcased her spontaneous musical side. She recently shared her secret to happiness in a candid update. Fans also enjoyed seeing hilarious behind-the-scenes clips from other NBC productions.
Kim Kardashian’s journey to becoming a lawyer has been one of her most talked-about transformations—and for good reason. It hasn’t been an easy path, but she’s been open about every step of it. On her Instagram Stories on November 8, 2025, Kim revealed that she did not pass the California Bar Exam she took in July, writing, “Well… I’m not a lawyer yet, I just play a very well-dressed one on TV.”
She continued, “Six years into this law journey, and I’m still all in until I pass the bar. No shortcuts, no giving up — just more studying and even more determination. Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way so far. Failing short isn’t failure — it’s fuel. I was so close to passing the exam and that only motivates me even more. Let’s go!!!!!!!!!!!”
The reality star and business mogul—who first rose to fame on Keeping Up With the Kardashians—has spent the past several years studying law through California’s Law Office Study Program, an apprenticeship-based alternative to traditional law school. Balancing her studies with motherhood, entrepreneurship, and fame, Kim remains determined to achieve her legal dreams. As she pushes forward, fans are once again asking: Did Kim ever go to law school? Does she have a college degree? Here’s what to know about her education and where she stands now.
How Many Times Has Kim Kardashian Taken the Bar Exam?
Kim has taken California’s “baby bar” exam (the First-Year Law Student’s Examination) four times, failing the first three attempts before passing in December 2021.
When it comes to the full California Bar Exam, Kim has only taken it once so far, sitting for the test in July 2025.
Did Kim Kardashian Go to Law School?
No. Kim did not attend a traditional law school. Instead, she pursued her legal training through California’s Law Office Study Program (an apprenticeship model) beginning in 2018.
In May 2025 she announced she had “graduated” from her program after six years of study, but this is not a law-school degree.
Does Kim Kardashian Have a Bachelor’s Degree?
No, Kim does not hold a bachelor’s degree. She did not complete a traditional undergraduate program before embarking on her legal apprenticeship.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the Bar Exam?
In California, the passing score for the full Bar Exam is about 1440 out of 2000 (though the exact cut-score varies slightly each exam and year). For the “baby bar” (FYLSX) that Kim took, reports say you need around 560 points to pass.
A beautiful county is perfect for visitors and way less crowded than nearby alternatives. Pembrokeshire is in southwest Wales and receives only six million visitors a year. This is tiny compared to the tens of millions who visit Cornwall and Devon every year.
Visitors can explore one of the smallest national parks, the Pembrokeshire Coast, which makes up a third of the county. It is known for its thriving wetlands, woodland, and beaches. Wildlife to be spotted includes gannets, puffins, Manx shearwaters, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars. It is also a hub for seals, with approximately 5,000 Atlantic grey seals in the waters around Pembrokeshire. They can be seen swimming around the coast at any time of year and come ashore to moult in the winter and early spring, and females come ashore to pup in the autumn. There are many prehistoric sites in Pembrokeshire, particularly in the Preseli Mountains. During the Middle Ages, several castles were built by the Normans, including Pembroke and Cilgerran, and St. David’s Cathedral became an important pilgrimage site.
There are reminders of the area’s industrial tradition with small quays, lime kilns and warehouses, and sites like the brickworks at Porthgain.
The National Park includes many areas which are of nature conservation significance in their own right, including seven Special Areas of Conservation, a Marine Nature Reserve, six national nature reserves and 75 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Ancient woodland still exists, such as Tŷ Canol Wood, where biofluorescence, seen under ultraviolet light under the dark sky, is a feature that has led to the wood being described as “…one of the most magical and special woodlands in the UK.”
In the north of the county are the Preseli Mountains, a vast expanse of high moorland that supports sheep farming and some forestry, with numerous prehistoric sites and the probable source of the bluestones used in the construction of the inner circle of Stonehenge.
The Pembrokeshire Coast 200 allows visitors to see this under-visited part of the UK, often overshadowed by the more famous North Coast 500 in Scotland.
It takes drivers along Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales, from Dolgellau to St David’s, in a journey of just under 200km (124 miles). The route topped a list of the most underrated road trips in Europe, compiled by Vixa from the AA.
Also on this coast is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The route stretches from 180 miles from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. It would take around 12 days to complete, travelling 15 miles a day.
It is well-signposted throughout. The distinctive acorn symbol, used by all the English and Welsh National Trails, is on stiles, gates, signposts, and lampposts throughout towns.
Predator: Badlands was always going to be a big deal, but now we know just how big a deal it is. Unlike its predecessor, Prey, Dan Trachtenberg’s third addition to the sci-fi action franchise has been another huge hit with critics and audiences, and now it looks set to shatter the previous best opening weekend for a Predator movie.
Predator: Badlands needed to beat $24.6 million to become the highest grossing movie in the franchise, discounting the Alien vs. Predator films. However, at time of writing, it looks like Badlands will end the weekend on $40 million domestically, meaning if strong word of mouth has helped to push a few more bums on seats to the tune nad help it surpass even the 2004 crossover movie’s $38.2 haul.
Currently, the movie holds an 85% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is good, but that is not the story. The real review story is that the audience rating is currently on 96%, over 20% higher than Prey’s 74% and almost 10% higher than even the original 1987 movie with its 87% score. Based on this, Dan Trachtenberg has not only revived a franchise that was failing to capture its original glory, but he has elevated it to more than it ever was. That makes the decision to send Prey to Disney+ in 2022 even worse.
‘Prey’ Should Have Been Given a Theatrical Release
Hulu
Many of the biggest movie studios have been around for a long time, yet their decision-making is questionable at times. This year, Sony Pictures managed to hand over one of the biggest movies of the decade when they gifted KPop Demon Hunters to Netflix as part of a content deal, and have potentially lost billions in the process. In 2022, Disney made the decision to send a surprise Predator prequel straight to streaming.
Prey was an instant hit on Disney+, both in its excellent reviews and viewership, and suddenly everyone wanted to know why the film was not given a chance to really shine in cinemas. Yes, there was the whole Covid thing, but in the main, the problem with Prey was that no one at Disney clearly had the vision to think outside their need to pump content into Disney+ and, like many studios, had lost focus on what makes a good theatrical blockbuster.
Even though Trachtenberg’s second contribution to the Predator franchise, Killer of Killers, also went to streaming, Badlands is the first Predator movie in 7 years to be released in cinemas. If there was ever an “I told you so” moment, then Trachtenberg is getting his right now. What is more, the runaway success of Badlands could be just what was needed to continue a barely veiled plan to bring together Predators and Aliens again. Badlands lays the groundwork, and in broad terms is a crossover movie, and with Alien: Romulus and Alien: Earth having delivered the kind of Xenomorph action that seemed impossible just a few years ago, it seems like there are some good times ahead for fans of both franchises. And to think many people believed Disney’s takeover of Fox would be the death of all the IPs they acquired, like Alien and Predator.
Is ‘Alien vs Predator’ Rematch Back on the Cards?
20th Century Fox
In some ways, it has already happened. Predator: Badlands has several Easter eggs and connections to the Alien franchise, but that doesn’t mean we will get another straight-up Alien vs Predator rematch. Dan Trachtenberg has proven that bringing back the Predator franchise relied on not retreading old ground, and bringing something new, unseen, and exciting to the franchise.
Now that both the Predator and Alien sagas are big players again, it seems likely that a new full crossover event will happen at some point, but fans should not expect it to take the form of the last attempts in the 00s. Trachtenberg, Noah Hawley (Alien: Earth), and Fede Álvarez (Alien: Romulus) have delivered popular new entries by subverting expectations. Chances are, if any of them are involved in a future crossover, the same will go for that.
Release Date
November 5, 2025
Runtime
107 minutes
Producers
Brent O’Connor, John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Dan Trachtenberg, Ben Rosenblatt
The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 was delayed again a few days ago, this time for November 19, 2026. Rockstar Games officially announced the game in December 2023, and fans have been eagerly awaiting its epic release ever since. Now, it seems that we still have an entire year left to wait for the epic continuation of Rockstar’s beloved open-world title.
A new GTA 6 trailer released late last year shows that the wait will be well worth it. The trailer has already amassed over 250 million views, showing that the hype is real and fans are eager to get their hands on the game. But until then, there are plenty of other games that can fill the void left by GTA 6’s delay.
Red Dead Redemption 2
If GTA Took Place In The Wild West
Arthur with his horse on a mountain in Red Dead Redemption 2.
For Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games took the GTA formula and applied it to a historic Western epic. The result is a game similar to GTA 5 and, according to many fans, even better than its predecessor.
Red Dead Redemption 2 follows the journey of outlaw Arthur Morgan as he travels through the shifting landscape of the Wild West. The game acts as a prequel for the 2010 Red Dead Redemption, but don’t let that “2” scare you off—just like with GTA games, the two titles are linked, but it’s not necessary to play the first to get full enjoyment out of the second.
RDR2 replaces fast, shiny cars with slightly less fast, shiny horses, and it’s definitely slower-paced than its modern-day, urban counterpart. But its open world is just as rich and rewarding to explore, and the characters and stories just as intriguing.
171
Brazilian GTA From A Small Studio
Rockstar is a huge gaming company, and it’s not sparing any expenses for its next game. GTA 6 has even been called the first AAAA game thanks to its exorbitant development budget. Betagames Group’s 171 is the game for anyone who’s looking for a fresh take on the GTA formula, from an indie studio.
In 171, you’re dropped into a brand-new setting heavily inspired by Brazilian locations and culture. Explore city streets and sprawling suburbs hand-crafted to represent the varied landscapes of Brazil.
The game isn’t as polished as a AAAA game would be, but that’s because it’s made by a small studio on a much smaller budget. Its charm and unique location have won the hearts of many GTA fans, with more fixes and content to come as the developer continues to release updates and patches.
The Crew Motorfest
Race Stunning Cars In Equally Stunning Locations
If the driving is your favorite part of the GTA franchise, then The Crew Motorfest might be the game for you. Released by Ubisoft in 2023, this game is all about fast cars and cool locations. Set in Hawaii, Motorfest lets you race hyper-realistic recreations of real-world cars through incredibly beautiful locations in Hawaii.
You might not be able to run anyone over, and there are no weapons, but Motorfest can give you the car racing fix that’s left open by GTA 6’s delay. The game can also give you a sneak preview of what GTA 6 might be like—though it’s two years old, The Crew Motorfest has earned praise for its stunning visuals. Plus, if you’re not sure, you can try the game free for five hours before you commit.
Watch Dogs 2
Hack Your Way Through An Alternate San Francisco
For a decade-old game, Ubisoft Montreal’s Watch Dogs 2 still holds up well, and can be a great game to play while you wait for GTA 6 to be released. Set in a fictional version of the San Francisco Bay Area, the game tells the story of a hacker investigating a conspiracy surrounding a new operating system.
Although Watch Dogs 2 leans more heavily into hacking as a gameplay element, it also has plenty of similarities to GTA. Though you can go through the game peacefully and stealthily, you also have the option to shoot first and ask questions later. There are cars, bikes, and other vehicles that you can use to drive around the cities, and you keep on shooting as you drive.
Rustler (Grand Theft Horse)
A Love Letter To Classic GTA
If you have a hankering for the classic GTA games, Rustler can fill that void. Aptly subtitled Grand Theft Horse, Jutsu Games’ Rustler is a top-down sandbox game where you play as an outlaw in a “historically inaccurate” medieval setting.
Players can decide what they want to do in this silly game, whether they want to steal some horses, run people over with their carriage, engage in hand-to-hand combat, or launch cows into the sky with a catapult. There are many side quests to complete, tons of pop culture references, and even a live radio—literally, it’s a bard that follows you around and sings all the latest medieval hits.
Rust
Survive With Friends Or Die Trying
One fun part of playing GTA is enjoying it with your friends, thanks to GTA Online, which takes place in the world of GTA 5. So far, Rockstar hasn’t revealed anything about the online multiplayer in GTA 6, but leaks and speculations suggest it’ll be a bigger and better version of the current online experience.
If you’re tired of GTA Online but still want a fun, similar multiplayer experience, then Rust might be a good game to check out. Rust is a game of survival, where everything from the people to the wildlife wants to kill you. You’ll have to scavenge, build settlements, and fight to survive. The game has been in development for many years and continues to add content, resulting in an active community.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
The Silly Side Of Yakuza
Yakuza Like a Dragon combat screenshot on the street.
The long-running Yakuza series has always had elements similar to GTA, but set in Japan. The games explore Japan’s answer to American gangsters and the Italian mafia: the Yakuza. As such, they also follow a story and narrative structure similar to GTA, full of crime and shenanigans, but also of memorable characters and lots of heart.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the game that’s the least like GTA, since it took the winning formula and added a sillier-than-usual main character and over-the-top RPG elements. But it’s also the best game to play while you’re waiting for GTA 6 because it’s impossible not to fall in love with the characters, and it gives you a chance to explore a huge part of Yokohama in Japan. And, when you’re done messing around in Japan, hop over to Hawaii with Goro Majima and his crew in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, which is a real title of a real game.
Cyberpunk 2077
Explore Neon-Colored Metropolis, Night City
A car outside of a diner in Night City in Cyberpunk 2077.
CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 had a rough start when it launched in 2020. Since then, many of the issues have been patched up and the game now fully delivers what it promised: an open-world cyberpunk adventure game wrapped in neon.
Welcome to Night City, where you play as V, a mercenary haunted by Keanu Reeves. Like the GTA games, Cyberpunk gives players a large metropolis to explore at their whims and some awesome vehicles to do it in. There are plenty of quirky characters to meet, side quests to embark on, and a thrilling overarching story that’s shaped by your decisions and relationships. In short, it’s the perfect way to spend your time waiting for GTA 6. Plus, despite being five years old, the game is still being updated—its most recent update was released on July 17, 2025.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
Crank Up The Level Of Insanity
The Saints Row series took elements from GTA, then cranked up the insanity to 11. The result is an open-world, car-based game that also includes ridiculous weapons and storylines. Though the two recent remakes, Saints Row and Saints Row the Third, have received mixed reviews, the original Saints Row 4 is still a classic worth checking out while you wait for GTA 6.
The Re-Elected edition can be found on Steam for just $20 (and frequently goes on sale for even less). This version includes 25 DLC packs, including the Dubstep Gun and two story expansions: Enter The Dominatrix and How The Saints Save Christmas. That sums up in a nutshell what to expect from Saints Row 4. The story follows your recent election as President of the United States, and how you deal with an alien invasion of Earth. But let’s face it, you’re just playing for silly weapons like The Penetrator.
Sleeping Dogs
A Dramatic Exploration of Hong Kong’s Criminal Underbelly
Square Enix’s Sleeping Dogs is over 13 years old now, but it still hits the spot thanks to its excellent writing. The game follows an American cop who infiltrates Hong Kong’s criminal organization, the Triad. The title features similar sandbox exploration (on foot and by car) of a large city, like GTA. Also like GTA,Sleeping Dogs places a strong emphasis on the characters and story, creating a believable and living world that’s extremely satisfying to explore and uncover.
Where the game differs from the GTA series in placing a stronger emphasis on combat. Instead of running in, guns blazing, Sleeping Dogs focuses on hand-to-hand combat influenced by martial arts. The game also has an overall more serious tone, which may be a draw for anyone who prefers their crime dramas to stay firmly on the “drama” side of things. As a bonus, even this many years later, the game still looks fantastic.
If you’re already counting down to February’s Grammy Awards, here’s something to hold you over — the nominations announcement is just around the corner.
This Friday, the Recording Academy, joined by a handful of familiar faces (and voices), will announce the nominees for music’s biggest night in a livestream.
Here’s everything you need to know about the announcement.
How can I watch?
Friday’s livestream kicks off at 8 a.m. PT on the Grammys website and on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel. For those who prefer an extra dose of drama, keep in mind that screencasting is always an option.
According to the Grammys website, exact timing is subject to change, but you can expect the livestream to run for about 30 minutes.
Who is presenting?
As usual, presenters will include past Grammy winners and nominees, special guests and Recording Academy Chief Executive Harvey Mason Jr. Several presenters, including 2025 Grammy recipients Chappell Roan, Doechii and Sabrina Carpenter, will likely be vying for top spots this awards cycle.
The Recording Academy will be revealing the nominees in all 95 Grammy categories, including two new ones announced in June, for album cover and traditional country album.
The latter addition has proved controversial, with some criticizing the change as an attempt to bar artists of color from recognition — the decision came months after Beyoncé collected the award for best country album with “Cowboy Carter” — and others arguing that it’s a long-overdue adjustment that makes way for more unorthodox country artists.
At the time of the June announcement, Mason Jr. called this year’s category additions “much-needed updates that ensure those who are making significant contributions to the musical process are properly recognized and have the opportunity to be celebrated on Music’s Biggest Night.”
When are the Grammys?
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 1 at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
What’s different this year?
Absent album submissions from awards-season mainstays like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Billie Eilish, this year’s competition is poised to be one of the least predictable and most exciting in a long time.
Also contributing to a sense of novelty are new channels through which underrated artists are increasing their chances at recognition.
This year is the first that members of Grammy U, a Recording Academy program for aspiring music professionals between 18 and 29, were invited to submit their picks for Grammy consideration. With younger ears to the ground, emerging artists are better-positioned than ever to rise in the ranks.
“The addition of many Latin Recording Academy voting members underscores that music has no borders and that our mission to serve music people, regardless of where they are from, is stronger than ever,” Harvey Jr. said in a news release. “I can’t wait for our members’ passion and hard work to shine through in this year’s nominations.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers weren’t the only winners in town this week. Returning to City of Angels for the first time since 2022, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ushered in a new class of inductees during its 40th annual induction ceremony Saturday night (Nov. 8).
“Welcome to the second-best thing to happen to Los Angeles in the past week,” said John Sykes, chairman of the R&R Hall of Fame, welcoming the audience at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is officially middle aged and to celebrate the 40th induction ceremony, a 10-minute sizzle reel spanning the four decades played prior to the official start of the proceedings, which, thanks to a more streamlined process when honoring the musical excellence and non-performer categories, came in at a relatively brisk four-and-a-half hours.
Beamed live on Disney +, the Rock Hall honored Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper,Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes in the performer category, Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon for musical influence; Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye for musical excellence, and longtime Warner Records executive Lenny Waronker with the Ahmet Ertegun Award (named after the Atlantic Records co-founder). A primetime trimmed- down special will air on ABC on Jan. 1, 2026.
Many of the 2025 honorees were not in attendance: Of course, Zevon, Cocker, Hopkins and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell were inducted posthumously, and legendary Wrecking Crew bassist Kaye declined in advance to attend. Though the White Stripes’ Jack White referenced her and even dedicated part of his speech to her, his former bandmate, Meg White, did not attend. At 84, Checker was still doing what he does best and passed up his induction to keep a regularly scheduled paying gig, though he delivered his acceptance speech from the show before going into a shortened version of his biggest hit, “The Twist.” After initially hoping to attend and even reunite with his band Bad Company, lead singer Paul Rodgers pulled out for health reasons.
But there was still a dazzling amount of star power in the room from the honorees who were present and the nearly 40 artists who helped induct them.
Below are nine highlights from the evening.
Take Us Higher
Trending on Billboard
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The evening got off to an electrifying start with a salute not to a current inductee but to 1993 honoree Sly Stone, who died in June. Launching with the undeniable bass-heavy thump of 1967’s “Dance to the Music” courtesy of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea and Stevie Wonder on vocals, the band, which also included Beck, Questlove and Leon Thomas III, then flowed into “Everyday People” with Maxwell, who also sang “Thank you (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” before Jennifer Hudson coming out for “Higher,” hitting ear-shattering high notes. It set the bar almost impossibly high for any performance coming afterwards.
Fight for Your Rights
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After an exhilarating performance of their ‘80s and ‘90s hits “Let’s Talk About Sex,” “Whatta Man” (joined by En Vogue”) and “Push It,” during the trio’s acceptance speech, Salt-N-Pepa’s Cheryl “Salt” James brought it back into the present by bringing up the group’s lawsuit, filed in May, against Universal Music Group to regain control of their masters, alleging that the record company has not honored Salt-N-Pepa’s copyright clawback rights and has punished them by taking their music off streaming. “We’re in a fight for our masters that rightfully belong to us… After 40 years, our streaming music has been taking down from all streaming platforms because the industry doesn’t want to play fair,” she said, as the crowd cheered in support, before adding, “Salt-N- Pepa has never been afraid of a fight.”
Olivia Rodrigo Loves Some Old Time Rock & Roll
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Olivia Rodrigo may only be 22, but she’s proved an old soul when it comes to her love for music made before she was born. In her third time paying tribute to an inducted artist following Carly Simon in 2022 and Sheryl Crow in 2023, she returned this year to honor the White Stripes. In a video, she declared the duo’s “Seven Nation Army” “iconic,” before taking the stage to perform a lovely, harmony-filled version of the pair’s 2001 tune, “I Think We’re Gonna Be Friends” with Feist, trading verses and then singing beautifully together. Once she returned to her seat, she could be seen singing along to almost every performance.
Outkast Outshines
Image Credit: Amy Sussman/WireImage
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Outkast’s Big Boi and Andre 3000 shared the stage for their acceptance speech, but, unfortunately, no musical reunion was forthcoming as only Big Boi participated in the musical tribute. But it was gloriously high-octane, nonetheless. Backed by a 13-piece band including a vibrant horn section, Big Boi and guests raised the roof as they ran through a medley of Outkast’s greatest hits, starting with “ATLiens,” where Big Boi was joined by J.I.D. A graceful Doja Cat joined for “Ms. Jackson before Tyler, The Creator bounced around the stage delivering a ferocious “Bombs Over Baghdad.” Janelle Monae turned the segment into a full-on dance party with “Hey Ya,” accompanying herself on an acoustic guitar, before Sleepy Brown joined for a group sing-along for “I Love the Way You Move” that had the crowd on its feet.
Sentimental Journey
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Sly Stone wasn’t the only past honoree given his own segment: Elton John took to the stage for a tender tribute to Brian Wilson, who was inducted in 1988 with his band, The Beach Boys, and who died in June two days after Stone. He recalled meeting Wilson in 1970 when he and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin went to his house. “We were scared s—tless,” John said. “He was my idol. He influenced me more than anyone else when it came to writing songs on the piano. Throughout my career and my life, we became friends, we sang on each other’s records, we loved each other, and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather pay tribute to.” Backed by Benmont Tench and Don Was, John then played a delicate, languid version of Wilson’s finest tune, Pet Sounds’ “God Only Knows.”
Cyndi Lauper Takes Us to Church
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After being inducted by Chappell Roan, Cyndi Lauper provided the evening’s most emotional moment during the beginning of her performance. Singing “True Colors,” with the stage bathed in rainbow colors, she stopped the song and simply held her fist in the air in silence for at least 30 seconds in solidarity with the gay community. It as a stirring, heartfelt moment, before she asked everyone to turn on the lights on their phone, adding “there’s a community of light. Don’t forget that if it gets really dark,” before segueing into “Time After Time” with British singer RAYE. Her performance felt the loosest and the most relaxed of the night as she was joined by Avril Lavigne and then Salt-N-Pepa for a jubilant “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” In her acceptance speech, she thanked those who came before her. “I know that I stand on the shoulders of the women in the industry that came before me and my shoulders are broad enough to have the women that come after me to stand on mine,” she said, adding, “the little kid in me still believes that rock and roll can save the world.”
The Souls of the Departed
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The presence of the artists inducted posthumously loomed large throughout the night, as David Letterman gave a moving tribute to his friend Warren Zevon and brought with him the blue electric guitar that Zevon gave to him 22 years ago after Zevon’s last appearance on Late Night With David Letterman. Zevon, who knew he was dying of lung cancer, told Letterman, “Take care of this for me,” Letterman recounted, before adding, “By god, tonight, it’s going back to work.” And sure enough it did, with The Killers’ Dave Keuning playing it on a solid version of “Lawyers, Guns and Money.”
Jim Carrey, who was close to Cornell and eloquently described his intense affection for the band’s music during his induction of Soundgarden, even talked about not being able to look Cornell directly in his piercing blue eyes. Similarly, the members of Soundgarden sent their love to Cornell, with original bassist Hiro Yamamoto saying, “Chris Cornell, we are so missing you tonight on this stage.” Drummer Matt Cameron accepted the award “on behalf of the fans of our music and also the misfits, the loners and the interlopers who found comfort and solace in the layers and music of my hero and bandmate, Chris Cornell.” Guitarist Kim Thayil gave Cornell credit for his adventurous spirit. “If one of us ever hesitated sharing an idea, Chris would be the first to say, ‘Let’s just try it out.’ I miss him. I love him.”
Bryan Adams inducted Joe Cocker with great fondness, recalled drinking “Joe Colas,” with him, a potent mixture of Coca Cola and rum that would quickly end any recording session.
Soundgarden Reimagined
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The members of Soundgarden were then joined by The Pretty Reckless’s Taylor Momsen, who has performed with the band a number of times over the last six or so years, for a howling, bone-rattling version of “Rusty Cage,” before Brandi Carlile joined for a driving take on their signature hit, “Black Hole Sun.” Like Momsen, Carlile has played with the band several times, including at a Cornell tribute concert in 2019. It wasn’t hard to imagine how great it would be to see the two women trade off lead vocals at a full Soundgarden show.
With a Little Help From His Friends
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Even though Cocker was obviously not in attendance, there was never really any doubt that the evening would conclude with his induction if, for no other reason than to be able to close the night with “With a Little Help from My Friends,” the Beatles’ tune he made famous in 1969. Before the finale though, the Tedeschi Trucks Band were joined by Nathaniel Rateliff and Teddy Swims for rollicking, burly versions of “The Letter” and “Feelin’ Alright.” Then, Lauper, Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson and Bryan Adams (the latter two had taken part in the Bad Company tribute earlier in the evening), returned for the finale, which closed the evening on just the right note.
