American Idol alum David Archuleta said that God urged him to come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, NBC News noted. The Nashville resident told Today.com he wasn't sure if the community would embrace the intersectionality of religion in his coming out post, because of the way "they've been treated" in the past by some religious groups. In the minutes before he hit send on an Instagram post later this year, he had a deeply personal conversation with God, whom he said wanted him to come out publicly. Afterward, some trolls commented that they already assumed this about him, while others—outside and inside his church community—applauded his bravery.
Speaking of "Idol" alums, David Hernandez will be among those replacing former child pop star Aaron Carter, who was set to make his debut in Naked Boys Singing this fall, Queerty noted. Hernandez and Chris Salvatore, of the film Eating Out, are among those named to replace Carter. Producers fired Carter from the show, allegedly because the singer refuses to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Salvatore and Hernandez—both openly gay men—will step into the spotlight when the show resumes in Las Vegas on Sept. 15.
Last year, Vivica A. Fox handpicked Zendaya to potentially play her daughter in the Kill Bill films, if a third movie would possibly be made—and the younger actress recently told Empire magazine she was "quite honored that she would say that," JustJared.com noted. In 2004, director Quentin Tarantino did confirm that a third movie would actually center on Vernita's daughter, Nikki.
Lady Gaga released the remix album Dawn of Chromatica on Sept. 3 via Interscope Records, a press release noted. A re-invention of Gaga's sixth consecutive #1 studio album Chromatica, Dawn of Chromatica features new collaborations and remixes from the original album tracklist. Songs include "Enigma (Doss Remix)," "911 (Charli XCX & A. G. Cook Remix)" and "Stupid Love (COUCOU CHLOE Remix)," among others.
Peacock announced its New Orleans-set Queer As Folk reimagination has added Candace Grace (Acts of Crime), Johnny Sibilly (Pose; Hacks), Devin Way (Grey's Anatomy; Station 19), and Fin Argus (Clouds; The Gifted) in series regular roles, Deadline noted. The Peacock series is a vision of the British series from Russell T Davies that starred Aidan Gillen, Charlie Hunnam and Craig Kelly as three gay men living in Manchester. A U.S. remake, set in Pittsburgh, aired on Showtime.
In a recent article, out.com profiled 19 queer and trans women rappers. A few of them included Da Brat, who came out in 2020 and introduced the world to girlfriend Jessica Dupart; Queen Latifah, who publicly expressed her love for longtime partner Eboni Nichols at the recent BET Awards; New Orleans' Katey Red, who is considered the first queer and trans rapper in bounce music; Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion; Atlanta-based rapper Bali Baby; and Chicago rapper KC Ortiz, whose has hits like "Beat, Beat, Beat" and "Die Young."
After writing her own original lyrics to RuPaul and Grammy winner Tanya Tucker's track "This Is Our Country" and then performing a lip-sync to Lady Gaga's "Stupid Love," Kylie Sonique Love cemented her place in the Hall of Fame as the first trans woman to take home the winner's crown in U.S. Drag Race franchise history, according to Out.com . (She's the second trans woman winner in the entire international franchise following Drag Race Thailand season two's Angele Anang.) "It's a new story for a trans person. There's been a lot of tragedy for trans people," she told Entertainment Weekly amid a year that's seen a record number of anti-trans bills introduced throughout the United States.
Former *NSYNC singer Lance Bass recently ended his three-episode run as guest host of Bachelor in Paradise—but wants to host a gay version of The Bachelor, out.com noted, citing Variety. "If you want the most dramatic season ever, do an LGBT version," Bass told Variety. "I think maybe it's the time for The Bachelor to do a gay Bachelor. I think that would be so much fun." In 2016, he hosted the short-lived Logo reality dating series Finding Prince Charming, a gay twist on shows like The Bachelor that had Robert Sepulveda Jr. as the object of the men's affection; however, the show was cancelled after just one, eight-episode season.
After coming out as genderfluid during her season of RuPaul's Drag Race, show alum Gigi Goode came out as trans and non-binary on Instagram, out.com noted. A finalist in the competition and a model for a Moschino campaign that appeared in Vogue, Goode posted a video while in recovery from recent surgery, opening up to her fans. "I identify as a trans/non-binary person and I prefer she/her pronouns," Goode said, stipulating that she is legally changing her name to Gigi.
Trans actor Elliot Page has signed a first-look deal with UCP to develop scripted and unscripted projects across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms, Deadline noted. Page stars in the studio's hit Netflix series The Umbrella Academy. The drama, which follows a disbanded group of superheroes who reunite after their adoptive father dies, is headed into its third season and recently received four Emmy nods.
Lil Nas X revealed the cover art for his upcoming album Montero on Instagram, iHeart.com noted. The imagery features butterflies, hot pink trees, ancient columns—and the rapper X himself, naked and floating above the serene river scene. The cover art seems to be a hit, with many commenters praising it as "iconic," "gorg" and "actually stunning." Montero will be out Sept. 17.
Taylor Swift took to social media to praise Halsey's just-released fourth album—If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power—which explores themes of pregnancy and motherhood, Billboard noted. "I'm blown away by @halsey's artistry and commitment to taking risks," Swift tweeted. "Giving us all a brave new era to dive into and explore together. If I can't have love, I want power is out now- please stream and buy the album!!" Halsey responded, "Thank you T ... means so so much."
Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman has been released on VOD and DVD via Dark Star Pictures, a press release noted. In this movie, Chad Michael Murray plays serial killer Bundy. Tracking him down are detective Kathleen McChesney (Holland Roden), working out of the Seattle Police bureau; and rookie FBI profiler Robert Ressler (Jake Hays), the government agent who coined the term "serial killer."
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris awarded actor, activist and National Board member Michelle Hurd with the SAG-AFTRA President's Award, a press release noted. This honor recognizes individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment to SAG-AFTRA's membership and the labor movement. As part of her advocacy, she partnered with fellow actor Kate Rigg to create an actor-specific intimacy protection guide for members called Sex, Nudity and You that was included in a special pull-out section of the SAG-AFTRA magazine and is available on the SAGAFTRA.org . Hurd currently stars in Star Trek: Picard and has been on television for years, appearing in Blindspot, Law & Order, SVU, Hawaii Five-O, Daredevil and many other shows.
In other SAG-AFTRA news, Fran Drescher won her race for president of the divided organization, Variety reported. Even as the star of The Nanny defeated Matthew Modine by a narrow margin, Modine's dissident faction, Membership First, gained seats on the national board; took overwhelming control of the Los Angeles local; and won the election for national secretary-treasurer—the third-ranking post in the union. Drescher's party, Unite for Strength, will still command a majority on the national board.
Three-time Golden Globe nominee Evan Rachel Wood called out her ex and alleged abuser Marilyn Manson while performing a cover of the New Radicals' 1998 single "You Get What You Give" with her musical partner Zane Carney (of Evan + Zane) at the Bourbon Room in Los Angeles, people.com noted. "I've been saving this but it seems like the appropriate time," she prefaced the song, which includes a reference to Manson. Wood put up a middle finger as she sang his name, to which the crowd erupted into cheers.
Disney is reviving a cult-classic favorite, The Rocketeer, with a new Disney+ movie titled The Return of the Rocketeer, Deadline noted. David and Jessica Oyelowo are producing under their Yoruba Saxon banner. The project, written by Ed Ricourt, will also be a possible starring project for Selma actor Oyelowo.
Just hours after Kanye West's Donda arrived on streaming services, the rapper/fashion mogul claimed on social media that the oft-delayed album was released without his approval by Universal Music Group, the parent company of Def Jam Recordings, Billboard reported. "UNIVERSAL PUT MY ALBUM OUT WITHOUT MY APPROVAL AND THEY BLOCKED JAIL 2 FROM BEING ON THE ALBUM," West wrote in all caps on Instagram. The Donda track "Jail pt 2," featuring controversial rapper DaBaby, was originally unavailable when the album first appeared on streaming services, but became available later. Named after the rapper's mom who died in 2007, Donda arrived nearly two years after his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King.
The Emmy-winning HBO comedy series Insecure will return for its fifth and final season Sunday, Oct. 24 (9 p.m. CT). The final 10 episodes will debut weekly on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max. Starring NAACP Image Award winner and six-time Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominee Issa Rae, the series also features regulars Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Courtney Taylor.
Apple Original Films announced that the filmed version of the Tony- and Olivier Award-winning hit musical Come From Away will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, Sept. 10, a press release noted. Come From Away is directed by Tony winner Christopher Ashley, who directed the original Broadway production, and stars an ensemble cast led by members of the Broadway show. Come From Away tells the story of 7,000 people stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, after all flights into the United States are grounded on Sept. 11, 2001. As the people of Newfoundland graciously welcome the "come from aways" into their community in the aftermath, passengers and locals alike process what's happened while finding love, laughter and new hope in the unlikely and lasting bonds they forge.
Non-binary artist G Flip (they/them)—also known as drummer turned producer-singer-songwriter and queer figure Georgia Flipo—shared "Waiting Game," featuring 19-year-old renforshort, a press release noted. "Waiting Game" was penned in LA alongside producer Pat Morrisey (Hayley Kiyoko; SZA) and while the track has been a work in progress since 2019, G enlisted renforshort for a verse last year after hearing one of her songs on the radio.
The cast carousel on The Talk keeps turning. Elaine Welteroth won't be returning to The Talk for CBS' daytime talk show's upcoming season after one year with the series, Deadline noted. She joins fellow co-host Carrie Ann Inaba, who also recently departed the daytime talk show. After guest-hosting multiple times in late fall 2020, Welteroth officially joined The Talk as a full-time panelist Jan. 4, 2021. She and Amanda Kloots became permanent panelists at the same time, replacing Marie Osmond and Eve, both of whom had departed the show earlier. Welteroth is a judge on Bravo's Project Runway, which returns for its 19th season in October.
And speaking of Project Runway, season 19 of the show will return to Bravo this October, Instinct Magazine noted. Christian Siriano returns as mentor, alongside judges Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth, who will all be welcoming 16 designers from both the United States and overseas. The designers will get the opportunity to show their designs at locales like New York City's Lincoln Center as well as the hidden gardens at Rockefeller Center.
Rapper Drake is in the middle of much controversy regarding his new album, Certified Lover Boy. According to pride.com, his new song "Girls Want Girls," featuring Lil Baby, has elicited mixed reactions from fans, especially LGBTQ+ ones. While some folks think Drake is commenting on women leaving their boyfriends for women or engaging in silly wordplay, others believe the track's sexualization of queer women from a male point of view is problematic. Also, accused sex trafficker R. Kelly is credited on Certified Lover Boy, according to The Daily Beast (citing Pitchfork). R. Kelly is listed as a composer/lyricist on the track "TSU," for which Justin Timberlake and Timbaland receive co-writing credits as well.
Rose McGowan believes Oprah Winfrey faked her support for the #MeToo movement, according to Page Six. "I am glad more are seeing the ugly truth of @Oprah," the Charmed alum, tweeted along with an old photo of the talk-show host smiling alongside convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein. "I wish she were real, but she isn't."
Musical legend Eric Clapton is continuing to wage musical war against COVID-19 vaccinations and lockdowns, USA Today noted. The guitarist—who has publicly rebuked vaccine mandates and complained about a "disastrous" health experience after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccination—released a new song, "This Has Gotta Stop." In December he released an anti-lockdown song up with Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison called "Stand and Deliver."
Actor Edgar Ramirez (Jungle Cruise; Yes Day) took to Instagram to reveal that both his aunt and uncle died from COVID-19—within 24 hours of each other, according to USA Today. "We had not yet collected my aunt's ashes when we were due to incinerate my uncle's body," he wrote. The next day, he said, another aunt's relative also died after months of battling COVID-19 complications. His grandmother and agent also succumbed to the virus earlier this year.
Embattled actor Kevin Spacey is back on a film set on U.S. soil for the first time since several sexual-assault allegations against him came to light, TMZ noted. The actor—who was essentially exiled from mainstream Hollywood after the accusations from several males started coming out in 2017—is filming a new movie called Peter Five Eight, and he was shooting scenes in Dunsmuir, California. Spacey just finished filming the movie L'uomo che disegno Dio (The Man Who Drew God) in Italy.
Lady Gaga's former dog walker spoke out after the pop star was accused of "abandoning" him as he recovered from being shot by dognappers who stole her pooches in February, Page Six noted. Ryan Fischer explained in a new interview with Rolling Stone that he had been going through hard times dealing with the near-death experience when he said he felt "unsupported"—and some believed he had been referring to the "Paparazzi" singer. "Everyone thought that I was [blaming] someone, when it was all love," he said in the profile. "It's what happens in trauma—all your loved ones, all your family, everyone: you feel alone."
Mike Richards is out as executive producer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, Deadline reported. It comes after a turbulent few weeks for the long-running syndicated program, which saw Richards, who joined Jeopardy! as exec producer in 2020, ousted as host after one day of production. Richards stepped down as host earlier this month following a Ringer report about insensitive and sexist comments Richards had made towards his female co-hosts and guests on The Randumb Show, a podcast he hosted in 2013 and 2014, along with off-color remarks about Haitians and Jews.
Whoopi Goldberg is reportedly being sued for $50 million over a redevelopment plan in West Orange, New Jersey, RadarOnline.com noted. According to a court document, the company Whoopi Inc. was accused of getting involved in a plan with the city's mayor, Robert Parisi, to take down the current developer, Prism Capital Partners in an effort to renovate downtown West Orange—and which includes building a studio for Goldberg's own production company. In a response to the developer's lawsuit, Parisi said, "[Prism has] had almost 15 years to complete Phase 2 of this project and, despite approvals, [has] failed to live up to [its] commitments."
Gregg Leakes, the businessman who appeared alongside wife NeNe Leakes on Real Housewives of Atlanta, died following a battle with colon cancer, at age 66, USA Today noted. NeNe recently told patrons at The Linnethia lounge in Atlanta, "My husband is transitioning to the other side," in footage obtained by It's OnSite. "You don't know what we're dealing with right now. We walked in this lounge because we had to walk in this lounge because this is our business."
Former pro football player and Bachelor Colton Underwood was photographed smooching political strategist Jordan C. Brown at the Four Seasons resort in Maui recently, out.com noted. TMZ obtained exclusive photos of the relaxed couple. Brown is a well-connected political fundraiser, having worked with multiple Democratic presidential campaigns, including Hillary Clinton's and both of Barack Obama's campaigns.
Romeo Beckham, 19—the son of soccer icon David Beckham—has signed his first professional soccer contract with Fort Lauderdale CF, Page Six noted. Fort Lauderdale CF is League One of the United Soccer League, according to ESPN. It is also the sister team to Inter Miami CF, which David co-owns.
