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Ariana Grande may have missed the opportunity to join American Horror Story this year, but Ryan Murphy isn’t ready to let the idea vanish.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Emmy-winning producer discussed that Grande was originally going to appear in the anthology series’ upcoming 13th season before her Eternal Sunshine Tour made the scheduling impossible. Instead of recasting for the role, Murphy simply said he would rather hold onto the idea until the Grammy-winning pop star might become available.
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“I love Ariana Grande. We’re great friends,” Murphy said. “I had an idea and I came to her and she, very immediately, said ‘I’m not sure because I think I’m going on tour.’”
Murphy explained that Grande had just wrapped up her appearance in the blockbluster Wicked films when they first discussed the possibility of her joining AHS. As plans for her worldwide tour came together, the singer realized just how demanding her schedule would be if she agreed. Therefore, she decided that another production schedule wouldn’t be feasible.
“When it came time to do that episode, I called her up and she was like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to juggle the tour with this,’” Murphy recalls. “And I said, ‘OK, if you can’t, we can push to another season.’ She said, ‘Great.’ You have to be respectful. Who is busier than Ariana Grande? No one.
Even though Murphy did keep quiet about the character he had envisioned for Grande, he suggested fans shouldn’t rule out seeing her in his horror universe down the line.
“It was a very big swing, but I might bring that back for another season, per Ariana’s availability,” he said. “I think the world of her.”
Grande has worked with Murphy before, appearing in Fox’s horror comedy series Scream Queens back in 2015. The producer said she’s long been a fan of the genre, pointing to both her previous acting work and horror-inspired creative choices throughout her career (most recently, the gory music video for her new album’s title track “Petal”).
“Ariana is a big fan of horror,” Murphy said. “She’s obviously done homages of that in her work; she did Scream Queens for me and loved the experience, and people love her in that show. So I will always work with her. I love her, and I support her.”
As Murphy mentioned, Grande is relentless in all of her endeavors. This past Friday (July 31), she released her highly anticipated album Petal, with the lead single “Hate That I Made You Love Me” marking her 10th Billboard Hot 100 No. 1. She is also in the midst of her Eternal Sunshine Tour, which is set to conclude Sept. 1 in London, England. Her rep announced over this past weekend that after the tour wraps, Grande will take a step back from the public eye.
“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the rep said in a statement to People. “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
SZA is embarking on a trip to the colorful world of CoComelon.
The seven-time Grammy winner is set to voice a character in CoComelon: The Movie, the first feature-length film from the popular children’s franchise. DreamWorks Jr. unveiled the movie’s first teaser trailer on Thursday (Aug. 6), giving audiences a glimpse into the animated adventure ahead of its theatrical release next year, on Feb. 19, 2027.
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In addition to SZA’s voice role, the movie will also feature original music from Grammy-nominated songwriter and executive music producer Justin Tranter, who has worked with A-listers including Chappell Roan, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez.
The trailer follows JJ and his friends as they search for his beloved stuffed bear Boba. Their chase takes an unexpected turn when they’re transported through a mysterious lost-and-found box into a magical new world, setting off a fantastical quest to reunite JJ with his favorite companion.
Directed by Kat Good, CoComelon: The Movie is produced by DreamWorks Animation, Moonbug Entertainment, Flywheel Media and Prime Focus Studios, with Universal Pictures handling its theatrical release.
Though voice acting is not SZA’s usual calling, this project will be an interesting addition to her success thus far. The singer has a lot of hits under her belt: Her most recent album, SOS, spent No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for 11 weeks and became the first album by a woman to spend more than 100 weeks in the chart’s top 10. The LP also produced the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 smash “Kill Bill” before SZA continued her chart dominance with songs like “Saturn” and “30 for 30” (with Kendrick Lamar) as well as another Hot 100 No. 1, Lamar’s “Luther.”
Watch the teaser trailer below:
Barbra Streisand is adding an additional chapter to her iconic career.
The EGOT-winning legend is expanding her creative repertoire outside music and into children’s literature. Her debut picture book, And By the Way…, will arrive on bookstore shelves next spring, according to People.
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The book, which will be published by Flamingo Books (an imprint of Penguin Young Readers), tells the story of a loving grandparent and grandchild who spend the day together doing fun activities and adventures that lead to understanding some of life’s core truths.
For Streisand, this project is very personal, stemming from her home life. “I love being ‘Gamma Barbra’ to my three wonderful young grandchildren,” Streisand shared in a statement. “One of our favorite activities is reading picture books together — sometimes the same ones over and over again! So, I thought it would be fun to write my own book… for them… and hopefully, for other parents and grandparents to read to their little ones!”
The title of the book also has everything to do with Streisand, as it’s one of her signature phrases. “It’s an expression I use quite often,” she explained. “It seems like there’s always one more thing to say!” She added that the overarching message centers on “discovery, self-expression, self-reliance and of course, love.”
Streisand has four grandchildren through her marriage to actor James Brolin, with whom she tied the knot in 1998. Her stepson Josh Brolin has four children — who are the singer’s step-grandchildren. Josh Brolin shares Trevor, 38, and Eden, 31, with his first wife. In 2016, Josh married his third wife, Kathryn Boyd Brolin; together they have daughters Westlyn Reign, 7, and Chapel Grace, 5.
And By the Way… is currently available for preorder and will officially be released on March 30, 2027.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter is the latest musician to receive her own Little Golden Book.
Sabrina Carpenter: A Little Golden Book Biography is now available to pre-order before its release on Sept. 1, 2026. The biography takes readers on the pop star’s path from a music-loving kid to one of the decade’s biggest talents as told through easy-to-read text and full color illustrations.
Designed for children while appealing to longtime fans, the picture book tells the story of Carpenter’s childhood in Pennsylvania to her eventual rise to fame.
MINI BIOGRAPHY
‘Sabrina Carpenter: A Little Golden Book Biography’
Pre-Order
From publisher Golden Books, the 24-page pageturner has already hit Amazon’s children’s book charts even before its release date.
Created for readers ages 4 to 8 (though really a fun read for fans of all ages), the picture book details Carpenter’s life as a young girl with big dreams before embarking on a Disney Channel career that would eventually catapult her to pop-star heights.
Illustrator Beverly Johnson sketches colorful drawings of major milestones in Carpenter’s life, like a graphic of the Emails I Can’t Send album cover, the singer looking up at her sold-out arena, and the pint-sized popstar standing on stage during her Grammy acceptance speech.
The book also includes some other famous faces who have made an impression on Carpenter’s musical journey. In one illustration of Carpenter’s mom recording the young star singing, a poster of Miley Cyrus hangs in the background. And who can forget Sabrina Carpenter opening for Taylor Swift on the Eras tour in 2023 and 2024? The book features a drawing of the Espresso singer performing on stage alongside a guitar-playing Swift.
The book is written by Cat Reynolds, who also authored Chappell Roan: A Little Golden Book Biography published in 2025. Carpenter joins many other music icons like Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Prince, Elvis Presley, KPop Demon Hunters, Cher and Blackpink who’ve also been featured in their own dedicated Little Golden Books edition. The publishers also created Women Who Rock, Pop, and Hip-Hop!
Aside from spotlighting musicians, Little Golden Books also has kid-friendly biographies on Zendaya, Jenna Ortega, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams.
As for Carpenter, the singer most recently teamed up with Madonna on the track “Bring Your Love,” from the Queen of Pop’s Confessions II album.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
We all know Elf on a Shelf, or even Snoop on a Stoop, but could this year’s hottest toy be Rumi in a Ramyeon cup?
Meet the latest merch release from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters: this 138-piece 3D puzzle that forms a standing figurine of Rumi eating her branded ramyeon (Korean instant noodles).
SELLING FAST
KPop Demon Hunters Rumi in Ramyeon Cup 3D Puzzle
The 2-in-1 building kit also lets you build a larger ramyeon cup that Rumi can sit in, with her name displayed on the back of the lid.
Unlike LEGO sets, which use hard plastic blocks, this 3D puzzle uses pre-cut foam puzzle pieces, which all fit and snap together with no glue or tools needed for assembly. The finished product measures approximately 7.8 x 15 inches when Rumi is in the ramyeon cup.
The puzzle set comes on the heels of hundreds of “Hungry Rumi” memes online, depicting the HUNTR/X lead singer snacking on everything from kimbap to candy. And if working on this building kit makes you hungry for actual ramen: you can pick up official KPop Demon Hunters instant noodle cups here.
This is an officially licensed release from Netflix and 4D Build, the puzzle company known for their collectible 3D model kits.
MOVABLE PIECES
KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger & Sussie Bird 3D Puzzle
4D Build also has this Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird 3D puzzle kit, with 168 pieces.
This 3D puzzle brings the blue supernatural tiger to life on a pedestal, with his sidekick (and Jinu’s pet bird) Sussie, perched on his head. This design lets you move or remove different parts, to change up the design. For example, Derpy’s tongue can be removed and the flowerpot can sit in different ways on the stand. The finished puzzle measures 9.8 x 9.1 inches in size.
CHIBI COLLECTIBLE
Kpop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Chibi Character 3D Puzzle Model Kit
Amazon also has this 3D puzzle of the entire HUNTR/X crew, with chibi or manga-style depictions of Rumi, Zoey and Mira.
This kit contains 212 foam puzzle pieces and the finished display piece measures 15.7 x 11.4 inches in size.
DOUBLES AS DESK DECOR
KPop Demon Hunters Sneaker 3D Jigsaw Puzzle
And you can pick up this 3D sneaker puzzle, with 108 plastic pieces that snap together.
The sneaker features an image of HUNTR/X promoting their “Takedown Tour,” and the finished product can be displayed on its own or used as a pencil cup or small vase. The 3D sneaker measures approximately 8.4 x 5.3 inches in dimension.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Set throughout locations across Thailand, host T.J. Lavin returns for The Challenge: Cutthroat. For season 42, watch contestants from The Real World, Love Island, Survivor, Big Brother, Too Hot to Handle and other reality series battle it out to become the ultimate challenger and win the grand prize.
Starting with a two-episode season premiere on Wednesday (Aug 5), you can stream The Challenge: Cutthroat on Paramount+ — instead of its longtime home on MTV.
How to Watch The Challenge: Cutthroat Online, At a Glance:
- Date: Starting on Wednesday, Aug. 5
- Start Time: 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT
- Streaming Platform: DirecTV, Paramount+
When Does The Challenge: Cutthroat Start?
The reality series The Challenge: Cutthroat streams on Paramount+, with a release time of 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT on Wednesdays.
Where to Watch The Challenge: Cutthroat Online for Free
For cord-cutters, there are a few ways to watch The Challenge: Cutthroat, especially if you want to watch for free. DirecTV has a five-day free trial, which features free access to Paramount+.
STREAM ON 3 DEVICES AT ONCE
Paramount+
There are two plans to choose from: Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ Premium (with Showtime).
Paramount+ has The Challenge: Cutthroat streaming online, as well as past seasons. If you don’t already have a Paramount+ subscription, the streaming service plan goes for $8.99 per month (or $89.99 per year). With Paramount+, you’ll get access to a wide selection of TV shows and movies, live sports, 24-hour news with CBS News and more.
In addition, the streaming service includes a wide selection of music programming and specials, such as The New Edition Story, Love & Hip Hop Miami, Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, MTV Unplugged, Willie Nelson & Family and others.
Although it doesn’t offer a free trial anymore, you can get access to Paramount+ for just $1, if you sign up for Walmart+. The retailer’s rewards program offers access to Paramount+ at no extra cost, while Walmart+ also offers a 30-day trial to take the service out for a test drive.
Meanwhile, a subscription to DirecTV — which comes with access to The Challenge: Cutthroat on Paramount+ — gets you more than 185 live TV, local and cable channels, like NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN and others. The signature package “Premier” comes with Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited and Starz, and it goes for $129.99 for the first month of service ($169.99 per month afterward). DirecTV even offers a five-day free trial to watch for free if you sign up now.
Starting on Wednesday (Aug. 5), The Challenge: Cutthroat streams on Paramount+. One of the best services that features Paramount+ is DirecTV because it comes with six other streaming services and more than 185 live TV channels.
Carson Daly is setting the record straight after this week’s announcement of The Voice: Celebrity caused questions to arise about his future with the NBC show.
Following the news that Keke Palmer will host the spin-off edition of The Voice, the emcee took to Instagram on Tuesday to reassure fans that he isn’t leaving the singing competition after hosting the series for 30 seasons.
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“‘Celeb Voice’ is a fun, NEW IDEA that features some big differences like… FAMOUS PEOPLE singing for 3 coaches to see if they have what it takes,” Daly wrote. “There’s lots of new twists & turns.”
The television personality explained that the new format called for “a NEW amazing HOST!” before praising Palmer as “the triple threat queen” who is “PERFECT” for the job.
“I’m so grateful she carved out the time in her busy career to help us out,” he continued. “We’re all big fans & welcome her to the family.”
After welcoming Palmer to the Voice family, Daly addressed speculation that the hosting change meant he was parting ways from the show.
“Many today have asked if I’m leaving the show. Nope,” he wrote. “We’re gonna try out these 2 formats this fall/spring & see how it goes! Hopefully this post clears up any confusion. I am still hosting the show currently.”
Daly also reflected on his long history with the franchise, expressing that he has “hosted and produced every single second of the show since day 1, 30 seasons, 16 years.” While Palmer will lead The Voice: Celebrity, Daly said he’ll remain involved behind the scenes as a producer.
“I’ll be producing Celeb Voice only & helping it launch from behind the scenes,” he added.
NBC announced The Voice: Celebrity earlier this week, revealing Palmer as host alongside coaches Joe Jonas, Queen Latifah and Riley Green. Unlike the competition audiences are used to, the special edition will feature actors, musicians, influencers, athletes, comedians and reality television personalities competing in blind auditions instead of undiscovered singers.
Read Carson Daly’s full statement via Instagram below.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Another day, another KPop Demon Hunters collab, only this is one that hardcore fans and aspiring performers alike will want to pick up.
Netflix and eKids have released an official KPop Demon Hunters Karaoke Machine, available now for under $20 on Amazon. The portable karaoke machine comes in the film’s signature purple colorway, with the HUNTR/X logo on the speaker grill.
SING AT HOME
KPop Demon Hunters Bluetooth Karaoke Machine
Save 10% off for a limited time when you apply the on-site coupon on Amazon.
The officially-licensed karaoke machine lets you sing your favorite songs from the Oscar-winning animated film (or any song, really) while enjoying an accompanying light show from the built-in, color-changing lights. Five different voice effects let you turn your sing-along into a real performance, whether you’re rehearsing for the Idol Awards or just sharing your “Strategy” at home.
This Amazon deal gets you a 9 x 3.7-inch speaker, a wireless microphone, built-in multi-colored LED lights and an included mini disco ball, that you can hang on the side of the speaker for every more lighting effects. Play your music by connecting the speaker to your phone, laptop or music player via Bluetooth (you can also plug in a flash drive).
Everything powers up via the built-in rechargeable battery, and a charging cable is included with the set. A handle on the speaker makes it easy to take your K-pop karaoke on the go.
LARGER SETUP
KPop Demon Hunters Bluetooth Karaoke Machine With Microphones
Want to take your soundtrack session up a notch? Sam’s Club sells this official KPop Demon Hunters karaoke machine which comes with a larger speaker and two wireless microphones (with the ability to plug in a third mic via a wired mic jack).
This karaoke system also lets you stream audio via Bluetooth and features seven light modes, including a “reactive” mode that pulses to the beat of your music. The two included mics have four built-in voice-changing effects, and you can also use the control pad at the top to adjust echo levels, volume, skip tracks and more.
Like the Amazon model, this Sam’s Club KPop Demon Hunters karaoke machine comes in a purple colorway with a glowing HUNTR/X logo front and center. And if you don’t have WiFi or Bluetooth, you can also connect your music via AUX, USB, and SD card inputs. Though it’s larger than the Amazon unit, this karaoke machine is still super portable, measuring approximately 7 x 10 inches in size.
Note: you don’t need to be a Sam’s Club member to score this KPop Demon Hunters karaoke setup, but non-members will be charged a 10% extra service fee online (consider it like a guest membership that lasts for 24 hours).
If you do want to sign up for a membership to the big box store, Sam’s Club is currently offering more than 50% off annual plans, with a subscription starting at just $25 (regularly $60+). Your membership lets you shop at Sam’s Club retail locations and online, and also gets you savings on gas, pharmacy, optical, auto servicing and more.
OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK
KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Light Stick
Add to your karaoke night by picking up the official KPop Demon Hunters Light Stick. This HUNTR/X-themed device features five light-up colors and more than eight light sequences.
The official karaoke machines, meantime, come as the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack continues to break records. The multi-platrinum album was the highest-debuting soundtrack of 2025 on the Billboard 200 chart, while lead single, “Golden,” topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and broke the record for longest leader on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, earning a record-breaking 20th week at No. 1 on the latter chart in January.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The “BTS effect” is real – and it goes far beyond music. Whenever one of the seven members shares a favorite snack, drink, fashion piece or beauty product, fans around the world take notice. In the beauty space, that influence has helped introduce millions of people to the world of K-beauty. Now, as BTS continues their ARIRANG World Tour, fans are celebrating the group’s return while revisiting the products and trends endorsed by the members.
The latest product receiving the BTS fan treatment is mixsoon’s Bean Sunscreen, an SPF 50 Korean sunscreen that SUGA was spotted applying in a lifestyle vlog. After the moment gained attention online, mixsoon’s sunscreen quickly became a talking point among fans and beauty creators alike.
Already a popular pick among shoppers, the lightweight formula has sold more than 9,000 units on Amazon in the last 30 days. The sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays while delivering a hydrating, dewy finish without the heavy feel or white cast often associated with sunscreen. Its formula includes fermented soybean, pomegranate, barley and Korean pear extracts designed to nourish skin while providing everyday protection.
SUGA’S SKINCARE FIND
Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 Moisturizer
A shopper-loved Korean sunscreen with 9,000+ units sold on Amazon in the last month.
Thanks to one viral clip, mixsoon’s Bean Sunscreen is becoming one of K-beauty’s most talked-about SPFs. After SUGA was seen applying the sunscreen, fans quickly took notice. The SPF 50 formula protects against UVA and UVB rays while ingredients like fermented soybean, pomegranate, barley and Korean pear extracts help keep skin hydrated and glowing.
That viral moment is just the latest example of BTS’ impact on beauty trends. From Jin’s connection to Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask to the skincare and self-care products fans have spotted throughout the members’ careers, BTS has played a major role in making K-beauty a global phenomenon.
With BTS currently on their ARIRANG World Tour following their highly anticipated reunion, the Billboard Shopping team rounded up the beauty products connected to the members — from viral sunscreens to skincare staples — that have sparked buzz among ARMY, BTS’ dedicated global fandom.
BTS’ Members Favorite Beauty Products
CUSTOM LIP MASK
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Two-Scent Custom Swirl
A customizable lip mask featuring Berry Fruit Complex and nourishing butters.
BTS’ Jin (Kim Seok-jin) brought even more attention to Laneige when he became the brand’s first-ever male ambassador in 2024. Now, fans can shop a new take on one of the brand’s most recognizable products: the Lip Sleeping Mask. Available exclusively on Amazon, the customization experience lets shoppers blend two scents into their own overnight treatment powered by Berry Fruit Complex, vitamin C, murumuru seed butter and shea butter.
SKIN BARRIER CARE
Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
The K-beauty essential featuring ceramides, peptides and soothing white leaf tea water.
Laneige’s Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer was one of the products featured in Jin’s 2024 campaign with the brand. Starting at $16, the multitasking formula uses ceramides and peptides to help strengthen the skin barrier, while white leaf tea water provides soothing hydration. The lightweight, milky texture leaves skin looking soft, smooth and radiant.
V’S BEAUTY PICK
TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
The K-beauty cushion foundation that became an Amazon bestseller.
Following BTS’ return from military service, TIRTIR was among the brands that partnered with the members, launching a viral global campaign featuring V, also known as Kim Tae-hyung. The campaign earned more than 80 million views within hours, putting the spotlight on the brand’s Mask Fit Red Cushion. The K-beauty favorite offers buildable coverage, a lightweight texture and a natural-looking finish.
BTS’ Suga and J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok) revealed their skincare routines during a 2017 VLive, showing just how different their approaches can be. While the members didn’t share the same number of steps, they found common ground with Mediheal sheet masks. The popular K-beauty brand offers targeted formulas made with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and botanical extracts to help support hydrated, healthy-looking skin.
JIMIN’S BEAUTY PICK
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tinted Balm
Jimin’s longtime lip balm favorite with a hydrating tinted finish.
When BTS’ Jimin, also known as Park Ji-min, opened up about his favorite essentials for Vogue’s “In the Bag” series, one product stood out: Bobbi Brown’s Extra Lip Tint. The longtime beauty favorite combines the comfort of a lip balm with a hint of color, making it an easy everyday step for hydrated, naturally tinted lips.
TRAVEL BEAUTY ESSENTIAL
L’Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum
The overnight serum formulated with a resilient botanical extract.
BTS brought their skincare essentials along for the ride during Bon Voyage Season 4, where Jimin and J-Hope were spotted using L’Occitane’s Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum. Featuring immortelle, a resilient botanical known for its antioxidant benefits, the serum helps support skin against daily stress while boosting the look of radiance and hydration.
SMELL LIKE BTS
Hermès Terre d’Hermès Pure Perfume Spray
A woody Hermès fragrance combining fresh citrus with earthy notes.
J-Hope’s beauty essentials go beyond skincare and grooming. In a backstage “What’s In My Bag” clip from his Hope on the Stage Tour, he revealed Terre d’Hermès Original Parfum as his cologne pick. The Hermès scent blends woody cedar, citrus grapefruit and herbal notes, all housed in a bottle inspired by the brand’s travel heritage.
With “Swim” topping the Billboard Hot 100 and ARIRANG landing at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, BTS’ return has been nothing short of historic. As the group continues its ARIRANG World Tour, the BTS effect remains stronger than ever — from sold-out shows to the beauty products fans can’t stop shopping.
There’s nothing quite like a last chance performance to squeeze the tension and ramp-up the nerves.
Elsie found herself in just that position on America’s Got Talent.
Following the Auditions, the Mississippi mom and singer stood at or near the brink of elimination. But she made it through to the Judges’ Callbacks, a special round for those acts who landed three or four “Yes” votes at their audition to show why they deserve a spot in the Live shows.
For her make-it-through moment, she performed a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Make It Rain” (originally by Foy Vance), reinterpreting the number with a splash of southern soul.
Simon Cowell was caught on a hot mic, explaining why the 32-year-old’s audition, a performance of an original song, “Forgiveless,” divided the judges and failed to spark him up. “She just didn’t make the connection the first time for whatever reason,” he explained to guest judges Poo Bear and Normani. “And this time it was like, seriously, a completely different experience.”
Elsie was proud of her efforts. “I can leave here feeling accomplished,” she said in an interview, which aired Tuesday night (Aug. 4) along with her Judges’ Callbacks performance, “because he said he wanted me to be myself and I feel like I accomplished that.”
Not so fast. Elsie and her fellow hopefuls gathered, one by one, to learn their fate.
Cowell, as he so often likes to do, kept the artist and the viewers hanging. “I think after that first audition was what we spoke about yesterday was I didn’t quite feel the connection. I think today, from the minute you walked out, you actually lit up the stage,” he remarked. “You have this incredible, almost like peaceful, aura about you. And there is no question of doubt, we will not be making these live shows… without you.”
Cue the tears.
“So, you are joining us in the live shows,” Cowell confirmed, if any doubt remained.
The acerbic British judge also advanced Abiud Sando, Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, Akira, and Travis Garland, while Elekrodads was eliminated. Meanwhile, Mel B advanced Butter & Grit, James & Marina, and Béty, while Lachlan Patterson, Joel M, and Madelyn Tallent & Malachi Martin headed for the exit.
AGT airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, streaming the next day on Peacock.
Watch Elsie’s green-light moment on AGT’s Results video below.