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Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley have joined the cast of an untitled Fred Astaire biopic, starring Tom Holland as the lauded triple-threat performer. Deadline was first to report the news.
Carpenter will play Astaire’s Oscar-winning dance partner Ginger Rogers, who co-starred with the dancer/actor in 10 films, including 1935’s Top Hat and 1936’s Swing Time. Qualley will play Fred’s big sister Adele Astaire, who performed on Broadway alongside her brother before he rose to Hollywood superstardom.
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This will mark a reunion for Carpenter and Qualley, as the pair (alongside Madelyn Cline) starred earlier this year in the music video for Carpenter’s “House Tour” single from Man’s Best Friend.
While she’s stayed busy over the past decade-plus building her mega-watt pop music career, Carpenter first rose to fame as an actress in the 2014-17 Disney Channel series Girl Meets World, so this will mark a return to form for her. Last year, it was also announced that Carpenter will produce and star in an Alice in Wonderland musical film for Universal Pictures.
Holland first revealed back in 2021 that he was set to play Astaire in a feature biopic, and this casting news seems to indicate that the ball is finally rolling on the project.
Paul King (Wonka, Paddington) is directing the film. “I am thrilled and honored to have been entrusted with telling the story of Fred Astaire and his original dance partner — his big sister Adele — to the big screen,” King said, according to Deadline. “Fred left a timeless legacy of dance on film, most famously in his collaborations with Ginger Rogers, while Adele’s work has been lost to history; indeed, no footage of her dancing survives. The cinematic challenge of bringing to life these icons of the 20th century is one that I could not imagine without Tom Holland, Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter by my side.”
The film is being produced by Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor, Holland (Billy17), and Ben Holden and Josh Hyams (Lightbulb Pictures). Executive producers are Harry Holland and Will South (Billy17), Will Clarke and Andy Mayson (Altitude Films), and Steven Levenson. Ava Astaire McKenzie, the 84-year-old daughter of Fred Astaire, is lending support to the project while her son, Tyler McKenzie, is a consultant and co-producer.
It’s official: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return to the judging panel for American Idol, as the TV talent quest enters its milestone 25th season.
Also linking up with the trio of judges is Emmy Award-winning OG host and producer Ryan Seacrest.
Bryan confirmed the news Thursday night (Sept. 25) during his concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.
It’s a happy end to eventful week for Richie, who recently underwent a procedure to correct his atrial fibrillation, a condition that kept him off the road. “The doctor said everything went perfectly,” a rep for the “Dancing On The Ceiling” singer told Billboard in a statement. “Lionel is doing great, but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
Idol will return to the airwaves for its silver jubilee edition in 2027, although it remains unclear when the season will premiere. As previously reported, the legendary competition will once again beam out on ABC and then stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Auditions are currently underway with the return of Idol Across America, the live virtual search for the next Idol, which is working its way across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Hopefuls have until Oct. 9 to strut their stuff, which they can do face-to-face, from anywhere in the world, with an American Idol producer.
Click here for additional information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America”; contenders can audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. Contestants must be 15 years or older by Feb. 15, 2027 to audition and video auditions will be accepted if you cannot attend your state’s date.
This reigning Idol champion is Missouri mom Hannah Harper, who won season 24 to become the first female country singer crowned since Underwood took the title in 2005.
American Idol is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television.
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After releasing their first album in 25 years with More, Britpop band Pulp went on a comeback tour across Europe and the United States in 2025. Along the way, director Garth Jennings filmed footage and interviewed band members for a new music documentary titled Pulp: What Do You Do For An Encore?
How to Watch ‘Pulp: What Do You Do For An Encore?’ Online, At a Glance:
- Date: Sept. 25
- Online Streaming: Mubi on Prime Video
How to Watch ‘Pulp: What Do You Do For An Encore?’ Online
Although Pulp: What Do You Do For An Encore? is playing in select movie theaters across the United States for one night only on Thursday (Sept. 24), the documentary drops on the streaming service Mubi starting Friday (Sept. 25). It’s free to watch for subscribers only.
However, Mubi offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, while the streaming services goes for $14.99 per month afterward. It’s available as an add-on channel on Prime Video.
Not a subscriber? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video, Prime Gaming and Amazon Photos; fast free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market; access to exclusive shopping events — such as Black Friday in November — and other perks.
Mubi is the streaming home to arthouse films and prestige TV from around the world, such as JAŸ-Z In 8, The Substance, Die My Love, Nickel Boys, Charli xcx: Together Alone, Twin Peaks, Andre 3000’s 7 Piano Sketches and others. Learn more about what Mubi has to offer here.
Pulp: What Do You Do For An Encore? is streamable on Mubi for subscribers only. In the meantime, watch a trailer for the documentary below.
Even though Sophia Laforteza is temporarily taking a step back from KATSEYE, she’s still giving fans a glimpse of the girl behind the group.
The singer is currently on a hiatus from KATSEYE activities as of August in order to focus on her well-being. Despite stepping away from the spotlight, a different side of Sophia will be arriving on the big screen — and, fittingly, it comes through a song that she considers personal.
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Sophia contributes a reimagined version of INXS‘ “Never Tear Us Apart” — a top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1988 — to DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, which is now available on the film’s newly released soundtrack. The song — credited to Sophia of KATSEYE — plays during an emotional moment between the movie’s two best friends, which makes the scene shine with themes of connection and loyalty. When presented with the assignment, Sophia didn’t just see it as a regular gig. She saw it as an opportunity to showcase her individuality and pride for her culture.
“When I was told I was going to be a part of this project, I remember thinking, ‘This is the most Sophia thing I could do,’ as one of the first things I do on my own,” she says in a behind-the-scenes clip from the recording session.
Forgotten Island touches on many of the things Sophia holds close, making it almost a no-brainer to participate in the film. The animation explores her Filipino culture, family, friendship, celebrating women and staying connected to where you come from.
“My culture, celebrating women, family, friendship,” Sophia says. “For me, friendship is one of the most beautiful journeys you can go on in life.”
The timing also gives the track an interesting place in Sophia’s KATSEYE journey. After KATSEYE’s explosive rise over the past two years — including a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 with their third EP, WILD, and seven career appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 — Sophia’s soundtrack contribution is a rare opportunity to hear her outside the group’s usual pop framework.
Her absence from KATSEYE’s current endeavors has made this release exciting, since fans haven’t seen Sophia involved in any of the group’s promotional activities since this summer. HYBE x Geffen had announced that Sophia would temporarily step away from the group, stating that she needed dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care following consultations with medical professionals. She subsequently sat out KATSEYE’s European and U.K. WILDWORLD tour dates, with no telling when she might return.
Forgotten Island, which hits theaters on Friday, follows childhood best friends Jo and Raissa as they journey to the mysterious island of Nakali, where their memories and friendship are put to the test. The soundtrack brings together an impressive lineup of Filipino and Filipino-American talent, including BINI, SB19, Lea Salonga, H.E.R., Ruby Ibarra and Sophia herself.
Watch the full behind-the-scenes recording studio clip below.
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The KPop Demon Hunters world concert tour will be big, but the accompanying trading cards are tiny.
KAYOU’s new KPop Demon Hunters special mini edition trading cards bring the franchise’s collectible card experience to a smaller format, packing 41 collectibles into roughly half the size of KAYOU’s standard cards. The Netflix-official-licensed set spans five rarity tiers and features HUNTR/X, the Saja Boys, and memorable characters and moments, with premium finishes designed to keep the smaller cards visually striking. Built around the franchise’s world concert tour, the collection also introduces lenticular motion cards, show-inspired designs and fan-interaction artwork.
KAYOU describes the release as its first mini-format collectible card set, although it’s not the first KPop Demon Hunters trading card collection to use the world-tour theme, as an earlier Energy Edition also draws on the concept. With retailers already listing the mini edition as a high-demand product, the release is generating strong interest and may see limited availability.
WORLD TOUR MERCH
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Collectible Trading Cards: Special Mini Edition Premium Collector Box
In-Demand New Product
Each purchase includes 12 mini cards (four packs per box and three mini cards per pack).
Walmart is carrying the mini trading cards from a partner brand with a 4.6-star rating, helping explain the higher price. GameStop lists the four-pack box at $11.99 for shoppers and $11.39 for Pro members, who pay for an annual subscription. Customers can choose in-store pickup, same-day delivery or shipping to their home, with shipped orders arriving within three business days. Best Buy also carries the release, but its listing requires buyers to collect it from a nearby store instead of delivery. Each box contains four packs with three cards per pack from a possible 41 cards across five rarity tiers.
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Collectors have a chance to collect across all five rarity tiers, from character profiles to stage-focused artwork. Super Spark Rare cards spotlight characters in specific situations, while Holo Rare cards use lenticular effects to make poses shift as the viewing angle changes. These cards also include a pre-punched hole so fans can turn them into charms. Legacy Rare cards take cues from anime-inspired illustrations and fan photo-card culture, while Special cards focus on HUNTR/X’s relationship with fans, featuring character names, lively expressions and band logos. Creative Rare cards spotlight performances, emphasizing the characters’ stage presence and the excitement of their shows.
The trading cards are just the latest addition to the ever-expanding merch machine surrounding KPop Demon Hunters. Since the film’s breakout success, its characters and iconography have inspired an increasingly eclectic range of products, from shoes and backpacks to Squishmallows and Mattel dolls, and even heavy-duty plastic swords modeled after Rumi’s iconic weapon. Not to mention the KPop Demon Hunters world tour concert lightsticks for the upcoming tour, which was announced in May and slated for 2027. What began as a hit animated movie has quickly become a full-fledged consumer brand, with the new trading card collection offering yet another way for fans to bring a piece of the KPop Demon Hunters universe home.
Dreams do come true. That’s certainly the case for Nene Royal, the precocious talent who was tonight crowned winner of America’s Got Talent.
The 16-year-old Thai singer and guitarist has electrified audiences — and AGT’s judges — throughout this 21st season.
When it mattered most, the teen sensation captured the heart of the nation. She won America’s vote and captured the title, announced during the two-hour results show which aired Wednesday night (Sept. 23) on NBC.
As the champion, Royal earns more than bragging rights. She scores the $1 million grand prize and a headlining spot in a live show in Las Vegas.
Special guests and performers during the live results show included Josh Groban, Lele Pons, REI AMI, Steve Aoki, and Linkin Park who, following America’s Vote, collaborated with Royal for a performance of “The Emptiness Machine.”
Hailing from Phuket, Thailand, Royal picked up the guitar at age seven and has always dreamed of being a “superstar on tour,” she explained during the auditions phase of AGT. She delivered the goods in a massive way, by belting-out a reinterpreted cover of The Cranberries mid-‘90s protest anthem “Zombie.”
With her spot in the quarterfinals, Royal proved she was no one-hit wonder. Her cover of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” was such a blast, it earned Mel B’s Golden Buzzer. With that, the youngster advanced to the finals.
For her performance in the season 21 finale, Nene reimagined the White Stripes’ classic 2000s number “Seven Nation Army,” grinding Jack White’s iconic riff into a heavy weapon and introducing a fresh guitar solo. The youngster wore a traditional dress, emblazoned with the words “Nene Thailand.”
“Well, I’m glad I pressed my Golden Buzzer,” Mel B remarked after the amps were turned off. “Because not only do you have such mysterious, mystical stage presence, you’re from the best place in the world, Phuket, Thailand…and what you’re bringing to this competition is so unique and you’re only 16 years old. If you don’t win this, I am going to sell Howie’s new house.”
Sofía Vergara said she was confident that the “world is going crazy because there is nothing like you right now, you are unique.”
Howie Mandel spoke last. Nene, he enthused, is “the biggest, most talented, most viral talent to be on that stage…you should win. Give her the million, America.”
The veteran actor spoke truth. It was a winning performance. For the record, magician Geno Ploeger came in second, and magician group Hundred Fingers completed the podium in third place.
Watch Royal’s crowning joy below.
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Your guitar doesn’t have to be the only thing setting the mood in your studio. Fender and Voluspa have teamed up on a collection of candles that bring Fender’s unmistakable instrument-inspired aesthetic into the recording room, rehearsal space or wherever you do your best work. The Voluspa x Fender Collection takes visual cues from Fender guitars, down to the color scheme and guitar pick motif on the front of each candle.
The collection includes the Fender Three Chord candle set featuring Midnight Leather, Vanilla Voltage and Strawberry Rush, priced at $70. Each scent is also available individually in an 11-ounce candle for $52 or a 4-ounce mini for $24. The candles are made with a coconut wax blend and natural wicks, and each one is handcrafted in California. They’re also vegan and free of sulfates, phthalates and parabens. Orders of $75 or more ship free.
The Fender Three Chord candle set pairs Midnight Leather, Vanilla Voltage and Strawberry Rush in three 4-ounce candles, each burning for about 25 hours. I received a sample of the Fender Three Chord and particularly loved the black guitar-case-inspired box with a handle that the trio came in.
Sophie Dunne/Billboard
Midnight Leather brings warm, spiced notes with ginger tonic, cardamom, worn leather and trails of incense. The rich fragrance feels made for late-night sessions and I especially love that it resembles the look of a Fender Standard Stratocaster. Available as an 11-ounce candle or a separately sold 3-ounce mini.
Vanilla Voltage turns up the sweetness with sparkling citrus, jasmine petals, whipped coconut milk and candy clouds. The scent comes in an 11-ounce candle or a separately sold 3-ounce mini option.
Strawberry Rush is bold and vibrant with mandarin, red hot strawberry, lychee liqueur and warm musk. Choose the 11-ounce candle or the separately sold 3-ounce mini.
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 public spoke, and Ray-Ban Meta appears to have heard them. As camera-equipped smart glasses become more common, some wearers have found that the built-in camera recording feature can create an awkward social dynamic, with people around them questioning whether they are being recorded or feeling uneasy about the possibility. Online discussions have also seen users express interest in having Ray-Ban Meta’s popular audio features for music, podcasts and calls without a camera at all. For these listeners, an audio-only option offers a simpler way to enjoy hands-free music, podcasts and calls while keeping the focus strictly on listening rather than capturing content.
Now, the brand is launching Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first audio-only AI glasses. Built around open-ear audio, the new frames let users listen to music and podcasts, take calls and access Meta AI without reaching for their phone. For music lovers, that means keeping a personal soundtrack playing throughout the day while staying aware of their surroundings. Ray-Ban Meta Audio is available to preorder Sept. 23 and officially arrives Oct. 13.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio brings open-ear listening, Meta AI and an everyday Ray-Ban design together in the brand’s lightest smart glasses frame yet. Weighing 43 grams, the glasses are built for extended listening, with up to 12 hours of battery life for music, podcasts, calls and hands-free access to Meta AI. The open-ear setup lets listeners enjoy audio while staying connected to their surroundings, making the glasses a natural fit for commutes, walks and everyday routines.
The new audio-first experience arrives in two distinctive Ray-Ban silhouettes: Clubmaster and Burbank. Clubmaster draws from the browline styles that became defining looks of the 1950s and 1960s, while Burbank revisits a square acetate design originally introduced in the ’60s and brought back from the Ray-Ban archive in 2021. Both frames blend vintage-inspired styling with modern audio and AI capabilities.
Alongside Ray-Ban Meta Audio, Ray-Ban is also launching its next-generation camera-equipped glasses today. Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) introduces slimmer designs across Wayfarer, Aviator and Zena, plus a 3K Ultra HD camera, upgraded six-microphone array, customizable action button and up to nine hours of battery life. The Aviator joins the collection for the first time, including a limited-edition Milky Warm Beige version, while Meta AI adds hands-free tools for everything from real-time translations and reminders to music, messaging and taking photos.
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.
You might be far off from being Calvin Harris breaking the Guinness World Record for performing for the largest audience, but you have to start somewhere. If you’re an aspiring DJ, it’s easier than ever to remix your favorite songs.
For less than $150 each, Numark dropped two new DJ controllers aimed for beginners and portability. The first is the Numark Party Mix III, which combines music and a light show, and the other is the Numark MixTrack Go, which is designed for travel. But whichever you pick, you can keep the party going all night.
Both Numark DJ controllers use the Algoriddim app, compatible for Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Android smartphones and tablets, Mac, Windows and other devices, with integration from Spotify and Apple Music. It’s ideal for beginners with a wide range of features and settings.
Priced at $149, the Numark Party Mix III is a great party starter as a lightweight two-deck DJ controller that connects to smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth or USB-C. The controller makes it possible to isolate vocals and drums to mix and remix songs, while it even has a built-in LED light show that synchronizes with the music, which adds another level to the party.
The Numark MixTrack Go, which goes for $99, is an ultra-portable two-deck DJ controller that’s made for travel and the on-the-go party. But don’t let its size fool you, it allows you to have full control over hot cues, loops, samples and stems for on-the-spot remixes.
And since these Numark Bluetooth DJ controllers are from Amazon, you can get free shipping within two days, if you’re an Amazon Prime member. Otherwise, your virtual shopping cart would have to be over $35 to get free shopping. However, you’d have to wait five-to-eight days for your delivery to arrive.
Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video, Prime Gaming and Amazon Photos; fast free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market and access to exclusive shopping savings during Black Friday in November, as well as other perks. Learn more about Amazon Prime and its benefits here.
Available on Amazon and Numark, the Numark Party Mix III goes for $149, while the Numark MixTrack Go goes for $99.
Nene Royal has unleashed her inner Jack White when she needed it the most: the America’s Got Talent grand final.
The teenage Thailand-born singer and guitarist has blown minds throughout the competition, and did so again on Tuesday night (Sept. 22). She brings composure, confidence and craftsmanship to the stage, all of it with a heavy edge. This kid wants to rock.
For her performance in the season 21 finale, Nene reimaged the White Stripes’ classic 2000s number “Seven Nation Army,” grinding that legendary riff into a bludgeon and introducing a fresh guitar solo. The youngster wore a traditional dress, emblazoned with the words “Nene Thailand.”
At the end, the audience stood as one.
Special guest judge KSI was one of the many who gave a standing ovation. “This is the first time I’ve even seen or heard you,” he remarked. “And I am a fan. That was out of this world. You should be so proud.”
Fellow Brit Mel B shared those sentiments. “Well, I’m glad I pressed my Golden Buzzer,” she quipped. “Because not only do you have such mysterious, mystical stage presence, you’re from the best place in the world, Phuket, Thailand…and what you’re bringing to this competition is so unique and you’re only 16 years old. If you don’t win this, I am going to sell Howie’s new house.”
Sofía Vergara said she was confident that the “world is going crazy because there is nothing like you right now, you are unique.”
Howie Mandel spoke last. Nene, he enthused, is “the biggest, most talented, most viral talent to be on that stage…you should win. Give her the million, America.”
Now, America votes. Royal; singer Lai Noelle, who performed “Risk It All“; and the eight other finalists have a nervous wait for the two-hour results finale show, which airs Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. Special guests and performers will include Linkin Park, Josh Groban, Lele Pons, REI AMI and Steve Aoki.
Royal picked up the guitar at age seven and has always dreamed of being a “superstar on tour,” she explained during the auditions phase of AGT. She proved on the day that she wasn’t dreaming, by thrashing out an impressive cover of The Cranberries mid-‘90s protest anthem “Zombie.” During the quarterfinals, she nearly blew the roof off with a cover of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” and earned the Golden Buzzer for her efforts.
Regardless of whether she’s crowned on the results show, Nene admits “my dream has come true.”
Watch her final performance on NBC’s AGT below.