The members of 5 Seconds of Summer have been through a lot together after nearly 15 years as a group, but nothing could’ve prepared them for the fiery chaos of Hot Ones Versus.
In the latest episode of First We Feast’s competition series posted on Tuesday (July 21), Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin sat beside one another as they stomached hot wings, burning questions and increasingly ridiculous challenges.
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Immediately, the episode kicks off with a tough question for Clifford, asking him to rank each member’s solo albums from best to worst. Rather than risk bruising any feelings, Clifford opted to take the punishment instead. The band watches curiously as he dives straight into a “death wing,” sipping all drinks at his disposal in hopes that the spice subsides.
Irwin is next met with a “Wild Card,” in which the band is advised to pass a toy pizza around the table without using their hands — a nod to the group’s deep-cut rarity called “Pizza Song.” The band didn’t have to endure another fiery bite after completing this challenge, and even evaded it the next round as Hemmings successfully “filled in the blank” to complete the lyrics of old 5 Seconds of Summer songs.
Hood, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky. Hemmings picks up a card, ordering Hood to either let his bandmates doodle all over his face for the remainder of the episode or eat another spicy wing. The bassist chose the latter, squeezing his nostrils shut as he picks up his punishment. Hemmings asks in confusion, “What’s with the nose?” to which Hood responds, “Well, nose is like, 90% of the taste.” The group erupts into giggles as Hood finishes his bite.
The prompts only became more absurd from there. Clifford judged his bandmates’ outfits in an impromptu fashion show, eventually sentencing Hemmings to another death wing, while Hood assigned each member tongue-in-cheek personality sashes. Hemmings was dubbed the group’s “Little Diva,” Clifford earned “Hot Mama,” Irwin was bestowed “The Flirt,” and Hood embraced the title of “Bad Influence.”
Later, the group huddles together to devise the perfect question for Irwin after drawing the game’s “Killer’s Choice” card.
“He’s an open book,” Hemmings laughs as the band try to think of a question he can answer. Everyone has had a wing except for Irwin, so they ultimately ask him a burning personal question about how many houses he owns, and how much they cost. Irwin sidesteps the interrogation by voluntarily eating a death wing.
For the grand finale, the longtime friends settled the competition with a heated game of musical chairs after adding an extra dab of The Last Dab to their remaining wings. Clifford emerged as the winner from the game, though not without being jokingly accused of cheating by the rest of the band. He holds his Hot Ones Versus trophy and issues a playful challenge to fellow boyband alum Niall Horan to face all four members on a future episode.
Watch 5 Seconds of Summer’s full episode of Hot Ones Versus below.
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Twilight fans, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Alex and Ani has launched a new jewelry collection inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling vampire romance saga, giving “Twihards” a new way to celebrate the love story that captivated millions.
Hold on tight, spider monkeys: The collection features bracelets, rings and necklaces filled with subtle Easter eggs inspired by Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Jacob Black and the unforgettable world of Forks, Washington. Fans can shop or preorder pieces inspired by some of the saga’s most memorable moments, including Bella’s engagement ring, character-inspired lockets and the fan-favorite “Hoa Hoa” bracelets that pay tribute to the series’ unforgettable details.
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HOLD ON TIGHT
The Twilight Saga Spider Monkey Locket Necklace
16-inch chain with a two-inch extender, available in gold or silver finishes.
Turn a favorite Twilight memory into a keepsake with this Spider Monkey Locket Necklace. Featuring a hidden enamel charm of Bella and Edward’s iconic scene, the necklace celebrates the couple’s unforgettable romance with the quote, “You better hold on tight spider monkey” and a “Bella + Edward” engraving.
FAN-FAVORITE FIND
The Twilight Saga Bella & Edward Charm Bangle
Match your spider monkey locket with a charm bangle available in gold and silver finishes.
From Bella and Edward’s unforgettable bond to the forests that shaped their story, this Twilight Charm Bangle captures the details fans love most. The expandable wire design includes an enamel couple charm, a crystal heart and a tree charm inspired by the beloved saga’s Pacific Northwest setting.
BELLA & EDWARD FOREVER
The Twilight Saga Bella & Edward Locket Cuff
Made from a nickel-free material.
The romance at the heart of Twilight gets a wearable tribute with this Bella and Edward Locket Cuff. Designed with a hidden opening, the piece reveals the couple’s meadow scene and the quote that defined their relationship, “And so the lion fell in love with the lamb,” finished with a “Bella + Edward” engraving.
SELLING FAST
The Twilight Saga Edward Lariat Necklace
Adjustable 17- to 20-inch chain with a two-inch extender.
Celebrate the vampire who captured Bella Swan’s heart with this Edward Lariat Necklace. The silver design showcases memorable details from the movie, including a “Team Edward” charm, Cullen Crest and Edward Cullen portrait. The adjustable chain measures 17 to 20 inches with a two-inch extender for a personalized fit.
HOA HOA SEASON
The Twilight Saga Hoa Hoa Tension Bangle
Preorder the bangle now, arriving Aug. 20.
The viral “Hoa Hoa Hoa” moment gets a jewelry-inspired update with this Twilight Tension Bangle. Crafted in a silver finish, the bracelet is engraved with the fan-favorite phrase and accented with pavé crystals and pine tree details that nods to the atmosphere of Forks.
PREORDER NOW
The Twilight Saga Bella’s Engagement Ring
After selling out in minutes, this fan-favorite is now available for preorder ahead of its Aug. 20 restock.
Relive one of Twilight‘s most unforgettable moments with this Bella-inspired engagement ring. The size seven silver locket ring opens to reveal Bella and Edward’s wedding day and is engraved with “Let’s start with forever” inside and “Bella + Edward” on the back, making it a meaningful keepsake for longtime fans.
TEAM JACOB
The Twilight Saga Jacob Pendant Necklace
A subtle tribute to Team Jacob, crafted in gold and silver finishes.
Still rooting for Team Jacob? This layered necklace pays tribute to Bella’s werewolf best friend with thoughtful Twilight-inspired details. The necklace combines an “I <3 Jacob” charm strand with a dog tag engraved with Jacob’s “loca” quote, plus wolf and feather charms inspired by his character.
Designed for longtime fans and new readers alike, the Alex and Ani x Twilight collection transforms the franchise’s most beloved symbols into wearable keepsakes. Whether you’re Team Edward, Team Jacob or simply can’t quit the Twilight obsession, this jewelry collection is made for fans keeping the saga alive.
Announced on Friday, July 17, the collection arrives as Twilight’s fandom continues to thrive, with the franchise remaining one of the most recognizable pop culture phenomena of the 2000s. Music even helped shape the world of Twilight, according to author Stephenie Meyer, who shared an unofficial playlist featuring artists such as Travis, Radiohead, Coldplay, My Chemical Romance and Muse.
Some pieces from the collection have already begun selling out, while other designs are available for preorder, proving that nearly two decades later, fans are still enchanted by Bella, Edward and Jacob’s story.
Lizzo is closing out the month in a “Special” way, making her Sports Illustrated cover debut for the magazine’s July 2026 Swimsuit digital issue.
The “About Damn Time” singer wore her signature Yitty Swim bikinis and swimsuits for the poolside, Miami mansion-set shoot, marking a second of two recent Sports Illustrated moments. In the spring (May 30), Lizzo performed several songs from her new Bitch album, including “Sexy Ladies,” at the 2026 SI Swimsuit Runway Show during Miami Swim Week. The 38-year-old worked the catwalk in a bright blue one-piece swimsuit with the word “b—h” written across the front, a nod to her latest LP.
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“My newest fantasy is about feeling good in my body and enjoying my life,” she told Sports Illustrated. “I worked so hard that I destroyed my nervous system. I have such bad anxiety that now I’m working on reversing those things because it’s not conducive to my career. It doesn’t help … to be an artist of this caliber and to have anxiety and to have fear. … There’s no place for that. I really am just seeking joy.”
This grounded, restorative outlook previews Lizzo’s exciting upcoming slate of projects. The Grammy-winning singer-rapper-songwriter hasn’t been on the silver screen in an acting role since 2019’s acclaimed Hustlers, but she’ll soon return in the starring role of a forthcoming Sister Rosetta Tharpe biopic.
Confirming that the film was greenlit and in development, Lizzo revealed, “We’re in the process of writing the script. There’s a lot of research that has gone into the biopic, and I want to be really careful and precious with the script because I think it’s really important to show a Black woman at that time in a different light. … I want her biopic to represent her as the superstar that she was.”
In addition to her acting career, Lizzo is also bringing her talents to the world of children’s books. This fall (Sept. 8), she’ll release Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’, a Mark Pett-illustrated picture book that follows “a girl [who] finds her voice with the help of a smart and sassy flute.” “I want to… give people backstory on my relationship,” she said. “I’m super adamant about young people playing instruments again. It used to be mandatory, and I don’t know if it’s mandatory anymore, and it scares me.”
It’s been a busy month for Lizzo, most of which she’s spent as a guest professor at Kai Cenat’s Streamer University, where she notably gave streaming star and Grammy-nominated artist Plaqueboymax helpful lessons in self-love after fellow “students” like online personality Ojaysuave harassed him and encouraged homophobia-laced speculation about his sexuality.
Last month (June 5), Lizzo’s Bitch became her first project since 2015’s Big Grrrl Small World to miss the Billboard 200 completely. Led by the singles “Don’t Make Me Love U” and the Meredith Brooks-nodding title track, the LP managed to reach No. 15 on Indie Store Album Sales and No. 46 on Top Album Sales.
A congressional forum was held Tuesday (July 21) to call attention to Donald Trump‘s various “vanity projects,” one of which — the unprecedented 2025 overhaul of the Kennedy Center — Ben Folds was on hand to discuss.
During his turn to speak before lawmakers in the hearing presided over by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the singer/songwriter shared testimony of the changes he witnessed when he was still artistic advisor to the cultural institution’s National Symphony Orchestra. Ever since Trump booted a number of board members and took the role of chairman for himself in February 2025, the Kennedy Center has become a “hyper-politicized environment,” according to Folds.
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“I never heard politics discussed in any meetings or gatherings at the center,” he recalled of his tenure leading up to Trump’s takeover, noting that the organization remained apolitical even during the twice-impeached POTUS’ first tenure in 2017-2021. “Everyone involved, including the Trump board, knew we were there to create, educate and showcase art for all Americans, not to further a political agenda.”
“I think most of us understand that when you politicize art, you’ve got propaganda,” he continued.
Folds went on to detail how Trump’s actions negatively affected the center’s reputation and mission. For one, he pointed out that artists can no longer accept or decline invitations to perform at the venue without it coming across as either an endorsement or protest of the president’s administration.
He also said that he “could not trust” that the artists he booked to play at the Kennedy Center “would be safe from retribution if they said or sung something that might displease the president or his political allies. “For this reason, with great sadness, I had no choice but to resign,” he added.
Further, Folds also amplified the investigation into Yasmin Levy’s performance at the center in September. The singer had criticized the board’s DEI and programming changes in an email exchange with then-interim executive director Richard Grenell, who was selected for the job by Trump. When it came time for her performance — which she went through with in solidarity with the Kennedy Center’s staff and union — she was booed by hecklers that Grennell’s executive vp, Rick Loughery, had allegedly paid to harass her.
“The takeover hobbled the Kennedy Center, broke its once-proven successful business model and disrespected its original core mission,” Folds said conclusively. “I can only hope your concerns can find their way to the hearts and minds of your colleagues on the other side of the aisle, who seem absent today.”
The Kennedy Center was just one of many issues covered at the forum, which came in response to “Trump’s vanity projects [that] have wasted hundreds of millions of your hard-earned tax dollars,” according to a description. Testifiers such as Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) and National Parks Conservation manager of veterans programs Jimi Shaughnessy, as well as Public Citizen democracy advocate Jon Gollinger, also shared observations about Trump’s extravagant spending on renovating parts of the White House, making over the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool and constructing a large triumphal arch in Washington, D.C.
Folds had served as the NSO’s artistic advisor for nearly a decade before stepping down in February 2025, around which time several acts denounced Trump for taking control over the Kennedy Center and publicly canceled planned concerts at the venue. This past May, a federal judge ordered that Trump could not add his name to the Kennedy Center’s title and called for the immediate removal of any reference to him on the building’s signage.
Watch the full hearing 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.
For more than 60 years, Grateful Dead has been one of the most celebrated bands in music. The Palo Alto, California-formed rock band has a long tradition of engaging with fans in creative ways. For example: Grateful Dead’s partnership with Stamford, Connecticut, menswear company Vineyard Vines. The new menswear line shows off the band’s affinity for casual and summer style and detailed accessories with the Grateful Dead’s classic logos and iconic colorful dancing bears.
With prices starting at just $9.50 for aluminum can coozies, the Grateful Dead x Vineyard Vines collection is inspired by The Dead’s free-spirited energy and vibe. In the collection, you’ll find comfortable clubhouse quarter-zips, endless summer surf terry hoodies, carefree cotton button-down shirts, a selection of T-shirts, an assortment of ball caps and other items. The line is available online and in stores.
“Music has always been a part of our DNA,” says Vineyard Vines co-founder and CEO Ian Murray in a press release. “We grew up listening to the Grateful Dead, so this partnership is extremely meaningful and nostalgic for us. The Grateful Dead has provided the soundtrack to our Good Life since the very early days of Vineyard Vines. They’re a cultural phenomenon that we’re honored to collaborate with yet again.”
“We’re thrilled to honor and celebrate the legends of Grateful Dead the best way we know how, with dancing bears, smiling whales and a whole lot of feel-good vibes,” says Shep Murray, company co-founder and CEO, in a statement. “This collection celebrates our shared spirit of adventure, positivity, and self-expression. We’re excited to give both Vineyard Vines and Grateful Dead fans something cool and unique that celebrates timeless American style.”
When ordering online over $125, you can get free shipping within three-to-five business days, if you’re within the United States. In fact, there’s free returns on all domestic U.S. orders, too. Meanwhile, if you sign up for the menswear company’s email newsletter, you can get 20% off your first order — including on this collection. Learn more about the clothing brand here.
The Grateful Dead x Vineyard Vines collection is available now. Pricing starts at $9.50. Learn more about the limited-edition line at VineyardVines.com.
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 KPop Demon Hunters merch juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down, with a new Nerf collaboration that reimagines HUNTR/X’s demon-fighting weapons of choice for (gentle) at-home roleplay.
First announced in January, the Nerf KPop Demon Hunters collection hits retailers this month, and is one of the latest toy releases celebrating the Oscar-winning animated film. The officially licensed collaboration captures the look and colors of the HUNTR/X characters’ weaponry, reimagined in Nerf’s signature soft, foam construction.
FOAM SWORD
Nerf x ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Rumi’s Four Tiger Sword
The 24-inch foam replica recreates Rumi’s signature Four Tiger Sword from the film with a pearlescent blade, plastic core and molded plastic hilt.
Sized for cosplay, it’s lightweight while maintaining the character’s distinctive design. Recommended for ages 6 and up, it can also be paired with the rest of the Nerf KPop Demon Hunters weapon collection for a great trio Halloween costume or at-home roleplay.
FOAM BLADES
Nerf x ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Zoey’s Spirit Blades
This set includes three, eight-inch foam Spirit Blades modeled after Zoey’s signature throwing weapons from the movie.
Each blade features a pearlescent finish and lightweight foam construction designed for imaginative play or cosplay. The set re-creates the look of Zoey’s onscreen accessories and is compatible with the broader KPop Demon Hunters roleplay collection.
FOAM CURVED MOON SWORD
Nerf x ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Mira’s Curved Moon Sword
Mira’s signature Curved Moon Sword measures 36 inches once assembled.
Inspired by the weapon used by the film’s lead dancer and choreographer, the Moon Sword adds an exciting touch to your next KPop Demon Hunters‘ dance routine or performance, with an accessory that won’t poke your eyes out while you’re busting your big moves, thanks to a gentle and flexible foam blade. The blade features a pearlescent blue finish, and sits on a plastic hilt.
These are all officially licensed KPop Demon Hunters toy releases from Netflix and Hasbro. The toymaker says the trio of Nerf weapons “is expanding the fandom experience,” calling them the “perfect accessories for role play, cosplay, and epic demon-hunting adventures.”
The Nerf collection comes on the heels of other recent merch releases inspired by the hit film, including official concert light sticks, “ramen”-style blind boxes and Furby electronic plush dolls.
Xzibit’s Instagram comments were flooded by cat-loving fans across the globe who wanted to know how he was able to keep Thunder Cat alive for more than 20 years, and the West Coast rapper posted a follow-up video explaining his tactics on Monday.
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“I had no idea you guys liked cats that much, but Thunder Cat has been in my life for a long time. She’s seen it all,” he said. “Everybody’s asking how I kept her alive for, you know, this long. Well, first of all, I love my cat. I take care of her and I look out.”
The former Pimp My Ride host revealed that Thunder Cat has a dry food diet for the most part, but gets a junk food treat when Thunder’s on his best behavior.
Xzibit credited doctors for getting her on an IV fluid regimen to treat her previous kidney and thyroid medical issues.
“People have loved my cat as much as I have for a long time, so people send me sh– all the time associated with my cat,” he continued. “The fact that this is going crazy is beyond me. But this is the kind of sh– I get.”
Fans have sent him gifts over the years, ranging from a sweater that he’s worn with Thunder Cat’s face emblazoned across the garment as well as various paintings and portraits. “People love Thunder Cat. I love Thunder Cat,” X added. “I’m glad you guys like her as much as I do.”
The feline has been getting so much love that X decided to make Thunder Cat his own Instagram account, which now boasts more than 25,000 followers.
On the music side, Xzibit’s last album came with Kingmaker last year. In May, he joined forces with D-12 and Ice-T for the band’s “Nightmare Walking” single.
Lil Wayne was an open book during his recent appearance on Lil Dicky, Benny Blanco and Kristin Batalucco’s podcast Friends Keep Secrets.
During a conversation about how he watched mostly Naked and Afraid and sports while he was behind bars, the New Orleans rapper admitted that Ancient Aliens is a guilty pleasure of his when he’s not watching sports.
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“I love everything about Ancient Aliens,” he admitted after Batalucco asked if he watched the 2025 documentary The Age of Disclosure. “But that [documentary], Age of Disclosure, that’s when they’re exposing everything that the government is watching.”
He then said we still don’t truly know the real truth about aliens while also bringing up the conspiracy theory that an extraterrestrial by the name of “J-Rod” survived an alleged UFO crash that happened in Kingsman, Arizona, in 1953. “We also have to understand what an alien is,” Wayne said. “None of us know. We don’t even know if they’re from another planet. The only alien that we supposedly knew is the one from Roswell that lived, J-Rod.”
He added: “J -Rod said, ‘I’m not from another planet.’ He said, ‘I’m from another time.’ He said that your world will end in a cataclysm, and some people will make it — a lot of people will — and they’ll have to live within the planet, basically going like ants. And that civilization, that time, will last so long that we’ll adapt to living there, and just like we adapt to everything else, we’re gonna start adapting to being an insect, devoid of light. That’s why alien eyes are so big because wherever they came from, there’s no light and the atmosphere is so dense. That’s why they don’t grow too tall because the atmosphere don’t allow them to. They don’t eat the same food, that’s why don’t get so big like that.”
Elsewhere in the podcast, Weezy revealed that he eats “breakfast for dinner a lot” and that he’s not the biggest fan of milk even though its essential when enjoying a bowl of cereal. “I don’t do milk, and I still eat cereal. I put milk in it; I just can’t look at it,” he said. “I don’t eat a lot of things that are white and soft. So, like, mashed potatoes I don’t f— with. Ranch, I can’t do. Stuff like mayonnaise, nothing. Milk is the only thing, and white rice. That’s the only thing I can do.”
Oh, and we almost forgot: When asked who his favorite rappers were, Wayne answered with Jay-Z (despite the supposed Super Bowl snub) and Missy Elliott.
You can watch the full episode of Friends Keep Secrets featuring Lil Wayne below.
Lupretinia es el proyecto de pop alternativo de Agustina Scelzi, nacido en su provincia natal, Entre Ríos. Criada en un hogar donde la música formaba parte de la vida cotidiana y los instrumentos estaban siempre al alcance de la mano -gracias a una madre musicoterapeuta y un padre guitarrista-, parecía inevitable que tarde o temprano […]
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A lo largo de más de tres décadas, Björk logró construir una de las discografías más innovadoras de la música contemporánea, alternando entre el pop, la electrónica, la música experimental y la vanguardia, cimentando una identidad única. Cada uno de sus discos de estudio representa una etapa distinta de su evolución artística, prueba también de […]
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