Bill Anderson Cancels Grand Ole Opry Appearance After ‘Freak Accident'
The 87-year-old singer and songwriter, affectionately known as 'Whispering Bill,' explained the situation in a message shared on his official website two days later.
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USA Today
7 hours ago
- USA Today
Country singer Bill Anderson on the mend after 'freak accident' causes Opry cancellation
Country Music Hall of Famer "Whisperin'" Bill Anderson is on the mend after a self-described "freak accident" forced him to suddenly cancel a scheduled performance at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry on Aug. 16. Anderson, 87, has been an Opry member since 1961, making him the longest-serving and oldest cast member of the century-old country program. "Many of you have been reaching out to me and members of my team since the announcement was made that I wouldn't be keeping my scheduled appearance on the Grand Ole Opry this past Saturday night," the "Po Folks" performer wrote in an Aug. 18 post to his website. "It was a freak accident where I simply twisted or tore some ligaments or muscles or something in the back of my left leg trying to climb into bed, and I fell to the floor unable to walk," Anderson continued. "Thanks to a bunch of ice packs and pain pills I'm feeling much better today, and hopefully this will all be behind me shortly. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers and most of all for caring," he concluded. Anderson's injury also forced him to cancel a songwriting session with fellow Opry member T. Graham Brown, as well as an appearance for longtime Opry sponsor WSM radio at the Tennessee State Fair. For fans hoping to see the famed country crooner take the stage, worry not, he still has more Opry performances scheduled to close 2025, including "Opry 100," a show planned for Nov. 28, the official date of the music house's inaugural radio broadcast.
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Newsweek
Conservatives Defend Male NFL Cheerleaders Amid Outrage
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tomi Lahren and Meghan McCain have defended male cheerleaders in the National Football League (NFL) amid a social media backlash against men participating in the sport. The controversy began on August 9 when the Minnesota Vikings took to Instagram to announce its squad, which includes two male cheerleaders: Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn. The NFL team posted a video featuring Conn and his teammates with a caption that said, "The next generation of cheer has arrived!" Newsweek has contacted Lahren and McCain for comment via email on Thursday. Why It Matters Cheerleading originated in the 1800s as a male-only sport at Ivy League schools, according to USA Cheer. It wasn't until World War II that women began participating as men went off to war. In the 1950s and '60s, the NFL introduced all-female cheerleading squads, a trend that persisted until recently. In 2018, the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints included men in their cheerleading squads. Today, many NFL teams have male cheerleaders, including the New England Patriots, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tennessee Titans and the Seattle Seahawks. Still, the Vikings' announcement has sparked debate among conservatives. Tomi Lahren, left, at the 2023 Fox Nation Patriot Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 16, 2023, and Meghan McCain at the 2023 Time 100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln... Tomi Lahren, left, at the 2023 Fox Nation Patriot Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 16, 2023, and Meghan McCain at the 2023 Time 100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on April 26, 2023. More;for TIME What To Know On Monday, Lahren, a conservative political commentator, took to X to share her thoughts on the discourse. "I'm sorry, but I don't get the outrage over the male cheerleaders. Who cares? At least they're not pretending to be girls. Male cheerleaders are not a new thing. Oh well," the Tomi Lahren Is Fearless host wrote. "It's not necessary for conservatives to be outraged over absolutely everything. It's inconsequential." I'm sorry, but I don't get the outrage over the male cheerleaders. Who cares? At least they're not pretending to be girls. Male cheerleaders are not a new thing. Oh well. It's not necessary for conservatives to be outraged over absolutely everything. It's inconsequential. — Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) August 18, 2025 Her post has received more than 2.8 million views and 39,000 likes. McCain, the daughter of the late U.S. senator John McCain, agreed. Responding to a user who posted the Vikings' video of Conn, she wrote: "This guy isn't competing in women's sports. He's a man who enjoys dancing and is skilled at it. There is no reason to be outraged." McCain, who said in September that she was "proud member of the Republican Party," continued: "Male cheerleaders have been around since the incarnation of cheerleading—in fact my neighbor in high school was one. Get a grip." Her post has received more than 517,300 views and 8,100 likes. The fresh criticism comes amid questions over whether the NFL is too "woke," a term Merriam-Webster defines as "aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)." Recently, the organization has been the target of online critics over its display of pride flags and singer Ledisi's performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black national anthem, at the 2025 Super Bowl. What People Are Saying Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn released a joint photo on Instagram on August 16 with the caption: " someone say our name?" The Minnesota Vikings previously said in an email to Newsweek: "In 2025, approximately one third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program has an impressive dance background and went through the same rigorous audition process. Individuals were selected because of their talent, passion for dance and dedication to elevating the game day experience. We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization." USA Cheer previously told Newsweek: "Whenever traditions evolve, there can be mixed reactions, but the presence of men in cheerleading and dance is not new. Men have long contributed to the sport's strength, creativity, and athleticism. Cheerleading and dance are inclusive activities that thrive on teamwork and diversity, and we support organizations as they determine what makes sense for their athletes, audiences, and communities." Kevin Sorbo, an actor known for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, wrote in an X post with 53.5 million views and 18,000 likes: "I've been a Vikings fan all my life... sigh. I need a new team now." In a separate post with 2.6 million views and 12,000 likes that included a video of Conn performing, he added: "Gross. Why." Eric Matheny, a host of the Bob & Eric Save America podcast, wrote in an X post with 389,900 views and 681 likes: "Cheerleaders are supposed to be attractive women because football is a man's sport. This isn't going to go over well with a predominantly straight male audience." What Happens Next The 2025 NFL season begins on September 4, when the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, take on the Dallas Cowboys.
American Press
9 hours ago
- American Press
Zoom off to Hollywood: Louisiana's virtual 'Idol' audition date
'American Idol' auditions are coming to a live Zoom near you. Louisiana auditions are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 27. It will be the sixth year in a row for 'Idol Across America,' a live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar. Audition days have been set for all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. 'Idol Across America' makes it possible for people to audition from the comfort of their home. As the audition search enters its ninth season, hopefuls can sign up to audition face to face in front of producers online and receive real-time feedback for a chance at being crowned the next 'American Idol.' To be eligible, entrants must 15 by Feb. 15, 2026. If you think you have what it takes to win a golden ticket to Hollywood, register at The state known for its Cajun cuisine and Mardi Gras culture is also home to last season's runner-up, John Foster. Foster, from Addis in West Baton Rouge Parish, wowed judges and fans with his classic country sound. Since the 'American Idol' finale, Foster has made his Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville and was asked to return for three more dates. He also performed in front of a sold-out show in Marksville. According to his website, Foster has performed with celebrities Wayne Toups, John Schneider, Doug Stone, Craig Morgan, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Season 17 winner was Laine Hardy, from Livingston, who was 18 when he won. He released a new song in January titled 'Back of My Mind.'
