
Smokey Robinson was investigated for sexual assault allegation in 2015 but no charges were filed
Smokey Robinson attends the screening for "The Apollo" during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival on April 24, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)
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CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
What to watch for at the Tony Awards, Broadway's biggest night
Audra McDonald attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) NEW YORK — Twenty-nine shows on Broadway got Tony Award nominations this season, but not all will walk away with a trophy — and the box office attention they usually bring. Here are some key things to know as Broadway's biggest night approaches, including how to watch, who is poised to make history, what old favorite gets to take a victory lap and how you can see George Clooney on Broadway from the comfort of your couch. When are the Tony Awards? The Tonys will be broadcast to both coasts on Sunday, June 8, from 8 p.m. ET-11 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT to 8 p.m. PT., live from Radio City Music Hall. How can I watch them? On CBS and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. Who's hosting the Tony Awards? Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy-winner and three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo, the 'Wicked' star, will be making her debut hosting the Tonys. She won the lead actress in a musical Tony in 2016 for 'The Color Purple' and will have just released her new album, 'I Forgive You.' A pre-show will be broadcast on Pluto TV from 6:40 p.m.-8:00 p.m. ET/3:40 p.m.-5:00 p.m. PT, where some Tonys will be handed out. Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry will host that telecast. Viewers can access it on their smart TV, streaming device, mobile app or online by going to Pluto TV and clicking on the 'Live Music' channel, found within the Entertainment category on the service. How many awards are there? A total of 26 competitive categories, from lead and featured actors to scenic, costume and lighting design. Some technical award handouts may be pre-taped and winners won't appear on the live show, only cut down into edited bits sandwiched into the telecast. What are the top nominees? There are three of them: 'Buena Vista Social Club,' which takes its inspiration from Wim Wenders' 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary; 'Death Becomes Her,' based on the 1992 cult classic film; and 'Maybe Happy Ending,' a rom-com musical about a pair of androids. Each have a leading 10 nominations. Who is vying for best new play and musical? For new musicals, it's 'Buena Vista Social Club,' 'Dead Outlaw,' 'Death Becomes Her,' 'Maybe Happy Ending' and 'Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical.' For new plays, it's 'English,' 'The Hills of California,' 'John Proctor Is the Villain,' 'Oh, Mary!' and 'Purpose.' Many of the races are unusually tight this year, the product of a Broadway heaving with shows after having largely rebounded from the pandemic. 'I haven't seen one nominated show that I haven't been wowed by. Everything brings something,' says Lowe Cunningham, lead producer of 'Death Becomes Her' and also a Tony voter. 'How dare the Broadway community come together with such excellent work,' she jokes. 'I needed everything else to be much worse, and I don't appreciate it.' Can history be made? Audra McDonald, the most recognized performer in the theater awards' history, could possibly extending her Tony lead. Already the record holder for most acting wins with six Tonys, McDonald could add to that thanks to her leading turn in an acclaimed revival of 'Gypsy.' She will push the record for a performer to most wins with seven if she prevails on Tony night. And Kara Young — the first Black actress to be nominated for a Tony Award in four consecutive years — could become the first Black person to win two Tonys consecutively should she win for her role in the play 'Purpose.' Other possible firsts: — Daniel Dae Kim could becomes the first Asian winner in the category of best leading actor in a play for his work in a revival of 'Yellow Face.' And Marjan Neshat and her co-star Tala Ashe are vying to become the first female actors of Iranian descent to win a Tony. A special guest Normally, shows open for several years don't get any Tony telecast attention but 'Hamilton' is no normal show. The original cast will celebrate the show's 10th anniversary on Broadway with a performance featuring creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and actors Goldsberry, Ariana DeBose, Daveed Diggs, Jonathan Groff, Christopher Jackson, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Javier Muñoz, Leslie Odom, Jr., Okieriete Onaodowan and Phillipa Soo. What will producers hope to avoid? Any repeat of last year, when Jay-Z's electrifying reunion with Alicia Keys on what appeared to be a live duet of 'Empire State of Mind' was actually pre-taped hours before the live show. The appearance by the rapper in support of Keys' musical 'Hell's Kitchen' turned out to be a piece of Hollywood trickery, undercutting the Broadway community's full-throated embrace of live singing and dancing. Broadway's big season The health of Broadway — once very much in doubt during the pandemic lockdown — is now very good, at least in terms of box office. The 2024-2025 season took in $1.9 billion, the highest-grossing season in recorded history, overtaking the pre-pandemic previous high of $1.8 billion during the 2018-2019 season. In terms of attendance, Broadway welcomed nearly 14.7 million ticket buyers, the second best attended season on record, behind only 2018-2019. But sky-high ticket prices have led to fears that Broadway is getting financially out of touch. A revival of 'Othello' with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal broke the record for top-grossing play in Broadway history with a gross of $2,818,297 for eight performances, fueled by some seats going for as high as $921. How can you get in the mood? Even if you haven't been able to get to Broadway this season, you can still see one of the shows. The night before the Tonys, 'Good Night, and Good Luck' — starring and co-written by Clooney, a Tony acting nominee — will stream across CNN properties. Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press


National Post
an hour ago
- National Post
Hamas amendments to U.S. ceasefire, hostage release proposal 'totally unacceptable': Witkoff
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed on Saturday night that Hamas had effectively rejected the latest American ceasefire proposal. Article content Article content 'I received the Hamas response to the United States' proposal. It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward,' said Witkoff. Article content He urged Hamas to accept the framework put forward by Washington as a basis for proximity talks, which he said could begin as early as next week. Article content Article content 'That is the only way we can finalize a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days—one that would see half of the living hostages and half of those who are deceased returned to their families,' he said. 'Through these proximity talks, we can also engage in substantive, good-faith negotiations to try to reach a permanent ceasefire.' Article content Article content Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had agreed to the U.S. framework and placed blame for the impasse squarely on Hamas. Article content The Palestinian terror group 'persists in its refusal,' he said, adding, 'Israel will continue its efforts to return our hostages and defeat Hamas.' Article content The official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, said proposed amendments focused on 'the U.S. guarantees, the timing of hostage release, the delivery of aid and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.' There were no details. Article content A separate Hamas statement said the proposal aims for a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an ensured flow of aid. It said 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others would be released 'in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners.' Article content Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that Hamas bears full responsibility for the ongoing war, citing the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and the terrorist group's continued refusal to release captives or disarm. Article content 'If France and the U.K. want to reach a ceasefire, pressure should be put on Hamas, which continues to say 'no,' instead of attacking Israel, which says 'yes,'' said Sa'ar. Article content Article content Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned in a statement on Friday that Hamas has a choice: accept the Witkoff proposal or face destruction. Article content 'The (Israel Defence Forces) continues its operations in Gaza with full force, striking and dismantling Hamas strongholds, while evacuating the local population from every combat zone and attacking the area from the air, land and sea on an unprecedented scale,' the statement read.


Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
EKOUAER Launches Wedding Season Special Edition and Joins The Knot Registry
As the 2025 wedding season approaches, EKOUAER is proud to unveil its Wedding Season Special Edition campaign, running from June 1 to August 31, 2025. Centered around the theme 'EKOUAER Wedding Season Special Edition,' the campaign celebrates the beauty of post-wedding intimacy and everyday luxury for newlyweds. A central feature of this seasonal campaign is EKOUAER's official debut on The Knot Registry, one of the most trusted platforms for wedding planning and gift selection in the U.S. This entry marks a strategic step forward, allowing EKOUAER to engage directly with millions of engaged couples as they curate their future lives together. By offering loungewear and sleepwear that blend comfort, elegance, and practicality, EKOUAER redefines what a modern wedding registry can include—items that enrich not just the ceremony, but the everyday moments that follow. The partnership highlights EKOUAER's commitment to becoming part of the emotional and domestic journey that begins with marriage. As The Knot Registry continues to connect couples with high-quality, lifestyle-focused brands, EKOUAER brings a unique offering to the table—helping transform newlywed routines into warm, stylish, and intimate experiences. Redefining Post-Wedding Comfort The collection is designed to support the transition from the formal atmosphere of wedding celebrations to the comfort of daily life. It features a selection of well-crafted, functional pieces—such as soft robes and breathable nightgowns—that combine aesthetic appeal with everyday practicality. Each item is curated to meet the lifestyle needs of newlyweds, providing comfort-focused options suitable for both relaxation and routine, while maintaining a refined and understated sense of style. A Seamless Shopping Experience EKOUAER's presence on The Knot Registry introduces a streamlined and tailored shopping experience. Couples can now effortlessly add EKOUAER's best-selling pieces to their wedding wish lists, including customer favorites such as: EKOUAER Satin Pajama Set for Women: Silky camisole top with adjustable straps and ruffled shorts made from smooth, lightweight satin for stylish comfort. EKOUAER Women's Satin Nightshirt: Relaxed-fit, button-down sleepshirt with 3/4 sleeves, notch collar, and high-low hem made from soft, breathable satin. EKOUAER Satin Lace Chemise Nightgown: Silky slip dress with adjustable straps, floral lace details, and a flirty wavy hem—lightweight, soft, and curve-enhancing. This initiative empowers couples to personalize their wedding journey by redefining what comfort and intimacy can look like in newlywed life. EKOUAER's presence on The Knot Registry goes beyond product placement—it reflects a deeper commitment to supporting modern couples with choices that align with their real lives and evolving values. By offering versatile, comfortable, and emotionally resonant pieces, EKOUAER helps couples create meaningful daily rituals, turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. This inclusion demonstrates the brand's insight into today's consumer mindset: a desire for authenticity, functionality, and a seamless blend of style and comfort during life's most significant transitions. Looking Ahead The EKOUAER Wedding Season Special Edition is more than a seasonal campaign—it represents the brand's evolving vision of how comfort, intimacy, and personal style can be meaningfully integrated into one of life's most important milestones. By focusing on the moments that come after the celebration, this campaign acknowledges that true connection begins not just with ceremony, but in the daily rituals that follow. Looking ahead, EKOUAER aims to become a constant in the lives of its audience: a brand that doesn't just provide loungewear, but enhances the everyday experience of partnership. Media Contact Company Name: EKOUAER Contact Person: Dana LI Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: