Latest news with #82ndAnnualGoldenGlobeAwards
Newsweek
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
The Rock Brought To Tears By Heartfelt Gift
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. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has always deeply loved and respected his late father, the wrestling legend Rocky Johnson. "The Great One" recently showed these strong feelings after getting a very thoughtful birthday gift that moved him to tears. The Rock shared this emotional moment on his Instagram page for all his followers to see. He posted a video of himself reacting to the present that clearly meant so much to him. The gift was an actual ticket stub from a wrestling show he went to as an 11-year-old boy. At that particular show, he had the special experience of watching his own father, Rocky Johnson, perform in the ring. This specific ticket was from a WWF event that took place on March 17, 1984, in Springfield, Massachusetts. It marked a cherished childhood memory of a young Rock seeing his dad wrestle. Known also by his powerful nickname "The Final Boss," The Rock stated this was one of the most meaningful gifts he had ever received in his life. Holding the old paper ticket again brought back very powerful emotions and a deep wish for just one more moment with his father. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic He explained that this longing to simply say hello or goodbye one more time was what made him cry. The Rock then remembered his childhood, which was often spent on the road with his dad due to his wrestling career. He recalled that Rocky Johnson was frequently tired and sore from the tough schedule and physical nature of wrestling, and because of this, he rarely smiled. However, his father often found a sense of peace and enjoyment when he was inside the squared circle, as The Rock pointed out with a slight smile visible on his dad's face in footage from that 1984 match. The Rock also admitted that he knows he is a hard person to shop for when it comes to gifts. This made the kind and thoughtful surprise from his family members even more special and precious to him. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation He made sure to thank his brother Brad and his sisters Maya and Mere for giving him such an emotional and powerful gift. The ticket brought back a very strong and touching memory from his youth. In his Instagram post, The Rock wrote directly to his fans and family, "Opening a birthday gift – one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received. A ticket 🎟️ to a wrestling show I attended when I was 11yrs old to watch my dad wrestle. Who would've thought years later I'd hold this ticket, and wishing I had one more shot to say hello (or goodbye) to my old man." He went on to share more of his feelings in the post, "As a kid, we were always on the road and I don't remember my dad smiling much, as he was always mentally tired and his body banged up and in pain from the nightly grind – but he did find moments of PEACE when he was wrestling in that squared circle. Even in this video, you see my dad attempting a SLIGHT SMILE 🙂 I know I'm not easy to buy gifts for, so VERY thoughtful gifts like this mean the world to me from my loved ones. Mahalo brother Brad. And my sistas Maya & Mere too." Rocky Johnson passed away in 2020. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
How Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Drugs Are Eating Away at Body Positivity
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Samhita Mukhopadhyay wasn't expecting shame to come from a photo. The longtime feminist writer and former Teen Vogue editor had just moderated a panel at a media conference. She was dressed in a skirt and printed top she felt good in—until she saw a candid image someone had posted online. "It was devastating," she told Newsweek. Mukhopadhyay took Mounjaro, an antidiabetic medication also used for weight loss, and saw dramatic results—losing 15 percent of her body weight over 18 months. She was feeling physically better, sleeping more soundly and even considering a wardrobe overhaul. But the cost of the drug forced her to stop. Dieting doll - stock photo Dieting doll - stock photo Peter Dazeley/Getty "I knew better," she said. "As a feminist writer and committed proponent of body positivity, I'd spent years trying to love my body at any size. And yet, here I was, agonizing over a picture of myself." That contradiction, she said, was the real heartbreak—not just for her, but for the women who long-embraced the body positivity messaging themselves. "Taking something for weight loss made me feel like I was being vain, that I didn't have the willpower to lose weight, eat better or exercise," she said. "It felt like a violation of an unspoken norm." Profile shot of former Teen Vogue editor Samhita Mukhopadhyay Profile shot of former Teen Vogue editor Samhita Mukhopadhyay Samhita Mukhopadhyay Hollywood's Open Secret In recent years, Mounjaro and similar GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound have redefined how America thinks—and talks—about weight. What began as a diabetes treatment has become a billion-dollar industry fueled by off-label use, celebrity whispers and red-carpet transformations. As the 2025 Hollywood awards season kicked off with the Golden Globes in January, so too did another round of jokes, speculation and sponsorships linking the industry to the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss by A-list celebrities. Comedian Nikki Glaser, host of the Globes, dove right in at the start of her opening monologue: "Good evening, and welcome to the 82nd Golden Globes—Ozempic's biggest night," she began. Nikki Glaser speaks onstage at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Nikki Glaser speaks onstage at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Sonja Flemming/CBS/Getty What may be the most effective pharmaceutical marketing campaign in history didn't cost a dollar. Starting in mid-2022, celebrities and influencers began posting about their weight loss journeys using GLP-1 drugs, drawing millions of views on social media. The result was free publicity for Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant behind Ozempic and Wegovy. (Mounjaro and Zepbound are manufactured by Eli Lilly, an American competitor to Novo.) In September 2022, Variety reported that A-listers were quietly sharing their experiences in encrypted Signal chats. The drug's popularity became such a phenomenon that Town & Country called it the hottest topic of conversation in L.A. Outside Hollywood, telehealth startups and boutique clinics capitalized on the growing demand, offering prescriptions to those without diabetes or clinical obesity—provided they could afford it. By the time the 2025 awards season arrived, Hollywood's connection to GLP-1s was too loud to ignore. Coverage of the SAG Awards labeled it "the Ozempic carpet," with headlines marveling at the dramatic slimdowns of some stars. No one was safe from accusations. Despite being forced to defend her weight weeks before, it was speculated Ariana Grande had turned to GLP-1s, while Demi Moore was also linked to them, though she recently told People magazine her figure is the result of listening to her body and avoiding meat and eggs. "I think a big part of wellness is really inside out," she added. Injections for weight loss with Semaglutide. An obese woman gives a hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) injection into the abdomen with a pen syringe in the kitchen Injections for weight loss with Semaglutide. An obese woman gives a hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) injection into the abdomen with a pen syringe in the kitchen Iuliia Burmistrova/Getty Kelly Clarkson, meanwhile, admitted to taking medication to help with weight loss, but said: "Everybody thinks it's Ozempic. It's not. It's something else. But it's something that aids in helping break down the sugar. Obviously, my body doesn't do it right." Other stars like actress Kathy Bates proudly acknowledged taking "the shot." She joined a growing list of celebrities—including Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, Meghan Trainor and Kandi Burruss—who have spoken openly about turning to GLP-1 medications in their weight loss journeys after years of public scrutiny. Comedian Schumer said she's "loving being on Mounjaro," while singer Trainor credited her transformation after her second pregnancy to "huge lifestyle changes," and a "shoutout to Mounjaro." Musician Burruss, known as Kandi, admitted: "I saw so many people who were trying it and losing weight. So I was like, 'OK, I'm going to try this.'" US actress Kathy Bates poses with the Best Actress in a Drama Series Award for "Matlock" in the press room during the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on... US actress Kathy Bates poses with the Best Actress in a Drama Series Award for "Matlock" in the press room during the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on February 7, 2025. More MICHAEL TRAN/AFP/Getty This explosion of exposure has translated directly to sales. In 2021, Ozempic didn't even break into the top 20 of the bestselling drugs worldwide. By 2024, it would rise to second place, with Novo Nordisk reporting a 25 percent jump in annual revenue to $40.6 billion. The company also announced it was expanding manufacturing capacity to meet soaring demand, including a $4.1 billion investment in a new U.S. facility and the $11 billion acquisition of three Catalent plants in New Jersey. The Price of Thinness The rise of Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy has reframed weight loss as a clinical intervention—but one still largely reserved for those with deep pockets, especially since users report the weight often comes right back on as soon as they stop taking the drugs. With prices often ranging between $1,000 and $1,400 per month and inconsistent insurance coverage, these medications are far from universally accessible. "Ethical concerns around GLP-1 drugs often center on access and affordability," said Dr. Robert Klitzman, a professor of psychiatry and bioethics at Columbia University. "The medications are expensive, and insurance coverage varies widely. As a result, they're often only accessible to people with higher incomes or strong health insurance." State Medicaid programs have already felt the pressure. Spending on GLP-1 drugs jumped from $577.3 million in 2019 to $3.9 billion in 2023, with projections indicating growth is nowhere close to plateauing. Some states have started considering whether to restrict access, citing escalating costs. Yet in a nation where 42 percent of adults live with obesity—a rate that has nearly doubled since the 1980s—the arrival of a drug that actually works was hard to ignore. In 2013, the American Medical Association officially classified obesity as a disease, recognizing the condition's complexity and its contribution to other chronic illnesses. Meghan Trainor attends the 2025 Billboard Women in Music at YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Meghan Trainor attends the 2025 Billboard Women in Music at YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Amy Sussman/Getty GLP-1 medications seemed to offer exactly what had been missing for decades: a treatment that not only helped patients lose weight, but also improved other key health markers. Clinical trials show that users can shed 15 to 25 percent of their body weight, along with seeing better blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health. The promise of GLP-1s has even drawn high-level political attention. Elon Musk—the world's richest man and a constant presence in President Donald Trump's White House—has publicly called for expanded access on public health grounds. "Nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan and quality of life for Americans than making GLP inhibitors super low cost to the public," he wrote on X. Musk has also acknowledged using Wegovy himself. Oprah Winfrey has spoken openly about turning to GLP-1 medications in her weight loss journey. Oprah Winfrey has spoken openly about turning to GLP-1 medications in her weight loss journey. Eric McCandless/Disney/Getty Klitzman, the Columbia bioethicist, cautioned that while the drugs are promising, broad adoption could financially destabilize health systems. "These drugs help over 50 percent of people lose up to 25 percent of their body weight," he said. "But they cost around $12,000 a year. If two-thirds of Americans needed them, it would bankrupt the health care system." Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, dismissed the drugs outright. "They're counting on selling it to Americans because we're so stupid and so addicted to drugs," he told Fox News in October, before the incoming administration shelved a $35 billion Biden-administration plan to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. (L-R) Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, appear during a Cabinet meeting at the... (L-R) Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, appear during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. More Andrew Harnik/Getty Health economists have also shared concerns about long-term affordability, even if these drugs prevent diabetes or heart disease. "The short-term cost is still huge," Dr. Cynthia Cox, vice president at KFF (formerly Kaiser Family Foundation) told Newsweek. "$1,000 a month per person is a massive outlay." Shame, Access and the New Inequality According to a KFF analysis, the list price of Ozempic in the United States is $936 per month, more than five times the cost in Japan, where it sells for $169—the second-highest price among the countries studied. Wegovy, which shares the same active ingredient as Ozempic, is roughly four times as expensive in the U.S. ($1,349) compared to Germany ($328). But even among those who can afford GLP-1 medications, few escape the double bind that now defines weight loss: the pressure to change and the scrutiny that follows when they do. Many public figures who have struggled with weight and identity now feel pressure from both sides. Influencers who once championed "fat acceptance" are now subject to backlash from the very communities they helped build. Plus-sized model Ella Halikas, who took Ozempic to manage polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, admitted: "I was worried about disappointing my followers." Ella Halikas attends the Forever 21 Holiday Collection Launch Event Featuring Saweetie at The West Hollywood EDITION on December 5, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. Ella Halikas attends the Forever 21 Holiday Collection Launch Event Featuring Saweetie at The West Hollywood EDITION on December 5, 2024 in West Hollywood, Forever 21 Rosey Blair, another plus-size content creator, wrote that she was accused of being "ableist and fatphobic" for publicly celebrating the mobility she gained from taking Mounjaro. Dr. Chika Anekwe, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained to Newsweek that stigma is often rooted in cultural ideas about willpower. "People don't usually call insulin or cholesterol-lowering drugs 'cheating,'" she said. "But weight loss medications still face scrutiny because obesity is not accepted as a legitimate medical condition. That has to change." Klitzman said the issue isn't just about cost or personal choices. "It's also driven by poor access to healthy food, lack of exercise, income inequality and nonstop junk food marketing," he said. He added that while GLP-1 drugs work by curbing appetite, they don't address deeper problems. "You can't solve obesity just by handing out prescriptions," he said. "If policymakers start seeing these drugs as a silver bullet, there's a real danger they'll pull back on funding for prevention—like nutrition programs, access to healthy foods or education around physical activity." Not Just Aesthetics Still, the cultural conversation continues to orbit around aesthetics. "These drugs don't exist in a neutral landscape," said journalist Virginia Sole-Smith on the Burnt Toast podcast, which focuses on diet culture. "They exist in a culture where thinness still equals goodness." For people who once found refuge in body positivity's message of self-acceptance, that reemergence of a single ideal feels regressive. The body positivity movement had its own strange journey from fringe topic to mainstream acceptance to corporatized sloganeering. Rooted in 1960s fat activism, it began as a demand for dignity and systemic change: access to medical care, protection from discrimination, representation in media. Over time, driven by advertising campaigns like Dove's "Real Beauty," Photoshop-free ads and soft-lit models with stretch marks, its message softened into palatable slogans—encouraging self-love while often ignoring deeper inequalities. Diverse Group of People Running a Marathon in a City During the Day. Smiling Plus Size Female Runner Crossing the Finish Line, Celebrating and Demonstrating her Willpower Diverse Group of People Running a Marathon in a City During the Day. Smiling Plus Size Female Runner Crossing the Finish Line, Celebrating and Demonstrating her Willpower gorodenkoff/Getty "This rebranding of body politics allowed corporations to position themselves as champions of inclusion without making meaningful changes," writer Amanda Mull argued in her 2018 Vox essay "Body Positivity Is a Scam." That kind of defiance underscores a broader tension. As GLP-1 drugs become more visible—and increasingly associated with thin, wealthy celebrities—many outside that privileged circle are left grappling with a difficult question: not just should I take it, but can I take it without feeling judged? Editor Mukhopadhyay is uniquely positioned in the debate—both as a journalist and someone who took the drug. "I had a lot of anxiety about talking about it and telling people I was taking them," she said. "There was judgment from the body positivity side and judgment from people who still think using drugs for weight loss is vain." A woman standing in front of a ring light and gesturing in her home kitchen, fruit and veg sliced on the couther top, while filming a video about healthy eating. A woman standing in front of a ring light and gesturing in her home kitchen, fruit and veg sliced on the couther top, while filming a video about healthy eating. Willie B. Thomas/Getty And yet, influencers aren't just people—they're public figures with brands, sponsors and audience expectations. "There's this idea that you can't be too thin or too fat," she said. "Where do you find the balance?" Klitzman emphasized that individual choices and so-called miracle drugs alone won't solve the obesity epidemic. "We need a comprehensive, systemic approach," he said. "That means everyone—doctors, patients, policymakers, insurers, food companies... the environment that fosters obesity needs to change. Otherwise, we're just treating symptoms." And perhaps, as Mukhopadhyay said, the internet is not the place to resolve it. "Social media can be triggering," she said. "And it might not be the best place to seek validation for how you feel about your body." She believes the better question is what followers owe themselves. "If someone's decision to change triggers yourself why. Influencers are not responsible for your emotional well-being."
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Dwayne Johnson had chicken guy follow him on 'SNL': Mikey Day
Where Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson goes, the 'chicken guy' follows. 'Saturday Night Live' star Mikey Day exclusively told The Post that the wrestler-turned-movie star, 52, had plenty of protein on hand when he hosted the sketch comedy series. 'This is more amusing than surprising. I figured Dwayne Johnson would have an intense diet and stuff to maintain his ridiculously shredded physique,' Day, 45, said while promoting his new campaign with Dollar Car Rental. Advertisement 11 Dwayne Johnson hosting 'SNL' on May 20, 2017. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images 11 Mikey Day, Colin Jost on 'SNL' on March 8, 2025. Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images 'But when he hosted, I saw Dwayne's 'Chicken Guy,'' the comedian recalled. 'Which, distilled down to a basic description, is a dude who follows Dwayne around with this industrial case of chicken and occasionally approaches Dwayne and says. 'Hey Dwayne, sorry to interrupt but it's time to eat chicken.'' Advertisement Johnson, a member of the Five-Timers Club on 'SNL,' hosted the show in 2000, 2002, 2009, 2015 and 2017. The 'Black Adam' star has spoken before about his high-protein diet. He told Men's Health in 2022 that he eats the same six meals a day, starting with his breakfast that includes 'eggs, a meat like bison, a complex carb like oatmeal, and fruit, usually either papaya or blueberries.' 11 Dwayne Johnson with Beck Bennett on the set of 'SNL' in May 2017. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images 11 Dwayne Johnson during his opening monologue on 'SNL' on May 20, 2017. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Advertisement At 10 a.m., he has his second meal that consists of complex carbs like rice, chicken breast, and greens. For dinner, Johnson indulges on protein such as chicken, fish, chicken or steak with a complex carbs dish like sweet potatoes and greens. In total, his diet is mostly 40 to 45 percent protein — and that includes daily protein shakes. 11 Dwayne Johnson at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2025. Getty Images Day joined the 'SNL' as a writer in 2013 and transitioned to a cast member in 2016, meaning he crossed paths with Johnson the last two times he hosted the show. Advertisement In the 30-second 'The Dollar Common Sensei' ad, Day plays the 'Common Sensei' whose mission it is to defeat travel nonsense and encourage renters to get the best deals by booking at 11 Mikey Day in the Dollar Car Rental commercial. 11 Mikey Day in an ad for Dollar Car Rental. Day told The Post that of all his cast members, he'd most like to do a Dollar Car Rental commercial with Kenan Thompson. 'I know the shoot would be fun as he just makes me laugh,' Day said of Thompson, 45. 'Even if he's just standing there saying nothing, I'm laughing.' The car rental agency accepted one of his pitches when they shot the commercial at TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York. 11 Mikey Day starring in a Dollar Car Rental commercial. Charles Roussel for Dollar Car Rental 'In the spot where I play the intense dog dad talking to my dog, I pitched the line, 'I tell everyone at work you're my human son. Which is pretty weird for a rental car commercial. But they were into it which made me happy,' he shared. 'They weren't scared of getting weird so they're my kind of people.' Advertisement 11 Mikey Day in the Dollar Car Rental ad. Charles Roussel for Dollar Car Rental Following the news that the UK is launching its own 'SNL' series, Day told The Post he expects great things from the all-British cast. 'British comedy/comedians have been so influential to comedy as a whole, so I think it's great. I'm curious what the show will be like,' he said. 'Sometimes British humor's a little more subtle so maybe it will be a little less loud than its American counterpart?' 11 Mikey Day attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special in February. WireImage Advertisement Day also said that one of the wildest, unscripted moments he's witnessed on the show was 'Heidi [Gardner] breaking character when she turned around and saw me as Butt-Head,' referring to the 2024 'Beavis and Butt-Head' sketch starring Ryan Gosling. 11 Mikey Day, Michael Longfellow, Jon Hamm on 'SNL' on April 12, 2025. Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images Some of Day's other most memorable sketches include 'Spelling Bee' with Will Forte, 'Haunted Elevator' with Tom Hanks, 'Washington's Dream' with Nate Bargatze, and 'Lord Gaga' with Colin Jost on 'Weekend Update.' After over 10 years of working on the show, Day told The Post he's more focused on the present rather than the future of his career. Advertisement 'The show has trained me to not think beyond the week in front of me,' he said. 'So right now all I'm thinking about are ideas for [next episode's guest] Quinta Brunson.'
Newsweek
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
The Rock Secures Massive Payday From TKO Group
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. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson further solidified his influence in the entertainment industry in February 2024 when he was appointed to the Board of Directors of TKO Group Holdings, the entity formed by the merger of WWE and UFC under the Endeavor banner. As a result, it positioned Johnson at the top of the empire. Not only did Rock get paid for it, but he also secured full ownership of the trademark for his legendary moniker, "The Rock." Previously, WWE held the trademark rights, only granting Johnson partial licensing for his various entertainment endeavors. According to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), this deal reportedly included over $30 million in stock, $900,000 in royalty payments, and nearly $2.6 million in travel ownership stake in TKO Group Holdings, Inc., remains relatively minor in the grand scheme of the company's overall structure. Based on the reports, his holdings account for approximately 0.17% of the company, with his stock slightly increasing from 305,000 to 329,000 shares. The majority ownership of TKO, roughly 61 percent, resides with Endeavor, under the leadership of CEO Ari Emanuel and other key executives. Various financial institutions collectively holds the second-largest portion, representing approximately 28.27% of the company. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Interestingly, leading up to the Elimination Chamber event saw storyline involving The Rock and Cody Rock advocated for Rhodes to turn heel and align with him. However, Rhodes declined this proposition. This ultimately led to a surprising turn of events, with John Cena instead turning heel and aligning with The Rock, creating one of the most talked-about character shifts in recent WWE history. The Rock did not make an appearance at WrestleMania 41 to get involved in the anticipated match between Cena and Rhodes. This absence left many fans speculating about the long-term plans for this newly formed heel duo and their impact on the WWE landscape moving forward. The Rock appeared on the Pat McAfee Show last week that he intended to create a compelling narrative that would draw fans to Elimination Chamber and set up a significant WrestleMania main event. Once Cena's heel turn and the championship match against Rhodes were established, The Rock felt his role in the storyline was complete, allowing the focus to shift to the champion versus challenger dynamic. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Selena Gomez Holds At No. 1, Despite Some Serious Competition
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's I Said I Love You First tops the U.S. iTunes Albums chart for a full ... More week, holding off new drops from Ariana Grande and more. BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Selena Gomez attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Stewart Cook/CBS via Getty Images) This Friday, as is often the case at the end of the workweek, is packed with exciting new releases in the music world. The day marks the start of a new tracking frame, and that usually means brand new singles and albums are unleashed to expectant fans. Some of the biggest names in the business show up when the time is right, but at least for now, nobody can beat Selena Gomez and her fiancé Benny Blanco — not even another one of the most successful women in pop right now. Gomez and Blanco's I Said I Love You First is still the bestselling title on the iTunes albums chart in the United States. As of the time of writing, the collaborative set ranks as the most popular full-length on the digital platform, which remains the go-to source for music downloads in America. I Said I Love You First has now controlled the iTunes albums ranking since it dropped one week ago. For the most part, it hasn't faced much of a challenge — until today. This Friday brings a handful of new releases that are giving the reigning champ some competition for the throne. The highest-rising threat is Ariana Grande's Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead. The extended edition of her latest studio album comes with a handful of additional songs and even a short film. Known simply as Brighter Days Ahead by most, the project currently sits at No. 2, though that could change in the hours to come. While Gomez and Blanco may still be out in front, the top 10 on the iTunes albums chart in the U.S. is filled with other new titles vying for attention. Mumford & Sons's latest release Rushmere currently holds at No. 3. Just behind the folk-rock act is rapper Lil Durk, whose new project Deep Thoughts climbs to No. 4. I Said I Love You First is certainly headed for a strong start on the Billboard 200 next week. The full-length may hit No. 1, continuing Gomez's so-far-unbroken streak of chart-toppers, or it may launch at No. 2, coming in behind Playboi Carti's Music. That set currently rules the tally, and it may earn a second stint running the show.
