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NDTV
23-05-2025
- NDTV
From New York To Tokyo: 8 Most Beautiful City Skylines In The World
Every city has its own charm, whether it is architecture, culture, food or vibe. There is something magical about experiencing a city's personality up close. But some cities are truly stunning from above, with skylines that showcase human creativity and innovation. From New York to Tokyo, there are several cities around the globe with beautiful city skylines. And trust us, they are truly a spectacle to behold. It is fair to say it is like witnessing art in motion. Below, we have rounded up eight of the most jaw-dropping skylines around the world that will leave you breathless. Take a look! Here Are 8 Most Spectacular Skylines In The World: 1. New York City, USA When we think of city skylines, New York City is usually the first place that comes to mind. And why not? The city is home to some of the most stunning skyscrapers, including the iconic Empire State Building, Rockefeller Plaza and Central Park Tower, among others. New York City is a place that never gets old and continues to impress the world with its marvellous infrastructure. The New York City skyline is an essential sight for travel enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. 2. Dubai, UAE Dubai in the United Arab Emirates also offers a spectacular skyline. While driving through the city, you will come across skyscrapers such as the Burj Al Arab, Cayan Tower, Jumeirah Emirates Tower, the Dubai Frame and the pride of the city - the Burj Khalifa. These buildings stand as symbols of the city's innovation, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Dubai's skyline is a key highlight in Middle East travel and architecture tours. 3. Hong Kong The skyline in Hong Kong is slightly different from that in New York City and Dubai. Here, you will not only see skyscrapers but also lush green mountains in the background. Together, they create a visually appealing sight. If you wish to see the best views of the city's skyline, head to Victoria Harbour. The Hong Kong skyline is a favourite for photographers and tourists seeking a unique urban and natural blend. 4. Singapore Singapore's skyline is a work of art. The city offers a blend of modern architecture with a focus on green spaces and sustainability. The Marina Bay Sands tower is a classic example of this, making it a popular tourist spot in the city. There are also several other high-rises in the city that have a modern and sleek design, making them truly mesmerising. Singapore's cityscape is a prime example of eco-friendly urban development. 5. Tokyo, Japan Speaking of the best skylines in the world, we cannot miss mentioning Tokyo in Japan. The skyline in this city is characterised by a mix of old and new, featuring modern skyscrapers alongside traditional architecture. Some of the most iconic buildings in the city include the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo's skyline perfectly captures the essence of Japanese culture and technology, making it a must-see destination for travellers. 6. London, UK The skyline in London is also quite breathtaking. While you will find several modern structures in the city, its historical landmarks also stand proudly. For example, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey stand against modern skyscrapers such as The Shard. The city offers stunning views and is a must-visit if you are an architecture lover. London's cityscape offers a rich blend of history and modernity, a highlight in UK travel guides. 7. Shanghai, China Shanghai's skyline is dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower and the twisting Shanghai Tower, reflecting beautifully over the Huangpu River. It is considered one of the most unique and impressive skylines in the world and is a visual treat to the eyes. Shanghai's architecture is an essential feature of any China travel itinerary. 8. Toronto, Canada Toronto's skyline is stunning, with the CN Tower being just one highlight. The city's tall buildings beautifully combine with nature, especially around Lake Ontario, making for a breathtaking view. If you ever get a chance, do visit the city! Toronto's skyline represents the best of Canadian urban life and is a popular spot for cityscape photography.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'SNL' Weekend Update Joke Swap Hailed: 'Wild'
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. Saturday Night Live's (SNL) 50th season finale aired this weekend, and to the delight of fans, it included the traditional joke swap between co-anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost during the show's "Weekend Update" segment. Why It Matters For the past few seasons, Che and Jost swap and read jokes that the other person has never seen before during the show's Christmas episode and season finale. SNL's 50th season has had plenty of viral moments and star-studded episodes, which have caused a stir online. In February, SNL aired its 50th anniversary special, which ran for more than two hours and featured some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Paul McCartney and Tom Hanks. What To Know As of press time, the clip of the joke swap has amassed nearly 5 million views combined on YouTube and on X, formerly Twitter. The first joke took aim at creator/executive producer Lorne Michaels, with Jost saying: "It's SNL's 50th season, so I want to take a moment to say something to our boss, Lorne Michaels. Lorne, retire b****! Let me run the show." Following tradition for the segment, the majority of jokes given to Jost by Che saw him say things that were racist, while Che was given material that makes him look like a misogynist. The segment saw Che atone for a joke he wrote about actress Scarlett Johansson during this season's Christmas joke swap. Johansson, who was the episode's host, is married to Jost. The couple also have a son together. The Christmas episode saw Jost read the following joke: "Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu. But I ain't trippin'. I've been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid." The camera panned to a jaw-dropped Johansson, who later told the outlet InStyle that the joke was "vulgar" and "so gross." On Saturday's finale episode, reading off the cue cards, Che said: "Before I tell another joke, I want to take this opportunity to apologize to someone I hurt. Scarlett, can you come out here?" Johansson then walked out, and Che read his Jost-written apology to her, where he said that he was "just lashing out because I'm jealous." The joke swap also referenced A Minecraft Movie and Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl half time show. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost attend "SNL50: The Anniversary Special" at Rockefeller Plaza on February 16 in New York. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost attend "SNL50: The Anniversary Special" at Rockefeller Plaza on February 16 in New York. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File What People Are Saying Spencer Althouse, Buzzfeed's editorial director wrote on X on Sunday: "This year's SNL 'joke swap' is wild omg." CONSEQUENCE, a media account that has over 200,000 followers on X, wrote: "Colin Jost and Michael Che's SNL Season 50 finale joke definitely did not disappoint." X user eliejow wrote: "joke swap so good they renewed their contracts for 10 years." X user positionsmafiaa posted: "che and jost will go down as the best anchor duos in SNL history." What Happens Next? SNL's Season 51 does not have an official release date yet, but the series typically starts airing in the early fall.
Toronto Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Scarlett Johansson brings 50th season of 'SNL' to a low-key close
Published May 18, 2025 • 3 minute read Scarlett Johansson, left, and Colin Jost attend "SNL50: The Anniversary Special" at Rockefeller Plaza on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in New York. Photo by Evan Agostini / Invision/AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. 'Saturday Night Live' was more reflective than festive in the final episode of its 50th season. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Scarlett Johansson, who set a record for a woman with her seventh appearance as host, used her monologue to lead most of the current cast of the NBC sketch institution in a song sung to the tune of Billy Joel's 'Piano Man.' The performance looked back on an eventful year that included an election, an epic anniversary special and a star-studded concert. 'Sing us a song, it's your monologue, the 50th season is through,' Johansson sang, along with Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner and others. 'It's lasting forever, we did it together, and we got to spend it with you.' Johansson teased, then took back, a guest appearance that would have been in keeping with the season's excess of guest stars. 'Ladies and gentlemen, Billy Joel!' she shouted, before adding, 'wrote this song.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. No post-season cast departures have been announced, so no emotional farewells were necessary, but Johansson and the cast joked in the song that Sarah Sherman would be gone. 'It's been a great season and Sarah is leaving, we're all gonna miss you next year!' they sang. A stunned Sherman replied, 'Wait, what? Did you guys hear something?' Johansson's husband, Colin Jost, is a writer on the show and anchor of the 'Weekend Update' segment. Jost and co-anchor Michael Che returned to their annual season-finale tradition of writing and being forced to deliver wildly inappropriate jokes for each other. Johansson is the subject of many of the Che-written jokes, so this year Jost compelled Che to bring her out and apologize for once comparing part of her body to 'Costco roast beef.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The 50th season brought much media discussion of who might run the show should 80-year-old creator Lorne Michaels ever step down. Some have suggested Jost might replace Michaels and Che forced Jost to address the issue with one of the jokes written for him. 'It's SNL's 50th season, so I want to take a moment to say something to our boss,' Jost said. 'Lorne, retire, bitch! let me run the show.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Jost also appeared in a pre-recorded, behind-the-scenes bit where Johansson has torrid sex with Yang after she confesses to Nwodim and Gardner that she has a crush on him, and learns he has only been publicly pretending to be gay 'for the clout.' Johansson has her heart broken when she learns Yang also has been hooking up with Nwodim, Gardner and guest star Emily Ratajkowski. In another behind-the-scenes digital short made by the three members of comedy group Please Don't Destroy, Johansson treats the trio to a first-class flight that becomes a luxe hip-hop video until the men panic when they learn they are landing at the troubled airport of Newark, New Jersey. Musical guest Bad Bunny appears as an air traffic controller, working alone on his first day. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As in nearly every episode of this season, James Austin Johnson did his impression of President Donald Trump in the cold open segment, which had him 'finding love' with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Johnson's Trump broke the fourth wall and walked into the audience at the end of the bit. 'It's the 'SNL' finale, season 50 — worst one yet!' he said. 'See you again in the fall if we still have a country. It's a coin toss.' Sports Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs Sports Sunshine Girls
Newsweek
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'American Idol' Winners: Where Are They Now?
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. Since 2002, American Idol has crowned over 20 winners, each with a shot at stardom. Some skyrocketed into household names, dominating charts and award shows. Others, however, took different paths—some quiet, some surprising. Here's a complete look at every winner to date and where life has taken them since stepping off that iconic stage. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1, 2002) The original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, set the standard for all who followed. After winning with "A Moment Like This," she launched a Grammy-winning music career that includes hits like "Since U Been Gone" and "Stronger." Today, she's also a household name on daytime TV thanks to The Kelly Clarkson Show, which continues to earn Emmys and dominate syndication. In 2023, she wrapped a sold-out Vegas residency and released her 10th studio album, Chemistry. Kelly Clarkson performs on NBC's Today show at Rockefeller Plaza on May 6 in New York. Kelly Clarkson performs on NBC's Today show at Rockefeller Plaza on May 6 in New York. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Ruben Studdard (Season 2, 2003) Nicknamed the "Velvet Teddy Bear," Ruben Studdard beat runner-up Clay Aiken in a hotly debated finale. He went on to release several R&B and gospel albums and has toured extensively—including a 20th anniversary tour with Aiken in 2023. Studdard remains active in music and makes regular public appearances. Fantasia Barrino (Season 3, 2004) Fantasia Barrino's powerful vocals and raw backstory made her a standout winner in season 3. After releasing multiple R&B albums, she recently earned critical acclaim for her role as Celie in the 2023 film adaptation of The Color Purple, which scored her a Golden Globe nomination. She continues to act, sing, and inspire with her story of resilience. Carrie Underwood (Season 4, 2005) Country's reigning queen, Carrie Underwood turned American Idol fame into superstardom. She's sold over 85 million records, won eight Grammy Awards, and headlined major tours. Meanwhile, her Las Vegas residency, Reflection, which lasted for more than three years, ended last month. In a full circle moment, Underwood joined American Idol as a judge this year, replacing singer Katy Perry. Carrie Underwood arrives at "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" on March 19 at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Carrie Underwood arrives at "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" on March 19 at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Amy Harris//Invision/AP Taylor Hicks (Season 5, 2006) With his silver hair and retro sound, Taylor Hicks was a surprising, but memorable winner. He later starred in a Broadway tour of Grease, hosted the food show State Plate, and performs regularly, keeping his soulful style alive for loyal fans. Taylor Hicks arrives at the "American Idol" finale on May 23, 2012, in Los Angeles. Taylor Hicks arrives at the "American Idol" finale on May 23, 2012, in Los Angeles. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Jordin Sparks (Season 6, 2007) At just 17, Jordin Sparks became Idol's youngest winner. Her hit "No Air" with Chris Brown, became a global smash. She's appeared on Broadway, in films, and continues to release music. Sparks also remains highly active on social media, connecting with fans and sharing new projects. David Cook (Season 7, 2008) Known for giving Idol a rock edge, David Cook made waves with his cover of "Billie Jean" on the competition show. Post-win, he's released multiple albums including The Looking Glass in 2021 and continues to tour and record. David Cook plays a song from his self-titled debut album during a concert for fans at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York on November 18, 2008. David Cook plays a song from his self-titled debut album during a concert for fans at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York on November 18, 2008. Henny Ray Abrams/AP Photo Kris Allen (Season 8, 2009) Beating Adam Lambert in one of Idol's most talked-about finales, Kris Allen pursued a lower-key career in acoustic pop. He's released several albums and still tours and writes music, maintaining a devoted fanbase. Lee DeWyze (Season 9, 2010) Lee DeWyze's folksy style found niche success post-Idol. His music has been featured in shows like The Walking Dead, and he continues to release albums and perform at intimate venues across the country. Scotty McCreery (Season 10, 2011) With his deep baritone voice, Scotty McCreery quickly became a country sensation. He's had several No. 1 country hits and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2024. His grounded lifestyle and consistent touring schedule have earned him lasting success. Phillip Phillips (Season 11, 2012) "Home" became one of Idol's biggest-ever coronation songs, catapulting Phillip Phillips to mainstream radio. He's since released multiple albums, including 2023's Drift Back, and continues to perform in the folk-rock scene. Finalist Phillip Phillips and John Fogerty perform onstage at the "American Idol" finale on May 23 in Los Angeles. Finalist Phillip Phillips and John Fogerty perform onstage at the "American Idol" finale on May 23 in Los Angeles. John Shearer/Invision/AP Candice Glover (Season 12, 2013) Candice Glover dazzled with powerhouse vocals while on Idol. While her debut album Music Speaks had modest success, she shifted gears, earning a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022. Glover continues to sing while pursuing other creative ventures. Caleb Johnson (Season 13, 2014) Caleb Johnson leaned into hard rock after winning, forming his band The Ramblin' Saints. He's toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and remains active in the rock community. Nick Fradiani (Season 14, 2015) Following his win, Fradiani released Hurricane before shifting to theater. He's now starring as Neil Diamond in Broadway's A Beautiful Noise—a role that's revitalized his career. Nick Fradiani performs during the Q100 Moon Shine Grind at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park on October 27, 2016, in Alpharetta, Georgia. Nick Fradiani performs during the Q100 Moon Shine Grind at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park on October 27, 2016, in Alpharetta, Georgia. Robb Cohen/Invision/AP Trent Harmon (Season 15, 2016) The last winner before Idol's original Fox run ended, Trent Harmon leaned into country-pop with his album You Got 'Em All. He continues writing and performing music, with a focus on authenticity and storytelling. Maddie Poppe (Season 16, 2018) After a year hiatus, American Idol returned, but this time on ABC. Maddie Poppe charmed audiences with her folk-pop sound. Since her win, she's toured with artists like Ingrid Michaelson and dropped new singles, steadily building her discography and fanbase. Maddie Poppe poses during 2019 Live in the Vineyard at Peju winery on November 2, 2019, in Napa, California. Maddie Poppe poses during 2019 Live in the Vineyard at Peju winery on November 2, 2019, in Napa, California. ImageSPACE/MediaPunch /IPX Laine Hardy (Season 17, 2019) Laine Hardy found success with his country debut Here's to Anyone and maintains a strong online following. Legal troubles have occasionally made headlines, but he continues to pursue music. Just Sam (Season 18, 2020) Crowned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Just Sam faced a difficult post-win journey marked by financial struggles and mental health challenges. They've since returned to independent music and are reconnecting with fans while rebuilding their career. Chayce Beckham (Season 19, 2021) With a raw country-rock voice, Chayce Beckham scored big with his single "23." He continues to gain traction in the country scene, performing live and working on new material. Noah Thompson (Season 20, 2022) The Kentucky native won hearts with his small-town charm. His first single, "One Day Tonight," climbed the charts, and he continues to release music and tour. Noah Thompson arrives at the 20th anniversary celebration of "American Idol" on April 18, 2022, at Desert 5 Spot in Los Angeles. Noah Thompson arrives at the 20th anniversary celebration of "American Idol" on April 18, 2022, at Desert 5 Spot in Los Angeles. Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP Iam Tongi (Season 21, 2023) Iam Tongi made history as Idol's first Pacific Islander winner. With his emotional performances and powerful backstory, he became an overnight sensation. He released his debut EP in 2024 and is now performing across the U.S. and abroad. Iam Tongi performs at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii, on May 16, 2023. Iam Tongi performs at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii, on May 16, 2023. Erik Kabik/MediaPunch /IPX Abi Carter (Season 22, 2024) Still fresh from her win, Abi Carter is already making waves with her original music and poised media presence. She released her debut album, Ghosts in the Backyard, in November 2024. She embarked on her first headlining tour, the "Ghosts in the Backyard Tour," starting in February, with performances in several U.S. cities. Additionally, she performed at the Stagecoach Festival in April.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Ed Sheeran's New Single Looks Like It's A Flop — But Don't Judge It Just Yet
Ed Sheeran's 'Old Phone' debuts on two U.K. charts after only hours of tracking, hinting at major ... More success ahead for the Play single. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 06: Ed Sheeran performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on June 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by) Getty Images Ed Sheeran's new album Play won't be released for months. The singer-songwriter has scheduled the full-length to drop in September, meaning he has the entire summer to dominate the charts, streaming platforms, and radio airwaves with catchy tunes. The forthcoming set brings him back to the top 40 sound that has made him one of the most successful musicians in that space of all time, and he's on the hunt for more massive hits. Sheeran recently moved on from lead cut "Azizam" and shared the nostalgic "Old Phone." The tune debuts on two charts in the United Kingdom this week, though, in very low positions. That doesn't suggest the track isn't successful — actually, when context is applied, it seems to say exactly the opposite, even though some may see these rankings as disappointing. "Old Phone" launches on the Official Singles Downloads chart at No. 87 this week. It comes in even lower on the Official Singles Sales list at No. 90. While those positions are far from impressive — especially for someone as successful as Sheeran, and certainly in the U.K., where he remains one of the most famous artists in the business — some more information is needed to explain why they may actually be rather impressive. The vast majority of albums and songs are released on Friday morning. That's when, in most markets, the official tracking week for charts begins. Musicians want a full seven days to rack up streams, sales, and radio attention in order to make their projects and tunes into hits, so they compete with one another on Fridays. Some musicians, however, in an effort to grab media attention before the far-too-packed Fridays, will release music on Thursday. While that does undercut an initial tracking week — sometimes giving artists just a few hours in which to collect streams and sales — there are other benefits. Sheeran dropped "Old Phone" midday on Thursday, May 1. That means that in just a few hours, the tune managed to still become one of the bestselling in the U.K. That type of performance is reserved only for the biggest names in the music industry, as most artists really need those full seven days in order to appear anywhere on the charts. The Future of Ed Sheeran's 'Old Phone' When the Official Charts Company refreshes its rankings in a few days, there's a good chance that "Old Phone" will become a certified smash. It will certainly rocket up both the Official Singles Sales and Official Singles Downloads rankings, where this time around it adds to Sheeran's growing list of favorites. He's now collected at least 79 hits on both tallies. The tune will also likely reach a number of other rankings, including those dedicated to streaming activity and the all-consumption Official Singles chart. As "Old Phone" gets off to a slow start, "Azizam" — the lead single from Play — is performing very well. After a month on the charts, it's still living inside the top 10 on all four lists on which it appears. This frame, it holds at No. 2 on the Official Singles Downloads ranking, its highest position.
