Broadway writer of ‘& Juliet’ builds show with huge pop hits
December 13, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — We first see Juliet in the Capulet tomb, devastated. She's wakes up to see her Romeo dead. But before she plunges a dagger into her heart, she starts ... singing. What comes out is, improbably, a Britney Spears hit.
Top TV ’22: The Slap, congressional docudrama and royal loss
December 7, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — In a year marked by unexpected winners and losers, television was keeping tabs.
A Hollywood star tarnished his image and that of the Oscars.
Britney Spears’ massive pop songs to land on Broadway, again
December 2, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — A stage musical about woke princesses that uses hit songs by Britney Spears will land on Broadway this summer.
"Once Upon a One More Time," featuring Spears' tunes, including “Oops!… I Did It Again,” “Lucky,” “Stronger” and “Toxic,” will start performances in May at the Marquis Theatre.
Today in History: December 2, Senate condemns McCarthy
December 2, 2022 GMTToday in History
Today is Friday, Dec. 2, the 336th day of 2022. There are 29 days left in the year.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Nov. 27-Dec. 3
November 21, 2022 GMTCelebrity birthdays for the week of Nov. 27-Dec. 3:
Nov. 27: Director Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker”) is 71. TV personality Bill Nye (“Bill Nye the Science Guy”) is 67. Actor William Fichtner (“Mom,” “Invasion”) is 66.
Elton John’s final tour revisits LA glory with Lipa, Carlile
November 15, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Elton John’s audacious 1970 U.S. debut at a local nightclub moved a critic to declare that the slight young Englishman would become one of rock's most important stars. It didn't take long.
Today in History: November 12, Stalin takes control
November 12, 2022 GMTToday in History
Today is Saturday, Nov. 12, the 316th day of 2022. There are 49 days left in the year.
Singer-rapper Aaron Carter dies in California at age 34
November 6, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Aaron Carter, the singer-rapper who began performing as a child and had hit albums starting in his teen years, was found dead Saturday at his home in Southern California. He was 34.
The Rock Hall of Fame opens to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
November 1, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year will induct Eminem, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon and two guys in sunglasses who have scored more No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 than all of those other acts combined.
Census, term limit change means big turnover for lawmakers
October 12, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — An unusually high number of California lawmakers will be gone after the November election due to a collision between redistricting in 2020 and changes to term limits that voters approved a decade ago.
After #FreeBritney, California to limit conservatorships
September 30, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed a bill limiting conservatorships that grant legal guardianship over individuals, a move that comes after Britney Spears’ conservatorship case garnered national attention amid her attempts to regain control over her finances and livelihood.
Today in History: September 29, Pope John Paul I found dead
September 29, 2022 GMTToday in History
Today is Thursday, Sept. 29, the 272nd day of 2022. There are 93 days left in the year.
Officials: Campbell Danesh died of chloroethane inhalation
September 13, 2022 GMTROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — Singer and actor Darius Campbell Danesh, who went from a British reality television show to a stage and music career, died from inhaling chloroethane and suffocating, a Minnesota medical examiner found.
Lawmakers adjourn in heat wave, leave governor in hot seat
September 3, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers adjourned this year's legislative session at the onset of a protracted triple-digit heat wave that fed some of their final debates over climate change and keeping the lights on by propping up an aging nuclear reactor.
Elton John and Britney Spears unite on a new dance single
August 26, 2022 GMTElton John and Britney Spears have collaborated for the first time, creating the slinky, club-ready single “Hold Me Closer” that sees the pop icons take old sounds and fashion something new.
The funky, piano-driven single uses John’s 1971 hit “Tiny Dancer” as the skeleton and adds elements from his songs “The One” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” all with Spears voice soaring and fluttering.
‘Pop Idol’ and stage star Darius Campbell Danesh dies at 41
August 16, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Performer Darius Campbell Danesh, who went from a British reality television show to a stage and music career, has died at the age of 41.
The singer's family said Tuesday that he was found unresponsive in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota on Aug.
Britney Spears’ ex convicted of trespassing in wedding raid
August 13, 2022 GMTVENTURA, Calif. (AP) — A man once briefly married to Britney Spears has been convicted of aggravated trespassing and battery at the pop star’s June wedding.
Jason Alexander, 40, pleaded no contest to the two misdemeanor counts in a California court, prosecutors in Ventura County announced Thursday.
‘South Park’ enjoys a silver anniversary of satire
August 12, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Reaching the age of 25 is usually a sign of hitting adulthood, a signal to put away all childish things. Not for “South Park” and stars Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman.
The Comedy Central staple about four bratty, perpetually bundled-up youngsters in an unhinged Colorado cartoon town celebrated its silver anniversary by trundling along, fueled by poo jokes and razor-sharp social satire.
Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ has died at 89
August 1, 2022 GMTNichelle Nichols, who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood as communications officer Lt. Uhura on the original “Star Trek” television series, has died at the age of 89.
Her son Kyle Johnson said Nichols died Saturday in Silver City, New Mexico.
Review: On ‘Surrender,’ Maggie Rogers underlies her vitality
July 27, 2022 GMT“Surrender,” by Maggie Rogers (Capitol Records)
It's all there in the title. Do as Maggie Rogers asks. Give in to her.
The 12-track “Surrender” is the follow-up to “Heard It in a Past Life,” her 2019 debut album that announced a major talent.
Celebrity designer accused of smuggling crocodile handbags
July 8, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities and characters in the “Sex and the City” TV series, was arrested in her hometown of Cali, Colombia, and faces extradition to the United States on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags, Colombian prosecutors said Friday.
ShowBiz Minute: Ludacris, Spears, Momoa
June 28, 2022 GMTBritney Spears’ ex ordered to trial on stalking charge
June 28, 2022 GMTVENTURA, Calif. (AP) — A California judge found Monday that there is enough evidence against a man once briefly married to Britney Spears who showed up uninvited at the pop star's wedding to go to trial on a felony stalking charge.
Today in History: June 23, Nasser elected Egypt’s president
June 23, 2022 GMTToday in History
Today is Thursday, June 23, the 174th day of 2022. There are 191 days left in the year.
Mariah Carey, Neptunes, Lennox in Songwriters Hall of Fame
June 17, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — After a glittering career stuffed with No. 1 hits — not to mention a two-year pandemic delay — Mariah Carey was finally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday, but not before challenging her new fellow members to do better by women.
Neptunes producer Chad Hugo lets his music do the talking
June 16, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Chad Hugo is a man of very few words. But helping craft some of the biggest songs of the early 2000s, his music may have spoken louder than he ever could.
“It’s always just been gratifying to see people enjoy the music when it’s played out loud and you’re cultivating moments or opportunities for moments to share,” said the two-time Grammy winner.
Spears’ ex who appeared at wedding charged with stalking
June 14, 2022 GMTVENTURA, Calif. (AP) — A man once briefly married to Britney Spears who showed up uninvited at the pop star's wedding to longtime boyfriend Sam Asghari was charged Monday with felony stalking.
Jason Alexander, 40, pleaded not guilty in Ventura County court to the charge, along with misdemeanor counts of trespassing, vandalism and battery.
Britney Spears marries Sam Asghari in California
June 10, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears has married her longtime partner Sam Asghari at a Southern California ceremony that came months after the pop superstar won her freedom from a court conservatorship.
Review: Actress Selma Blair bares soul in captivating memoir
May 17, 2022 GMT"Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up,” by Selma Blair (Alfred A. Knopf)
Most people probably know Selma Blair from her memorable roles in late ‘90s/early '00’s hit films such as “Cruel Intentions," “Legally Blonde” and “Hellboy.”
Britney Spears says she’s lost baby due to miscarriage
May 14, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears says she has lost a baby early in her pregnancy.
Spears announced the loss on Instagram Saturday in a joint post with her partner, Sam Asghari.
Key moments in Blac Chyna’s trial against Kardashians
May 3, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — To keep up with the Kardashians for the past two weeks, you would've had to spend a lot of time at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse, where they've been watching and testifying at a trial over a lawsuit brought against them by former reality television star Blac Chyna.
New York Times’ top editor may speak out more on journalism
April 29, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Times has a tradition of letting its work speak for itself, rather than publicly defending its journalism from criticism.
Yet with democracy, truth, and the news business under attack, that's a luxury The Times' incoming executive editor, Joe Kahn, may not be able to afford.
Mega dance company bred culture of sex, silence, dancers say
April 20, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Every year, one of the world’s leading dance competition companies sells the dream of Hollywood fame to hundreds of thousands of ambitious young dancers hoping to launch careers on television, in movies and on stage.
Britney Spears confuses some with Instagram pregnancy news
April 12, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears, less than five months after her conservatorship ended, confused some fans Monday when she posted on Instagram that she's pregnant, and apparently married.
Fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier dies at age 78
April 2, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Patrick Demarchelier, the French-born photographer known for his high fashion images of top models and celebrities, including Princess Diana, has died. He was 78.
His Instagram account broke the news of his death Thursday but offered no further details.
Judge ends lengthy conservatorship for actor Amanda Bynes
March 22, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor Amanda Bynes was released Tuesday from a court conservatorship that put her life and financial decisions in her parents' control for nearly nine years.
Ventura County Superior Court Judge Roger Lund terminated the conservatorship at a hearing in a courtroom in the Southern California city of Oxnard, her attorney David A.
Police investigating performer Donny Davis’ death in Vegas
February 25, 2022 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas police are investigating the death of 43-year-old comedian and performer Donny Davis, who was found unresponsive after a night with several people at a luxury hotel on the Strip.
Super Bowl performers vow to open doors for more hip-hop
February 10, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg said the NFL was late embracing hip-hop and vowed that their Super Bowl halftime show would create more opportunities for the genre.
Spears case drives California bid to limit conservatorships
January 20, 2022 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Disability rights activists and advocates for Britney Spears backed a California proposal Wednesday to provide more protections for those under court-ordered conservatorships, while promoting less-restrictive alternatives.
McConnell, Spears, Osaka: A look at 2021′s notable quotes
December 14, 2021 GMTNEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A line from a speech given from the U.S. Senate floor before rioters broke into the Capitol on Jan. 6 tops a Yale Law School librarian's list of the most notable quotes of 2021.
Britney, Bennifer, Beatles and Broadway: Pop culture in 2021
December 9, 2021 GMTBritney was freed. Bennifer came back. So did Broadway, yay! And actually, the Beatles! As for Bond — James Bond — he said goodbye, at least the Daniel Craig version.
Harry and Meghan spoke to Oprah, and boy, we listened.
Kelsea Ballerini feels her way through her new poetry book
December 2, 2021 GMTNew York (AP) — Country music star Kelsea Ballerini had no intentions of starting a new job as an author in 2020. She did plan to tour her new album, “Kelsea” — then the coronavirus pandemic shut down most of the world.
Today in History
December 2, 2021 GMTToday in History
Today is Thursday, Dec. 2, the 336th day of 2021. There are 29 days left in the year.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 4
November 22, 2021 GMTCelebrity birthdays for the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 4:
Nov. 28: Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. is 92. Singer-songwriter Bruce Channel is 81. Singer Randy Newman is 78. Musician Paul Shaffer (“Late Show With David Letterman”) is 72.
Britney Spears got all to agree she needed to be freed
November 13, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — There were no more of the heated arguments or dueling court filings of the past few months, no more tearful testimony or angry accusations.
For one day at least, everyone surrounding Britney Spears agreed.
EXPLAINER: Conservatorships and how Britney Spears was freed
November 13, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has freed Britney Spears from the conservatorship that controlled her life and money for nearly 14 years.
Britney freed: Judge dissolves Spears’ conservatorship
November 13, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears is free. A Los Angeles judge on Friday ended the conservatorship that has controlled the pop singer's life and money for nearly 14 years.
EXPLAINER: Britney Spears’ conservatorship, and its endgame
November 11, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears may be on the verge of freeing herself from the conservatorship that has controlled her life and money for nearly 14 years. She successfully ousted her father from the legal arrangement in September, and at a hearing on Friday a judge could end it altogether.
Review: Princess Diana gets an abstract and arty ghost story
November 4, 2021 GMTThe casting, with Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, is brilliant, and the ending, in a top-down convertible, is sublime. So why is the rest of Pablo Larraín’s “Spencer" such a hollow exercise in high camp?
Virus cut access to courts but opened door to virtual future
October 26, 2021 GMTJust two reporters were allowed inside a Georgia courtroom to serve as the eyes and ears of the public when jury selection began for the men charged with murdering Ahmaud Arbery. Pandemic restrictions also kept reporters and the public out of the courtroom during the sex-trafficking trial of music star R.
Britney Spears thanks #FreeBritney fans after dad’s removal
October 5, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears thanked fans who have called for years to #FreeBritney for major changes in the conservatorship that has long controlled her life and money.
Spears case spotlights state efforts to rein in conservators
October 1, 2021 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Britney Spears' fight to end the conservatorship that controlled vast aspects of her life is putting the spotlight on ongoing efforts throughout the U.S. to reform state laws that advocates say too often harm the very people they were meant to protect.
Britney’s father is out, but scrutiny of him just beginning
October 1, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears and her attorney successfully drove her father from the conservatorship that has run the singer's life and controlled her money, but they say they are not done scrutinizing him and the actions he took over the past 13 years.
EXPLAINER: How conservatorships like Britney Spears’ work
September 30, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears has successfully ousted her father from the conservatorship that controls her life and money, and she is likely to be freed to make her own decisions in November.
Britney Spears freed from father’s ‘toxic’ conservatorship
September 30, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears has been freed from her father. And she could be freed entirely from court control within weeks.
In a major victory for the pop star, a judge on Wednesday suspended the singer's father from the conservatorship that has controlled her life and money for 13 years, saying the arrangement “reflects a toxic environment.”
New this week: ‘Sopranos’ prequel, Jon Stewart and Carlile
September 27, 2021 GMTHere’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.
Britney Spears court filing says conservatorship should end
September 23, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears said in a court filing Wednesday that she agrees with her father that the conservatorship that has controlled her life and money since 2008 should be terminated.
Gabby Petito story boosted by social media, true-crime craze
September 21, 2021 GMTMIAMI (AP) — The disappearance and death of Gabby Petito and the police hunt for her boyfriend have generated a whirlwind online, with a multitude of armchair detectives and others sharing tips, possible sightings and theories by way of TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Britney Spears gets engaged with ‘lioness’ engraved ring
September 13, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears announced her engagement Sunday to her boyfriend Sam Asghari with an exuberant post displaying a diamond ring engraved with the word “lioness.”
The news comes days after her father filed to end the court conservatorship that has controlled the singer’s life and money for 13 years.
Britney Spears’ father files to end court conservatorship
September 8, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears' father filed Tuesday to end the court conservatorship that has controlled the singer's life and money for 13 years.
James Spears filed his petition to terminate the conservatorship in Los Angeles Superior Court.
No charges for Britney Spears in dispute with housekeeper
September 2, 2021 GMTTHOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Britney Spears will face no charges after an allegation from her housekeeper that Spears slapped a phone out of her hand, prosecutors said Wednesday.
A possible misdemeanor battery charge was declined based on insufficient evidence that a crime had occurred and lack of injury to the housekeeper or of significant damage to the phone, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said in a statement.
Lawyer: Britney Spears ‘will not be extorted’ by father
September 1, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears and her new attorney say her father is trying to get about $2 million in payments before stepping down from the conservatorship that controls her life and money, a move they liken to extortion in a court filing Tuesday.
Britney Spears under investigation over battery of staff
August 19, 2021 GMTTHOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Britney Spears is under investigation over misdemeanor battery after a staff member at her home alleged the singer struck her, authorities said Thursday.
Deputies responded to Spears' home in Southern California after the staff member reported the Monday night dispute, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office said.
Britney Spears’ dad will exit conservatorship, but not yet
August 12, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears' father said in a court filing Thursday that he is planning to step down from the conservatorship that has controlled her life and money for 13 years, but his departure is not imminent.
Britney Spears’ father says ‘no grounds’ for his removal
August 7, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears' father said in a court filing Friday that there are “no grounds whatsoever” for removing him from the conservatorship that controls her money and affairs.
James Spears “has dutifully and faithfully served as the conservator of his daughter’s estate without any blemishes on his record,” the filing said.
‘Toxic’ podcast explores Britney Spears conservatorship
July 30, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — As the fate of Britney Spears' conservatorship is in the hands of a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, two podcast hosts who have spent hours dissecting the case are hopeful change is coming for the singer to become more independent.
Britney Spears’ new lawyer files to remove father’s control
July 27, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears’ new attorney petitioned Monday to oust her father from the conservatorship that has controlled her life and money for 13 years and replace him with a professional accountant.
Britney Spears court fight reflects disability rights issues
July 24, 2021 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Around 50 people gathered around the Utah State Capitol dressed in glittery-hot pink attire on July 14, to rally for Britney Spears as she headed to court for her conservatorship case in California.
Britney Spears’ conservatorship case sparks legislative push
July 20, 2021 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Prompted by Britney Spears’ conservatorship fight, a bipartisan legislative effort has emerged to reform the process created to protect the rights of more than 1 million people across the United States under the protective arrangements.
Dozens gather in Utah to back Britney Spears in court fight
July 15, 2021 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Dozens of demonstrators gathered in Salt Lake City Wednesday to support pop star Britney Spears during a court battle over her conservatorship.
More than 50 people came to the Utah Capitol grounds, part of a nationwide protest over the treatment of Spears who lost the right to manage her estate in 2008, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
Britney Spears’ new attorney says father must step aside
July 15, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge allowed Britney Spears to hire an attorney of her choosing at a hearing Wednesday in which she broke down in tears after describing the “cruelty" of her conservatorship.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny approved Spears hiring former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart, who called on Spears' father to immediately resign as her conservator.
Britney Spears’ court-appointed attorney resigns
July 7, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears' court-appointed attorney on Tuesday filed documents to resign from her conservatorship, the latest of several such moves that have come in the fallout from the pop singer's comments in court decrying the legal arrangement that controls her money and affairs.
Britney Spears’ father seeks court probe of her allegations
June 30, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears’ father has asked the court overseeing his daughter’s conservatorship to investigate her statements to a judge last week on the court's control of her medical treatment and personal life, which she called overly restrictive and abusive.
Britney Spears’ public support may not mean much in court
June 25, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears’ powerful plea to a judge to end the conservatorship that has controlled her life since 2008 brought sympathy and outrage from fans, famous supporters and even casual observers who say she deserves independence.
EXPLAINER: How conservatorships like Britney Spears’ work
June 25, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears told a judge at a dramatic hearing Wednesday she wants an end to the conservatorship that has controlled her life and money for 13 years.
Britney Spears tells judge: ‘I want my life back’
June 24, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — After 13 years of near silence in the conservatorship that controls her life and money, Britney Spears passionately told a judge Wednesday that she wants to end the “abusive” case that has made her feel demoralized and enslaved.
EXPLAINER: Calls to #FreeBritney and court conservatorships
June 21, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — When Britney Spears, who turns 40 this year, speaks to a Los Angeles judge at her own request on Wednesday, she'll do it 13 years into a court-enforced conservatorship that has exercised vast control of her life and money.
Fractured fairy tale musical to use Britney Spears music
May 27, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Plans are afoot to put some old hit songs by Britney Spears into a stage musical about woke princesses, and the hope is that the result isn't “Toxic.”
The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.
Britney Spears set to speak in court on her conservatorship
April 28, 2021 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears has asked to address the court to talk about the conservatorship that has controlled her life and finances for 13 years, her attorney said Tuesday, and a judge scheduled a June date to hear from her.
AM Prep-Music
February 15, 2021 GMTJUSTIN TIMBERLAKE ISSUES APOLOGY TO SPEARS, JACKSON