From Lizzo's backups backing her up to a big week of ups and downs for Britney Spears, here's what's happening in entertainment.
Lizzo's Crew Speaks
Lizzo is receiving public support on Instagram amid allegations of creating a hostile work environment and sexual harassment.
A note signed by "the Big Grrls and Big Boiiis," her backup dancers, says that their experience has been "beyond just #Special!"
"The commitment to character and culture taking precedence over every movement and moment has been one of the Greatest lessons and Blessings that we could possibly ask for," the message continued.
Lizzo has been mostly quiet about the lawsuit since her initial address earlier this month when she said the former employees hurling the accusations "have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.
Amid news of a pending divorce, Britney Spears is set to record a new album.
Page Six reported that collaborations with "some big artists" are in the works as she prepares for a writers boot camp. Spears is also set to release a memoir in October titled The Woman in Me.
News of the album comes the same week that Spears' husband Sam Asghari filed for divorce. He asked the public to be kind as reports floated about him seeking spousal support and a renegotiated prenuptial agreement.
Asghari cited irreconcilable differences amid rumors that Spears cheated.
Don Lemon Speaks
Former CNN host Don Lemon finally spoke in depth about being ousted from the network in April.
During an interview on the Pivot podcast with Kara Swisher, Lemon said he felt vindicated after former CNN president Chris Licht was fired in June.
"Read the story, and you speak to the people who are there, and I think people get what happened. All you have to do is read The Atlantic story, read the subsequent stories that came out and how it played out," he said.
As far as next steps go, Lemon said he will likely end up in the digital space or on a streaming platform.
The holiday weekend saw Disney+ and Netflix competing head-to-head for streaming views as the Disney behemoth kicked off the unofficial start to summer with its release of "Obi-Wan Kenobi" and Netflix responded with the first part of "Stranger Things" Season 4. The streaming giants caught the eye of Wall Street, and Seth Schachner, the managing director at consultancy Strat Americas, joined Cheddar News to break down the heavy hitters. "This is a very tough, competitive game, and I don't see it getting any easier," he said. "I think you'll probably see more consolidation."
The founder and president of Cyborg Mobile Kobie Hatcher has been on a strong trajectory to disrupt his industry with a program called The New Technologists. It's not only meant to address the diversity gap within large tech companies but also help pave the way to transform the lives of young BIPOC students. He joined Cheddar News to talk about how he's working to make a difference with the lack of diversity in tech. “There's truly no lack of talent out there. It's just identifying them and letting them know that, hey, I've been in the tech sector for over 20 years. I see you. I know what you can bring, bring it, we need it," Hatcher said.
Catching you up on the entertainment headlines of the day with "Top Gun: Maverick" soaring up to a record opening at $160.5M, Harry Styles also hitting number one on Billboard with "Harry's House," Netflix released images of Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in "Maestro," and more.
Constituent service platform Indigov recently raised $25 million in a Series B funding round. Indigov bills itself as a constituent relationship management tool that helps elected officials improve the way they organize, respond to, and engage those they serve. The startup's services are being used by federal, state, and local governments across the country, including the U.S. House of Representatives. Alex Kouts, founder & CEO of Indigov, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The 2022 NBA playoffs are intensifying as four teams vie for an NBA finals berth. Tonight, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors can book their finals ticket with a win over the Dallas Mavericks, while Miami will be feeling the 'heat' tomorrow night, facing elimination against the Boston Celtics.
And with the growing popularity of sports betting, the NBA playoffs offers a potential money-making opportunity for fans. Trysta Krick, host of BetMGM Tonight, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
As the holiday weekend arrives, travelers are bracing themselves for higher gas prices amid the inflation surge, but Robert Sinclair, AAA spokesperson, joined Cheddar News to discuss how the higher costs likely won't hold people back this Memorial Day Weekend. “We're near pre-pandemic levels. Nearly 40 million people are traveling. And of that total, about 35 million will be driving to their destinations," he said.
Terry Dunn Meurer, executive producer of the 'Unsolved Mysteries' podcast, joins Cheddar News to discuss the new season and why people are obsessed with true crime.
Catching you up on the entertainment headlines of the day with "Top Gun: Maverick" making $19.3M in previews, BTS heading to the White House, and "Ozark” reclaiming the throne as number one in the Nielsen streaming ratings.
