Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode...

Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode of The Awardist podcast Plus, interviews with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, jesse Plemons and Yorgos Lanthimos, Rose Byrne, &34;KPop Demon Hunters&34; stars Arden Cho and May Hong, and more — and awards season analysis. By Gerrad Hall :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/Gerrad413fcf02541834f43bb26c0de8fe66f66.jpg) Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at , overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage.

Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode of The Awardist podcast

Plus, interviews with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, jesse Plemons and Yorgos Lanthimos, Rose Byrne, "KPop Demon Hunters" stars Arden Cho and May Hong, and more — and awards season analysis.

By Gerrad Hall

Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at **, overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage. He is also host of *The Awardist* podcast, and has cohosted EW's live Oscars, Emmys, SAG, and Grammys red carpet shows. He has appeared on *Good Morning America*, *The Talk*, *Access Hollywood*, *Extra!*, and other talk shows, delivering the latest news on pop culture and entertainment.

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December 30, 2025 7:49 p.m. ET

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Amy Madigan; Michael B. Jordan; Jacob Elordi. Credit:

Eric Charbonneau/Warner Bros via Getty; Brianna Bryson/WireImage; Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty

After a Fall Festival circuit that launched the campaigns for *Hamnet*, *Bugonia*, *Frankenstein*, *The Smashing Machine*, *The Testament of Ann Lee*, *The Secret Agent*, and more, we were off to the races. But *Sinners* emerged as the year's first true Oscar contender in April, both a box office and critical success. From the Cannes Film Festival, *Sentimental Value* emerged as a favorite, and it continued to build momentum during the fall. And then there was this summer's surprise hit, *Weapons*. Then came *One Battle After Another* and *Marty Supreme*.

The 2026 Oscars race has given us no shortage of topics to analyze, and the acting categories have been more in flux than in past years — we've been breaking it all down on *The Awardist* podcast. Plus, stars and directors of this year's contenders have joined me to discuss their films and look back on their careers, including *KPop Demon Hunters* voice stars Arden Cho and May Hong; *Weapons* star Amy Madigan; *Frankenstein*'s Creature, Jacob Elordi; *Sinners* writer-director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan; *Wicked: For Good* star Cynthia Erivo, and *One Battle After Another* stars Chase Infiniti and Regina Hall.

Below, you can listen to each episode of the 2026 Oscars season of *The Awardist* podcast. And be sure to check back as new episodes go live every Thursday.*******Check out more from EW's *The Awardist*, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis, and our podcast diving into all the highlights from the year's best in TV, movies, and more.***

Sizing up One Battle After Another, Hamnet, and other early 2026 Oscar frontrunners — and can KPop Demon Hunters get a Best Picture nomination?

A new season of *The Awardist* kicks off with host Gerrad Hall, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng breaking down all of the early action on the road to the 2026 Oscars. We're talking about early frontrunners — including Paul Thomas Anderson's *One Battle After Another*, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, to Chloé Zhao's *Hamnet* starring the one-to-beat Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal — the movies that gained the most out of the fall festival circuit, the big contenders still to come, and who might be a dark horse, including *KPop Demon Hunters*.**

*The Lost Bus *star America Ferrera, Timothée Chalamet's big boost for Marty Supreme

Timothée Chalamet's *Marty Supreme* has a surprise world premiere this week at the New York Film Festival — is the reaction what he needed to boost his lead in the Best Actor race? *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng break down early chatter about his performance and what it'll mean for his chances. Plus, thoughts on *One Battle After Another* star Chase Infiniti leaping into the Best Actress category, and we dive into the Golden Globes' short list for Best Podcast, which includes some controversial political voices. And Gerrad chats with *The Lost Bus* star America Ferrera about the harrowing true story, about the bus driver and teacher who were trapped with 22 students during California's devastating 2018 Camp Fire.**

KPop Demon Hunters stars Arden Cho & May Hong, and remembering Diane Keaton

After becoming the biggest pop culture phenomenon of the year, breaking records on Netflix, and taking the Billboard charts by storm with the soundtrack, including the No. 1 hit "Golden," *KPop Demon Hunters* stars Arden Cho ('Rumi') and May Hong ('Mira') are looking back on their very first auditions for the movie, how they related to their demon-hunting/KPop girl-group characters, the movie's enormous success, what they hope to see from a sequel, and more. Plus, *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall and EW. Sr. Editor Joyce Eng chat about the shift in categories for *One Battle After Another* star Chase Infiniti, and we're celebrating the legacy of Hollywood legend Diane Keaton.**

Weapons star Amy Madigan on bringing Aunt Gladys to life, Miley Cyrus gets in the Oscar race

Could Amy Madigan go back to the Oscars 40 years after her first nomination, this time for playing the mysterious and kooky Aunt Gladys in the horror mystery *Weapons*? It's very possible! The actress joins *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to look back on her experience in Zach Cregger's latest thriller and her career. Plus, Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng chat about the Best Song race, including new contender Miley Cyrus, who has co-written and will perform the end credits song for *Avatar: Fire and Ash*.**

First Wicked: For Good reactions, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You star Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne plays a mother on the verge of a breakdown in *If I Had Legs I'd Kick You* — she breaks down her performance in the psychological dramedy, which is already picking up a lot of honors this awards season. Plus, *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall and EW senior editor Joyce Eng break down the Gotham Awards nominations, where *One Battle After Another* leads all nominees with six; we also analyze that movie's switch to the comedy/musical category at the Golden Globes and what it means for movies including *Wicked: For Good*. And Gerrad shares his reaction to that movie and whether stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande can go the distance at the Oscars.**

Frankenstein star Jacob Elordi, sizing up the Supporting Actor race

He's unrecognizable in *Frankenstein*, covered in prosthetics to play the Creature, but Jacob Elordi steals the show with his heartbreaking performance. He joins *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to discuss what he considers his most personal work yet, teases *Euphoria* season 3, and looks back on the *Kissing Booth* movies and *Saltburn*. Plus, Gerrad shares a portion of his Q&A with *Frankenstein* star Oscar Isaac at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. Elsewhere, Gerrad, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng analyze the Supporting Actor category.**

*Die My Love *stars Jennifer Lawrence & Robert Pattinson, why Sydney Sweeney's Christy flopped

After starring in their own huge franchises — *The Hunger Games* and *Twilight* — Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson now join forces to play a couple in the drama *Die My Love*. The two chat with *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall about the movie's love story and dark elements, and look back on those early blockbusters. Plus, Gerrad, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng break down the poor box office performance of Sydney Sweeney's *Christy*, and discuss Tom Cruise's career and potential future Oscar chances ahead of receiving an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards.**

The Smashing Machine stars Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt, inside the Governors Awards

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt do a deep dive with *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall on their new drama, *The Smashing Machine*, from his transformation into UFC pioneer Mark Kerr and his concerns about still being seen as the Rock to his character realizing he needed to go to rehab for his drug addiction and the personal place Johnson went for that scene, and Blunt's character Dawn trying to escape torment and their toxic relationship. The lively conversation also includes a look back at their first movie together, *Jungle Cruise*, Johnson revealing who he wanted to play in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, and more. Plus, Gerrad, EW Sr. Writer Joey Nolfi, and Sr. Editor Joyce Eng discuss the new name for the SAG Awards, the Actor Awards, and Gerrad debriefs on the Governors Awards.**

Bugonia star Jesse Plemons and director Yorgos Lanthimos, Wicked: For Good dominates box office

*Bugonia* star Jesse Plemons does a deep dive on his conspiracy-theorist character and going toe-to-toe with Emma Stone, and director Yorgos Lanthimos explains what made this movie more complicated than his other recent projects. Plus, *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng break down the huge opening weekend for *Wicked: For Good* and discuss the career of Eddie Murphy, who will be AFI's latest Life Achievement Award winner.**

Sinners star Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler, first reaction to Avatar: Fire and Ash

It was the first Oscar hopeful to debut in 2025 — *Sinners* is still a favorite and a strong contender for Best Picture, Director, and Actor nominations. Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan join *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to chat about their fifth movie together, how Jordan playing twins complicated their process, what Coogler discovered about the movie by filming the end-credits scene on day one, and more. Plus, Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng break down all of the latest awards action, from the Gothams and National Board of Review winners to the Spirit Award nominations. Plus, they reveal their thoughts on *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, and Miley Cyrus shares insight into how she wrote her original song for the movie.**

One Battle After Another stars Chase Infiniti & Regina Hall, Golden Globes snubs and surprises

Golden Globes voters have spoken — and now, so are we, breaking down the top film nominations, and especially the biggest snubs and surprises, from *Wicked: For Good* to Jacob Elordi. Plus, *One Battle After Another* star Chase Infiniti joins *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to discuss her long audition process and having to shave Leonardo DiCaprio to help win the role, that scene with Sean Penn, and more, and then Gerrad chats with her costar Regina Hall about her incredible career and role in Paul Thomas Anderson's latest movie. **

Wicked: For Good star Cynthia Erivo, Oscar shortlists, remembering Rob Reiner

Golden Globe nominee Cynthia Erivo joins *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall to chat about her *Wicked: For Good *journey, whether she was really prepared for everything required of her physically for the role, filming the number "For Good" last-minute with Ariana Grande, the 'sex cardigan,' and more. Plus, Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng analyze some of the Oscar shortlists, and we remember filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, who died tragically over the weekend.**

Marty Supreme star Gwyneth Paltrow, thoughts on Oscars moving to YouTube

Gwyneth Paltrow hasn't made a movie in seven years, but she's back on the big screen in *Marty Supreme* — she tells *Awardist* host Gerrad Hall about how "petrified" she was, about building her character's backstory, what she loved about working with Timothée Chalamet, and more. Plus, we look back on her Oscar win for *Shakespeare in Love* and why it took her 25 years to come to terms with it, as well as *Glee*, and what she thinks Pepper Potts has been up to. And Gerrad and EW Sr. Editor Joyce Eng share their thoughts on the Academy's decision to move the Oscars from broadcast TV to YouTube starting in 2029, as well as Harrison Ford being announced as SAG-AFTRA's next Life Achievement Honoree.**

- Awards Shows & Events

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Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode...

Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Cynthia Erivo, and more — every 2026 Oscars episode of The Awardist podca...

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Corey Feldman vs the World director refutes claim he wasn't involved in doc with new behind-the-s...

Marcie Hume has shared a clip of Feldman and her discussing the project. Corey Feldman vs the World director refutes claim he wasn't involved in doc with new behindthescenes footage Marcie Hume has shared a clip of Feldman and her discussing the project. By Shania Russell :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ShaniaRussellauthorphoto5934b684845d480caa4485648c39ef2b.jpg) Shania Russell Shania Russell is a news writer at , with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine. EW's editorial guidelines December 30, 2025 2:43 p.m.

Marcie Hume has shared a clip of Feldman and her discussing the project.

Corey Feldman vs the World director refutes claim he wasn't involved in doc with new behind-the-scenes footage

Marcie Hume has shared a clip of Feldman and her discussing the project.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

EW's editorial guidelines

December 30, 2025 2:43 p.m. ET

Corey Feldman and Marcie Hume in new footage released by Hume. Credit:

The director behind the explosive documentary *Corey Feldman vs the World *is shutting down the actor's claim that he was not aware of the film or involved in its production.

Last week saw the release of the doc, which follows Corey Feldman as he tours the world with his band, Corey's Angels. At one point in the film, Feldman claims that his frequent collaborator and late *The Lost Boys *costar Corey Haim "molested" him during the production of the popular 1987 vampire flick. Feldman's attorneys subsequently shared a statement with ** clarifying his comments, stating that Feldman was not involved in the making of the documentary, and claiming the footage was obtained "through dishonest means."

On Tuesday, director Marcie Hume argued otherwise, sharing a video of Feldman and herself in a parking lot during his tour in which he expresses enthusiasm for and awareness of the project. The clip, shared to Hume's Instagram page, was accompanied by a lengthy caption.

Tommaso Boddi/Getty

"Filming intensely with Corey Feldman was to watch him battle the world. This is no longer just a metaphor: It's the foundation of why this film is titled *Corey Feldman vs. the World*. I somehow never imagined that he would so fully turn that same reflex on me," Hume began. "The exact same suspicion, flattening of nuance, and the insistence that anything complicated must be an attack. I should not feel shocked, but I somehow held hope that he would see the care that went into this film. Somehow, I always hold out hope for him."

Hume then explained that her team decided to release the video in direct response to Feldman's claim that he "does not know how we obtained the footage."

She continued, "This is a small, plain glimpse of the reality of filming with Corey and of the relationship that existed while making this film. That time was challenging but also often positive. If you have not seen the film, I can almost guarantee it is not what you are expecting. Even now, even with all the noise, I find him endlessly fascinating. I still have genuine care for him. Even if, for the moment, he seems to have forgotten that we decided together that I would make this documentary."

In the newly released clip from Hume, Feldman playfully takes control of her camera, holding it selfie style so they are both in the frame as he narrates, "Here's the deal: So Marcie's on the bus with us because Marcie is the documentarian who's making the film you're watching. Now that she's living the life with us, she is part of the adventure whether she likes it or not. You can't just be a bird on the wall, or a fly on the wall, when you're living it."

In an additional statement shared with EW, Hume said, "Whatever Corey feels about the film is only one layer in a much bigger, more complicated story. The film itself holds the full experience: messy, nuanced, both hilarious and heartbreaking. I hope viewers look past the noise and see the complex picture. Corey's response is simply one more beat in a story about what happens when any of us are asked to face our own image. There's more in this film than the headlines could ever hold."

Corey Feldman, Dianne Wiest, Corey Haim, and Jamison Newlander in 'The Lost Boys'.

Warner Brothers/Getty

About an hour into *Corey Feldman vs the World*, the actor alleges that Haim, who died in 2010 at 38, "molested" him when the then-teenagers were shooting* The Lost Boys*.

"I hold myself partially responsible, because I didn't tell him no, or I didn't stop them from doing what they did," Feldman says in the footage. "I mean, I did set it up. I called him and said, 'Come over.' But you know when you've got somebody that's trying to come on to you sexually, and you don't want that, and you're a kid, and you're scared, you do whatever you can to stop it from happening, and that's what was happening. I was being molested by Corey Haim, truth be told."

Feldman's attorneys subsequently said in a statement to EW that his comments were "in reference to Mr. Haim's advances, not physical molestation." Alleging that the documentary and subsequent media coverage distorted their client's words, they added, "Mr. Feldman makes no claim that Corey Haim physically 'molested' him."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

As for claims that the footage was obtained "through dishonest means," lawyers representing the documentary responded with the statement, "All footage used in this film was obtained lawfully and with Corey Feldman's express written consent. In addition to providing signed releases and complete documentation, Corey was consistently involved throughout production and repeatedly invited filming to take place, as viewers can clearly see in the film itself."****Lawyers for Feldman did not immediately reply to EW's request for comment regarding Hume's video.**

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

- Documentary Movies

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Published: January 01, 2026 at 09:38AM on Source: MORNING MAG

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January 01, 2026

Corey Feldman vs the World director refutes claim he wasn't involved in doc with new behind-the-s...

Marcie Hume has shared a clip of Feldman and her discussing the project. Corey Feldman vs the World director refutes cla...

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Harry Potter actor didn't want to be 'shackled' to major franchise or 'trapped within the child-a...

&34;Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter,&34; Melling said. Harry Potter actor didn't want to be 'shackled' to major franchise or 'trapped within the childactor' role &34;Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter,&34; Melling said. By Sydney Bucksbaum :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/headshotb5dc24df8d5d43d1a16c9ce0e0383119.jpg) Sydney Bucksbaum Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at .

"Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter," Melling said.

Harry Potter actor didn't want to be 'shackled' to major franchise or 'trapped within the child-actor' role

"Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter," Melling said.

By Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2019 and is a published author. Her work has previously appeared in *TV Guide Magazine*, E! News/E! Online, *The Hollywood Reporter*, Mashable, Bustle, IGN, DCComics.com, Inverse, *The Daily Northwestern*, and more.

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December 30, 2025 5:33 p.m. ET

Harry Melling and Daniel Radcliffe in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'. Credit:

For Harry Potter alum Harry Melling, being in a major film franchise at the beginning of his acting career wasn't so magical.

The actor appeared as Dudley Dursley in five Harry Potter films, from when he was 10 years old until he was 21: 2001's *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*, 2002's *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*, 2004's *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*, 2007's *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* and 2010's *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1*. But as he looked back on the start of his career in an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, he revealed his struggles with being "shackled" to a major franchise.

Melling, 36, opened up about how he doesn't "want people to know" him, which is why he's taken on such different roles post-Potter.

"It's very contrary to what this industry wants you to be, and that for me is the biggest compliment someone could ever pay me," Melling said. "I don't want people to have an understanding of me prior to — I mean, obviously I kind of f---ed it up doing Harry Potter."

JC Olivera/WWD via Getty

Melling continued, "But I really don't want people to have an understanding of who I am going into a movie. I want them just to see the character, which is maybe why it feels eclectic and you can't pigeonhole it."

Melling added that he was "a wee babe, really" when he starred in the Potter films, "but people hold onto that."

Referring to a recent interview where he had said he's "spent [his] entire life running away from" Harry Potter, Melling admitted he "said it in a jokey sort of way."

"But yeah, to establish yourself so early as in this huge franchise — it was never a destination," he explained. "At 10, or whatever, there was so much more to do. In a weird way, I knew that getting trapped within the child-actor thing was not going to allow me to do the other things that I wanted to do. Now I do theater and work with the likes of the Coen Brothers, work in America, and do so much work in U.K. independent film."

Melling wondered if he does "so much" because he had a constant internal drive to "keep going" and "don't fall into" being pigeonholed as a child actor.

"Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma," he said. "I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with being in Harry Potter. I fell in love with the concept of people being many things, and that's the thing that I wanted to spend my life doing. That felt very precious to me and was something that I really wanted to have a go at doing in my life."

Harry Melling on his evolution from 'Harry Potter' to Edgar Allan Poe

How 'The Queen's Gambit' star Harry Melling went from 'Harry Potter' to prolific character actor

Melling remembered being surrounded by so many "incredible stage actors" on the set of Harry Potter movies, which helped instill a love of theater in himself from a young age.

"Even when I was doing Harry Potter, I was obsessed with theater," he said. "A lot of the more senior actors in the Harry Potter world were all these incredible stage actors — and I wanted to have that career. Then going to drama school changes what you want in coming out the other side. But at the same time, Harry Potter is this huge, huge franchise, and I never wanted to be in any way shackled to it. I always wanted to have a really big career and try lots of different things."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Since wrapping his time in the Harry Potter world, Melling has gone on to appear in multiple Coen Brothers films, including *The Ballad of Buster Scruggs*, as well as *The Queen's Gambit, The Pale Blue Eye,* and most recently starred opposite Alexander Skarsgard in the gay BDSM rom-com *Pillion* (releasing in the U.S. on Feb. 6, 2026).

Melling recently shot down speculation that he would return to the wizarding world for HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series in an interview with* British GQ *in November (child actor Amos Kitson is taking over the role of Dudley).

"I don't think so," he said when asked if he would return. "I think it's great it's getting done again. If they wanna tell the story in another way, it's an amazing opportunity to have... Because it's serious, right? They have more time to tell the story. I don't know, in a strange way, I feel that I've spent my entire life running away from it. It kind of is the fire under my belly."

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Published: January 01, 2026 at 09:38AM on Source: MORNING MAG

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January 01, 2026

Harry Potter actor didn't want to be 'shackled' to major franchise or 'trapped within the child-a...

&34;Sometimes child acting can get a negative stigma. I just never wanted that to be me. I didn't fall in love with be...

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Diana Ross rings in 2026 with New Year's Eve performance

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.Diana Ross rings in 2026 with New Year's Eve performance Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY January 1, 2026 at 5:51 AM 0 There still "ain't no mountain high enough" that Diana Ross can't conquer. At 81, the "Queen of Motown" proved her timeless appeal during her headlining performance on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" just before the arrival of 2026.

- - USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.Diana Ross rings in 2026 with New Year's Eve performance

Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY January 1, 2026 at 5:51 AM

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There still "ain't no mountain high enough" that Diana Ross can't conquer.

At 81, the "Queen of Motown" proved her timeless appeal during her headlining performance on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" just before the arrival of 2026.

Wearing a crimson feathered floor-length coat over a slinky dress, the glamorous legend began her disco-tastic set walking through a throng of revelers in Times Square.

Ross proved a game participant as she moved from her main stage - with a phalanx of tuxedo-clad male dancers behind her - where she sang statement songs "The Boss" and "Upside Down," to a platform above the crowd for "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

As she emphatically delivered the song's uplifting lyrics, she proclaimed, "I'm so grateful for all the blessings in my life!"

Ross returned to her primary stage spot to close out her six-minute romp with "Take Me Higher," as swirls of confetti blew through the air.

Ross topped a performance lineup that also included Mariah Carey, New Kids on the Block, "KPop Demon Hunters" singers Huntr/X, Pitbull, Post Malone, Chappell Roan, Busta Rhymes, Maren Morris and Rick Springfield.

Ryan Seacrest anchored ABC's live coverage with Rita Ora from Times Square in New York, while Chance the Rapper helmed the inaugural NYRE Central time zone countdown in Chicago, Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough cohosted from Las Vegas and Roselyn Sánchez beamed in from Puerto Rico. The show will be available on Hulu Jan. 1.

Diana Ross speaks onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Ross' medley showcased the expanse of her seven-decade career.

She scored her first No. 1 hit with The Supremes – "Where Did Our Love Go?" – in 1964 and steered another 11 songs to the top of the charts with the group. Ross also earned six solo No. 1s, starting with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" in 1970, three years after Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell accomplished the same feat.

Her standing in pop culture was reaffirmed when her 1980 smash "Upside Down" was used in the first episode of the current season of "Stranger Things" on Netflix.

Ross remains a steady road warrior, playing dozens of shows around the world in 2025 including the O2 Arena in London, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and two nights at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, Ross wrapped her Reflections, Magic & Memories Tour at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage casino near Palm Springs, California.

Ross will return to Las Vegas – the site of her last-ever concert with The Supremes in 1970 – with shows Feb. 12, 14-15 at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Diana Ross performance rings in 2026

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Diana Ross rings in 2026 with New Year's Eve performance

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Diana Ross r...

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Is This “Stranger Things” Character Actually Alive? What Show Creators Meant by That Ambiguous Ending

Is This "Stranger Things" Character Actually Alive? What Show Creators Meant by That Ambiguous Ending Colleen KratofilJanuary 1, 2026 at 7:30 AM 0 Courtesy of Netflix Linnea Berthelsen as Kali, Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, and David Harbour as Jim Hopper in 'Stranger Things' season 5 Warning: This story contains spoilers for Stranger Things season 5, Volume 3. Stranger Things finale premiered on Dec.

- - Is This "Stranger Things" Character Actually Alive? What Show Creators Meant by That Ambiguous Ending

Colleen KratofilJanuary 1, 2026 at 7:30 AM

0

Courtesy of Netflix

Linnea Berthelsen as Kali, Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, and David Harbour as Jim Hopper in 'Stranger Things' season 5

Warning: This story contains spoilers for Stranger Things season 5, Volume 3.

Stranger Things finale premiered on Dec. 31

Netflix revealed what the show's creators wanted the viewer to take away from the ambiguous ending

The hit show ended its five-season run with a two-hour episode

Stranger Things has come to an end, and its final moments left one major possibility up in the air.

In the Dec. 31 two-hour finale of the hit Netflix show, the final scene brought on some additional questions about the fate of its main character.

As the crew, including Will (Noah Schnapp), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) and Max (Sadie Sink), gathered in Mike's basement for a game of Dungeons & Dragons, Mike opened up the possibility that Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), who was presumed dead, may actually, be alive.

David Harbour as Jim Hopper and Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in 'Stranger Things' season 5

Just as the Hawkins crew was triumphant in their quest to defeat Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), their celebration was cut short when they were apprehended by the military as they exited the Upside Down. Eleven followed through on the plan devised by her sister, Eight a.k.a Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), and stayed in the Upside Down to kill herself as it explodes. According to Eight, it was the only way to stop the military from creating more people with their abilities or create new worlds.

After a tearful goodbye to Mike, Eleven disappeared as the crew's explosives destroyed the Upside Down. Viewers were left to assume she died, and as the episode jumped ahead 18 months later, a grieving Mike wanted to skip his high school graduation because he was "not ok with moving on."

Hopper (David Harbour) helped him realize he needed to stop "blaming himself" and "find a way to accept what happened" and "live the best goddamn life you can."

Following graduation, the crew met in Mike's basement, like old times, for a game of D&D. At the end, Mike told a tale where Eight actually saved Eleven, and she escaped to live a tranquil life.

He explained that Eleven and Eight devised a plan to make everyone believe Eleven was dead, to trick the military. Eight "cast a spell from far away, a spell of invisibility" and the person they saw die was an "illusion." Mike said he wants to imagine Eleven disappeared to a "land somewhere far away."

The show cut to Eleven walking up a mountain overlooking three waterfalls, where she found "peace and happiness" in a small village where no one knows she's alive, Mike said. When Max and Lucas asked if it's true, Mike said we don't know, but "I chose to believe that it is." They all agreed with him that they believed too.

According to Netflix's Tudum, the creators, brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, "have left it up to viewers to decide what they think happens to Eleven."

As the Tudum recap states, "she lives on in their hearts, whether that's real or not," Ross said, referring to the Hawkins crew.

In an interview with Variety earlier this season, Matt explained that the ending wouldn't be a "bloodbath."

"I've said this before: The show is not Game of Thrones," Matt said. "I'm hoping it surprises people. But there's no Red Wedding, if that's what you're asking," he said, referring to a massacre on GoT. "That would be depressing."

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Speaking to PEOPLE at the Los Angeles premiere, executive producer Shawn Levy said the finale is "as good as any TV series finale I've seen in my life."

He teased the ending again speaking with PEOPLE before Volume 2 dropped. "You will get outcomes that are deeply satisfying, but many of which are completely surprising."

"I just want to assure all of the people around the world who have walked the long road with us for nearly a decade, this finale is what you've been waiting for."

All three volumes of Stranger Things season 5 are streaming now on Netflix.

on People

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Source: "AOL Entertainment"

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Published: January 01, 2026 at 07:45AM on Source: MORNING MAG

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Is This “Stranger Things” Character Actually Alive? What Show Creators Meant by That Ambiguous Ending

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Miami shocks Ohio State in Cotton bowl: Reactions to Miami's upset win in Cotton Bowl

Miami shocks Ohio State in Cotton bowl: Reactions to Miami's upset win in Cotton Bowl John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORK January 1, 2026 at 5:09 AM 0 Miami shocks Ohio State in Cotton bowl: Reactions to Miami's upset win in Cotton Bowl The Cardiac Canes continue on in the College Football Playoff. Behind a dominant first half effort from Carson Beck, Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. and Co., the 10thseeded Hurricanes were able to upset No. 2 seed Ohio State 2414 in the CFP Cotton Bowl quarterfinals on Wednesday, Dec.

- - Miami shocks Ohio State in Cotton bowl: Reactions to Miami's upset win in Cotton Bowl

John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NETWORK January 1, 2026 at 5:09 AM

0

Miami shocks Ohio State in Cotton bowl: Reactions to Miami's upset win in Cotton Bowl

The Cardiac Canes continue on in the College Football Playoff.

Behind a dominant first half effort from Carson Beck, Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. and Co., the 10th-seeded Hurricanes were able to upset No. 2 seed Ohio State 24-14 in the CFP Cotton Bowl quarterfinals on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for their second upset of the postseason.

The loss for Ohio State drops teams that earned a first-round bye to 0-5 across two 12-team playoff iterations, with three more games to be played on Jan. 1.

REQUIRED READING: Ohio State vs Miami score: Hurricanes shock Buckeyes, CFP with quarterfinal win

After Ohio State made it a one-possession game off a 14-yard touchdown pass from Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith in the third quarter, the Hurricanes secured their spot in the CFP semifinals with a defensive stop, a 5-yard rushing touchdown from CharMar Brown and an interception from Jakobe Thomas, all in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter.

Given the overall performance from the Hurricanes and the defending national champions being knocked out in just one game, college football social media didn't hold back from reacting to the outcome of the CFP Cotton Bowl quarterfinal.

Here's a snippet of those reactions:

College football reacts to Miami upsetting Ohio State in CFP Cotton Bowl:

Here's a look at social media after Miami's win over Ohio State in the CFP Cotton Bowl quarterfinal:

MIAMI HOLDS OFF OHIO STATE TO ADVANCE TO THE CFP SEMIS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QILh6mky37

— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2026

Gutsy play-calling from Shannon Dawson tonight

— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) January 1, 2026

#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/9581SZevfz

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) January 1, 2026

What a performance for Carson Beck, too. Has made so many great decisions tonight.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 1, 2026

MIAMI TAKES DOWN DEFENDING CHAMP OHIO STATE 24-14 TO ADVANCE TO THE CFP SEMIS 🌀The Hurricanes' quest for their first national championship since 2001 continues 🏆 pic.twitter.com/b91T08AlTz

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 1, 2026

MIAMI PICKS OFF JULIAN SAYIN TO SECURE THE CFP DUB‼️ pic.twitter.com/yPy4tTQATb

— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2026

pic.twitter.com/4i3QAf0MS1

— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) January 1, 2026

When Ohio State loses, America Wins.

— Sam Sutton (@SamSutton11) January 1, 2026

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami shocks Ohio State: Social media reacts to Hurricanes' upset win

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Miami shocks Ohio State in Cotton bowl: Reactions to Miami's upset win in Cotton Bowl

Miami shocks Ohio State in Cotton bowl : Reactions to Miami 's upset win in Cotton Bowl John Leuzzi, USA TODAY NE...

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Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges

Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY December 31, 2025 at 9:30 PM 3 Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges Two New England Patriots players have been charged with assault in the last 36 hours. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation or suffocation charge as well as misdemeanor assault as of Dec. 30. Defensive lineman Christian Barmore is facing assault and battery charges as of Dec. 31. Coach Mike Vrabel has the team at 133 and fighting for the No. 1 seed in the AFC in his first year in New England.

- - Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges

Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY December 31, 2025 at 9:30 PM

3

Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges

Two New England Patriots players have been charged with assault in the last 36 hours.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation or suffocation charge as well as misdemeanor assault as of Dec. 30. Defensive lineman Christian Barmore is facing assault and battery charges as of Dec. 31.

Coach Mike Vrabel has the team at 13-3 and fighting for the No. 1 seed in the AFC in his first year in New England. He was asked today about the charges against Diggs and Barmore as the team prepares for Week 18.

"We've been aware of these allegations," Vrabel said. "Yesterday and today isn't the first that we've heard about them. [We] try to do everything in accordance with the league policy and making sure that the league, that we're in compliance with the league."

Vrabel shot down any fears that Diggs and Barmore's legal proceedings would be a distraction for the other players.

"I'm 50 years old, going to be 51, I'm not afraid," Vrabel said. "I love coaching this football team."

The team put out a statement about both players and said the franchise is aware of reports regarding both Diggs and Barmore. The statements did not include comments because both are "ongoing legal matters," a stance Vrabel reiterated through much of his news conference today.

"There's ongoing legal matters," he said. "We've made a statement, we take these allegations seriously and what comes of that, then we'll have another discussion. I don't think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now and let the process take its toll."

Vrabel said Barmore likely will not be at practice today due to an illness. As of today, he considers both players available to play against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

"I haven't heard anything that would keep either player from the game," Vrabel said. "The NFL hasn't told me anything... I haven't had a call with the NFL."

LIVE: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 12/31 https://t.co/bnLd1hZnhZ

— z - New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 31, 2025

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Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges

Mike Vrabel responds to Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore charges Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY December 31, 2025 at 9:30 PM 3 ...

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