Culture Reporter
Amanda Sterling reports on music, pop culture, celebrity news, and the arts. A graduate of NYU's arts journalism program, she covers the cultural moments that define the zeitgeist. Her reviews and profiles appear regularly in the Journal American's arts and culture section.
Legendary rock band U2 released their second EP of 2026, Easter Lily, featuring a collaboration with Brian Eno. The six-track release explores personal and spiritual themes while continuing the band’s recent focus on activism and reflection.
A Manhattan federal judge dismissed Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni in their ‘It Ends With Us’ dispute but preserved three retaliation claims for trial. The decision hinged on Lively’s independent contractor status under Title VII, though her broader allegations of a s
Miranda Bailey faces dire consequences after covering for a colleague’s FDA violation on Grey’s Anatomy’s April 2 episode. With an investigation launched and her marriage strained, her future at Grey Sloan hangs in the balance until the April 30 return.
The Pitt Season 2 Episode 13 delivers intense medical drama as the night shift takes over at PTMC, exposing systemic failures, patient tragedies, and Dr. Robby Merritt’s mental health crisis. Fresh-faced residents and seasoned attendings collide in life-or-death scenarios.
Jamie Bell and Charlie Heaton will lead Netflix and BBC’s 'Peaky Blinders' sequel, set in 1950s Birmingham. The new era follows Duke Shelby, Tommy Shelby’s eldest son, while Charlie Heaton joins as a key figure in the post-war gang saga. Production has begun in Birmingham as the franchise expands gl
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie earned $68.4M globally on its first day, surpassing the $66.4M debut of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023. The Illumination/Nintendo/Universal sequel has already grossed $122.1M worldwide, with strong performances across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Kanye West, now performing as Ye, made his first full U.S. comeback at SoFi Stadium after five years, drawing a sold-out crowd of 70,000 fans. Despite an elaborate stage design, his performance lacked energy, with long pauses, misfired lyrics, and a setlist that leaned heavily on nostalgia over new
Survivor 50 delivered its most explosive twist yet with the Blood Moon challenge, eliminating three players in one Tribal Council—none of whom will sit on the jury. The shakeup, revealed by host Jeff Probst, forced strategic alliances into disarray as a 15-player merge began.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opened to a staggering $34.5M on Wednesday—the best April opening day ever and the top debut of 2026 so far. With social media buzz hitting 775.6M across platforms and a 91% audience score, the sequel is poised to join elite animated franchises with multi-day $100M+ open
A Full Moon in Libra on April 2, 2026, triggers powerful horoscopes for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Gemini. Astrologers say this cosmic event forces tough choices, self-reflection, and bold decisions as the Sun in Aries heightens tensions and demands accountability.
UGLY KID JOE announces a 15-city U.S. tour for summer 2026, with WHEATUS and PLATINUM MOON joining select dates. Tickets go on sale April 3. The band is also recording a follow-up to 2022's 'Rad Wings Of Destiny,' with a guest appearance by former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing.
Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion was rushed to a New York hospital Tuesday night after falling ill during a Moulin Rouge! The Musical performance. She was treated for extreme exhaustion and released the next morning, with her return to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre scheduled for Thursday.
NCIS shocked viewers on March 24 with the shooting death of Director Leon Vance in the 500th episode. This marks the latest in a long line of emotional departures spanning 23 seasons, including the deaths of Caitlin Todd, Mike Franks, and Gibbs' ex-wife Diane Sterling.
Jessie Jones, the Emmy-nominated TV actress known for guest roles on Murphy Brown and Newhart, and a prolific playwright whose works like Dearly Departed toured globally, died March 20 at 75 in Washington, D.C. Her death follows a long illness, according to writing partner Jamie Wooten.
Amanda Batula and West Wilson, stars of Bravo’s 'Summer House,' have confirmed their relationship, sending shockwaves through the fanbase just weeks after rumors surfaced. Despite prior denials, their evolving connection and Bravo’s delayed response are fueling speculation about the show’s future.
More than six weeks into their strike, WGA West staff members lost employer-sponsored health insurance on April 1 after failing to meet eligibility requirements. The move intensifies pressure on both the striking union and guild leadership to resolve the stalled contract negotiations.
Las Vegas entertainer Maren Wade filed a federal lawsuit against Taylor Swift, alleging her 'The Life of a Showgirl' branding infringes on Wade’s decades-old 'Confessions of a Showgirl' trademark. The suit claims the album’s name, marketing, and imagery create consumer confusion and threaten Wade’s
BTS returned to the top of the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 with ARIANAG, debuting at No. 1 with 643,000 first-week units—the biggest group album debut since 2014. The lead single 'Swim' also hit No. 1, marking the group’s seventh chart-topper, while a global rollout included concerts, TV spots, and a
South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are quietly leading AI innovation through their boutique firm Deep Voodoo, which prioritizes ethical licensing and high-quality deepfake technology. Their approach contrasts with industry norms, blending artistry with compliance.
A24’s highly anticipated drama 'The Drama,' starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has received divisive yet conversation-sparking early reviews. Critics praise the leads’ performances while debating the film’s provocative tone and narrative twists.