Michael Jackson Makes Billboard Hot 100 History

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” leapt from No. 32 to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, giving the late King of Pop a new chart record. With this entry, Jackson becomes the first artist to reach the top 10 in six decades, spanning the 1970s through the 2020s, surpassing Andy Williams’ five-decade record. Jackson first hit the top 10 solo with “Got To Be There” in 1971 and now has 30 top 10s, including 13 No. 1s. “Thriller” also becomes his longest-charting Hot 100 hit at 26 weeks, edging out “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” which each spent 25 weeks on the chart.

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff is in advanced talks to sell a portion of his 33% stake in the team at a $6 billion valuation, potentially setting a record for an F1 team, according to Sportico. Wolff would remain CEO and team principal, with the sale structured through his holding company. The current ownership of Mercedes F1 is split equally between Mercedes-Benz, Wolff, and Ineos. In 2024, the team posted $812 million in revenue, the highest in F1, and Wolff earned over $50 million from salary and dividends.

Issey Miyake and Apple unveiled the iPhone Pocket on Tuesday, a 3D-knit accessory inspired by the concept of “a piece of cloth.” Designed to fit any iPhone and other pocketable items, its ribbed structure stretches to reveal contents while allowing a view of the screen. Available in eight short-strap colors and three long-strap colors, the collection launches Nov. 14 at select Apple Stores and online across multiple regions, including the U.S., Japan, and the U.K. Prices start at $149.95 for the short-strap version and $229.95 for the long-strap model.

Michael B. Jordan will receive the Icon Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival‘s award show on Jan. 3 for his dual role as Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” Moore in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. Past Icon Award recipients include Glenn Close, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Lady Gaga. Additionally, Adam Sandler will receive the Chairman’s Award for Jay Kelly, while Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning are set for the International Star Award for Sentimental Value.

Brian Kelly is challenging LSU in a legal filing, saying the school has not “formally terminated” him as football coach. LSU reportedly informed Kelly’s reps that it may seek to fire him “for cause,” potentially avoiding a nearly $54 million buyout. The lawsuit alleges LSU failed to follow the required seven-day notice and response process for a “for cause” termination. It also details past settlement attempts, including offers of $25 million and $30 million, both of which Kelly rejected.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Phil Johnston will write the forthcoming live-action View-Master movie for Mattel Studios, Sony Pictures, and Escape Artists, based on the classic 3D image toy. Johnston is best known for co-directing and co-writing Wreck-It Ralph and Ralph Breaks the Internet, as well as co-writing Zootopia. Mattel and Escape Artists are also producing a Masters of the Universe live-action film, set for release on June 5, 2026.

Disney is losing about $30 million per week — roughly $4.3 million per day — due to the blackout of ESPN, ABC, and other networks on YouTube TV, according to Morgan Stanley analysts. The outage, now in its second week, has left subscribers without access to major broadcasts, including Monday Night Football, major college football matchups, ABC primetime programming, and news shows like Good Morning America. Analysts estimate the dispute could create a $60 million revenue hit for Disney in its year-end 2025 quarter if it continues.

Idris Elba is returning to Netflix for a new Luther film, continuing the saga of the detective created by Neil Cross. Ruth Wilson, absent from 2023’s Luther: The Fallen Sun, and series regular Dermot Crowley are also reprising their roles. Directed by Jamie Payne and written by Cross, the story follows Luther as a wave of brutal, seemingly random murders hits London, forcing him back into action amid threats from all directions. Filming begins in February.

Amazon announced Wednesday that advertising on Prime Video now reaches 315 million monthly viewers, up from 200 million in April 2024. The figure reflects an average monthly ad-supported audience across Prime Video’s originals, licensed content, live sports, and free channels, based on internal data from September 2024 to August 2025. In the third quarter, Amazon’s overall ad revenue rose 24% year-over-year to $17.7 billion, though the company does not disclose specific ad figures for Prime Video.

Four-time NBA champion Horace Grant has a new TV series, Legends in Session with Horace Grant. Filming and premiering in Chicago, the 13-episode series will feature hour-long conversations with basketball greats, structured like an NBA game with pregame, quarters, and postgame segments. Guests will include Scottie Pippen, Gary Payton, Penny Hardaway, and more. Each episode will feature memorabilia signings for charity, with proceeds benefiting causes chosen by Grant and his guests.

Image: Music video screenshot