Ariana Grande Hints at What’s Next After ‘Wicked’, Hits Pause on New Music
Ariana Grande told Variety that after her whirlwind experience with Wicked, she’s preparing for another top-secret project she says deeply inspires her, though she was mum on details. But in the meantime, you can find her acting next in American Horror Story Season 13 and the Meet the Fockers sequel, Focker-In-Law. Grande confirmed that no new music will be released before her Eternal Sunshine tour begins on June 6 in Oakland. Addressing fans’ expectations, she emphasized she hasn’t had time to make another album yet, but hinted that more music will come eventually.
Dior Expands in Asia With Bamboo Pavilion Launching in Tokyo
Dior is continuing its retail expansion in Asia with the opening of the Dior Bamboo Pavilion, a botanical-themed experiential space launching Feb. 12 in Tokyo’s Daikanyama district. The temporary structure, inspired by Dior’s Paris flagship, will feature a golden bamboo-like façade and house a Café Dior with an exclusive menu by Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic. The space will showcase women’s and men’s collections by creative director Jonathan Anderson, including customization areas for iconic bags. The pavilion will also highlight works by several contemporary Japanese designers, with vegetation as a central design theme.
‘The White Lotus’ Heads to Saint-Tropez Hotel for Season 4 Filming
Season 4 of The White Lotus will film at the Château de La Messardière, a 19th-century palace-turned-luxury hotel in Saint-Tropez on the Côte d’Azur, Variety confirmed Friday. Set on 32 acres, the property is part of the Airelles Collection, owned by Banijay Group founder Stéphane Courbit. The ultra-luxury hotel features suites starting around $3,000 per night, along with a spa, fine dining, beach access, and extensive amenities. Filming is scheduled to begin in late April and run through the end of October, while creator Mike White continues writing the season.
U.S. Job Growth Stalls in December, Capping Weakest Year Since 2020
The U.S. added just 50,000 jobs in December, capping the weakest year for hiring since 2020, with only 584,000 jobs created overall in 2025. Excluding the pandemic year, it was the poorest job growth since the 2009 financial crisis, with average monthly gains of just 48,000 jobs. While increased immigration helped ease labor shortages, the job market has been clouded by delayed data following a prolonged government shutdown. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.4% in December, though much of the decline was due to statistical adjustments rather than stronger hiring.
Emmys Make Category, AI Changes Ahead of 2026 Awards
The Television Academy announced several rule changes ahead of the 78th Emmys, including renaming the Outstanding Television Movie category to Outstanding Movie to reflect the rise of streaming films that blur the line between TV and theatrical releases. The Academy also unveiled new AI guidelines, emphasizing that while AI tools may be used, award recognition remains focused on human storytelling. Additional updates affect short form, sound mixing, music, and expanded eligibility in casting, costume, lighting, and technical categories. Full details will be released during the week of Jan. 19.
Crane Club, Boardroom Team Up for Big Game Hospitality House
Crane Club and Boardroom are teaming up in San Francisco to debut a luxury hospitality experience around the Big Game, bringing a premium, invite-only destination to one of the busiest weekends in sports. Running Feb. 5-7, the collaboration will transform Crane Club into a high-end hub for elevated food and beverage, curated VIP access, and exclusive live programming. Designed as a private retreat from the crowds, the space will offer an intimate setting for guests to connect, host, and entertain during the week. Click here for more information.
WNBA Players, League Still Negotiating CBA as Deadline Passes
Breanna Stewart said the WNBA and players’ union will not reach a new CBA before the Friday deadline and will instead enter a “status quo” period while negotiations continue. Players authorized union leadership in December to potentially call a strike, though Stewart emphasized that option isn’t imminent. While a deal is expected to be reached and no lockout is planned, the two sides reportedly remain far apart on revenue sharing. The league has proposed that players receive over 50% of net revenue, while the union is pushing for about 30% of gross revenue.
Cam Newton Set to Make Return to Carolina for Panthers Playoff Game
Cam Newton will return to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday as the Carolina Panthers’ “Legend of the Game” for their first home playoff game in a decade. He will bang the Keep Pounding drum during the pregame ceremony ahead of the Panthers’ matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The appearance marks Newton’s first official involvement with the team since his second stint ended in 2021. The Panthers teased the moment on social media with a post featuring Newton’s voice saying, “We back.”
Tiger Woods Takes Sun Day Red to Taiwan
Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red brand is expanding internationally for the first time, selecting Taiwan as its debut overseas market. Partnering with EMERS, the brand will introduce its performance-focused apparel to Asia through a pop-up store running from Jan. 13 to March 1, featuring exclusive items like a limited-edition 3D logo hoodie. Sun Day Red also plans to open its first global flagship store in Taiwan in the second half of the year, signaling a long-term commitment to the region.
David Bowie’s Childhood Home to Open to Public in 2027
David Bowie’s childhood home in Bromley, South London, could become a new tourist attraction after being purchased by the Heritage of London Trust. The 19th-century cottage will be restored to its 1960s decor, including Bowie’s bedroom, and open to the public in late 2027. The project, backed by Bowie’s estate, has received a £500,000 grant and is raising another £1.2 million for restoration and creative workshops for children. The trust aims to give visitors insight into Bowie’s early creative life and domestic life during the transformative 1950s and 1960s.
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