Charli XCX is the New Face of Valentino Beauty
Brat summer may be over, but Charli XCX is still making moves this fall. On Friday, the global pop sensation became the newest US ambassador for Valentino Beauty. The luxury brand cited Charli XCX’s “fearless Brat album and viral social media presence” as contributing reasons for her being the “perfect ambassador.” Charli XCX joins the likes of Florence Pugh and Adut Akech as Valentino Beauty ambassadors.
‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘It’s Always Sunny’ Crossover Episode in the Works
Two of the most popular television shows are finally sharing the screen. Simply captioning it “Oh. Hello.” on Instagram, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney revealed a crossover between his long-running comedy and Abbott Elementary on Thursday. The Emmy award winner shared an image with Sunny co-star Charlie Day and Abbott creator Quinta Brunson. Other actors from both their shows, while on the set of the ABC sitcom, also made appearances on McElhenney’s IG story. No information about the plot or air date of the crossover episode has been announced, but the fourth season of Abbott Elementary premieres on Oct. 4.
US Economy Adds 245K Jobs in September, Unemployment Drops Again
US employers added 254,000 jobs in September, while the unemployment rate dropped for a second straight month, according to a Friday report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After rising for most of this year, the unemployment rate dipped last month from 4.2% in August to 4.1%, the BLS added. Some of the industries that saw the biggest increases include restaurants and bars (69,000 jobs), healthcare companies (45,000), government agencies (31,000), social assistance employers (27,000), construction companies (25,000), and professional/business services (17,000).
Cam Ward Becomes C4 Energy’s Newest Ambassador
Miami standout quarterback is the most recent athlete to join the ambassador team for C4 Energy drinks. The company confirmed the news in a statement, saying, “From coming out of high school underrated and dominating at the FCS level to having the confidence and drive to level-up to the FBS ranks then finally taking on the task of QB1 for one of the most storied programs in college football, Cam’s mindset, determination and love for putting in the work have put him in position for success and are what makes him a great ambassador for C4 Energy.” Ward stepped into the QB1 position at the U this season and has led the team to an undefeated record so far, finding himself in early Heisman discussions. Ward joins a stacked bench of ambassadors that also includes DJ Moore, CJ Stroud, and Quinn Ewers.
Taylor Swift Claims Top-Earning Summer Concert Tour Of 2024
Forbes has revealed its list of this year’s highest-earning summer concert tours and who else tops the list but Taylor Swift. The Eras Tour made $1.15 billion before taxes and fees, taking home $400 million, while Coldplay‘s Music of the Spheres Tour ($302 million gross, $131 million earnings) finished in second. Rounding out the top five were Zach Bryan’s Quittin Time Tour ($318 million gross, $113 million earnings), Bruce Springsteen’s Springsteen and E Street Band 2024 Tour ($250 million gross, $101 million earnings), and P!nk‘s Trustfall Tour ($267 million gross, $87 million earnings).
Patrick Ewing Joins New York Knicks as Basketball Ambassador
The New York Knicks confirmed Friday that Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing has joined the organization as its basketball ambassador and will assist with basketball and business operations. “As I said the day my No. 33 jersey lifted into the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick, and I will always be a New Yorker. I can’t wait to get started in this new position and to officially be back with the organization that I love so much,” said Ewing of the promotion. Drafted first overall by the Knicks in 1985, Ewing spent 15 of his 17 NBA seasons in New York. After winning NBA Rookie of the Year, he went on to earn 11 All-Star nods while also leading the Knicks to their most recent NBA Finals appearance in 1999.
Warner Music Group, Meta Agree to New Deal to Increase Artist Marketing
Billboard exclusively reported Friday that Warner Music Group (WMG) and Meta have agreed to a new multi-year licensing deal that includes added publicity and marketing support for songwriters and artists signed to WMG. The extended partnership also notes the two sides will work together and continue discussions around AI content on Meta’s enterprises. This collaboration will span all of Meta’s platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads, and, for the first time, WhatsApp.
‘Joker 2’ Thursday Preview Sales Down Compared to First Film
The highly anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux earned $7 million in Thursday previews, a major dip from the $13.3 million in Thursday previews the 2019 Joker made at the box office. The first Joker hauled $96.2 million during its opening weekend, while Deadline projects the sequel, starring Lady Gaga alongside Joaquin Phoenix again in the titular role, to bring in $50 million during the same stretch. Budget-wise, the second Joker boasts a roughly $200 million cost compared to the original, which had a $65 million price tag.
Travis Scott to Host CactusCon at ComplexCon in Las Vegas
Travis Scott is taking his role as Artistic Director of next month’s first-ever ComplexCon in Las Vegas seriously. Billboard writes the rapper teased that he’s developing CactusCon within ComplexCon, promising “exclusive releases, immersive experiences, engaging discussions, and insane performances” during the two-day-long festival. There will also be exclusive merch available only on-site in addition to a section of the show floor totally dedicated to CactusCon. Scott is scheduled to perform on Day 2 of the convention on Nov. 17.
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