R&B Icon D’Angelo Dies at 51 After Battle with Cancer

Award-winning R&B artist D’Angelo, known for his soulful voice and influential role in the neo-soul movement, has died at 51 after a long battle with cancer. Born Michael Eugene Archer, he gained widespread fame with his 2000 hit “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and released three acclaimed albums: Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah with his band, the Vanguard. D’Angelo won four Grammy Awards and left a lasting legacy blending classic R&B with hip-hop and funk influences.

Spotify is partnering with Netflix to bring select video podcasts to the streaming platform starting in early 2026. Initial shows include The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, The McShay Show, The Rewatchables, and Conspiracy Theories. The rollout will begin in the U.S., with more markets and titles to follow. This move comes alongside Spotify’s recent deal with ChatGPT, enabling users to get personalized music and podcast recommendations through conversations with the AI companion.

Maria Grazia Chiuri is returning to Fendi as Chief Creative Officer after leaving Dior in May, the company confirmed Tuesday. Chiuri began her career with the Italian fashion house in 1989, so her new role marks a full-circle moment. She will debut her first womenswear collection for Fall 2026 in Milan next February, followed by menswear and couture later in the year.

Walmart is partnering with OpenAI to let customers browse and shop its products directly through ChatGPT. Launching this fall, the feature will include items like clothing, packaged foods, and entertainment, but not fresh food. Users can click a “buy” button within ChatGPT, with their Walmart or Sam’s Club accounts automatically linked. Products from third-party sellers will also be available.

BAFTA winner Wunmi Mosaku has joined the cast of The Social Reckoning, Sony Pictures’ follow-up to The Social Network. Directed and written by Aaron Sorkin, the film explores whistleblower Frances Haugen’s (played by Mikey Madison) decision to expose Facebook’s inner workings, with help from journalist Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White). Also starring Jeremy Strong and Bill Burr, the film is set to hit theaters on Oct. 9, 2026. Mosaku’s role has not yet been revealed.

Instagram is introducing new measures to protect its teen users. The platform will now restrict minor access to adult material through features like age-gating, which blocks teens from seeing or messaging accounts that regularly share age-inappropriate content. Instagram will also expand its list of blocked adult search terms for teens. These changes apply to accounts identified as belonging to users under 18, based on their stated or inferred age.

Megan Thee Stallion is bringing Hottieween back home to Humble, Texas, this Halloween with a costume-mandatory event for ages 21 and up. She teased the Oct. 31 event on Instagram, promising it’ll be “bigger than ever.” Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, with proceeds supporting her Pete & Thomas Foundation.

Kylie Jenner is entering her musician era, teaming up with pop duo Terror Jr under her revived King Kylie persona on new single “Fourth Strike.” The electro-pop track nods to “Third Strike,” a Terror Jr song once linked to Jenner through a Kylie Cosmetics ad, though she wasn’t involved at the time. The release coincides with her upcoming King Kylie Collection and the relaunch of several fan-favorite Kylie Cosmetics products from the brand’s early days, which helped propel it to a $1.2 billion valuation in 2019.

Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter is set to release her debut comedy special on Hulu next year after two decades in stand-up. Filmed at Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia and self-directed by Walter, the special will also stream on Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally. It’s produced by Art & Industry, with executive producers including Walter, her Abbott co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph, Michelle Caputo, and Shannon Hartman. Details about the special’s content are still under wraps.

Simone Biles hasn’t ruled out competing in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, though she says she’s unsure if she’ll be on the floor or in the stands. Speaking in Buenos Aires, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist emphasized the importance of aligning her mental and physical health, noting that her recent success in Paris came from that balance. While currently taking a break from training, Biles confirmed she will be involved in the Games “in some capacity” and wants to be part of the Olympic excitement in LA.

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