The Weeknd’s New Album Set for January Drop
Fans of The Weeknd won’t have to wait long into the new year to hear his new project, because Hurry Up Tomorrow is dropping on Jan. 25, he confirmed on Instagram Wednesday. The sixth studio album from the Canadian-Ethiopian pop star is the final chapter in a trilogy that includes After Hours and Dawn FM. The following night, The Weeknd will play a one-night-only show at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Passes for the Jan. 25 concert go on sale at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 2.
Jordan Chiles Chronicles Olympics Journey, Life in Upcoming Memoir
Jordan Chiles is opening up about her run at the 2024 Paris Olympics and sharing other details about her life in a forthcoming memoir dropping next year. The decorated gymnast shared the news via Instagram, telling her 1.5 million followers that I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams will arrive on March 4. “This is for anyone chasing their dreams, owning their confidence, and embracing their true self unapologetically,” Chiles wrote. The foreword is written by none other than Olympic teammate who Chiles referred to as her “sis, the GOAT,” Simone Biles.
Miami QB Cam Ward to be Featured in Forthcoming ‘Zero Star’ Docuseries
Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward is the subject of a new docuseries profiling successful athletes who were once thought to be “zero star” recruits, meaning they were unranked and not as heavily recruited coming out of high school. Appropriately titled Zero Star, the program will feature a different “zero star” player in each of the 10 episodes, with Ward being the subject of the premiere. Produced and distributed by Firebrand Media, Variety says the show is currently “in talks with several high-profile present and former NFL players as well as college athletes” for the remaining episodes.
Pride-Spirit Hits 1.1M Viewers in Most-Watched NWSL Championship Ever
Orlando Pride won its first NWSL Championship over the Washington Spirit in front of a record average of 967,900 viewers watching from home on CBS, peaking at 1.1 million at one point. Not only was it the NWSL’s most-viewed match in history, but it was an 18% jump from last year’s title match (816,800) and a 6% rise from the 2022 game, which held the league’s previous at-home audience record of 915,000. Commissioner Jessica Berman lauded the league’s new media deal and its push to diversify the audiences as catalysts for the successful conclusion to the season.
‘Moana 2’ Breaks Disney Animation Previews Record, Eyes Top Thanksgiving Release Mark
The holiday week will see moviegoers decide whether to watch Wicked, Gladiator II, or Disney’s latest drop, Moana 2. Open in theaters as of Wednesday, the sequel to the 2016 blockbuster has already been a financial success for the entertainment powerhouse. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Moana 2 made $13.8 million in previews Tuesday night, the most ever for a Walt Disney Animation project and the second-highest preview tally for an animated film behind Incredibles 2 ($18.5 million). Moana 2, starring Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk, is reportedly expected to bring in anywhere from $125-$145 million for its five-day debut over Thanksgiving. For reference, Inside Out 2, the highest-grossing film of 2024 thus far, raked in $13 million the day before its debut, while Frozen II owns the current holiday five-day release record at $125 million.
Playa Society & Cash App Team Up on Merch Release
In celebration of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, Playa Society and Cash App are teaming up on a merch collaboration called “Pay Some Respect To Women’s Sports.” Founded in 2018, the streetwear brand, primarily focused on women’s sports, credits the likes of Candace Parker, Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, and Natasha Cloud as both supporters and customers. A varsity jacket headlines the capsule and also includes hoodies, sweatpants, and tees. Shop the looks starting this Saturday, while Cash App Card-holders can save 20% off Playa Society merchandise for a limited time.
Playboi Carti to Perform New ‘I Am Music’ Album at Rolling Loud Miami
Adding more excitement to his headlining appearance next month at Rolling Loud Miami, Playboi Carti said on Instagram that he will play his forthcoming album, I Am Music, for festival attendees on Dec. 15. Although it doesn’t have a release date, Playboi Carti has been teasing his new music for months via his social channels. The three-day event will also feature performances by Future, Travis Scott, Lil Yachty, Metro Boomin, Rick Ross, and many more.
SpaceX’s Satellite Partnership with T-Mobile Approved by FCC
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted SpaceX authority to move forward with plans to provide a direct-to-phone version of its Starlink satellite internet service, with T-Mobile as its provider. “The Commission recognized that satellite-to-device connectivity can support critical public interest benefits, including ubiquitous connectivity, access to 911 service from remote areas, technological advancement, and innovative spectrum use,” the FCC wrote in its official filing. First reported by Bloomberg, Starlink boasts more than 6,700 satellites in orbit.