Lady Gaga to Release New Song, ‘Dead Dance,’ for ‘Wednesday’ Season 2

Lady Gaga to Release New Song, 'Dead Dance,' for 'Wednesday' Season 2

It's hardly a surprise given the widespread fan speculation, but two sources close to the situation confirm toVarietythat Lady Gaga will release a song titled "Dead Dance" that will appear in the forthcoming season 2 of theTim Burton-helmed Netflix series "Wednesday." The song and video are expected to be released next month to coincide with her appearance in the show as Rosaline Rotwood, a "legendary Nevermore teacher who crosses paths with Wednesday." More from Variety Tim Burton Says Working With Lady Gaga on 'Wednesday' Was 'Inspirational' and Hopes to Collaborate Again: 'She's Such an Artist' What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025 'Wednesday' Renewed for Season 3 at Netflix Reps for Gaga declined to confirm or deny the report. Early last month, multiple media outlets reported that Gaga, who is currently on her blockbuster "Mayhem Ball" tour, and Burton had been spotted on the Island of the Dolls in Xochimilco, south of Mexico City, which is purportedly haunted and features hundreds of decaying dolls strung across trees and structures. Sources say the song was recorded with the same team that helmed the "Mayhem" album, primarily cowriters and coproducersAndrew Wattand Cirkut. Burton spoke effusively about Gaga at the premiere of "Wednesday" Season 2 in London last week, saying saying that working the multi-hyphenate artist on the series was "inspirational." Gaga wasn't in attendance at the premiere due to her ongoing Mayhem Ball tour, but has joined a cast that includes Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones and new faces Steve Buscemi as new Nevermore principal Barry Dort and Joanna Lumley as Wednesday's grandmother. "She's such an artist and so for me, working with an artist is inspirational," Burton, who directs and executive produces "Wednesday," told Variety of Gaga. "But I felt that way about Joanna and Steve, who I've worked with before. These people come on this set, you see the whole crew kind of light up. It's a beautiful thing to witness." Burton also recently teased that he may collaborate with Gaga again in the future, saying at the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy that he's "done something else with her." Asked by Variety if he could reveal more details or confirm that they're working together again, Burton replied: "No, I can't. But I hope so." Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in August 2025 What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025 Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byAlpha World

in

August 04, 2025

Lady Gaga to Release New Song, ‘Dead Dance,’ for ‘Wednesday’ Season 2

Lady Gaga to Release New Song, 'Dead Dance,' for 'Wednesday' Season 2 It's hardly a surprise given the widespread fan sp...

Read More

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds' storied love affair – and messy divorce

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds' storied love affair – and messy divorce

When news broke ofbeloved actress Loni Anderson's death,tributes from fansand fellow celebrities alike began to pour in. Anderson,who starred as a brassy blonde receptionist on the classic sitcom"WKRP in Cincinnati," was remembered not only for her acting prowess but for her embodiment of a specific sense of Hollywood glamour. Part Faye Dunaway, part Farrah Fawcett, Anderson's dimples and sweeping bleached hair made her a prime candidate at the time for magazine covers. She also became tabloid fodder with her high-profile marriage and subsequent messydivorce from Burt Reynolds. Loni Anderson tributes:Barbara Eden, more remember 'WKRP in Cincinnati' icon Anderson,who died Sunday, Aug. 3, at 79, began datingReynoldsin 1982, after working together on the comedy film "Stroker Ace." Their on-set romance grew in tandem with a love story between their two characters:Andersonplayed a doe-eyed PR employee who caught the eye of Reynolds' stock-car racer. The pair tied the knot in 1988, later adopting a son, Quinton Reynolds, now 36. After five years, the union ended in a bitter and public divorce, with both sides of the once-iconic Hollywood couple throwing digs at one another in the years that followed. The feud fueled speculation for nearly a decade, often splashed across the cover of tabloids throughout the '90s, even spurringPrincess Dianato sendReynoldsa thank-you note for "keeping her off the cover of People magazine." Loni Anderson death:Smart and sexy star of 'WKRP in Cincinnati' dies at 79 Reynolds,who died in 2018, continued to excoriate Anderson in later years, including in his 2015 memoir, "But Enough About Me." "I don't think she'll be surprised. I just talk about her spending habits,"Reynolds told USA TODAYat the time, explaining how he thoughtAndersonmight receive the book. "She went through a lot of American Express cards I have." (In one instance, he alleged that she maxed out the $45,000 credit limit "in half an hour.") "I think better of her now," he added, softening a bit. "It's always a two-way street." Reynolds, who later openly spoke about an addiction to painkillers in the 1980s and early 1990s, was accused of abuse by both Anderson andformer girlfriend Sally Field.In her memoir, "In Pieces," Field said her yearslong relationship with Reynoldswas controlling and emotionally abusive, whileAnderson claimed in her own autobiographythat he had been physically abusive. "The physical abuse I always blamed on the drugs," shetold SFGATEin 1995. "Burt always said no one would ever believe me because he was Mr. Wonderful and the world loved him." Following Reynolds' death, Anderson channeled a similar conciliatory sentiment,writing in a statement to USA TODAY: "Quinton and I are extremely touched by the tremendous outpouring of love and support from friends and family throughout the world. He was a big part of my life for twelve years and Quinton's loving father for thirty years. We will miss him and his great laugh." That both parties were an effective stand-in for the quintessential American beauty ideal – Reynolds, a rugged hunk, and Anderson, a sparkly-eyed bombshell – only served to whip up more interest in their love affair and its undoing. Even as the actors moved on to other high-profile romances, their union remained a potent and enduring symbol of the era. Anderson later remarried, tying the knot with singer Bob Flick in 2008, who survives the actress after her death. Anderson diedat a Los Angeles hospitalon following "an acute prolonged illness," the actress' representative Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed to USA TODAY. She would have turned 80 days later on Aug. 5. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental and/or substance use disorders, you can call theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration'sfree and confidential treatment referral and information serviceat 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It's available 24/7 in English and Spanish (TTY: 1-800-487-4889). This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds had a storied marriage

byAlpha World

in

August 04, 2025

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds' storied love affair – and messy divorce

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds' storied love affair – and messy divorce When news broke ofbeloved actress Loni Anderson's death,tri...

Read More

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Customers at North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles are waiting longer in lines that are often far away from home, while agency staffing fails to keep pace with the state's surging population, according to agency reviews that also recommend major reforms. Elected Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek on Monday released two audits totaling nearly 600 pages that scrutinize the DMV — the bane of motorists in many states. But long lines and frustrations are acute in the ninth-largest state. "Our DMV affects the economy. It affects people having to take off of work unnecessarily. It takes our students out of the classroom," Boliek told reporters. "This has to be fixed and it has to be a top priority." Constituent complaints, REAL ID brings problems to fore Boliek promised during last year's campaign to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the DMV if elected. Elected leaders' constituents have complained about the inability to book appointments online close to home and the struggles for their teenagers to complete driving tests. It's not unusual for customers to camp outside driver's license offices in the wee hours hoping to get seen later that day. Problems continued as federalREAL ID licensesecurity requirements took effect in May. Erin Van Dorn of Holly Springs said at Boliek's news conference it took her and her teenage son four trips to the DMV — the last time 130 miles (209 kilometers) away in Mount Airy — to obtain his license. Information technology and staffing shortages were to blame. "My son has missed a total of four days of school," Van Horn said while mentioning additonal delays. "It's just been a very big ordeal for us." New Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's administration brought in former state legislator Paul Tine as the new Division of Motor Vehicles commissioner and has pledged a turnaround. Longer waits, continued examiner shortages A DMV performance auditMonday said average wait times for customers at the state's driver's license locations increased by over 15% since 2019 to 1 hour and 15 minutes. And close to 14% of the visits lasted over 2 hours and 30 minutes — a 79% increase from 2019. And nearly half of all transactions by customers aren't happening at the license office closest to where they live. "The employee experience has diminished as well," Boliek said. The audit said there were 160 vacant license examiner positions as of April. And while the state's population has grown by 29% over the last 20 years, the number of examiner positions has grown by just 10%. Boliek's staff heard DMV employee complaints about burnout, security and low pay — average examiner position salaries were well below $50,000 last year. The audit attributes many problems to DMV's relationship with the Cabinet-level state Department of Transportation that oversees the agency. The auditor said DMV has undersized influence within DOT when it comes to decision-making and getting budget requests approved by the legislature. Agency independence among recommendations Boliek's most significant recommendation is for policymakers to consider turning DMV into an autonomous agency separate from DOT. Boliek said the recommendation is no slight upon Tine and current Teansportation Secretary Joey Hopkins, whom he said are taking steps toward reform. But he said a permanent change is needed to address situations where the commissioner and secretary wouldn't cooperate as well. Other recommendations include creating a public online dashboard measuring keys performance goals and initiating nonconventional initiatives to reduce wait times and backlogs. Boliek said outside driving school instructors could administer road tests required of new drivers. The DMV could open "pop-up" license offices at a vacant mall anchor store or create "fast-pass" options for customers who pay extra to reach the front of the line. "We can't keep doing things the same old way," he said. DMV, DOT chiefs back most recommendations In a written response to the audits, Tine and Hopkins agreed with nearly all of the recommendations and said many already getting carried out. But they opposed the recommendation to separate DMV, saying the agency's core functions align with the Transportation Department's mission to improve highway safety. "We know that with the right leadership and follow-through, we will get results -– getting people out of lines and empowering our hard-working DMV employees," Stein spokesperson Morgan Hopkins said. The GOP-controlled General Assembly could still attempt to implement the change. A stopgap budget measure on Stein's desk provides funds to hire over 60 license examiners. And a new state law has established a temporary moratorium on renewing standard licenses, allowing them to remain valid within North Carolina for up to two years beyond the expiration date.

byAlpha World

in

August 04, 2025

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Customers at North Carolina...

Read More

Millions are under air quality alerts as wildfire smoke blankets large swaths of U.S.

Millions are under air quality alerts as wildfire smoke blankets large swaths of U.S.

Millions of people across the Upper Midwest and the Northeast are under air quality alerts Monday, assmoke from wildfires in Canadadrift over the region. Hazy skies are expected in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, northern Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware and Maine,according to the National Weather Service. Almost 200 wildfires are burning out of control in Canada, including 81 in Saskatchewan, 159 in Manitoba and 61 in Ontario. Figures from theCanadian Interagency Forest Fire Centerindicate that more than 16.5 million acres have been scorched so far this year in what will likely be the country's second-worst wildfire season on record. A high-pressure system parked over the Midwest is trapping the smoke in place, causing air quality issues to linger for several days,according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Theair quality indexMonday across 14 states in the Midwest and the Northeast ranged from "moderate" to "unhealthy" for the general public. Wildfire smoke is of particular concern because it contains small particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter — around 4% of the diameter of an average strand of human hair. This type of air pollution is dangerous because the particles are small enough to reach deep inside the lungs, which can exacerbate or increase the risk of asthma, lung cancer and other chronic lung diseases. Exposure to high levels of air pollutioncan also cause inflammation and weaken the immune system. Infants, children, seniors and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to unhealthy air quality conditions. Studies have shown that climate change isfueling conditions for more frequent and intense wildfires. Warmer temperatures can dry out vegetation, which can increase the likelihood of wildfires igniting and spreading rapidly. Cities affected by poor air quality Monday include Milwaukee; Detroit; Buffalo and Albany in New York; Boston and New York City. Many alerts will remain in effect through Tuesday, according to the weather service. In the West, several wildfires are causing separate air quality issues in the region. More than 65,000 acres have been scorched in California's Los Padres National Forest, where hot and dry conditions have fanned the growth of the Gifford Fire. In Colorado, the air quality index showed "moderate" readings Monday across large swaths. "If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors," the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmentsaid in its advisory. "This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present."

byAlpha World

in

August 04, 2025

Millions are under air quality alerts as wildfire smoke blankets large swaths of U.S.

Millions are under air quality alerts as wildfire smoke blankets large swaths of U.S. Millions of people across the Upper Midwest and the No...

Read More

Fans React as Legendary Director and Actor Duo Tackle a Beloved '60s Thriller: 'Say No More, You Got Me'

Fans React as Legendary Director and Actor Duo Tackle a Beloved '60s Thriller: 'Say No More, You Got Me'

Fans React as Legendary Director and Actor Duo Tackle a Beloved '60s Thriller: 'Say No More, You Got Me'originally appeared onParade. The internet is officially in a frenzy. The trailer for the newSpike LeeandDenzel Washingtonthriller,Highest 2 Lowest, just dropped, and fan reactions are proving that the legendary duo's cinematic magic is as potent as ever. Set for a theatrical release on August 15 before hitting Apple TV+ on September 5, the film's first look has ignited a firestorm of excitement, with fans flooding social media to share their unfiltered thoughts. "Now this is a trailer!" one user declared on YouTube, capturing the collective sentiment. The praise poured in, with another fan commenting, "I cannot WAIT for this. Another Denzel-helmed Spike Lee Joint is what I needed in my life." The powerhouse cast, which includesJeffrey Wright,Ilfenesh Hadera, andA$AP Rocky, also received a major shout-out. "That cast, even Brother Mouzone? Say no more you got me," a fan enthusiastically wrote, referencing Wright's iconic role inThe Wire. The film is a modern reinterpretation ofAkira Kurosawa's 1963 film,High and Low, a fact not lost on film buffs. The original Japanese thriller is a revered cult favorite, celebrated for its taut suspense and brilliant social commentary. For many cinephiles, remaking such a classic is treacherous territory, but the trailer seems to have quelled any fears. As one viewer thoughtfully put it, "I'm not crazy about getting another version of high and low, but if I had to get one this is exactly what I want. It looks insanely fun." Another user helped bring others up to speed, noting, "For those who don't know, this is an English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese filmHigh and Lowand also loosely based on the 1959 novelKing's RansombyEvan Hunter." The verdict from the fanbase is clear, with comments like "Looks good" and "Can't wait to watch this!!!" dominating the discussion. This explosive fan reaction is a testament to the enduring power of the Spike Lee and Denzel Washington partnership.Highest 2 Lowestmarks their fifth collaboration, continuing a legacy of iconic films that have left an indelible mark on cinema. Their journey began in 1990 with the jazz dramaMo' Better Blues, followed by the biopicMalcolm Xin 1992, which earned Washington an Oscar nomination. They reunited for the critically acclaimed basketball dramaHe Got Gamein 1998 and the heist filmInside Manin 2006. Each project has showcased their unique synergy, blending Lee's visionary direction with Washington's commanding screen presence. After an 18-year hiatus, their return is being hailed as a major cinematic event, promising a film that is not only a gripping thriller but also another landmark entry in one of Hollywood's most celebrated collaborations. Fans React as Legendary Director and Actor Duo Tackle a Beloved '60s Thriller: 'Say No More, You Got Me'first appeared on Parade on Aug 4, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.

byAlpha World

in

August 04, 2025

Fans React as Legendary Director and Actor Duo Tackle a Beloved '60s Thriller: 'Say No More, You Got Me'

Fans React as Legendary Director and Actor Duo Tackle a Beloved '60s Thriller: 'Say No More, You Got Me' Fans React as Legendary...

Read More