Janet Jackson Has Something to Say About Those Super Bowl Performance Rumors

UDPATE (8:30pm EST): Despite a tweet from Prince’s brother, Omarr Baker, which indicated that he did not authorize a Prince holographic being used in Justin Timberlake’s halftime performance and that it wouldn’t be happening, Timberlake did, in fact, use the musician’s likeness in his Super Bowl halftime show, using a video screen of the late artist instead.

Baker clarified his comments on Twitter, offering up a definition of a hologram (which JT did not use), and giving Timberlake his seal of approval.

It’s officially game day, and we can barely contain our excitement over what tonight’s halftime show may bring! Justin Timberlake will be doing his best to try to top Lady Gaga’s jaw-dropping 2017 performance for his first-ever time as a Super Bowl headliner, but despite what you may have heard, he WON’T be getting any help from from his 2004 co-performer, Janet Jackson.

Almost as soon as JT was announced as Super Bowl LII’s superstar act, speculation began over whether or not he would be joined by the 51-year-old performer. Now, the “Feedback” crooner’ herself is setting the record straight.

Taking to Instagram, the new mama wrote,“To put to rest any speculation or rumors as to whether I will be performing at the Super Bowl tomorrow: I will not.” She added, “Thank you for your support and I do look forward to seeing you all very soon.”

The last time the twosome took the Super Bowl stage together, it was to perform Timberlake’s smash hit, “Rock Your Body,” during which he accidentally ripped off her bra during a pre-planned stunt, exposing her nipple and unleashing a media frenzy (plus a $550,000 fine for broadcaster CBS).

While it’s unclear whether she declined an invite to 2018’s show or failed to receive one, Jackson’sfather, Joseph Jackson, did make his opinion known to theNew York Post, saying, “If [Justin Timberlake is] such a gentleman, he’d make sure Janet is there.”

Another icon who will not be taking to the stage tonight with the “Filthy” singer is Prince — or, rather, his hologram. With rumors buzzing that the daddy of one would pay homage to the late music legend in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota by performing with his likeness, Prince’s brother, Omarr Baker, is shutting that chatter down as well.

The singer’s sibling took to Twitter to let fans know that we would definitely not be seeing any visions of Prince tonight, tweeting out a red no entry emoji, followed by #PrinceHologram. When a fan asked, “Does this mean you didn’t authorize it or that it’s not happening?” he simply responded, “Both.”

So who can we expect? During a press conference earlier this week, Timberlake admitted that he would be flying solo, saying he’s not planning to bring out anyone.“To be honest, I had a ton of grand ideas about special guests. There’s a whole list. I think Vegas has a lot of odds on it, from ‘NSYNC to Jay [JAY-Z] to Chris Stapleton to Janet.”

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Casual Friday. #SBLII

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While he didn’t give details about why his plans were scrapped, he said he’s pleased to be putting the spotlight on his longtime band, the Tennessee Kids, instead. “I feel like they’re my special guests and I’m excited to rock the stage,” he explained.

Catch his show during tonight’s game on NBC at 6:30 EST.

Are you excited for Justin’s halftime show performance? Tweet us @BritandCo.

(Photos via Bryan Bedder/Getty)

The Eras Tour is the gift that keeps on giving. Taylor Swift has been on tour since March 2023, giving us surprise songs, friendship bracelet opportunities, and a plethora of celebrity guests, and we were hoping she'd extend her concert schedule even farther. I have personally been wondering if we’ll live in Eras Tour Land until we get TS12 (after all, there IS enough space on the merch for one more era) and Taylor herself just weighed in on the rumors.

Here's everything you need to know about the end of the Eras Tour — and when we'll see Taylor Swift on tour again.

Is the Eras tour going into 2025?

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

It looks like we won't be getting a third summer of girlhood because Taylor Swift announced on June 13 that the Eras Tour will officially end in December 2024.

"This is the very first time I’ve ever acknowledged to myself and admitted that this tour is going to end in December," Taylor said before her 10-minute performance of "All Too Well" (via USA Today). "This tour has really become my entire life, it's taken over everything, like I think I once had hobbies. All I do when I'm not on stage is sit at home and try to think of clever acoustic song mashups and think about what you might want to hear."

"You have done so much to be with us," she continues. "You've made plans so far in advance. You planned what you were going to wear. You memorized lyrics. You got yourself here. You figured out parking. You figured out transportation, and I want spend the 100th show just thinking about that and living in that moment and being here with you, and just know I appreciate every single ounce of effort that you put in to be with us when this show reaches triple digits in shows. So thank you!"

Will Taylor Swift ever tour again?

Haley Sprankle/Brit + Co

But good news for concert lovers! Taylor is reportedly already ready to do a new concert tour. “She had such a great experience on Eras. She really wants to do it again,” a source tells Us Weekly. “She loves being with all her fans; it inspires her." But, "things can change. A lot of it hinges on what happens over the next year with Travis. She’s told her team to give her one year to see how things go in her personal life.”

I'm always down to go to a new Taylor Swift concert!

What cities is Taylor Swift bringing the Eras Tour to?

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I'd love to see her visit Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and all the other cities she hasn't visited yet! Maybe on the next tour :').

Is The Eras Tour ending with TS12?

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My personal theory is that Taylor Swift might just announce TS12 this weekend when the tour ends. The Tortured Poets Department and her supposed upcoming album seem to be part of a countdown, and since there's space on the Eras Tour merch for one more era after TTPD, I feel like we could get ANOTHER new album and set before Taylor's tour ends.

Where do you want Taylor Swift to bring the Eras Tour? Check out The Eras Tour Concert Film Is Now Streaming! to see how to watch the concert from the comfort of your couch.

This post has been updated.

It's official: Blue Ivy looks totally grown up now — especially in her gorgeous gold gown at the Mufasa: The Lion Kingpremiere. It honestly feels like just yesterday that Beyoncé announced she was born, and now she's a star in her own right! She celebrated her Disney film debut with her family by her side on the red carpet (and everyone looking as gorgeous as ever).

While Jay-Z was one of the latest celebrities caught in the crosshairs of P. Diddy allegations, it didn't stop mom and dad from showing their unwavering support. The family put on a united front, smiling for the cameras and praising Blue's work on her latest Disney film, further proving that they're in this together. Here's everything we know!

Details about the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere

Beyoncé & Jay-Z Amazing Support Of Blue Ivy's Role In 'Mufasa'

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Blue Ivy stars in Mufasa: The Lion King as Kiara with Beyoncé voicing Nala again. The highly anticipated film will show Mufasa's origins from a young cub to the majestic king we've come to know, love, and mourn.

In this cute BTS clip, Beyoncé and Blue are initially shown in separate recording booths while the latter says, "Don't stare at me." It's a typical response all kids eventually give their parents, but it doesn't bother Beyoncé. She simply smiles and says, "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful girl." Still, she offers a bit of reassurance to Blue. "I'mma be right here closing my eyes."

Blue briefly talked about what it feels like to work on a movie by saying, "If I like told my younger self that I was in a movie, I'd like never believe myself."

The star couldn't help but tear up as she continued to watch Blue and said, "Give me a second. I'm still...just can't believe that's my baby." While sitting side by Blue, Beyoncé eventually turns to look at her to let her know she's "so proud of her." Even Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's youngest daughter, makes a quick appearance!

The Mufasa: The Lion King premiere occurred December 9 with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandma Tina Knowles standing by Blue Ivy's side. They looked stunning on the red carpet as they wore coordinating outfits. Although the ladies seemed to be present and excited, Jay-Z temporarily looked distracted while all of them were standing together (via PEOPLE).

If we had to guess, it may have something to do with the recent allegations connecting he and P. Diddy weighing on his mind. After the accusation went public, Jay-Z penned his own public statement and shared it to Roc Nations' social channels. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is realizing his children will be able to see everything.

"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," he wrote (via X). Only time will tell how everything pans out, but we hope this doesn't overshadow Blue Ivy's success, nor do we want to see people vilify her or her siblings for alleged misdeeds of Jay-Z.

At the end of the day, we're so proud of Blue for letting her light shine bright despite everything else!

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Taylor Swift fans everywhere were shocked to discover The Tortured Poets Department wasn't exclusively about Joe Alwyn — it actually featured a ton of songs that seem to be about Matty Healy, from "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" to "loml" and "Guilty As Sin?" Despite the fact the ex-couple met in 2014, and Taylor even wore 1975 merch during her 1989 era, they've never actually been featured on each other's albums (aside from one Midnights song that got scrapped). But it looks like that could all change because one anonymous source claims Taylor Swift will actually be on Matty's new album!

Here's everything you need to know about those Taylor Swift & Matty Healy album rumors.

  • Taylor Swift & Matty Healy have talked about each other since 2014, but were romantically linked over the summer of 2023.
  • Multiple songs on The Tortured Poets Department appear to be about The 1975 frontman, who says he doesn't want to write music about "casual" relationships.
  • However one DeuxMoi source says we could be seeing a Taylor Swift feature soon.

Is Taylor Swift on Matty Healy's new album?

Fans immediately went into a spiral when Matty shared "Downtown Lights" by Annie Lennox on his Instagram story. After all, that's the song Taylor Swift mentions in "Guilty as Sin?", one of the songs that appear to be about The 1975 front man. In the song, Taylor sings about feeling trapped in a relationship, while another person sends her Annie's song.

"Drowning in the Blue Nile / He sent me 'Downtown Lights' / I hadn't heard it in a while / My boredom's bone deep / This cage was once just fine / Am I allowed to cry?"

One source told DeuxMoi that they'd seen Matty's new tracklist, and the song choice was an Easter egg for Taylor's feature! Consider me gagged.

Will Matty Healy's new album feature songs about Taylor?

No, it looks like Matty won't write songs about his relationship Taylor Swift after he told People he didn't want to write about "casual" relationships. "I think that a lot of artists, they become very interested in their lore, or they become interested in the things that have happened outside of their art that people know about, and they want to address that," he says.

But Matty doesn't want to write about his relationships just because they're getting attention from the public. "I would kind of just be lying if I made a record about, I don’t know, all the stuff that was said about me or my casual romantic liaisons or whatever it may be that I’ve kind of become known for, just because I was famous," he says.

"The idea of making a record about something that personally happened to me," he continues, "that by the time I put it out is gonna be like two years old, I see people doing that as well, and it’s not interesting." Yikes.

But we could see songs about his fiancée Gabbriette Bechtel, and I'm hoping we do!

Is there a new 1975 album coming?

Yes, Matty Healy revealed during a performance that we're getting a new album soon! “We’re working on a new record now,” he said while sitting at the piano. He shared a snippet from a new song before telling the audience, "It’s a line actually, what is it…‘I take a minute when I think I won’t die from stopping.’”

“And that’s really how I’ve felt for a long time,” he continues. “We really appreciate you guys and thank you so much. We’re going to go away and hopefully make you a good new album. I just don’t know what to do in the meantime, really.”

Is Taylor Swift releasing a new album?

While a second source claims Taylor is releasing a new album December 6 and record stores have been notified, another user says the opposite, commenting, "As someone with multiple very close record store connections, I assure you, record stores have not be alerted of anything." December 6 kicks off the final Eras Tour weekend, so we'll have to see what kinds of tricks Taylor has up her sleeve!

What do you think about this Taylor Swift & Matty Healy rumors? Would you want to see them collab? Let us know in the comments and read up on The Taylor Swift Boyfriends You Love & The Ones You Didn't Know She Dated.

Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”

She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.

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So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

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Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

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Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

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That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

Image via WB

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.

What's your take on Paris Geller? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more pop culture musings!

Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.

While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Photo via WBLane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).

Lead image via Warner Bros

This post has been updated.