Morning Buzz! Demi Lovato Just Debuted a Stunning New Blonde Look + More

Beyoncé and JAY-Z’s twins make their debut in this morning’s top news stories. Check that and more out below in the Friday Morning Buzz!

View this post on Instagram

Sir Carter and Rumi 1 month today. 🙏🏽❤️👨🏽👩🏽👧🏽👶🏾👶🏾

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Jul 13, 2017 at 10:10pm PDT

1.Early Friday morning, Beyoncé posted the very first photo of Sir and Rumi Carter, which, in true Bey fashion, was no ordinary snap. With a serene coastal backdrop and a colorful ensemble of a breathtaking blue and mauve dress and veil, the shot is reminiscent of her epic pregnancy announcement. “Sir Carter and Rumi 1 month today,” the caption read, followed by a string of emojis which included the prayer hands, a heart, a man, a woman, a girl, and two babies. By our count, that would make the twins’ birthday June 14, several days before the internet got wind of the birth. Just look at those teeny little faces!

2.Spider-Man: Homecoming costars Zendaya and Tom Holland addressed dating rumors in a hilarious way. With reports (via unnamed sources) swirling that Zendaya and Holland sparked a love affair while filming for their new flick, Spider-Man: Homecoming, the duo has chimed in to offer up their two cents.While they didn’t actually confirm or deny the rumors, their reaction WAS rather amusing. “Wait wait…” Zendaya tweeted, along with a link to the rumors. “My favorite is when it says we go on vacations together. HA! I haven’t been on a vacation in years!,” she wrote, complete with crying-laughing emojis. Holland’s reply was equally perfect, with the star joking, “Does the press tour count?” (h/t Cosmo; photo via Robert Marquardt/Getty)

barb from stranger things got nominated but winona ryder didn't pic.twitter.com/y3XQgpivIf

— anna (@dulljpg) July 13, 2017

3. Barb from Stranger Things got an Emmy nomination and the internet has FEELINGS. Now that the 2017 Emmy nominations are out, Stranger Things‘ Barb is finally getting her vindication for (spoiler alert!) being killed off and forgotten on the show. The Netflix series was one of the most-nominated shows with 18 (!) nominations, one of which was an Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series nod for Barb, AKA Shannon Purser. While some people seemed confused that Purser was recognized when Winona Ryder was not, the cult of Barb celebrated the victory, claiming “justice.” The Emmys will take place on September 17, and Stranger Things season two drops on Netflix on October 27. (h/t Mashable)

Once again the press is wrong. https://t.co/0v8RV5qqni

— Kid Rock (@KidRock) July 13, 2017

4. Kid Rock hints that he may actually be running for US Senate. Earlier this week, musician Kid Rock launched the kidrockforsenate.com website, and people seemed confused as to whether it was a publicity stunt for upcoming music, a ploy to sell merchandise or, well, the real deal. Kid — whose real name is Robert James Ritchie — penned a blog post to say that he still had time to file paperwork with the Federal Elections Committee to make it official, and that he would be simultaneously releasing new tunes. “Like politicians write books during their campaigns, I’m planning on putting out music during mine,” he wrote (he released two new songs and announced a tour at midnight). “It’s not a hoax, it’s a strategy, and marketing 101!” With more celebrities’ names, like The Rock, being thrown in the political ring, nothing about this would surprise us. (h/t People)

5.Bridezillasis the latest TV show to get a revival and we can’t WAIT. TV reboots are all the rage — from Gilmore Girls to Fuller House and, most recently, Will and Grace, what’s old is definitely new again. It’s not often that a reality series is brought back from the dead (though we’re still holding out for a Jersey Shore reunion show), but WE tv has some seriously exciting news for fans in 2018: the return of Bridezillas! “Years after saying goodbye to our last Bridezilla, we have been asked consistently to bring this show back by viewers and fans,” We tv president Marc Juris said in a statement. E! reports that casting is currently underway for 10 new hour-long episodes of total wedding meltdown territory, and TBH, it can’t come fast enough. (h/t E!)

6. Quote of the day: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Albert Einstein knew what he was talking about.

Do you have any creative projects planned this weekend? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Featured photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

Jay-Z’s new album is here and Corinne Olympios’ BIP investigation is over in this morning’s top news stories. Check those and more out in the TGIF Morning Buzz!

1. When Beyoncé released the amazing Lemonade, many presumed it to insinuate that husband, Jay-Z, was being unfaithful. The album even launched the now infamous Beckygate witch hunt, which had fans clamoring to find out the identity of his would-be extra-marital partner. The two, now parents to twin newborns, are obviously still going strong, but on Jay-Z’s new album 4:44, it sounds like he’s finally addressing everything from his suspected cheating on Bey (who also appears on the album), to that infamous fight with Solange in an elevator. The album’s title track is particularly telling, with lyrics such as, “And if my children knew, I don’t even know what I would do. If they ain’t look at me the same, I would probably die with all the shame. You did what with who? What good is a ménage à trois when you have a soulmate? You risked that for Blue?” Jay himself was vague about song meanings in an interview with iHeartRadio, but its streaming the album for free all day today before being hidden behind a Tidal paywall, so you’ve got lots of time to dig in and listen for yourself. (h/t USA Today; photo via Mike Coppola/Getty)

2. Corinne Olympios’ Bachelor in Paradise investigation has concluded.BIP recently resumed filming after Warner Brothers closed their investigation and found no misconduct, but Corinne Olympios and her lawyer moved forward with their own investigation into the matter. Now, she has issued a statement saying the investigation has been completed to her satisfaction. She also clarified that she “never filed complaints or accusations against anyone associated with Bachelor in Paradise,” but based on the fact that she had no recollection of what transpired and that she felt “victimized by the fact that others were judging me through conflicting and unsubstantiated reports,” she wanted to see the investigation through. Olympios said that while she was invited back to BIP when production resumed, she respectfully declined. (h/t E!; photo via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty)

3. Venus Williams was involved in a fatal car crash. Days before she is set to start in Wimbledon, it has been revealed that Venus Williams was involved in a car crash that resulted in a death earlier this month. The NYT reports that a 78-year-old man being driven by his wife was injured in the accident, and that he died two weeks later. The Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, incident is under investigation, and police said in a report on the crash that Williams was at fault. Her lawyer, Malcolm Cunningham, maintains that she has not been cited or charged. “Ms. Williams entered the intersection on a green light,” Cunningham said in a statement. “The police report estimates that Ms. Williams was traveling at 5mph when Mrs. Barson crashed into her. Authorities did not issue Ms. Williams with any citations or traffic violations. This is an unfortunate accident, and Venus expresses her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one.” (h/t New York Times; photo via Al Bello/Getty)

4. Jared Padalecki’s sweet letter to his kids is the feel-good read of the weekend. Supernatural and Gilmore Girls star Jared Padalecki penned a post-Father’s Day note thanking his three children for turning his world upside down — in the best way possible. In fact, his wife Genevieve Cortese was so taken with the letter, she posted it on her blog for all of us to share in. “I realize Father’s Day was supposed to be about…. well… ‘fathers,'” he wrote, “but I wanted to take this opportunity, after my FIFTH fathers day (and counting), not to say ‘you’re welcome,’ but to say ‘thank you.'” Padalecki listed things that by all means could be awful (“You’ve peed on me, pooped on me, and vomited on me”), before offering up more special, meaningful moments. “You’ve taught me more than any mentor or teacher ever could,” he says. “I have your back. Now and always.” SNIFF. Grab your tissues and dive into the whole thing right here.

5. The Jumanji remake trailer is here and Jack Black plays a teenage girl. In the first official trailer for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, we see Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan become avatars for the high school kids playing the weird old Jumanji video game. Frankly, just hearing Jack Black say “I can’t even with this place,” already has us sold. It’s not out until December 22, but check the trailer out above!

6. Quote of the day: “I too look forward to the day when the numbers are different.” Gillian Anderson calls out the fact that the X-Files writer’s room is made entirely of men, finishing with a timely #TheFutureIsFemale.

Do you have any weekend projects planned? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photo via Mike Coppola/Getty)

I lost track of how many romantasy books I read this year because I threw myself at as many fictionalized characters as I could. Reading became a wonderful form of fun, escapism that I absolutely needed after this year decided to play tennis with my emotions. And while I may have been a bit delulu to read as many romantasy books as I have, there were so many that I just couldn't put down. They sparked my imagination, they gave me something to look forward to, and no matter how bad things felt I always knew there was a rich fantasy land I could dig into page after page. So what were the books that drew me in the most? I'll gladly tell you!

All the best romantasy books that made my heart skip a beat this year!

Amazon

1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

How many times is too many to mention Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros? Wait, don't answer that question. Instead, let's focus on how genius this body of work is. It's our introduction to Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail, Xander Riorson, dragons, and evil schemes.

If you haven't read this book yet, make sure to start NOW because Onyx Storm releases next month!!! It's the third book in the Empyrean series and it's guaranteed to be a great read.

Amazon

2. Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

Morally gray characters? Check. Intoxicating vampires? Check. Secrets that alter reality? Also, check. Immortal Dark has everything you'd expect in a romantasy except you'll find yourself questioning what you've learned about protagonists and antagonists because even the 'good' people are compelled to commit terrible things.

Amazon

3. Deep Is The Fen by Lili Wilkinson

Deep Is The Fen scratched an itch I didn't know I had with it's tale of how dark magic and lies can harm everyone. Merry's convinced stopping her best friend Teddy from joining the Toadmen is her only mission, but she'll soon discover there's an ancient evil that's been calling the shots and isn't ready to give up its throne.

Amazon

4. The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

If you want to laugh and cry, The God and the Gumiho is one of the romantasy books you should read. It trails Kim Hani, a powerful Gumiho, and Seoka, a god full of tricks and bitterness, as they reluctantly work together to stop an evil demon from destroying the city they now reside in. It's the perfect enemies-to-lovers troupe that breaks your heart in the end.

Amazon

5. The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

It starts off with a semi-botched robbery that leads to a world of magic, except skilled thief Kierse doesn't realize it until she's in the alleged monster's lair. In fact, he'd already sensed her presence long before she knew she was being watched. By then, it's too late and she finds herself immersed in an ancient feud that's about to reach its breaking point.

Amazon

6. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre might be High Fae now, but her troubles are far from over in A Court of Mist and Fury. For one, she's linked Mr. High Lord of the Night Court although she's supposed to be marrying Tamlin. The issue is that she's not 100% sure if that's the right choice even though she initially lived with the latter after the events of A Court of Thorns and Roses. She'll have to decide where she truly wants to be, but not before making yet another bargain that'll affect more people.

Amazon

7. Zodiac Rising by Katie Zao

What's not to love about an exclusive boarding school that harbors magical secrets? That's another question I'm not excited to answer because Zodiac Rising shaped up to be an intriguing read that also gives readers a history lesson. Since the loss of the 12 zodiacs, their Descendants they've been living in the shadows to protect their identities.

However, evil appears again when one of the most notable students at the boarding school loses their life. Now, four unlikely students will have to become uneasy allies in order to save the world as they know it.

Amazon

8. Curse of Shadows and Thornsby LJ Andrews

Elise Lysander may be the king's niece, but she's all about rebelling. From gambling to trying her hardest not get married, she'd rather do the opposite. However, her uncle knows how to get under her skin by reminding her how sick her dad is. Thus, she decides to see how life will look by Legion Grey's side. He's the most aggravating man she's ever know, but he also pushes all the right buttons. But the closer they get, the more danger they find themselves in.

When the throne is completed eradicated, Legion's shows his true identity and crushes Elise's heart in the process. With magic and lies looming in her future, she'll have to decide which path she'll take.

Amazon

9. Forged in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

Orphaned Ophelia Hart's passion for reading and making sure no one has to suffer the uneasy fate she has pushes her in the direction of becoming a social worker. She has no idea how that's going to happen, but she's determined to find a way to help other children.

When she's suddenly gifted with the chance to go to Montridge University, she gleefully accepts the offer. It sounds like a dream come true until she meets three of the Ruby Dragon Society's members who want to make her life miserable. They're also vampires which adds to their sinister nature.

She's never believed in fantasy before, but Ophelia changes her tune when the inevitable keeps happening. Also, she's pretty special too and it seems that Professor Alexandros Drakos knew it before she did.

Amazon

10. Court of Vines and Vipersby Emberly Ash

Veyka Pendrago is stuck with the knowledge her closest loved ones are scattered beyond her reach as evil closes in on Annwyn. Faced with the task of becoming queen of a kingdom who is ready to judge her at every turn, she must do all she can to prove she's worthy while keeping her power hidden deep within her.

It's another seductive read that leaves you wanting more.

Which romantasy books have you read this year? Let us know and visit our Amazon Storefront for our favorite 2024 reads!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.