Kid Cudi Slams Troll Who Said His 2021 ‘SNL’ Performance Was an ‘Illuminati Humiliation Ritual’

Kid Cudi has “got time” to shut down the haters.

The star took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday (Jan. 2) to clap back at a user named Isaac, who claimed Cudi’s 2021 Saturday Night Live performance, in which he’s seen performing “Sad People” in a floral print dress, is “an illuminati humiliation ritual.”

“Dear Issac u silly stupid lil person and all people under this post. Its the start of a new year and I got time for muthaf—as like u today,” Cudi began his response. “This post is mad f—in lame of u and sad. A black man cant express himself and be confident AND successful with out it being some conspiracy. My success was givin to me by God with the help of my many angels.”

He added, “This moment was a proud moment for me, a shinin moment for all people who express themselves in their art. I felt free and alive, it inspired people and nothing u stupid simple a–es say can take that away from me. Happy New Year u f—in simps.”

Cudi has said on many occasions that the floral print dress was in honor of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, who wore similar dresses onstage in the 1990s. The rapper shared at the time of his performance that the dress was designed by the late Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh. “I told him I wanted to show love to Kurt w a floral print sundress and this man made a masterpiece,” the rapper wrote. “Thank You @virgilabloh ur a f—in genius!! Love you man we did it!!!”

During his second SNL performance of “Tequila Shots,” Cudi also rocked a fuzzy olive-green cardigan similar to the one Cobain famously wore during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York live performance, which aired months before his 1994 death. Underneath, Cudi sported a shirt with a headshot of late SNL great Chris Farley.

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‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2024’ Ratings Jump

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2024, a marathon, 5-1/2 hour production which eased ABC TV viewers into the new year, saw ratings increases in all four time quadrants measured, from the start of prime-time until late-late hours.

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The show, which Dick Clark originated in 1972, has ballooned over the years in hours of programming, just as the title of the show has expanded. Clark’s name remains in the title nearly a dozen years after his death, a unique and rare show of respect from a network for a long-time network star.

Ryan Seacrest, 49, is six years older than Clark was when the show launched. Seacrest shared hosting duties this year with Rita Ora and Jeannie Mai.

Performers on this year’s show included Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, LL Cool J, Tyla, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

First Primetime Segment

Airing at 8:00 p.m., the first primetime segment skyrocketed over last year’s broadcast by 35% in total viewers (7.0 million vs. 5.2 million) and by 33% among adults 18-49 (1.81 rating vs. 1.36 rating) to score three-year highs.

Second Primetime Segment

Airing at 10:30 p.m., the second primetime segment jumped over the prior year by 30% in total viewers (10.4 million vs. 8.0 million) and by 32% among adults 18-49 (2.93 rating vs. 2.22 rating) to hit three-year highs.

The Part 2 segment ranked as the highest-rated entertainment telecast on any network in primetime in nine months among adults 18-49 – since ABC’s broadcast of The Oscars on March 12, 2023.

Part 2 was the night’s No. 1 entertainment program in primetime in both total viewers and adults 18-49.

The two primetime segments made the programthe night’s No. 1 most social program across all of TV. It was also the No. 1 driver of social video consumption on the night. In addition, this year’s broadcast grew its video views count by 20% over last year.

First Late-Night Segment

Airing at 11:30 p.m., the first late-night segment attracted 18.0 million total viewers and averaged a 5.33 rating among adults 18-49. The special drew in 22.2 million total viewers and hit a 6.41 adult 18-49 rating in the midnight quarter-hour.

Part 1 of the late-night segment stood as the highest-rated entertainment special on any network in two years – since ABC’s 2021 broadcast of the same show.

Part 1 shot up over the prior year’s broadcast by 30% in total viewers (18.0 million vs. 13.8 million) and by 30% among adults 18-49 (5.33 rating vs. 4.11 rating).

Part 1 ranked as the No. 1 program on New Year’s Eve among adults 18-49.

Second Late-Night Segment

Airing at 1:09 a.m., the second late-night segment grew over last year’s broadcast by 19% in total viewers (5.1 million vs. 4.3 million) and by 14% among adults 18-49 (1.47 rating vs. 1.29 rating).

Sources: The Nielsen Company, Fast National Live+Same Day Program Ratings, 12/31/23 – entertainment excludes sports programming; SCR, Talkwalker.

Penske Media Corporation, Billboard‘s parent company, is a part-owner of dick clark productions and has a partnership with Eldridge.

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Tupac Shakur Murder Suspect’s Bail Hearing Postponed Over Claim Witnesses May Be Targeted

A bail hearing was postponed Tuesday in Las Vegas for a former Los Angeles-area gang leader charged with orchestrating the killing of hip-hop music legend Tupac Shakur in 1996, giving defense attorneys time to respond to prosecutors’ allegations that witnesses in the case may be at risk.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis’ court-appointed attorneys sought the delay to respond to prosecutors’ allegations, filed last week, that jail telephone recordings and a list of names provided to Davis’ family members show that Davis poses a threat to the public if he is released.

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No court hearing was held Tuesday. One of Davis’ attorneys, Robert Arroyo, told The Associated Press later that the defense wanted to respond in court in writing. He declined to provide details. Arroyo said last week he did not see evidence that any witness had been named or threatened.

Davis is the only person ever charged with a crime in the drive-by shooting that also wounded rap music mogul Marion “Suge” Knight, who is now serving 28 years in a California prison for an unrelated fatal shooting in the Los Angeles area in 2015.

Davis has pleaded not guilty and is due for trial in June on a murder charge. He has remained jailed without bail since his arrest Sept. 29 outside his Henderson home. Las Vegas police had served a search warrant there in mid-July.

Davis, originally from Compton, California, is now housed at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, where detainees’ phone calls are routinely recorded. If convicted at trial, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

In a recording of an October jail call, prosecutors say Davis’ son told the defendant about a “green light” authorization. Their court filing made no reference to Davis instructing anyone to harm someone, or to anyone associated with the case being physically harmed.

“In (Davis’) world, a ‘green light’ is an authorization to kill,” prosecutors Marc DiGiacomo and Binu Palal told Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny in the court document, adding that at least one witness was provided assistance from federal authorities “so he could change his residence.”

Prosecutors also point to Davis’ own words since 2008 — in police interviews, in his 2019 tell-all memoir and in the media — that they say provides strong evidence that he orchestrated the September 1996 shooting.

Davis’ attorneys argue that his descriptions of Shakur’s killing were “done for entertainment purposes and to make money.”

Arroyo and co-counsel Charles Cano have argued their 60-year-old client is in poor health after a battle with cancer that is in remission, poses no danger to the community, and won’t flee to avoid trial. They want Kierny to set bail at not more than $100,000.

Davis maintains that he was given immunity from prosecution in 2008 by FBI agents and Los Angeles police who were investigating the killings of Shakur in Las Vegas and rival rapper Christopher Wallace, known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls, six months later in Los Angeles.

Davis’ bail hearing is now scheduled for Jan. 9.

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Jack Black to Star Alongside Jason Momoa in ‘Minecraft’ Movie

Jack Black is adding yet another video game-to-movie adaptation to his belt. On Tuesday (Jan. 2), Deadline reported that the actor will be starring in Minecraft — based on the the popular block building adventure game by Mojang Studios, and distributed by Microsoft — alongside Aquaman star, Jason Momoa.

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Black’s role in the movie, as well as the plot and its writing credits, are currently being kept under wraps, but according to the outlet, he will be taking on the role of Steve in the movie. Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks and Sebastian Eugene Hansen will also star in the upcoming film.

Black’s forthcoming role marks one of his many forays into the world of video games. Most recently, Black took on the role of the spiky-shelled super villain Bowser in The Super Mario Bros Movie. The film, which grossed over $1.36 billion in worldwide box office, saw Black gain traction online thanks to the film’s love song, “Peaches,” in wish he passionately pined for the affections of Princess Peach. The track also earned the 54-year-old his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 83 on the all genre tally.

The School of Rock actor will also be starring in Borderlands — based on the first person looter and shooter video game of the same name — set to arrive this year on Aug. 9. The late 2010s saw Black have leading in roles in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level in 2017 and 2019 respectively.

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Michigan vs. Washington: How to Watch the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship

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The Michigan Wolverines will officially take on the Washington Huskies during the final game of the college football season for 2024. After some exciting semi-final matches during their respective New Year’s games, the top two teams will now face off against one another for the championship title. You can watch the game live on ESPN and ESPN+ on Monday (Jan. 8) starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Michigan has previously won nine football championships, making this the third season in a row that the team has made it to College Football Playoff.

Both teams will head to Houston, TX, to the NRG Stadium where the championship game will take place for the first-time ever. With various travel deals going on, you might be able to snag last-minute tickets to watch the game live and in-person. Can’t make it this year? You’ll still be able to livestream the college national championship online at home.

Keep reading to see the streaming options available.

How to Watch Michigan vs. Washington

The college football championship game will be taking place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday (Jan. 8) on ESPN and ESPN+. If you have cable, you’ll be able to watch the game live on any channel that offers ESPN. Don’t have cable? You might be able to watch Michigan vs. Washington through a HD antenna like one here from Amazon.

ESPN+ is also the official streaming platform for ESPN and its affiliates, which will be streaming the game live. If you have a subscription already, just log into your account and you’ll gain access to the livestream for no additional cost.

New to ESPN+? The sports streaming platform doesn’t offer a free trial, but it does offer budget-friendly plans starting at just $10.99/month or you can save over 15% with an annual plan for $109.99/year. Click here to start your membership or the button below.

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Along with having access to the live Michigan vs. Washington game, having a subscription will also grant you access to the entire ESPN+ library including other live sports such as NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer, UFC, PPV events as well as exclusive ESPN+ programs, documentary specials and originals such as Al Davis vs. The NFL, Vick, Be Like Water, Breakaway, Man in the Arena with Tom Brady, The Captain, More Than An Athlete with Michael Strahan and Our Time Baylor Basketball.

Looking for more affordable streaming options? You can also watch the College Football Playoff National Championship through live TV streaming options like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. Most of the streaming options come with free trials and promos for less than $80/month.

For less than $75, DirecTV Stream and Fubo both offer free trials as well as a mix of live TV channels including ESPN.

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Hulu + Live TV will offer you the most content offerings with live TV channels and the entire Hulu library as well as a 30 day free trial.

get hulu + live tv free trial here

Before you get comfy on the couch or jet off to the stadium, don’t forget to stock up on Michigan merch or Washington merch to show you pride and support for your team during the big game.

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Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Elvis & More Artists With the Most Weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200: Full List

As Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) logs a fifth nonconsecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 (dated Jan. 6, 2024), Swift surpasses Elvis Presley for the most weeks at No. 1 by a solo artist. As Billboard reported on New Year’s Eve, Swift has now logged 68 weeks at No. 1, one more week than Presley, who logged 67 weeks on top between 1956 and 2002. The Beatles continue to lead all artists, with 132 weeks on top between 1964 and 2001.

Swift’s strong showing is impressive when you consider that the chart dates back to March 1956, more than 33 years before she was born.

Also of note, while Presley’s feats on the Billboard Hot 100 are shortchanged by the fact that his breakthrough in 1956 pre-dated the launch of Billboard’s flagship songs chart by more than two years, the Billboard 200 captures Presley’s entire career. His debut album, Elvis Presley, entered the chart at No. 11 in the issue dated March 31, 1956 – which was the chart’s second week.

Here’s a look at all acts with 30 or more weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since March 24, 1956, when the chart began publishing on a consistent weekly basis. Ties are shown in alphabetical order.

Two quick notes: The Beatles and Presley could add to their weeks-at-No.-1 totals with the arrival of a new compilation or if one of their existing albums returns or finally reaches No. 1.

Also, If you count the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (which logged 24 weeks at No. 1 in 1978) as a Bee Gees album, the trio had 31 weeks on top. Bee Gees had six tracks on the album — five of which were No. 1 hits on the Hot 100. But Billboard counts it as a multi-artist soundtrack album.

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See Photos From ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2024′

It’s not New Year’s Eve until the Times Square ball drops, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2024 celebrated the start of a brand-new year in style with dozens of performances and hundreds of thousands of partygoers gathered in New York City.

Among the night’s biggest performers in NYC were Megan Thee Stallion, who did a medley of “Body,” “Cobra,” “Her” and her breakthrough 2020 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Savage” just after the clock struck midnight ET. Times Square also saw performances from Jelly Roll (“Need a Favor” and “Halfway to Hell,” as well as “Wild Ones” with Jessie Murph); LL Cool J (a final salute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with “I’m Bad,” “Mr. Good Bar,” “Phenomenon,” “Rock the Bells” and “Mama Said Knock You Out”);  Tyla (“One and On,” “Truth or Dare” and her breakout top 10 Hot 100 hit “Water”); and Sabrina Carpenter (“Feather” and “Nonsense,” which included the updated outro “Clark is everybody’s favorite di– type/ Make a toast to everyone you dislike/ Balls are dropping everywhere at midnight”).

The show’s Hollywood party included performances from “Barbie Girl” duo Aqua, as well as Billboard Women in Music 2023 Rising Star Doechii; Ellie Goulding; Green Day; Janelle Monae; Loud Luxury and Two Friends with Bebe Rexha; Ludacris; Chic’s Nile Rodgers; Paul Russell; Renee Rapp, with a guest appearance from Coco Jones; and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Finally, away from New York and Los Angeles, Cardi B performed from Miami, NewJeans performed from South Korea, Post Malone performed from Las Vegas, and Ivy Queen performed from Puerto Rico.

Below, find photos of the performers at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2024.

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Post Malone Delivers Celebratory New Year’s Eve Show At Las Vegas’ Hottest New Resort: 7 Best Moments

At 10:20 p.m. on Dec. 31, the sold-out crowd at Las Vegas’ newest venue the BleauLive Theater At Fontainebleau started to chant: “Posty! Posty!” 

The audience was so encouraging that, as a result of its efforts, the superstar emerged soon after – ahead of the scheduled 10:30 start time – to begin his hits-filled New Year’s Eve show. 

As one of the first artists to headline the relatively intimate, 3,800-capacity space (after 16 years of start-and-stop delays, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas celebrated its long-awaited grand opening in mid-December) – Post Malone made sure to deliver. 

As expected, Posty – wearing jorts and a zebra print top – walked on stage with a red Solo cup in hand, which he promptly tossed into the crowd. The 90-minute set that followed included staples from his signature, vibe-based dance moves and a special guest appearance from one lucky fan, to loads of sparklers and pyro. And come midnight, a confetti cannon helped ring in the new year.

“It’s f—ing New Year’s Eve!” exclaimed Post after warming up with hits including “Better Now” and “Wow.” He then told the crowd he came to Vegas with “the most beautiful musicians in the world,” including a string quartet that helped bring his songs, especially those off his latest album Austin, to life. 

“I just wanted to say how f—ing beautiful and how f—ing special it is to have everybody come out,” he continued. “Let’s kick this new year off bitchin’.”

And thanks to the below moments, Post, along with his thousands of fans in attendance, made sure to do just that.

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Selena Gomez Poses for Cozy Photo With Benny Blanco on New Year’s Weekend

It’s a happy new year for Selena Gomez, who shared an adorable new photo with Benny Blanco on Instagram Stories this weekend.

In the snapshot, the pair appear to be enjoying each other’s company and some fresh air. Blanco has his arms wrapped around Gomez and seems to be giving her a kiss, while the singer holds his arm and leans her head onto him. Gomez gives the camera a sweet smile.

Gomez and Blanco were also seen cuddling up together earlier in the week, in a date selfie.

The singer and actress first confirmed that she and Blanco were dating on Dec. 7, about six months into their romance. In a reply to fans on Instagram, she wrote that he “is my absolute everything in my heart” and that she is at her “happiest” in the relationship.

Gomez soon made their relationship fully Instagram official by giving a spot on her main feed to photos with Blanco, including one in which he hugs her among friends, and one in which she leans back to kiss him.

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Blanco co-produced Gomez’s “Single Soon,” which arrived in August and reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. They also worked together on Blanco’s “I Can’t Get Enough” with Tainy and J Balvin in 2019.

See the couple’s latest picture on Gomez’s Instagram Stories here before it disappears.

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Ed Sheeran & Chris Hemsworth Wield Thor’s Hammer in Singer’s 2023 Year-End Photos Recap

Ed Sheeran is looking back on some of his standout memories of 2023.

On Sunday (Dec. 31), the British pop superstar shared a photo gallery on Instagram with numerous throwbacks of the past year, including one of him and Thor star Chris Hemsworth posing with the superhero’s hammer Mjölnir.

“2023 dump,” Sheeran captioned the carousel. “See ya in 2024 have a good one yeah nice one love you.”

Earlier this year, the “Thinking Out Loud” singer gave Hemsworth a guitar in exchange for the God of Thunder’s famous weapon. The Australian actor documented the trade in a video on Instagram.

“Just an instrumental trade off between two blokes,” Hemsworth captioned the clip in February. “Ed Sheeran I’ll make this guitar sing like no other and you swing that hammer with all your soul.”

The photo dump also included a courtroom sketch of Sheeran’s testimony during his copyright dispute over Marvin Gaye’s soul classic “Let’s Get it On.” In May, a Manhattan federal jury cleared him on the allegations, allowing the star to avoid millions in potential damages.

Other reflective snapshots included Sheeran performing on the Today show, the time he crashed a couple’s wedding in Las Vegas, and numerous behind-the-scenes recording studio images.

Sheeran dropped his latest album, Autumn Variations, in late September through Gingerbread Man Records. The set, produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner, peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

The album arrived shortly after the North American leg of Sheeran’s Mathematics World Tour wrapped at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The Asia leg of his trek is scheduled to launch in January 2024.

Autumn Variations is the singer-songwriter’s second album this year, following Subtract, which debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums in May. The album also launched at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart, with his largest sales week since 2017.

See Sheeran’s 2023 year-end post on Instagram here.

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