At the 2024 Oscars on Sunday night, Oppenheimer led the way with 13 nominations – but who emerged the biggest winner?

Well, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer left with seven Oscars, including the night’s biggest prize, best motion picture of the year. On the music front, Billie Eilish and Finneas took home best original song for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, while Ludwig Göransson won best original score for Oppenheimer.

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Who else emerged victorious? You can find the complete 96th Academy Awards winners list below.

Best motion picture of the year

    American Fiction, Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson and Jermaine Johnson, Producers

    Anatomy of a Fall, Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, Producers

    Barbie, David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, Producers

    The Holdovers, Mark Johnson, Producer

    Killers of the Flower Moon, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese and Daniel Lupi, Producers

    Maestro, Bradley Cooper, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers

    WINNER: Oppenheimer, Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan, Producers

    Past Lives, David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, Producers

    Poor Things, Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, Producers

    The Zone of Interest, James Wilson, Producer

Performance by an actor in a leading role

    Bradley Cooper in Maestro

    Colman Domingo in Rustin

    Paul Giamatti in The Holdovers

    WINNER: Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer

    Jeffrey Wright in American Fiction

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

    Sterling K. Brown in American Fiction

    Robert De Niro in Killers of the Flower Moon

    WINNER: Robert Downey Jr. in Oppenheimer

    Ryan Gosling in Barbie

    Mark Ruffalo in Poor Things

Performance by an actress in a leading role

    Annette Bening in Nyad

    Lily Gladstone in Killers of the Flower Moon

    Sandra Hüller in Anatomy of a Fall

    Carey Mulligan in Maestro

    WINNER: Emma Stone in Poor Things

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

    Emily Blunt in Oppenheimer

    Danielle Brooks in The Color Purple

    America Ferrera in Barbie

    Jodie Foster in Nyad

    WINNER: Da’Vine Joy Randolph in The Holdovers

Achievement in directing

    Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet

    Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese

    WINNER: Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan

    Poor Things, Yorgos Lanthimos

    The Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer

Adapted screenplay

    WINNER: American Fiction, Written for the screen by Cord Jefferson

    Barbie, Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach

    Oppenheimer, Written for the screen by Christopher Nolan

    Poor Things, Screenplay by Tony McNamara

    The Zone of Interest, Written by Jonathan Glazer

Original screenplay

    WINNER: Anatomy of a Fall Written by Justine Triet and Arthur Harari

    The Holdovers Written by David Hemingson

    Maestro Written by Bradley Cooper & Josh Singer

    May December Screenplay by Samy Burch; Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik

    Past Lives Written by Celine Song

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

    American Fiction, Laura Karpman

    Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, John Williams

    Killers of the Flower Moon, Robbie Robertson

    WINNER: Oppenheimer, Ludwig Göransson

    Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

    “The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

    “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie; Music and Lyric by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt

    “It Never Went Away” from American Symphony; Music and Lyric by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson

    “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon; Music and Lyric by Scott George

    WINNER: “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie; Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

Best animated feature film of the year

    WINNER: The Boy and the Heron, Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki

    Elemental, Peter Sohn and Denise Ream

    Nimona, Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary

    Robot Dreams, Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé and Sandra Tapia Díaz

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Amy Pascal

Achievement in cinematography

    El Conde, Edward Lachman

    Killers of the Flower Moon, Rodrigo Prieto

    Maestro, Matthew Libatique

    WINNER: Oppenheimer, Hoyte van Hoytema

    Poor Things, Robbie Ryan

Achievement in costume design

    Barbie, Jacqueline Durran

    Killers of the Flower Moon, Jacqueline West

    Napoleon, Janty Yates and Dave Crossman

    Oppenheimer, Ellen Mirojnick

    WINNER: Poor Things, Holly Waddington

Best documentary feature film

    Bobi Wine: The People’s President, Moses Bwayo, Christopher Sharp and John Battsek

    The Eternal Memory Nominees to be determined

    Four Daughters, Kaouther Ben Hania and Nadim Cheikhrouha

    To Kill a Tiger, Nisha Pahuja, Cornelia Principe and David Oppenheim

    WINNER: 20 Days in Mariupol, Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath

Best documentary short film

    The ABCs of Book Banning, Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic

    The Barber of Little Rock, John Hoffman and Christine Turner

    Island in Between, S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien

    WINNER: The Last Repair Shop, Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers

    Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, Sean Wang and Sam Davis

Achievement in film editing

    Anatomy of a Fall, Laurent Sénéchal

    The Holdovers, Kevin Tent

    Killers of the Flower Moon, Thelma Schoonmaker

    WINNER: Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lame

    Poor Things, Yorgos Mavropsaridis

Best international feature film of the year

    Io Capitano, Italy

    Perfect Days, Japan

    Society of the Snow, Spain

    The Teachers’ Lounge, Germany

    WINNER: The Zone of Interest, United Kingdom

Achievement in makeup and hairstyling

    Golda, Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby and Ashra Kelly-Blue

    Maestro, Kazu Hiro, Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell

    Oppenheimer, Luisa Abel

    WINNER: Poor Things, Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston

    Society of the Snow, Ana López-Puigcerver, David Martí and Montse Ribé

Achievement in production design

    Barbie, Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

    Killers of the Flower Moon, Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis

    Napoleon, Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Elli Griff

    Oppenheimer, Production Design: Ruth De Jong; Set Decoration: Claire Kaufman

    WINNER: Poor Things, Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath; Set Decoration: Zsuzsa Mihalek

Best animated short film

    Letter to a Pig, Tal Kantor and Amit R. Gicelter

    Ninety-Five Senses, Jerusha Hess and Jared Hess

    Our Uniform, Yegane Moghaddam

    Pachyderme, Stéphanie Clément and Marc Rius

    WINNER: WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko, Dave Mullins and Brad Booker

Best live action short film

    The After, Misan Harriman and Nicky Bentham

    Invincible, Vincent René-Lortie and Samuel Caron

    Knight of Fortune, Lasse Lyskjær Noer and Christian Norlyk

    Red, White and Blue, Nazrin Choudhury and Sara McFarlane

    WINNER: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Wes Anderson and Steven Rales

Achievement in sound

    The Creator, Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic

    Maestro, Steven A. Morrow, Richard King, Jason Ruder, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic

    Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Chris Munro, James H. Mather, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor

    Oppenheimer, Willie Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo and Kevin O’Connell

    WINNER: The Zone of Interest, Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn

Achievement in visual effects

    The Creator, Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts and Neil Corbould

    WINNER: Godzilla Minus One, Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima

    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams and Theo Bialek

    Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Alex Wuttke, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Neil Corbould

    Napoleon, Charley Henley, Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, Simone Coco and Neil Corbould

Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli did beautiful justice to the Hollywood legends who died in the past year by singing a heart-wrenching duet of “Time to Say Good-Bye (Con Te Partirò)” during the 2024 Oscars Sunday (March 10).

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The performance began with a simple but elegant string quartet and a group of lyrical dancers cloaked in blue. As the big screens at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles honored the names of actors, producers, writers, musicians, costume designers and more the world has lost since last year’s ceremony, the father-son duo took the stage side-by-side in matching blue suit jackets to harmonize on the elder Bocelli’s famous track.

Among the late honorees spotlighted by the Academy this year were Tina Turner, Friends star Matthew Perry, composer Bill Lee, actress Chita Rivera, actor Ryan O’Neal, composer Richard Lewis, actress Glenda Jackson and more.

The heartfelt tribute came toward the end of the ceremony, following awards given to best supporting actress (Da’Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers), best supporting actor (Robert Downey Jr. for Oppenheimer) and best original song (Billie Eilish and Finneas for Barbie‘s “What Was I Made For?”). Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the 96th Academy Awards has also seen a number of A-list presenters, including Ariana Grande and her Wicked costar Cynthia Erivo, America Ferrera, Issa Rae, Anya Taylor-Joy, Bad Bunny, John Cena and more.

The “In Memoriam” segment also followed musical performances from all five best original song nominees. In addition to Eilish and Finneas’ acoustic rendition of “What Was I Made For?,” Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson delivered a star-studded showcase of “I’m Just Ken,” Becky G was on fire for “The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot, Jon Batiste took to the piano for “It Never Went Away” from American Symphony, and Scott George and The Osage Singers gathered onstage to for “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon.

Watch the “In Memoriam” segment below:

V is giving fans a first look at “FRI(END)S.” The BTS member unveiled a preview of the official music video for his new solo single, plus a set of concept photos for the song, on Saturday (March 9).

The 35-second teaser shows a moment of grabbing leftover takeout from the fridge and eating it alone, before cutting to a chaotic scene at a movie theater and one where V sits by himself in a crowded diner. The clip features a brief preview of instrumentals and vocals.

V’s “FRI(END)S” concept photos — including the black-and-white image above — show the singer in solitude as well. Check out the full set of six concept photos for the single on BTS’ Instagram.

The K-pop star first announced the March 15 release date of “FRI(END)S” last weekend. BTS’ official Instagram account had also teased “FRI(END)S” with a brief clip featuring V.

“The track, rooted in the pop soul R&B genre, delivers relatable and witty romance through lyrics written entirely in English,” a press statement from Big Hit Music said. “The single artwork accompanying the announcement reveals the song title and release date against a vivid pink background that hints at the song’s sweet mood.”

Big Hit says that another set of concept photos and “flash video encapsulating the overall mood of the single” will be released on March 11, and a second music video teaser will come on March 12.

“FRI(END)S” follows V’s 2023 solo debut, Layover, which included songs like “Love Me Again,” “Rainy Days” and “Slow Dancing.”

Watch the “FRI(END)S” music video teaser below.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Freckle pens have made it possible for anyone who wasn’t born with freckles to sport the natural sun-kissed look. The versatile makeup trend has been around for years, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber incorporating it into both her minimalist and bold looks. Selena Gomez, meantime, donned fake freckles in her music video for 2017 single “Fetish.”

The natural aesthetic has continued to garner a large following on social media with countless beauty influencers on TikTok providing tutorials on how to achieve the most realistic-looking fake freckles. Makeup brands have also dropped tools ranging from freckle pens to stamp applicators so you can ditch using mascara or an eyebrow pen to apply the beauty trend.

Below, Billboard Shopping breaks down how to use a freckle pen including how to create realistic freckles and the best freckle pens to stock up on.

What Is a Good Freckle Pen?

A good freckle pen will have a soft, lightweight tip to help you effortlessly apply fake freckles to your face. You’ll want to make sure the shade is complimentary to your skin tone to create realistic freckles, as the hue could show up too dark or not at all. If you like wearing powder foundation and concealer, the best freckle pens will be buildable, allowing you to layer the formula over your makeup.

How Do You Get Realistic Freckles?

The key to making realistic freckles, according to most TikTok beauty creators, is to take the freckle pen and apply the brush randomly onto your face for the most natural look. Then, use your finger or a beauty blender to lightly blend and spread the formula around your face. Apply another layer to different spots and areas around your face and repeat the process until you get your desired look. Make sure to put freckles in spots that the sun would hit the most and avoid staying in one section or area of your face, as TikToker @peytonliveslife suggests in a tutorial video.

What Are the Best Freckle Pens?

We’ve rounded up some of the best freckle pens that you can buy online, based on our own experience testing them and on top user reviews.

pink lime crime freckle pen

EDITOR’S PICK

Lime Crime Freckle Pen

This freckle pen has been loved by Amazon reviewers for its fine tip and color options, including a bold magenta for anyone looking to add some color to their makeup looks. You can apply it onto your bare skin or over foundation thanks to its buildable formula, and shoppers boast that it “lasts all day even without setting spray.” The ingredients are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free.


black tube freckle pen

TIKTOK PICK

Freck Beauty The Original Freckle Pen

TikTok can’t get enough of Freck Beauty’s freckle pen with @peytonliveslife using the makeup tool within the review. You need to shake it before using, but once applied, it boasts a waterproof and long-lasting formula that’s cruelty-free, gluten-free and oil-free. TikTokers are especially obsessed with how it turns out, praising its ability to provide a realistic look.

“It’s very, very warm, but once you dab it out it looks so, so natural,” TikToker @cakedbybabyk said in a review video about the freckle pen.


white freckle pen

BUILDABLE PICK

ColourPop Freckle Pen

Even after applying a full face of makeup, this freckle pen will still be able to give you a natural look using its staying formula and felt-tip pen. It comes in a soft brown shade recommended for fair to medium skin tones and comes out with “subtle marks,” according to reviewers (of course, you can always make them darker by applying more color). For those with freckles, one reviewer likes using the pen post-makeup routine, saying “these help me enhance them after makeup.”


white and brown spotted freckle pen

BUDGET-FRIENDLY PICK

HandAiyan Freckle Pen (2-Pack)

Amazon’s under $10 freckle pen is ideal for those who want to try out the trend with a quality formula that’s affordable. You’ll receive two pens in either light brown and natural coffee, or chestnut and dark brown. Both come with a soft felt tip for a simple yet comfortable application. In addition to being a best-selling on Amazon, reviewers note that the shades appear soft, which means you don’t need to spread the freckles out with your fingers.


three freckle pens in varying brown shades

FIBER BRUSH PICK

Tarte Freckle Pen

Tarte’s Freckle Pen has a larger shade range, with three options to choose from: light, medium and dark brown to match to your skin tone. What makes it unique from the rest is its flexible fiber brush tip that you can use to splatter across your face or gently tap. The formula is made with vegan ingredients and is waterproof for a more long-lasting look.


white tub with freckle stamp

STAMP PICK

Maykoo Freckle Stamp

If using a brush sounds too advanced for you, consider trying out a freckle stamp like this one by Maykoo. Instead of using a brush to randomly spot your face, you’ll dip the stamp into the tub, making sure the applicator is completely covered. Then, lightly press it onto a section of your face. Blend it and then repeat until you get the look you want.

Amazon reviewers love its easy application and design, praising “how the stamper has different size points on it” and that the result “makes full coverage makeup seem more realistic.”


brown freckle pen tube

SKIN-SOOTHING PICK

Jason Wu The Freckled Boy Freckle Pen

What sets Jason Wu’s freckle pen apart from the rest is how it infuses rosewater into its formula to help soothe skin with every application. It comes in a light brown shade, which is suitable for most skin tones, and has reviewers raving over how it’s “perfect for summer time.”

To apply: “lightly tap the fine point tip wherever you want faux freckles and dab off any excess. Reviewers also say “the pigment is on point [and] blends beautifully with makeup.”


For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best refillable lipsticks, makeup tools for beginners and press-on nails.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Jennifer Lopez is proving Y2K style remains supreme in one of her most recent streetwear outfits, which put the popular Mini Platform Uggs on display. After releasing the movie This Is Me Now: A Love Story to coincide with her latest album release, the “Jenny From the Block” singer took some time to hit the gym before her upcoming tour in a cozy yet chic outfit featuring the Ugg boots, a matching athleisure set and accessorized with a Hermès Birkin bag.

J. Lo is among the celebrities who are part of Ugg fan club, especially for this style, as she’s also been spotted wearing the exact Uggs boots with a pair of overalls while out and about with her husband Ben Affleck.

Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez is seen on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles.

In the past, Uggs were considered controversial for their deemed “ugly” style, but the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” singer has proven that the shoe brand isn’t just relevant, but a fashion must-have.

Social media users have been clamoring to get their hands on their own pair of the Mini Platform Uggs and while many sites are sold out, Billboard Shopping has found a few options to buy platform Uggs online.

Where to Buy Jennifer Lopez's Platform Mini Ugg Boots: Sizing, Stretch

Ugg Mini Platform Boot

The Ugg Mini Platform is ready to elevate your outfits in height and trendiness with its quality suede material and overlock stitch detailing that can pair with jeans or sweatpants. Your feet with be praising the fluffy interior that’s soft and heat-insulating to keep you comfortable during colder days.


Do Platform Uggs Run Big?

Amazon reviewers have noted that the platform Uggs do run big and suggest sizing down for a more snug fit. For those who bought their normal size instead of a smaller fit, reviewers claim you can wear them with thick socks and be comfortable.

Do Platform Uggs Stretch Out?

If the shoes feel a bit snug at first, some reviewers have noted that the Ugg Mini Platforms will expand with time. One verified Amazon reviewer even noted “After doing lots of research, these will stretch out so although they’re tight at first, give it a bit and they will stretch out.” Hey, if it’s good enough for J. Lo, it’s good enough for us.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Ugg slipper dupes, platform boots and knee-high boots.

Ariana Grande has a message for fans who are attacking anyone on the internet after listening to the pop star’s new album Eternal Sunshine.

“i just wanted to say anyone that is sending hateful messages to the people in my life based on your interpretation of this album is not supporting me and is absolutely doing the polar opposite of what i would ever encourage (and is also entirely misinterpreting the intention behind the music)… i ask that you please do not. it is not how to support me. it is the opposite,” she wrote in an Instagram Story posted Saturday afternoon (March 9).

“although this album captures a lot of painful moments, it also is woven together with a through line of deep, sincere love,” Grande said. “if you cannot hear that, please listen more closely.”

“thank you! i love you!!!!!!!’ she added in a second slide.

Grande’s introspective new album — exploring relationships and personal growth — comes after her love life dominated headlines in 2023, when Grande separated from Dalton Gomez after two years of marriage and started a new relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.

Eternal Sunshine arrived on Friday. It’s the singer’s seventh full-length album, and her first since chart-topper Positions, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in 2020.

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On Saturday, Eternal Sunshine set a record as the most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far.

Grande will perform as the musical guest on the Josh Brolin-hosted episode SNL Saturday night.

See Grande’s message on her Instagram Stories.

Ariana Grande is reflecting on her new “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” music video.

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On Saturday (March 9), the 30-year-old pop superstar took to social media to share a heartfelt message about her loving homage to the 2004 Jim Carrey sci-fi romance that inspired her new album title, Eternal Sunshine.

“Thank you for creating such a safe space, for holding my hand, and for thoughtfully bringing this entire album to life with this one video. Though we will make many more, this video is the album to me,” Grande wrote on Instagram alongside a teaser of the visual, giving a shout-out to co-star Evan Peters and director Christian Breslauer. “A tremendous thank you to the incredible crew who made this what it is.”

Grande followed her note with a long list of the crew members involved in the creation of the video.

Breslauer, who also directed the singer and actress’ “Yes, And?” video, shared his gratitude in the comments section. “Thank you for writing from the heart, leading the way and trusting me with something so precious,” the director wrote.

The midtempo track is the second single from Eternal Sunshine, following the January Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit “Yes, And?” In celebration of the album’s release, Grande will perform on Saturday Night Live this weekend as the Josh Brolin-hosted episode’s musical guest.

Eternal Sunshine, which arrived Friday (March 8), is already setting is already setting records. Spotify announced through social media on Saturday that the project is the company’s most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far.

Check out Grande’s “We Can’t Be Friends” post on Instagram below.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Housewives in survival mode. Denise Richards, Nene Leakes, Kym Johnson Herjavec, and Melyssa Ford play a group of friends stranded after a plane crash in Hunting Housewives premiering on Lifetime on Saturday (March 9).

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The women jet out to what they think will be a “spa retreat weekend” until their plane crashes and they end up stranded in the middle of nowhere. According to the film description, the housewives use “their wits and whatever is in their designer bags to try to survive in the rugged wilds. When they realize they are not alone, even frenemies must align to outwit their hunters.”

Read on for ways to stream movies on Lifetime without cable.

How to Stream Hunting Housewives Without Cable

Hunting Housewives premieres on Saturday, March 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime and streaming on the Lifetime App. You can watch Lifetime and other cable channels on streaming platforms like Philo, Sling TV, DirecTV and Frndly TV (use ExpressVPN to stream internationally).

On a budget? Philo is $25/month for 70+ channels, making it one of the most affordable streaming services for live television (and there’s a free trial for a week). Lifetime, LMN, Food Network, ID, BET, A&E, HGTV, MTV, VH1, A&E, TLC, WEtv and other channels are available on Philo.

$25/month after 7-day free trial

get PHILO

You might not be as familiar with Frndly, but it’s another budget-friendly streamer that offers 40+ channels including Lifetime, LMN, A&E, History Channel and Hallmark Channel. Plans start at only $6.99/month after a seven-day free trial.

DirecTV lets you stream Lifetime, HGTV, ID Bravo, Food Network, ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS and over 75 other channels for less than for $69.99/month.

$69.99/month

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Shopping for a deal? Sling TV is 50% off for the first month. Streaming plans start at $20-$30 for the first month. To watch Lifetime, you’ll need to subscribe to Sling Blue.

from $20/month $40/month 50% off

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Need more ways to stream? You can watch Hunting Housewives and other Lifetime movies with Hulu+ Live TV, or Prime Video to stream on-demand.

Watch the trailer for Hunting Housewives below.

Drake making songs with up-and-coming artists is a story as old as time. The “Drake Effect” is a real thing and has been studied by music scholars across the globe. Usually it works in the artist’s favor, like when he linked up with the Migos on the “Versace (Remix).” The song went crazy on the charts and their careers took off. But then there are times when the song performs well, yet it doesn’t translate to longevity like with BlocBoy JB and “Look Alive.” Now it’s newcomer 4Batz’s turn.

Earlier this week, social media went abuzz when the Canadian superstar teased a remix of 4Batz’s “date @ 8” on his Instagram Story. Then the mysterious R&B singer with an affinity for shiesties posted this video on his X account:

Not gonna lie, this video had me hype. I couldn’t really make out what the song actually sounded like, but they all seemed pretty excited, so I was expecting a certified banger that Flex could drop bombs on. When the Dallas-based singer appeared out of thin air with “act i: stickerz ’99′” back in the fall of 2023 (the first upload of “act i” on YouTube was on Sept. 16, 2023), a Drake collaboration felt like a no-brainer. Some have compared 4Batz to a thugged out Brent Faiyaz or Weeknd. I’ve seen others say he makes R&B music for stick up kids. And I, too, think he makes love songs for the thugs. You know, the ones that also happen to be real lovers. The thugs with big hearts, kind of like Method Man on “All I Need”.

That’s why everyone saw the Drake stimmy coming from a mile away. He is the Certified Lover Boy, after all. Ultimately, though? I was a bit disappointed. Other than some fans on X complaining that the song wasn’t available in the U.S., this didn’t take over my timeline. Usually when Drake remixes a newcomer’s popular song, everything stops for a moment. However, last night most of X was still high on the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets game because on Thursday nights, my sports and music worlds collide on social media. The “act ii: date @ 8 (remix)” didn’t stop all of us in our tracks. I actually didn’t even think to listen to it until 12:30am. My timeline usually explodes around midnight when some heat drops. That was a telling sign for me. So once I finally checked it out, I was let down.

The remix as we know it has changed. There was once a time when a remix meant a different beat and new verses. Nowadays, we get a verse tacked on to the original song. The aforementioned Method Man and Mary J. Blige song is actually the remix to the original album version in which MJB doesn’t make a appearance. No one remembers the OG version. The same can be said about Craig Mack’s “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” where the beat was the same, but Craig Mack added a new verse to go alongside verses from Biggie, Rampage, LL Cool J, and Busta Rhymes.

This track has some of those features, but they aren’t significant enough to make a big deal about. Drake’s contribution, while good in terms of sound and bars, feels stitched on like bad patchwork. We don’t even get a new verse from 4Batz. This feels like two different songs and is essentially a home game for the Canadian rapper in that it doesn’t challenge him. It’s almost too on the nose. Drake does go into his real yearner bag, though, and delivers a good verse. “A thousand on your f—kin’ hair/Two hunnid on your f—kin’ nails,” he croons, essentially reminding 4Batz that he’s dealing with cats in different tax brackets now. It would’ve been cool if 4Batz added a verse to 40’s breakdown. These two collaborating on, say, “act iv” would’ve hit much harder, hopefully they’ll work together in the near future. I must admit, though, Drake’s addition sounds great on some good speakers, streets just needed 4Batz to go in too. That would’ve knocked this remix out of the park because these two are a match made in Thug Matrimony.

Shouts to the real lovers, the real yearners, the real tricksters, though. I’m calling it now, Thug Love is making a comeback this summer. Somebody get Ja Rule and Bobby Brown on the phone.

The ultimate team-up arrived on Friday (March 8), when BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Brockhampton’s Matt Champion came together to release a brand new collaboration, titled “Slow Motion.”

“If I could stop time for real/ Would make it any easier for me to love you?/ ‘Cause you know I’m shy for you still/ So bad that it kills/ And I can’t help but feel/ Like we’re moving in slow motion,” they sing on the atmospheric track’s chorus.

The new song comes a little over a year after Brockhampton released their final album, The Family, and the subsequent “parting gift”, TM. Champion took on the role of EP to finish TM after the group started the album during a two week trip to Ojai, Calif., in 2021, but never fully completed it.

Jennie, meanwhile, announced in December that she is launching a new label and company called OA. “Hi, this is Jennie. This year was filled with many accomplishments, and I’m so thankful for all the love I’ve received,” the K-pop singer wrote on her Instagram Story. “I’m also about what’s to come, as I start my solo journey in 2024 with a company that I have established called OA. Please show lots of love for my new start with OA and of course BLACKPINK. Thank you.”

In addition to releasing long-awaited solo music in 2023, she also made her acting debut in the HBO drama series The Idol and was named an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire. 

Listen to “Slow Motion” below.