Timothée Chalamet has marshaled giant sandworms in Dune, corralled spoiled kids in Wonka and wrestled Bob Dylan’s unique singing style to the ground in A Complete Unknown. But put him in the middle of the most heated rap battle of the modern era and the Marty Supreme star — and possible secret rapper EsDeeKid — will admittedly fold like a cheap ping-pong table.
While Visiting the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast on Monday (Dec. 15), Chalamet was asked what stuck with him when he interviewed Kendrick Lamar before his performance at this year’s Super Bowl. “I was so impressed that this man who was so calm sitting next to me and I was like, ‘wow, he’s engaged in a gladiator sport right now,’” Chalamet said of the brutal lyrical combat that KDot engaged in with Drake last year that culminated in what is widely regarded as one of the most brutal KO’s in beef history via Lamar’s “Not Like Us” single.
“And as much as I love hip-hop and all, I was sitting next to [him] and I was like, ‘Wow, I could not do that!’,” Chalamet said, admitting that he could not have been that calm in the midst of a “that big a war” with another huge rapper and “just be chilling… that was just unfathomable to me.”
Chalamet recalled that the Lamar interview initially took place in a studio and that night it seemed both men felt it was “too stiff” and didn’t really come across as they’d hoped, so the next day they decided to hop in a car — Lamar’s GNX, of course — and try it again. “And my white ass was like, ‘Wow, he’s in the middle of this beef.’ I was like, ‘Can you imagine if this is how I go out, with Kendrick?’,” the actor said about his irrational fear that the beef might turn violent and he might catch a stray.
“‘Actor Timothée Chalamet murdered’… that would be a crazy end of the Wikipedia,” Chalamet joked.
Watch Chalamet talk about his ride with Kendrick below.
Tributes from across film, television and music continue to pour in following the death of Rob Reiner, the influential director, writer and actor best known for This Is Spinal Tap and a decades-spanning body of work.
Reiner, and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead inside their Los Angeles home earlier this week. Authorities have confirmed that their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested in connection with the investigation, with police treating the case as a homicide.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesman said in a statement. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
As news of Reiner’s death spread, collaborators and admirers across the entertainment industry shared messages honoring both his creative legacy and personal impact.
Beatles icon Paul McCartney shared a photo of himself with the filmmaker on the set of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Monday (Dec. 15) on Instagram. “What a tragedy the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, is,” wrote McCartney, who guest starred in the 2025 Reiner-directed Spinal Tap sequel.
“It is so shocking in many ways but for me especially so, because over the last year I had been working with him,” he continued.
“He was such an upbeat, lovable man. Life can be so unfair and this tragedy proves it. His father, Carl Reiner, was a great humourist before him and Rob followed in his dad’s footsteps doing a terrific job making many great films. I will always have fond memories of Rob and the idea that he and his wife will no longer be in the world with us is heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, Elijah Wood posted on X, “Horrified to hear of the passing of Rob Reiner and his wonderful wife Michelle (sic). So much love to their kids and family.”
Harry Shearer, who starred in and co-created This Is Spinal Tap, described Reiner as “a friend and collaborator through much of my life,” praising his humor, intelligence and generosity of spirit in a tribute shared on social media.
Director Paul Feig called Reiner “one of my heroes,” writing that he had been honored to count him as a friend. Actor Paul Walter Hauser credited Reiner’s work with shaping his own career, noting that A Few Good Men was “the reason I became an actor” and citing Reiner’s filmography as a lasting inspiration.
Reiner’s influence extended well beyond comedy. While This Is Spinal Tap remains one of the most influential music-related films of all time — widely credited with defining the modern mockumentary — his directorial work spanned genres, including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery and A Few Good Men.
His films collectively earned multiple Academy Award nominations and became cultural touchstones across generations.
Political figures also weighed in, including former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who described Reiner as “creative, funny, and beloved,” and paid tribute to Singer as his “indispensable partner” in both life and work.
Former President Barack Obama wrote, “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen.”
“But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people — and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.”
Reiner is survived by his children Jake, Nick and Romy, as well as his adopted daughter Tracy Reiner, the daughter of his first wife, the late Penny Marshall.
Tracy told NBC News in a Dec. 14 statement on her father’s death, “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
Aiden Ross closed out Part 1 of The Voice Season 28 finale with a stirring rendition of ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All,” delivering one of the night’s most talked-about performances as the competition narrowed ahead of Tuesday’s live results show.
The Monday (Dec. 15) episode featured the Top 6 finalists each performing two songs — one contemporary and one classic — as viewers voted overnight to determine the Season 28 winner, which will be revealed during the Dec. 16 finale broadcast.
Ross, representing Team Niall, returned to the stage last with the ABBA classic, stripping the song back and leaning into its emotional core. Coach Niall Horan praised the performance in the moment, telling his finalist he was “so, so proud” and urging America to vote following what he called an “absolutely incredible” showing.
Earlier in the night, Ross opened his finals run with JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” earning another enthusiastic response from Horan, who said the singer consistently finds “the heartbeat” of every song he performs. The two performances capped a strong night for Team Niall, which also included DEK of Hearts advancing via America’s vote.
Each coach entered the finale with one artist selected from the Playoffs: Ralph Edwards for Snoop Dogg, Aubrey Nicole for Reba McEntire, Ross for Horan, and Jazz McKenzie for Michael Bublé. Two additional finalists — Max Chambers from Team Bublé and DEK of Hearts from Team Niall — earned their spots through viewer votes revealed during the episode.
Highlights from the evening included Aubrey Nicole delivering a confident take on Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t,” followed later by a crowd-pleasing performance of “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” a song famously recorded by McEntire herself.
Jazz McKenzie drew emotional reactions from both Snoop Dogg and Bublé with performances of Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License,” while Max Chambers showcased range with Forrest Frank’s “Your Way’s Better” and Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time.”
Ralph Edwards rounded out the night with performances of Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” and Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven,” earning praise from Snoop Dogg for his growth as a performer and stage presence.
With voting now closed, the winner of The Voice Season 28 will be crowned during Part 2 of the finale, airing Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, following a preshow at 8 p.m. ET.
The finale concludes Tuesday night at 9/8c on NBC, with a special preshow beginning an hour earlier. One of these six artists will walk away with the title, but based on Monday’s performances, the music industry is getting six new stars regardless of who takes home the trophy.
Rob Reiner’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested over the weekend in connection with the suspected homicide of his father and stepmother, Michele Singer Reiner.
According to law enforcement Reiner and Singer were found dead inside their Brentwood home on Saturday evening (Dec. 14), with reports indicating that both suffered traumatic injuries.
Nick Reiner was located hours later in South Los Angeles, near the University of Southern California campus — approximately 15 miles from the crime scene — and taken into custody around 9:15 p.m., law enforcement officials confirmed.
At a news conference on Monday (Dec. 15), Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell addressed the arrest and ongoing investigation.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Reiners,” McDonnell said, calling the situation “a tragic incident.” He also confirmed that a search warrant had been issued for the Reiner property, adding, “It’s a critical piece of our investigation.”
Nick Reiner, who co-wrote the 2015 film Being Charlie — a semi-autobiographical story about a young man’s battle with addiction — has reportedly struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues for years. Sources told the Los Angeles Times that Reiner had cycled in and out of rehab facilities, experienced periods of homelessness, and had recently moved back into the family’s Brentwood home.
Reiner and Singer’s family confirmed their deaths in a statement yesterday, writing, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Rob Reiner, 78, was a prolific actor, writer, and director best known for helming classic films including Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, and The Princess Bride.
The son of The Dick Van Dyke Show creator Carl Reiner, he was also known for his social activism and outspoken political commentary. His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was a photographer and activist in her own right.
Tributes poured in online following the news, with high-profile figures from music, film, politics, and beyond posting tributes to the couple.
From the music world, Paul McCartney shared an emotional Instagram post thanking Reiner “for all the humour” and calling the tragedy “heartbreaking,” while Elton John also paid tribute to the director behind the Spinal Tap films.
Members of Spinal Tap, including Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest (with Jamie Lee Curtis), have issued statements mourning Reiner and describing the deaths as “unspeakable” and “like Greek tragedy.”
As of Tuesday morning (Dec. 16), Nick Reiner remains in custody at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center.
He is being held without bail pending formal charges from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. A preliminary court appearance is expected later this week.
Rob Reiner’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested over the weekend in connection with the suspected double homicide of his father and stepmother, Michele Singer Reiner.
According to law enforcement Reiner and Singer were found dead inside their Brentwood home on Saturday evening (Dec. 14), with reports indicating that both suffered traumatic injuries.
Police were called to the property for a welfare check around 6 p.m. PT, where they discovered the couple deceased. An arrest warrant was quickly issued for Nick Reiner, who was located and apprehended by LAPD officers in South L.A. hours later.
Nick Reiner, who co-wrote the 2015 film Being Charlie — a semi-autobiographical story about a young man’s battle with addiction — has reportedly struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues for years. Sources told the Los Angeles Times that Reiner had cycled in and out of rehab facilities, experienced periods of homelessness, and had recently moved back into the family’s Brentwood home.
Reiner and Singer’s family confirmed their deaths in a statement yesterday, writing, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Rob Reiner, 78, was a prolific actor, writer, and director best known for helming classic films including Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, and The Princess Bride.
The son of The Dick Van Dyke Show creator Carl Reiner, he was also known for his social activism and outspoken political commentary. His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was a photographer and activist in her own right.
Tributes poured in online following the news, with high-profile figures from music, film, politics, and beyond posting tributes to the couple.
From the music world, Paul McCartney shared an emotional Instagram post thanking Reiner “for all the humour” and calling the tragedy “heartbreaking,” while Elton John also paid tribute to the director behind the Spinal Tap films.
Members of Spinal Tap, including Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest (with Jamie Lee Curtis), have issued statements mourning Reiner and describing the deaths as “unspeakable” and “like Greek tragedy.”
As of Tuesday morning (Dec. 16), Nick Reiner remains in custody at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center. He is being held without bail pending formal charges from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. A preliminary court appearance is expected later this week.
Texas singer/songwriter Joe Ely died Monday (Dec. 15) in Taos, New Mexico, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia, according to his spokesperson. Ely was 78.
Amarillo, Texas, native Ely was raised in Lubbock, Texas, and later moved to Austin and was part of an influential wave of progressive country rock artists who helped establish Austin as a live musical capital. His music crossed lines and helped birth the Americana genre.
“Joe Ely performed roots music like a true believer who knew music could transport souls. His musical style could only have emerged from Texas,” said Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young in a statement. “His true measure came through in the dynamic intensity of his powerhouse live performances, where he could stand his ground aside fellow zealots Bruce Springsteen who recorded duets with Ely, and the Stones and The Clash, who took Ely on tour as an opening act.”
Ely opened for The Clash for the first time in 1979 in Texas, then in the United Kingdom in 1980 on the band’s London Calling tour. He then opened for the Rolling Stones on several dates in 1981.
Ely had multiple charting albums. His 1981 release Musta Notta Gotta Lotta reached No. 135 on the Billboard 200 and peaked at No. 12 on the Top Country Albums chart. His later work continued to make an impact, with Twistin’ in the Wind peaking at No. 55 in 1998, Streets of Sin at No. 51 in 2003, and Satisfied at Last at No. 46 in 2011 on the Top Country Albums chart. His 1992 album, Love and Danger, included what became one of his theme songs, his cover of Robert Earl Keen’s “The Road Goes on Forever.”
The affable Ely first gained attention in the early ‘70s as a founding member of The Flatlanders alongside Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. As a solo artist, he helped spread country music beyond American borders with his accessible, friendly sound, including playing a rollicking set on the Old Grey Whistle Test in London in 1981.
Ely was honored at April’s American Music Awards hosted at the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University in New Jersey on April 26. He was also a member of the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
Fellow Texas artist Monte Warden of the Wagoneers lamented Ely’s death, posting on social media, “My hero – My template – My friend – Joe Ely passed today. He means as much to me as Buddy, Elvis, or Don Everly. Such an artist. Texan. I’m just…heartbroken.”
Ely is survived by his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie.
Ciara is set to headline the first TikTok Awards in the U.S., streaming live from the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday (Dec. 18).
Ciara topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks in 2005 with “Goodies” (featuring Petey Pablo) and reached the top spot on the Billboard 200 in 2006 with Ciara: The Evolution. She won a Grammy in 2006 as a featured artist on Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” which was voted best short form music video. She is set to perform some of her greatest hits, which also include “Oh,” “1, 2 Step,” “Get Up” and “Love Sex Magic.”
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The TikTok Awards also announced presenters of key awards:
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year – REI AMI
- Okay Slay Award (Beauty) – Tan France
- Video of the Year – Tefi Pessoa
- I Was Today Years Old Award (Education) – Justin Danger
- Immediately Added to Cart Award Presenter (TikTok Shop) – Patrick Starrr
- CapCut Creator of the Year – Carter Gregory
- Live Creator of the Year – Ashby Florence
The show will begin live on the @TikTok account at 6 p.m. PT and on Tubi, the official streaming partner of the TikTok Awards 2025. The TikTok Awards ceremony will be presented in front of a live audience of hundreds of creators in attendance.
At 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on TikTok LIVE, red-carpet hosts and correspondents will be on the scene with arrivals. Dylan Kevitch, Hannah Kosh and Taylor King are the key talent involved in the hourlong livestream.
The Hollywood Palladium, which opened in 1940, was the site of the first live Grammy telecast in 1971.
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.
When did wired earbuds become cool again? From Harry Styles to Charli XCX, stars have been spotted ditching their wireless earbuds in favor of being tethered to their phones, and it seems the previously-dated look is now an instant status symbol.
Model and influencer Romeo Beckham recently posted photos of himself using the wired earphones while getting ready for Fashion Week. And Dua Lipa revealed that she keeps not one, but three pairs of wired earbuds with her at all times. Now, they’ve become a great gift idea or stocking stuffer idea for the holidays too.
Of course there are many reasons why wired earbuds are better than wireless ones: for starters, they’re less likely to fall out of your ears and disappear into some crack or crevice on the road, or on your commute. Many people also find them more comfortable, since they’re pretty “locked in” to your ears rather than dangling from your lobes precariously.
Wired earbuds are also better for sound quality, owing to the direct connection to your music source rather than relying on Bluetooth pairing. Dropped calls or music fading in and out? That’s not a problem with wired earbuds (well… at least not dropped calls due to phone pairing issues). And wired earbuds never require a battery source or charging, since they plug directly into your phone. Wireless earbuds require you to keep them charged or carry them in an accompanying charging case.
BESTSELLER
Apple EarPods Headphones With USB-C Plug
Compatible with iPhone 15 and above
Of course, wired earbuds (and wired headphones) saw a decline in popularity a few years ago when cell phone providers got rid of the headphone jack on most units. But you can now find wired earphones with USB-C connections, including the popular Apple Earbuds (seen above). The USB-C plug lets you easily affix your earbuds to your phone, using the same slot you would use for charging.
Apple’s official wired earbuds are dubbed the “EarPods” (get it? Compared to the Bluetooth AirPods?) and they feature two ergonomic earbuds attached to an approximately three-foot cord. The cord has a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, change songs and even answer calls with just the push of a button.
It’s not just for listening to music or watching videos — Apple says the EarPods have a built-in microphone that automatically focuses on your voice when you’re on a call, so you always come in loud and clear. Amazon says more than 10,000 shoppers have picked up these buds in the last few weeks alone — another sign of the wired comeback.
ALSO CONSIDER
Apple EarPods Headphones With Lightning Connector
For previous iPhone models
The Apple EarPods with USB-C connection support iPhone models 15 and up. Have an older phone and still want to connect with a pair of wired earbuds? Pick up the EarPods with a lightning cable connection above. It has all the same features as the USB-C pair, only with a different plug-in tip.
You can also find an Apple EarPods alternative on Amazon, with these USB-C wired earphones above, which are compatible with both iOs and Android devices. This pair also comes with a mini remote control plus three eartip sizes to help you find your most comfortable fit.
There is one annoying issue with wired earbuds — the dangling cords. Without a charging case to tuck your earbuds into, the cords can quickly become a tangled mess in your pockets or bags. Fortunately, you can pick up a basic cord organizer or earphone wrap, like the one from Amazon below.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard’s roundup of the best earbuds under $25 and the best earbuds under $50 here.
This is partner content.
We caught up with he singing voices of KPop Demon Hunters‘ HUNTR/X — EJAE (singing voice for Rumi), REI AMI (singing voice for Zoey) and Audrey Nuna (singing voice for Mira) — Jackson Wang, Zara Larsson, Kevin Woo and more at Jingle Ball in L.A., and they share their favorite holiday songs that they ride hard for.
Audrey Nuna: It feels good.
EJAE: It feels great. It feels satisfying.
REI AMI: It’s a dream come true, for sure.
Kevin Woo: It’s funny ’cause a lot of the fans are like, “Kevin’s carrying the Saja Boys on his back.”
Alexander Stewart: I love Alex. He- I just got back. I almost missed my carpet time because I snuck out to go watch his set.
Tetris Kelly: Who are you excited to see? Who have you not seen? Like, are you like-
Jackson Wang: I’m excited to see you and your new jacket, bro.
I love Jackson Wang. We hung out at L.A.’s Jingle Ball in L.A. and find out if the girls of HUNTR/X are making new music, and what’s everybody favorite holiday jams. We take you there in Billboard All Access, presented by Capital One. Gonna ask you really quick, it’s iHeart Radio, it’s Jingle Ball, Christmas. What’s your favorite Christmas song? Like, what top three play?
Alex Warren: Anything with Michael Bublé. Anything with Michael Bublé and Justin Bieber “Mistletoe,” you got to have a few people think that’s not a classic.
Justin Bieber “Mistletoe?” It’s a classic.
Alex Warren: That’s a classic and I will die on that hill-
Oh my god.
Alex Warren: Argue with the wall.
You’re my favorite person.
Alex Warren: I love you.
Love you, man.
Alex Warren: See ya.
Alexander Stewart: Listen to Michael Bublé’s entire album. Oh my god, it’s literally, like … It is my soundtrack to the holidays.
Kevin Woo: Well, I listen to, uh, a lot of oldies.
OK.
Kevin Woo: Yeah, yeah, like “Last Christmas,” you know?
That’s not that old.
Keep watching for more!
