Caitlin Clark has found herself at the center of controversy after Fox Sports host Rob Parker publicly blamed her for the disappointment surrounding NBA All-Star Weekend. Initially, rumors circulated suggesting Clark would join Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu for a highly anticipated three-point shootout. However, Clark quickly shut down the speculation, making it clear that she would not be participating.

Just days before the All-Star weekend, the NBA officially announced that the planned shootout between Curry and Ionescu was also canceled, leaving many fans disappointed. This led to Rob Parker criticizing Clark for ruining the event. On his radio show, Parker said, “There’s one person and one person only who has ruined NBA All-Star Weekend – and that’s Caitlin Clark.” He went on to express that Clark’s involvement in the contest could have brought much-needed excitement to an otherwise lackluster weekend, with few notable events to draw in viewers.

Parker emphasized Clark’s immense popularity, calling her “television ratings gold,” and suggesting that her participation would have provided fans with a reason to tune into the All-Star festivities. The event, in his view, suffered from a lack of excitement, with less attention-grabbing segments like the Slam Dunk Contest and teams featuring players who were not even All-Stars.

While Parker directed blame toward Clark, many argue that the responsibility for the overall lack of buzz should fall on NBA leadership and the event organizers. The decision to cancel or alter major events for All-Star Weekend raises questions about the league’s planning and promotional strategy. Despite the controversy, Caitlin Clark continues to be one of the most popular and influential figures in basketball, and her career remains on a steep upward trajectory.

In the end, the debate highlights a broader conversation about how the NBA markets its events and the increasing crossover appeal of women’s athletes like Clark. While the All-Star weekend may not have gone as planned, Clark’s rising star power is undeniable, and her future in both women’s and men’s basketball remains incredibly bright.

NBA All-Star Weekend: The Disappointment of the Curry vs. Ionescu Rematch

Meta Description: The highly-anticipated rematch between Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu at the NBA All-Star Weekend has been called off, leaving fans disappointed as the league shifts focus to a new tournament format.

The Anticipation for a Rematch

This year’s NBA All-Star Weekend was set to be a thrilling showcase of talent, particularly with the expected rematch between Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry and New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu. Following their nail-biting contest last year, where Curry narrowly defeated Ionescu 29-26, fans were eager for a repeat performance. However, the NBA announced that this rematch would not take place, leaving many disappointed as they had anticipated a spectacular showdown once again.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation

The cancellation stemmed from both players’ reluctance to participate in a rematch without the inclusion of additional contenders. Ionescu had suggested bringing in fellow stars like Klay Thompson and Caitlin Clark to elevate the competition. Unfortunately, Clark declined to participate in this year’s event, preferring to debut her three-point shooting at the WNBA All-Star Game in July instead. This decision ultimately led to the NBA’s decision to scrap the highly-anticipated contest altogether.

Shifting Focus to New Formats

With the rematch off the table, the NBA is redirecting its focus to an innovative new format for the All-Star Game itself. This year’s event will feature a mini-tournament comprising three teams that will compete in a single-elimination format, culminating in a championship game. This fresh approach aims to engage fans and provide an exciting alternative to traditional matchups.

A Weekend Full of Excitement

Despite the absence of the Curry-Ionescu rematch, NBA All-Star Weekend promises an array of thrilling events. Fans can look forward to competitions such as the Celebrity Game, Rising Stars Challenge, and the Slam Dunk Contest. These events are designed to showcase not only basketball skills but also entertainment from various celebrities and athletes alike.

Looking Ahead

As fans prepare for this weekend’s festivities, they remain hopeful for future matchups between Curry and Ionescu. Both players have expressed interest in competing against each other again, indicating that this may not be the last we see of their rivalry on such a grand stage. The anticipation for their next encounter continues to build, ensuring that basketball enthusiasts will keep their eyes peeled for future announcements.

Conclusion

The cancellation of the Steph Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu three-point rematch may be disappointing for many fans, but it opens up opportunities for new formats and competitions during this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend. With an exciting lineup ahead, basketball lovers can still expect a memorable event filled with talent and entertainment.

The 2024 training camp for the Indiana Fever marked a season of transitions, as several players either made their way off the roster or moved on to different teams. A few key changes and developments shaped the roster throughout the year, with some players finding new opportunities, while others continued to contribute to the Fever’s efforts.

Caldwell and Carea were two players who didn’t make it past the training camp cut. Caldwell, however, found a new home with the Atlanta Dream for the season, continuing her WNBA journey. Carea, on the other hand, was waived and didn’t return to the league. Taylor, who initially stayed with the Fever, was waived after Dantas rejoined the team following her injury recovery. Despite this, Taylor finished the season with the Phoenix Mercury, adding more depth to their roster.

A few players saw changes that led them to different teams, with Fagbenle being claimed by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft. Smith was also part of a trade, moving to the Dallas Wings, a shift that further altered the Fever’s roster dynamics. Berger’s journey was a bit more tumultuous, as she was waived by the Fever before being claimed by the Minnesota Lynx, marking the end of her time in Indiana.

Saxton, like several others, was waived by the Fever. Samuelson’s situation was unique, as her contract was renegotiated before being bought out and waived, leaving her as an unrestricted free agent. Finally, Wheeler was not resigned by the Fever and entered training camp with the Seattle Storm. Her future remains uncertain, as she aims to find a new opportunity with the Storm.

While many of these roster moves were a result of strategic decisions or unfortunate circumstances, some players were able to continue their careers with different teams. The Fever’s final roster included players who would go on to have a lasting impact, with some continuing to contribute throughout the season.

Why NBA All-Star Weekend Was Affected by Caitlin Clark’s Decision

Sports analyst Rob Parker has expressed disappointment over a decision that, in his view, has tainted the NBA All-Star Weekend experience this year. He believes the event has lost some of its appeal due to Caitlin Clark’s refusal to accept an invitation to participate in a joint 3-point contest between NBA and WNBA stars. According to Parker, this missed opportunity to unite top basketball talents from both leagues ultimately weakened the event’s overall appeal and took away from the excitement fans had hoped to witness.

Caitlin Clark, one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, had been invited to join the competition that would have brought together some of the best shooters from both the NBA and WNBA. However, Clark declined the offer, which left Parker, along with many basketball fans, disappointed. He argues that the collaboration between the two leagues would have been a groundbreaking moment in the history of the sport, showcasing the incredible skills of female athletes on the same stage as their male counterparts.

Parker’s criticism centers on the notion that this event was a golden chance to promote equality in basketball, while also creating an exciting spectacle for fans. A joint competition featuring both NBA and WNBA stars would have likely garnered significant attention and sparked conversations about the future of women’s basketball. By not seizing this opportunity, Parker feels that Clark missed out on playing a role in pushing the boundaries for women’s sports, leaving a gap that could have helped grow the game for future generations.

Furthermore, the analyst highlighted that the NBA All-Star Weekend is often about creating new moments that resonate with basketball enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it’s iconic dunks, buzzer-beaters, or thrilling competitions, the goal is to deliver something unique each year. With Clark’s decision not to participate, there’s a sense that the event might have lost out on a potential defining moment, one that could have inspired a whole new group of fans and elevated the profile of the WNBA.

In the end, Rob Parker’s comments reflect a broader sentiment about missed opportunities for progress in the world of sports. While Caitlin Clark remains a trailblazer for women’s basketball, her decision not to join the joint contest this time has led to conversations about the ongoing challenges of integrating men’s and women’s sports in mainstream events. Whether or not this decision will affect the future of such collaborations remains to be seen, but for now, it has certainly left an undeniable mark on NBA All-Star Weekend.

Caitlin Clark, the standout star of the Indiana Fever, has always been known for her basketball skills, but she recently showcased her hidden talent in a viral video that has fans buzzing. Known for being one of the best passers in the WNBA, Clark impressed social media with her ability to throw a football with surprising accuracy, proving that she’s not just a basketball phenom.

In a video posted by former NFL receiver Antonio Brown, Clark is seen at the Gatorade Lab in New Orleans, just ahead of Super Bowl LIX. Wearing casual clothes—long pants and a white top—she effortlessly hit several targets with a football, showcasing a level of precision that surprised many. While her passes weren’t the perfect spirals some might expect, they all landed exactly where they were intended. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 600,000 views and sparking a flood of comments from sports fans and enthusiasts alike.

The video quickly gained traction, with fans comparing Clark’s throws to various NFL quarterbacks. One user quipped that she throws “better than Derek Carr,” while another joked that she was “about to be a dual-sport Olympic athlete” in both basketball and flag football. Others playfully suggested NFL teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans should “make the call,” recruiting her to the league.

While Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles dashed hopes for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, there’s no doubt that Mahomes, at just 29 years old, isn’t ready to give up his spot anytime soon. However, with Clark’s impressive display of throwing accuracy, some fans are having fun imagining her as a future dual-sport athlete.

Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA has already been stellar, with her breaking records for assists. This viral video, showing her athleticism beyond basketball, only adds to her growing popularity and shows that she’s not just a basketball star but a versatile athlete with surprising skills across multiple sports.

Indiana Fever’s Controversial Move to Sign Brianna Turner Sparks Fan Backlash

The Indiana Fever are facing backlash after signing Brianna Turner, a former Chicago Sky forward, despite her controversial remarks about the team and its star, Caitlin Clark. Turner, who joined the Fever on February 17, 2025, has stirred up strong reactions among fans, particularly for her previous criticisms of Clark and Fever supporters during the 2024 season.

Turner, who began her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 before being traded to the Chicago Sky, is known for her defensive prowess. Although her stats may not stand out—averaging just 1.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game—Turner has been named to two WNBA All-Defensive First Teams. However, her recent public behavior has overshadowed her on-court accomplishments for some fans. Her comments on social media about Clark’s fans being rude and unacceptable led to significant backlash, which Turner later deleted. This has made her new signing by the Fever a contentious topic among supporters.

Many WNBA fans took to social media to voice their concerns about the move, questioning the team’s decision to bring in a player who had previously criticized both their star player and the fanbase. Comments ranged from disappointment in the front office’s judgment to doubts about the potential for team unity in the locker room. Some fans called for an apology from Turner before they could accept her joining the Fever, suggesting that her past comments could cause division within the team.

Despite the controversy, the Fever seem to be focused on bolstering their roster with experienced players. In addition to Turner, the team has made significant moves during free agency, bringing in veterans like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham to build around Caitlin Clark. These strategic additions aim to strengthen both the offense and defense for the upcoming season, making the Fever a more competitive team overall. However, whether or not Turner will play a significant role in the 2025 season remains uncertain, as the roster continues to take shape.

The signing of Brianna Turner underscores a broader issue within professional sports: the challenge of balancing player talent and team chemistry. While Turner’s defensive skills are undeniable, the public fallout from her comments highlights the growing influence of fan sentiment in the decisions of sports teams. With her controversial past lingering, the Fever’s handling of this situation will likely continue to spark conversation throughout the season.

Kendrick Lamar (Photo via Stephen Lew/Imagn Images)

An NFL employee has vowed that the Super Bowl halftime show will undergo some changes following Kendrick Lamar’s controversial performance at Super Bowl LIX last week.

The rapper had all eyes on him during the break at the big game on Sunday and set a record for the most views. Some described the outing as the worst in Super Bowl history, while others loved it.

An anonymous league higher-up has been quoted as saying the NFL considers the selection a mistake due to the “tension” surrounding the 37-year-old performer. They added that things will be different moving forward.

“We will push for change, as we don’t want to experience this kind of thing next season,” the employee said, per The U.S. Sun. “The tension linked with Kendrick made us regret giving him the green light. I’m not the only one who thinks this way.”

The NFL took a lot of heat after snubbing New Orleans native Lil Wayne, who was expected to land the gig. The Sun has also “confirmed” they sent the “Mr. Carter” artist a written apology.

Their source suggested that one of the decision-makers had too much power and responsibility, hence the selection.

“The same kind of mistake won’t ever happen again,” they continued. “That is what happens when you give too much power and responsibility to one person. There are many people in the NFL that want to see some changes. They didn’t like this year’s halftime show and the way it happened.”

Did Kendrick Lamar Headline The Most-Watched Event In Television History?

Kendrick Lamar and SZA (Photo via Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation controls the Super Bowl halftime show, which has been the case since 2019. The NFL recently extended their partnership.

Despite the above, the deal seems to have worked out very well for the NFL, as this year’s show set a ratings record, drawing 133.5 million views.

The performance is also being vaunted as the most-watched event in television history as it may have attracted more viewers than the moon landing in 1969.

“Not just halftime shows. According to Nielsen ratings history, an estimated 125-150 million people watched the moon landing. it’s quite possible that Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show is the most-viewed event in the history of television. At the very least, it’s #2,” writer Michael Harriot noted.

Nike’s Missed Opportunity: Caitlyn Clark’s Signature Deal and the Brand’s Major Blunder

In the ever-evolving world of sports, one name stands out as a beacon of talent, influence, and marketability—Caitlyn Clark. The Iowa basketball phenom has become a household name, not only in the world of women’s sports but on a global scale, due to her remarkable performance on the court. She has singlehandedly turned heads and broken records, establishing herself as a dominant force in women’s college basketball. So, when Nike signed Caitlyn Clark to a massive 8-year, $28 million endorsement deal, many expected it to be the beginning of a revolutionary partnership, complete with widespread promotional campaigns and a signature shoe. Yet, what followed has left fans and industry experts scratching their heads. Despite the significant potential Clark brings to the table, Nike has utterly failed to capitalize on the opportunity, leading many to believe that the sports giant has made one of the biggest mistakes in its history.

A Historic Deal That Didn’t Deliver

Caitlyn Clark’s endorsement with Nike seemed like a no-brainer. She is, after all, the most recognized female athlete in the country right now, commanding attention and respect across every platform. Her journey to becoming one of the most influential athletes in sports was swift and impactful. Clark’s electrifying performances and leadership on the court have led to record-breaking merchandise sales and ticket revenue, with the WNBA seeing a massive uptick in popularity, thanks in part to her. But while her influence continues to grow, Nike’s response to her stardom has been lackluster at best.

When Clark’s endorsement deal was announced, there was a collective sigh of excitement. The deal included promises of a signature sneaker, a rare distinction for any athlete, let alone one in the WNBA. With her meteoric rise, expectations were high for a marketing blitz that would introduce her to a global audience. Yet, after a year of dominance, not a single promotion or campaign had been rolled out for Clark. The silence from Nike was deafening, especially as her stardom continued to surge.

The Super Bowl Snub

The most glaring example of Nike’s missed opportunity came during the Super Bowl, one of the biggest advertising stages in the world. Nike, known for championing athletes in their commercials, had the perfect chance to spotlight Clark, who was, without question, one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball. But to the shock of many, she was entirely absent from their commercial. Instead, Nike chose to promote athletes like Asia Wilson, Juju Watkins, and Sabrina Ionescu, while completely disregarding the biggest star in the game. Not only was Clark’s name not mentioned, but her absence from the ad was glaringly obvious, and fans were quick to express their outrage across social media. How could Nike choose to ignore the athlete who had done more for the sport than anyone else in recent memory?

The Implications of the Oversight

This decision to exclude Caitlyn Clark from their marketing efforts sends a message, whether intentional or not, that Nike does not fully understand the value of its partnership with her. With merchandise sales skyrocketing and a growing fanbase, Clark represents everything that a sports brand like Nike should want: a powerful, marketable figure capable of driving global attention. Yet, Nike has chosen to focus on lesser-known players, many of whom still need to prove themselves in the WNBA. The decision to prioritize younger athletes over Clark shows a serious misstep by a brand that prides itself on working with the best.

While other brands like Under Armour may have seen Caitlyn Clark as the perfect athlete to represent their brand, Nike’s inability to promote her effectively raises questions about their strategy. Under Armour, which has ties with NBA superstar Steph Curry, made Clark a prime target for their women’s line, offering her a lucrative deal. In hindsight, it may have been a smarter move for Clark to have signed with Under Armour, given the brand’s willingness to invest in her image and product lines.

Clark’s Potential Beyond Nike

Despite Nike’s failure to capitalize on Caitlyn Clark’s potential, her marketability continues to grow. She has single-handedly made the WNBA more visible to a global audience, and her influence extends far beyond the court. Clark’s popularity speaks volumes, and her influence on the basketball world is undeniable. The fact that she is yet to have a signature sneaker, despite promises from Nike, is a glaring oversight. Meanwhile, lesser-known athletes in the WNBA, like Asia Wilson, have already had signature shoes released by Nike.

It’s not too late for Nike to make things right, but the longer they wait, the more damage they may do to their reputation. Caitlyn Clark is a generational talent, and it’s clear that fans are eagerly waiting for Nike to release the sneaker that was promised to her. The longer they delay, the more likely it becomes that Clark might decide to take her talents to another brand that understands her value.

Caitlyn Clark’s Future

Clark’s story is far from over, and Nike’s failure to properly promote her may only serve to strengthen her resolve. She is the future of women’s basketball, and no brand can afford to ignore her for much longer. While Nike’s stock has already taken a hit due to poor decisions and lackluster marketing campaigns, it would be wise for the company to reassess its strategy when it comes to promoting Caitlyn Clark. Other brands would jump at the chance to partner with an athlete of her caliber, and Nike might soon find itself regretting the way it has handled this iconic deal.

In conclusion, Nike’s failure to adequately promote Caitlyn Clark is a major oversight. With a history of promoting the best athletes in the world, their mishandling of Clark’s endorsement and the promise of her signature shoe represents a massive missed opportunity. Clark will continue to thrive, whether Nike supports her or not. But the sports giant risks losing out on a generational talent if it does not act quickly to make things right.

Taylor Swift is not afraid to “Shake It Off,” and if you’ve seen just about any award show – including the 2025 Grammys – you’d know that to be very true. Across her career, the pop star has made headlines for busting a move at these high-profile events even when no one else is. Now, an old interview has resurfaced where she explains her unabashed dancing, and it makes me want to get down with her to any sick beat.

(Image credit: Recording Academy/GRAMMYs YouTube Channel)

This all came up because Swift was speaking about “Shake It Off” and the inspirations for that song during an interview about 1989 for Scholastic Web Chat (via tayswiftruclub). The track came to be in part because of how she dances at award shows and the attention she gets for it. However, that attention doesn’t bother her one bit, as she explained while talking about why she loves to bust a move:

I have like the best time dancing when people are performing. I think it’s so cool that you’re at this award show and there’s so many cool artists up on stage and they’re performing their songs, it’s like you’re at the best concert ever. But you’re sitting there and you’re in the front row of this award show and every artist is like this [makes a scowling face], like as if they’re bored by it. But it’s the coolest thing, those are the greatest artists out right now, they’re performing for you. I just decided I would have fun with it so I’m always up and dancing.

She really is “always up and dancing.” At the Grammys this year, she could be seen jamming out to Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and more. Heck, she even got and wore Janelle Monáe’s jacket after her energizing performance. And that was only this year.

Every year, she makes headlines for this. In 2022, Swift danced with Dylan O’Brien at the VMAs. In 2023, she went viral for busting a move to Demi Lovato, Shakira and more. She also notably made headlines in 2024 for dancing to Katy Perry’s performance. And those are just three examples out of what feels like a countless number.

To that point, the “Out of the Woods” singer explained that she knows she dances awkwardly, but that doesn’t matter, because she’s having a blast. It was that notion that inspired one of Swift’s best music videos, “Shake It Off,” as she explained:

I’m really tall and lanky, so I look a little bit like a baby giraffe learning how to walk while I dance. So, there would be all over the internet it was like ‘Taylor Swift looks awkward when she dances.’ Like ‘She’s so bad at dancing.’ And so the way I handle that now, like that criticism, is I wrote a song called ‘Shake It Off,’ and as soon as I wrote the song, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the music video. I knew that I wanted to do an entire music video of me awkwardly, badly dancing.

Taylor Swift – Shake It Off – YouTube 

Watch On

Following the 2025 Grammys, this clip of Swift talking about her love for dancing at these shows went viral again on TikTok thanks to swiftstorturedpoetry. Many fans took to the comments to show their support for her actions and the meaning behind them, and I think it’s safe to say we want to “shake it off” with Taylor Swift one day:

The “yes I am doing this awkwardly, but I’m having more fun than you” is one of my mantras that really did change my life and personality. -Sam

She meant THATS A FREE CONCERT IN FRONT OF YOU!! -Shenna

Mind you that interview was 10 years ago. Like it just felt so amazing that a person can go through so many phases and changes but never really go anywhere. She’s still the same soul we’ve known. -mloitran

This is why admire her. She’s teaching young girls that it’s okay to live even if you look awkward! -Jaz

I legitimately love how much she loves music. -Shea

She has never changed, never will. Love you Taylor 🥰 -Ryan_Skywalker432

I agree with every single one of these on a spiritual level. Every time Taylor Swift has a new project, I’m always dancing with joy and to the music, and I do so shamelessly, like I’m at an award show with her.

Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News

So, it’s nice to know she’s just as enthusiastic and as much of a fangirl as us. The gal loves music deeply, and that is infectious, especially when we get to see her show it through her award-show dance moves.

Riley Utley is the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. She has written for national publications as well as daily and alt-weekly newspapers in Spokane, Washington, Syracuse, New York and Charleston, South Carolina. She graduated with her master’s degree in arts journalism and communications from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Since joining the CB team she has covered numerous TV shows and movies — including her personal favorite shows Ted Lasso and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She also has followed and consistently written about everything from Taylor Swift to Fire Country, and she’s enjoyed every second of it.

Stephen A Smith has talked up a potential run at the United States presidency, claiming he could upstage any Democratic hopeful amid rumors of him running for office in 2028.

Stephen A. Smith (Photo via Tori Lynn Schneider/USA TODAY NETWORK)

While the ESPN star is unlikely to ever run, a recent poll revealed that two percent of voters would pick him as the next president. He was just one point behind former Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz and Pennsylvania’s sitting Governor Josh Shapiro.

Some folks have suggested that sports anchor should take it seriously as he has indicated that he has political aspirations. And Smith reckons he would be quite the hit if he ever decided to be a candidate.

“I’m qualified to be a hell-raiser,” he said in a recent interview. “I’m going to bring the rain. Nobody is safe with me. Not a Democrat. Not a Republican. No one.”

The ‘First Take’ host supports the Democratic party but thinks it did a poor job managing the country over the past term.

“Woke culture and cancel culture ravaged the country,” he said recently. “The Democrats were way more focused on that than the economy, immigration, and crime.”

Stephen A Smith Admits He Isn’t Qualified To Be President

Stephen A. Smith (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Despite the above, Stephen A Smith has insisted he isn’t going to run for office.

TMZ caught up with the star journalists in New Orleans last week and tried asking him whether there was any chance of him running. He cut them off before they were able to get the question out.

“I ain’t trying to run for office or anything like that,” he said. “I love talking politics. I love talking about things not just sports. If the American people want to sit up there and say ‘Yo we want Stephen A. to run’ I’m not going to be mad at that.

“I don’t know what the hell they’re thinking. I ain’t qualified, but if you want to go ahead and entertain it, you can go ahead and entertain it.”

While the outspoken sports show host has zero political experience, he also acknowledged that it isn’t necessary as Donald Trump has won two elections without a political history before his first run.

“He’s inspired all of us because if he can be president, a lot of us could be president,” he remarked.

One of the greatest attributes of Nashville’s country music scene is the fact that you never know who you’re going to see on any given day. One could go to a concert and simply expect to see the headlining act, though, they likely wouldn’t be too surprised to see several other country music sensations appear on stage. That’s just the name of the game, and that is exactly what happened recently with Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.

Videos by American Songwriter

On Valentine’s Day Weekend, Cody Johnson took the stage at Bridgestone Arena, sold out two shows, and played in front of 30,000 people. Regarding his success, Johnson took to Instagram and wrote, “Two SOLD OUT shows in Nashville. 30,000 people. Absolutely unreal. Dreams do come true, y’all.”

In the latter portion of his message, Johnson thanked Marcus King, Luke Combs, Randy Houser, and Ian Munsick for joining him on stage. Though, the individual who thanked Johnson was the American Idol judge, Carrie Underwood.

Carrie Underwood Sings Johnson’s Praises

On the second night of Johnson’s two-night Nashville stint, Carrie Underwood joined Cody Johnson on stage and sang, “I’m Gonna Love You.” Of course, the fans in attendance erupted when Underwood took the stage, though, it seems Underwood shared a similar giddy attitude following the show.

After the show, Underwood took to Instagram and wrote, “Fun with friends! ‘Twas a pleasure joining @codyjohnson on stage Saturday night at @bridgestonearenaofficial! He’s the real deal, folks! Such a great show and what a LOUD crowd.” Underwood’s appearance at Johnson’s show seemingly marks the second time the pair has collaborated. The first one was when the two recorded their single, “I’m Gonna Love You,” for Johnson’s album, Leather.

In addition to Underwood’s appearance, Johnson also brought up Luke Combs for his final night in Nashville. Johnson brought up Combs for the final song, and the two sang “Beer Never Broke My Heart” for the show’s final encore. Cody Johnson’s next show is on February 21 in Buffalo, New York with special guests Ashley McBryde and Lanie Gardner. Lastly, Carrie Underwood will make her American Idol return on Sunday, March 9.

Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ABA

Supporters of Donald Trump are furious after Hollywood star Tom Hanks appeared on Saturday Night Live’s 50th-anniversary special, portraying a Trump voter in a controversial skit.

Donald Trump supporters voiced outrage online after Tom Hanks portrayed a Trump voter during Saturday Night Live’s 50th-anniversary special.

Many critics had been seen cheering for Trump at the Super Bowl before condemning the skit.

The controversy centered on a Black Jeopardy! sketch, first aired in 2014. Hanks played Doug, a Trump supporter in a “Make America Great Again” cap and an American eagle T-shirt.

Despite assumptions that the quiz catered to the Black community, Doug answered all questions correctly, surprising host Darnell Hayes, played by Kenan Thompson.

At one point, Hayes extended his hand to shake Doug’s, adding to the irony. Initially hesitant, Doug eventually agrees to the handshake.

Hanks’ character then remarks: “Don’t like that, whoa, whoa, whoa,” before suggesting: “Maybe I’ll start a show for you to come on and we’ll call it ‘White Jeopardy’.

At one point, Hayes extended his hand to shake Doug’s, adding to the irony.

Tom Hanks faces HUGE backlash online from conservative voters

The sketch sparked significant backlash from Trump supporters, leading to a wave of criticism aimed at SNL, NBC, and Tom Hanks.

Many viewers took to social media to express their frustration, calling the portrayal unfair and out of touch.

Right-wing commentator Benny Johnson reacted strongly, stating, “Donald Trump just won a landslide election and has never been more popular with Americans. They have learned nothing.”

Similarly, prominent right-wing commentator Mario Nawfal weighed in, calling the comedic segment “tone deaf,” further fueling the debate over the sketch’s intent and impact.

Benny Johnson criticized the sketch, arguing: “Hollywood still doesn’t get it: Portraying Trump supporters as racist caricatures while he’s winning record minority support. SNL’s trying 2016 jokes in 2025.”

Link Lauren, a former aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also expressed disapproval, believing the sketch implied that many Trump voters are racist: “Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is racist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show for snobbish liberal elites. Good riddance, SNL!”

Many other fans took to social media, feeling deeply offended by Tom Hanks—possibly the lowest moment of his career.

Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez are still close friends and they enjoyed a fun night out together this week!

It’s an exciting time for both of the superstars as Taylor was just nominated for six Grammy Awards at this past weekend’s show and she’ll be supporting boyfriend Travis Kelce at the Super Bowl on Sunday. Selena‘s movie Emilia Perez is the most-nominated movie of the year at the Oscars with 13 nods.

Taylor and Selena met up for dinner and drinks on Tuesday night (February 4) in Los Angeles and some insider details have been revealed.

A restaurant spokesperson for Negroni Caffe & Bar in Beverly Hills confirmed to Page Six that the superstar friends showed up for a meal.

“It was just the two of them and their security guards,” the rep said. “They were very sweet, giggly with each other and having fun.”

Taylor and Selena reportedly set in a booth adjacent to the bar and their bartender opened up about the experience.

“Life is such an amazing experience,” mixologist Wyatt Heath wrote on Instagram. “Halsey once said, ‘Don’t meet your hero’s [sic], they’re all f–king weirdos.’ But she was wrong. I got to meet my idol and she was as kind as she is stunning!”

Page Six reported that Taylor had the Cacao Old Fashioned cocktail, which consists of Woodford Reserve bourbon, fat washed with organic cacao butter, cocoa bitters and orange oil.

“They were open to talking to us and not brushing us off, so that was really nice to see,” the rep said, adding that they tipped “very generously.”

We already know who some of the people in Taylor‘s Super Bowl suite will be… and some who won’t attend.