Brittney Griner, who once boycotted national anthem, emotional as ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ plays after gold win
Griner said in 2020 that the WNBA shouldn’t play the national anthem
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Brittney Griner was among the WNBA players who spoke out about the national anthem in 2020 amid a summer of racial unrest following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
Griner said in 2020 that the WNBA shouldn’t play the national anthem, adding the league should “take that much of stand.” She also walked off the court before the anthem was played before a game that season.
Gold medalists Alyssa Thomas and Brittney Griner stand on the podium with bronze medalist Jade Melbourne of Australia. (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)
But since then, Griner has gone through tumult. She was imprisoned for nearly 10 months in Russia after she was arrested on drug charges in February 2022. The U.S. and Russia would agree to a prisoner swap and the ordeal seemed to change Griner’s stance about what “The Star-Spangled Banner” means to the country.
Griner was seen with the gold medal around her neck after the U.S. women’s basketball team defeated France at the Paris Olympics and in tears as the anthem blared.
Gold medalist Brittney Griner holds the U.S. flag. (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)
“I didn’t think I would be here,” she said of the 2024 Paris Olympics, via Reuters. “And then to be here and winning gold for my country, representing when my country fought for me so hard to even be standing here. This gold medal is going to hold a special place among the other two I was fortunate to win.”
A’ja Wilson called Griner a “warrior” as she described the Phoenix Mercury center’s time with Team USA more than two years after her arrest abroad.
U.S. head coach Chery Reeve added that Griner was “grateful” to be with Team USA.
Gold medalist Brittney Griner cries during the national anthem. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)
“She was so thankful to be here… I think we all should just keep checking on her because it’s unfathomable what she went through,” Reeve said.
Taylor Swift’s latest song, “Thank You Amy,” has ignited fresh sparks in her long-standing feud with Kim Kardashian. In this newest release, Taylor doesn’t hold back, directly addressing Kim’s role in the infamous Kanye West phone call saga. The feud between Taylor and Kim dates back to 2009, when Kanye interrupted Taylor’s MTV Music Awards speech. Fast forward to 2016, Kanye’s track “Famous” reignited tensions, with Kim releasing a recorded conversation seemingly proving Taylor approved the controversial lyrics. Taylor’s response was her album “Reputation,” featuring tracks like “Look What You Made Me Do,” where she embraced the “snake” symbolism, confronting her critics head-on.
Recently, Kim subtly mocked Taylor’s dance moves on TikTok, sparking Travis Kelce, Taylor’s partner, to defend her publicly. Travis, known for his loyalty and protective instincts, stepped up to criticize Kim’s actions, hinting at his frustration. Taylor’s fans rallied around the couple, showering them with love and support across social media.
Taylor’s resilience amidst the drama is commendable. She channels her energy into her music, fans, and relationships, rather than engaging in trivial social media skirmishes. This mindset, coupled with her talent and support network, ensures her continued success.
As news of Kim’s latest critique surfaces, Taylor’s loyal fan base, the Swifties, once again unite in solidarity, emphasizing the charming bond shared between Taylor and Travis. Despite the drama, Taylor remains focused on what truly matters, further solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the music industry.
As Kamala Harris continues to gain momentum in her presidential run—with a host of celebrities and public figures backing her—Taylor Swift’s continued silence on the matter has sparked questions about if or when she will endorse the vice president.
Harris became a late entrant into the 2024 presidential race after Joe Biden announced in July that he would not be seeking reelection, following weeks of pressure from within his own party and from key Democratic donors to step down amid concerns over his age and mental acuity.
As Harris’ potential nomination and expected showdown with former President Donald Trump—the GOP nominee—dominates the news cycle, a host of social media users have urged Swift to publicly declare her support for the Democrat.
David Hogg, a gun control activist, took to X, formerly Twitter, to address the hugely influential pop star, writing on July 21: “@taylorswift13 have you decided who you are supporting? We need to do a ton to bring back the youth vote and you could literally be the reason we don’t fall to a pro-life, pro-gun, anti climate, felon.”
Kamala Harris (left) on February 19, 2022, in Munich, Germany, and Taylor Swift on November 12, 2021, in New York City. Swift is facing mounting pressure to endorse the Democrat.Alexandra Beier/Getty Images;/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Fans have taken things one step further by starting up @Swifties4Kamala accounts on TikTok, Instagram and X, amassing tens of thousands of followers in the process. However, the star to whom these fans hitch their faith has yet to pledge allegiance to either of the candidates in this election cycle.
The assumption has always been that Swift will back the Democratic ticket, given the fact that she did share her support for Harris during the 2020 election cycle.
Taking to X in August 2020, Swift responded “YES” to Harris’ post, in which the Democrat said she was “honored to join [Biden] as our party’s nominee for vice president, and do what it takes to make him our commander-in-chief.”
In October 2020, Swift again expressed her support for Harris as she promoted her interview with V magazine, in which the pop superstar said why she was backing Biden.
“So apt that it’s come out on the night of the VP debate,” the musician wrote. “Gonna be watching and supporting @KamalaHarris by yelling at the TV a lot.”
“Taylor’s endorsement of Harris is a matter of when and not if,” he said. “On one hand, and no matter how fervently Trump tries to convince himself that she is a secret admirer of his, Taylor is very clearly not a supporter of him or the politics that he represents and practices: she has consistently supported more progressive causes and candidates, including Harris for VP in 2020.
“On the other hand, Taylor has a long history of being very in tune with what her fan base is talking about and how they are thinking; I get the sense that she is just as often led to causes and issues by Swifties as she is their leader. So even were she not on her own inclined towards endorsing Harris, she would likely find herself being supportive in order to maintain her relationship with the fan base.”
Taking things a step further, Dudas shared his suspicion that Swift will time her announcement around the schedule of her record-breaking Eras Tour, which so far has had the star on the road for almost 18 months and won’t end until December.
“Taylor has been on tour, of course; and the sense that we get is that when she is touring it is pretty all-consuming of her time, energy, and focus,” Dudas explained. “The European leg of the Eras Tour ends on August 20 in London; I can’t help but notice that the Democratic National Convention runs from August 19-22 in Chicago. Would anybody be that surprised if she finds her way to Chicago on the night of the 21st or even the night of the 22nd?”
Jay Oliver, a LI News Radio host and political commentator, has gone a little later on the calendar with his prediction, telling Newsweek: “Look to October when her tour returns stateside in Miami.”
Looking at Biden’s ill-fated campaign, Oliver quipped: “Maybe way back, the campaign should have sent Joe Biden to her Eras tour.”
Newsweek has contacted a representative of Swift via email for comment.
Chip Franklin, a Democratic political commentator and talk show host, agrees that it’s just a matter of when Swift will announce her backing of Harris.
“Harris and Swift share the experiences of many progressive women being attacked by Trump and right wing media for daring to be themselves and speak frankly about what’s wrong with America,” Franklin told Newsweek.
Social Media Savvy
In the days since Harris announced her presidential run, her campaign team has shown its social media savvy by leaning into the “Brat Summer” movement, which prides itself on bucking conventions. Spawned from the name of Charli XCX’s latest album, Brat, it has been embraced by the coveted Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012).
Harris became an honorary member of the club soon after Biden bowed out of the race, with Charli XCX herself writing on social media that the politician “IS brat.” In apparent agreement, the @KamalaHQ account on X underwent a subtle makeover, with its background image featuring the neon green shade and low-res Arial font used for the Brat album artwork.
While easy to dismiss as folly, such moves have only served to engage a sizable faction of young voters. At 59, Harris is considerably younger than her potential opponent Trump, who at 78 is now the oldest presidential candidate in U.S. history after Biden, 81, dropped out.
Franklin believes that Harris’ willingness to embrace the online world in a way that speaks to young voters will set her up well for a Swift endorsement.
“The Harris campaign may have just hit the ground running, but they are well versed in the power of social media,” Franklin told Newsweek. “And Taylor Swift’s meteoric success is both a testament to her immense talent and her almost intuitive understanding of the invisible, constantly changing algorithms that reward honesty, brevity, irony and levity.”
Pinpointing timing, Franklin advised: “After the Democratic convention, look for an announcement to carry that post Chicago momentum forward. And, I don’t know this for a fact, but I suspect that Swift and Harris might be shopping for cats.”
The Feline Factor
Cats became an unexpected talking point around the election soon after Trump announced JD Vance has his running mate. In July 2021, Vance said the country is run by “childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives.” The clip resurfaced last month and sparked outrage, amid Trump’s attempts at defending the comment.
Vance also suggested that people’s votes should count more if they have children. In a 2021 speech for the conservative organization the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, he said: “You should have more of a power, more of an ability to speak your voice in our democratic republic than people who don’t have kids.”
“Let’s face the consequences and the reality,” Vance said at the time. “If you don’t have as much of an investment in the future of this country, maybe you shouldn’t get nearly the same voice.”
With Swift having positioned herself as a figure of women’s empowerment, it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine the singer citing such statements when publicly declaring reasons for where she will place her vote.
Evan Nierman, CEO of global PR firm Red Banyan, believes that it would be safe to expect a stance from Swift that aligns with views shared in years past.
“Taylor Swift knows that being one of the most powerful people on the planet leads to people reading deeply into your every move, and even the moves you don’t make or just haven’t gotten around to making,” Nierman told Newsweek.
“I think it is foolish to draw any conclusions about a shift in Taylor’s political views based on the fact she has not yet endorsed Harris for president. There are many months to go before the election, and it will come as no surprise if Taylor ultimately decides to endorse Kamala Harris.”
Nierman, author of The Cancel Culture Curse and Crisis Averted, went on: “When she is good and ready I suspect that Taylor will pick her moment to impact the 2024 presidential election. After all, there is nobody more strategic and smart than Taylor Swift. She is a genius on many levels, including when it comes to wielding her hard-earned clout and making a massive global impact.
“Given her following, any endorsement she might make would carry enormous weight. An entire generation of people, especially young women, look to her as a role model and she has the ability to influence their worldview simply by sharing hers.”
T.J. McCormack, a Republican communications specialist in Westchester County, New York, told Newsweek that ultimately Swift has little reason to treat her endorsement announcement any differently to when she markets her music.
“Taylor Swift is arguably as good at curating her brand as she is at creating music,” McCormack said. “Like everyone else in the PR business, she’s waiting for the right moment. It’s likely not if, but when she comes out for Kamala, and when it does happen it will no doubt have a maximum beneficial impact for both women.”
Political Power
An endorsement from Swift is nothing to take lightly, given her political power. On September 19, National Voter Registration Day, the singer shared a message on Instagram, in which she urged her fans to register on the nonpartisan, nonprofit website Vote.org. According to the organization, Swift’s post was followed by a surge of more than 35,000 registrations—an almost 25 percent increase over the same day the previous year.
Andrea Hailey, the CEO of Vote.org, said in a statement that the single-day surge in registrations was a “highly encouraging sign of voter enthusiasm,” particularly as there was a 115 percent spike over 2022 in newly eligible 18-year-olds registering to vote.
In May, a poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek found that 22 percent of voters who backed Biden in the 2020 election said they would be more likely to vote for a GOP candidate in an election if Swift endorsed them.
The survey, which was conducted among 1,500 eligible voters on May 1, showed a 9 point increase from January, when only 13 percent of Biden 2020 supporters said they would be more likely to vote for a Republican candidate backed by Swift.
Her influence seems to be growing among Trump supporters as well, albeit less so than among Biden supporters. In January, 13 percent of Trump 2020 voters said they’d be more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate endorsed by Swift. That number rose to 16 percent in May.
Both the May and January polls had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.53 percent. The January survey was conducted among 1,500 eligible voters on January 18.
Swift’s political influence has sparked a wave of unrelenting attacks from some Trump supporters. Ahead of this year’s Super Bowl LVIII, many threatened to boycott the broadcast because the singer was expected to attend to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
With politics being the ultimate popularity contest, Red Banyan’s Nierman told Newsweek that the candidates have good reason to want Swift on their side.
He explained: “In this modern era, where fame carries more influence than ever, both of the current candidates should probably be thankful that Taylor Swift herself isn’t running for the job since triumphing over all the competition is the specialty of the world’s most recognizable and revered ‘childless cat lady.’”
Justin Bieber, a prominent figure in the pop music scene, shares a unique connection with the Kardashian family, arguably one of the most famous clans of our era. Their relationship has been the subject of much speculation and gossip, with rumors swirling about Justin’s romantic entanglements with various Kardashian-Jenner sisters. This intriguing saga traces back to an interview featuring Kim Kardashian, who openly expressed her hopes for Justin to date Kendall Jenner when he was just 16 and Kendall was 14, revealing a hint of strategic matchmaking on Kim Kardashian’s part. Since that initial exchange, the bond between the Bieber and Kardashian-Jenner camps has only strengthened.
It’s been widely reported that Justin has had romantic flings with nearly all the sisters at some point. While the evidence is compelling, the focus often zeroes in on his relationships with Courtney and Kendall Jenner. Despite previous rumors of a dalliance with Kylie Jenner, a revealing video emerged showing Justin Bieber’s apparent affection towards someone behind the camera, presumably Kendall, shedding light on their close connection. These intricacies add depth to Justin’s interactions with the Kardashian-Jenner clan, perpetuating ongoing speculation about the true nature of their relationships
In a playful yet intriguing twist, Justin Bieber’s relationship with the family extends beyond just the sisters; even their matriarch, Kris Jenner, has been part of the equation. Justin once cheekily posted a photo of himself with Kris, captioned “Who’s your dad, Kendall and Kylie? Happy Father’s Day,” showcasing a dynamic that blends humor with underlying complexity.
Let’s not overlook the unexpected involvement of Courtney Kardashian, which adds another layer to the narrative. Considering not only the significant age difference but also their long-standing acquaintance since childhood, their rumored liaison raises eyebrows and sparks speculation about the true nature of their bond.
Justin Bieber finally addressed these swirling rumors during an interview with the Bart Show. When pressed about the dating rumors, he cryptically remarked, “I’m being taken advantage of.” When the host probed further, asking directly if there was something romantic happening, Justin simply replied, “No. I’ll leave it at that.” His words struck a chord, especially given the Kardashians’ reputation for carefully curating their media presence and narratives to maintain their prominence.
On a more personal note, I myself witnessed Justin interacting with Courtney’s children. I recall seeing an image of Justin joyfully splashing around in the pool with Mason Disick. It’s worth noting that Justin has long expressed a desire for paternal responsibilities, even discussing his aspirations for marriage and parenthood by his mid-20s as far back as 2011. Perhaps Courtney could be the one to help fulfill this dream for him.
However, it seems that Hailey Bieber may hold some level of resentment toward Courtney, or at the very least, she has imposed restrictions on Justin’s interactions with her, hinting at underlying tension in their relationship. Justin and Hailey have been open about the strict boundaries they set to safeguard their marriage, and this includes Justin refraining from associating with Courtney despite any prior connections.
The imposition of such restrictions may seem restrictive on the surface, but it could be argued that clarifying these relational boundaries is ultimately beneficial for their marriage. Furthermore, if there truly was no romantic involvement between Justin and Courtney, why would Hailey feel the need to intervene? Does she enact similar restrictions regarding Justin Bieber’s interactions with other individuals, such as Selena Gomez? Perhaps not; however, reportedly, Hailey introduced this directive following her engagement to Justin in 2018.
Justin and Hailey officially began their relationship in 2016, and shortly thereafter, rumors began circulating about Justin’s alleged involvement with Courtney Kardashian. One source suggests that Hailey’s concerns may stem from valid reasons of insecurity. By 2018, Courtney had recently ended her relationship, leading to speculation that she might pursue Justin once again, now that she was single. This speculation gains traction, especially considering the apparent connection between Justin and Courtney.
The timing of Courtney and Justin’s alleged relationship has sparked considerable curiosity, with some pondering the possibility of Justin being the father of Courtney’s child. Tabloids even picked up on these speculations, circulating reports on the matter. While it’s commonly believed that Courtney shares children only with Scott Disick, the lingering question persists: could Courtney have had a child with Justin?
Many entertain the idea that Rain could potentially be Justin’s offspring. Rain entered the world during tumultuous times in Courtney and Scott’s relationship, ultimately leading to their breakup less than a year later. The alignment of Courtney and Justin’s alleged relationship with Rain’s noticeable resemblance to Justin Bieber adds fuel to the speculation about Courtney conceiving with Justin.
These circumstances raise significant concerns surrounding a series of events that unfolded sometime around late 2015. Rumors began circulating about Courtney’s alleged involvement with Justin, coinciding closely with Rain’s birth. Notably, a TikTok page even speculated about Rain’s resemblance to Justin, setting him apart from Scott’s other children.
This situation caused discomfort for Scott, prompting him to request a paternity test in 2017. However, Courtney reportedly declined, fueling further speculation. Earlier reports indicated that Courtney had consented to a paternity test for their eldest child, Mason, back in 2013, amid rumors of an affair with a model. The differing reactions to these requests present a puzzling contrast.
Sources suggest that this situation deeply affected Scott, especially as Rain’s features bore less resemblance to his own and more to Justin Bieber. This led to numerous arguments and separations between Scott and Courtney. Allegedly seeking solace, Courtney turned to socializing with friends and close male companions.
In conclusion, the intricate relationships and rumored romantic entanglements between Justin Bieber and various members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, particularly focusing on Courtney Kardashian, discuss past events, sightings, and interactions between Justin and Courtney, fueling speculation about their relationship status. The narrative also explores the possibility of Justin being the father of Courtney’s child, Rain, based on alleged resemblances and rumors. The script concludes by highlighting the ongoing speculation and inviting audience perspectives for more intriguing celebrity gossip and exclusive insights into the lives of their favorite stars. Stay tuned to Pop Gossip for more updates.
The Spaniard will change his schedule plans, starting next season
To improve, it is often advisable to change or modify something in your routine: Carlos Alcaraz knows this well, having already chosen to change his schedule for the 2025 season compared to recent years.
A significant piece of news that has been made public in recent days and that concerns the Spanish tennis player, who will change his plans after the Australian Open in January.
There are two consecutive editions in which the events scheduled in Argentina and Brazil have been able to enjoy the Spanish talent. The Argentina Open, ATP 250 scheduled in Buenos Aires from February 10, and the Rio Open starting from February 17, have however moved in recent weeks and have already managed to identify a name with a high specific weight to replace the 21-year-old Spaniard, silver medalist at the Paris Olympic Games.
The organizers of the two tournaments have focused on Alexander Zverev: the German will turn to Latin America after competing in Melbourne Park and will be the big star awaited by Argentine and Brazilian fans.
“The 25th edition of the Argentina Open already has its first confirmed figure: the current world number 4 will play the event for the first time. We are very happy to have you in this very special edition, Sasha,” is the announcement that appeared on the social accounts of the two tournaments.
Courtney Kardashian recently embarked on an exciting escapade to Australia and New Zealand with her husband, Travis Barker, for his tour. However, it was their youngest son, Rain, who stole the spotlight during their adventures. With his mischievous antics and striking resemblance to pop sensation Justin Bieber, the 9-year-old garnered attention from fans across social media platforms.
Throughout the trip, Courtney shared snapshots of their family fun, with Rain prominently featured in several. Fans couldn’t help but notice his resemblance to Bieber in various photos, where his playful demeanor and quirky fashion sense drew comparisons to the pop icon. From goofy selfies to humorous moments captured at restaurants, Rain charmed viewers with his infectious energy and youthful spirit.
In one memorable snapshot, Rain sported black nail polish and a graphic t-shirt, mirroring Courtney’s edgy style. Commenters flooded the posts with remarks about Rain’s uncanny resemblance to Bieber, dubbing him “Justin Jr.” and speculating about their similarities.
Despite Rain’s adorable presence stealing the show, Courtney faced backlash during her time in Australia, particularly concerning her daughter, Penelope. Critics scrutinized a moment captured on camera where Barker joined the stage during Blink 182’s performance, with Penelope in tow. As Barker and Courtney engaged in a public display of affection, Penelope appeared visibly uncomfortable, prompting concern from fans.
On social media platforms like Reddit, fans expressed sympathy for Penelope, highlighting her discomfort and the apparent disregard for her feelings displayed by Courtney. Some questioned Courtney’s actions, emphasizing the importance of respecting Penelope’s boundaries and making her feel included in family moments.
As Courtney and Barker’s PDA drew attention, fans reflected on the dynamics within their blended family. Despite the excitement of touring and sharing moments of joy with their children, the incident shed light on the complexities of navigating public scrutiny and maintaining sensitivity to each family member’s comfort levels
In conclusion, Courtney Kardashian’s recent escapade down under showcased moments of family bonding, playful adventures, and unexpected resemblances. However, amid the excitement, controversies surrounding PDA and concerns for Penelope’s well-being sparked discussions about the importance of communication and respect within blended families in the public eye.
The leaked footage allegedly showing the Kardashians discussing a plan to exploit Justin Bieber for fame has ignited controversy and raised questions about the ethics of celebrity culture. The purported conversation between Chris Jenner and Kim Kardashian suggests a calculated strategy to leverage Bieber’s rising stardom for their own benefit. While the validity of the footage remains unconfirmed, it has sparked widespread outrage and debate.
The alleged plan involved cultivating a close relationship between Kim and the young singer, fueling speculation about a romantic involvement. Paparazzi photos of Kim and Bieber together added to the rumors. Additionally, there were whispers of Courtney Kardashian’s involvement with Bieber, further complicating the narrative.
The situation took a dramatic turn with rumors of Courtney’s pregnancy, with speculation that Bieber could be the father. These claims, coupled with the leaked footage, painted a picture of a family willing to exploit personal relationships for fame.
Moreover, rumors of manipulation by music mogul Diddy added another layer to the story. Allegations suggested that Diddy and Chris Jenner conspired to use Bieber for mutual benefit, with Diddy allegedly handing over Bieber to the Kardashians to enhance their own celebrity status.
The fallout from these revelations has led to intense scrutiny of the Kardashian-Jenner empire, with many questioning the family’s ethics and the lengths they would go to maintain their place in the spotlight. The scandal has prompted soul-searching discussions about the darker side of celebrity culture, where authenticity often takes a backseat to publicity stunts and image maintenance.
As the saga unfolds, the Kardashian-Jenner brand faces the risk of irreparable damage, with the once-glamorous facade now tarnished by allegations of exploitation and manipulation. The controversy serves as a cautionary tale about the price of fame and the moral implications of chasing celebrity status at any cost.
In a music industry that’s often rife with surprising alliances and genre-crossing collaborations, the idea of a joint tour between Kid Rock and Taylor Swift might have seemed outlandish to some but intriguing to others. However, the rocker swiftly dispelled any notion of such a pairing, making his opinions known in his typical no-holds-barred style.
“We need more Toby Keiths and less Taylor Swifts,” he declared, voicing his disdain for what he sees as a move away from the authentic spirit of country music. His candid rejection of a potential collaboration sheds light on the wider cultural divide in the entertainment world, emphasizing the ongoing tension between traditional and modern forms of artistic expression.
Kid Rock’s comments reflect his long-standing alignment with a rugged, unapologetically American brand of music that merges rock, country, and hip-hop. With albums like Devil Without a Cause and Born Free, he has cultivated a persona that appeals to fans who value a no-nonsense approach to storytelling and themes rooted in heartland values. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, with her massive following and genre-bending discography, represents the increasingly mainstream and pop-oriented direction that contemporary country music has taken. The stark contrast between their fan bases and musical ethos is indicative of a broader shift that has ruffled feathers among traditionalists like Kid Rock.
While Kid Rock has often praised the contributions of legendary country artists like Toby Keith, he perceives Swift’s brand as lacking in what he sees as authenticity. Toby Keith, with his songs brimming with patriotism and tales of small-town America, represents the sort of musician that Kid Rock wants to see more of in the industry. “Toby stands up for what matters. He writes music that tells it like it is and speaks to the heart of the American experience,” he once said of Keith. This admiration for Keith is grounded in the idea that his music doesn’t shy away from controversial or challenging topics but instead embraces them with a strong, unwavering sense of identity.
In contrast, Kid Rock criticizes Swift for what he perceives as a more calculated and market-driven approach. Despite Swift’s ability to tell stories that resonate with millions, Kid Rock is skeptical about whether her storytelling stems from genuine experiences or is crafted to appeal to the broadest possible audience. In recent years, as Swift has embraced a more explicit political stance and continued to expand her pop influences, the cultural gap between her and traditionalists like Kid Rock has widened even further.
Kid Rock’s refusal to join forces with Swift isn’t just a rejection of her musical style but also a statement about the type of artists he believes should be promoted. He isn’t interested in the sanitized, often polished images that dominate today’s pop-country scene but instead advocates for the kind of raw, gritty musicians that challenge conventions. His stance raises questions about the future of country music and whether there’s room for both the traditionalists and the new wave of performers like Swift.
While some fans might lament the lost opportunity for what would undoubtedly have been a high-profile tour, others applaud Kid Rock for staying true to his roots. The divide between the two camps underscores the evolving nature of the music industry, where cross-genre collaboration is increasingly the norm. Yet for musicians like Kid Rock, whose career was built on unapologetically speaking his mind, compromising his values isn’t an option.
His stance also draws attention to the broader cultural debates in America, where identity and authenticity play significant roles in shaping public opinion. The Kid Rock versus Taylor Swift narrative fits neatly into the larger discourse about what kind of art should be promoted and celebrated. Should the industry focus on appealing to mainstream tastes and promoting global superstars like Swift, or should it prioritize artists who adhere to traditional genres and values, like Toby Keith?
For now, Kid Rock remains unwavering in his beliefs. While he has nothing against musicians charting their paths, he insists that the industry should not forget the foundational values that artists like Toby Keith represent. “We’re losing touch with what made country music special in the first place,” he says, expressing concern that genre experimentation might ultimately dilute its identity.
Swift, on the other hand, has found immense success in her ability to transcend genres and redefine herself with each album release. While her early country hits like “Our Song” and “Love Story” cemented her status as a country star, she quickly pivoted into pop territory with 1989 and has since experimented with indie and alternative sounds. Her willingness to embrace change has earned her a fiercely loyal fan base but has also made her a lightning rod for criticism from purists like Kid Rock.
In the end, whether you side with Kid Rock’s vision or Swift’s evolution, there’s no denying that the music industry is richer for their contrasting perspectives. Their differing approaches represent two sides of an age-old debate about authenticity, identity, and artistic integrity that will continue to shape the industry’s future for years to come.
As the dust settles from Kid Rock’s pointed remarks, the ball is in Swift’s court to respond—if she chooses to do so. Regardless of their contrasting views, both artists will continue to define their careers on their terms, standing firm in what they believe makes great music. The resulting conversation will likely only fuel further interest in the evolving story of country music, where the old guard and new guard are constantly negotiating what the genre will look like next
The Serbian champion showed an incredible performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the final, using his experience in the decisive moments of the match. Few people thought that Novak would be able to express such a high level of tennis, just weeks after being defeated by the Spaniard in the final of the Wimbledon Championships.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has made one of his greatest dreams come true, which had always eluded him in past editions of the Olympics. The Olympic Games had almost become a curse for Nole, especially after the tremendous disappointments at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade gave his all in Paris, winning the Olympic tournament without losing a set. It is unclear whether this victory will be an incentive to continue playing or if Novak might seriously consider retiring. For the moment, Djokovic has expressed his desire to continue playing to break other records.
Nole celebrated in Serbia
After winning the Paris Olympics, Novak Djokovic took a few days off from work and celebrated with his friends. The Serbian has decided to skip the Masters 1000 in Montreal and Cincinnati and will return directly to the court at the US Open at the end of August.
Meanwhile, Serbia has organized a big event in Belgrade where Nole showed his compatriots his gold medal. A creepy moment. “I have had the honour and pleasure of being on this special [City Hall] balcony several times in my career, but each time you surprise and inspire me more and more,” Djokovic told the crowd. “This is the most beautiful feeling that an athlete from Serbia can experience.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had pursued his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal for his entire career.
In the latest edition of his podcast, ATP legend Jimmy Connors paid tribute to Novak: “Probably this gold medal is as important to him as his first Wimbledon or US Open because he’s done the others, you know, he’s won every Grand Slam and many other tournaments. But winning the gold medal, for him, it’s like the icing on the cake. Almost three hours of play, 7-6(3), 7-6(2), the kind of tennis that they produced, what do you expect? Age is something that you can never beat and as much you try to fight it and as much as you try to figure out a way with your diet or with your training or whatever, numbers count in that.”
“The fact is that at this stage of my career, every Grand Slam final could be the last one,” Nole said in a recent interview. “So I think that I probably value these occasions and opportunities to win another Slam more than I did maybe 10 years ago because 10 years ago I felt like, ‘Hey, I still have quite a few years ahead of me.’ I don’t know how many I have ahead of me now, I don’t know how many of the years where I play four Slams in the season. I see every Grand Slam that I play right now as really a golden opportunity to make more history.
I had a childhood dream when I was seven, eight: I wanted to become the best player in the world and win a Wimbledon trophy. That was the only thing I wanted. When I realized that, I started to dream new dreams and set new objectives, new goals. I never imagined that I would be here talking about 24 Slams” – he added.
The first part of the season was not easy for Djokovic, who had not won a single title and had to undergo knee surgery during the French Open. Many believed that the Serb would not return to high levels, but Novak shocked the world for the umpteenth time. The 37-year-old from Belgrade is no longer interested in returning to the top of the ATP rankings, but he can never be underestimated in the most prestigious tournaments.
WATCH: Jaylen Brown Shares Hilarious Video of Blake Griffin at Celtics Player’s Wedding
Six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin announced his retirement from basketball earlier this summer. An LA Clippers legend, Griffin spent eight seasons in Los Angeles after being selected first-overall in the 2009 NBA draft.
Griffin ended his career with the Boston Celtics in 2023, serving as a veteran leader and role player off their bench before calling it a career. Building a strong bond with his Celtics teammates, Griffin still has a relationship with many of them, including guard Payton Pritchard.
In a post on X, 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown shared a hilarious video of Griffin officiating Pritchard’s wedding:
In the video, Griffin could be heard making the attendees laugh with some lighthearted jokes. With a passion for comedy, Griffin has done stand up comedy along with work on different comedy films. Bringing those vibes to the Celtics last season, Griffin was always the veteran who kept the team loose.
In addition to his role as a veteran leader, Griffin had a strong impact on the court for Boston as well.
Pritchard was one of the players openly advocating for Griffin to return to Boston last season, but the five-time All-NBA forward was done playing.
“We begged him to,” Pritchard said when asked during the season why Griffin was no longer playing. “We’ve been begging him to.”
The Celtics ended up winning the NBA championship, which would have been really cool to see Griffin be a part of.
Throughout the trip, Courtney shared snapshots of their family fun, with Rain prominently featured in several. Fans couldn’t help but notice his resemblance to Bieber in various photos, where his playful demeanor and quirky fashion sense drew comparisons to the pop icon. From goofy selfies to humorous moments captured at restaurants, Rain charmed viewers with his infectious energy and youthful spirit.
The alleged plan involved cultivating a close relationship between Kim and the young singer, fueling speculation about a romantic involvement. Paparazzi photos of Kim and Bieber together added to the rumors. Additionally, there were whispers of Courtney Kardashian’s involvement with Bieber, further complicating the narrative.
