PHOENIX (AP) — Rihanna is putting in the work ahead of her <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>
 halftime show, focusing so hard on what she promises will be "a 
jam-packed show” that her upcoming birthday and Valentine's Day almost 
slipped her mind.

“The setlist was the biggest challenge. That was
 the hardest, hardest part. Deciding how to maximize 13 minutes but also
 celebrate — that’s what this show is going to be. It’s going to be a 
celebration of my catalog in the best way that we could have put it 
together," Rihanna said.

At a media preview Thursday ahead of 
Sunday's matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs,
 the music superstar and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rihanna-entertainment-sports-motherhood-music-14ea73006505a33793e3af992b083a2c">new mom</a> said her appearance — her first live event in seven years — feels “like it could have only been now.”

The
 singer said she was initially unsure about taking on the challenge of 
performing during a time when she was three months postpartum and 
wondered “should I be making major decisions like this right now? I 
might regret this.”

“But when you become a mom, there’s something 
that just happens where you feel like you can take on the world, you can
 do anything," Rihanna said. "The Super Bowl is one of the biggest 
stages of the world. As scary as that was, because I hadn't been on 
stage in seven years, there’s something exhilarating about the challenge
 of it all."

A nine-time Grammy Award-winner, Rihanna has 14 No. 1
 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “We Found Love,” “Work,” “Umbrella” 
and “Disturbia.” She and rapper A$AP Rocky <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rihanna-entertainment-health-los-angeles-hollywood-0b1576e705b19d63562078b22d1916d1">recently welcomed her first child</a>.

“At
 the end of the day, if it flops or it flies, my name has to stand by 
that. And so I really get involved with every aspect of anything I do,” 
she said.

Halftime performance sponsor Apple Music held a 
moderated event Thursday, but moderator Nadeska Alexis was the only 
journalist allowed to ask Rihanna questions.

Rihanna joins a list 
of celebrated entertainers who have played during Super Bowl halftime 
shows, including Beyoncé, Madonna, Coldplay, Katy Perry, U2, Lady Gaga, 
Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and The Weeknd. Last year, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-50-cent-kendrick-lamar-eminem-152c957ecffac7f8f85709ac47ba3d92">hip-hop was celebrated</a> with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar all performing.

The
 singer had previously declined to perform in the 2019 halftime show out
 of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. But she has said that the timing 
and circumstances this time around were right for her.

Country music star Chris Stapleton will <a href="https://apnews.com/article/emmy-awards-rihanna-entertainment-sports-celebrity-40f2858a937fc8566e7f339732553854">sing the national anthem</a>, while R&amp;B legend Babyface will perform “America the Beautiful.” Actor-singer <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sheryl-lee-ralph-super-bowl-lift-every-voice-singer-54d2e5a2d0e4a3782628310dd39adaee">Sheryl Lee Ralph will also perform</a>
 “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” When asked who they were cheering for on 
Sunday, Ralph said she was rooting for the Eagles while Stapleton and 
Babyface said they were backing Rihanna.

Ralph applauded the NFL for making an effort toward being inclusive and “represent all people” through the three songs.

"On
 a day, Super Bowl Sunday, 200 million people coming together to sit and
 experience it here, what a time and what a way to bring us all 
together," she said. “I’m very pleased and very happy to be able to be 
on the 40-yard line.”

Babyface said he first started singing “America the Beautiful” as a sophomore for a play in high school.

“It's
 hard to believe that so many years ago, which is a lot of years ago, 
that I'm here to sing ‘America the Beautiful,'” he said. “Back then, my 
mom was in the audience and she couldn't believe I was up there on the 
stage singing. Like the shy kid who actually got up there singing. To 
think of her looking at this now and see me at this moment singing 
‘America the Beautiful,’ it's full circle.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/troy-kotsur-oscars-coda-18d7f5b3e75f1fd1f0d937cfa7004df0">Oscar winner Troy Kotsur</a>
 will perform the national anthem in American sign language. Colin Denny
 will sign “America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will 
be signed by Justina Miles.

Through an interpreter, Kotsur said 
performing makes him feel prouder to be an American. Miles said “Lift 
Every Voice and Sing" represents resilience.

"The national anthem 
never really resonated with me personally, but the Black national anthem
 is really inspiring and empowering," Miles said. “This song is so 
positive and so beautiful. You don't really hear or see it very often. 
There's many folks who don't even know the Black national anthem even 
exist. It's not only for me to share this experience with the whole 
world, but to really bring that empowerment to millions of Black, deaf 
people all over the country who've never seen that before.”

Apple 
Music this year replaced Pepsi, which sponsored the show for the past 10
 years. Terms were not announced, but analysts had expected the league 
to get at least $50 million per year for the rights.

PHOENIX (AP) — Rihanna is putting in the work ahead of her <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>
 halftime show, focusing so hard on what she promises will be "a 
jam-packed show” that her upcoming birthday and Valentine's Day almost 
slipped her mind.“The setlist was the biggest challenge. That was
 the hardest, hardest part. Deciding how to maximize 13 minutes but also
 celebrate — that’s what this show is going to be. It’s going to be a 
celebration of my catalog in the best way that we could have put it 
together," Rihanna said.At a media preview Thursday ahead of 
Sunday's matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs,
 the music superstar and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rihanna-entertainment-sports-motherhood-music-14ea73006505a33793e3af992b083a2c">new mom</a> said her appearance — her first live event in seven years — feels “like it could have only been now.”The
 singer said she was initially unsure about taking on the challenge of 
performing during a time when she was three months postpartum and 
wondered “should I be making major decisions like this right now? I 
might regret this.”“But when you become a mom, there’s something 
that just happens where you feel like you can take on the world, you can
 do anything," Rihanna said. "The Super Bowl is one of the biggest 
stages of the world. As scary as that was, because I hadn't been on 
stage in seven years, there’s something exhilarating about the challenge
 of it all."A nine-time Grammy Award-winner, Rihanna has 14 No. 1
 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “We Found Love,” “Work,” “Umbrella” 
and “Disturbia.” She and rapper A$AP Rocky <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rihanna-entertainment-health-los-angeles-hollywood-0b1576e705b19d63562078b22d1916d1">recently welcomed her first child</a>.“At
 the end of the day, if it flops or it flies, my name has to stand by 
that. And so I really get involved with every aspect of anything I do,” 
she said.Halftime performance sponsor Apple Music held a 
moderated event Thursday, but moderator Nadeska Alexis was the only 
journalist allowed to ask Rihanna questions.Rihanna joins a list 
of celebrated entertainers who have played during Super Bowl halftime 
shows, including Beyoncé, Madonna, Coldplay, Katy Perry, U2, Lady Gaga, 
Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and The Weeknd. Last year, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-50-cent-kendrick-lamar-eminem-152c957ecffac7f8f85709ac47ba3d92">hip-hop was celebrated</a> with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar all performing.The
 singer had previously declined to perform in the 2019 halftime show out
 of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. But she has said that the timing 
and circumstances this time around were right for her.Country music star Chris Stapleton will <a href="https://apnews.com/article/emmy-awards-rihanna-entertainment-sports-celebrity-40f2858a937fc8566e7f339732553854">sing the national anthem</a>, while R&amp;B legend Babyface will perform “America the Beautiful.” Actor-singer <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sheryl-lee-ralph-super-bowl-lift-every-voice-singer-54d2e5a2d0e4a3782628310dd39adaee">Sheryl Lee Ralph will also perform</a>
 “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” When asked who they were cheering for on 
Sunday, Ralph said she was rooting for the Eagles while Stapleton and 
Babyface said they were backing Rihanna.Ralph applauded the NFL for making an effort toward being inclusive and “represent all people” through the three songs."On
 a day, Super Bowl Sunday, 200 million people coming together to sit and
 experience it here, what a time and what a way to bring us all 
together," she said. “I’m very pleased and very happy to be able to be 
on the 40-yard line.”Babyface said he first started singing “America the Beautiful” as a sophomore for a play in high school.“It's
 hard to believe that so many years ago, which is a lot of years ago, 
that I'm here to sing ‘America the Beautiful,'” he said. “Back then, my 
mom was in the audience and she couldn't believe I was up there on the 
stage singing. Like the shy kid who actually got up there singing. To 
think of her looking at this now and see me at this moment singing 
‘America the Beautiful,’ it's full circle.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/troy-kotsur-oscars-coda-18d7f5b3e75f1fd1f0d937cfa7004df0">Oscar winner Troy Kotsur</a>
 will perform the national anthem in American sign language. Colin Denny
 will sign “America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will 
be signed by Justina Miles.Through an interpreter, Kotsur said 
performing makes him feel prouder to be an American. Miles said “Lift 
Every Voice and Sing" represents resilience."The national anthem 
never really resonated with me personally, but the Black national anthem
 is really inspiring and empowering," Miles said. “This song is so 
positive and so beautiful. You don't really hear or see it very often. 
There's many folks who don't even know the Black national anthem even 
exist. It's not only for me to share this experience with the whole 
world, but to really bring that empowerment to millions of Black, deaf 
people all over the country who've never seen that before.”Apple 
Music this year replaced Pepsi, which sponsored the show for the past 10
 years. Terms were not announced, but analysts had expected the league 
to get at least $50 million per year for the rights.

Rihanna promises 'jam-packed' Super Bowl halftime show

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/burt-bacharach">Burt Bacharach,</a>&nbsp;the singularly gifted and popular composer who delighted millions with the quirky arrangements and unforgettable melodies of "Walk on By," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and dozens of other hits, has died at 94.

The Grammy, Oscar and Tony-winning Bacharach died Wednesday at home in Los Angeles of natural causes, publicist Tina Brausam said Thursday.

Over the past 70 years, only Lennon-McCartney, Carole King and a handful of others rivaled his genius for instantly catchy songs that remained performed, played and hummed long after they were written. He had a run of top 10 hits from the 1950s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-virus-outbreak-burt-bacharach-3c75337777bf897b635fbf518d200a13">into the 21st century,</a>&nbsp;and his music was heard everywhere from movie soundtracks and radios to home stereo systems and iPods, whether “Alfie” and “I Say a Little Prayer” or “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “This Guy’s in Love with You.”

Dionne Warwick was his favorite interpreter, but Bacharach, usually in tandem with lyricist Hal David, also created prime material for Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and many others. Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Frank Sinatra were among the countless artists who covered his songs, with more recent performers who sung or sampled him including White Stripes, Twista and Ashanti. “Walk On By” alone was covered by everyone from Warwick and Isaac Hayes to the British punk band the Stranglers and Cyndi Lauper.

Bacharach was both an innovator and throwback, and his career seemed to run parallel to the rock era. He grew up on jazz and classical music and had little taste for rock when he was breaking into the business in the 1950s. His sensibility often seemed more aligned with Tin Pan Alley than with Bob Dylan, John Lennon and other writers who later emerged, but rock composers appreciated the depth of his seemingly old-fashioned sensibility.

“The shorthand version of him is that he’s something to do with easy listening,” Elvis Costello, who wrote the 1998 album “Painted from Memory” with Bacharach, said in a 2018 interview with The Associated Press. “It may be agreeable to listen to these songs, but there’s nothing easy about them. Try playing them. Try singing them.”

A box set, “The Songs of Bacharach &amp; Costello,” is due to come out March 3.

He triumphed in many artforms. He was an eight-time Grammy winner, a prize-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-arts-and-entertainment-theater-music-3075cfa46c71a754a41d382b81a51c63">Broadway composer</a>&nbsp;for “Promises, Promises” and a three-time Oscar winner. He received two Academy Awards in 1970, for the score of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and for the song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” (shared with David). In 1982, he and his then-wife, lyricist Carole Bayer Sager, won for “Best That You Can Do,” the theme from “Arthur. His other movie soundtracks included “What’s New, Pussycat?”, “Alfie” and the 1967 James Bond spoof “Casino Royale.”

Bacharach was well rewarded, and well connected. He was a frequent guest at the White House, whether the president was Republican or Democrat. And in 2012, he was presented the Gershwin Prize by Barack Obama, who had sung a few seconds of “Walk on By” during a campaign appearance.

In his life, and in his music, he stood apart. Fellow songwriter Sammy Cahn liked to joke that the smiling, wavy-haired Bacharach was the first composer he ever knew who didn’t look like a dentist. Bacharach was a “swinger,” as they called such men in his time, whose many romances included actor Angie Dickinson, to whom he was married from 1965-80, and Sager, his wife from 1982-1991.

Married four times, he formed his most lasting ties to work. He was a perfectionist who took three weeks to write “Alfie” and might spend hours tweaking a single chord. Sager once observed that Bacharach’s life routines essentially stayed the same — only the wives changed.

It began with the melodies — strong yet interspersed with changing rhythms and surprising harmonics. He credited much of his style to his love of bebop and to his classical education, especially under the tutelage of Darius Milhaud, the famed composer. He once played a piece for piano, violin and oboe for Milhaud that contained a melody he was ashamed to have written, as 12-point atonal music was in vogue at the time. Milhaud, who liked the piece, advised the young man, "Never be afraid of the melody."

"That was a great affirmation for me," Bacharach recalled in 2004.

Bacharach was essentially a pop composer, but his songs became hits for country artists (Marty Robbins), rhythm and blues performers (Chuck Jackson), soul (Franklin, Luther Vandross) and synth-pop (Naked Eyes). He reached a new generation of listeners in the 1990s with the help of Costello and others.

Mike Myers would recall hearing the sultry “The Look of Love” on the radio and finding fast inspiration for his “Austin Powers” retro spy comedies, in which Bacharach made cameos.

In the 21st century, he was still testing new ground, writing his own lyrics and recording with rapper Dr. Dre.

He was married to his first wife, Paula Stewart, from 1953-58, and married for a fourth time, to Jane Hansen, in 1993. He is survived by Hansen, as well as his children Oliver, Raleigh and Cristopher, Brausam said. He was preceded in death by his daughter with Dickinson, Nikki Bacharach.

Bacharach knew the very heights of acclaim, but he remembered himself as a loner growing up, a short and self-conscious boy so uncomfortable with being Jewish he even taunted other Jews. His favorite book as a kid was Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”; he related to the sexually impotent Jake Barnes, regarding himself as “socially impotent.”

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but soon moved to New York City. His father was a syndicated columnist, his mother a pianist who encouraged the boy to study music. Although he was more interested in sports, he practiced piano every day after school, not wanting to disappoint his mother. While still a minor, he would sneak into jazz clubs, bearing a fake ID, and hear such greats as Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie.

“They were just so incredibly exciting that all of a sudden, I got into music in a way I never had before,” he recalled in the memoir “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” published in 2013. “What I heard in those clubs turned my head around.”

He was a poor student, but managed to gain a spot at the music conservatory at McGill University in Montreal. He wrote his first song at McGill and listened for months to Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song.” Music also may have saved Bacharach’s life. He was drafted into the Army in the late 1940s and was still on active duty during the Korean War. But officers stateside soon learned of his gifts and wanted him around. When he did go overseas, it was to Germany, where he wrote orchestrations for a recreation center on the local military base.

After his discharge, he returned to New York and tried to break into the music business. He had little success at first as a songwriter, but he became a popular arranger and accompanist, touring with Vic Damone, the Ames Brothers and Stewart, his eventual first wife. When a friend who had been touring with Marlene Dietrich was unable to make a show in Las Vegas, he asked Bacharach to step in.

The young musician and ageless singer quickly clicked and Bacharach traveled the world with her in the late 1950s and early '60s. During each performance, she would introduce him in grand style: “I would like you to meet the man, he’s my arranger, he’s my accompanist, he’s my conductor, and I wish I could say he’s my composer. But that isn’t true. He’s everybody’s composer ... Burt Bacharach!”

Meanwhile, he had met his ideal songwriter partner — David, as businesslike as Bacharach was mercurial, so domesticated that he would leave each night at 5 to catch the train back to his family on Long Island. Working in a tiny office in Broadway’s celebrated Brill Building, they produced their first million-seller, "Magic Moments," sung in 1958 by Perry Como. In 1962, they spotted a backup singer for the Drifters, Warwick, who had a “very special kind of grace and elegance,” Bacharach recalled.

The trio produced hit after hit. The songs were as complicated to record as they were easy to hear. Bacharach liked to experiment with time signatures and arrangements, such as having two pianists play on “Walk on By,” their performances just slightly out of sync to give the song “a jagged kind of feeling,” he wrote in his memoir.

The Bacharach-David partnership ended with the dismal failure of a 1973 musical remake of "Lost Horizon." Bacharach became so depressed he isolated himself in his Del Mar vacation home and refused to work.

"I didn't want to write with Hal or anybody," he told the AP in 2004. Nor did he want to fulfill a commitment to record Warwick. She and David both sued him.

Bacharach and David eventually reconciled. When David died in 2012, Bacharach praised him for writing lyrics “like a miniature movie.”

Meanwhile, Bacharach kept working, vowing never to retire, always believing that a good song could make a difference.

“Music softens the heart, makes you feel something if it’s good, brings in emotion that you might not have felt before,” he told the AP in 2018. “It’s a very powerful thing if you’re able to do to it, if you have it in your heart to do something like that.”

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/burt-bacharach">Burt Bacharach,</a>&nbsp;the singularly gifted and popular composer who delighted millions with the quirky arrangements and unforgettable melodies of "Walk on By," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and dozens of other hits, has died at 94.The Grammy, Oscar and Tony-winning Bacharach died Wednesday at home in Los Angeles of natural causes, publicist Tina Brausam said Thursday.Over the past 70 years, only Lennon-McCartney, Carole King and a handful of others rivaled his genius for instantly catchy songs that remained performed, played and hummed long after they were written. He had a run of top 10 hits from the 1950s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-virus-outbreak-burt-bacharach-3c75337777bf897b635fbf518d200a13">into the 21st century,</a>&nbsp;and his music was heard everywhere from movie soundtracks and radios to home stereo systems and iPods, whether “Alfie” and “I Say a Little Prayer” or “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “This Guy’s in Love with You.”Dionne Warwick was his favorite interpreter, but Bacharach, usually in tandem with lyricist Hal David, also created prime material for Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and many others. Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Frank Sinatra were among the countless artists who covered his songs, with more recent performers who sung or sampled him including White Stripes, Twista and Ashanti. “Walk On By” alone was covered by everyone from Warwick and Isaac Hayes to the British punk band the Stranglers and Cyndi Lauper.Bacharach was both an innovator and throwback, and his career seemed to run parallel to the rock era. He grew up on jazz and classical music and had little taste for rock when he was breaking into the business in the 1950s. His sensibility often seemed more aligned with Tin Pan Alley than with Bob Dylan, John Lennon and other writers who later emerged, but rock composers appreciated the depth of his seemingly old-fashioned sensibility.“The shorthand version of him is that he’s something to do with easy listening,” Elvis Costello, who wrote the 1998 album “Painted from Memory” with Bacharach, said in a 2018 interview with The Associated Press. “It may be agreeable to listen to these songs, but there’s nothing easy about them. Try playing them. Try singing them.”A box set, “The Songs of Bacharach &amp; Costello,” is due to come out March 3.He triumphed in many artforms. He was an eight-time Grammy winner, a prize-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-lifestyle-arts-and-entertainment-theater-music-3075cfa46c71a754a41d382b81a51c63">Broadway composer</a>&nbsp;for “Promises, Promises” and a three-time Oscar winner. He received two Academy Awards in 1970, for the score of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and for the song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” (shared with David). In 1982, he and his then-wife, lyricist Carole Bayer Sager, won for “Best That You Can Do,” the theme from “Arthur. His other movie soundtracks included “What’s New, Pussycat?”, “Alfie” and the 1967 James Bond spoof “Casino Royale.”Bacharach was well rewarded, and well connected. He was a frequent guest at the White House, whether the president was Republican or Democrat. And in 2012, he was presented the Gershwin Prize by Barack Obama, who had sung a few seconds of “Walk on By” during a campaign appearance.In his life, and in his music, he stood apart. Fellow songwriter Sammy Cahn liked to joke that the smiling, wavy-haired Bacharach was the first composer he ever knew who didn’t look like a dentist. Bacharach was a “swinger,” as they called such men in his time, whose many romances included actor Angie Dickinson, to whom he was married from 1965-80, and Sager, his wife from 1982-1991.Married four times, he formed his most lasting ties to work. He was a perfectionist who took three weeks to write “Alfie” and might spend hours tweaking a single chord. Sager once observed that Bacharach’s life routines essentially stayed the same — only the wives changed.It began with the melodies — strong yet interspersed with changing rhythms and surprising harmonics. He credited much of his style to his love of bebop and to his classical education, especially under the tutelage of Darius Milhaud, the famed composer. He once played a piece for piano, violin and oboe for Milhaud that contained a melody he was ashamed to have written, as 12-point atonal music was in vogue at the time. Milhaud, who liked the piece, advised the young man, "Never be afraid of the melody.""That was a great affirmation for me," Bacharach recalled in 2004.Bacharach was essentially a pop composer, but his songs became hits for country artists (Marty Robbins), rhythm and blues performers (Chuck Jackson), soul (Franklin, Luther Vandross) and synth-pop (Naked Eyes). He reached a new generation of listeners in the 1990s with the help of Costello and others.Mike Myers would recall hearing the sultry “The Look of Love” on the radio and finding fast inspiration for his “Austin Powers” retro spy comedies, in which Bacharach made cameos.In the 21st century, he was still testing new ground, writing his own lyrics and recording with rapper Dr. Dre.He was married to his first wife, Paula Stewart, from 1953-58, and married for a fourth time, to Jane Hansen, in 1993. He is survived by Hansen, as well as his children Oliver, Raleigh and Cristopher, Brausam said. He was preceded in death by his daughter with Dickinson, Nikki Bacharach.Bacharach knew the very heights of acclaim, but he remembered himself as a loner growing up, a short and self-conscious boy so uncomfortable with being Jewish he even taunted other Jews. His favorite book as a kid was Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”; he related to the sexually impotent Jake Barnes, regarding himself as “socially impotent.”He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but soon moved to New York City. His father was a syndicated columnist, his mother a pianist who encouraged the boy to study music. Although he was more interested in sports, he practiced piano every day after school, not wanting to disappoint his mother. While still a minor, he would sneak into jazz clubs, bearing a fake ID, and hear such greats as Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie.“They were just so incredibly exciting that all of a sudden, I got into music in a way I never had before,” he recalled in the memoir “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” published in 2013. “What I heard in those clubs turned my head around.”He was a poor student, but managed to gain a spot at the music conservatory at McGill University in Montreal. He wrote his first song at McGill and listened for months to Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song.” Music also may have saved Bacharach’s life. He was drafted into the Army in the late 1940s and was still on active duty during the Korean War. But officers stateside soon learned of his gifts and wanted him around. When he did go overseas, it was to Germany, where he wrote orchestrations for a recreation center on the local military base.After his discharge, he returned to New York and tried to break into the music business. He had little success at first as a songwriter, but he became a popular arranger and accompanist, touring with Vic Damone, the Ames Brothers and Stewart, his eventual first wife. When a friend who had been touring with Marlene Dietrich was unable to make a show in Las Vegas, he asked Bacharach to step in.The young musician and ageless singer quickly clicked and Bacharach traveled the world with her in the late 1950s and early '60s. During each performance, she would introduce him in grand style: “I would like you to meet the man, he’s my arranger, he’s my accompanist, he’s my conductor, and I wish I could say he’s my composer. But that isn’t true. He’s everybody’s composer ... Burt Bacharach!”Meanwhile, he had met his ideal songwriter partner — David, as businesslike as Bacharach was mercurial, so domesticated that he would leave each night at 5 to catch the train back to his family on Long Island. Working in a tiny office in Broadway’s celebrated Brill Building, they produced their first million-seller, "Magic Moments," sung in 1958 by Perry Como. In 1962, they spotted a backup singer for the Drifters, Warwick, who had a “very special kind of grace and elegance,” Bacharach recalled.The trio produced hit after hit. The songs were as complicated to record as they were easy to hear. Bacharach liked to experiment with time signatures and arrangements, such as having two pianists play on “Walk on By,” their performances just slightly out of sync to give the song “a jagged kind of feeling,” he wrote in his memoir.The Bacharach-David partnership ended with the dismal failure of a 1973 musical remake of "Lost Horizon." Bacharach became so depressed he isolated himself in his Del Mar vacation home and refused to work."I didn't want to write with Hal or anybody," he told the AP in 2004. Nor did he want to fulfill a commitment to record Warwick. She and David both sued him.Bacharach and David eventually reconciled. When David died in 2012, Bacharach praised him for writing lyrics “like a miniature movie.”Meanwhile, Bacharach kept working, vowing never to retire, always believing that a good song could make a difference.“Music softens the heart, makes you feel something if it’s good, brings in emotion that you might not have felt before,” he told the AP in 2018. “It’s a very powerful thing if you’re able to do to it, if you have it in your heart to do something like that.”___

Burt Bacharach, KC native, legendary composer of pop songs, dies

Disney
 is working on sequels for “Toy Story,” “Frozen” and “Zootopia,” three 
huge hits as the entertainment powerhouse attempts to find its footing 
under newly returned CEO Bob Iger.

The Walt Disney Co. is undergoing a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/walt-disney-co-bob-iger-earnings-business-28f75af4037890243412412f1c501682">“strategic transformation,”</a> Iger said on Wednesday. That includes 7,000 job cuts announced this week and a renewed focus on core brands and franchises.

Iger, who <a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bob-iger-chapek-susan-arnold-81f76a4a34c1e902fbd639af843cf84a">returned as CEO</a>
 in November following a challenging two-year tenure by his handpicked 
successor, Bob Chapek, announced the plans for the new movies during 
Disney's first-quarter earnings call on Wednesday.

Disney owns Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar. Its latest Marvel movie, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” opens on Feb. 17.

The
 Burbank, California, company said it wants to make sure that executives
 in charge of content creation have a prominent say in what movies, TV 
shows or other content to produce, as well as the marketing and 
distribution of those products.

“Toy Story” is a long-time movie 
franchise for Disney. The original film, which was the first 
computer-animated feature film and the debut feature release from Pixar 
Animation Studios, came out in 1995. It received a Special Achievement 
Academy Award in 1996, as there was no best animated feature film 
category at the time.

The most recent sequel, “Toy Story 4” released in 2019 and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/academy-awards-tim-allen-tom-hanks-randy-newman-movies-addec9fd40a18623a6d26dc26df94af2">won two animated film Oscars</a>
 in 2020, becoming the first franchise to accomplish that. Predecessor 
“Toy Story 3” won the best animated feature Academy Award in 2011.

A prequel film, called “Lightyear,” was in theaters last year.

The original “ <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bba4cf20d2ea42ed863288b7c7b69f2c">Frozen</a>
 ” film released in 2013 and won the Academy Award for best animated 
feature film in 2014. The sequel, “Frozen II,” was in theaters in 2019.

Disney made about <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-us-news-ap-top-news-canada-movies-1eef5653bdf27f2cb1a99b56ba18cfc5">$13 billion in worldwide box office</a> in 2019, helped by a strong slate of movies that included “Toy Story 4," “Frozen II,” “Avengers: Endgame” and others.

Unlike “Toy Story” and “Frozen,” “Zootopia" has yet to have a sequel. The original movie came out in 2016 and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ede550a2b4aa688c004f9bbb49fe8759">won an Academy Award</a> for best animated film in 2017.

Associated PressDisney
 is working on sequels for “Toy Story,” “Frozen” and “Zootopia,” three 
huge hits as the entertainment powerhouse attempts to find its footing 
under newly returned CEO Bob Iger.The Walt Disney Co. is undergoing a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/walt-disney-co-bob-iger-earnings-business-28f75af4037890243412412f1c501682">“strategic transformation,”</a> Iger said on Wednesday. That includes 7,000 job cuts announced this week and a renewed focus on core brands and franchises.Iger, who <a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bob-iger-chapek-susan-arnold-81f76a4a34c1e902fbd639af843cf84a">returned as CEO</a>
 in November following a challenging two-year tenure by his handpicked 
successor, Bob Chapek, announced the plans for the new movies during 
Disney's first-quarter earnings call on Wednesday.Disney owns Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar. Its latest Marvel movie, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” opens on Feb. 17.The
 Burbank, California, company said it wants to make sure that executives
 in charge of content creation have a prominent say in what movies, TV 
shows or other content to produce, as well as the marketing and 
distribution of those products.“Toy Story” is a long-time movie 
franchise for Disney. The original film, which was the first 
computer-animated feature film and the debut feature release from Pixar 
Animation Studios, came out in 1995. It received a Special Achievement 
Academy Award in 1996, as there was no best animated feature film 
category at the time.The most recent sequel, “Toy Story 4” released in 2019 and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/academy-awards-tim-allen-tom-hanks-randy-newman-movies-addec9fd40a18623a6d26dc26df94af2">won two animated film Oscars</a>
 in 2020, becoming the first franchise to accomplish that. Predecessor 
“Toy Story 3” won the best animated feature Academy Award in 2011.A prequel film, called “Lightyear,” was in theaters last year.The original “ <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bba4cf20d2ea42ed863288b7c7b69f2c">Frozen</a>
 ” film released in 2013 and won the Academy Award for best animated 
feature film in 2014. The sequel, “Frozen II,” was in theaters in 2019.Disney made about <a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-us-news-ap-top-news-canada-movies-1eef5653bdf27f2cb1a99b56ba18cfc5">$13 billion in worldwide box office</a> in 2019, helped by a strong slate of movies that included “Toy Story 4," “Frozen II,” “Avengers: Endgame” and others.Unlike “Toy Story” and “Frozen,” “Zootopia" has yet to have a sequel. The original movie came out in 2016 and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ede550a2b4aa688c004f9bbb49fe8759">won an Academy Award</a> for best animated film in 2017.

New 'Toy Story,' 'Frozen,' 'Zootopia' movies on tap

NEW YORK (AP) — A bevy of booze brands will be in the Super Bowl ad lineup this year, now that Anheuser-Busch has <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-sports-fox-corp-5d9922047c7fb640ddbf8caf5100ece2">ended its exclusive advertising sponsorship</a> after more than 30 years.

In addition to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-buffalo-bills-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-super-bowl-221469a7596a194eefe5f56e539ed8ed">celebrities</a>
 hawking Budweiser and Michelob Ultra, viewers will see some famous 
folks touting the qualities of Heineken and Coors, and even suggesting 
they drink cognac or whiskey — responsibly, of course.

Anheuser-Busch,
 parent of the Bud, Ultra and Busch beer brands, said in June it would 
end the exclusivity deal it first struck in 1989. The company is still a
 big presence at NFL games, sponsoring all major NFL moments during the 
offseason, such as the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.

And the St. 
Louis, Missouri beverage giant is still the largest alcohol advertiser 
during the game, with three minutes of national airtime and a 30-second 
regional Budweiser spot.

On A-B's roster this year: A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azCNwGnxq0s">Bud Light ad</a> shows actor Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh dancing to on-hold music. A regional <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dChVB7iKSg8">Budweiser ad</a> focuses on people connecting with a six-pack. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDGwwVki13Q">Michelob Ultra ad</a>
 spotlights actor Brian Cox and tennis star Serena Williams at a new 
members day at the Bushwood Country Club, the golf club in “Caddyshack.”
 And a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGZRMC3S9Ic">Busch Light ad</a> shows singer Sarah McLachlan sharing a tent with a wolf spoofing her well-known animal-advocacy ad.

The
 other alcohol brands running ads include beer brands Heineken and 
Molson Coors and liquor brands Remy Martin and Crown Royal, all eager to
 make their mark on advertising's largest stage.

Brands pay premium dollars to advertise during the gridiron classic, which draws about 100 million viewers each year. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-sports-fox-corp-5d9922047c7fb640ddbf8caf5100ece2">This year, most 30-second ad blocks sold for between $6 million and $7 million</a> — for the ad space alone. Companies spend millions more to create the ads themselves and book celebrity sponsors.

Heineken
 is promoting its alcohol-free beer Heineken 0.0 with an ad that's part 
of its larger partnership with Marvel — the ad, under wraps until the 
game, will feature actor Paul Rudd as his Marvel character “Ant Man.”

“We
 were really excited to hear that category opened up, and almost 
immediately we thought, you know, what a great way to really blow out 
Heineken 0.0 momentum and share that brand and that product with the 
wider market,” said Heineken chief marketing officer Jonnie Cahill in an
 interview with the AP.

Beer sales have held steady in the U.S., 
but the beer category has been losing market share to other types of 
alcoholic drinks, said Bart Watson, chief economist for trade group 
Brewers Association.

Beer's share in the alcohol market had 
dropped from 58% in 2000 to about 46% in 2022, while other alcoholic 
beverages, particularly spirits, have gained share. But overall beer 
barrel shipments are still up during the same time frame because the 
overall category has grown, according to figures tallied by the Beer 
Institute and Brewers Association.

For Anheuser-Busch, the 
decision to end its Super Bowl exclusivity is likely about putting 
marketing dollars elsewhere, Watson said.

“You have a new 
generation that consumes alcohol differently and beer differently. (For 
A-B), to put all their eggs in this basket isn’t getting the return that
 maybe it once did.”

Molson Coors is also keeping its ad for the 
big game under wraps. But it is attempting to make a splash as a 
first-time national advertiser by letting fans bet on what the ad will 
have in it — such as whether the game will feature its Coors Light or 
Miller Lite brand — via betting site DraftKings.

Other alcohol ads
 have enlisted celebrities: Diageo's ad for its Crown Royal whisky will 
feature musician Dave Grohl. Rémy Cointreau is also using Serena 
Williams, in an ad that spotlights its Rémy Martin cognac.

Not all alcohol makers are jumping to the national stage. Boston Beer Co. is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDo0wX1pK4c">sticking to a regional spot</a>
 for its Samuel Adams beer — the third year it has run a regional ad. 
The ad shows Bostonians imagining what would happen if everyone in the 
city was nice and polite.

“Samuel Adams is a relatively small 
player in the beer category, so a regional approach enables us to be 
part of the Super Bowl conversation without having to pay the huge price
 tag of a national ad," said Lesya Lysyj, chief marketing officer. A cut
 of the ad will run nationally beginning the week after the Super Bowl, 
she added.

Aside from alcohol, big brands including Pepsi Zero 
Sugar, Doritos, M&amp;Ms, Google, Downy and Kia will all be advertising 
during Super Bowl LVII, which airs Sunday on Fox.

NEW YORK (AP) — A bevy of booze brands will be in the Super Bowl ad lineup this year, now that Anheuser-Busch has <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-sports-fox-corp-5d9922047c7fb640ddbf8caf5100ece2">ended its exclusive advertising sponsorship</a> after more than 30 years.In addition to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-buffalo-bills-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-super-bowl-221469a7596a194eefe5f56e539ed8ed">celebrities</a>
 hawking Budweiser and Michelob Ultra, viewers will see some famous 
folks touting the qualities of Heineken and Coors, and even suggesting 
they drink cognac or whiskey — responsibly, of course.Anheuser-Busch,
 parent of the Bud, Ultra and Busch beer brands, said in June it would 
end the exclusivity deal it first struck in 1989. The company is still a
 big presence at NFL games, sponsoring all major NFL moments during the 
offseason, such as the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.And the St. 
Louis, Missouri beverage giant is still the largest alcohol advertiser 
during the game, with three minutes of national airtime and a 30-second 
regional Budweiser spot.On A-B's roster this year: A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azCNwGnxq0s">Bud Light ad</a> shows actor Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh dancing to on-hold music. A regional <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dChVB7iKSg8">Budweiser ad</a> focuses on people connecting with a six-pack. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDGwwVki13Q">Michelob Ultra ad</a>
 spotlights actor Brian Cox and tennis star Serena Williams at a new 
members day at the Bushwood Country Club, the golf club in “Caddyshack.”
 And a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGZRMC3S9Ic">Busch Light ad</a> shows singer Sarah McLachlan sharing a tent with a wolf spoofing her well-known animal-advocacy ad.The
 other alcohol brands running ads include beer brands Heineken and 
Molson Coors and liquor brands Remy Martin and Crown Royal, all eager to
 make their mark on advertising's largest stage.Brands pay premium dollars to advertise during the gridiron classic, which draws about 100 million viewers each year. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-sports-fox-corp-5d9922047c7fb640ddbf8caf5100ece2">This year, most 30-second ad blocks sold for between $6 million and $7 million</a> — for the ad space alone. Companies spend millions more to create the ads themselves and book celebrity sponsors.Heineken
 is promoting its alcohol-free beer Heineken 0.0 with an ad that's part 
of its larger partnership with Marvel — the ad, under wraps until the 
game, will feature actor Paul Rudd as his Marvel character “Ant Man.”“We
 were really excited to hear that category opened up, and almost 
immediately we thought, you know, what a great way to really blow out 
Heineken 0.0 momentum and share that brand and that product with the 
wider market,” said Heineken chief marketing officer Jonnie Cahill in an
 interview with the AP.Beer sales have held steady in the U.S., 
but the beer category has been losing market share to other types of 
alcoholic drinks, said Bart Watson, chief economist for trade group 
Brewers Association.Beer's share in the alcohol market had 
dropped from 58% in 2000 to about 46% in 2022, while other alcoholic 
beverages, particularly spirits, have gained share. But overall beer 
barrel shipments are still up during the same time frame because the 
overall category has grown, according to figures tallied by the Beer 
Institute and Brewers Association.For Anheuser-Busch, the 
decision to end its Super Bowl exclusivity is likely about putting 
marketing dollars elsewhere, Watson said.“You have a new 
generation that consumes alcohol differently and beer differently. (For 
A-B), to put all their eggs in this basket isn’t getting the return that
 maybe it once did.”Molson Coors is also keeping its ad for the 
big game under wraps. But it is attempting to make a splash as a 
first-time national advertiser by letting fans bet on what the ad will 
have in it — such as whether the game will feature its Coors Light or 
Miller Lite brand — via betting site DraftKings.Other alcohol ads
 have enlisted celebrities: Diageo's ad for its Crown Royal whisky will 
feature musician Dave Grohl. Rémy Cointreau is also using Serena 
Williams, in an ad that spotlights its Rémy Martin cognac.Not all alcohol makers are jumping to the national stage. Boston Beer Co. is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDo0wX1pK4c">sticking to a regional spot</a>
 for its Samuel Adams beer — the third year it has run a regional ad. 
The ad shows Bostonians imagining what would happen if everyone in the 
city was nice and polite.“Samuel Adams is a relatively small 
player in the beer category, so a regional approach enables us to be 
part of the Super Bowl conversation without having to pay the huge price
 tag of a national ad," said Lesya Lysyj, chief marketing officer. A cut
 of the ad will run nationally beginning the week after the Super Bowl, 
she added.Aside from alcohol, big brands including Pepsi Zero 
Sugar, Doritos, M&amp;Ms, Google, Downy and Kia will all be advertising 
during Super Bowl LVII, which airs Sunday on Fox.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Here's why this year's Super Bowl beer ads go beyond Bud

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kevin Harvick won't spend a single day in 
retirement when his NASCAR driving days are over: Fox said Sunday it has
 hired Harvick for its broadcast booth next season.

Harvick announced last month that <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-automobile-racing-nascar-auto-dale-earnhardt-505a2b8ff631c52f795455fd39e75acc">he will retire from NASCAR competition at the end of the 2023 season.</a>

He
 will then transition into a broadcast roll for Fox, which has used 
Harvick regularly as a guest analyst since 2015. He is scheduled to call
 four Xfinity Series and three Truck Series races this year for FS1, and
 next season he will join Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer for Fox's entire 
portion of the Cup schedule.

“I knew that this was something that I
 wanted to do because it gives you such a unique position to be able to 
talk about the sport and be able to use your knowledge and relationships
 to be able to give the fans and people a great perspective,” Harvick 
told The Associated Press.

“This has really been a conversation 
that's been happening for several years, the timing just was never 
really right. Now it's all worked out and it's a great time to be able 
to transition and have a voice in the sport and remain a part of NASCAR 
racing on a weekly basis and talk about the things I love.”

Harvick
 was the centerpiece of Fox's “Drivers Only” broadcasts that began in 
2015. The network began using a combination of active drivers and crew 
chiefs to call lower-level races and Harvick, who has called more than 
25 races for the network, was a natural fit from the very beginning.

He
 is so steady in the booth that many predicted Harvick would develop 
into a play-by-play announcer and lead a broadcast team. Harvick, who is
 beginning his 23rd Cup season, is the 2014 Cup champion and is tied for
 ninth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list with 60 career victories.

Harvick has 13 consecutive playoff appearances.

“The
 credibility is off the charts. His longevity in NASCAR will only help 
him explain to the viewers the evolution the sport has taken,” Fox 
Sports executive producer Brad Zager said. “For him, that next step of 
being in the booth is something that’s almost been fait accompli since 
he first stepped into the booth with us.”

Zager said the network had to do very little to prepare Harvick for the booth.

“We
 never want to try to convince somebody they should be a broadcaster, 
and with Harvick, we didn’t have to,” Zager said. “He is someone who has
 a passion for it already. We’re very excited about everything that he 
brings, and we think he will be the perfect third man for Clint and Mike
 with his style, his personality and his credibility.”

Fox 
primarily has been a two-man booth since Jeff Gordon stepped down at the
 end of the 2021 season. The network used guests in place of Gordon but 
has been content waiting for the right person to fill the role 
full-time.

For Harvick, it will be his third different job as a co-worker with Bowyer.

The
 two were teammates at Richard Childress Racing early in their career, 
were reunited at Stewart-Haas Racing and in 2024 will be side-by-side as
 Fox analysts.

“We obviously have totally different approaches in 
the things that we do and say, and I think that makes it fun,” Harvick 
said. “Clint and I became good friends over the years, and we have a 
good relationship, but we've never been able to have a relationship 
outside the car that's not been competitive.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kevin Harvick won't spend a single day in 
retirement when his NASCAR driving days are over: Fox said Sunday it has
 hired Harvick for its broadcast booth next season.Harvick announced last month that <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-automobile-racing-nascar-auto-dale-earnhardt-505a2b8ff631c52f795455fd39e75acc">he will retire from NASCAR competition at the end of the 2023 season.</a>He
 will then transition into a broadcast roll for Fox, which has used 
Harvick regularly as a guest analyst since 2015. He is scheduled to call
 four Xfinity Series and three Truck Series races this year for FS1, and
 next season he will join Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer for Fox's entire 
portion of the Cup schedule.“I knew that this was something that I
 wanted to do because it gives you such a unique position to be able to 
talk about the sport and be able to use your knowledge and relationships
 to be able to give the fans and people a great perspective,” Harvick 
told The Associated Press.“This has really been a conversation 
that's been happening for several years, the timing just was never 
really right. Now it's all worked out and it's a great time to be able 
to transition and have a voice in the sport and remain a part of NASCAR 
racing on a weekly basis and talk about the things I love.”Harvick
 was the centerpiece of Fox's “Drivers Only” broadcasts that began in 
2015. The network began using a combination of active drivers and crew 
chiefs to call lower-level races and Harvick, who has called more than 
25 races for the network, was a natural fit from the very beginning.He
 is so steady in the booth that many predicted Harvick would develop 
into a play-by-play announcer and lead a broadcast team. Harvick, who is
 beginning his 23rd Cup season, is the 2014 Cup champion and is tied for
 ninth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list with 60 career victories.Harvick has 13 consecutive playoff appearances.“The
 credibility is off the charts. His longevity in NASCAR will only help 
him explain to the viewers the evolution the sport has taken,” Fox 
Sports executive producer Brad Zager said. “For him, that next step of 
being in the booth is something that’s almost been fait accompli since 
he first stepped into the booth with us.”Zager said the network had to do very little to prepare Harvick for the booth.“We
 never want to try to convince somebody they should be a broadcaster, 
and with Harvick, we didn’t have to,” Zager said. “He is someone who has
 a passion for it already. We’re very excited about everything that he 
brings, and we think he will be the perfect third man for Clint and Mike
 with his style, his personality and his credibility.”Fox 
primarily has been a two-man booth since Jeff Gordon stepped down at the
 end of the 2021 season. The network used guests in place of Gordon but 
has been content waiting for the right person to fill the role 
full-time.For Harvick, it will be his third different job as a co-worker with Bowyer.The
 two were teammates at Richard Childress Racing early in their career, 
were reunited at Stewart-Haas Racing and in 2024 will be side-by-side as
 Fox analysts.“We obviously have totally different approaches in 
the things that we do and say, and I think that makes it fun,” Harvick 
said. “Clint and I became good friends over the years, and we have a 
good relationship, but we've never been able to have a relationship 
outside the car that's not been competitive.”Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Kevin Harvick to join Fox booth as NASCAR analyst in 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Middle seats at many U.S. movie theaters just got more expensive.

AMC
 Theaters, the nation's largest movie theater chain, on Monday unveiled a
 new pricing scheme in which seat location determines how much your 
movie ticket costs. Seats in the middle of the auditorium will cost a 
dollar or two more, while seats in the front row will be slightly 
cheaper.

AMC said the pricing plan, dubbed “Sightline,” has 
already been rolled out in some locations and, by the end of the year, 
will be in place at all domestic AMC theaters during showings after 4 
p.m.

Seats classified as “standard sightline” will be at the 
regular price. If you want to pay less for the “value sightline” seats, 
you have to be a member of the chain's subscription service, AMC Stubs.

As
 movie theaters have attempted to recover from the pandemic, exhibitors 
have increasingly looked at more variable pricing methods. That's 
included charging more for sought-after movies like “The Batman” in 
their first week of release.

Last weekend, Paramount Pictures partnered with theater chains to offer <a href="https://apnews.com/article/movies-scifi-and-fantasy-james-cameron-m-night-shyamalan-7d94677f309400b578e5214f4364a3a9">slightly reduced ticket prices for the comedy “80 for Brady.”</a> And last year, during a dry spell in theaters, tickets at most movie theaters were <a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-cinema-day-tickets-d97d156acb6f8189d2c423bd2bb9ec23">$3 for “National Cinema Day.”</a>

But
 in most circumstances, movie tickets are getting more expensive, 
especially when factoring in large-format screens and 3D showings. The 
average 3D premium format ticket for the biggest box-office hit in 
recent years, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” was about $16.50.

NEW YORK (AP) — Middle seats at many U.S. movie theaters just got more expensive.AMC
 Theaters, the nation's largest movie theater chain, on Monday unveiled a
 new pricing scheme in which seat location determines how much your 
movie ticket costs. Seats in the middle of the auditorium will cost a 
dollar or two more, while seats in the front row will be slightly 
cheaper.AMC said the pricing plan, dubbed “Sightline,” has 
already been rolled out in some locations and, by the end of the year, 
will be in place at all domestic AMC theaters during showings after 4 
p.m.Seats classified as “standard sightline” will be at the 
regular price. If you want to pay less for the “value sightline” seats, 
you have to be a member of the chain's subscription service, AMC Stubs.As
 movie theaters have attempted to recover from the pandemic, exhibitors 
have increasingly looked at more variable pricing methods. That's 
included charging more for sought-after movies like “The Batman” in 
their first week of release.Last weekend, Paramount Pictures partnered with theater chains to offer <a href="https://apnews.com/article/movies-scifi-and-fantasy-james-cameron-m-night-shyamalan-7d94677f309400b578e5214f4364a3a9">slightly reduced ticket prices for the comedy “80 for Brady.”</a> And last year, during a dry spell in theaters, tickets at most movie theaters were <a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-cinema-day-tickets-d97d156acb6f8189d2c423bd2bb9ec23">$3 for “National Cinema Day.”</a>But
 in most circumstances, movie tickets are getting more expensive, 
especially when factoring in large-format screens and 3D showings. The 
average 3D premium format ticket for the biggest box-office hit in 
recent years, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” was about $16.50.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

AMC to charge more for good seats in movie theaters

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

For the first time since 2019, the Barton County Fair will have a carnival this summer. The Fair Association announced they have signed a contract with WEEE Entertainment to provide a carnival. The fair will run July 5-9, with the carnival performing three nights, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. With a limited number of carnivals out there following the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton County Fair Board President Charles Atkinson said a lot of work went into securing a carnival vendor. "It always takes a lot of people and working with other communities," said Atkinson. "It took a lot of phone calls and getting on the calendar. There's a lot that has to take place because many of these carnivals are scheduling two years out. With the limited number available, it's the luck of the draw, and everything fell in place." WEEE Entertainment had previously contracted with the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce in providing a carnival for Hoisington’s Annual Labor Day Celebration. Scheduling conflicts will keep WEEE Entertainment from coming to Hoisington this September, but Barton County residents will still be able to enjoy the carnival excitement at the fair.

"I know they're bringing in 17 or 18 rides, which is the max that they have and a little bit more than we have seen over the years," said Atkinson. "We're mixing things up and will have a completely different look this year at the fair. As soon as we get contracts signed, we'll be able to announce our concert lineup as well."

While attending the Kansas Fairs &amp; Festivals Convention in Topeka last weekend, Barton County Fair Association board members were able to meet with Chris Williams, owner of WEEE Entertainment, and work out the final details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675458840199.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFor the first time since 2019, the Barton County Fair will have a carnival this summer. The Fair Association announced they have signed a contract with WEEE Entertainment to provide a carnival. The fair will run July 5-9, with the carnival performing three nights, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. With a limited number of carnivals out there following the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton County Fair Board President Charles Atkinson said a lot of work went into securing a carnival vendor. "It always takes a lot of people and working with other communities," said Atkinson. "It took a lot of phone calls and getting on the calendar. There's a lot that has to take place because many of these carnivals are scheduling two years out. With the limited number available, it's the luck of the draw, and everything fell in place." WEEE Entertainment had previously contracted with the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce in providing a carnival for Hoisington’s Annual Labor Day Celebration. Scheduling conflicts will keep WEEE Entertainment from coming to Hoisington this September, but Barton County residents will still be able to enjoy the carnival excitement at the fair."I know they're bringing in 17 or 18 rides, which is the max that they have and a little bit more than we have seen over the years," said Atkinson. "We're mixing things up and will have a completely different look this year at the fair. As soon as we get contracts signed, we'll be able to announce our concert lineup as well."While attending the Kansas Fairs &amp; Festivals Convention in Topeka last weekend, Barton County Fair Association board members were able to meet with Chris Williams, owner of WEEE Entertainment, and work out the final details.

Carnival returning to the Barton County Fair this summer

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s Turtle Tots, a nature-based program developed for preschool-age children, continues with a “Cozy Animals” program Friday, Feb. 10. The program will allow children to read a book about how animals stay warm during the winter, explore furs, meet a furry animal and make a craft.

Pam Martin, Education Specialist at the Wetlands Center, said the program is tailored for those children between the ages of three and five. "We have something planned for them every 10 to 15 minutes, because their attention spans are short," said Martin. "We always have an experiment, story, craft, activity and we try to take them outside. The whole idea is to get them interested in nature at that nice, young age when they're excited about everything." The one-hour program will start at 10:15 a.m. at the Wetlands Center, just northeast of Great Bend, and is offered at no charge.&nbsp;The programs introduce young children to the natural world around them with sensory experiences, while reinforcing colors, shapes, math and fine motor skills.&nbsp;

Registration for the February program ends Monday, Feb. 6. To register call 620-566-1456 or 1-877-243-9268.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675456681049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThe Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s Turtle Tots, a nature-based program developed for preschool-age children, continues with a “Cozy Animals” program Friday, Feb. 10. The program will allow children to read a book about how animals stay warm during the winter, explore furs, meet a furry animal and make a craft.Pam Martin, Education Specialist at the Wetlands Center, said the program is tailored for those children between the ages of three and five. "We have something planned for them every 10 to 15 minutes, because their attention spans are short," said Martin. "We always have an experiment, story, craft, activity and we try to take them outside. The whole idea is to get them interested in nature at that nice, young age when they're excited about everything." The one-hour program will start at 10:15 a.m. at the Wetlands Center, just northeast of Great Bend, and is offered at no charge.&nbsp;The programs introduce young children to the natural world around them with sensory experiences, while reinforcing colors, shapes, math and fine motor skills.&nbsp;Registration for the February program ends Monday, Feb. 6. To register call 620-566-1456 or 1-877-243-9268.

KS Wetlands Ed Center aiming program at preschool-age children

On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian Pop Singers director Alex Rome shares information about their upcoming Pop Singers Showcase.

<div><iframe title="TMP-Marian Pop Singers Showcase coming this weekend" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kispg-137f411-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Thomas More Prep-Marian Pop Singers director Alex Rome shares information about their upcoming Pop Singers Showcase.

🎙 Post Podcast: TMP-Marian Pop Singers Showcase coming this weekend

Area residents will once again have the opportunity to hear directly
from their local legislators during the Hays Chamber’s 2023 Legislative Coffee
Series.

The first of the three Saturday morning events is scheduled to begin at
8 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.

“This is
one of my favorite events, actually, because it gives us an opportunity just to
interact with our elected officials,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah
Wasinger. “There are so many important issues that are being addressed at this
local, state and national level. And really, the reason behind this event is to
give our community members a chance to express their concerns and make sure
that their voices are being heard.”

The
follow-up events are scheduled for March 4 and April 1.

“We
really try to keep it as low-key as possible,” Wasinger said. “They open up
with some opening remarks, a couple of minutes each. And then really we open
that up to the question-and answer-portion after that.”

Questions
for the participating legislators can be submitted in advance.

“We had
probably more questions submitted, actually, at the first legislative coffee
last year than I've at least had since I've been with the chamber,” Wasinger
said. “People are engaged. They're paying attention to what's going on, and you
get to hear a variety of thoughts and perspectives from different individuals
across the community. And then, of course, our elected officials will weigh in
with where their heads and hearts are sitting at the moment. And it's just a
good dialogue.”

The format of the sessions will be
the same as previous years, featuring coffee and scones from Breathe Coffee
House, with the formal program scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.

“We usually
have about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, it really just depends on how
many representatives or legislators we have there that day,” Wasinger said. “And
then we finish with some closing remarks.”

The
sessions, she said, can also serve as a way to network with the legislators.

“I think
many people oftentimes are stuck in these situations or problems, and they
don't necessarily know who to reach out to,” Wasinger said. “That's when your
elected officials can really come in and roll up their sleeves and do the work
that they need to do to support you.

“There's
definitely value in building those relationships and attending.”

Topics
covered during the sessions will vary based on what is happening in the
legislature and submitted questions.

“Things
that we may talk about, at least what we talked about last year, was Medicaid
expansion,” Wasinger said. “Obviously, education funding is always a hot topic,
gun legislation, as western Kansas citizens appreciate that topic usually. And
then, of course, water access. We'd be remiss not to talk about economic
development and housing. Of course, childcare and ag industry, those are all
things that tend to be hot topics, regardless of what is going on in the
legislative session.”

So far, she said Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland,
Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, and Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, plan to attend Saturday’s
kickoff event along with a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall.

“I think
it'll be a great crowd, we always look forward to the answers that they will
share,” Wasinger said. “I think it's interesting that everybody can kind of
just understand that dialogue and conversation is important.”

Midwest
Energy and the Hays Daily News sponsored the legislative coffee series.

Questions
can be sent to <a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646612730538.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Chamber’s Legislative Coffee series returns for 2023" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=j3zu7-1378a82-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostArea residents will once again have the opportunity to hear directly
from their local legislators during the Hays Chamber’s 2023 Legislative Coffee
Series.The first of the three Saturday morning events is scheduled to begin at
8 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.“This is
one of my favorite events, actually, because it gives us an opportunity just to
interact with our elected officials,” said Hays Chamber President and CEO Sarah
Wasinger. “There are so many important issues that are being addressed at this
local, state and national level. And really, the reason behind this event is to
give our community members a chance to express their concerns and make sure
that their voices are being heard.”The
follow-up events are scheduled for March 4 and April 1.“We
really try to keep it as low-key as possible,” Wasinger said. “They open up
with some opening remarks, a couple of minutes each. And then really we open
that up to the question-and answer-portion after that.”Questions
for the participating legislators can be submitted in advance.“We had
probably more questions submitted, actually, at the first legislative coffee
last year than I've at least had since I've been with the chamber,” Wasinger
said. “People are engaged. They're paying attention to what's going on, and you
get to hear a variety of thoughts and perspectives from different individuals
across the community. And then, of course, our elected officials will weigh in
with where their heads and hearts are sitting at the moment. And it's just a
good dialogue.”The format of the sessions will be
the same as previous years, featuring coffee and scones from Breathe Coffee
House, with the formal program scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.“We usually
have about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, it really just depends on how
many representatives or legislators we have there that day,” Wasinger said. “And
then we finish with some closing remarks.”The
sessions, she said, can also serve as a way to network with the legislators.“I think
many people oftentimes are stuck in these situations or problems, and they
don't necessarily know who to reach out to,” Wasinger said. “That's when your
elected officials can really come in and roll up their sleeves and do the work
that they need to do to support you.“There's
definitely value in building those relationships and attending.”Topics
covered during the sessions will vary based on what is happening in the
legislature and submitted questions.“Things
that we may talk about, at least what we talked about last year, was Medicaid
expansion,” Wasinger said. “Obviously, education funding is always a hot topic,
gun legislation, as western Kansas citizens appreciate that topic usually. And
then, of course, water access. We'd be remiss not to talk about economic
development and housing. Of course, childcare and ag industry, those are all
things that tend to be hot topics, regardless of what is going on in the
legislative session.”So far, she said Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland,
Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, and Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, plan to attend Saturday’s
kickoff event along with a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall.“I think
it'll be a great crowd, we always look forward to the answers that they will
share,” Wasinger said. “I think it's interesting that everybody can kind of
just understand that dialogue and conversation is important.”Midwest
Energy and the Hays Daily News sponsored the legislative coffee series.Questions
can be sent to <a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>

🎙 Hays Chamber’s Legislative Coffee series returns for 2023

Ben Folds is bringing his&nbsp;What Matters Most Tour&nbsp;to Salina in August.

Folds is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 11 in downtown Salina's Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $69 and are scheduled to go on sale at noon Friday. Buy online at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. The Stiefel box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

About the artist from the Stiefel Theatre

Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.

He's created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.

For over a decade he's performed with some of the world's greatest symphony orchestras and currently serves as the first-ever artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.

Folds released his first book - a collection of interrelated essays, anecdotes and lessons about art, life and music - in 2019, which debuted as a New York Times Best Seller, and he hosted a podcast series spinoff of his book titled Lightning Bugs: Conversations with Ben Folds. In addition to solo rock and orchestral touring, he's also developing a new unscripted tv series with Fred Rogers Productions, continues to appear in various film/tv guest starring roles, and is working on two new albums.

An outspoken champion for arts education and music therapy funding in our nation's public schools, Folds has served for more than five years as an active member of the distinguished Artist Committee of Americans For The Arts (AFTA) and serves on the Board of AFTA's Arts Action Fund.

By SALINA POSTBen Folds is bringing his&nbsp;What Matters Most Tour&nbsp;to Salina in August.Folds is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 11 in downtown Salina's Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $69 and are scheduled to go on sale at noon Friday. Buy online at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org/">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. The Stiefel box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.About the artist from the Stiefel TheatreFolds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.He's created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.For over a decade he's performed with some of the world's greatest symphony orchestras and currently serves as the first-ever artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.Folds released his first book - a collection of interrelated essays, anecdotes and lessons about art, life and music - in 2019, which debuted as a New York Times Best Seller, and he hosted a podcast series spinoff of his book titled Lightning Bugs: Conversations with Ben Folds. In addition to solo rock and orchestral touring, he's also developing a new unscripted tv series with Fred Rogers Productions, continues to appear in various film/tv guest starring roles, and is working on two new albums.An outspoken champion for arts education and music therapy funding in our nation's public schools, Folds has served for more than five years as an active member of the distinguished Artist Committee of Americans For The Arts (AFTA) and serves on the Board of AFTA's Arts Action Fund.

Ben Folds scheduled to perform in Salina in August

Ireland with Michael LIVE&nbsp;is coming to Salina in April.

The multimedia event combines the music, dance, and stories of Ireland and features leading Irish tenor Michael Londra.

Tickets start at $35 and go on sale at noon on Friday. Buy online at stiefeltheatre.org or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. Additionally, the Stiefel box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

About the concert from the Stiefel Theatre

Following the overwhelming success of Seasons No. 1 and No. 2 of the&nbsp;Ireland With Michael&nbsp;travel and music series on PBS in 2021 and 2022 (over 78% reach of all U.S Households), the LIVE theatrical show based on the PBS program will tour U.S cities in 2023. Season No. 3 of the PBS show will air on stations from January 2023.

Emmy® award-nominated singer and the voice of&nbsp;Riverdance&nbsp;on Broadway, Londra interlaces songs and stories of Ireland to a backdrop of spectacular footage filmed for his PBS travel series in his new show&nbsp;Ireland With Michael LIVE. In doing so, he creates an immersive journey around the Emerald Isle for his audience. Irish dancers, fiddles and pipes add to the feast of Celtic talent onstage, drawing the audience across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland.

Ireland With Michael – LIVE&nbsp;is a celebration of Irish culture and music. Londra shares his own connection to songs and stories of his home county, his love of traditional music backed by his immensely talented band and world-champion Irish dancers.

The stunning set for&nbsp;Ireland With Michael LIVE&nbsp;adds a multimedia dimension to the show. Conceptualized and designed by an award-winning Broadway lighting and projection designer, the backdrop incorporates drone footage and excerpts from Londra’s PBS travel show of the same name. In both the television show and in&nbsp;Ireland With Michael LIVE, Londra tells the story of Ireland the only way he knows how - through music.

Londra is an Emmy®-nominated, internationally acclaimed Irish singer, producer, and TV host from the opera capital of Ireland, a small town on the southeast coast called Wexford. His big break came when he was cast as the lead tenor in&nbsp;Riverdance&nbsp;on Broadway and subsequently on the U.S. National tour of the same show, which he toured for two years. Londra’s first solo album&nbsp;Celt&nbsp;was produced by acclaimed producer, Steve Skinner, who co-produced the Grammy-nominated soundtrack of&nbsp;RENT. In 2011, Londra produced a concert special for PBS called&nbsp;Beyond Celtic, which he co-produced with Mindfox Productions. The special aired on stations across the United States in 2011 and earned him two Emmy® nominations. In 2013, Londra became a mentor for Grammy® University teaching music business students from Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities in Nashville.

Londra has been a featured guest singer with Irish supergroups De Dannan and Téada. In 2013, he performed with Judy Collins for the Kennedy family at the JFK 50 celebrations to honor President John F. Kennedy’s trip to Ireland in 1963. His version of&nbsp;Danny Boy&nbsp;is described as “one of the best recordings of the piece in history” and has been viewed 11 million times on YouTube.

To learn more about Londra or his tours of Ireland go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.irelandwithmichael.com/">IrelandwithMichael.com</a>.

By SALINA POSTIreland with Michael LIVE&nbsp;is coming to Salina in April.The multimedia event combines the music, dance, and stories of Ireland and features leading Irish tenor Michael Londra.Tickets start at $35 and go on sale at noon on Friday. Buy online at stiefeltheatre.org or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. Additionally, the Stiefel box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.About the concert from the Stiefel TheatreFollowing the overwhelming success of Seasons No. 1 and No. 2 of the&nbsp;Ireland With Michael&nbsp;travel and music series on PBS in 2021 and 2022 (over 78% reach of all U.S Households), the LIVE theatrical show based on the PBS program will tour U.S cities in 2023. Season No. 3 of the PBS show will air on stations from January 2023.Emmy® award-nominated singer and the voice of&nbsp;Riverdance&nbsp;on Broadway, Londra interlaces songs and stories of Ireland to a backdrop of spectacular footage filmed for his PBS travel series in his new show&nbsp;Ireland With Michael LIVE. In doing so, he creates an immersive journey around the Emerald Isle for his audience. Irish dancers, fiddles and pipes add to the feast of Celtic talent onstage, drawing the audience across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland.Ireland With Michael – LIVE&nbsp;is a celebration of Irish culture and music. Londra shares his own connection to songs and stories of his home county, his love of traditional music backed by his immensely talented band and world-champion Irish dancers.The stunning set for&nbsp;Ireland With Michael LIVE&nbsp;adds a multimedia dimension to the show. Conceptualized and designed by an award-winning Broadway lighting and projection designer, the backdrop incorporates drone footage and excerpts from Londra’s PBS travel show of the same name. In both the television show and in&nbsp;Ireland With Michael LIVE, Londra tells the story of Ireland the only way he knows how - through music.About the artist from the Stiefel TheatreLondra is an Emmy®-nominated, internationally acclaimed Irish singer, producer, and TV host from the opera capital of Ireland, a small town on the southeast coast called Wexford. His big break came when he was cast as the lead tenor in&nbsp;Riverdance&nbsp;on Broadway and subsequently on the U.S. National tour of the same show, which he toured for two years. Londra’s first solo album&nbsp;Celt&nbsp;was produced by acclaimed producer, Steve Skinner, who co-produced the Grammy-nominated soundtrack of&nbsp;RENT. In 2011, Londra produced a concert special for PBS called&nbsp;Beyond Celtic, which he co-produced with Mindfox Productions. The special aired on stations across the United States in 2011 and earned him two Emmy® nominations. In 2013, Londra became a mentor for Grammy® University teaching music business students from Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities in Nashville.Londra has been a featured guest singer with Irish supergroups De Dannan and Téada. In 2013, he performed with Judy Collins for the Kennedy family at the JFK 50 celebrations to honor President John F. Kennedy’s trip to Ireland in 1963. His version of&nbsp;Danny Boy&nbsp;is described as “one of the best recordings of the piece in history” and has been viewed 11 million times on YouTube.To learn more about Londra or his tours of Ireland go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.irelandwithmichael.com/">IrelandwithMichael.com</a>.

'Ireland with Michael LIVE' in Salina April 1; tickets on sale Friday

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MARK%20KENNEDY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow and the late George Michael are the 2023 nominees for induction into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockhall.com/">Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame,</a>&nbsp;reflecting a mix of country, soul, hip-hop, metal, pop, rap-rock and grunge.

The Cleveland-based institution announced Wednesday the 14 artists and groups being considered for Rock Hall induction, also including Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners, A Tribe Called Quest, The White Stripes, Warren Zevon and Joy Division/New Order.

If Elliott makes it, she would become the first female hip-hop artist in the hall.

“This is an incredible honor. I’m so humbled and grateful to be counted amongst all the incredible honorees. I’ve spent my career making the kind of music I love and it means so much to know that I have touched others as well," she said in a statement.

Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they're eligible for induction.

“This remarkable list of nominees reflects the diverse artists and music that the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame honors and celebrates,” said John Sykes, chair of the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in a statement. “These artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps.”

Eight out of 14 nominees are on the ballot for the first time, including Crow, Elliott, Joy Division/New Order, Lauper, Michael, Nelson, The White Stripes and Zevon. This is the first year of eligibility for Elliott and The White Stripes. While the late Zevon has been eligible since 1994, Billy Joel led a push for his entry, writing to the nominating committee urging them to consider Zevon.

"Seeing my name on this year’s ballot with so many talents that I admire means so much to me. It has been a lifetime privilege to reach so many different kinds of fans with a message of following your own path (and having fun along the way, too),” Lauper wrote in a statement.

A Tribe Called Quest and Bush were nominees last year and didn't make the cut but now find themselves back in the running this year. Bush's latest nod may be due to a new wave in popularity after the show “Stranger Things” featured her song "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)."

Inductees will be announced in May and the ceremony will take place this fall. Nominees will be voted on by more than 1,000 artists, historians and music industry professionals. Fans can vote online or in person at the museum, with the top five artists picked by the public making up a “fans' ballot” that will be tallied with the other professional ballots.

Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-los-angeles-hip-hop-and-rap-98433dc29d44f1e2cc9de317d052024d">the nomination process was complicated by Dolly Parton,</a>&nbsp;who gave the honor an enthusiastic embrace after temporarily turning it down. She initially said she did not want to take votes away from the remaining nominees and had not “earned that right.”

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22MARK%20KENNEDY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer</a>NEW YORK (AP) — Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow and the late George Michael are the 2023 nominees for induction into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockhall.com/">Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame,</a>&nbsp;reflecting a mix of country, soul, hip-hop, metal, pop, rap-rock and grunge.The Cleveland-based institution announced Wednesday the 14 artists and groups being considered for Rock Hall induction, also including Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners, A Tribe Called Quest, The White Stripes, Warren Zevon and Joy Division/New Order.If Elliott makes it, she would become the first female hip-hop artist in the hall.“This is an incredible honor. I’m so humbled and grateful to be counted amongst all the incredible honorees. I’ve spent my career making the kind of music I love and it means so much to know that I have touched others as well," she said in a statement.Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they're eligible for induction.“This remarkable list of nominees reflects the diverse artists and music that the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame honors and celebrates,” said John Sykes, chair of the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in a statement. “These artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps.”Eight out of 14 nominees are on the ballot for the first time, including Crow, Elliott, Joy Division/New Order, Lauper, Michael, Nelson, The White Stripes and Zevon. This is the first year of eligibility for Elliott and The White Stripes. While the late Zevon has been eligible since 1994, Billy Joel led a push for his entry, writing to the nominating committee urging them to consider Zevon."Seeing my name on this year’s ballot with so many talents that I admire means so much to me. It has been a lifetime privilege to reach so many different kinds of fans with a message of following your own path (and having fun along the way, too),” Lauper wrote in a statement.A Tribe Called Quest and Bush were nominees last year and didn't make the cut but now find themselves back in the running this year. Bush's latest nod may be due to a new wave in popularity after the show “Stranger Things” featured her song "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)."Inductees will be announced in May and the ceremony will take place this fall. Nominees will be voted on by more than 1,000 artists, historians and music industry professionals. Fans can vote online or in person at the museum, with the top five artists picked by the public making up a “fans' ballot” that will be tallied with the other professional ballots.Last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-los-angeles-hip-hop-and-rap-98433dc29d44f1e2cc9de317d052024d">the nomination process was complicated by Dolly Parton,</a>&nbsp;who gave the honor an enthusiastic embrace after temporarily turning it down. She initially said she did not want to take votes away from the remaining nominees and had not “earned that right.”

Missy, Willie and George Michael among Rock Hall nominees

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22The%20Associated%20Press%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">The Associated Press</a>

Beyoncé is taking her “Renaissance” global — the superstar will start a world tour in Sweden in May with stops throughout Europe and the United States.

The highly anticipated tour announcement she made on Instagram and&nbsp;<a href="https://tour.beyonce.com/">her website</a>&nbsp;Wednesday comes days before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/grammy-awards">Grammy Awards</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, where the global superstar is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-grammy-award-nominations-music-86a0a2733aecd8f25330ff21de71a8ad">most nominated artist</a>&nbsp;and could make Recording Academy history.

Beyoncé, the most decorated woman in Grammy history with 28 wins, could break the late Hungarian-British conductor Georg Solti’s record for most awards won if she wins four awards.

Her 2022 album “Renaissance” is a celebration of dance music and is nominated for album of the year. Her tour will make stops in London, Paris, Barcelona and Toronto before ending Sept. 27 in New Orleans.

There were hints that she might tour again after she performed an invite-only show in January in Dubai at the Atlantis The Royal Resort, her first show in four years. Her last solo tour was in 2016, but she went on tour with her husband Jay Z in 2018.

Ticketmaster said in a release that sales will begin Feb. 6 and fans will need to&nbsp;<a href="https://beyonce.livenation.com/">register through their Verified Fan system.</a>&nbsp;Sale times will vary based on city.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22The%20Associated%20Press%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">The Associated Press</a>Beyoncé is taking her “Renaissance” global — the superstar will start a world tour in Sweden in May with stops throughout Europe and the United States.The highly anticipated tour announcement she made on Instagram and&nbsp;<a href="https://tour.beyonce.com/">her website</a>&nbsp;Wednesday comes days before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/grammy-awards">Grammy Awards</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, where the global superstar is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2023-grammy-award-nominations-music-86a0a2733aecd8f25330ff21de71a8ad">most nominated artist</a>&nbsp;and could make Recording Academy history.Beyoncé, the most decorated woman in Grammy history with 28 wins, could break the late Hungarian-British conductor Georg Solti’s record for most awards won if she wins four awards.Her 2022 album “Renaissance” is a celebration of dance music and is nominated for album of the year. Her tour will make stops in London, Paris, Barcelona and Toronto before ending Sept. 27 in New Orleans.There were hints that she might tour again after she performed an invite-only show in January in Dubai at the Atlantis The Royal Resort, her first show in four years. Her last solo tour was in 2016, but she went on tour with her husband Jay Z in 2018.Ticketmaster said in a release that sales will begin Feb. 6 and fans will need to&nbsp;<a href="https://beyonce.livenation.com/">register through their Verified Fan system.</a>&nbsp;Sale times will vary based on city.

Beyoncé announces much anticipated 'Renaissance' world tour

NEW YORK (AP) — Daytime television psychologist “Dr. Phil” McGraw says he plans to end his talk show after 21 years in the coming months, but viewers haven't seen the last of him.

“Dr. Phil” was the most prominent spinoff from Oprah Winfrey's show, which once dominated daytime TV. The Texan's program debuted in September 2002 after he'd been featured as a regular guest on Winfrey's.

“With this show, we have helped thousands of guest and millions of viewers through everything from addiction and marriage to mental wellness and raising children,” McGraw said in a statement. “This has been an incredible chapter of my life and career, but while I'm moving on from daytime, there is so much more I wish to do.”

The traditional broadcast TV season ends in spring; there was no date given for Phil's final show.

McGraw, 72, said he wants to focus on prime-time programming and is planning an unspecified project for early next year.

In the meantime, while new “Dr. Phil” episodes won't be made, the show won't disappear from TV. CBS Media Ventures, which syndicates his program, said it will offer stations a package of reruns with occasional new wraparound content for future seasons.

That's a cost-saving path blazed by “Judge Judy,” which aired its last original show in June 2021 but continues to be popular in reruns.

“We plan to be in the ‘Dr. Phil’ business with the library for years to come and welcome opportunities to work together in the future,” said Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures.

Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Daytime television psychologist “Dr. Phil” McGraw says he plans to end his talk show after 21 years in the coming months, but viewers haven't seen the last of him.“Dr. Phil” was the most prominent spinoff from Oprah Winfrey's show, which once dominated daytime TV. The Texan's program debuted in September 2002 after he'd been featured as a regular guest on Winfrey's.“With this show, we have helped thousands of guest and millions of viewers through everything from addiction and marriage to mental wellness and raising children,” McGraw said in a statement. “This has been an incredible chapter of my life and career, but while I'm moving on from daytime, there is so much more I wish to do.”The traditional broadcast TV season ends in spring; there was no date given for Phil's final show.McGraw, 72, said he wants to focus on prime-time programming and is planning an unspecified project for early next year.In the meantime, while new “Dr. Phil” episodes won't be made, the show won't disappear from TV. CBS Media Ventures, which syndicates his program, said it will offer stations a package of reruns with occasional new wraparound content for future seasons.That's a cost-saving path blazed by “Judge Judy,” which aired its last original show in June 2021 but continues to be popular in reruns.“We plan to be in the ‘Dr. Phil’ business with the library for years to come and welcome opportunities to work together in the future,” said Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures.