Two weeks after actor Treat Williams’ death, new details and photos have emerged from the private memorial service held for him in Vermont on June 20, 2023. Williams, whose acting career included starring in all six seasons of the Hallmark Channel series “Chesapeake Shores” and several movies on the network, died on June 12 in a motorcycle crash minutes from his home in Vermont, per WAMC Public Radio. He was 71.

Five days after the memorial, which was first reported by People, Williams’ wife, Pamela Van Sant, marked their 35th wedding anniversary on June 25 by sharing favorite memories from their marriage on social media, just as her husband used to do to honor her. Here’s what you need to know:

Treat Williams Remembered at Private Memorial Service

On June 19, according to People, Van Sant, 68, was joined by her and Williams’ grown children — — Gill, 31, and Ellie, 25 — and an “intimate” group of loved ones for a private memorial at their farmhouse in Manchester, Vermont, where the couple has lived for many years.

But the service was not as small as first intimated. On June 25, Williams’ longtime agent Barry McPherson posted photos from the memorial service on Instagram, revealing further details about the gathering. White folding chairs were set up in front of a small cottage on Williams’ sprawling property, which he frequently posted photos of on his Instagram feed.

In fact, Williams posted a picture of the cottage on June 10, just two days before his death, and wrote, “Home. Now.” When someone commented that it looked like a guest house, Williams replied, “It’s simple but nice.”

For the memorial service, the tiny deck that typically just holds two rocking chairs served as a stage for those paying homage to Williams. They set up a microphone stand and sound amp, added vases and baskets full of pink peonies, and a large statue of an angel.

McPherson, who wrote in a tribute to Williams on the day of his death that he’d been his agent for 16 years, also shared photos of the lush green grounds on the family’s property, with a large white tent set up to protect tables of refreshments and shared memories.

Outside the tent, guests could sit or stand at round tables covered in white linens, with flowers and boxes of tissue as the centerpieces. There were also tiki torches and silver standalone bonfire stands, likely available for the evening hours.

In his post, McPherson wrote, “It has been a week of so many emotions. A lot of sadness with the memorial for Treat Williams in Vermont. So much love and appreciation for his work. But more importantly for the man himself. Such a terrible loss for our community and his wonderful family.”

Dina Janis, former artistic director of the Dorset Theatre Festival, told the Batteboro Reformer, “He was so happy with his house, and his life, and his wife, and his kids. And Pam is one of the most beautiful and generous people I know. It’s absolutely tragic.”

People reported that the following day, June 20, Williams was laid to rest in a private funeral.

Pamela Van Sant Shares Photo Memories of Late Husband Treat Williams

GettyActor Treat Williams (R) and wife Pam Van Sant attend the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2004

Days after the memorial and funeral for Williams, Van Sant had to face her first special occasion without her husband by her side. Although she has a private Instagram account, she posted memories in her late husband’s public Instagram Stories on June 25, the date of their 35th anniversary, sharing multiple photos of treasured times they had together.

Over a photo of the couple on their 1998 wedding day, she wrote, “Happy anniversary honey! 35 years.”

Van Sant also shared a more recent photo of them bundled up in the snow, a press photo taken of them at a red carpet event, a throwback picture of her sitting in his lap next to a Christmas tree, a current photo of them smiling on their Vermont land with their lapdog Woody, and a framed photo of them in 1999 dressed in ornate costumes over which Van Sant wrote, “1st anniversary on location in Bali.”

Her notes and throwback photos to mark their anniversary mirrored one of the ways Williams frequently paid tribute to her, posting sweet notes and favorite photos of her on Instagram for anniversaries, birthdays, and sometimes just because he was thinking about her.

In February, Williams posted a throwback photo of them with their kids when they were young. He wrote, “Happy Birthday to Pam. @pamelaberyl11 You are the love of my life. What joy you have given us. More adventures to come! 🥰❤️🙏”

Van Sant replied, “AWW Thank you honey. Love you and our family and looking forward to so much more adventures and fun together!!”

On their 34th anniversary in 2022, Williams shared a photo of them goofing around as a young couple on a summer day and wrote, “Happy Anniversary to my best friend and love of my life. I love you Pam❤️❤️❤️”

On their anniversary in 2021, Williams was away filming “Chesapeake Shores” and shared a video of the lakeside setting. But he didn’t forget the special occasion, writing, “What I do on my 33rd anniversary? Call my wife. Then chill”

In an apparent case of life imitating art, the viral news story of a Florida firefighter who adopted a baby left at his fire station during the holidays caught the attention of Hallmark star Andrew Walker, who played a firefighter in an eerily similar storyline for 2022’s wildly popular movie “Three Wise Men and a Baby.”

On June 24, 2023, Walker shared a screenshot in his Instagram Stories of an article from “The Today Show” about the touching adoption story. Over the image, he wrote, “Hmmm, sounds familiar. @paulcampbellofficial @tyler_hynes #3wisemenandababy”

Fans have been clamoring for a sequel to the “Three Wise Men” movie, and this latest development may only fuel their desire to see Walker’s firefighter character and his on-screen brothers back together.

Firefighter Discovered Baby at Station Overnight, Just Like Andrew Walker’s ‘Three Wise Men’ Character

HallmarkAndrew Walker stars as a firefighter who has to take care of a baby in “Three Wisemen and a Baby”

In “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” which became the most-watched cable movie of 2022, Walker plays bachelor firefighter Luke Brenner who, while working the overnight shift during the holidays at his fire station, discovers a baby left in a car seat with a note specifically for him from the baby’s unidentified mother.

“I had no one else to turn to,” the note reads. “Please take care of Thomas for me. I’ll be back by Christmas, I promise.”

Rather than take the baby to child protective services, his character’s mom, played by Margaret Colin, convinces Luke and his brothers, played by Paul Campbell and Tyler Hynes, to watch the infant for several days and see if the mother returns as promised. The comedy then chronicles the brothers bonding as they amusingly learn to care for baby Thomas, falling in love with him in the process.

Once the baby’s single mom returns, she reveals that firefighter Luke had been first on the scene when she was alone and in labor. In true Hallmark fashion, the two fall for each other and, in the movie’s last scene, are shown cohabiting in his newly-built home while raising Thomas together.

“Three Wise Men and a Baby” premiered on Hallmark Channel on November 19 and instantly became a huge hit. Weeks later, as first reported by WKMG-TV in Orlando, a similar scenario to its plot line played out in real-life when a newborn baby was left overnight at the fire station in Ocala, Florida.

Now named Zoey, the baby girl was left inside a Safe Haven Baby Box, which is a temperature-controlled box installed at nearly 150 fire stations across the U.S. where desperate parents can anonymously place babies they can no longer care for, no questions asked. According to USA Today, 23 abandoned babies have been rescued through the program since 2017.

At 2 a.m. on January 2, an alarm went off at the station in Ocala to signal that a baby had been placed inside the box — the only one that exists in Florida. The firefighter who quickly responded — and has asked to remain anonymous for his family’s privacy — discovered a baby girl wrapped in a pink blanket with a pink bottle next to her. He and his wife, he told USA Today, had been trying to have a child for a decade, so he instantly hoped the baby could be theirs.

The firefighter took the baby to the hospital, as is protocol according to “The Today Show,” and left a note with the baby, describing what had happened and why he and his wife would love a chance to adopt the little girl. Since they had previously filled out all of the paperwork necessary to become adoptive parents, they had Zoey in their arms two days later and have since adopted her.

“Everybody was just in disbelief, honestly, that she was hand-delivered to us, basically,” his wife told WKMG off-camera.

At a press conference in early January, Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder Monica Kelsey directly addressed the parent who left Zoey at the fire station, according to TODAY.

She said, “Thank you for keeping your child safe. Thank you for bringing your child to a place that you knew was going to take care of this child. And thank you for doing what you felt was best.”

Fans Clamoring for Sequel or Follow-Up to ‘Three Wise Men and a Baby’

Hallmark fans loved “Three Wise Men and a Baby” so much that calls for a sequel or follow-up have been nonstop on social media since its airing. Walker got their hopes up on his birthday, June 9, when he shared a spoof movie poster for “Charlie’s Snow Angels” that made it look like he and his on-screen brothers were teaming up with Hallmark star Nikki DeLoach for a sequel.

The graphic was professionally created just for fun by movie poster artist Rick Slusher, Walker recently told Heavy, based on an idea that DeLoach shared jokingly during ChristmasCon last December. Fans went wild on social media, thinking it was a real movie in the works.

“I’d like to see it actually,” Walker told Heavy. “Like us saving Christmas or something?”

But, he said, the movie is “not happening — yet” and developing a follow-up to their huge hit is not as easy as it may seem, particularly because of the current writers’ strike and because the network and the movie’s screenwriters, Campbell and fellow Hallmark star Kimberley Sustad, know how difficult it is to create a sequel as good as the original.

On June 17, Campbell told TV Insider that the possibility of an actual sequel is slim to none.

“We talked with the network early on about a potential sequel and they just said, ‘We love the movie. We’d love to sort of work with you guys again in another capacity, but it’s just not going to be in powers on this one.’ So unfortunately, unless we get a miracle, I would say the chances are zero.”

However, Walker thinks the trio will be back in some fashion, given their chemistry, on and off the screen, and fan interest.

“Paul can bring down a room, like he is just so funny,” Walker said. “And then Tyler with his understated ‘Mr. Cool Guy’ thing that he does. It’s just incredible and so funny. I feel so fortunate that we found this in each other now. It’s amazing. It opens up a whole new world for us, you know?”

Powerhouse singer Nutsa Buzaladze has been busy performing around the world since making it to the Top 12 on season 21 of “American Idol.” But now the singer has issued an apology to fans who have vowed to stop supporting her following her decision to appear at an event in Russia.

Buzaladze has lived in Dubai for several years and has plans to move to Hollywood, but her journey on “Idol” has turned the 25-year-old into a superstar in her native country of Georgia, where she was already known for winning “X Factor Georgia” in 2015. She recently performed before thousands at a summer music festival, according to Yahoo, and will headline her own concert in the city of Batumi on June 30, 2023.

However, Buzaladze is now awash in controversy after singing at an event in Russia, which has angered many of her fans in Georgia — a small country located on the edge of Europe that shares its northern border with Russia and sits across the Black Sea from Ukraine. The war in Ukraine, ongoing since February 2022, has left many Georgians nervous given their proximity to the violence and experience with being invaded by Russia in the recent past. According to NPR, Russian troops still occupy about 20% of Georgia since attacking the country in 2008.

Georgia president Salome Zourabichvili told NPR in February, “We are in a place in – geostrategically in a place which is under constant … pressure from Russia.”

That’s why many fans are up in arms after video surfaced of Buzaladze singing and celebrating in Russia on June 23, with people calling her a “traitor” and accusing her of betraying her native country. Here’s what you need to know:

Video Surfaces of Nutsa Buzaladze Singing at Event in Russia

On June 24, a video surfaced on Facebook of Buzaladze singing with a group of Georgian and Russian celebrities the night before at an event in Moscow. The video has shocked and angered many fans who’ve flooded social media with rants against the singer for appearing there, with some predicting her career is over and saying that she should not be allowed to re-enter Georgia.

Hundreds of people commented on one of the Facebook posts of the video, expressing their “disgust” and frequently calling Buzaladze and the other singers “traitors.”

“Shame on you all,” one wrote, while another commented, “These Russian rats should be deprived of Georgian citizenship and deported to Russia”

On Twitter, someone wrote, “I can’t believe all those months of stanning Nutsa came to this…”

Another tweeted, “After @AmericanIdol Nutsa Buzaladze @Nutsabuza held a concert in Moscow. Traitors never change.”

The same day the video began circulating, Buzaladze issued an apology to fans on social media in Georgian, which is written Mkhedruli script.

“To all my friends and fans,” the English translation of her message reads, “Today, I’ve broken your heart so much and I feel obligated to explain everything to you because it hurts me.”

“Russia is not a market where I would like to continue my career in the present or in the future,” she continued. “Despite the multiple offers, every project or corporate offer has been turned down. This decision of mine is absolutely firm and thoughtful.”

Buzaladze told fans she has not considered releasing her music in Russia and has been invited to participate a charity concert in Ukraine, adding that she has repeatedly said “Russia is an occupant.”

“However, I have many Georgian friends in Russia,” she explained. “Yesterday was my very close friend’s birthday (he’s like family to me). My friends living in Russia know that I don’t even consider commercial proposals (for performing there). I was invited as a guest at a birthday party. At the end of the night I was asked to sing, which of course I couldn’t turn down to my best friend on her birthday.”

Buzaladze concluded, “I think that the main mistake was to go to Russia … Never thought all of this would result in this. I realize my responsibility and it hurts that I cut off the people who always have my back the most and I want to say sorry to all of you.”

Buzaladze restricted Instagram comments on her apology post, so only five comments were shown, all from people who left heart emojis. But on Facebook, she received nearly 5,000 comments, many from people who were not satisfied with her apology.

“You have to explain to a friend why you can’t sing and visit in an occupant country,” one wrote. “It’s as simple as that! It was better to explain to a friend than to upset the army of fans … Nothing will justify going to Moscow today, yesterday and tomorrow. This is so very sad.”

But some fans are sticking up for the singer, urging others not to “cancel” her after one mistake.

“Nutsa is a world class singer,” someone wrote. “Great patriot of Georgia. She didn’t sing for Russians and even if she sang … her profession demands it.”

Nutsa Buzaladze Has Been Vocal About Her Support of Georgia in the Past

Buzaladze has been vocal over the last 18 months about her support for her native country and her feelings about Russia. At the time of the invasion of Ukraine, on February 25, she wrote an emotional Facebook post about it.

She wrote, “I can’t stop but crying!!!! My heart and soul is with Ukraine and with Ukrainian people! Please be strong ”

Buzaladze continued, “I keep remembering this feeling i had when I was a kid , when Russia had a war with my small countrythey occupied 20% of my country , killed innocent people and burned down our beautiful land , IT IS SOOOO SAD!! My heart is tearing apart everytime I hear news about UkrainePlease god save us and end this war please please please“

On May 26, days after performing on the season finale of “American Idol,” Buzaladze headed to Washington D.C. to perform the Georgian and United States’ national anthems at the Library of Congress in honor of Georgia Independence Day. She posted several photos and videos of the event, where she wore a custom gown reflecting the Georgian flag.

“May 26 is the most precious day for all Georgians,” she wrote in one post. “I wish you to live together in a united, strong and prosperous Georgia! Glory and Honor to those who fought and sacrificed for our country’s freedom! ♥️”

Iam Tongi, who won season 21 of “American Idol” on May 21, 2023, wore his heart on his sleeve throughout the show — including crying over memories of his dad, who died of kidney failure months before the Hawaii native auditioned in front of the celebrity judges. But for the most part, the 18-year-old became known as a laid-back, joyful Hawaii native who mesmerized viewers with his soothing voice and “island vibe.”

So his legions of fans might be surprised to learn that Tongi hasn’t always been as relaxed and worry-free as he seems. In an hour-long profile of the rising star called “I Am Iam” by Hawaii’s KITV4, Tongi and those close to him — including his mom, Lilley — opened up about his struggles with ADHD and anxiety, which has led to severe panic attacks.

They hope that by talking about those challenges, fans who can relate will feel less alone. But an unexpected byproduct of opening up about his struggles and being on “American Idol,” Tongi revealed, is that it’s helped him feel less alone, too. Here’s what you need to know:

Learning to Play Ukulele Helped Iam Tongi With ADHD

Heavy/ABCIam Tongi with his mom, Lilley

KITV4 reporter Mika Miyashima followed Tongi and his family over many weeks of his “Idol” journey, including visiting them at their home in Federal Way, Washington — where they had to move after being “priced out of paradise,” as Tongi told the judges when he auditioned — and witnessing him progress on the show in Los Angeles.

One of the revelations in the special was that Tongi struggled in school growing up due to having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

“Growing up, it was way worse and I used to get in trouble a lot,” Tongi said.

“I would get calls from the office or his teachers,” his mom Lillie recalled, “that he would be in school without a backpack, no pencil, nothing to write with. But he would always have his guitar.”

Tongi always loved to sing, Lillie told KITV4, but it wasn’t until his fifth grade teacher Alison Faleolo, taught him how to play the ukulele that he found something positive he could focus his attention on.

Faleolo said he “struggled with academics,” but when she started to teach her fifth grade class how to play the instrument, she pushed him to keep working on it given his love of music.

“I wasn’t good at all,” Tongi remembered. “Everyone was getting it faster than me and I was like, ‘I don’t want to do it.'”

“He left my classroom crying a lot every day,” Faleolo said, “because I would scold him for needing to try harder and things like that, but he just always came back to school the next day. I was so proud of him for doing that.”

Once Tongi grew to love it, Faleolo tapped into his newfound passion to become an incentive for doing better in school, too.

“Partway through the year, he began finding videos online and so, over the weekend, to encourage him with academics, I’d send a ukulele home with him until he got his own and he would come back playing a new song because he’d seen it online,” she said.

When Iam Tongi’s Dad Got Sick, He Began Experiencing Anxiety Attacks

Tongi’s music-loving dad, Rodney, was thrilled when his son began mastering the ukulele and also challenged him to memorize new songs, which they would then sing together with Rodney singing the harmonies.

“When my husband found out he knew how to play the ukulele, that was around November, he went right away and bought him an expensive guitar, a ukulele,” Lillie told KITV4. “He brought it home and hid it under his bed for his Christmas present.”

Lillie said her son was excited that he’d found something his dad was proud of him for and that they could enjoy together. Rodney eventually bought him a $99 guitar to see if he was serious about mastering that, too, which he was. At that point, he decided to spend his holiday paycheck on an much nicer guitar — the one Tongi played in the early days of his journey on “Idol.”

When Lillie got upset about her husband spending so much money on the instrument when they had other bills to pay, she said Rodney explained his reasoning.

“He said, ‘Why are you upset? I’m investing in Iam. This is Iam’s future,'” she recalled. “I would stress out and he’d be like, ‘You stress too much. You know, we have to invest in the kids. You want them to feel like they are worth something, so we have to spend that much money on it.'”

In 2017, Rodney suffered a stroke and had to stop working as an electrician. The family moved to Washington to live with his sister in 2019, but in 2020, he experienced kidney failure and had to start dialysis. Watching his dad’s health deteriorate had a huge impact on his son’s mental health, Miyashima reported. He developed anxiety and had his first anxiety attack at age 16.

“I was feeling like, my heart starts racing and I don’t know what to do,” Tongi said.

“He just sat there on the bed and he just seemed like he was hyperventilating,” Lillie said, recalling her son saying he couldn’t breathe. His dad skipped his dialysis appointment that day to stay home with his son, who told KITV4 about a conversation they had about his anxiety.

“So, you know, he’s a tough love kind of guy,” Tongi said. “And that day, he took me out and he just, like, said, ‘Son, it’s okay. It’s okay to feel that way.'”

“He was shocked,” Lillie said about her son’s reaction to how much his dad understood. “He didn’t expect to hear from his dad that, you know, ‘It’s okay, like, we’ve all kind of felt some kind of anxiety at some point.'”

She said that after Rodney’s death in December 2021, she’s continued to have heart-to-heart conversations with her son about his anxiety.

“He likes to talk about things with me and he talked about the fear of being alone, about the fear of me not coming home,” Lillie recalled, getting choked up. “I am glad that he trusts me and he’s able to talk about it. And I encouraged him to share it with others, too.”

When the guitar his dad gave him broke before Tongi and fellow contestant Oliver Steele performed their duet during Hollywood Week, the teen broke down onstage, filled with anxiety about being able to play without it. But in hindsight, Tongi told American Songwriter, it feels like a meant-to-be moment.

“I feel like it was a way of my dad telling me I could do it on my own,” he said. “In other rounds, I’ve done it without my guitar because I was trying to break off from that and let my dad know I can do it on my own.”

In a video message posted on TikTok, Tongi encouraged others dealing with anxiety to remember they aren’t alone and to try to focus their energy on doing things they love.

“If you find something that you love, you gotta invest your time in it and it’s gonna take your mind off things,” he said.

Tongi told KITV4 that his journey on “American Idol,” from the connections he made with fellow contestants to the love he’s received from fans worldwide has eased his fears about winding up alone.

“I don’t have to worry anymore,” he said. “I don’t have to think about it. I don’t have to think about losing friends because they’re always gonna be there. Like, I overthought it. I was overthinking it (but) they’re always gonna be there.”

In a full-circle moment, Tongi got caught up enough on his schoolwork to graduate from high school on June 12 and performed for his fellow classmates at the ceremony. Over the summer, has concerts scheduled across the U.S. and New Zealand, and plans to release new music including a single called “Why Kiki?”

Original “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson says people don’t give fellow music superstar Mariah Carey enough credit, stating in a new interview that most fans don’t even know the former “Idol” judge is also a prolific songwriter.

In fact, Clarkson revealed, Carey wrote one of her favorite songs about the breakup of a marriage — something the talk show host has experienced recently with her divorce from Brandon Blackstock. Here’s what you need to know:

Kelly Clarkson Wants People to Know Mariah Carey Wrote an ‘Insane Amount of Hits’

While promoting her brand new album, “chemistry,” Clarkson sat down for an interview with Zane Lowe at Apple Music on June 21, 2023. Discussing the process of writing and recording the album, which is full of songs about her marriage and subsequent divorce, the Grammy winner brought up a song she loves by Carey, called “Side Effects.”

Clarkson told Lowe, “Mariah Carey has a song actually that I love, that I come back to, called ‘Side Effects.’ I don’t know if you know it, but that’s a really solid song.”

The up-tempo tune, which appeared on Carey’s 2008 “E=MC²” album, includes the follow lines:

I kept my tears inside ’cause I knew if I
Started I’d keep cryin’ for the rest of my
Life with you I finally built up the strength
To walk away don’t regret it
But I still live with the side effects

Clarkson continued, “People don’t give her enough credit. People give her credit as, like, a singer. I don’t think people give her credit as a writer. People don’t realize she wrote all that sh**.”

Lowe agreed, saying that of Carey’s biggest holiday hits, “All I Want For Christmas,” was written on a little Casio keyboard in seven minutes.

“Totally, I believe it,” Clarkson said, laughing that Carey was like “Ross on ‘Friends'” using a Casio keyboard to plunk out hits.

Lowe said that regardless of how she created it, “She’s second only in passive income to Michael Jordan.” In December, Forbes reported that Carey makes $2.5 to $3 million annually on royalties from that song alone, which was first released in 1994.

“That’s insane,” Clarkson said. “I mean, you know, financially she’s rocking it because of what she’s done. I just mean I think people think of her as a songbird and don’t think of her as, like, a writer. Because we talk about Carole King, we talk about James Taylor … those are all amazing people, yes.”

“But I’m just saying there are a number of hits (she’s written), there’s like an insane amount of hits,” Clarkson continued. “And not even hits. She’s got all these album tracks. I love great writing.”

Kelly Clarkson Professed Her Love for Mariah Carey Years Ago on ‘American Idol’

A longtime fan of Carey, Clarkson has periodically sung her songs on her talk show and during various performances over the years. In 2013, she nervously returned to “American Idol” when Carey was a judge alongside Randy Jackson, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj to sing the pop star’s tune “People Like Us.”

After her performance, seen in the video above, Clarkson said to host Ryan Seacrest, “It’s so nerve-wracking in front of Mariah Carey.”

“I know, I know, you were nervous about that,” he replied, and as Carey made her way to the stage, Clarkson exclaimed, “Oh my god, I love her.”

Pointing to the remaining season 12 contestants, Clarkson added, “If I had been one of them, having to audition in front of her, I would have vomited on the stage.”

Clarkson then reminded Jackson that he was with her the first time she met Carey, during the first season of “Idol.” She recalled being starstruck when she realized the producer and judge worked with Carey.

“And I like, lost my crap,” Clarkson reminded him.

Jackson replied, “That’s right! That’s right! She’s telling the truth! I introduced you at a radio show.”

Clarkson then told Carey she was so relieved that she wasn’t “mean.”

According to Spotify, Carey has written 247 songs on the music charts, including Bryon Tillson’s smash R&B hit “Don’t.” She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.

Actor Dermot Mulroney, star of some of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic comedies, including several Hallmark movies, walked off the set of ABC’s “The View” toward the end of his interview in the episode that aired on June 23, 2023. He said he did so to show his support for the ongoing WGA Strike, as TV writers demand higher wages and better conditions from major entertainment companies like Disney, Netflix and Warner Bros., according to Entertainment Weekly.

Appearing on the talk show for the first time since 2005, Mulroney, 59, was there to promote his role in Marvel’s “Secret Invasion,” which premiered June 21 on Disney+. He taped the talk show a day earlier, according to Deadline, but producers opted not to edit out his walkout, which occurred shortly before the hosts went to break. Here’s what you need to know:

Dermot Mulroney Explains Why He Walked Off ‘The View’

During the strike, which began May 2, networks have had to increasingly lean on news and unscripted shows to keep programming fresh. “The View” has been able to continue airing daily shows without writers, and moderator Whoopi Goldberg, who was not on set for the June 23 episode, has mentioned that she and her cohosts do not read introductions or lead-ins from writers, per Deadline.

After chatting with “The View” hosts for a few minutes, Mulroney heard one of them say they’d be taking a commercial break soon.

“Are we going to break?” he asked, and cohost Joy Behar responded, “We’re going to break.”

Mulroney then said, “Sorry, first, I want to do this symbolically in support and solidarity with the writers. I’m gonna walk off your show.”

Rising from his seat, he said, “Thank you, I’ll see you in the picket lines,” and walked off stage while waving and smiling at the audience. Behar went on to give viewers details on his new series and then said, “We’ll be right back.”

After his walkout, Mulroney issued a statement to Variety that said, “Since I have such respect for ‘The View,’ a news program with a heart, it was there that I felt comfortable enough to draw attention to the ongoing WGA strike for fair wages and working hours, as I find it incredibly important to continue to support the union.”

Since writers began striking, organizing picket lines outside major studios primarily in Los Angeles and New York, multiple Hallmark stars have showed up to march with their colleagues or have shown their support online.

For instance, actress Ashley Williams shared photos in her Instagram Stories on May 12 and 17 of her joining L.A. picket lines, writing, “Pay artists a fair wage!” On May 8, actress and screenwriter Nikki DeLoach did the same, sharing a photo of herself with fellow creatives and writing, “friends going out to support each other on the picket lines.”

Dermot Mulroney Says He’s Worked Hard to Stay Relevant in Entertainment Biz

GettyDermot Mulroney and Don Cheadle, who first worked together on “Fame” in 1986, attend the “Secret Invasion” launch event in June 2023.

Before Mulroney staged his symbolic walkout, he talked about his new Marvel role and his ability to stay relevant as an actor after more than 30 years, from starring in classic rom-coms like “My Best Friend’s Wedding” with Julia Roberts and “Wedding Date” with Debra Messing to playing a coach in LeBron James’ 2023 basketball movie, “Shooting Stars.”

When cohost Ana Navarro asked him what he attributed his longevity to, Mulroney said that was his goal from the time he started acting.

“I don’t know why I thought of it at 22 when I was starting in Los Angeles, but I just thought, ‘Do whatever it takes to stay in the game,” he said. “So, I’d say that worked out really well for me. I’ll also attribute my work ethic to my dad, so that was hereditary.”

“I work my tail off,” Mulroney said. “Who wouldn’t want to when you have a job like mine? And there’s so much variety and I’ve had so many people extend themselves for me and give me opportunities that I never dreamed of. So, it is to all those people that I owe this. And I will claim for myself how hard I’ve worked, so that’s starting to show.”

Mulroney’s Hallmark movies have included 2017’s “The Christmas Train” with Kimberly Williams-Paisley and 2015’s “North Pole: Open for Christmas” with Lori Loughlin.

Big changes are coming to “The Voice” and fans have some big feelings about the news. On June 22, 2023, NBC revealed on social media that during season 25 — which will premiere in the spring of 2024 — the talent competition will feature five instead of four celebrity coaches for the first time in the show’s history.

“The Voice” had already announced its season 24 judging panel for the fall of 2023, which features Niall Horan, John Legend, Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire, who’s taking over for longtime coach Blake Shelton. That group will compete with one another on the show this fall.

But come spring, only two of those coaches will return — McEntire and Legend. According to a press release from NBC, they’ll be joined by Chance The Rapper, who just wrapped his first season of the show and is taking a break this fall, as he returns for season 25 — and not one but two brand new coaches. “The Voice” will feature a new “Double Chair” next year to be shared by Shay Mooney and Dan Smyers, best known as the country duo Dan+Shay.

Across social media, fans had strong opinions about the 2024 lineup, from people who were overjoyed to people who were so upset they vowed to boycott the show. Here’s what you need to know:

Addition of Dan+Shay to ‘The Voice’ Draws Mixed Reactions

Fan reaction to the coaching changes was swift and loud on social media, whether people were excited or devastated. Many people were thrilled to hear about the addition of Dan+Shay, who served as advisors to Shelton on “The Voice” during season 20.

One fan reacting to the show’s announcement on Instagram commented, “Ahhhh!!!!! OMG this is the best news ever received ever.”

Another wrote, “@danandshay LET’S GOOOOO! Y’ALL I AM CRYING! I LOVE Y’ALL SO MUCH! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOUUUUU! 😭😭😭”

But not everyone was so happy about the duo’s addition, with some complaining that having two country music teams on the panel is too much.

For instance, one fan on Instagram wrote, “Two country coaches? No thanks. I’m out.”

Another replied to the post on Twitter by writing, “NO More Country Voice! And 4 males 1 female coaches?”

Another upset fan who wasn’t familiar with the chart-topping “Speechless” singers commented via Instagram, “literally WHO? You used to have global superstars omg The Voice Flop Era.”

Meanwhile, countless fans of pop star Niall Horan were confused and annoyed by the announcement, with many thinking he’d been removed from season 24 this fall while others didn’t realize that because he recently announced a 2024 world tour, it would be too difficult to return for “The Voice” next spring.

On Twitter, one of his frustrated fans wrote, “WHAT THE I THOUGHT NIALL WAS GONNA BE THERE WHERE IS NIALL” while another tweeted, “Damnit, where’s @NiallOfficial ??!”

Social media users on every platform repeatedly attempted to calm down Horan’s fans, trying to explain why the former One Direction member wasn’t included in the season 25 coaching panel — and that he’s still on the show this fall.

McEntire and Legend’s continuation on the show didn’t create a great deal of buzz on social media, but the impending return of Chance The Rapper seemed to be the one move that a majority of fans were genuinely excited about. On each platform, many viewers shared that they’d come to love him as a coach during season 23 for his authenticity and perspective and are excited to see him come back.

One happy fan on Instagram wrote, “@chancetherapper you’re a freaking genius. I never knew you before this last season. Not only is your music production the bomb, you are so grounded, clear, honest, and hilarious.”

Another wrote, “So happy Chance is coming back, love this guy”

‘The Voice’ Coaches Say They’re Pumped for Season 25

The five judges who will come together for season 25 in 2024 also took to social media to share their excitement. On Instagram, each of them reposted NBC’s video of their names being revealed on the back of one of the judge chairs.

On McEntire’s post, she wrote, “Because one season just wasn’t enough…so excited to be a part of #TheVoice 2024 coaches with @danandshay, @johnlegend, and @chancetherapper!”

On Chance The Rapper’s post, he wrote, “TEAM CHANCE is back on #TheVoice in 2024!”

Sorelle, the trio of sisters who made it to the season 23 finale on his team, replied, “Always Team Chance🔥”

Dan+Shay used all caps to share their excitement, writing, “SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE WILL BE JOINING @nbcthevoice IN 2024 AS THE FIRST COACHING DUO! 🤠🤠”

Meanwhile, Legend kept it simple, writing, “#TheVoice Season 25 coming 2024! #VoteTeamLegend2024”

NBC has not yet provided specific premiere dates for either season 24 or season 25 of “The Voice,” but has said the series will continue to air on Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern time and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Days after celebrating the premiere of her latest Hallmark movie, “Wedding Season,” and her own wedding to fellow Hallmark actor Sebastian Gacki, actress Stephanie Bennett posted details of a “really creepy” incident in which she was followed by a man in his car on the morning of June 22, 2023.

Though the actress is okay, she was clearly shaken up by the encounter. Sitting in her own vehicle, Bennett posted a video in her Instagram Stories in which she described the encounter and then pleaded with men to consider how “terrifying” such behavior is for women.

Stephanie Bennett Pleads With Men to Think About Impact of Their Actions

HallmarkStephanie Bennett and Casey Deidrick in Hallmark’s “Wedding Season”

Bennett, who’s appeared in many Hallmark projects including 2022’s “Christmas Class Reunion” and episodes of “The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries” and “Signed, Sealed and Delivered,” posted an impromptu video midday on June 22 as she sat in the driver’s seat of her vehicle.

“Okay, I’m in my car and I just had this really creepy thing happen,” she said, looking straight at the camera. “You know, it’s the middle of the day — it’s like 11:30 on a Thursday — and I’m going and I’m getting my coffee and I’m about to go to an appointment and, like, I noticed there’s this car just at pace with me.”

“And the guy’s looking,” she continued. “He’s just looking, just straight up following me for blocks in his car. Like, then I look at him and I kind of give this look like ‘Can I help you?’ And he sort of speeds off and then he goes two blocks ahead and he just stops there with his hazards on like, as if he’s waiting for me to catch up.”

Bennett didn’t say whether she took another route or passed the man’s car; instead, she began talking about how hard it is for women to have to deal with feeling unsafe so often.

“Man, I really wish men were more, just, cognizant of how terrifying it is to be a woman on a daily basis,” she said. “Like, it’s the middle of the day. And genuinely, my heart started racing and my palms started sweating because he was, like, following me!”

Bennett then said she’d much prefer that a guy who’s interested in her maturely and cautiously approach her.

“Like, if you’re gonna shoot your shot or you’re going to try to talk to me or something and you’re polite enough, I’ll politely say, ‘Thank you so much, I’m married. You know, have a good day.’ But if you’re going to literally follow me in your car…”

Bennett, who lives in Vancouver, then suddenly remembered a similar incident two weeks prior.

She recalled, “A guy rolled his window down and he’s like, ‘Hey do you know how to use Uber?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, you just go on the app and you just use it’ and I kept my distance. And he said, ‘Come here, can you do it on my phone for me?’ Like, he had his car door open! Do you know how terrifying that is? Like, what if he grabbed me — again, in the middle of the day, but like, I just don’t think men really understand.”

“And I’m so frustrated right now,” Bennett added, “because they don’t understand how friggin’ scary that is. Don’t do that. Okay, guys? Don’t do that. That’s not how you do it. Anyway, that’s my rant. Thanks for listening.”

Police Offer Tips for Drivers Who Think They’re Being Followed

GettyA San Francisco police car in June 2023

In recent months, police in many cities have issued warnings to drivers — especially women — about staying alert and notifying authorities when they think they’re being followed in their cars.

In early June, three women were attacked while sitting at a stoplight in Toledo, Ohio, according to WTVG, just after they realized they were being followed.

“They were like kicking the car and punching mirrors and punching windows,” one of the victims told the station. “They were pulling on the door handles trying to pull us out. Literally, one of them climbed on the roof of the car and started jumping on it like it was a trampoline.”

Luckily, people at an apartment complex nearby saw the crime in progress and yelled at the attackers to leave, which they did. Police still haven’t found the suspects, the station said.

In San Antonio, Texas, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told NBC affiliate News4 in February that women there were being targeted by carjackers in the early morning hours. Each victim was driving alone and noticed that she was being followed before suspects got out of their cars and approached the women’s vehicles, tapping their windows with handguns and demanding they get out of their cars.

“We still know that this is a common occurrence,” Sheriff Salazar said, adding that women should never drive home and lead their potential attackers to where they live. “Be aware of your surroundings, check your rearview mirrors frequently, and again if you think you’re being followed don’t go wherever it is you were going, continue to drive and call it in.”

The Houston Police Department offers similar guidance in its “Keep Houston Safe” guide for residents. Among its tips for drivers are to immediately lock their doors upon entering the car, avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers and, in cases where they think they’re being followed, drive to the nearest police station, fire station, open gas station or a well-lighted area where there are people who can help.

Multiple Hallmark stars including Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown and Andrew Walker have signed on to be part of former colleague Jen Lilley‘s month-long Camp Christmas, a virtual summer camp for fans of Christmas rom-com movies, in an effort to raise money for kids in need.

During virtual game nights in July 2023, at least eight Hallmark fan favorites will team up with some of their former colleagues who, like Lilley, left Hallmark for cable start-up Great American Family, including Candace Cameron Bure and Trevor Donovan. Here’s what you need to know:

Stars Will Appear Together to Raise Money for Youth Program

Lilley starred in over a dozen Hallmark movies before jumping ship in January 2022, when she signed a two-year, four-movie contract with Great American Family, the network started by former Crown Media — now known as Hallmark Media — CEO Bill Abbott and Hicks Equity Partners, which is owned by recent Republican National Committee co-chairman Thomas Hicks, per Bloomberg.

There has been some undeniable tension surrounding Hallmark Media and Great American Family over the past year, with many fans and stars taking sides after Bure told the Wall Street Journal in November 2022 that her new network, for which she serves as Chief Creative Officer, would likely not feature same-sex couples as Hallmark movies sometimes do, preferring to “keep traditional marriage at the core.”

Abbott also told USA Today in October that his new network’s aim to dethrone Hallmark and become “the leader in quality family entertainment in this space.”

But many stars are willing to put any differences aside to collaborate on raising money for kids in need. In fact, many of them participated in the program last year, too. While still at Hallmark, Lilley and her friend Ale Boggiano, a former non-profit executive, founded Christmas is Not Cancelled, a company that hosts “giving campaigns” with exclusive opportunities for fans to watch and connect with some of their favorite Christmas movie stars. Over the past four years, the organization says it has supplied over $1.8 million in toys, school backpacks and cash donations to various charities.

Lilley’s goal for Camp Christmas this July is to raise enough money to fill backpacks with school supplies for 2,500 kids in need. During the month-long campaign, which costs $69 to join and kicks off on June 29, participants can enter weekly sweepstakes for prizes including going a cruise with Walker and a private virtual picnic with Lilley, connect with fellow fans, and watch exclusive game nights each Thursday, during which stars from both networks will appear.

The first celebrity game night on July 6 is scheduled to feature current Hallmark stars Chabert, Walker, Kevin McGarry and Cindy Busby, along with Great American Family stars Lilley, Donovan, and Bure. Cameron Mathison, who’s appeared on both networks, will also be part of the fun.

On July 13, Camp Christmas will host a “Camp Fire with the Hunks,” as Paul Greene, Christopher Russell, Jesse Hutch and Hallmark mainstay Wes Brown swap stories, play games and sing Christmas carols.

On July 20, the ladies get their turn with Camp Christmas’ “Slumber Party With the Darlings” featuring Hallmark stars Nikki DeLoach and Tamera Mowry-Housley alongside former “Home and Family” host Debbie Matenopoulos, “Full House” alum and Great American Family actress Andrea Barber, and Lilley.

Camp Christmas’ final virtual get-together is a craft class on July 27, with Hallmark star Marcus Rosner on board to participate.

Friendships Remain Between Hallmark Stars and Former Colleagues

Despite media attention focused on the bad blood between Hallmark and Great American Family, many of the stars from both networks remain friends after years of working together in past movies and TV series.

This is not the first time Lilley has leaned on her former Hallmark colleagues for help with her fundraising efforts. In March, for instance, she shared an Instagram video of herself with Walker, Chabert and Greene meeting a fan who won a previous Christmas is Not Cancelled sweepstakes.

And, on June 6, when Lilley shared an article announcing that she and Matthew Morrison are starring in a Great American Family follow-up to Hallmark’s “Christmas Waltz,” which starred Will Kemp and Chabert, Kemp graciously offered his congratulations on her Instagram post.

He wrote, “Very exciting! Huge congratulations. Send my love to everyone. 🙌🔥👏🕺🏻💃🏻”

Meanwhile, “When Calls The Heart” star Erin Krakow remains tight with her former co-star Lori Loughlin, who moved to Great American Family after a college admissions scandal that landed her in a medium-security prison for two months. On May 4, Krakow shared a photo of Loughlin with her dog, Willoughby, and simply wrote, “Besties.”

Despite some public feuding, Hallmark star Jodie Sweetin seems to have made amends with her “Full House” co-star Bure, as they reunited in March for an 80s fan convention.

“We have our, you know, moments and we have our stupid squabbles or whatever,” Sweetin said in February during the “Steph Infection” podcast, “but, like, we’re also really close. It’s what you do with family and siblings, you know what I mean? Sometimes you’re like ‘I’m gonna kill you’ and then ‘Whatever, pass the mashed potatoes.'”

Singer Megan Danielle battled self-doubt throughout her journey on season 21 of  “American Idol,” but advanced all the way to the finale, coming in second place behind winner Iam Tongi. Though the 20-year-old runner-up told the celebrity judges she’d learned to believe in herself through the show, she’s shared on social media that she’s struggled over the last month trying to navigate life after “Idol.”

But Danielle says heading back to sing at her hometown church on June 18, 2023, provided a deeply meaningful moment that got her choked up while she performed for the congregation.

“I heard God telling me everything was going to be okay,” she wrote on Instagram the following day, sharing a video of the words she sang that shifted everything for her.

Megan Danielle Says Words of Worship Song Touched Her Deeply

Danielle has experienced lots of high points over the last month, including appearing on “Good Morning America” and “Live With Kelly and Mark” in New York City, reuniting with some of her castmates for the “19 Takeover” concert in Nashville and watching her first single, “Dream Girl,” climb the charts. She’s also shared on social media that there have been some low points, but that she keeps leaning into her faith whenever she’s feeling down.

“I’ve been struggling a bit,” she wrote over a TikTok video on June 9, which she also uploaded to Instagram, showing her getting ready for bed as “Dream Girl” played in the background.

“And it’s okay if you are too,” she continued. “God is working on something greater that we could ever imagine. Just be patient! This was a sign you were meant to see… You’re so close to your dreams.”

Over the weekend, Danielle says she received that same message while performing at Freedom Church in her hometown of Acworth, Georgia. She shared a brief video of her performing via Instagram, singing two lines of the song “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” by Cody Carnes and Maverick City Music.

“I was leading this song yesterday at my church and boy did I almost lose it,” Danielle wrote. “I heard God telling me everything was going to be okay in just these couple of lines… 🤍 I’m going to make it through and so are you!”

The lines that Danielle can be heard singing in the video are: “Rain came, wind blew / But my house was built on You / I’m safe with You / I’m gonna make it through”

“Idol” finalist MaryBeth Byrd, who became one of Danielle’s best friends on the show, commented, “I’m so in awe of you. Keep on 🤍”

Fellow contestant Paige Anne wrote, “megan you’re so amazing ily”

Megan Danielle Wants to Sing Christian & Country Music

ABC2023 “American Idol” runner-up Megan Danielle

On “American Idol,” Danielle was vocal about her deep faith from the moment she first stood in front of “Idol” judges Luke Bryan, Katie Perry and Lionel Richie. She chose to sing a song by Christian pop star and “Idol” alum Lauren Daigle for them, unaware that the star — one of her own idols — was right outside the door, about to walk in to accompany her on the tune. The audition has been viewed on YouTube by over 1.3 million people and Daigle returned for the season finale to sing a duet with Danielle.

“Lauren is amazing,” Danielle told TV Insider after the finale. “I always looked up to her. Getting the chance to sing with her was awesome because she is the type of artist I want to be.”

Danielle is slated to perform next at the Alive Festival in mid-July, a three-day music festival in Atwood, Ohio, where Daigle is one of the headliners. On June 21, she shared a behind-the-scenes music video of the making of “Dream Girl.”

Right now, Danielle told TV Insider, she’s trying to figure out her next steps to the kind of artist she wants to be.

“I see myself as a country and Christian artist, but I don’t want to label myself as one thing,” she said. “I love both. I want to find a way to make it all work.”

Fans of “The Voice” are already bracing for the biggest change in the show’s 24-season history when the NBC singing competition returns this fall without original coach Blake Shelton, who’s being replaced by country legend Reba McEntire following his retirement from the series.

Now, fans are abuzz over news there are more changes ahead. NBC revealed on June 21, 2023, that more surprises are in the works, including the introduction of a mysterious “Double Chair” and the promise of an “epic lineup” of coaches for next year, insinuating that the coaches will not remain the same. Here’s what you need to know:

Fans Have Lots of Thoughts About Who May Fill New ‘Double Chair’

Across its social media accounts on June 21, “The Voice” uploaded an illustration of a two-seated, red coaches’ chair with one button in the center. In bold letters across the graphic, the words “The Double Chair” appeared.

The caption of the post reads, “double chair + new 2024 Coach lineup coming…. stay tuned”

With the coaching lineup already set for fall’s season 24, comprised of McEntire, Niall Horan, John Legend and Gwen Stefani, NBC’s social media stunt likely means that it’s already locked in coaches for a 25th season. Fans think the Double Chair indicates a powerful duo has been cast — and they’ve got lots of thoughts on who it might be.

On Instagram, fans were quick to guess who will be seated in the Double Chair, with many suggesting Shay Mooney and Dan Smyers, who make up the country duo Dan+Shay and served as advisors to Shelton on “The Voice” in 2021. Shelton told “Access” in February 2021 that they were an ideal fit to advise his group of contestants.

“The way they come together and vocalize together and make music, I thought that would be a great mentor to have, these two,” he said. “Because so many times I’m sitting here in a situation with these battle rehearsals and one of the artists will ask me a question about harmony, and I don’t know crap about harmony. I’ll be like, ‘Oh, you know, I’m gonna check on that for you,’ and then I never do, because I don’t know anything about harmony.”

Many others suggested that Horan might bring one of his former One Direction bandmates, like Harry Styles or Louis Tomlinson, to share the Double Chair with him. However, some fans pointed out that Horan recently announced an extensive world tour for 2024, which may preclude him from being part of “The Voice” then.

Some expressed hope that the announcement means Shelton might return, including one who wrote, “Till we know who is it, in my mind I’ll be picturing Gwen and Blake 🤩😂”

Another fan suggested, “@selenagomez and @taylorswift that would be iconic @nbcthevoice ❤️”

Other guesses included R&B duo Chloe x Halle, country artists Brooks & Dunn, past “Voice” coach Nick Jonas with one of his brothers, or a country music couple like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill or Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. There were plenty of amusing guesses, too.

Season 22 contestant Jaeden Luke joked, “If it’s not @bodie and @oprah I’m not watching” and Bodie Kuljian, who was the runner-up that season, replied, “honestly.” 

Another person quipped, “If it’s not Snoop and Martha, I’m out.”

“The Voice” Coaching Lineup Has Undergone Lots of Changes Lately

When “The Voice” returns with season 24 in the fall of 2023, Shelton will be noticeably absent from the coaching lineup for the first time in the show’s history. However, it’s possible he’ll make a cameo given that his wife, Gwen Stefani, is returning as a judge.

Kelly Clarkson, who has coached on nine different seasons of “The Voice,” also won’t be returning and it’s not clear if she ever will. The pop star is moving her talk show and her family out of Los Angeles this summer and settling in New York City to be closer to East Coast family.

In May, she told Talk Shop Live host Nancy O’Dell that she was ready for a “fresh start” after several tough years during which she navigated a nasty divorce from her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

When O’Dell mentioned that Clarkson will not be part of the show’s cast “next year,” Clarkson replied, “I know. I’m not gonna be — I’m moving to New York.”

McEntire, meanwhile, recently told “Access” that she can’t wait to take over Shelton’s chair.

“I got all my advice that I’m ever gonna take from Blake Shelton. So, I am so ready,” she said.

Just five days after becoming a first-time father, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Never Have I Ever” alum Rushi Kota had to be in Vancouver to film his first Hallmark movie, “Make Me a Match,” which premieres on June 24, 2023, as part of the network’s June Weddings programming lineup. The seasoned actor, who will also appear opposite Seth Rogan in the feature film “Dumb Money” this fall, has said nothing could have prepared him for the stress of juggling being a brand new parent and tackling his first lead role in a movie at the same time.

After wrapping the movie this spring, Kota wrote on Instagram, “These past 4 weeks were wild AF! Still processing the magnitude of everything.”

Now that he is back home in California with his wife, Reeshelle Sookram Kota, and their newborn, the new dad is reflecting on what a crazy ride it’s been ahead of his Hallmark debut, in which he stars opposite “When Calls The Heart” alum Eva Bourne. Here’s what you need to know:

Rushi Kota Says He Was ‘Freaking Out’ Before Filming ‘Make Me a Match’

On March 19, Kota shared photos from the hospital celebrating the birth of his firstborn.

“We still can’t believe you are real,” he wrote. “Thank you for gracing us with your presence.”

But within days, the new dad had to board a plane for Vancouver to film “Make Me a Match,” which he told HOLR Magazine is “the first South Asian rom-com for Hallmark, written by an amazing Indian writer named Nikhil S. Jayaram.”

Directed by Heather Hawthorne Doyle, the movie follows Bourne’s character, Vivi, as she falls for Kota’s character Boom, the son of an Indian matchmaker she hires. Though Kota has had nothing but positive things to say about working with the Hallmark cast and crew, the experience of becoming a new dad days before filming was a stress unlike any other.

“Honestly, it was a hell of an experience,” he told Digital Journal. “As an actor, I was filled with tremendous growth and joy. However, I had a lot of anxiety the two weeks prior to shooting because this was my first lead in a movie, and my wife was due to give birth to our first baby.”

Kota told Just Jared he was in “full on panic” mode before filming began because he “wanted to be as fully memorized and prepared for my character as much as possible,” which is tough to do with a newborn.

He told the outlet, “I just remember the week before we got onto set, and I talked to my acting coach, where I told them I had no idea what I’m doing right now. I don’t know who this guy is. I’m full on freaking out.”

But once Kota arrived on set and began working with Bourne and Hawthorne Doyle, all of his fears subsided.

He told Digital Journal, “Luckily, everything ended up working out and I got to spend a week with my newborn son before shooting began and once I landed in Vancouver, I was relieved at how organized everything was. Hallmark knows how to put these groups of people together to create a wonderfully collaborative space.”

Rushi Kota Reflects on Profound Personal Growth That Happened During Filming ‘Make Me a Match’

HallmarkRushi Kota and Eva Bourne in Hallmark’s “Make Me a Match”

After the three-week shoot for “Make Me a Match” wrapped, Kota shared on April 17 what a transformative month it had been for him.

“I was everything everywhere all at once trying to figure out what the universe was telling me before I reminded myself to go with the flow,” he wrote on Instagram. “Pushed through all the anxiety. Will I get be able to pull this off? Am I ready for this responsibility in my personal and professional life? Can I do this? Also, where is my Earl Grey Tea with Oat Milk?”

Kota continued, “I made more growth as a human in the last 4 weeks than I had in my whole life and I couldn’t have done it without everyone holding down the fort at home and at work (which actually should be called Play, cause we are playing other people on screen. I ll leave that for another post…)”

The actor went on to thank the “amazing people” he worked with, saying he had the “time of my life” filming the movie. He told FanSided that he’d always wanted to do a rom-com, and how much fun he had playing the lead role once he got used to it.

“In all of my previous works, I was always a really large supporting character,” he said. “For the first time, I was the lead in this movie. It was definitely anxiety-fueled and daunting to all of a sudden be number one on the call sheet and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God. So much responsibility.’ Once I was able to really get my hooks into the script and into the character, I was able to have a lot of fun and even on set, it was a dream come true.”

“Make Me a Match” premieres on Hallmark Channel on June 24 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Pop star Katy Perry‘s fans want her to focus more on her music and less on fashion. The “American Idol” judge has been flooded with harsh criticism on social media for over-promoting her line of shoes and reigniting a years-long trademark battle with Australian clothing designer Katie Jane Taylor.

“We miss singer Katy Perry…” one fan wrote on an Instagram post promoting the singer’s shoe line on June 13, 2023, echoing a sentiment shared by many in recent weeks about their concerns that the star is more concerned with building her fashion empire than releasing new music.

“I agree with the general consensus here @katyperry you should be the bigger person and leave the Aussie Mum alone,” another fan wrote. “You are probably worth millions, she on the other hand started a business in the hopes of making some money to raise her family.”

So far, Perry has not publicly commented on the complaints about her shoe collection or why she’s reigniting the ongoing lawsuit, but has said she’s working on new music ideas. Here’s what you need to know:

Australian Fans Upset Over Perry’s Lawsuit Appeal

On April 28, Perry lost an ongoing legal battle with Australian designer Katie Taylor, who has run a clothing line branded with her birthname — Katie Perry — since 2007, according to 9News. She sued the singer for selling Katy Perry clothing in Australia, which Taylor said was too close to her own brand’s name.

According to the BBC, a Federal Court judge decided that clothing sold for the singer, whose birth name is Katheryn Hudson, did infringe upon the designer’s trademark with her Katy Perry clothing sold during a 2014 Australian tour and that her company would have to pay still-to-be-determined damages to Taylor, who hailed the decision as a “David vs Goliath” victory.

Taylor first began designing clothes in November 2007 when they were launched at a school charity event, Yahoo reported, and she registered her business and domain name as “Katie Perry.” The pop star didn’t release her first album under the name Katy Perry until 2008, with the hit EP “One of the Boys,” per Discogs. 

The two women have battled for more than a decade over the use of their similar brand names. The singer initially tried to block Taylor from registering and trademarking the name, according to Reuters. Then in 2009, Taylor issued a message to Perry on YouTube, accusing her of stealing her name and brand, and she eventually sued the star in 2019.

On June 13, Perry appealed the Australian judge’s decision and a new court date will be set, according to Yahoo. On her website, Taylor wrote that she will continue to fight for her clothing brand and its name.

“My label is my future, my dream, my livelihood and now there is a chance my trademark could be taken away,” she wrote after the appeal was filed. “It feels like a personal attack.  I have already had trolling on my accounts.”

Perry has also been inundated with comments from disgruntled fans and Taylor’s supporters, especially when the singer promoted her Katy Perry shoe collection on Instagram the day the appeal was announced.

“You’re sick in the head,” one person commented. “Any Aussie’s on here need to Google what sort of person Katy perry really is and unfollow this page and all her pages.”

Another wrote, “It’s absolutely disgusting what you have done to Australian fashion designer Katie Taylor. Shame on you. Australia no longer welcomes you.”

Many Fans Want Katy Perry to Stop Promoting Her Shoe Line

Meanwhile, many of Perry’s fans have expressed frustration over her frequent posts promoting her shoe collection, which first launched in 2017. When the line’s co-owner, Global Brands Group, filed for bankruptcy in 2021, Perry decided to buy the full rights to her collection, according to Footwear News. 

She told the outlet, “I just decided to take complete ownership and level up, find great partners, develop my team and put to practice all of the education I have learned — and just be that CEO boss bitch that I want to be.”

The shoe line was rebranded and relaunched in 2022, and Perry began featuring a new video or photo shoot for new designs in the collection most Tuesdays on social media. On June 20, she gave her 201 million Instagram followers a new series of photos of Pride Month-themed shoes, for which 25 percent of net proceeds will benefit the Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQ+ youth.

Though Perry’s clearly excited about each shoe design she debuts, many of her fans are growing weary of the frequent promotions. They think she should be recording and releasing new music instead, given that her last album was released in 2020.

One wrote on the latest post, “Unfollowing… STOP SUPPORTING THIS AGENDA!”

Another commented, “Girl stop the shoes and focus in Music!!!!!!!”

On June 21, in a People magazine interview to promote another company she co-founded, Del Soi non-alcoholic spritzers, she said she’s working on ideas for new music.

“The creativity and the ideas have never stopped flowing, even if they’re not in the public space,” she told the outlet. When I do put out music in a big way, then I want to go around the world and do a big world tour.”

In August 2022, the Instagram account for Perry’s shoe collection posted a video of her speaking about growing up in a family that did not have money and sometimes relied on food stamps. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Perry’s music, merchandise and other investments have built up her net worth to $330 million in 2023.

When Omar Cardona took fourth place on season 22 of “The Voice,” fans had no idea he’d been competing on the show while his girlfriend was at home tending to their newborn baby boy.

Now six-months-old, little Luca Leandros Cardona has been diagnosed with profound hearing loss, his parents recently revealed on social media. On his first Father’s Day — June 18, 2023 — Cardona shared how fatherhood has changed him and thanked fans for respecting their wishes to stay upbeat and hopeful about Luca’s diagnosis and future. Here’s what you need to know:

Omar Cardona Didn’t Reveal He Was a Dad Until After ‘The Voice’

Cardona, who was on coach John Legend’s team, didn’t publicly announce the birth of his newborn until after he landed in fourth place during the season finale on December 13, 2022. Two days later, the Orlando native posted a photo of himself, his girlfriend Dani Montalvo and their newborn, revealing that when he dedicated a song to her live on the show on December 5, their son was actually being born.

Cardona wrote, “December 5th was a day Ill never forget. My son was born on the day I dedicated a song to his mom on national television. @xodanimontalvo THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF OUR BOY WHILE I WAS FINISHING OUT THE SHOW. You encourage me to stay in LA to focus on the show. Talk about support but also being so brave! I love you so much!”

On March 5, the parents shared a joint Instagram post in which they revealed that they’d received a diagnosis they weren’t expecting. Montalvo wrote that at three months old, their infant was growing rapidly and already teething, but had also received a life-changing diagnosis of profound hearing loss.

“We found out recently that Luca has profound hearing loss, meaning he can’t hear,” she wrote. “He hasn’t passed a hearing test since he was born, and he was perfectly healthy since his birth, so he was born this way, meaning it’s genetic.”

Montalvo continued, “Although it initially hurt our hearts to know our boy hasn’t been able to hear us, we are not defeated. We are ready to move forward to give Luca everything he needs to set him up for success. He has the best family and support system. And we all get to learn a new language to communicate with him, so we are looking forward to learning alongside him. We have been learning ASL in our house and he loves to laugh at us waving our hands around.”

Writing that their main concern is for Luca to grow up “happy and healthy,” their post said that “although he can’t hear yet, we can’t wait until we can share our love of music and Omar’s voice with him as he grows.”

According to the Hearing Health Foundation, children who are diagnosed with a profound hearing loss that can’t be helped by a hearing aid may be candidates for a cochlear implant, which can be fitted when children are as young as one.

“A cochlear implant is an electronic device that converts sounds into electrical signals and carries them past the nonworking part of the inner ear to the brain,” the Foundation says. “With training, children with cochlear implants can learn to recognize sounds and understand speech.”

In their joint post on March 5, the couple asked that family, friends and fans remain upbeat and hopeful about Luca’s future.

“While we appreciate support, we ask that no one feels ‘sorry’ or sends condolences—it’s not something to be sorry about. We want Luca to grow up knowing that this does not hold him back or make him less than anyone else. It doesn’t limit him. We ask for kindness, patience, and respect while we navigate this new journey ahead with our sweet boy.”

Omar Cardona Celebrates First Father’s Day & Thanks Fans for Support

On June 18, Cardona shared a photo of him and baby Luca on Instagram, reflecting on how fatherhood has changed him.

“I can’t believe it’s father’s day and that I get to celebrate with my little guy,” he wrote. “I always thought that my only gift to the world was my voice. How wrong I was. Luca you are my gift to the world. You’ve given me purpose, a drive, and you have softened my heart. I never knew I needed you until you were here. Thank you for winning the race 😂 and making me a dad! I love you Kiddo!”

Some of Cardona’s fellow contestants from “The Voice” were among those who commented on his post.

Season 22  winner Bryce Leatherwood commented, “Proud of you brother!”

Third place finisher Morgan Myles wrote, “Awwwww love this”

His fellow semifinalist Kim Cruse added, “Happy Father’s Day O❤️✨”

On June 19, the proud papa posted a message in his Instagram Stories to thank those who had reached out on Father’s Day and were lifting their little family up with support.

“Just wanted thank everyone who text/called/or commented on my post for father’s day,” he wrote. “Yesterday I felt so much love from all of you. It’s a beautiful thing to know we have the support in the world. Thank you. All love! ❤️”

In addition to adjusting to fatherhood, Cardona has been busy professionally since his journey on “The Voice.” From late January through February, he appeared in “Rock of Ages” at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida — a stage production directed by Broadway star Justin M. Sargent.

He also just wrapped a role in the world premiere of “Air Supply: The Musical” in New Brunswick, Canada. On June 12, he wrote on Instagram that he was heading back home but that it was “so hard to put into words what this experience was like. I am leaving here with such a huge sense of gratitude.”

The family of beloved actor Treat Williams, who starred in Hallmark Channel‘s popular series “Chesapeake Shores” for six seasons and multiple Hallmark movies, held a private memorial service for the star on June 19, 2023, according to Us Weekly, and was laid to rest on the morning of June 20th during a private funeral, per People.

On June 12, Williams died after his motorcycle collided with a turning car he couldn’t avoid, according to WAMC Public Radio. The Vermont State Police Department said that Williams suffered “critical injuries” in the accident, the outlet reported, and was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a New York hospital where he died hours later. A witness and friend at the site of the crash told reporters Williams was alert and answering questions shortly after the crash.

According to Us Weekly, his memorial service was held in Vermont, where Williams lived on a sprawling ranch. The “intimate” gathering included his wife, Pamela Van Sant, and their grown kids Gill Williams, 31, and Elinor “Ellie” Williams, 25. In social media posts over the past week, Van Sant has shared several poignant memories and also announced that a more public memorial service is in the works.

Treat Williams’ Wife Shares Poignant Memories & Gratitude for Her Late Husband

On June 25, Williams and Van Sant would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. The actor often posted photos of and sweet tributes to his wife. On March 8, for example, he shared a throwback photo of her on Instagram for International Women’s Day and wrote, “Happy Woman’s day to my girl for life ❤️❤️❤️”

The night after Williams’ death, Van Sant shared a Facebook memory from exactly one year prior featuring a photo of the moon shimmering over a field and trees. It was captioned “Moonlight in Vermont.”

Van Sant wrote, “Thank you Treat for sending me this memory. We love you and miss you so much. ❤️🌕✨”

In a post on June 16, she shared how grateful she was for the outpouring of support she and her family had received in the days since Williams’ death and said a “larger memorial” will eventually take place. Her words were part of a post in which she shared another photo memory, which was only visible only to her private Facebook friends. She alluded to the picture being on a day Williams, an avid pilot, flew them along California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

“Our last amazing flight down the PCH,” Van Sant wrote in her post. “My amazing private Top Gun. The most loving husband, father, and friend to all.”

She continued, “Please know the kids and I feel the enormous outpouring of love from our beautiful community that Treat loved so much. He was always happiest here on the ‘farm’ with us in his beloved Vermont.” We will let you know when we can plan a larger memorial to honor Treat where everyone will be welcome. Thank you. Love, Pam, Gill, Ellie “

Van Sant also shared a private family photo via Facebook on June 19 and wrote, “Grateful for this family memory that just came up. We love you Treat now and forever”

Treat Williams’ Daughter Posts Tribute on Father’s Day

Williams and Van Sant’s daughter Ellie, who lives in Los Angeles, has posted her own social media tributes to her dad, expressing her shock and grief over his sudden death.

On June 14, she posted a series of photos in her Instagram Stories, including an image of a satin jacket with her father’s name embroidered on it. She then posted a picture of her parents in which her mom was resting her head on Williams’ shoulder.

Over the image, she wrote, “This is a pain I have never felt. I am absolutely shattered. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and kept our family in your hearts during this terrible heartbreak.”

On Father’s Day, June 18, Ellie shared two more throwback photos in her Instagram Stories, captured by Page Six. The first showed Williams as a young dad with her when she was a toddler. She wrote over the image, “I love you, Dad. I miss you.”

She then uploaded a photo of her dad smiling while posing on one of his tractors on their Vermont land. She wrote, “I took this picture of my pops when I was in college. He’s so handsome.”

Shortly after Williams’ death, the family issued a public statement, per USA Today.

“As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time,” the statement read. “Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it. It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him. We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.”

Moments after Iam Tongi won season 21 of “American Idol,” the 18-year-old told reporters he couldn’t wait to hit the road and play live concerts.

“I’m looking forward to performing live with my friends, and doing live gigs and stuff,” he told “Extra” after the season finale. “Because I love performing live. It’s like a passion of mine.”

Now, nearly a month later — and days after his graduation from high school — the Hawaii native is about to embark on a just-announced tour that includes his first shows as a headliner and appearances at major music festivals in the U.S. and overseas. He’s also teased new music he’s been working on with hit-making songwriters in Nashville. Here’s what you need to know:

Iam Tongi Reveals 10 Concert Dates With More to Come

ABC“American Idol” Season 21 winner Iam Tongi

On June 19, 2023, Tongi thrilled fans by sharing 10 upcoming concert dates with an “Iam Tongi Live in Concert” graphic on Facebook.

He wrote, “I’ll be seeing you out on the road! Tickets for these shows are available at the link in my bio and more shows will be announced soon Yessah!!”

The tour kicks off this week with a main stage appearance on June 23 at the Beach It! country music festival in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “Idol” judge Luke Bryan is among the festival’s headliners and season 19 winner Chayce Beckham, who’s on tour with Bryan, will also appear.

“That’s just gonna be crazy because my favorite music is country music,” Tongi told Hawaii News Now on June 15. “And we all know that island music is just country music made reggae!”

On July 1, he’ll be back in Oahu, Hawaii, for the Ohana Day music festival at Turtle Bay Resort — the location of his hometown visit on “Idol” where a whopping 14,000 fans showed up to see him. Tongi will headline that day’s concerts, which will also feature Spawnbreezie, one of his favorite island bands. Tongi sang their song “Don’t Let Go” during his Showstopper Round performance on “Idol” and again at his high school graduation last week.

On July 15, Tongi’s just been added to the lineup for the Reggae on the Way festival in Tahoma, Washington, which is less than 20 minutes from where he’s lived with his family for several years, ever since famously getting “priced out of paradise,” as  he told the “Idol” judges during his audition.

According to the graphic he shared, Tongi will then head to California for multiple headlining gigs in smaller venues — most of which haven’t yet officially added him to their schedules, including Ventura Music Hall in Ventura, The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, and two shows at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles — a club that has hosted many “Idol” alumni, including David Archuleta, Daniel Seavey, and season 20’s Leah Marlene.

Two other significant gigs scheduled for Tongi in California are a free concert he’ll headline on July 27 at the California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles and a set at the Holo Holo Festival in Sacramento on September 9.

On October 7, Tongi will perform his first concert outside the U.S. at the Eden Festival in Auckland, New Zealand. Even though Tongi won “American Idol,” according to local site Newshub, he has also been “embraced by the Tongan and Samoan communities of New Zealand.”

Earlier this month, on June 7, Tongi was a huge draw at the “19 Takeover” concert in Nashville featuring eight “American Idol” winners and finalists.

Iam Tongi Working With Major Songwriters & Producers on New Music

In addition to preparing for his upcoming shows, Tongi has been busy working with well-known songwriters and producers on new music. On June 2, he posted an Instagram photo of him and Olivier Bassil, tagging the multi-platinum producer and Bassil’s longtime collaborator Clever. Both songwriters are known for their chart-topping hits with rap artists including Post Malone, NBA YoungBoy, Kevin Gates, and Ace Hood among others.

“Back in the studio with some new music, Yessah @olivierbassil and @whoisclever 🔥🤙🏾” Tongi wrote.

Bassil commented, “Can’t wait for the world to hear this 🙌”

On June 16, musician Blessing Offor posted an Instagram photo of himself in a recording space with Tongi and wrote, “I’m such a huge fan of Iam, both the person, and The Voice, or should I say the American Idol 😂 bro the song is straight fire! I can’t wait to see where your career takes you!”

Then, on June 18, Tongi shared a photo in his Instagram Stories of himself at a microphone with headphones on, holding a lyric sheet for a song called “Why Kiki?”

Over the photo, Tongi wrote, “New tunes heading your way” and tagged songwriter and producer Paul Sikes — who’s written songs for artists including Lainey Wilson, Matt Stell, Jimmie Allen, and Billy Ray Cyrus — and singer-songwriter Jake Rose, who’s penned tunes for Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban among others.

Sikes shared Tongi’s Story and wrote, “@wtongi fresh off that American Idol win. Excited to work on this special song with @jakerosemusic”

Tongi’s first single, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” which was released days before the “Idol” finale, shot straight to Number One on the Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales chart. His new record label 19 Recordings — an arm of BBR Music — hasn’t announced yet when his new music will be officially released.

Police have released new details after pop star Bebe Rexha was rushed to the hospital on June 18, 2023, injured by a concertgoer who hurled a cell phone at her during a concert at Pier 17 in New York City. Rexha, who mentored contestants during season 20 of “American Idol” and has performed on the show multiple times, can be seen in viral videos falling to her knees onstage after being hit in the eye by the phone — an act the fan told police he thought would be “funny.”

The scary scene was captured by various concertgoers on their cell phones, including one that showed Rexha, 33, being helped by paramedics. The man who threw the phone was arrested and is being charged with assault, according to NBC News.

Rexha, meanwhile, has let fans know she’s okay but has shared photos of her bruised and bandaged face. Here’s what you need to know:

Videos by Concert Attendees Reveal Details of Incident at Bebe Rexha Concert

The morning after Rexha was injured onstage, the “I’m Good (Blue)” singer posted updates on social media with photos of her bruised and bandaged eye, which required stitches, WNBC reported.

“Im good,” she captioned two photos on Instagram. On TikTok, Rexha posted a five-second video of herself singing one line from her hit song — “I’m good, yeah I’m feeling alright” — and removed her sunglasses to reveal her injury.

The video above, taken by a concertgoer and shared on Twitter, shows Rexha walking towards the audience when a cell phone flies threw the air and hits her in the face. In the video, viewed over 3 million times at the time of publication, Rexha immediately turns around and slowly falls to her knees in pain.

Midday on June 19, another fan posted a video on Twitter of a man in the audience admitting to throwing the phone and being escorted away by security as a woman yelled, “That is assault, that is assault!”

A third video taken by another fan showed Rexha being escorted off the stage by EMS personnel as she held her hand over her face. As the crowd chants her name, she raises her other hand in the air to wave goodbye.

According to CBS News, the New York Police Department has confirmed that a 27-year-old New Jersey man named Nicolas Malvagna was arrested for “intentionally” throwing the phone at Rexha. Malvagna’s boss at a luxury dog kennel in New Jersey confirmed to the Daily Mail that he was involved in the incident.

Judy Gorski, owner of K9 Resorts in East Brunswick, told the outlet, “I understand one of our employees was attending the Bebe Rexha concert on his personal time. I was shocked to learn of his arrest. My staff and I do not condone violence in any form, regardless of intent, and this action does not align with our values as a company.”

Late on June 19, The Independent reported that, according to arraignment documents, Malvagna told police, “I was trying to see if I could hit her with the phone at the end of the show because it would be funny.”

Malvagna now faces two charges of assault, one charge of aggravated harassment, one charge of attempted assault and one charge of harassment, the outlet said. He is due in court on July 31.

Bebe Rexha Receives Outpouring of Well Wishes From Fans & Famous Friends

GettyBebe Rexha at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Cannes Gala in May 2023

Lots of fans and famous friends left notes of encouragement and frustration on Rexha’s social media posts, including multiple musicians connected to “American Idol” who sent their good wishes on Instagram.

Singer Pia Toscano, a season 10 finalist on “Idol” who now frequently tours with David Foster and Andrea Bocelli, commented, “That was so not cool. I’m so sorry this happened to you”

Kris Pooley, who serves as music director both “American Idol” and judge Katy Perry, wrote, “Dang! Looking pretty tough tho. Speedy recovery! :)”

Another Top 10 finalist, Ada Vox from season 16, wrote, “Ooo mamaaaa. They got you girl… lol So glad you turned out alright! Love you, baby❤️❤️❤️❤️”

Rexha’s next tour stop, supporting her recently-released album “Bebe,” is scheduled for June 20 in Philadelphia. The singer is expected to go on with the show.

Fans went wild when Hallmark star Andrew Walker recently shared a movie poster on social media for a film purportedly starring him, Tyler Hynes, Paul Campbell and Nikki DeLoach called “Charlie’s Snow Angels.” The possibility of a reunion for the “Three Wise Men and a Baby” cast alongside fan favorite DeLoach sent fans into a frenzy, with many begging Walker to let them know if it was a real project in the works — and, if not, to make it so.

Walker set the record straight in a recent interview with Heavy, explaining that the movie poster was just a spoof, but that he’d love to see the concept — which was originally DeLoach’s idea — become an actual movie.

“It’s not happening — yet,” Walker said, adding that he’s excited to see whether Hallmark acts on fans’ overwhelming response and that he’s confident network execs are strategizing about how best to reunite the “Three Wise Men” cast onscreen. Here’s what you need to know:

Hallmark Fans Go Wild for ‘Charlie’s Snow Angels’ Concept

While attending the Christmas Con fan convention in Kansas City, Walker uploaded a spoof movie poster for “Charlie’s Snow Angels” on June 9, 2023 — which was his 44th birthday. The image features DeLoach with her Louboutin heels up on her desk as the “Three Wise Men” stars pose behind her in matching holiday sweaters. Above them, the tagline reads, “With these angels around, she’ll need a miracle.”

“On my birthday and first day of #christmascon I give you this gift… from @the_slush,” Walker captioned the post. “Love you all and thank you for all the wishes. 😘”

Many fans assumed the professionally-designed movie poster was touting a real movie, especially after DeLoach commented and shared it in her Instagram Stories, writing, “Cannot wait for everyone to see our movie!”

But the movie poster, Walker told Heavy, was actually created by award-winning designer and creative director Rick Slusher after DeLoach suggested the concept during another ChristmasCon weekend last December. Slusher is married to Breanne Heldman, a People magazine editor who moderated a panel discussion at the event with Walker, Hynes, Campbell, and DeLoach.

“Three Wise Men and a Baby” premiered on November 22 and by the time fans gathered at ChristmasCon, it was already a huge hit, becoming the most-watched movie across all cable TV in 2022. When Heldman asked the audience if they wanted a sequel, Walker recalled, the crowd roared with applause.

Walker told Heavy, “Nikki took the mic and she goes, ‘I have an idea!’ ‘Cause Paul said, you know, ‘It’s really tough for us to live up to the expectations that the first one had and sequels never really hit like the first one. So we’re a bit stuck on, you know, if we were asked to do another ‘Three Wise Men,’ what would it be?'”

“And Nikki’s the one that came up with this concept,” Walker continued. “She goes, ‘Well guys, I need to be part of the next one. So maybe we do ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and I’m Charlie!'”

Slusher “took that and ran with it,” Walker said, “and his body is … the hands and then he just superimposed our faces on his body. But that movie is not happening — yet. We’ll see if Hallmark responds to the response.”

“I’d like to see it actually,” Walker added. “Like us saving Christmas or something?”

The fan response to the movie poster was swift and loud with over 1,200 fans commenting, including many who begged Walker for confirmation that it was real.

One wrote, “Please tell me this will be a real movie 🙏🏻 the four of you = pure magic!!!”

Another commented, “There is now an empty spot in my soul until this becomes a reality. 😂😍”

“This better be a real movie or someone better start writing it,” another fan wrote.

Many others assumed the movie is already a done deal and celebrated having a new Christmas movie to look forward to.

“Can’t wait,” one wrote. “This has got to be awesome. What a cast. 4 of Hallmark’s Greatest.”

Andrew Walker Says Success of ‘Three Wise Men’ Opens Up ‘Whole New World’ of Possibilities

The current writers’ strike and potential SAG-AFTRA strike among actors may make a reunion of the “Three Wise Men” cast for a 2023 Christmas movie particularly difficult, Walker told Heavy. The hit movie was co-written by Campbell and Kimberley Sustad, who also appeared in the film, but they were asked to develop the script more than a year before it aired, he said, noting how much he admires Campbell and Sustad as a writing team.

“They’re brilliant minds,” Walker said. “I always say that Paul is the John Cleese of Hallmark. And Kimberley is this powerhouse of a woman that is so real — it’s difficult to find an actress that wears her vulnerability on her sleeve the way she does. She carries herself with such strength but she’s also not afraid to show her cracks, so it’s just the perfect dynamic because she writes the emotional scenes and Paul writes all the humor.”

Even if a 2023 Christmas movie isn’t in the cards, Walker said he’s confident the team will reunite in some way.

“The numbers don’t lie,” he told Heavy, pointing out that when Hallmark’s “Wedding Veil” series generated huge ratings in early 2022, Hallmark moved swiftly to expand the franchise with three more movies in the spring of 2023, reuniting Lacey Chabert, Alison Sweeney and Autumn Reeser.

“They’re gonna strategize and maybe put something together,” Walker said, adding how grateful he is for the onscreen and offscreen chemistry between him, Hynes, Campbell, and Sustad as well as DeLoach, with whom he co-stars in the “Curious Caterer” mystery franchise.

“We hang out together all the time,” he said. “This dynamic of Paul, Tyler, myself and Kimberley in the ‘Three Wise Men’ world right now, there’s a chemistry and an understanding. We’re just so different in, like, our animalistic qualities of who we are and how we carry (ourselves), but somehow we just work. I love spending time with them. They’re just such — I appreciate how smart they are and their sense of humor.”

“Paul can bring down a room, like he is just so funny,” Walker continued. “And then Tyler with his understated ‘Mr. Cool Guy’ thing that he does. It’s just incredible and so funny. I feel so fortunate that we found this in each other now. It’s amazing. It opens up a whole new world for us, you know? And I’m not just saying on camera but off camera, too.”

Though Walker said he doesn’t have any details yet on what Christmas movie he will star in this year, he and DeLoach recently filmed the third installment of their “Curious Caterer Mysteries” and his movie “A Safari Romance” with Brittany Bristow will premiere on August 12.

Country superstar Luke Bryan surprised one lucky fan — and thousands of concert-goers — with a tear-filled reunion during his concert in Darien Center, New York, on June 16, 2023. The “American Idol” judge invited Shannon Dorvee, a devoted fan who had front row tickets and a shirt that read #LukeSquad, onto the stage to help him sing his patriotic hit, “Country On.”

What she didn’t realize was that she was about to be reunited with her husband, a longtime soldier in the U.S. Army who’d been deployed overseas for over a year. Here’s what you need to know:

Luke Bryan Pulled Off Perfect Surprise for Army Wife

The day after the Dorvees’ unforgettable reunion during Bryan’s second concert at the Darien Lake Amphitheater, the star posted a video of the special moment and wrote, “Glad to be part of this reunion. #CountryOn”

In that video, which was filmed by someone onstage, Bryan could be seen pointing to Shannon in the audience before singing “Country On,” a song that became his 30th Number One hit in December 2022, according to his record label, UMG Nashville.

From the stage, Bryan said to her, “Shannon! You’re Shannon, right? You’re Shannon?”

Then, turning to the crowd, he said, “So, Shannon’s husband has been fighting overseas for a couple of years and I want to get her to help me. Come up here with me right now! Yeah, come here!”

Clearly stunned but smiling widely, she began climbing over a barricade and the camera crew then showed her husband standing in his uniform backstage. As she approached Bryan on stage, he began playing “Country On” and singing the first line of the chorus as the crowd joined in.

“I said, hey, hey, U.S.A.,” he sang before giving Shannon a hug. He continued to sing and she raised her arms in the air. Then, the crowd went wild as they noticed her husband walking out on stage. When Shannon turned around, she instantly burst into tears. The couple embraced for a long time, looked at each other and then hugged again as the audience continued to cheer. Bryan could be seen taking a deep breath, touched by the special moment. His wife, Caroline Boyer Bryan, wrote in the comments, “Damn! 🙌🙌🙌”

In another video of the reunion shared on TikTok and Instagram by local radio DJ Kadie Daye of 106.5 WYRK, Bryan could be heard saying, “Give it up for Jeff right here! Jeff Dorvee, ladies and gentlemen! He just got to surprise his girl tonight!” As the couple walked off the stage, the crowd erupted into a chant of “USA! USA!”

Shannon commented on Daye’s Instagram post, “This is awesome thank you for making this !! We truly appreciate all the love & support for our family 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 I love this video so much again thank you ❤️”

Shannon Dorvee Kept a Social Media Tally of the Days Her Husband Was Deployed

The day after reuniting with her husband at Bryan’s concert, Shannon posted an Instagram photo of them with their two young sons in the car and wrote, “Reunited and it feels so good ❤️🤍💙 us DAY 368 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Mission complete ✅”

Shannon kept a tally on her Instagram account of the days Jeff was away, deployed overseas for a full year. She shared photos from his send off on June 15, 2022, and proceeded to share how many days he’d been gone in many of her subsequent posts. Their family would take a life-sized cut-out of him dressed in his fatigues to special events like the kids’ baseball games and even to see Luke Bryan perform in Las Vegas.

According to Jeff’s Instagram account, his mission was part of a promotion in early 2022 to First Sergeant. He spent most of the last year in East Africa and received an “unexpected” Commendation Medal in March 2023 from the US Navy for “planning and executing” training drills for the Army and Navy. When his mission ended in Africa on June 3, he also received a Joint Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Though her husband’s missions were clearly successful, Shannon’s made it clear she’s just happy to have him home. She posted another family photo on Father’s Day and wrote, “My heart is finally full again 💕”

Bryan is notorious for finding unique ways to support and lift up members of the military, including teaming up with former Major League Baseball player Adam LaRoche, who founded and runs the E3 Foundation, dedicated “to supporting our military, the fight against human trafficking, and providing for the food insecure.” In recent months, Bryan’s given away his own truck and trips to destination concerts to raise money for their efforts.

In an episode of “Idol”auditiothat aired in February, he and his fellow judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie were in on a surprise for one of the contestants who auditioned for them, Kaylin Hedges. After the teen shared how much she missed her dad, who’d often been deployed during her childhood and was currently on a mission, he walked in to surprise her and her mom in an emotional reunion.

Bryan shared the moment on Instagram and wrote, “Incredible moment getting to bring Dad home to see his daughter not only sing for us but get the platinum ticket! Thank you for your service and sharing @kaylinhedgesofficial with us.”

Many Hallmark stars have taken to social media for Father’s Day, with some sharing how much they love and admire their dads and others, from Cameron Mathison to Brant Daugherty, revealing how much they love being fathers themselves.

Multiple actresses have also paid tribute to their husbands and dads with touching stories and throwback photos. Heavy has compiled a round-up of many of the stars’ social media posts commemorating the holiday on June 18, 2023.

Many Hallmark Actors Posted Photos With Their Dads & Kids for Father’s Day 2023

On Father’s Day, many so-called “Hunks of Hallmark” used the occasion to celebrate the gifts of fatherhood or pay homage to their own dads.

Cameron Mathison, who’s been in Vancouver filming the next installment of the “Hannah Swensen” mysteries with Alison Sweeney, posted a series of photos of his dad as well as his kids, 20-year-old Lucas and 16-year-old Leila.

Mathison wrote, “Lucas and Leila I honestly don’t have the words to tell you what you mean to me. Hopefully someday you’ll be parents and you’ll understand❤️🙏🏼😌”

The actor continued, “Happy Father’s Day to my amazing dad and to all the dads out there👊🏼”

On Facebook, actor and screenwriter Paul Campbell shared three posts on Father’s Day — a cute video of him giving a piggy back ride to his seven-year-old son Kingston when he was a baby, a photo of red poppies to note that he was “remembering our Canadian & American Veterans,” and he also shared Heavy’s tribute to Hallmark dads.

Aaron O’Connell, who last starred in February’s “Made For Each Other,” shared several past and present photos with his dad in his Instagram Stories, writing, “Happy Father’s Day to my dad who still and will always be able to do anything and everything better than me. 😂 And still has the patience to teach me everything he knows. ❤️”

Brant Daugherty, who has been busy filming a new movie overseas, posted an Instagram photo of him with his wife, Kimberly, and their two-year-old son, Wilder.

“This is my first Father’s Day away from my family as I’ve been stuck in a hotel in Bulgaria for the last few weeks,” he wrote. “I miss them a lot. But we’re heading to France in a few days to finish this movie and they’re meeting me there. And then we get a family vacation. That’s not too shabby. I’m a lucky man and I can’t wait to see you both soon. Happy Father’s Day to me and to all the other dads out there.”

Paul Greene, who is currently filming a new movie in Vancouver and writing a book titled “52 Ways To Be the Dad You Wish You Had,” per his web site, posted a video on Facebook of himself playing at the beach with his 18-month-old son Austin, set to the audio of a motivational speaker stating that those who spend 100 hours a year — or 18 minutes a day — focused on practicing one thing will become great at it.

“The rule of 100,” Greene captioned the video with his toddler. “I love this stat. I could spend 100 hours doing this…”

“When Calls The Heart” star Jack Wagner, who recently commemorated the somber one year anniversary of losing his youngest son, Harrison, spent Father’s Day with his eldest son, Pete. He shared a photo in his Instagram Stories of the two of them standing in front of a pool and wrote, “Backyard workout with @petepiopi32 💪. Grateful 🙏🏻. Happy Father’s Day to all Dads!!”

Meanwhile, actor Tyler Hynes, who doesn’t have kids of his own, posted a cute video of him training his beloved Pomeranian Rusty and wrote, “Happy Daddy Day 🐺.” In his Instagram Stories, he also posted a simple white heart on a black background with the word “Dads” in the center.

Erin Cahill also celebrated the dog dad in her life, husband Paul Freeman. In her Instagram Stories, she posted a photo of him carrying their tiny pump Crumpet, who has his own private Instagram account, in a literal doggy bag — a satchel that Crumpet fit inside during a walk — and she wrote, “Happy Father’s Day @paulfreemanreal! @crumpet_chronicles_ and I are the luckiest to have you in our lives! ❤️”

In addition, Cahill was among multiple Hallmark actresses who honored their own dads for Father’s Day. She posted photos of her father in her Stories and wrote, “No words can say how much I love you … You are an incredible Dad and your daughters love you so much!!”

Hallmark Actresses Pay Tribute to Their Husbands & Dads on Father’s Day

Many Hallmark actresses shared meaningful tributes to their own dads and husbands in honor of Father’s Day. Holly Robinson Peete posted a series of throwback photos featuring her husband, former NFL star Rodney Peete, as a dad to their four kids — Ryan, Roman, Robinson, and Rodney Jr.

She wrote, “Fatherhood is a journey! Thank you for continuing to evolve into the best father and human you can be. We learn so much on this life road. But most of all at the end of the day, it’s being present and consistent that defines a good father. So blessed to call you ours. We love you, Popsy Pops!”

Robinson Peete also posted a separate photo of her dancing with her dad at her wedding. Matt Robinson was an original cast member on the iconic children’s show “Sesame Street,” and died in 2002 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, according to The New York Times.

Becca Tobin, whose Hallmark movie “The Wedding Contract” premiered on June 17, also shared a throwback photo in her Instagram Stories of her hugging her dad at her wedding.

“This was me crying at my wedding because it hit me like a ton of bricks how much he has done to give us a beautiful life,” she wrote.

Nikki DeLoach paid tribute to her dad, who died in 2021 following a heartbreaking journey with Alzheimer’s. She shared two photos — including one of him holding her as a baby — and a video of them on a walk.

In her touching post, DeLoach wrote, “I miss so much about you everyday. Especially on days like today, I am reminded of how blessed I was and am to have had a father who loved so beautifully and unconditionally. Your tender yet steady hand and heart helped me to know that everything was going to be okay. And even though my heart will forever be broken by the profound loss of you, I can still feel your tender, steady presence whispering that it’s all going to be okay.”

In a separate post, DeLoach later paid tribute to her husband Ryan Goodell with a list of the many ways he supports her and their boys, Hudson and Bennett.

“We would be quite literally be lost without you,” she wrote. “And we promise to let you do your favorite thing today and take a nap… maybe.”

Kimberly Williams-Paisley posted an Instagram video of her husband, country star Brad Paisley, playing an upbeat tune on the mandolin as their sons, William Huckleberry “Huck” and Jasper Warren, danced off-camera.

She wrote, “Brad is watching the kids dance to his playing. You can barely see their shadows on the post behind him. 😍😍 Thanks for making life fun @bradpaisley! Happy Father’s Day! We love you! 🦖🦕❤️❤️❤️”

Barbara Niven, who’s been with Mathison in Vancouver on the set of the new “Hannah Swensen” movie, paid tribute to her dad George, who died in 2010. Her dad was born in Vancouver, she wrote, so she always feels closer to him when she’s there. Niven shared a photo of him playing the guitar and another of her raising her glass to the heavens while watching a beautiful sunset on the last day of filming Hallmark’s “Chesapeake Shores,” on which she co-starred with the late Treat Williams for six seasons.

“If you see Treat, maybe he can sing along with you this year,” she wrote. “Can’t wait to see you both again some day. 😇❤️”

Ever since season 20 “American Idol” winner Noah Thompson and runner-up HunterGirl rose to the top two spots on the show in 2022, rumors have been rampant about the two country singers becoming a couple. The buzz escalated after their season finale amid signs that Thompson and his girlfriend Angel Dixon, with whom he shares two-year-old son Walker, had broken up.

Though Thompson has insisted he and HunterGirl were just friends, the rumor mill started churning again in April 2023 when the two singers returned to “Idol” to perform a duet version of his hit song, “One Day Tonight,” which they’ve since released as a single. Thompson has also moved from his hometown of Louisa, Kentucky, to live full-time in Nashville, where HunterGirl also lives.

Some of Thompson’s most rabid fans have even expressed anger toward HunterGirl, wanting her to “stay away” from him. But the 25-year-old singer has now addressed the latest buzz in a new interview, laughing off the rumors and maintaining that they’ve never had a romantic relationship. Here’s what you need to know:

HunterGirl Replies to Rumors of Romance With Noah Thompson: ‘We Were Never Together’

Shortly after season 20 of “Idol” ended, Thompson posted photos and videos of himself in Nashville for writing sessions, record label meetings and hangouts with friends including HunterGirl, which was enough for some fans to suspect their friendship had turned romantic. Their subsequent concert tour and his apparent breakup with the mother of his son in the summer of 2022 further fueled the rumors.

Thompson has never officially confirmed his breakup with Dixon, who appeared multiple times on “Idol” during his run on the show, but they stopped following each other on social media in July 2022 and he deleted all photos of her in his Instagram feed. The rising country star moved to Nashville in early 2023, but did appear in photos Dixon posted on Facebook of a birthday celebration for their son on May 9. She now follows both Thompson and HunterGirl on Instagram, but he still doesn’t follow her.

With the release of Thompson and HunterGirl’s duet, which is a new version of his first hit single, fans have been increasingly suspicious of their relationship. On May 15, Thompson posted an Instagram video in which HunterGirl peeks around a lamp post to tease their duet. While many of Thompson’s fans were thrilled to see them team up on a tune, there were also many who were upset about the pairing, wanting him to have nothing to do with her.

“Hunter girl needs to go away,” one wrote on the post, while another commented, “Noah can go on his own way without stupid Hunter.”

HunterGirl isn’t letting any of the rumors or backlash faze her. In an interview on Evan Paul’s  “Taste of Country Nights” radio show released on June 12, he played a clip for her of Thompson replying in August 2022 to the swirling rumors about them.

He said, “We had our trailers side-by-side, that’s not something we picked. We became close, man. We talked about how one person was feeling this way, or I was feeling this way, whatever. You know, man, she was just kind of there for me and I was there for her. We just became best friends, man, and I love her to death. But we not together by no means.”

After listening to the audio clip, Paul asked HunterGirl if there had ever been “any sort of intimacy whatsoever” between them.

“No,” she replied, “we were never together. I think it was just being the top two (on “Idol”) and then coming off into that tour and stuff. You know, there’s always going to be people talking and stuff, but no. No.”

“He’s such a good guy,” HunterGirl continued. “He’s one of my really good friends and, honestly, it was good to have somebody to talk to coming off the show and coming back to Nashville and trying to figure your life out.”

HunterGirl Has Grown Used to ‘People Being Mean’ Online

With a year of fame under her belt, HunterGirl has grown accustomed to online rumors and social media trolls picking her apart for everything from her relationship with Thompson to her “fluffy” eyebrows, she told Paul during their interview.

HunterGirl said, “Oh my god, it was funny just because some people were commenting like, ‘Yo, what’s going on with your eyebrows?’ I’m like, ‘Dude, I’ve always had, like, thicker eyebrows. I can’t help it!’ I looked up to Brooke Shields as a kid! People are just being mean and I was like, ‘Dude … I’m comfortable with it.’ I was like, ‘I’m good with it, like, I’m not mad about it!'”

The singer-songwriter, who released the new single “Lonely Outta You” in May with a tongue-in-cheek music video, said she’s found a great deal of support from her peers in Nashville, telling Paul that stars like Mitchell Tenpenny and Lainey Wilson have been particularly helpful.

She said, “I think Nashville is such a cool place because it feels like everybody’s cheering you on and if something’s going wrong, or anything happens, they’re just like everybody’s a phone call away.”

According to her record label BBR, which also represents Thompson, HunterGirl is hitting the road this summer for concert dates with country superstars Parmalee, Josh Turner and Luke Combs as well as “Idol” judge Luke Bryan.

Actress Andie MacDowell has given fans a rare glimpse inside her family following the wedding of her son, Justin Qualley, whom she shares with ex-husband Paul Qualley. The star of Hallmark‘s “The Way Home” posted a series of candid photos with family members at the wedding, including her and Qualley’s grown daughters, actresses Margaret and Rainey, and Justin and Nicolette’s one-year-old daughter — MacDowell’s only grandchild — Cozette.

Along with the photos she posted on Instagram on June 16, 2023, MacDowell celebrated how intentional Justin and Nicolette have been about their relationship.

“The best part was the service Julie did a glorious, job, but it was the intention set by Nicolette and Justin with their beautiful words they found and created,” MacDowell wrote. “This is why we wept heartfelt tears because we saw deep love standing in front of us.”

She continued, “Yes, we played, we laughed we partied, we had fun and so much joy. But standing in front of us at that moment were two people taking each other extremely seriously, setting a tone for a life together. A perfect wedding full of love”

Andie MacDowell Marvels at Her Son’s Private, Purposeful Life

Though MacDowell frequently shares photos with her famous daughters, who are public figures, glimpses of her with her son Justin, 36, are far more rare, given that he chooses to lead a very private life with his now-wife and daughter in Montana.

In January 2020, the actress posted a photo of him tending to cows on his Montana ranch and wrote about how proud she was of the life he’s created there.

“My son Justin spent his formative years in Montana surrounded by old timer ranchers and wilderness lovers,” she wrote. “It is in his blood to love the Montana lifestyle. My children and I used to walk up into the wilderness and stop and listen to silence… it is the most beautiful sound you can hear. It’s like God breathing. I feel so fortunate to have a son like Justin who has a depth of heart & compassion for the country life. It’s not about flash or extravagance but simplicity and peace that he desires. He is wise!”

That August, she shared a throwback photo of him for his birthday, praising his kindness and humility.

“Nothing superficial about him,” she wrote. “He doesn’t worry about what he wears or status. He is down to earth and humble.”

When Justin and Nicolette were expecting their baby girl, MacDowell posted a photo from their baby shower in June 2022.

The actress gushed about the couple in her post, writing, “When so much of the world is looking for attention they are looking for each other & are waiting for the perfect gift their child. My son never looks at his phone, he does not live a life online. He has been a blessing and a gift to me from the very beginning. The best thing that ever happened to me. AND I cannot wait to meet my granddaughter! 🥰”

Andie MacDowell Loves Being a New Grandma

GettyAndie MacDowell and her son Justin Qualley at the National Women’s History Museum in March 2020

On January 11, hours before a preview event in New York for “The Way Home” series premiere, MacDowell revealed on “The Today Show” that she’d become a first-time grandma.

“I just spent Christmas with her,” she said. “I’ve never had somebody look into me and see my soul like that. It was definitely a soul-to-soul connection.”

MacDowell has periodically shared photos in her Instagram Stories of her snuggling with Cozette, but the photos she shared from the wedding are the first she’s posted in her feed — including photos of the toddler with her parents and in MacDowell’s arms. The star’s only complaint as a grandma, she told KTVB in March, is that she wishes she could be with her granddaughter more frequently.

“I just don’t see her enough,” she told the station. “That’s the only thing that’s kind of painful, because they live in Montana.”

On the post she shared on June 16, fans and famous friends celebrated seeing MacDowell’s entire family together for such a special occasion.

Actress Julianne Moore wrote, “Congratulations ❤️ what a beautiful family.”

Comedian Kathy Griffin commented, “Beautiful! Everyone! From you to the baby and back. 💕💕💕”

Actress Sharon Stone added, “Sending HEAPS OF LOVE”

Multiple fans noted that they felt like they’d watched MacDowell’s children grow up over the years. One wrote, “I think I still have a file of old magazine clippings with an old one of you when these 3 were little kids. I remember thinking they all won the gene lottery.”

MacDowell’s next big family event may be the wedding of her daughter Margaret to famed music producer Jack Antonoff, who have been engaged since early 2022, according to People.

Two-year-old Rennie Foster has two superstar musicians for parents, but their celebrity friends and fans on social media say the toddler’s percussion skills are stunning for his age, with some calling the talented tot a “child prodigy.” The son of former “American Idol” runner-up Katharine McPhee Foster and her husband, legendary music producer David Foster, Rennie — born in February 2020 — has periodically appeared on his parents’ social media accounts playing his various drum sets, much to fans’ delight.

But the newest video, posted by his famous dad on June 15, 2023, is generating lots of buzz and questions about the toddler’s skills. McPhee Foster has said she keeps thinking their child will lose his passion for percussion and move onto something else, but that so far he’s still “obsessed” with literally marching to his own beat.

Fans Wowed by New Video of Rennie Foster Drumming at Age 2

On June 15, Foster — who first met his wife when he was a celebrity guest on “American Idol” in 2006, per People — posted an Instagram video of Rennie from behind, wearing noise cancelling headphones as he played a Rogue drum set at home.

The proud dad wrote, “PROGRESS!! 2 yrs 3mon” and quickly drew thousands of reactions.

One amazed fan wrote, “How does this even happen? Are there lessons involved? When my son was 2 he took a class where we sat in a circle and banged sticks together. Lol”

Another parent responded, “when my son was two he could almost walk in a straight line. 🤣”

Multiple people asked if Rennie has had lessons, but McPhee Foster replied to one, ”

McPhee Foster’s sister Adriana McPhee, who’s a vocal coach on “American Idol,” wrote, “I taught him everything he knows. Obvi. 🤓”

Many famous friends commented on Rennie’s impressive drum playing, too.

Famed TV director Ryan Murphy wrote, “Astonishing! I love this.”

“The Talk” co-host Amanda Kloots, whose four-year-old son also loves playing the drums, wrote, “Oh Elvis is going to LOVE this video! We have to get them together to play!!”

Robin McGraw, wife of talk show host Dr. Phil, wrote, “Omg!!! Soooo cute!!!!!”

Musician Brandon Jenner, son of Olympic champion and reality star Caitlyn Jenner, commented, “I can’t even wrap my head around this!! 😆🙌🏼🙌🏼”

Michael Orland, who was the musical director on “American Idol” for many years, wrote, “Wow!!!!!!! Most amazing thing ever!!!!!”

Could Katharine McPhee Foster & David Foster’s Son Be a Child Prodigy?

Foster, who’s won 16 Grammy Awards and has launched the careers of music greats including Celine Dion and Michael Bublé, has periodically posted videos of their young son’s prowess for percussion, including the one above featuring him drumming with chopsticks, which has been liked over 335,000 times.

The first video he shared was in August 2022, featuring Rennie using an electronic drum pad. Foster wrote, “Is this normal for a 17 month old?”

In the latest video, multiple fans asked in the comment section whether Rennie has had drum lessons. McPhee Foster replied to one, “Not yet 😍”

“Wow! He’s 100% a child prodigy! Incredible,” someone wrote, echoing a sentiment written by many.

According to music psychology expert Michael Woody, per Psychology Today, a child prodigy is a “young performer whose abilities are exceptional” and not typical for their age. While some children exhibit incredible talent early on, he wrote, it’s “very difficult for young children to maintain their comparative supremacy as they grow up because their peers naturally become more capable themselves.”

“We keep on saying, like, one day he’s gonna drop it and not be into it, but he’s just obsessed, so we’ll see,” McPhee Foster told “Access Hollywood” in December.

“I’d prefer he’s a tennis player, to be honest,” Foster quipped. “Roger Federer or Tommy Lee? I’ll take Roger Federer! No offense to Tommy Lee.”

Actor Jake Epstein has two brand new roles to be excited about. He stars as a soon-to-be-married ad executive in the new Hallmark movie, “The Wedding Contract,” premiering on June 17, 2023. But more importantly, he just announced a role he’ll have for the rest of his life, becoming a first-time dad to baby boy Miles August, born on May 25.

Epstein, who first rose to fame on “Degrassi: The Next Generation” from 2002 to 2009, per IMDb, has been a cast member on multiple TV series including “Designated Survivor” with Kiefer Sutherland, “Suits” with former Hallmark actress-turned-duchess Meghan Markle, and Netflix’s series “The Umbrella Academy.” He also co-starred in 2021’s “Eight Gifts of Hanukkah” on Hallmark Channel.

When Epstein filmed “The Wedding Contract” in Vancouver from March 20 to April 10, per the ACFC West Union website, his wife — fellow Canadian actress Vanessa Smythe — was seven months pregnant with their first child. But they didn’t announce she was expecting until after he was home, in an April 22 post. Once baby Miles arrived, the couple waited over three weeks before announcing the baby’s birth on Instagram. Here’s what you need to know:

Jake Epstein & Vanessa Smythe Introduce Their First-Born to the World

Eighteen days after Miles’ birth, on June 13, Epstein shared a sweet photo of the two of them napping via Instagram, revealing his name and birth date.

“I’m in total awe of his mama and how she is transforming into this amazing new mum before my eyes,” he wrote of Smythe.

Epstein continued, “He’s only been on this planet for 18 days and it feels like I’ve landed in this new alternate reality of life. Being a parent. It’s wild. I’m on no sleep but I couldn’t love this little cuddler, music lover and pooper more. Welcome to the world my guy…”

On the same day, Smythe, best known for playing Michio in Amazon’s original series “The Expanse,” also shared a series of baby photos on her Instagram account. 

“It has been only a couple weeks and yet I swear there is a dimension of time that has wrenched open vertically because it feels like he’s been here for ages,” she wrote. “Holy moly what a trip. Thank your parents if they raised you. This kind of love is so consuming and yet I can’t grasp it with words.”

Epstein and Smythe are about to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary on July 7. On their second anniversary in 2020, Smythe posted a photo from their reception and joked, “I’m so glad I tricked you into marrying me.”

Jake Epstein Already Wants a ‘Baby’ Sequel for ‘The Wedding Contract’

HallmarkBecca Tobin and Jake Epstein in “The Wedding Contract”

A year and a half after appearing in the December 2021 movie “Eight Gifts of Hanukkah,” Epstein returns to Hallmark with his newest movie, “The Wedding Contract.” He and fellow Hallmark alum Becca Tobin play a recently engaged Jewish couple who are starting to think their relationship may be doomed due to their different values and beliefs. Tobin’s character, Rebecca, is “all about home and family” while Epstein’s character, Adam, is “all about work,” per Hallmark’s synopsis.

Epstein told TV Insider that he feels like the storyline is different than many Hallmark movies and “more human.”

“It’s unique,” he said. “Every other Hallmark movie I’ve ever seen is sort of about the love story. In this case it is the love story, but in a way, it’s more human. Yes, romances can happen, but what happens next? What’s the reality of families meeting? Will they get along? Job stuff, does that get in the way of the relationship? It’s kind of a really loving portrayal of a real love story.”

Epstein told TV Insider that he likes doing Hallmark movies because they’re “calming and fun and kind of an escape,” and said he’d “100 percent” like to make a sequel to “The Wedding Contract.”

As for its theme, he brainstormed aloud, “What should be next? Throw in some other holidays. A baby? Throw in the next generation. Being a young parent and navigating everything … I think I nailed it. I think that’s probably next on the list.”

Epstein continued, “In the same way that this movie is kind of showing what happens next after the typical Hallmark romance story, I feel like it would make total sense to show, OK, well, they got married, what would happen next?”

“The Wedding Contract” premieres on June 17 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

When country star Luke Bryan was offered a seat at the judges’ table on “American Idol” in 2018, his wife of 16 years, Caroline Boyer Bryan, was not a fan of the idea. On June 11, 2023, she and her mother-in-law, LeClaire Bryan, sat down for an interview in front of a live audience for the “Got It From My Momma” podcast, during which they talked about what it’s been like to be the support system for Bryan during his red-hot career.

LeClaire said one of the biggest perks of being the country star’s mom is getting to travel to exotic locations, including going to Hawaii with “American Idol.” But one of the downsides, the duo said, was the stress of deciding whether he should join the show back in 2018, with Caroline saying she was “scared” of the idea. Here’s what you need to know:

Luke Bryan’s Mom Recalls His Wife Worrying About ‘Idol’

Bryan joined the cast of “American Idol” in 2018, when ABC rebooted the show a year after FOX cancelled the long-running series. Though Ryan Seacrest continued as host, ABC hired a new panel of judges with Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, who have stuck together for six seasons. Though there’s been no official announcement as to whether they’re all returning for season 22, all three have said in interviews that it’s likely.

“I don’t see the reason why I wouldn’t come back with my fellow judges,” Bryan told Access Hollywood in May. “We have a great time doing this and it feels good.”

When podcast host Jennifer Vickery Smith asked LeClaire and Caroline what they thought when Bryan was first offered the role on “American Idol,” his mom said it did not sit well with his wife. She recalled a discussion about it while visiting their beach house in Florida.

“I was at Luke and Caroline’s at the beach and I was sitting down in my little camper,” LeClaire explained. “They bought me a little camper and that was my private bedroom. And Caroline was down there and she said, ‘Mama, I just don’t know about Luke doing this ‘American Idol’ stuff. What do you think?'”

She continued, “I said, ‘Luke is doing this because he’s always wanting to make things better for y’all. It’s not about Luke.’ It was about the family and doing stuff to make it better for them.”

Though it’s not known how much the judges currently make per season, the Wall Street Journal reported in 2018 that Bryan would earn $12 million for the first season he served as a judge.

“And everybody loves it,” his mom told Smith on the podcast. “I know it’s hard on Caroline not having (him around), but it’s been hard on Caroline since she married Luke! I mean, Luke’s gone. She’s there with the children and she’s been amazing.”

On the same day his mom and wife were appearing on the podcast, Bryan told “Entertainment Tonight” that he’s well aware how much his job has kept him away from his family, including his 12- and 15-year-old sons, especially this year.

“I’m not really balancing it that well this year,” he said, adding that he’d admitted as much to Caroline. “I’m like, ‘Baby, this is a rough year, let’s just get through it and then we’ll find a boat and go to the Caribbean or something.'”

The Bryans live on a 150-acre farm outside of Nashville, according to Velvet Ropes. But Bryan hasn’t been there a lot this year, between filming “Idol” and being on tour, with many more concert dates to come this summer.

Caroline Bryan Says She Was ‘Scared’ About Husband Luke Bryan Joining ‘American Idol’

When Smith asked, during the podcast taping, about Caroline’s trepidations surrounding “Idol,” she said, “Well, anytime you involve the whole L.A. stuff, you just get a little … I mean, I was scared. But it’s gone smoother than I ever thought. But you know, I was scared, I was. But then, it’s been fine.”

At an artist panel at the 2021 Country Radio Seminar, Bryan said that he had his own concerns about joining the show, including being worried his fans thought he was moving on from country music, according to Taste of Country. So he leaned on some famous friends for advice — Blake Shelton, who just left “The Voice” after 23 seasons, and his “Idol” predecessor on the judging panel, Keith Urban.

“My biggest thing with ‘Idol’ is, ‘Well, will it affect my music career?'” Bryan said, and then joked,  “I had some talks with Blake Shelton, which I would never recommend, “and I even called Keith Urban up.”

Before the season 21 finale, during which Urban returned to perform and mentor the contestants, Bryan told Access Hollywood about leaning on him for advice.

“He was one of the first phone calls I made when I was thinking about being a judge on ‘American Idol,’ and he was so supportive of it,” he recalled. “He told me I’d be a fool not to!”

Despite her early concerns, Caroline has even appeared on the show. In 2022 when she pulled a prank on her husband as he and his fellow judges taped auditions, dressing up like a member of the cleaning crew. In between auditions, Caroline walked onto the set disguised in a wig, hat and surgical mask and began loudly cleaning the piano.

“Aggressive on the piano,” Bryan quietly said to Perry, who was in on the joke.

Once someone pretending to be a contestant started auditioning, Caroline stood in the background and made other loud noises, from letting her phone ring to opening a bag of chips, causing the judges to stop production. Bryan was floored once he figured out it was all a prank, which the couple loves to play on each other.

In addition to touring and “Idol,” Bryan has also been working on a new album. According to American Songwriter, his newest single, “But I Got a Beer in My Hand,” is the first release from an unfinished EP.

With season 21 of “American Idol” in the rearview mirror, Top 8 finalist Oliver Steele is opening up not only about life after “Idol,” but also what life was life during the show.

In a wide-ranging interview on the “American Idol Unaired” podcast, posted on June 12, 2023, Steele talked about the tight bond formed among the contestants behind-the-scenes as they dealt with everything from fame to food choices, becoming a “family” in the process. Here’s what you need to know:

Oliver Steele Says Season 21 Contestants Became a ‘Family’

Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie repeatedly said on-air that they’d never seen a more talented group of contestants. Steele told “Unaired” host Bennett Scheer that producers also said they were the most deeply bonded group of contestants they’d ever seen. After the Top 26 who made it through Hollywood Week and the Showstopper Round in Hawaii waited at home to return to Los Angeles for the live shows, Steele said producers held a Zoom call with them.

He recalled, “They started off the Zoom call by saying, ‘Hey guys, we just want you all to know that in the history of the show, we have never had a group of contestants that has shown so much, like, love and support towards each other. Like, you are so kind and so loving with each other and we have never seen that.'”

“And we were just like, ‘Yeah, we know,'” Steele continued. “I mean, the thing about it is most of us understood that this is a shared experience that not very many people go through in life. First of all, it’s an opportunity in and of itself for one person alone, but for all of us to go through this thing together, there’s gotta be a bond. Like, we are a family. And that’s the word we used, was family.”

The group got so close and spent so much time together, in fact, that on June 9, after watching some of his castmates perform in Nashville, Steele shared on Instagram that he was having a hard time adjusting to life without them.

“Truth be told, I’ve been having a bit of a rough time since the end of the show,” he wrote, adding that he realized it wasn’t just having to deal with a death in his family, getting sick, and not being sure what steps to take next after the season finale, but that he was missing his “Idol” family.

“I haven’t felt the same,” he wrote. “There’s been a constant feeling of something missing. I thought maybe I felt stuck, like things weren’t happening fast enough for me, despite trying to remind myself to be patient. But after the incredible show at @thevalentinenashville last night, I realized something.”

Realizing life hadn’t felt the same without their “crazy little family,” Steele wrote, “I guess I didn’t account for making so many incredible friends and forging such strong bonds. We went from seeing each other every single day, to now hardly seeing one another at all!”

Steele isn’t the only one who’s been singing the praises of that newfound “family.” Fellow finalist MaryBeth Byrd posted on Instagram after the May 23 season finale about how grateful she was for them, including her newfound besties Colin Stough and runner-up Megan Danielle.

“I can’t even express how blessed I feel to have chased my dreams along side such an amazingly talented group of artist,” she wrote. “I’m so proud of my idol family!”

On May 14, Top 5 contestant Wé Ani told Heavy that in addition to leaning on support from family and friends back home, “the support we have for each other (on the show) is just like family too. It’s a wild ride.”

Season 21 Contestants — and Jelly Roll — Bonded Over Food & Fame

ABCTop 26 “American Idol” Season 21 contestants celebrate in Hawaii

During his “American Idol Unaired” interview, Steele said behind-the-scenes of the show, life was not always glamorous and that basic needs — like what they were going to eat next — was always top-of-mind. After discussing Steele’s recent impromptu performance while eating at a Whataburger restaurant with “Idol” winner Iam Tongi, who became his closest friend on the show, Scheer said he assumed food was probably the last thing on their minds while filming the “Idol.”

Steele countered, “Oh no. It’s absolutely on the beginning of our priority list. Because we’re starving when we wake up. We’re hungry — like, ‘When’s breakfast?’ and then we’re like, ‘Alright, when’s lunch? What is for lunch?’ Someone like me, I’m like, ‘What are we having to eat today?'”

Steele said he and his castmates frequently went out to eat in Los Angeles or had food brought in. So often, in fact, that they started getting tired of eating food from the same quick-serve restaurants.

He said, “We ate at In-N-Out, we had WABA (Grill) a lot — that’s what they would feed us on set with WABA or California Pizza Kitchen. And we got tired of it all. Chipotle was a popular destination, it was like, right by our hotel. Starbucks. I think we had Shake Shack a couple of times, which is okay. I’ll be honest, there weren’t a lot of great options around where we were at.”

Steele recalled a funny moment at an In-N-Out Burger joint when a staffer there was excited to see Tongi but said nothing to Steele about being on “Idol.”

“Like, I’m standing next to him,” he laughed. “I’m like, ‘I was his duet partner.’ Like, I don’t actually care. It makes me so happy when so many people show their love to him. Like, it fills me up with so much pride. Everywhere we would go, he’d get recognized.”

In addition to forming a close bond with his fellow castmates, Steele has also felt grateful for the connections he’s made with stars who appeared on the show, from his own music idol Ed Sheeran to country star Jelly Roll, who recently invited Steele to join him onstage for a duet in Nashville, per Billboard.

“Man, Jelly’s cool as hell,” Steele said on the “Unaired” podcast. “He took me out to eat, like me and MaryBeth (Byrd) and him, like two nights in a row in L.A.”

Steele said one night, he was salivating over a steak on the menu, but it was the most expensive item. So he asked Jelly Roll if he’d mind if he ordered it.

“He goes, ‘I don’t give a damn if you order five of them, dude! It’s tax deductible!’ He’s like, ‘You get whatever you want’ … That dude is so cool and is experiencing a wave of success that is just like, I see that and I’m like, ‘I want to be that successful one day.’ And he keeps his people close around him, and he knows how to give back.”

Now that Steele is back home in Tennessee, he’s still adjusting to life after “Idol,” he said.

“It’s just hard not being able to see, like, my brothers and sisters I met on the show,” he said. “I don’t know what the future holds and I’m not supposed to. None of us are supposed to know, and that’s something that brings me peace when I think about it.”

An ongoing issue with online scammers pretending to be popular celebrities seems to only be worsening for many Hallmark stars whose fans keep reporting that they’ve been tricked into corresponding with and even giving money to fake accounts posing as their favorite actors on social media.

Hallmark actors from Ryan Peavey to Victor Webster have issued warnings to fans in recent weeks, urging them not to fall prey to “scumbag con artists,” as Webster described them in a recent post. Resources are available, including from Hallmark, to help consumers steer clear of fake accounts. Here’s what you need to know:

Multiple Stars Have Issued Warnings About Their Fans Being Duped by Scammers

Celebrity impersonators have been scamming fans online for years, according to AARP, which says one common tactic for celebrity imposters is replying to comments on online fan page posts, especially on Facebook and Instagram, pretending to write a personal message from the star or someone who works for them. The fake account of a famous actor or musician, AARP said, will often write that they’re flattered, “values your fandom and would love to meet you,” but asks that the fan first donate to their charity or fundraiser, or purchase their merchandise.

Ryan Paevey, who sells handmade jewelry through his Fortunate Wanderer website when he’s not filming, has posted many warnings on his social media accounts over the last several years, including two videos shared in his Instagram Stories on June 14, 2023. Paevey said the scammers are growing more clever, and that some have gone so far as to buy merchandise from his online shop and then resell it to fans as a way to make money and try to convince them it’s really him.

Meanwhile, Webster shared in his Instagram Stories on May 9 that he’d heard from multiple fans that people pretending to be him or a member of his team had attempted to interact privately with them.

“I have to make this post every few months,” he wrote, and then assured fans, “I am not reaching out to people to chat privately. On Facebook or Instagram. I don’t have telegram, I don’t even know what telegram is. Please don’t be fooled by scam artists out there.”

Webster added, “I don’t have a manager that speaks on my behalf, I don’t have a private account, please don’t let these scumbag con artists lure you in.”

Back on March 11, actress Alicia Witt also issued a warning to fans in an Instagram post, urging fans to be careful online.

She wrote, “beloved ones, i know most of you do know this, but allow me to say once more: i have one and *only one* verified page on every platform. it’s like whackamole- no matter how many times you alert them to the imposters, five more pop up.”

Hallmark stars often love interacting with fans at official conventions or by replying to and retweeting comments on their official social media accounts, but some fans have been burned by imposters taking it a step further, asking them to send money, “friend” them on their personal feeds or connect privately.

In February 2022, one fan tweeted about falling for an imposter who pretended to be actor Tyler Hynes on multiple sites. And though she didn’t get involved financially, she said the scammer took advantage of her emotionally.

“I’m definitely naive to a lot of things, but this hurt me so deep,” she wrote in one tweet, and then continued, “I didn’t loose any money. The scam was to my heart and soul thinking I was talking to Tyler and it was someone who took what was meant for him. I was naive, but I’m only guilty of loving Tyler Hynes so much.”

Resources Available to Help Fans Navigate Online Scams

GettyFacebook is reflected in the eye of a man looking at the site

With scammers growing more clever all the time, quickly re-emerging even after their other accounts are blocked, organizations are continually looking for ways to stop the madness and offering consumer resources to help fans stay safe.

During ChristmasCon, the fan convention held in Kansas City in mid-June, Hallmark Media issued a list of official social media accounts for all of its stars who were in attendance, urging fans to only interact with those real accounts. Witt was among the stars who shared the link via Instagram.

AARP has created a Fraud Watch Network Helpline for both members and nonmembers to call when they’re not sure whether or not they’re being scammed. The free hotline — at 877-908-3360 — is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

And the Federal Trade Commission has an online guide to detecting celebrity scams, encouraging fans not to quickly jump into interactions with so-called stars.

Chloe Roche, fraud team leader at CEL Solicitors, a firm that helps victims recoup money lost in online scams, told Birmingham Live that imposters often try to find people who are looking for love and companionship.

“The lure of a celebrity is compelling for someone looking for love online,” she said. “Sadly, manipulative scammers make the impossible seem possible, often playing on people’s vulnerabilities to get their hands on their cash.”

In a cruel twist, she said when people are victims of a scam, they are sometimes re-targeted by the same scammers, who then pose as someone who can help them out of their jam.

She said, “A lot of scammers often re-target their victims, posing as professional advisers, so it’s always important to check the credentials of anyone offering to help you get your money back from a scam.”

Meanwhile, experts say it’s also important not to fall for fake product endorsements. In April, the Better Business Bureau also issued a warning to fans about fake — but incredibly convincing — celebrity endorsements, many of which have been created using artificial intelligence (AI) to make it look like a star is speaking about and endorsing a particular product, event or charity.

“Don’t assume celebrity posts, images, or videos are legitimate until you verify they came from an official source,” the BBB says, citing an example of a video that went viral in the spring that made it look like Pope Francis was wearing a designer jacket.

Despite missing the last two months of his senior year due to his “American Idol” schedule, Season 21 winner Iam Tongi was able to graduate from Decatur High School in Federal Way, Washington, on June 12, 2023. The 18-year-old singer, whose first single has already topped the Billboard charts, returned home after an eventful weekend at CMA Fest in Nashville for the ceremony and even serenaded the crowd. Here’s what you need to know:

Iam Tongi Dedicates Song to Classmates at Graduation Ceremony

Fresh off his appearances during CMA Fest in Nashville, including a reunion concert with some of his fellow “Idol” contestants, Tongi made it home to Federal Way to receive his diploma. Dressed in a navy blue cap and gown, the singer posted several videos in his Instagram Stories of him and his friends driving to the ceremony, celebrating afterward and also one of him singing the school song for Kahuku High School in Hawaii, where he received an honorary diploma in May.

Tongi grew up in Kahuku, on the island of Oahu, but he famously told celebrity judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan during his “Idol” audition that his family had been “priced out of paradise.” They had to move to Federal Way — located about 40 minutes from Seattle — when he was a freshman in high school. During his “Idol” hometown visit on May 16, he stopped by Kahuku High School, where he would have graduated from had he not moved to Washington. The school’s principal, Dr. Donna Lindsey, gave Tongi an honorary diploma and red cap and gown.

At the June 12 ceremony, after receiving his official diploma from Decatur High School, Tongi performed two songs for the crowd and his classmates. KITV-4 Island News reporter Mika Miyashima posted an Instagram video from the ceremony, and a video of Tongi receiving his diploma and singing was also shared on YouTube, as seen above.

“I just wanted to thank all the staff, all the teachers,” Tongi said before singing. “Thank you guys for everything and for supporting on this journey. And I wanted to dedicate this song to all of my classmates.”

“When I won ‘American Idol’ I sang this song as my last song,” he continued. “I want to sing this song for you guys ’cause we’re all winners today. That was kinda corny, but yeah!”

He then began to play Spawnbreezie’s “Don’t Let Go,” but started to laugh and exclaimed, “Restart, restart!” Members of his class and the crowd screamed through much of his performance, as well as when he walked across the stage to receive his diploma.

Teachers Helped Iam Tongi Make Sure He Had Enough Credits to Graduate

ABCIam Tongi performs on “Live With Kelly and Mark” on May 23, 2023

Tongi missed a significant amount of school to appear on “American Idol,” since he had to attend initial auditions in the fall of 2022, Hollywood Week, time in Hawaii filming the Showstopper Round, and then competing on the live shows in April and May.

ABC does provide tutoring for minors with on-set teacher Lena L. Liu, but keeping up with homework can be challenging given the busy schedule. During Season 21, 17-year-old contestant Haven Madison shared photos in her Instagram Stories of working with Liu — and a post with her dog Romeo – in between rehearsals and fittings. But since Tongi was already 18 while filming, it’s not clear if he was required to attend tutoring sessions.

On May 25, his English teacher at Decatur High School, Matt Vaeena, told the Seattle Times that the staff was working to help Tongi graduate with his classmates. 

“We’ve built a plan for him to be able to meet the graduation requirements that he needed to and have the opportunity to walk with his class,” he said.

But Vaeena also added that Tongi was “definitely a kid that I had to wrangle a couple times and really get on for getting things done, but he was able to get everything he needed to get done in the first semester and I’m sure in the next couple of days he’ll be able to wrap up the second semester as well.”

As for Tongi’s musical prowess, that came as no surprise to his teacher and friends.

“The kid walked around the school hallways with his guitar,” Vaeena said. 

As details emerge about actor Treat Williams’ fatal motorcycle accident on June 12, 2023, authorities in Vermont have revealed the Hallmark star was still alive at the scene of the crash. A friend who witnessed the crash ran over to Williams and said the actor was able to answer his questions as they waited for help.

During an update with members of the media on June 13, according to WAMC Public Radio, Lieutenant Steve Coote of the Vermont State Police Department confirmed Williams suffered “critical injuries” in the accident late Monday afternoon, was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a New York hospital, and did not die until later that evening.

Colleagues still coming to grips with Williams’ sudden death, including many of his Hallmark co-stars, continue to share touching tributes to the beloved actor, who was 71 at the time of his death. Here’s what you need to know:

Police Provide New Details About Aftermath of Treat Williams’ Motorcycle Crash

GettyTreat Williams with his wife Pam and son Gill in 2019.

In an updated police report released on June 13, the Vermont State Police Department said Williams’ crash occurred around 4:53 p.m. on Route 30 in the town of Dorset, which is about seven miles from the sprawling farm where Williams lived with his wife, Pam Van Sant.

Police reported that 35-year-old Ryan Koss, who was driving southbound in a 2008 Honda Element, attempted to turn left into a parking lot. The initial investigation indicates he stopped, signaled a left turn, and then turned into the northbound path of Williams’ 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle.

“Williams was unable to avoid a collision and was thrown from his motorcycle,” the report said, which added that Williams was wearing a helmet.

The accident occurred in front of Long Trail Auto as owner Matt Rapphahn was standing outside with a customer, he told local TV station WCAX. Rapphahn called 911 before running over to the scene, only to discover the motorcycle rider was Williams, who he considered a friend.

“He was responsive to questions,” Rapphahn told the station. “I had my hopes pretty high that he was going to pull through.”

During the police department’s press conference, per WAMC, Coote explained that once authorities arrived, “Williams was being treated by EMS and was life flighted to Albany Medical where, unfortunately, later on that evening he was pronounced deceased.”

Entertainment Tonight reported that authorities are “waiting on further details of Williams’ condition before his death from medical examiners.”

In order to airlift Williams to Albany Medical Center, which is located more than 60 miles from the scene of the accident, Dorset fire chief Jacob Gribble told People that the Manchester Fire Department had to set up a landing zone for the helicopter. According to LifeNet of New York, each of its 10 helicopters are staffed by a “specially qualified” paramedic and nurse capable of providing critical care “assessments, medications, and interventions” that are “well beyond the prescribed protocols for ground-based ambulances.”

According to WAMC, Coote said there’s an ongoing investigation into what caused the accident and who may be at fault. A crash reconstruction team is using technology including a drone flight to calibrate speeds and gather other information, he said.

Williams is survived by his wife and their grown children, 31-year-old son Gill and 24-year-old daughter Ellie, per People. 

Hallmark Co-Stars Continue to Pay Tribute to Treat Williams as Network Plans Special Movie Night in His Honor

HallmarkBrad Harder, Treat Williams, Jonathan Bennett, and Robert Buckley in “The Christmas House.”

Rapphahn, who stayed with Williams until help arrived, told WCAX that losing him is “just a huge tragedy for the community.”

“He was just like another guy, you know, and every experience I had with him was great,” he continued. “(We’d) just talk about movies, cars, motorcycles, music.”

That has been the consensus among Williams’ most famous friends, too, who have repeatedly noted how down-to-earth, gifted and kind the actor was in their tributes to him.

On June 13, Jonathan Bennett wrote a lengthy and emotional Instagram post about what a profound impact Williams had on him and the cast of Hallmark’s “The Christmas House” in 2020, when Bennett played Williams’ son in the network’s first holiday film to feature a gay couple, per the Los Angeles Times.

“I’ve never laughed or loved harder on a set than with him and our magical Mitchell Family that he was the cornerstone of,” Bennett recalled. “But something he did that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life is the hug he made sure to give Brad my TV husband as he got out of the car in our first scene. That will always stick with me.”

Bennett continued, “He wanted to make sure as a TV father he was on camera giving his gay son’s husband a huge hug and kiss when we showed up for Christmas. He thought it was important for other fathers watching to see the love and support between a dad and his son’s husband, it was so important to him. That’s the kind of love Treat had for all of us.”

Hallmark Channel has announced that it will air a special presentation of the movie in honor of Williams on Friday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Meanwhile, “Aurora Teagarden” star Marilu Henner spoke to People about her decades-long bond with Williams, who she co-starred with in her first Broadway show, “Over Here,” which premiered in 1974.

“We never lost touch,” Henner told the magazine. “We supported each other and we always checked in. He was an extraordinary person. He was so talented. We were a staple in each other’s lives and we were in the Hallmark family. He had great energy and he loved being an actor and he loved his family most of all. And loved his life. This is so painful to all of us who loved him.”

Barbara Niven, who co-starred with Williams on the Hallmark series “Chesapeake Shores,” wrote an Instagram tribute on June 13, recalling how much fun he was on set throughout their six seasons together. She also shared a touching anecdote about him.

“Treat was a pilot and loved flying,” she shared. “He often texted me photos from the window of his airplane, looking out at the sky. He knew that one of my favorite poems is ‘High Flight,’ written by John Gillespie Magee. It talks about ‘touching the face of God’ while you’re flying. I always asked Treat, is that what it feels like? Did you touch God today? I think that’s what he is doing right now. Fly high, Treat. Thank you for letting us fly with you for a little while. We will miss you dearly. ❤️”

Country star Luke Bryan’s music career has him busier than ever, but that’s made it hard to spend enough quality time with his family this year. The “American Idol” judge said in a new interview that he’s looking for ways to reconnect with his wife and kids in between touring and other gigs, but he’s likely going to have to slow down and back off certain commitments next year. Here’s what you need to know:

Luke Bryan Tries to Make Time With Family ‘Really, Really Count’

During a Nut House fan club party at his Nashville bar on June 11, 2023, Bryan told “Entertainment Tonight” that his work-life balance is definitely off these days.

“I’m not really balancing it that well this year,” he said, adding that he admitted as much to his wife of 16 years, Caroline Boyer. “I’m like, ‘Baby, this is a rough year, let’s just get through it and then we’ll find a boat and go to the Caribbean or something.'”

When ET reporter Rachel Smith teased him, “You always say that,” Bryan laughed, “That’s what she says!”

After season 21 of “American Idol” wrapped in late May, Bryan went on to appear at CMA Fest and started prep for his new Country On concert tour, which kicks off June 15 in Syracuse, New York. He’ll play 29 dates plus perform at multiple summer festivals before starting a Las Vegas residency on August 30 at the new Resorts World Theatre. After that, he’ll play his annual Farm Tour dates, on five family farms around the country.

In the midst of his chaotic schedule, Bryan has found a bit of time to bond with his sons — Thomas “Bo” Boyer Bryan, 15, and Tatum “Tate” Christopher Bryan, 12. In 2017, he and Caroline also adopted his nephew and two nieces — Til, Jordan and Kris — who were parentless when Bryan’s brother-in-law died, 10 years after Bryan’s sister did. Right after the “Idol” finale, Bryan flew with Til, Bo and Tate to see a Miami Heat playoff game, and he said they’ve also gone golfing and fishing in between his kids’ travel baseball games.

“You just try to make your time with them at home really, really count,” he told ET.

And though Bryan loves “to get out there and work” and still plans to be “real active” in 2024, he said to ET that he’s also “gonna slow down a few things.” It’s not yet clear whether that includes his involvement with “American Idol,” which has not yet confirmed that all three judges are returning. In fact, Bryan said in May that he may want to take a break or two from the show during the next season, should he return.

Luke Bryan Says He’s Also Preparing New Album

Bryan has also been working on a new album, figuring out how he wants it to sound. According to American Songwriter, his newest single, “But I Got a Beer in My Hand,” is the first release from an unfinished EP.

“We’re kinda going, hearing songs, writing songs, and when we get what we like, we go in the studio,” he explained to ET. “I’ve got some songs that I’m really proud of and I’ve got some new vocal things that I’ve done that I think fans have never heard … Got some other little tricks up my sleeve.”

With 12.5 million albums sold and over 13 billion streams of his songs, according to UMG Nashville, Bryan has established a fairly simple process for making hit records.

He told ET, “I just try to go in the studio, find the best songs I can, write the best songs and sing them and make the best music I can and, you know, thankfully it’s worked for years and (I’m) just always excited to roll new music out.”