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Ted Cruz blamed his daughters for his ill-fated trip during a deadly winter storm in Texas, but now we know the real reason he fled to Cancun: Girls Gone Wild. On Thursday’s episode of the Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast, the gun-loving Texas senator fondly reminisced about the sleazy video series from the 2000s of usually inebriated women baring their breasts for a free t-shirt or hat during spring break, including in Cancun.

“[The Democrats are] doubling down when it comes to so many aspects of the economy — on the cultural social issues, they’re defending drag queens jiggling for kids, actual little tiny children in bars, 21 plus bars in Texas of all places, they’re defending it,” he told giggling co-host Michael Knowles. “You know, Michael, it reminds me of, do you remember those videos that would come out every spring break, Girls Gone Wild and it would have lots of college women in bikinis or not bikinis?”

The phrase “not bikinis” will haunt me for the rest of my life. But go on, Ted:

“It reminds me of much the same thing. This is Liberals Gone Wild. This is the crazy left that — this is AOC and Elizabeth Warren, thank God, not in bikinis, Um, but embracing their socialist nuttiness. I mean, it’s literally like someone sat down at a bar and said, how much crazy crap can we do?”

No one look at his Google history.

Girls Gone Wild founder, Joe Francis, has been arrested and sentenced numerous times, including in 2013 when he was “found guilty of three counts of false imprisonment, one count of assault causing great bodily injury, and one count of dissuading a witness during an incident in his Bel Air mansion in 2011… The charges stem from an incident in January 2011 in which, prosecutors say, Francis took three women home following a night out and refused to let them leave. He was also charged with attacking one of the women and bashing her head onto his tile floor.” In the recent documentary Rich & Shameless: Girls Gone Wild Exposed, a woman named Jannel also claimed that when she was 18, Francis “totally raped me. And then he got off of me like I was garbage.”

But that didn’t stop Ted from fondly recalling those informercial steel drums — or people from being skeezed out by his comments.

After some teasing, Maggie Rogers announced her new album Surrender out in July. Her singles “That’s Where I Am” and “Want Want” showcased her new direction toward bigger, more ambitious pop anthems. About the latter track, she said, “It was really just about the fun of it all. Some bubblegum world to escape to in the middle of the isolation and darkness.” This bright texture of her songs has excited fans, previewing a colorful, uplifting record.

The “Alaska” singer recently announced that she’ll be bringing her new music to stages in the UK and Europe this fall on the Feral Joy tour. It will kick off in Leeds at the O2 Academy at the end of October, and it’ll go through to the end of November, ending in Stockholm at Cirkus. Rogers shared a teaser video promoting the tour today. Presumably, North American dates will be announced at some point in the near future.

Check out the full dates below and find ticket information here.

10/31 – Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy
11/01 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy
11/02 – Dublin, Ireland @ Olympia Theatre – tickets
11/04 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy
11/05 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Victoria Warehouse
11/07 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy
11/08 – Brighton, UK @ Dome
11/10 – London, UK @ Alexandra Palace
11/15 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melkweg
11/17 – Paris, France @ Salle Pleyel
11/19 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Komplex
11/21 – Berlin, Germany @ Huxleys
11/22 – Cologne, Germany @ Live Music Hall
11/23 – Hamburg, Germany @ Fabrik
11/25 – Copenhagen, Germany @ Tap1
11/27 – Oslo, Norway @ Rockefeller
11/28 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Cirkus

Kendrick Lamar visits Accra, Ghana for the first time in the teaser for a new video project shared by Spotify. Although details are light, it appears that it’s a documentary that will premiere on the platform next week. In the teaser, Kendrick shares some of his philosophy, saying, “This life sh*t, it’s all about experience.” From some of the gorgeous imagery taken on the beaches and city streets of Ghana’s capital, he certainly had one heck of an experience there.

The project will be just one that the usually elusive Compton native has released this year. In May, Kendrick returned to the spotlight with the release of his new album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers — his first new album since 2017’s Pulitzer Prize-winning DAMN. The album was accompanied by the single “N95” and a short film based on the album cut “We Cry Together” featuring actress Taylour Paige. Kendrick also announced The Big Steppers Tour supported by his PgLang signees Baby Keem and Tanna Leone.

The album was preceded by a flurry of activity from Kendrick, who teased its release with the fifth installment of his freestyle series, “The Heart.” Earlier this year, he joined Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and 50 Cent at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Stay tuned to see what he does next.

The Rundown is a weekly column that highlights some of the biggest, weirdest, and most notable events of the week in entertainment. The number of items could vary, as could the subject matter. It will not always make a ton of sense. Some items might not even be about entertainment, to be honest, or from this week. The important thing is that it’s Friday, and we are here to have some fun.

ITEM NUMBER ONE — Listen to me

There’s good news and bad news here. Let’s start with the bad: The second season of Hacks ended last week. This isn’t bad because the quality was bad. I enjoyed the second season a lot. I like that they took the Magic Mike approach of “screw it, the sequel is a road trip movie now.” Road trip movies are awesome. Go watch Midnight Run this weekend. Yes, I know that, technically, Hacks is a television show and not a movie. Please do not get hung up on this. I’m building up a head of steam now. Let’s just agree to let this one slide. There’s too much to get to.

Like, for example, the good news: In the second to last episode of the new season, Deborah, played by Jean Smart, takes a chainsaw to the stupid treehouse her neighbors built that blocks her view of the ocean. While obstructed views from multimillion-dollar beach homes would normally be filed under Rich People Stuff I Do Not Care About, this one piqued my interest, mostly because, again, JEAN SMART WITH A CHAINSAW.

This was terrific in the moment and it is terrific in GIF form and those of you who follow me on Twitter can expect to see this sucker hundreds of times over the next few years. I have it in the same folder as the GIF of Judith Light snorting cocaine at a rodeo from the short-lived revival of Dallas on TNT. I have no higher praise to offer.

My only complaint in all of this is that now I want Jean Smart to show up with a chainsaw in more shows. All of them, if possible. Even the news. Especially the news. But that’s probably not realistic. She’s a busy woman. And it would get expensive to run a chainsaw all day, what with gas prices and such. No, we need to prioritize. Let’s do this. Let’s do an incomplete list of shows that could be improved by adding Jean Smart with a chainsaw. Feel free to add your own. But I’ll start:

Succession — Jean Smart takes a chainsaw to Gerri’s office after finding herself in a love triangle with Gerri and Roman

Barry — Jean Smart plays a chainsaw-wielding assassin named, like, The Night Moth, and terrorizes NoHo Hank a little bit

Ted Lasso — Jean Smart plays a soccer hooligan who starts cutting down trees all over England when AFC Richmond goes on a losing streak

The Mandalorian — JEAN SMART WITH A CHAINSAW IN SPACE

Stranger Things — The series ends with Jean Smart decapitating various monsters in the episode before the finale and then the whole last episode is everyone going to Aruba to celebrate

Severance — More like sever-ance, in my opinion

Atlanta —Jean Smart and Darius in the woods for a whole episode, just chopping stuff down and starting fires, with no dialogue

Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives — Guy Fieri trying to talk to the 82-year-old owner of a locally famous barbecue restaurant in Nebraska while Jean Smart stands behind them and mangles a slow-cooked pork butt with a chainsaw

Abbott Elementary — Mr. Hill gives Jean Smart’s grandchild a C- minus on her big science project and a few days later we hear a RNGNGNGNG from the parking lot and the sound of chainsaw teeth ripping through a car bumper

The Righteous Gemstones — Jean Smart as a rival televangelist who incorporates chainsaws into her sermons in as yet undetermined manner that I trust Danny McBride to figure out later

Bridgerton — A portal from the future opens up and a low mysterious humming is heard from inside it, getting louder, as is a kind of cackling and maniacal laughter…

I could go on. I suspect I will, in my own head, when I’m supposed to be doing other things, maybe for the rest of my life. There are worse things to let your brain crank away on for a few minutes or months, I suppose. Let her chase the contestants on The Bachelorette around the house a little bit. There’s another one. I was not kidding about doing this for the foreseeable future.

ITEM NUMBER TWO — I must know everything about this

So here’s what happened, and I need you to stay with me. Alan Cumming starred with a chimp named Tonka in a movie in the 1990s. That’s the trailer for it up there. It’s called Buddy and it is yet another confirmation that the 1990s were objectively nutso. Imagine seeing that movie in the theater. Imagine telling people you were going to see that movie in the theater. People did that. More than a few of them. Take a few minutes this weekend and ponder that.

The sad news here is that the chimp passed away recently, after some ugly back and forth with animal rights activists about the conditions its owner provided. Rolling Stone has the story.

The chimp had recently suffered a stroke and died from heart failure, his owner Tonia Haddix claimed, submitting a declaration and court documents to a Missouri judge that detailed how the animal’s body was burned in a fire pit.

Hmm.

That’s weird.

How the chimp died and then was cremated in a homemade fire pit.

It’s kind of… suspicious, right?

Like, at least a little?

I don’t know. Maybe I’m just cynical. I’m sure everyone here is telling the truth and there’s no reason to look into this any furth-…

But this week, Tonka was found alive, secretly hidden away for the past year in Haddix’s Sunrise Beach, Missouri home where he reportedly had a 60-inch TV, an interactive iPad-like touch device, and had celebrated St. Patrick’s Day among a few of Haddix’s close friends, according to Haddix.

Let me be clear about what is going on here, just so there’s no confusion: The owner of a famous Hollywood chimp named Tonka faked his death and amateur cremation to get animal rights activists off her back and then set him up in what appears to be some sort of man cave. This is already a better movie than Buddy. This chimp was like a mafia boss or war criminal on the run. He was a little plastic surgery from being Castor Troy in Face/Off. Which… wait. Hold on. Why hasn’t there been a version of Face/Off with chimpanzees? How did we make it out of the 1990s without someone doing that? Everyone should be ashamed of themselves. Or proud. One or the other.

Guess what: It gets better. I mean, kind of. It’s hard to top the things we’ve seen in the last two paragraphs. But there is this quote from the chimp’s owner, which I need every single person alive to see as soon as possible.

And despite potentially being found in contempt of court for lying under oath, Haddix laughs. “Honey, I’ve been held in contempt of court three times,” she says. “I have paid $50 a day [in fines]. I’ve been through the mill. I’m sure that there’ll be some jail time in this. Do I care? No, I don’t care. It’s because it’s about that kid. As long as that kid is safe, I don’t care about nothing out there.”

Please.

Please make this movie.

I am begging you.

I have been very good.

Sort of.

I have been good enough.

Please.

ITEM NUMBER THREE — More like What We Do in the Magic Kingdom, in my opinion

We can be quick about this one through the use of bullets points:

• This is an Instagram post from this week by What We Do in the Shadows star Harvey Guillen
• It is a series of pictures featuring him and fellow WWDITS star Kayvan Novak at Disney World
• These pictures are incredible
• I need you to click through and look at every single one of them
• EVERY SINGLE ONE

It would honestly be okay with me if there was an episode or entire season of the show that takes place at Disney. I suppose it would have to be at night. You know… because they are vampires. But still. Night Disney. Laszlo doing Splash Mountain under the stars. Nandor getting scared by a statue of Goofy and dropping one of these.

These are good ideas. Not as good as the pictures in that Instagram post. But still pretty good.

ITEM NUMBER FOUR — Something incredible happened on Holey Moley

Holey Moley was already perfect dumb summer fun. People got walloped by obstacles and crashed harmlessly into water or foam in the name of miniature golf. The hosts replayed the crashes in slow-motion with telestrators. The show added the Muppets this season. The only way it could be better is if they fling Gonzo down the zip wire on Pole-cano. Holey Moley is America’s finest television program.

Which brings me to this: Something amazing happened on the show this week. No, not the thing in the GIF up there, which also happened this week and we should not take for granted. I’m talking about this.

A couple things are important here, in addition to the fact that this guy — an actual stuntman in real life — made a freaking hole in one. The first is that he flung himself through the flaming windmills with ease even though he didn’t have to. The second is that he also became the first contestant to successfully complete the trapeze obstacle. Both of these were athletic feats on par with the Olympic decathlon. To me.

And here’s the thing about that: I could show you either or both of those things. I could make the GIFs right now. It would take me five minutes. But I feel like that’s not what the show is about. I feel like I should, instead, show you a GIF from later in the episode where a sweet woman in a Dracula cape whacked her face off of a giant rocking woodpecker. So I am going to do that.

I feel good about this one.

ITEM NUMBER FIVE — The time has come for Boban’s star turn

Boban Marjanovic is a 7’3 NBA center who briefly played for my beloved Philadelphia 76ers and who I love very much. He appeared in John Wick 3 as an assassin named Ernest who John Wick murdered with a book in a library. He’s in the new Adam Sandler movie Hustle, too. The one that just dropped on Netflix. This pleases me. I love to see Boban thriving. He’s the best.

Another thing that pleases me: This entire interview with Boban from Variety this week. Look at this guy.

So let’s talk about you in movies. This is obviously your second big role since “John Wick 3.” How did you get started with working in films? How was working on this movie different from “John Wick 3?”

Marjanović: Well, they both are different, right? One I play basketball, one I’m fighting! But it was cool to be in front of the camera. This has become my love, you know. Of course, basketball is first, but acting and these type of things is my life and I love to do that. You know, I’m a happy person. And I try to stay happy, I try to share the positive energy. Even if I play a bad guy! Of course, people know who I am, and I do the best I can [in these movies]. I love the feeling when you go there on set. And this is not easy by the way! I’ve repeated that so many times, but it’s so nice when you watch that. You eat your popcorn and you enjoy every moment of this movie.

What are your favorite kinds of movies?

Marjanović: “Hustle” and “John Wick 3!”

I need three things and I need all of them immediately:

• A John Wick prequel spinoff about Ernest
• A talk show hosted by Boban
• A heist movie starring Boban and Allen Iverson as mismatched jewel thieves

Think about it.

READER MAIL

If you have questions about television, movies, food, local news, weather, or whatever you want, shoot them to me on Twitter or at [email protected] (put “RUNDOWN” in the subject line). I am the first writer to ever answer reader mail in a column. Do not look up this last part.

From Rob:

The other day I was doing laundry and found myself humming a song. It was a mindless thing I didn’t really pay attention to. About 30 seconds later, I stopped and thought about it and realized the song I had been humming as I was folding my family’s clothes was “Jizz in My Pants” by The Lonely Island. I don’t know why but it seems like you’re the person I should tell this to.

This is a good and timely email. Not that it needed to be timely. It would have been good anyway. But it works out even better this week because I referenced the song “Pleep Ploop” from Kroll Show in our work chat on like Tuesday and it has been in my head ever since. I have errands to run on Saturday. There’s a very good chance someone will see me bopping around CVS singing this to myself.

Excited about this. Can’t wait for strangers to see the guy in the wheelchair going “Pleep ploop pleepy ploop” all through the cold and sinus aisle. Fun for everyone.

AND NOW, THE NEWS

To Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania State Police say someone broke into a Lewis Township home on May 20 and stole a bag of pierogies.

First of all, of course, Go Birds. But also, I love that this is written up in the actual news. Pennsylvania is a magical place. And a weird place. I do not think Pennsylvania got its due as a top-flight weirdo state until very recently. It’s not Florida. I get that. But it’s closer than a lot of people think.

The press release stated troopers are looking for a suspect who stole a five-pound bag of Mrs. T’s Pierogies from the victim’s residence and caused $10 worth of damage to the victim’s drywall.

Death penalty.

Dungeon.

Stockades.

Maybe not in that order.

According to state troopers, the burglary took place on the morning of May 20, right off of Route 15 in Lycoming County.

This investigation is ongoing.

This last sentence is maybe the funniest thing I’ve ever read. “The investigation is ongoing.” They’re probably looking for a well-fed dude in a Kelly green Eagles jacket from 1993 that is covered in drywall dust. The complicating factor is that there are five of these guys in line at any Wawa at any given moment. It’s like the dirtbag Pennsylvania version of the bowler hat scene in The Thomas Crown Affair.

And it’s somehow not even the weirdest story from Pennsylvania this week. That honor goes to… well, this.

Once again, this time with feeling and a mouth full of melted chocolate… Go Birds.

The great songs of 2022 so far come in all shapes and sizes. This year, we’ve seen some massive pop hits (looking at you Harry Styles), rappers surprising with both solo tunes and collaborations (not much was bigger than “Pushin P”), and some really emotionally resonant indie jams (Big Thief wrote two discs worth). Some of these songs might have first bubbled up near the end of last year, but their impact really peaked in 2022. Alas, check out Uproxx’s picks for the best songs of 2022 so far below.

Anitta – “Envolver”

Leave it to a Brazilian pop star to make the song that leads to a viral TikTok challenge of people gyrating their asses as they hover-grind the ground below them. It’s no surprise that “Envolver” is the opening track to Anitta’s latest album, Versions Of Me, because it’s far and a way the stickiest track of the bunch. It flashes a rare je ne sais quoi from Anitta, that allows her to spread the wildfire of Spanish language reggaeton throughout her native Brazil (a Portuguese speaking nation), then beam it across the globe before completely breaking loose at Coachella. – Adrian Spinelli

Arcade Fire – “The Lightning I, II”

Arcade Fire’s 2017 album Everything Now had its moments but it was definitely a bit extra, so much so that the band had to offer an (also-extra) apology about how they pushed it. So, this year’s We was an important album for them and it clearly succeeded in a lot of ways. “The Lightning I, II” was the first song the band shared from the LP and it was the perfect mission statement, as it saw the group successfully return to their distinctive, cinematic, rock-driven sound that got fans all those years ago so hyped on them in the first place. – Derrick Rossignol

Bad Bunny – “Ojitos Lindos” Feat. Bomba Estéreo

Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti is a monumental statement on both the malleability of reggaeton and also of his status as arguably the biggest star in the world right now. But it’s on the album’s second half, when Benito embraces featured artists from Latinx music’s more alternative realms, that his vision throws us for a welcome and endearing loop. “Ojitos Lindos” is easily the marquee product of this highly successful exercise, where Bomba Estéreo singer Li Saumet flashes her usual grace and forceful delivery. But it’s in how Saumet matches up alongside Bad Bunny so well, that it makes you wonder what could come of more frequent cross-pollinations between whats’s above and below the ground of the music industry. – Ad.S

Bia – “London” Feat. J. Cole

Bia and J. Cole may make for a surprising combination, but boy, does it work! On their collaborative single, “London,” the two rap over a UK-inspired drill beat, following the lead of the likes of Stormzy and Bree Runway. Bia perfectly emulates a British accent while demonstrating her knowledge of UK terminology. She maintains impeccable chemistry with Cole throughout the track, both providing solid examples of their versatility across various subgenres of hip-hop. Bia has been in the game for a hot minute, but if she continues delivering bars like these, 2022 is gearing to be a breakthrough year for the NYC-bred rapper. –Alex Gonzalez

Big Thief – “Certainty”

Big Thief are nothing if not crafty, as shown by their 2022 track “Certainty,” which was written during a massive power outage. The song, which arrived on the band’s mouthful of an album titled Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, succeeds primarily through the interplay between vocalist Adrianne Lenker’s warm, comforting voice and Buck Meek’s twangy harmonies, serving as complimentary puzzle pieces. It’s got pretty much everything you’d expect in a Big Thief song: wandering, enigmatic lyrics, stripped-down-yet-triumphant chords, and a rambling, hazy beat. – Carolyn Droke

Buddy – “Wait Too Long” Feat. Blxst

The Compton rapper’s return with his first album since 2018’s Harlan & Alondra wasn’t met with the fanfare that it deserved. However, we did receive a lasting memento that’ll almost certainly become a house party mainstay. “Wait Too Long” features a groovy beat courtesy of Hollywood Cole and an earwormy hook from “the West’s new Nate Dogg,” Blxst. It’s very much a feel-good record that captures the throwback vibe of LA classics while updating the formula for a modern audience. – Aaron Williams

Camila Cabello – “Bam Bam” Feat. Ed Sheeran

If there’s one thing we can count on from a pop artist following the split of a long-term relationship, it’s a breakup bop to fuel our summer playlists. The second single off Camila Cabello’s third album Familia, “Bam Bam” featuring Ed Sheeran is a salsa inspired, Latin pop dance track paying homage to her Cuban roots. The lyrics convey the message that even when nothing seems to be going your way, you just have to keep on dancing. Así es la vida sí – That’s just life baby! – Lindsey Burton

Carly Rae Jepsen – “Western Wind”

It’s been a minute since CRJ has had a pop hit like “Call Me Maybe,” “Good Time,” or “I Really Like You.” (The latter was actually her latest song to make the Hot 100 chart, in 2015.) Defining Jepsen by what she hasn’t been lately misses a lot, though, because she’s still been bringing the goods on a consistent basis. This year’s “Western Wind,” for example, takes the warm breeziness of Lorde’s Solar Power but pushes it in a more enveloping, full-bodied direction, making it a perfect cool-down between the upbeat hits set to dominate the upcoming months. – D.R.

Caroline Polachek – “Billions”

While “Billions” isn’t necessarily the absolute banger that fans of Polachek’s previous single, “Bunny Is A Rider,” were hoping for, it does bring her new music full circle so to speak. A long, linear verse structure circles back with hypnotic vocal flourishes until Polachek hits that titular word, all but reclaiming it from the ruling class who are tucked safely away in their estates. This one won’t be sparking any TikTok dance trends — it doesn’t have the melodies of “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” or the pure night sky vibes of “Bunny” — but it’s a solid entry into Polachek’s growing solo catalogue. – Caitlin White

Charli XCX – “Beg For You” Feat. Rina Sawayama

Charli and Rina took everything there is to love about British pop music and wrapped it in an exploding bow on “Beg For You.” The pair gush and pan over a lover like it’s nobody’s business on this fiery banger that, when it dropped in January, felt like summer came early. Digital Farm Animals’ production adds a UK garage twist to a sample from an early ’00s Swedish pop number, rendering it pure dance pop bliss from two of the most exciting singers in the business. – Ad.S

Chlöe – “Treat Me”

Chlöe has been analyzed and talked about more than the young singer may have expected in her career. While 2021 was her coming-out party as a solo act, 2022 seems to be the year where her full vision and individual artistry will be shared with the masses. “Treat Me” was her latest step in that process and it was truly a moment of progression for Chlöe. Her prowess and fierceness are on full display on the bouncy record which proves that Chlöe’s solo project will be much different than what we’re used to hearing from her. – Wongo Okon

Christian Lee Hutson – “Strawberry Lemonade”

Christian Lee Hutson manages to continually craft timeless ballads, exemplified by his song “Strawberry Lemonade.” The single arrived on his sophomore album Quitters, which was produced by Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst. With stand-out heart-tugging lyrics like, “Pain is a way to move through time and visit people who are gone in your mind,” “Strawberry Lemonade” offers a series of vignettes about holding onto memories, the art of letting go, and how our society collectively remembers the past. –C.D.

Coi Leray – “Aye Yai Yai” Feat. Bleu

Coi Leray and Bleu fuse their melodic vocals like Yu-Gi-Oh cards on “Aye Yai Yai,” being very straightforward about their desire for an intense, drug-laced sexcapade. Bleu Vandross is presented with the opportunity to be with someone new, but can’t get his mind off of a past lover who put it on him so well he’s got 911 looking for her. Leray, on the other hand, revels in being the one getting chased and takes pride in the fact her lady parts have the guy running back, even though it bothers her that certain men have more attitude than her and lie a lot. Though their narratives are different, Bleu and Coi blend very well together, especially when both man the chorus on “Aye Yai Yai.” – Armon Sadler

Dave – “Starlight”

The BRIT Award-winner’s March single flips a sample of the jazz standard “Fly Me To The Moon” to take a reflective look at the life he lives and how much it’s changed from his days growing up in the endz of South London. It’s a sign not just of his growing fame but also of his expanding artistry; a far cry from the gritty hip-hop and glitchy grime with which Dave made his name, “Starlight” is the latest indication that he’s become a crossover star capable of greater heights than previously imagined. – A.W.

Doechii – “Persuasive”

Using this song to make her grand introduction to the global stage offered by her recent signing to Top Dawg Entertainment, Doechii also quickly gets listeners accustomed to her fearless boundary-blurring and boldly defiant outlook. Influenced as much by house music and queer culture as by the moody backpack gangsta rap that defines so much of the label’s roster, Doechii takes things in a familiar but futuristic direction — both for her new label home and hip-hop as a whole. – A.W.

Dove Cameron – “Boyfriend”

Dove Cameron might’ve been best known for her work as an actress before this year, but now that “Boyfriend” is here, music fans are on high alert. Dove is an artist who has only recently locked into the exact sound she’s been looking for, and “Boyfriend” is the dramatic queer anthem that put her on the map, even charting within the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Dark and sultry, “Boyfriend” reintroduces Dove to the music world, and it’s very clear this clever single is just the beginning. – C.W.

Ethel Cain – “American Teenager”

Genre-bending prodigy Ethel Cain has come crashing into the indie world, sending an electric current with her elegant, haunting songs. Sitting amongst songs that wander through darkness is “American Teenager,” a standout with its anthemic chorus and bright texture. It’s a high point on Preacher’s Daughter, a glimpse of light that grows over the course of its four minutes. The song engulfs the listener in its infectious excitement as she calls for a fight: “Say what you want / But say it like you mean it with your fists for once.” – Danielle Chelosky

FKA Twigs – “Jealousy” Feat. Rema

FKA Twigs kicked off the year with Caprisongs, a collection of hip-hop and dancehall inspired tracks. One of the standouts is the beachy “Jealousy,” on which she declares independence from an ex and their jealous ways. The song takes inspiration from afrobeats and features a verse by Rema, who rides the beat smoothly and in sync with Twigs. Many of Caprisongs’ tracks are melancholy in nature, but “Jealousy” provides a glimmer of hope amid feelings of longing and regret. – A.G.

Fred Again.. – “Lights Out” Feat. Romi, HAAI

Fred Again.. previously noted that when making “Lights Out,” he immediately sent it to Haai and The xx’s Romy, both of whom ended up featuring on the song. He also compared Romy’s lyrics and vocals on it to “a hug from a rave angel” and rarely has an artist statement hit the nail to squarely on the head. As has been the case with so many The xx songs over the years, Romy’s distinct vocals are the perfect fit for this one, an atmospheric and excitingly structured number built for euphoric dancefloor moments. – D.R.

Future – “Wait For U” Feat. Drake, Tems

There are multiple takeaways available from Future’s “Wait For U.” The record is hisfirst chart-topping song as lead artist, and it’s also the first song with a Nigerian artist to debut at No. 1. The record is the latest entry on Future’s HNDRXX-esque catalog while it also strikes as the latest in a long list of memorable collaborations between him and Drake. For Future, the success of the lovelorn “Wait For U” is proof that more than a decade into his career, the Atlanta trap star hasn’t lost a step when it comes to composing the best records. – W.O.

Gayle – “ABCDEFU”

If you were on TikTok at all this year, chances are you have the catchy chorus to Gayle’s debut track “Abcdefu” seared into your memory. Now used in nearly 2.5 million videos across the app, “Abcdefu” shows the 17-year-old singer challenging traditional songwriting norms. Her unapologetic fury is tangible on the track as she throws a hearty “f*ck you” at everyone who tolerated an ex’s distasteful behavior. Proving herself more than a one-hit wonder, “Abcdefu” appeared on the singer’s alt-rock-infused debut EP, A Study Of The Human Experience Vol. I. – C.D.

Gunna and Future – “Pushin P” Feat. Young Thug

“Pushin P” recalls the magic of 2019’s “Unicorn Purp” off of Future Hndrxx Presents: The Wizrd, but Future takes Young Thug’s place in trading lines with Gunna this time around. Though the definition of “Pushin P” is still a bit unclear, it truly doesn’t matter. The trio raps with fury over the Wheezy and Juke Wong-produced track, branding their usual confident flexes and lyrical gymnastics with a specific commitment to utilizing words that begin with the letter “P” as much as possible. The song became a major viral sensation, rightfully so. Who else but three of the most eclectic acts of today would make the blue P emoji so visible? – Ar.S.

HAAI and Jon Hopkins – “Baby, We’re Ascending”

Jon Hopkins has become one of electronic music’s most revered figures over the past two decades, so if he hops on a track with another artist, they’re probably worth paying attention to. Indeed, Haai has been an exciting up-and-comer in recent years, so much so that she got Hopkins to join her on the title track of her debut album, Baby, We’re Ascending. The six-minute tune does more than ascend, as the sky-high production (rooted in a firm, consistent, and deep rhythm) lets this tune get delightfully lost way above the clouds. – D.R.

Harry Styles – “As It Was”

Kicking off his Harry’s House era with this single was a great move. It surprised people with its indie-pop aura; the colorful synths, breezy rhythms, and gentle vocals drew comparisons to bands like Wallows and The Drums. But it also has an infectious melody that sticks; his downtrodden words contrasted against the upbeat sound create an irresistible bittersweet atmosphere as he sings the spellbinding hook: “You know it’s not the same as it was / In this world, it’s just us.” – D.C.

Hitkidd & Glorilla – “FNF (Let’s Go)”

“I’m F-R-E-E, f*ck n**** free,” y’all know the rest! If you haven’t heard of Glorilla yet, her song “FNF (Let’s Go)” produced by Hitkidd is hard to miss if you spend a ton of time on TikTok. Barely released in May, the video has already accumulated over 12 million views and it features Glo literally outside, hanging out the window at a red light, with her friends. Not a man in sight! Let’s goooooooo! – Cherise Johnson

Jack Harlow – “Churchill Downs” Feat. Drake

Released right on time for Derby Day on Harlow’s sophomore album, Come Home, The Kids Miss You, “Churchill Downs” pairs Harlow, a budding superstar, with his idol, Drake. On the song, Harlow raps about his adjustment to stardom, while Drake reflects on more than a decade in the rap game. The two slide over a smooth Boi-1-da production, with a prominent female vocal sample in the background. As “Churchill Downs” follows the traditional Drake formula, there was never any doubt that it was bound to be a hit. – A.G.

Jenny Hval – “Year Of Love”

An avant pop fixture, Hval has always been a complex, yet perfectly methodical lyricist. Yet “Year of Love” might be her most ambitious arrangement of a song yet, with it’s build-up of synths, strings, and congas (oh, those congas!). All the while, Hval narrates a pensive moment where how witnessing a couple’s engagement from the stage at one of her shows made her question the matrimonial institution. Hval has never presented herself with such a fluid structure, and never has she been so… pop. It’s a sublime experiment that never never ceases to keep building up into one damn, hell, ass thrill of a song. – Ad.S

Kay Flock – “Shake It” Feat. Cardi B, Dougie B, and Bory300

Since delivering her record-setting and Grammy-winning debut album, Cardi B has given us memorable moments year after year as we wait for her second album. Whether it’s the controversial “WAP” or her pregnancy reveal during a performance of “Type Sh*t,” Cardi B knows how to make her impact. In 2022, one of those moments would be her combative verse on Kay Flock’s “Shake It” with Dougie B and Bory300. Her electrifying contribution to the song is truly captivating from start to finish as it accentuates another layer of Cardi’s versatile artistry. – W.O.

Kendrick Lamar – “Savior” Feat. Baby Keem & Sam Dew

I’m not sure when exactly so-called “conscious rap” became cool. There was a time that a focus on political or social lyrics would get a rapper mocked. Whenever things changed, Kendrick Lamar is here to remind listeners that, even amid the rise of pro-Black sentiments in hip-hop, artists are not necessarily the political leaders and organizers we need to effect lasting change. “Kendrick made you think about it,” he muses, “but he is not your savior.” Now, those are words to live by. – A.W.

Kodak Black – “Super Gremlin”

Kodak Black’s “Super Gremlin” is one of those songs that gets stuck in an incessant cerebral loop and pushes you to press play just one more time. Producer ATL Jacob spazzed on the beat alternating between haunting strings and cheery piano keys, the kid-sung chorus adds it the song’s menacing trance. “We could’ve been superstars,” Yak sings along with the kids. “Remember when we was jacking cars? Now it’s not safe for you.” With loads of accolades, “Super Gremlin” deservedly hit No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart and No. 3 on the Hot 100 chart. – C.J.

Latto – “Sunshine” Feat. Childish Gambino & Lil Wayne

“Sunshine” is a gift that keeps on giving. Latto’s chorus reflects on how people used her in the past before she emerged bright, and her spicy verse punctuates the energy she is currently on. A vintage performance from Lil Wayne seamlessly complements what Latto had to say, and then a rare Childish Gambino verse, possibly one of the best of his career, sends it over the edge. The three all have unique, well-documented stories and provide substantial snapshots on top of simply impressive lyricism. It is actually difficult deciding who has the best verse. – Ar.S.

Lizzo – “About Damn Time”

Whether you’ve heard Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” on the radio, in the club, or on various TikToks, the song is inescapable. And we’re not complaining. This funkadelic, feel-good banger is exactly what we needed for the summer, with Lizzo’s soulful vocals combining with her energetic rap-singing to deliver the confidence boost the doctor ordered. Throw that over a disco-inspired beat, and you have a contender for the bad b*tch anthem of the summer. – A.G.

Megan Thee Stallion – “Plan B”

Megan Thee Stallion is still a savage, but now even more so than ever. After debuting “Plan B” at , fans were eager for Megan to drop the song’s studio version, as they were intrigued by this new side of the rapper — a scorching, no holds barred side, delivering a revenge anthem for the ages. From the jump, Megan is not taking any sh*t from any man, and she maintains this, proclaiming to be “popping Plan B’s ’cause I ain’t planning to be stuck with ya.” And these are the most printable bars of the song. – A.G

Mitski – “Heat Lightning”

“Heat Lightning” is a brooding ballad that displays Mitski’s ability to connect to listeners through scarce means. With just eerie chords and her fearless narration — “There’s nothing I can do / Not much I can change / I give it up to you, I surrender” — she sings in a kind of bold declaration against an off-kilter, distorted sound that builds behind her. The song never reaches a point that’s too high; it continues on a steady path, prioritizing patience and an appreciation for simplicity. – D.C.

Nilufer Yanya – “Midnight Sun”

There are many fine moments on Nilüfer Yanya’s spectacular Painless, but “Midnight Sun” represents the one where the she finds the fortitude to preserve past forces that could drive her down. It’s an emotional triumph, but Yanya always presents these breakthroughs with nothing but poise; she’s a pinnacle of strength when she’s behind the mic and holding her guitar. A deep acoustic strum feels like it’s right out of “Everlong,” before the chorus rocks you gently with a warm electric riff and punchy drum machine beat. It’s a masterful display from the Brit. – Ad.S

Normani – “Fair”

While we wait for Normani’s long-anticipated debut album, she is continuing to showcase her range on a variety of singles. Last year, her Aaliyah-sampling “Wild Side” showed off her pop chops, while this year’s “Fair” features Normani singing of heartbreak over a minimalistic beat, by way of silky, flawless vocals. Proving to be skilled in a variety of genres, Normani can’t be put in a box. While we have nary an idea of when she’ll drop her debut album, or even a follow-up single, one thing is for sure — Normani is always worth the wait. – A.G.

Phoebe Bridgers – “Sidelines”

The “Motion Sickness” singer’s only new material of this year so far is this song “Sidelines,” but it’s enough to keep us satisfied for a while. The lush synths are reminiscent of the watery atmosphere of Punisher, blending beautifully with soaring violins as Bridgers charms with her incisive lyrics: “Used to fetishize myself / Now I’m talking to my house plants.” It moves seamlessly in an almost upward motion; it’s a rare moment of hope and persistence, more uplifting than most of her songs. – D.C.

PinkPantheress – “Where You Are” Feat. WILLOW

Few songs have staying power outside of the Tik-Tok algorithm, but leave it to the English pop-princess PinkPantheress to deliver. Produced by Pantheress alongside Mura Masa and Skrillex, the track features a sample from Paramore’s “Never Let This Go” and Willow’s angsty crooning, adding depth to its pop-rock tone. Like her debut album, To Hell With It, the viral star layers her breathy vocals and confessional lyrics over youthful instrumentals, creating the perfect addition to any Gen Z-ers playlist. The song and its heavy-hitting production aren’t just good or catchy but proof of PinkPantheress’ industry star-power outside of your #fyp. – Ellice D. Ellis

Pusha T – “Diet Coke”

Pusha T couldn’t have picked a better starting point to bring us towards his fourth album It’s Almost Dry. “Diet Coke” has a catchy appeal while also flaunting Pusha’s impressive lyricism. Lines like “Imaginary players ain’t been coached right!” are sure to be said in unison within large crowds while others like “Young Gs like we Hov and Puff” capture the double entendres we love to hear from Pusha. He stuck to his guns with “Diet Coke,” and it proved to be the best decision for the rap veteran. – W.O.

Raveena – “Rush”

Raveena went with an intriguing concept for her sophomore album Asha’s Awakening, which is told from the perspective of a Punjabi space princess. Indeed, there is an Indian flavor on the LP, which Raveena, who was born in Massachusetts after her parents immigrated from India, successfully blends with pop and R&B. “Rush” is a prime example of that, both in its stylistic meldings and the colorful, Bollywood-inspired video for the song. – D.R.

Rema – “Calm Down”

Rema submitted his bid for song of the summer in February with the Afrobeats jam “Calm Down.” He knew exactly the type of record he made, opening with the exclamation “another banger” before firmly requesting that the object of his affection follow the song’s title. “Calm Down” hits a euphoric peak in the chorus, with the repetitive “Oh,” “Whoa,” and “Lo.” Even if you have trouble figuring out the rest of the lyrics, those lines are more than enough to accompany the dancing you may not even realize the song has forced out of you. It is a spiritual experience. – Ar.S.

Rosalía – “Saoko”

The lead statement on Rosalía’s globe-smashing, Motomami, “Saoko” asserts the Spaniard’s unapologetic intention of morphing into a medium for Latinx music in all its forms. “Yo soy muy mía, yo me transformo. Una mariposa, yo me transformo,” she sings (“I am very much me, I transform. A butterfly, I transform.”) The track itself is a nod to Daddy Yankee and Wisin’s 2004 “Saoco,” and Rosalía puts it down over a menacing thump in spades. It symbolizes her arrival as much more than just a Flamenco pop muse, but rather a full blown “motomamí.” – Ad.S

Saweetie – “Closer” Feat. HER

It may have taken her a while to find her footing outside of the 2000s throwbacks with which she first broke into the spotlight, but this year, Saweetie’s been proving that she deserves every bit of it. Showing that she’s every bit as adept at conquering contemporary sounds as she was classic ones, the Bay Area rapper takes her own swing at the disco-pop trend that has been so beneficial for peers like Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion and knocks it right out of the park. – A.W.

Soccer Mommy – “Shotgun”

Taken from her impressive next album Sometimes, Forever, “Shotgun” offers a captivating glimpse into Soccer Mommy’s evolving sound. Not only is she a master of catchy melodies, but she crafts complex atmospheres. This track reverberates with uneasiness; the instrumentation is eerie and off-kilter, but there’s a contrasting playfulness. Sophie Allison’s words, despite their intensity, are sung casually: “So whenever you want me I’ll be around / I’m a bullet in a shotgun waiting to sound.” The stakes are higher than they were in 2018’s breakthrough Clean, and she’s experimenting more since 2020’s Color Theory, making for possibly her most interesting record yet. – D.C.

Spoon – “Wild”

Spoon have been at it for decades now and they haven’t really faltered. Heck, they’re perhaps the most consistently great rock band ever. February’s Lucifer On The Sofa was another fine entry in their oeuvre that’s highlighted by “Wild,” a stomping, uplifting number on which Britt Daniel’s distinctive vocal grit finds a perfect home. Spoon is in rare territory in that nearly 30 years after their debut album, they’re still making songs, like this one, that could be considered among their best. – D.R.

Syd & Lucky Daye – “CYBAH”

Returning from a four-year solo hiatus, California soulster Syd displays incredible musical growth following 2018’s Fin. Where she was once an adherent to the dominant sound of moody, washed-out R&B as popularized by Drake and his offspring, she now digs deeper into the full range of Black music, unearthing long-dormant ’80s funk and quiet storm. She’s become a student of Prince, and as this song proves, there is no better teacher than the Purple One. – A.W.

Tate McRae – “She’s All I Wanna Be”

Tate McRae’s massive debut I Used To Think I Could Fly is finally out, but this single remains one of the most compelling songs on the album. The electric guitars and bouncy rhythm lend the track a Machine Gun Kelly-esque, pop-punk edge, enhanced by resentful lyricism, fuzzy synthesizers, and a relentlessly catchy melody. “She’s All I Wanna Be” showcases McRae’s knack for infectious pop anthems tinged with frustration and jealousy. – D.C.

Vince Staples – “When Sparks Fly”

If you were waiting for a signature A. Smarter hot take, here it is: Sure, Nas did it first, with “I Gave You Power,” but Long Beach native Vince Staples did it better thirty years later. Refining the formula first employed by the thug poet on his second album It Was Written, Vince gives the metaphor more poignancy and depth by framing it as a tragic love story, then places it over an absolutely gorgeous musical backdrop by Frano that only highlights how depressingly inevitable the scenario is — and has been for a very long time.

The Weeknd – “Less Than Zero”

It’s easy to get swept up by the sound and scale of The Weeknd’s best-ever album Dawn FM. Each song seems like it cost $1 million to make and came out sounding like $10 million. But on “Less Than Zero,” the “Big ’80s” production merely enhances that world-class songwriting on display, which just about matches the bygone pop behemoths that the song emulates. – Steven Hyden

Wet Leg – “Too Late Now”

Wet Leg were perhaps the most-hyped indie band making their debut in 2022, and tracks like “Too Late Now” prove why. Arriving as a single ahead of their self-titled album, “Too Late Now” opens with lead singer Rhian Teasdale infusing her far-reaching vocals with upbeat, cascading rhythms. It starts as shimmering pop-leaning tune before the bridge shifts to a catchy and highly relatable spoken-word stream of consciousness about dating apps, self-doubt, and writer’s block. – C.D.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Spitting Off The Edge Of The World”

Nearly a decade after the release of their last album, Yeah Yeah Yeahs are making a triumphant comeback. The band’s new single “Spitting Off The Edge Of The World,” which is set to appear on the upcoming album Cool It Down, shows just how much they’ve evolved in the last nine years. Rather than pairing frenetic guitars and upbeat synths to recreate their early eccentric indie-pop sound, Yeah Yeah Yeahs take their music in a more wistful and down-tempo direction. Featuring Perfume Genius and production by TV On The Radio’s Dave Sitek, the track is a haunting and euphoric ballad inspired by the looming anxiety of climate change. – C.D.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Sean Hannity predictably came to the aid of Donald Trump in the wake of Thursday night’s January 6 committee hearing. Despite damning testimony from the former president’s inner circle, including his daughter Ivanka who flat-out rejected her father’s election fraud claims, Hannity argued on Fox News that, actually, Trump came off looking great.

Of course, it certainly helped Hannity’s case that the conservative news network did not air the Jan. 6 hearings, so regular Fox News viewers were mostly likely unaware of the evidence presented. None of it looked good for Trump, but that didn’t stop Hannity from barreling full steam ahead in praising Trump as the only one calling for the National Guard during the assault on the Capitol building. Via Mediaite:

“All of the attempts to get people to call up the guard, basically begging them to take the guard,” said the host. “How does this play out as this narrative now takes over? I think the entire story – because this is about a security failure of incredible magnitude – and they don’t even seem to want to talk about it. The one person who looks good is Donald Trump. Donald Trump authorized it.”

Again, Hannity could easily make this claim because Fox News did not air the proceedings where Congresswoman Liz Cheney had shot down this narrative. As Mediaite notes, Hannity is working off of Jan. 5 meeting where Trump said they would need guardsmen, but took “no formal action” to make that happen.

“President Trump gave no order to deploy the National Guard that day,” Cheney said during the hearing. “And he made no effort to work with the Department of Justice to coordinate and to support and deploy law enforcement assets.”

There’s also the issue that Hannity himself has been swept in the Jan. 6 investigation. Damning texts between the Fox News host and former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany have been revealed, including ones where Hannity says that “impeachment and the 25th Amendment are real” in the days following the attack. A far cry from Trump is the “one person who looks good.”

(Via Mediaite)

Wendy’s has been around for 53 years but it wasn’t until this week that the chain finally dropped a strawberry-flavored Frosty. That’s a long time before dipping into a classic milkshake flavor, especially considering Wendy’s has dropped a Frosty Sundae, a Birthday Cake Frosty on its 50th anniversary, and at one point a pickle-flavored Frosty.

Pickle. Flavored. Frosty. Before strawberry!?

Clearly, Wendy’s is insane, but now they’ve finally corrected course and for the first time will be offering the Strawberry Frosty at Wendy’s nationwide for a limited time. (In less exciting news, they’re also bringing back the Summer Strawberry Chicken Salad.)

The Strawberry Frosty is a big addition to Wendy’s menu, not just because it has been a long-time coming (and is apparently, according to a Wendy’s press release the “most-requested” item) but because while it’s on the menu it will be replacing the Vanilla Frosty. That’s putting a lot of faith in a brand new flavor at a time of the year when the days are getting hotter, which I’d imagine is when the Frosty is at its most profitable

So can Wendy’s deliver? We grabbed the new Strawberry Frosty and taste-tested it the proper way (with a spoon) and the best way (with an order of fries) to see if it’s worthy of bumping the Vanilla Frosty off the menu for good. But first, let’s briefly talk about that salad.

Summer Strawberry Chicken Salad

If you’ve never picked up a salad from Wendy’s you… kinda need to. Similar to how the chain does burgers and chicken sandwiches, the salads are exceptional. Yes, exceptional. Not only are the combination of flavors in their salads a bit more inspired compared to other fast food salads (shout out to the Apple Pecan Salad), Wendy’s prepares the salads daily in-house, resulting in something that actually manages to taste fresh. It’s not quite restaurant quality, but it’s some of the highest quality stuff you’re going to get from a drive-thru.

The Summer Strawberry Chicken Salad is another great addition to Wendy’s small but delicious salad menu. Over a bed of romaine lettuce and spring mix greens lay grilled chicken breast, crispy applewood smoked bacon, candied almonds, a three-cheese mix of parmesan, asiago, and Romano, cheeses, and fresh-cut strawberries. On the side, Wendy’s provides a tangy Marzetti champagne vinaigrette.

All together the flavors of this salad are very complementary, the cheese adds a touch of saltiness to the pepper-heavy bites of grilled chicken, while the bacon adds smokey notes that are contrasted by sweet and crunchy slices of candied almonds, with bright and tart strawberries intensified by the champagne vinaigrette. Each bite is a satisfying medley of flavors that feels light but satisfying.

It’s a winner all right. But it’s not a Strawberry Frosty.

The Strawberry Frosty

Salads are great and all but let’s face it, when we want to indulge, there is no indulgence from Wendy’s greater than a nice cold Frosty and I’m happy to say that the Strawberry Frosty is not only just as good as the flavor it temporarily replaces, it is the best flavor of Frosty, hands down. It has this bright and refreshing flavor that no other Frosty flavor has, but still retains that malted characteristic that makes the Frosty so addicting.

To create this Frosty, Wendy’s added fresh strawberry puree into its vanilla ice cream base, which results in a surprisingly natural-tasting flavor with a hint of tartness that is as refreshing as it is sweet. After my first few spoonfuls I couldn’t think of another fast food treat I’d rather be eating on a hot day, and then I dipped my fries in it, and my mind was truly blown.

It’s no secret that one of the best ways to eat a Frosty is by spooning it out of the cup with a whole order of fries, but the way the crispy texture and salty character of the French fries mingle with the sweet and refreshing flavors of this shake is truly the best thing any fast food chain has given us all year. It’s not as simple as describing the marriage of flavors as ‘salty and sweet,’ there are no clear lines between the flavors, they collide and form a whole new world for your taste buds to experience.

The Bottom Line:

The Summer Strawberry Salad is very good, but if you want to blow your tastebuds away, dip an order of fries into Wendy’s new Strawberry Frosty immediately. It is the best Frosty on the whole Wendy’s menu, period. If this ended up permanently replacing the Vanilla Frosty (it won’t) we wouldn’t give the more boring flavor a second thought.

Find your nearest Wendy’s here.

Could it be possible that Trump’s “Truth Social” network can’t handle the truth? It sure seems like the platform is in total meltdown mode over the Jan 6 hearings. And it’s semi-understandable why the collective group’s feeling ruffled feathers. Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner didn’t score points, but at least what The Kush said didn’t appear to upset them. It was when (Soon-To-Be-Former) Favorite Trump Child Ivanka threw dad under the bus that things got really rough. Ivanka looked like a “deer caught in the headlights” while admitting that she believed ex-Attorney General Bill Barr’s conclusion that there was no evidence of tangible voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

In other words, she believed that her dad lost the election. This makes for an awkward family Thanksgiving, especially since Trump lashed out in response while claiming that she was “checked out” and didn’t know what she was talking about. Well, Trump also reportedly posted this on Truth Social: “The so-called ‘Rush on the Capitol’ was not caused by me, it was caused by a Rigged and Stolen election!”

The delusions are running high, for sure. And don’t even mention the hearings over there unless you want to be permanently banned. Yep, that’s correct:

So much for free speech from the free speech champions, right? Twitter’s full of chatter about the many people who are being banned from Truth Social for daring to mention the hearings.

Pretty freaking wild. 2022 is proving to be as unhinged as 2016, and will things ever calm down, politically? Your guess is as good as mine.

Stephen Colbert found himself in the rare spot of having a tough act to follow as he delivered a live monologue on Thursday night, shortly after the first January 6 hearing aired in primetime. But, given how much there was to unpack, he wasn’t lacking in material.

Colbert kicked off his monologue by comparing the hearings to Stranger Things, in that “we met the monster years ago, and we’re pretty sure the Russians are involved. And, like the stars of Stranger Things, I have noticeably aged.” Colbert left no one untouched in his hilarious recap of the proceedings: He came down on Republicans who had brushed the whole thing off as a “nothingburger,” and marveled at the fact that Fox News opted to run commercial-free for two hours. “Do you know what that means?” The Late Show host asked. “Fox News is willing to lose money to keep their viewers from flipping over and accidentally learning information… But I’m really not surprised; that’s the first rule of any cult: never leave the compound.”

But Colbert was most shocked by the moment in the hearings when Liz Cheney “hit the president where it hurts him: right in the Ivanka. Because they rolled in footage of the First Daughter’s reaction in her testimony to [former attorney general Bill] Barr calling her father’s charges of election fraud BS.”

Ivanka, looking like she was beaming in from another planet, shocked everyone when she testified that “I respect Attorney General Barr, umm, so I accepted what he was saying.” While Papa Trump is apparently on the warpath over her comments, even “truthing” about it on TRUTH Social, Colbert assumes his feelings about his favorite child’s seeming betrayal are more complicated than that.

“That must have been a bittersweet moment for the president,” Colbert said. “She finally screwed him.”

You can watch the full monologue above.

Earlier this year, Madonna declared she’d love to go on a world tour with Britney Spears and re-create their famous 2003 MTV Video Music Awards kiss, saying, “Not sure if she’d be into it, but it would be really cool. We could, like, reenact the original kiss.” Well, the two aren’t touring together, but they did get the chance to re-create the VMAs smooch, doing so at Spears and Sam Asghari’s wedding yesterday.

Page Six shared photos from yesterday’s ceremony and following reception, and one of them shows Madonna and Spears sharing a simple closed-mouth kiss. Another one sees the pair looking at the camera, sharing an embrace, and smiling. Other photos from the reception show who else attended the wedding, a list that includes Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore, Paris Hilton, Donatella Versace, and others. (Hollywood Life and E! News also have photo galleries of guests arriving at and leaving the wedding.)

Page Six also offers details about what the wedding day was like, noting that the ceremony was attended by about 50 guests. When guests arrived, they were “greeted by a Cinderella-style carriage completely covered in flowers and other gorgeous floral displays.” During the ceremony, Spears wore “an off-the-shoulder white gown with a corset top and thigh-high split” while Asghari went with a traditional tuxedo.