Step into the immersive ‘Saturday Night Live’ experience at Rockefeller Center
The iconic sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” is celebrating its 50th season in a big way. Fans will soon get to step into the world of “SNL” with a brand-new immersive experience in Manhattan.
The SNL Immersive Experience will take place at New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The event allows fans to explore a Studio 8H-inspired set, sit at the famous “Weekend Update” desk, and enjoy exclusive content and giveaways. According to a press release, visitors can expect to experience the on- and off-camera magic of “SNL” during a 20- to 30-minute walking tour.
The experience is open to guests 16 and older. However, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The SNL Immersive Experience runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2. Although the exact address has not been revealed yet, the event will be held in the heart of Rockefeller Center.
How to secure your spot
Reservations for the SNL Immersive Experience are free but required for entry. Fans can begin reserving their spots on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
According to the official program for the event, Underwood’s rendition of “America the Beautiful” will be accompanied by the armed forces chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
Can confirm that Carrie Underwood will sing "America the Beautiful" at Trump's inauguration next week.
Underwood, who rose to fame after winning “American Idol” in 2005, has largely kept her political views out of the spotlight during her career.
“I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins,” Underwood told the Guardian in 2019.
In 2017, she and Brad Paisley joked about Trump’s social media etiquette during a skit while co-hosting the Country Music Awards. The duo parodied her hit “Before He Cheats” but replaced the lyrics with, “Maybe next time he’ll think before he tweets.”
Social media reacts to Underwood performing at inauguration
Online users have mixed opinions about Underwood’s announcement on social media. One person posted to X, “I am boycotting anyone who performs at that narcissist’s inauguration. Carrie Underwood is definitely on that list.”
Another person on X posted, “Good for Carrie Underwood. Entertainers should be able to entertain where they want when they want without reprisals. It is an honor to perform at any inauguration. I know nothing about her politics and don’t care. I am sure she will be great!”
Ahead of Trump’s 2017 inauguration, several big names, including Elton John and Celine Dion, declined invitations to perform.
The inauguration for Trump’s second term is Jan. 20.
Southern California wildfires spark conversations on celebrity accountability
Wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Southern California, and numerous communities have been forced to face unprecedented destruction. However, the crisis has also sparked conversations about disaster relief, accountability and celebrity involvement, with some stepping up while others face criticism.
Kardashians called out for water overuse
Among the celebrities addressing the fires are the Kardashians –– but not in a favorable light.
Over the weekend, Khloé Kardashian shared an interview with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley on her Instagram story. Crowley said she had asked Mayor Karen Bass for funding to repair fire hydrants and engines. Khloé tagged the mayor, writing, “Karen Bass, you are a joke.”
However, controversy arose when a 2022 report resurfaced, highlighting that Khloé and Kim Kardashian exceeded water usage limits during the city’s drought. Together, the sisters reportedly used 333,000 gallons—enough to fill half an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Harry and Meghan offer support to fire victims
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seen volunteering in Pasadena, meeting with fire victims and distributing food.
“They were serving food anonymously earlier today,” said Pasadena’s mayor, Victor Gordo. “No one knew they were there.”
Markle, whose Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” was meant to premiere Wednesday, Jan. 15, delayed the launch out of respect for the victims. The couple’s website also lists ways to support those affected by the fires.
Mandy Moore faces backlash
Not all celebrity efforts are receiving praise. Actress and singer Mandy Moore was called out after she shared a GoFundMe to support her family members affected by the wildfires.
She revealed that her brother-in-law and sister-in-law lost everything, including their home, with a baby on the way. While the fundraiser reached its $200,000 goal, critics questioned why Moore didn’t cover the cost herself.
In response, Moore assured fans she had supported her family and told critics to “Kindly F off.” Although her home remained mostly intact, the fires destroyed her garage, music studio and back house.
Oscars schedule shifts amid crisis
Meanwhile, Hollywood is feeling the effects of the wildfires. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced changes to its Oscars schedule.
The Academy extended the voting period for nominations. They will announce the nominees on Jan. 23 instead of the original Jan. 17 date.
Fire containment efforts continue
As of Monday, Jan. 13, Cal Fire reported three active fires burning in Los Angeles. The Hurst Fire is 95% contained, but the Palisades Fire—the largest and most damaging—has burned over 23,000 acres and is only 14% contained.
Alec Baldwin sues New Mexico prosecutors over ‘Rust’ trial
Actor Alec Baldwin is suing New Mexico prosecutors. The lawsuit accuses them of malicious prosecution and civil rights violations.
The suit was filed nearly six months after a judge dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin. The dismissal cited prosecutors’ failure to disclose key evidence to the defense.
Baldwin alleges evidence manipulation
In the lawsuit, Baldwin claims prosecutors and investigators targeted him unfairly. He accuses them of deliberately concealing or manipulating evidence. The suit alleges they were “blinded by their desire to convict” and sought to “scapegoat” him.
Baldwin is seeking damages for “malicious abuse of process, intentional spoliation of evidence, defamation, and violation of the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.”
The actor maintains he was handed a prop gun on the set of “Rust” and loudly called out “cold gun” to confirm its safety. According to the lawsuit, this was a standard practice to assure cast and crew the weapon had been inspected.
Meanwhile, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie’s weapons supervisor, is serving a one-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Her case, however, is under appeal.
Filming for “Rust” resumed in August 2024, and the movie premiered globally in November. Since then, Baldwin has returned to public life, appearing on “Saturday Night Live” and announcing an upcoming reality TV show with his family.
“The View” is making weekend plans. Starting Saturday, Jan. 11, fans can tune in to “The Weekend View” on ABC News Live, according to Variety.
The new show will feature the Friday panel and offer 30-minute episodes that re-air throughout the weekend. ABC hopes the expansion will bring fresh takes on entertainment and trending topics, which are meant to diverge from the weekday show’s political focus.
Karin Gilford, senior vice president of digital media for ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks, explained the shift in tone.
“The weekends are also when everybody’s generally taking a break. So it’s an opportunity to highlight some of the stuff the show covers throughout the week, that’s maybe not always in some of those politics arenas,” Gilford said.
A record-breaking season
ABC also reported that “The View” is currently experiencing its most-watched linear season in four years. With this momentum, the addition of “The Weekend View” seems poised to attract even more viewers.
Fans can catch the first episode on ABC News Live starting Jan. 11.
Hollywood stars lose homes as Southern California wildfire rages on
The Southern California wildfires are leaving a path of devastation, destroying homes and uprooting lives. Hollywood celebrities are among the thousands forced to evacuate and face losing their homes.
Actor James Woods flees flames
Actor James Woods shared a harrowing experience on CNN of evacuating his home as flames engulfed everything around him. “One day, you’re swimming in the pool, and the next day, it’s all gone,” Woods said during the interview.
Amid the chaos, Woods helped rescue an elderly neighbor with dementia. He urged others to evacuate immediately when warned, emphasizing the importance of staying out of firefighters’ way.
Steve Guttenberg steps in to help
Actor Steve Guttenberg also took action during the evacuations. After fleeing his home, he returned to help clear abandoned cars blocking evacuation routes.
“If anybody has a car and they leave their car, leave the keys so we can move the car so these firetrucks can get up Palisades Drive,” Guttenberg said in an interview with KTLA.
Paris Hilton loses Malibu home
Media personality Paris Hilton shared her heartbreak over losing her Malibu home. In a post on social media, Hilton wrote, “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.”
Hilton described the home as a place where her son, Phoenix, took his first steps and where she and her family dreamed of building a lifetime of memories. She added that her team is working to find ways to support the community.
Jamie Lee Curtis urges preparedness
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, speaking as an American Red Cross ambassador on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness.
Her family has pledged $1 million to relief efforts supporting those affected by the fires.
Billy Crystal and other stars share losses
Actor Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, also lost their longtime home to the Southern California wildfires. In a statement to ABC, Crystal said, “Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love.”
Actress Heidi Montag joined the list of celebrities affected, sharing an emotional message on TikTok: “I’m so sad our house is gone.”
Other stars impacted by the fires include singer Jhené Aiko, actor Cameron Mathison, chef Sandra Lee and former talk show host Ricki Lake.
How to help
The devastation from the Southern California wildfires is widespread, but there are ways to help. Organizations like the Red Cross and local relief funds are accepting donations.
Planet Fitness is offering free showers and charging stations for those affected, while Airbnb is providing temporary housing.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
Five wildfires now burn in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, leaving death, destruction and devastation in their paths. And the infernos led President Joe Biden to cancel his final international trip in office. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
At least five wildfires were burning in the heavily populated Los Angeles area of California on Thursday, Jan. 9, destroying thousands of homes and putting millions of lives in danger. At least five people died from the blaze and more than 100,000 evacuated their homes.
Dry conditions and strong winds continue to fuel the flames.
The newest fire, the Sunset Fire, sparked Wednesday night in the famous Hollywood Hills region. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s latest update at 11:50 p.m. PST on Wednesday, the blaze engulfed 60 acres at 0% contained.
The Palisades Fire remains the biggest threat, covering over 17,000 acres at 0% containment.
Officials said it destroyed at least 1,000 buildings, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
The deadly Eaton Fire near Pasadena and Altadena spanned more than 10,000 acres at 0% contained. All five reported deaths were linked to the Eaton Fire.
Fire crews made headway on the Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley, containing about 10% of the blaze that spread to almost 900 acres, according to CalFire.
Crews made the most progress in fighting the Lidia Fire in Acton, about 50 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. That fire scorched about 350 acres, but CalFire said it was 40% contained.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said more than 7,500 firefighters, including crews from Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state, are battling the flames.
More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California's ongoing historic wildfires.
Southern California residents — please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you're…
While mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for certain areas, officials told everyone in the area to pack a go-bag and be prepared to leave.
Celebrities among victims to lose homes in California wildfires
With tens of thousands of people impacted by the ongoing wildfires in California, come countless personal stories of loss, grief, shock and, in some cases, gratitude. Among those affected in the Los Angeles County and Hollywood area are some famous names.
Celebrities shared their accounts of the devastating scenes, something many said is like out of a movie.
“This Is Us” star Mandy Moore posted videos to her Instagram account of the fiery destruction in Altadena, writing, “I love you, Altadena. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late. Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all, so many have lost, including my family … our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together.”
“Seeing our home burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking,” Hilton wrote.
Actor Billy Crystal released a statement with his wife after losing his Pacific Palisades home.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979,” Crystal said. “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
James Woods, who once starred on the television show “Shark,” openly wept in a CNN interview as he talked about his immense loss and the search for his neighbors.
As the fires spread across the hub of the entertainment world, organizers postponed multiple movie premieres, TV productions and award shows.
The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 12, have been moved to Jan. 26. The Oscar nominations announcement was pushed back two days to Jan. 19.
An NHL hockey game involving the Los Angeles Kings was postponed Wednesday night. The NFL said it is monitoring the conditions as the Los Angeles Rams are slated to host a playoff game Monday night, Jan. 13.
Biden to deliver eulogy at Carter’s funeral, Trump to attend
On Thursday afternoon, President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy at the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral.
President-elect Donald Trump will also attend the funeral. Trump, along with his wife Melania, were among those to pay their respects as the 39th president was lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday.
After the funeral, Carter’s body will take one final trip back to his home state of Georgia where he will be buried next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn.
While in Washington on Wednesday, Trump held a private meeting with Republican senators at the Capitol to discuss a strategy for top priorities heading into his second term. While speaking to reporters, Trump called the wildfires in California “a true tragedy.”
Biden announced Wednesday he canceled his final international trip of his presidency. He said he will remain in Washington, D.C., to monitor the deadly fires in Southern California.
Biden was set to take part in a three-day trip to Rome and the Vatican where he would meet with Pope Francis and the Italian president. His announcement came just hours after meeting his first great-grandchild, born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Capitol police arrest man who brought machete to Jimmy Carter viewing
As thousands of Americans paid their respects to Carter at the Capitol, authorities arrested a man Wednesday at a security screening for people waiting to view the late president as he lies in state in Washington.
Capitol police said the man, identified as Washington resident Mel Horne, carried a machete and three knives in a bag. Authorities spotted the weapons as the bag went through an X-ray machine. Horne now faces multiple charges of carrying a dangerous weapon.
Capitol police also said officers arrested a Virginia man who lit a bag containing accelerants on fire on top of his car near the Capitol. They do not believe the two incidents were connected.
Port strike averted after tentative deal reached
Longshoremen reached a tentative new contract deal Wednesday with shipping and port companies along the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S., averting a potentially crippling strike for now.
The United States Maritime Alliance, which represents ship lines and port operators, and union International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) said they’ve agreed on a six-year deal. However, the agreement is not official until ratified by union members.
The ILA represents 50,000 members who fill 25,000 jobs at 14 ports from Maine to Texas. If this deal wasn’t reached, port workers were set to go on strike beginning next Thursday, Jan. 16.
Details of the agreement have not yet been publicly released, but sources close to the matter said it addresses a key sticking point for workers: automation.
In October, Longshoremen agreed to a wage increase of 62% over six years, and the two sides pushed other issues into 2025 to end a three-day strike.
Airbnb.org providing free, temporary housing for displaced California residents
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit founded by Airbnb, is providing free, temporary housing for people displaced by the Los Angeles County fires. The organization partnered with the non-profit 211 LA to connect those who lost their homes or have been forced to evacuate with a free place to stay.
New Emmys rules redefine guest stars, theme music and directing honors
A shake-up is about to hit TV’s biggest night, changing who gets a shot at taking home that golden statuette. The Television Academy has announced rule updates for the 77th and 78th Emmy Awards.
Guest performer eligibility sees major change
One of the most notable changes affects how guest performers qualify for Emmy consideration. Performers who were previously nominated or won in the lead or supporting category can no longer submit as guest performers for the same character in the same series.
This rule opens doors for first-time and true guest appearances.
An example of how this impacts past winners? Ron Cephas Jones, known for his role as William Hill on NBC’s “This Is Us.” He won two Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2018 and 2020. Under the new rule, Jones would not have been eligible to submit for those wins in subsequent seasons, leaving more room for fresh guest talent.
New rules for main title theme music
Starting next year, the Emmys are also shaking up the rules for the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music category. A show’s theme must now appear in at least 50% of the eligible episodes submitted to qualify.
This means shows that frequently skip their opening credits for special episodes, finales or to dive straight into a cold open may find their themes ineligible for consideration.
Directors get more chances to showcase range
Finally, directors are getting a major boost. Starting with the 2026 Emmys, directors can submit multiple entries per category if their work comes from different shows. This change allows directors to showcase their range rather than being limited to one submission per category.
The new rules aim to make the Emmys more inclusive and reflective of the evolving television landscape. By redefining guest performer eligibility, emphasizing consistent theme music, and expanding opportunities for directors, the Television Academy is attempting to set the stage for a more dynamic and fair awards season.
Hollywood premieres and events canceled amid wildfires
The Los Angeles wildfires are disrupting daily life and forcing Hollywood to make significant adjustments. Several high-profile premieres and events have been canceled or postponed as the fires continue to spread.
Studios are prioritizing safety over spectacle. According to Variety, Jennifer Lopez’s “Unstoppable” had a grand Hollywood premiere this week. However, the studio postponed the red carpet event due to the hazardous air quality caused by the fires.
“Unstoppable” is a biopic about a wrestler born without a leg who defies the odds to become an NCAA Division 1 champion. Amazon’s MGM Studios announced that the film will be released globally on Prime Video starting Jan. 16.
Universal Studios’ “Wolf Man” also joined the growing list of postponed premieres. Meanwhile, Paramount’s “Better Man” and Max’s “The Pitt” have added to the tally, bringing the total number of affected premieres to four as of Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Live events also impacted
It’s not just movie premieres feeling the impact. A live event planned for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards nominations is now a virtual format. Organizers announced on X that they’ll unveil the nominations through a press release and their official website.
Here’s a full rundown of Hollywood events affected by the Los Angeles wildfires:
Premieres for “Unstoppable,” “Wolf Man,” “Better Man” and “The Pitt”
Man accused of Tupac Shakur’s murder seeks to have charges dropped
Nearly three decades after the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, the man accused of orchestrating the fatal drive-by is fighting to have all charges against him dropped, according to The Associated Press. In Sept. 1996, a gunman opened fire on Shakur as he sat in the passenger seat of a car driven by Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight in Las Vegas. Shakur died six days later from his injuries.
Since then, speculation has swirled about who committed the crime, but no suspect had been identified until recently. In Sept. 2023, the case saw a breakthrough with Duane “Keffe D” Davis’s arrest after a search of a Las Vegas home.
“This investigation started on the night of Sept. 7, 1996. It is far from over,” said Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill in a Sept. 2023 press conference.
Now, Davis is seeking freedom. The motion filed accuses prosecutors of “egregious” constitutional violations due to the 27-year delay in bringing charges. Under Nevada law, there is no statute of limitations for murder.
Davis’ attorney, Carl Arnold, filed the motion Monday, Jan. 6, arguing a lack of corroborating evidence and claiming authorities failed to honor immunity agreements granted to Davis during prior investigations.
According to a news release, Arnold says, “the failure to honor immunity agreements undermines the criminal justice system’s integrity and seriously questions this prosecution.”
Trial set for March
Davis’ court-appointed attorneys also filed a bail request last December, arguing he is not receiving adequate treatment for his colon cancer, which is in remission. They also requested that his 2019 memoir and recent interviews, in which he talked about the events of that night, be excluded from the evidence.
Davis has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set to begin on March 17.