Jeriann Tripodi, Staff

Header Image: Silk Sonic

Jeffree Star recovering after severe car crash

Youtuber and beauty influencer Jeffree Star was driving in Wyoming with his friend, Daniel Lucas, when the vehicle hit black ice. According to Star’s social media accounts, the car flipped over several times, but both men survived. In a post to fans, Star, 35, shared that he is in “excruciating pain” after breaking part of his back, but is expected to fully recover. Meanwhile, Lucas sustained internal injuries. 

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez split 

On April 15, former Yankee player Alex Rodriguez and pop singer Jennifer Lopez confirmed that they ended their engagement. In a joint statement, the pair shared that they will continue to be friends and wish the best for one another. A reason behind the split has not been made public, however, cheating rumors have been circulating in the months leading up to the breakup. Rodriguez and Lopez were together for four years and got engaged in 2019. They were set to marry last year, but postponed their wedding due to COVID-19. 

Helen McCrory dies (1968-2021)

On April 16, actress Helen McCrory passed away at the age of 52 after battling cancer. The London native was best known for portraying the character Narcissa Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” films. She was also known for her role in “Peaky Blinders” where she played Polly Gray. 

McDonald’s teams up with BTS for new meal

On April 19, fast food chain McDonald’s announced that they have teamed up with the Korean boyband, BTS, and will be launching “The BTS Meal” for a limited time starting May 26. The combo meal will consist of a 10-piece Chicken McNugget, medium fries and a medium Coca Cola. This meal will also include Cajun and Sweet Chili dipping sauces. 

“American Idol” airs first comeback episode 

On April 19, “American Idol” invited 10 fan-favorite contestants from last season (season 18) to sing on stage for the chance to join this season’s (season 19) Top 10. With one remaining spot, only one fan-favorite contestant from the past will be selected to join the nine current contestants for the chance to win the singing competition. One of the contenders from season 18 is Philadelphia’s own Louis Knight, who impressed the judges with his original song. “American Idol” airs every Sunday and Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC. 

“Godzilla v. Kong” becomes highest grossing film during the COVID-19 pandemic

The sci-fi/action film “Godzilla v. Kong” is continuing to top the box office, and has officially become the top-grossing Hollywood film during the COVID-19 pandemic globally. The fourth installment in Legendary’s MonsterVerse, which has made over $390 million at the global box office, has surpassed “Tenet,” which earned $365 million last year. 

Number one on the Billboard charts: week of April 17, 2021

According to “The Hot 100” on the charts, the number one song in the U.S. is “Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak). Moving up to the top spot for the first time, this is the fifth week that the R&B/soul song is on the charts. According to the “Billboard 200,” the number one album in the U.S. is “Justice” by Justin Bieber. Moving from the second spot to the top spot, this is the third week the pop album is on the charts.