Celia Cruz Quarter, U.S. Mint

The “Queen of Salsa” Celia Cruz is the fourth woman to be honored in the 2024 American Women Quarters Program and the first Afro-Latina to grace a U.S. coin. This vivacious vocal powerhouse’s career spanned continents, genres, and decades. That’s a lot of life and musicality to portray on a small metal disc, but U.S. Mint medallic artist Phebe Hemphill was up to the challenge and created a striking pocket portrait.

“I knew I had to make the design for superstar Celia Cruz as dynamic as she was,” Hemphill said. “I watched her perform in her famous rumba dress and tried to create a design that truly reflected her greatness and vitality.” Hemphill uses a combination of traditional clay relief sculpture and 3D imaging software in her designs.

It would be quite the task to encapsulate the vivacity of Cruz, who is known for her powerful voice, incredible vocal range, improvisational lyrics, on-stage dancing and humor, and infectious flamboyance. The performer's style has also made an impact. Her looks consisted of impressively high heels, colorful wigs, and dazzling gowns featuring sequins, ruffles, and feathers. Several of her favorite outfits, including a Cuban Rumba dress, now belong to the Smithsonian.

Luckily, the quarter captures an exuberant Cruz in characteristically fabulous garb, smiling next to her iconic cry,”¡Azúcar!” (sugar)—a saying that originated in a joke about Cuba’s powerful coffee and became a beloved catchphrase of her performances. (The image of George Washington on the reverse side was designed by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1932.)

Born Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso in 1925 in Barrio Santos Suarez in Havana, Cruz loved music from an early age. Though her father wanted her to be a teacher, she left her training in education and attended Havana’s National Conservatory of Music. Cruz started out performing for local cabarets and radio shows, and one of her first big breaks was singing for a popular orchestra called La Sonora Matancera. The trumpet player, Pedro Knight, later became her husband and manager.

After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, Cruz moved to Mexico and then New Jersey, launching a U.S. career that would include platinum and gold records, films, and Grammys, among other achievements and awards. One cornerstone of her success was joining the Tito Puente Orchestra, one of the groups that developed a popular new genre in the 1960s and 70s: salsa.

“I have fulfilled my father’s wish to be a teacher as, through my music, I teach generations of people about my culture and the happiness that is found in just living life,” Cruz said in 1997, six years before her death. “As a performer, I want people to feel their hearts sing and their spirits soar.”

Cuban-American singer Celia Cruz is now the first Afro-Latina to be featured on a U.S. quarter.

She joins other inspiring women in the 2024 American Women Quarters Program, including Zitkala-Ša, Patsy Takemoto Mink, Dr. Pauli Murray, and Mary Edwards Walker.

American Women Quarters, U.S. Mint

Cruz had more than 80 albums and songs, and artists in the music industry continue to feel the impact she has made.

Ritmo en el Corazón album cover. (Photo: Library of Congress)

The vivacious musician was also no stranger to the Latin Grammys, having won 4 awards herself.

 

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Watch the “Queen of Salsa” perform with Tito Puente in 2009.

Celia Cruz: Website | Instagram | YouTube | X
h/t: [ABC7]

All images via the United States Mint except where noted.

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READ: Queen of Salsa Celia Cruz Is the First Afro-Latina on a U.S. Quarter

 

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Una publicación compartida por The Olympic Games (@olympics)

With all the joy and excitement the Paris 2024 Olympic Games spread around the world, many can't help but look forward to the next Olympics. As is tradition, the closing ceremony featured the passing of the baton to the city of Los Angeles, which will host the games in 2028. To get everyone excited, some Californian performers made an appearance. Some like Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Red Hot Chili Peppers joined in from the other side of the Atlantic on the sunny beaches of SoCal.

After H.E.R. performed the National Anthem and Tom Cruise jumped from the roof of the Stade de France, the broadcast depicted the Olympic flag traveling across the world and around LA before making its way to the Pacific Ocean, where the Red Hot Chili Peppers were performing their electrifying single “Can't Stop” with the blue ocean and a matching LA28 logo in the background.

The camera later panned to reveal a second stage, mounted in one of SoCal's iconic lifeguard towers. There, Billie Eilish, her brother Finneas, and her band, gave a sunny rendition of “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” the second single from her latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft.

Following her performance, Snoop Dogg appeared through a path of intricate sand sculptures and took over the stage to rap to “The Next Episode” alongside Dr. Dre. This wasn't the first time Snoop Dogg was seen around an Olympic event recently. The California rapper was also seen in Paris attending break dancing competitions and supporting Team USA.

In the end, Snoop Dogg waved the Olympic flag before the broadcast returned to Paris for the emotional final moments of the ceremony, as the French capital bid farewell to the games with a rendition of “My Way” by French singer and model Yseult, uniting the host countries present and future in one sweeping performance.

You can watch these performances below.

During the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony, LA-based musicians made an appearance from across the pond to get everyone excited about the next Olympic Games—Los Angeles 2028.

Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre! pic.twitter.com/iPEz5REyD8

— Billie Eilish Brasil (@BillieEilishBR) August 11, 2024

Watch the performances by Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg.

LA28 we ready!!! Closing ceremony vibes wit @drdre yall pic.twitter.com/sxLnlRq00Z

— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) August 12, 2024

h/t: [Complex]

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READ: Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Red Hot Chili Peppers Perform at the Olympics Closing Ceremony

 

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If there’s anything we know about Mickey Mouse and his friends, it’s that Mickey is a mouse, Donald is a duck, and Goofy is a dog…or so we thought. According to Bill Farmer, Goofy’s voice actor of 37 years, Goofy is not actually a dog. During an interview with Yahoo Entertainment in 2020, Farmer confidently stated that Goofy is simply Goofy.

“He is not a dog,” Farmer told the media outlet. “Pluto is a dog, but Goofy seems to be in the canine family in the same way that a wolf is not a dog, but they also are in the canine family. I think Canis Goofus is the technical Latin term for what Goofy is. He’s just Goofy.”

As a child, Goofy was Farmer’s favorite character while watching Disney animated shorts like Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Colour. However, it never occurred to Farmer that he would eventually become the voice of the iconic cartoon character. Passionate about voice impressions, the actor made his way to Los Angeles after a brief stand-up comedy career. Confident in his Mickey Mouse impression, which he had mastered in his childhood, Farmer auditioned for Disney.

“I can’t do Donald Duck very well. But Goofy was right in the wheelhouse,” Farmer said.

Since 1987, Farmer has been Goofy’s official voice with his initial debut in a TV special called Doggone Valentine. According to Farmer, it was Goof Troop, a series from 1992, that really helped him develop his character and become Goofy. In Goof Troop, Goofy is portrayed as a learning, single father of a son named Max. Farmer explained that through his acting, he explored his own relationship with his young son.

“My son at the time was around 5 years old, so I was substituting in my mind my son so I could have that father-son relationship and it became real,” explained the voice actor.

In 2009, Farmer was made a Disney Legend. As of 2024, he continues to voice Goofy. His most recent roles include Once Upon a Studio, a short film where he provided lines for both Goofy and Pluto, and the video game Disney Speedstorm as Goofy.

Bill Farmer, the voice actor for Goofy, has clarified that Goofy is not a dog but a unique character within the canine family.

 

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Farmer has voiced Goofy since 1987 and his work in Goof Troop (1992) helped him build a connection to his character.

 

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A post shared by Jim Cummings (@jimjcummings)

Recognized as a Disney Legend in 2009, Farmer continues to bring Goofy to life in recent projects such as Once Upon a Studio and Disney Speedstorm.

 

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Bill Farmer: Instagram | X | Facebook
h/t: [Yahoo Entertainment]

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Photo: Featureflash/Depositphotos

In May, Maggie Steffens from the U.S. women's water polo team, shared a very real plight on Instagram. “Some may not know this, but most Olympians need a 2nd (or 3rd) job to support chasing the dream (myself included!)” she wrote. The athlete added that most rely on sponsors for travel, lodging, and nutrition. “This support means everything to us & impacts our sport more than most.” While many related to the message, an unlikely figure stepped in and offered his full support—rapper Flavor Flav.

The musician, who rose to fame as a member of Public Enemy, wasted no time and replied to Steffens' post. “As a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports—imma personally sponsor you my girl,,, whatever you need,” he commented. “My manager is in touch with your agent and imma use all my relationships and resources to help all y’all even more. That’s a FLAVOR FLAV promise.”

And keep his promise he did. Weeks later, the rapper signed a five-year sponsorship deal with both the women’s and men’s teams with the mission to “elevate the visibility and excitement surrounding water polo in the United States.” On top of contributing with an undisclosed amount of money, Flavor Flav has committed to make appearances at USA Water Polo events to raise the popularity of this sport.

“I never in my life, honestly, never thought of me sponsoring a United States Olympic team,” Flavor Flav told NBC Olympics. “For me doing this, I ain’t gonna lie, to me this is one of the biggest things that I feel that I could have ever done in life, outside of the other accomplishments that I’ve made to music. By sponsoring a water polo team and helping these girls out, this is bigger than me winning a Grammy.”

Now that the team is competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Flavor Flav has taken on the role of “official hype man.” He has loudly supported the team, proudly donning a polo cap in Team USA's colors while attending the matches. The rapper has also been seen around Paris supporting other athletes, such as the rugby sevens team.

“What I’m doing right now, I think it’s huge and nobody else is doing it or done it,” states Flavor Flav. “Usually, I’m known to be the first to do something and everybody else follows my trends. So I’m hoping that this will be a trend that a lot of people will follow because I think it’s a really good thing. Come and step up and sponsor some of these teams.”

In May, Maggie Steffens from the U.S. women's water polo team, shared a very real plight on Instagram: “Some may not know this, but most Olympians need a 2nd (or 3rd) job to support chasing the dream (myself included!)”

 

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Una publicación compartida por Maggie Steffens (@maggie.steffens)

While many related to the message, an unlikely figure stepped in and offered his full support—rapper Flavor Flav.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Maggie Steffens (@maggie.steffens)

Weeks later, the rapper signed a five-year sponsorship deal with both the women’s and men’s teams with the mission to “elevate the visibility and excitement surrounding water polo in the United States.”

 

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Una publicación compartida por USA Water Polo (@usawp)

Now that the team is competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Flavor Flav has taken on the role of “official hype man.”

 

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Una publicación compartida por USA Water Polo (@usawp)

“I’m hoping that this will be a trend that a lot of people will follow because I think it’s a really good thing,” he says. “Come and step up and sponsor some of these teams.”

 

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Una publicación compartida por Maggie Steffens (@maggie.steffens)

Flavor Flav: Instagram
h/t: [CNBC]

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READ: Rapper Flavor Flav Sponsored the U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team So They Could Go to the Olympics

 

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Una publicación compartida por The Olympic Games (@olympics)

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are finally here. And while the competitions are well underway, the entire world is still buzzing about the thrilling opening ceremony. One moment in particular seemed to strike a chord with the global audience. Near the end of the broadcast, the cameras turned to the Eiffel Tower, where Canadian singer Celine Dion performed Édith Piaf's “Hymne A L'Amour.”

Wearing an elegant Dior gown, Dion fought back tears as she looked down at the crowd watching her perform from the famous Trocadero gardens, where athletes, politicians, and the media had gathered. The choice of song was a tribute to Piaf's place in French cultural history. “Hymne A L'Amour,” recorded in 1950, is a piercing love song inspired by the untimely passing of Piaf's lover, boxer Marcel Cerdan, in a plane crash.

On top of the powerful imagery, this moment held special significance. The Paris 2024 opening ceremony marked Dion's first performance in over a year following the cancelation of her Courage world tour in May 2023 amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome. This autoimmune and neurological condition causes painful spasms and makes it hard to walk, as depicted in her documentary I Am: Celine Dion. The singer first revealed her diagnosis in December 2022.

“I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!” Dion wrote on Instagram. “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance. All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!”

You can relive Dion's soaring performance by watching the video on YouTube. To stay up to date with the singer, you can follow Dion on Instagram.

Canadian singer Celine Dion performed Édith Piaf's “Hymne A L'Amour” at the Eiffel Tower for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Céline Dion (@celinedion)

You can watch the full performance on YouTube.

Celine Dion: Instagram
h/t: [Harper's Bazaar]

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READ: Celine Dion Makes Her Grand Return With a Performance at the Eiffel Tower for the 2024 Paris Olympics

Photo: Atlantic Records via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

On July 12, “The Rain (Super Dupa Fly)” by Missy Elliott became the second song to be transmitted into space, following The Beatles' “Across the Universe” transmission in 2008. With the help of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the hip-hop track was beamed across 158 million miles to Elliott's favorite planet, Venus, in 14 minutes.

Brittany Brown, the director of digital and technological communication, originally pitched the idea to Elliott's team. In NASA's announcement, she explains that the collaboration was inspired by Missy Elliott's frequent use of space imagery. Elliott's music videos often feature futuristic themes with a cyberpunk-like aesthetic. This style also extends to her latest tour, “Out Of This World,” which has a surrealist spacecraft-inspired atmosphere. She often wears metallic fabrics and bold colors while performing, reflecting a combination of retro and new-world styles.

“The Rain” was transmitted at the speed of light through the Deep Space Network (DSN), giant radio antennas used for missions around Earth and with other planets. From a radio dish near Barstow, California, the DSN used large antennas typically employed to track spacecrafts, send commands, and receive data. Additionally, the DSN is capable of communicating with spacecrafts that range in distance from a few thousand kilometers away to beyond the solar system. This advanced technology made it possible to send Missy Elliott's song to Venus precisely and quickly.

The broadcasted song, which contains a sample of Ann Peebles' 1973 single “I Can't Stand the Rain,” was written and composed by Don Bryant, Bernard Miller, Missy Elliott, and producer Timbaland for her debut album Supa Dupa Fly in 1997. Elliott received two Grammy Award nominations for the album: Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo Performance for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).”

NASA's choice of Missy Elliott—who recently became the first female hip-hop artist in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—may have been influenced by more than just her futuristic branding. The artist has produced revolutionary songs addressing topics such as feminism, gender equality, and sex and body positivity, making her a pioneer for a new generation of female artists.

While it's unclear why NASA has chosen to transmit a song after over a decade, since the transmission of the Beatles “Across the Universe” to North Star, Polaris, the decision to send Elliott's hit song into space reflects the organization's commitment to blend culture and science. Elliott's innovative and creative work as an artist aligns with NASA's goal of bringing artistic expression into space exploration.

On July 12, NASA transmitted Missy Elliott’s hit song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” to Venus, making it the second song to ever be sent into space.

Supa-flying to Venus!

For the first time, a hip-hop song was transmitted #OutOfThisWorld. @MissyElliott‘s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” traveled 158 million miles to Venus through NASA's Deep Space Network from @NASAJPL‘s Deep Space Station 13 in California: https://t.co/Gg5ibm80hb pic.twitter.com/BwsdTNNqCv

— NASA (@NASA) July 15, 2024

YOOO this is crazy! We just went #OutOfThisWorld with @NASA and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network. My song “The Rain” has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment. The sky is… pic.twitter.com/g6HofNQSt1

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) July 15, 2024

Elliott’s music often features space-themed imagery and a futuristic aesthetic, making her a fitting choice for a collaboration that blends culture with space exploration.

 

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Beyond creating innovative beats, the four-time Grammy Award-winning artist has made an impact with her music by addressing themes such as feminism and gender equality.

I’m just Waiting on that Spaceship to take y’all #OUTOFTHISWORLD it’s gone be crazzzzzzy facts#outofthisworldtour pic.twitter.com/xbsPFLcLZd

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) June 9, 2024

Elliott has an influential role in shaping contemporary music by inspiring a new generation of artists and creating cultural milestones, including her recent achievement of having her work reach outer space.

OH SNAPWe bout to go #OUTOFTHISWORLD on this tour 4real tho! The ENERGY gone be through the ROOF! Look up in the sky & see where the SPACESHIP gonna land next @ciara @BustaRhymes @Timbaland https://t.co/f6wE0hldEQ pic.twitter.com/eovTLnUfoL

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) May 13, 2024

Missy Elliott: Website | Instagram | X
h/t: [IFL Science]

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READ: From Earth to Venus: NASA Sends Missy Elliott’s Hit Song ‘The Rain’ Into Space

Join us again in congratulating the 47th #KennedyCenterHonorees!

“Our Honorees this year have each played an invaluable, pioneering role in developing American culture…with their decades-long devotion to pushing creative boundaries.” –@kencen President Deborah F. Rutter. pic.twitter.com/nVUBQkCmZS

— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) July 18, 2024

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has recently revealed the five artists who will receive the 47th Kennedy Center Honors this winter. The recipients of the awards this year are Francis Ford Coppola, members of The Grateful Dead—Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir—Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval, and The Apollo Theater in New York.

Since 1978, the Kennedy Center has honored contributors to the performing arts for their role in enriching American culture. David M. Rubenstein, a chairman of the organization, explained in a statement why each artist this year was selected.

Three-time Grammy-Award-winning Bonnie Raitt was chosen for her significant contributions across multiple music genres, including blues, folk, and RnB. Arturo Sandoval, a renowned Cuban-American jazz trumpeter and pianist, was chosen for his stylistic blend of Afro-Cuban music and modern jazz.

While the awards are typically given to individual artists, this year, a musical group is also being recognized. Members of the Grateful Dead—Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir—are awarded for their innovative approach to rock music, becoming a staple of American music.

In response to their selection, the Grateful Dead acknowledged the role of their fans in their music: “To be recognized alongside the artists who have in the past received this honor is beyond humbling. The Grateful Dead has always been about community, creativity, and exploration in music and presentation. We've always felt that the music we make embodies and imparts something beyond the notes and phrases being played—and that is something we are privileged to share with all who are drawn to what we do—so it also must be said that our music belongs as much to our fans, the Dead Heads, as it does to us. This honor, then, is as much theirs as ours.”

According to Rubenstein, Francis Coppola, a renowned film director, is also being honored due to the impact his films have had on American culture. Coppola, who currently holds five Academy Awards, is known for his works such as The Godfather series and Apocalypse Now.

Until this point, the Kennedy Center has never awarded an organization for their contributions to the performing arts. However, this year, the Apollo Theater is being celebrated for its history of launching the careers of many artists and raising the voices of Black individuals in the arts.

In addition to recommendations from the general public, the Kennedy Center has established an advisory committee comprising board members, past honorees, and notable artists to assist in the selection process. The board then chooses five artists based on their distinction in performing arts, ranging from music and dance to theater, opera, and television.

While the event is invitation-based, CBS will broadcast the award ceremony from Washington, D.C., on December 28, 2024. The event will also be available to stream on Paramount+. The host for this year has not been announced yet. However, in the past six years, Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan has hosted three times, including last year, making her a potential candidate again.

By continuously recognizing remarkable artists, the Kennedy Center Honors cements their place in history and reminds us of the impact performing arts have on American society.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced the five recipients of the 47th Kennedy Center Honors:

Francis Ford Coppola

 

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Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir from The Grateful Dead

 

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Bonnie Raitt

 

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Arturo Sandoval

 

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The Apollo Theater

 

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The ceremony, set for December 23, will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

 

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A post shared by The Kennedy Center (@kennedycenter)

Annually, recipients of the Honors are selected for their significant contributions to American culture and the performing arts.

 

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The Kennedy Center: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [NPR]

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READ: 47th Kennedy Center Honors Announces Five Recipients Including The Apollo Theater

Photo: Screenshot from Instagram

When Australian singer Inoxia set up to busk on the streets of Brisbane, she never anticipated meeting one of her musical heroes. The talented artist launched into ‘Lose Control,' when the song's original artist, Teddy Swims, unexpectedly walked by. She shared the surreal moment on Instagram, where it’s quickly going viral.

When Inoxia noticed Swims approaching, she did a double-take in complete surprise, saying, “Get outta town!” She kept her cool and quickly offered him a second mic to join her in a duet. Swims warmly greeted Inoxia with a hug, clearly just as delighted by the situation as she was. Then he starts to sing, and the song takes on a whole new level.

Swim’s powerful, soulful voice fills the entire street in an incredible live performance, with Inoxia joining in to create a beautiful duet. At one point, Swims forgets the lyrics to his own song, and Inoxia steps in to help him get back on track. This funny moment just goes to show that even big stars have their down-to-earth moments.

In another Instagram post featuring the two of them together, Inoxia writes, “Feeling so incredibly blessed right now, thank you Teddy Swims for all of your magic.”

Swims is wrapping up the Australian leg of his tour, but he couldn't finish without bringing Inoxia in on the fun. He invited the singer up on stage during one of his Melbourne concerts for an epic duet to the Shania Twain classic, ‘You're Still the One.”

Check out all the heartwarming moments below and follow Inoxia on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with her singing career.

Australian singer Inoxia started singing on the streets when the song's original artist, Teddy Swims, walked by.

 

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A post shared by Please, I’m just a girl (@inoxia_)

It's apparent from the start that the two musicians had good camaraderie.

@inoxiasounds @Teddy Swims you have my heart #inoxia #teddyswims #losecontrol #australia #brisbane #queenstreetmall #busking #buaker ♬ original sound – INOXIA

After their surprise duet, the pair also sang a cover of Rihanna's ‘Stay Together.'

 

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A post shared by Please, I’m just a girl (@inoxia_)

 

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A post shared by Please, I’m just a girl (@inoxia_)

Teddy Swims even invited Inoxia on stage at his Melbourne concert for a powerful duet to Shania Twain's ‘You're Still the One.'

@inoxiasounds This has been the best week of my life. To my inspiration, my mentor. @Teddy Swims thank you for changing my life. What an incredible experience! #inoxia #teddyswims #melbourne #busker #viralbusker #australia #teddy #inoxiasounds #blessed ♬ original sound – INOXIA

Inoxia: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Patreon
Teddy Swims: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | TikTok
h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Australian Busker Taken by Surprise When Teddy Swims Joins in as She Sings His Song

Photo: Featureflash/Depositphotos

It's a highly relatable situation; there's a commitment we can't miss but for whatever reason, we simply cannot make it. This happened to actor and comedian Hannibal Buress, whose film credits include Spiderman: Homecoming and Spiderman: No Way Home, where he plays Coach Wilson. When he couldn't attend the premiere of the first movie, Buress got creative and found a way to be there…sort of. He hired someone to go in his place.

In a series of now-deleted tweets, Buress wrote that he needed “a lookalike with solid comedic timing for an event tonight.” To sweeten the deal, the actor offered compensation of $500. Despite the short notice, Buress' request was answered by Joe Carroll, an LA-based author, screenwriter, director, and actor. While he doesn't really look like Buress, Carroll got the job.

“When @hannibalburess hits you up and tells you to crash the red carpet since he couldn't make it…. You crash the damn red carpet,” Carroll wrote on Instagram. And crash the red carpet he did. Not only did he confidently pose for selfies with fans, he also answered questions from reporters and was even introduced as Buress by the premiere's official emcee.

Carroll, who wore sunglasses to help conceal his identity, later shared some selfies from the event. Meanwhile, Buress has deleted all mention of his request from his social media, including a tweet where he sarcastically seems to acknowledge the stunt. Overall, it was a success, as no one seemed to notice during the event.

Luckily for the impostor, this was far from his only Hollywood event. Carroll recently shared that he directed his second feature film, Fighting to be Me: The Dwen Curry story, which will soon air on BET. As for Buress, he is in a stand-up comedy tour across the country.

You stay up to date with creative actor’s shenanigans and projects by following Buress on Instagram.

Hannibal Buress is an actor and comedian whose film credits include Spiderman: Homecoming and Spiderman: No Way Home, where he plays Coach Wilson.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Hannibal Buress (@hannibalburess)

When he couldn't attend the premiere of the first movie, Buress got creative and found a way to be there…sort of. He hired a man named Joe Carroll to go in his place.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Joe Carroll (@iamjoecarroll)

Not only did Carroll confidently pose for selfies with fans, he also answered questions from reporters and was even introduced as Buress by the premiere's official emcee.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Joe Carroll (@iamjoecarroll)

h/t: [Variety]

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READ: Actor Hannibal Buress Hired a Lookalike To Attend a Movie Premiere for Him

Photo: s_bukley/Depositphotos

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, beloved actor Shannen Doherty passed away at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with cancer. Doherty was widely recognized for her iconic roles as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210, and Prue Halliwell on Charmed.

“The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie,” announced Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane. “The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”

Doherty was initially diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2015 and experienced remission in 2017. Unfortunately, the cancer returned in 2019. In 2020, Doherty publicly revealed her diagnosis of metastatic stage 4 cancer. In June 2023, she disclosed that the cancer had spread to her brain and that she had undergone surgery.

Despite her ongoing health battles, Doherty remained positive and resilient until her passing. “People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work. They put you out to pasture at a very early age —‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ and we’re not,” she said, adding, “We’re vibrant, and we have such a different outlook on life. We are people who want to work and embrace life and keep moving forward.”

Doherty used her voice, social media platforms, and podcast to openly share her experiences with cancer. She raised funds and awareness for cancer research, offering support and inspiration to others facing terminal cancer by helping them find hope and positivity. “When you ask yourself, ‘Why me? Why did I get cancer? Why did my cancer come back? Why am I stage 4?' that leads you to look for the bigger purpose in life,” Doherty shared.

The talented and prolific artist didn’t let her declining health get in the way of her career. In 2019, Doherty joined the TV reboot of Beverly Hills, 90210, playing an adult version of Brenda Walsh, the character that made her famous in the '90s.

In addition to staying active professionally, Doherty enjoyed a vibrant and loving social life up until the end of her life. Her oncologist and good friend Dr. Lawrence D. Piro spoke about Doherty’s final moments. “In the last few hours, she was in a place where she was very comfortable and sleeping and transitioning, and she was surrounded by some of her very close friends,” he said. “The room was surrounded by a select group of friends that were giving her a lot of care and support. It was somber and sad, but beautiful and loving. The hardest thing about this was that she wasn't ready to leave because she loved life.”

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, the beloved actress Shannen Doherty passed away at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Photo: Jean_Nelson/Depositphotos

 

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She talked candidly about her years-long battle with cancer in her Let's Be Clear podcast.

 

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Shannen Doherty: Instagram | Podcast
h/t: [People]

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READ: RIP Shannen Doherty: ‘Charmed’ and ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Star Dies at 53