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Michael Jackson‘s music is seeing a renewed surge in popularity, with Spotify streams climbing following the release of “Michael,” a biopic starring the King of Pop’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role. The film has sparked fresh interest in the singer’s catalog, drawing longtime fans back while introducing his music legacy to a new generation of listeners.

Michael Jackson Spotify Streams Increase By 95 Percent

The King of Pop’s Spotify is seeing a spike in streams after the release of “Michael” on April 24, in U.S. theaters. Per information gathered by Luminate, a data and insights company, Michael’s streams increased by 95 just one week after the film premiered, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter on April 27. Combined streams have reached 31.7 million from 16.3 million the previous week.

Additionally, the outlet noted that Michael’s listenership increased by 5 million in a week, soaring from 68 million to 73 million.

The Jackson 5, Michael’s band with his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, also saw a boost from the biopic, with streams increasing from 1.3 million to 2.4 million.

‘Michael’ Features Some Of The King Of Pop’s Biggest Hits

A film like “Michael” is bound to include the singer’s iconic songs, and some of those included were “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Human Nature,” along with The Jackson 5 hits “I’ll Be There” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.”

Michael was known for his unmistakable vocal style, and for the biopic, Jaafar and Michael’s voices were blended. In an interview with “Today with Jenna & Shenelle,” the 29-year-old singer and actor said he did all the performances in the movie, but he was singing “on top of Michael’s track.” The same process was done for Juliano Valdi, the young actor who portrayed a 10-year-old Michael in the movie.

Music supervisor John Warhurst explained the decision to The Hollywood Reporter, saying that while the two actors were capable of singing Michael’s songs, they had to think about whether or not the audience wanted Michael’s vocals to be included in the biopic. “Every movie is different, but here we think people want Michael to be part of it,” Warhurst explained.

Is There Going To Be A ‘Michael’ Sequel?

“Michael” spans the singer’s early childhood through the “Bad” tour, which concluded in the late ’80s. Although the film covers more than two decades of his life and career, several later events, including his death, are not included in the narrative. However, there was an implication at the end of the movie that a sequel was going to be made.

As the final scene faded to black, text appeared, which read, “His story continues,” leading the audience to believe that a second part may be in the works.

As reported by Page Six, 30 percent of the sequel had already been filmed. Lionsgate motion picture chair Adam Fogelson said a sequel was always in mind, but they wanted to see the reception to the first movie before proceeding. “We do have probably 30% of a second film from footage that we already shot, and we will work with all the talent and try to let everyone know what our plan is in the next couple of weeks,” he said.

The Michael Jackson Biopic Is Facing Criticism

Audiences had mixed reactions to “Michael.” According to Rotten Tomatoes, the Tomatometer (based on professional critic reviews) stands at 39 percent, while the Popcornmeter (based on audience scores) is significantly higher at 97%.

One of the issues some people had with the film was that it glossed over or excluded some aspects of Michael’s life that were deemed controversial, per The Blast. Writer John Logan explained the biopic’s direction, saying the filmmakers chose to go with an “uplifting story” for the movie, while admitting that the pop star was a “complicated person.”

Slate critic Sam Adams wrote, “The purpose of a biopic is to show us aspect of a public figure that the public never had access to. But Michael utterly fails at giving us any sense of who Jackson was behind closed doors.”

Michael Jackson Is One Of The Highest-Earning Dead Celebrities

Michael Jackson’s estate has generated billions since his death in 2009. Per Forbes‘ list of Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities for 2025, Michael earned $105 million in that year alone, securing the top spot. Over the past 25 years, the King of Pop has topped the list 13 times, with his highest-earning year coming in 2017, when he reportedly earned $825 million.

With soaring streaming numbers and the biopic, plus a potential sequel, renewed attention on Michael has continued to drive momentum across different platforms, further adding to the estate’s continued posthumous earnings and cementing the singer’s legacy.

The Michael Jackson Spotify Streams Soar Following ‘Michael’ Biopic first appeared on The Blast

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Megan Thee Stallion’s Broadway debut has come to a sudden and emotional end, leaving fans stunned as the rapper steps away from “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” far earlier than planned. 

What began as a historic moment quickly turned complicated, with onstage tears, a serious health scare, and a very public breakup with Klay Thompson all unfolding at once. 

Now, the Grammy winner is pulling back, choosing to focus on her well-being after weeks of pressure both on and off the stage.

Megan Thee Stallion Ends Historic ‘Moulin Rouge’ Run Early

Megan Thee Stallion made headlines when she confirmed she would step away from her role as Zidler, becoming the first woman to take on the character before exiting just a month into her run.

Taking to her Instagram page, she shared the update directly with fans, writing, “Hotties, my last performance as Zidler in @moulinrougebway will be May 1,” despite originally being scheduled to perform through May 17 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. 

In her message, the rapper reflected on the experience with gratitude, describing it as an honor and praising the people she worked with. 

She highlighted their “dedication, the stamina, the work ethic, the time and the effort” that goes into every performance. 

“I’m so grateful for the cast and crew that made this experience so meaningful. And to all the hotties that showed up or planned to attend, thank you for supporting me during this incredible journey! I LOVE YALL. See you soon,” she finished.

Fans Share Mixed Reactions To Megan’s Announcement 

Shortly after making the announcement, some fans trooped to the comments section to show support to Megan Thee Stallion. 

“Meg, I hope you feel the genuine love from your supporters. Some of us go to war online when it comes to you because we genuinely love you,” one fan wrote.

Another user added, “Megannn the entire internet is riding for youuu baby girl we love you so much, love,” while a third commented, “We love you Megan! Please rest & take all the time you need.”

Some fans also blamed Klay Thompson for Megan’s decision, with one writing, “Yeah we’re going to have to drag Klay by his ankles ATP.” Another noted, “Tell him meet me on court I’ll settle this.”

A third fan also shared, “Meg give me his South Bay address I’ll make sure he never knows peace,” while a fourth commented, “I can’t wait for Megan to come out with a new song addressing Klay because that will be number one.”

Megan Thee Stallion Breaks Down Onstage As Pressure Mounts

Before announcing her exit, Megan gave fans a glimpse of the emotional toll she had been carrying.

During a curtain call, she broke down in tears, a moment captured in fan footage that quickly circulated online. 

As reported by The Blast, the rapper was met with a standing ovation from the audience after finishing the show, and as the applause continued, she turned away and appeared to wipe tears from her face.   

Despite her efforts to remain composed, the overwhelming response from the crowd seemed to trigger the tearful reaction, with fellow cast members offering visible support on stage.  

Megan ultimately regained her composure and continued the curtain call, allowing the rest of the cast to take their bows. 

Megan Calls Out Thompson After Split

The timing was especially notable, as it came just one day after Megan Thee confirmed her breakup from Klay Thompson. 

As The Blast reported, she didn’t hold back when addressing the split, making it clear what led to the end of their nine-month relationship.

In a statement, she said, “I’ve made the decision to end my relationship with Klay. Trust, fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those values are compromised, there’s no real path forward.” 

She added, “I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity.”

Before that, she shared a more emotional reaction online, calling out “cheating,” and his hesitation about being “monogamous.”

“Holding you down through all your horrible mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season, now you don’t know if you can be “monogamous?” the “Lover Girl” rapper shared via Instagram story, adding, “Bi*** I need a real break [from dating] after this one.”

Megan Thee Stallion Opens Up About A Health Scare

Weeks before her split with Thompson, Megan  had already been dealing with physical strain from performing. 

During a March 31 show, she experienced “extreme exhaustion, dehydration, vasoconstriction and low metabolic levels,” which led to her being taken to a hospital for treatment. 

Following her health scare, the 31-year-old opened up about how serious the moment felt and why she needed to slow down.

She admitted on Instagram, “Last night was a real wake-up call for me. I’ve been pushing myself past my limits lately, running on empty, and my body finally said enough.” 

Megan revealed she thought she might faint on stage and could not continue, adding, “I just need one day to rest, reset, and take care of myself the way I should have been.”

The Megan Thee Stallion Quits ‘Moulin Rouge’ After Onstage Tears And Amid Klay Thompson Split first appeared on The Blast

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Taylor Swift is making a strategic move to protect her brand, filing trademarks that cover her voice and likeness. As AI tools continue to blur the line between real and fabricated content, her latest move adds a layer of protection against deepfakes that misrepresent her identity or damage her reputation.

Swift’s move comes after Matthew McConaughey filed trademark applications for his voice, likeness, and famous catchphrase, signaling a growing trend of high-profile figures taking steps to protect themselves against unauthorized AI use.

Taylor Swift’s Trademark Applications

On April 24, Taylor Swift’s company, TAS Rights Management, LLC, filed three trademark applications to protect her voice and image, as shared by trademark attorney Josh Gerben on his blog post dated April 27.

Gerben, who is not associated with the pop star, noted that this move is specifically intended to protect against artificial intelligence amid growing concerns about unauthorized AI-generated content spreading online. Swift has filed three applications: two for her voice and one for her image.

The first filing has the singer saying, “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift,” while the second says, “Hey, it’s Taylor.” The third trademark filing includes a photo taken at one of Swift’s performances during the “Eras Tour.” In it, the singer stands in front of a microphone, holding a pink guitar, wearing a sparkling bodysuit and knee-high boots.

The Trademarks Add A Layer Of Protection

As Gerben noted, high-profile individuals are already protected by “Right of Publicity” laws, but filing these trademarks offers “an additional layer of protection.” Singers also rely on copyright law to prevent unauthorized use of their music. However, that does not necessarily extend to AI-generated content, and the trademarks may help address that loophole.

Although the trademarks specify a specific phrase and image, Gerben notes that Swift could challenge deepfake content that is “confusingly similar” to her voice and image. “Theoretically, if a lawsuit were to be filed over an AI using Swift’s voice, she could claim that any use of her voice that sounds like the registered trademark violates her trademark rights,” he wrote, adding that the same goes for Swift’s image trademark.

Taylor Swift Follows Matthew McConaughey’s Lead

In 2025, eight of Matthew McConaughey’s trademark applications were approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including his voice, image, and even his famous catchphrase, “Alright, alright, alright,” as reported by The Wall Street Journal. “My team and I want to know that when my voice or likeness is ever used, it’s because I approved and signed off on it,” McConaughey explained, adding that he wants a clearer boundary for “ownership and consent” when it comes to AI technology.

Filing trademarks to fight against AI, such as what McCounaughey and Swift did, is new and hasn’t been tested in court. As the actor’s attorney said, “I don’t know what a court will say in the end. But we have to at least test this.” A federal court would need an actual case to test the validity of the legal arguments behind the filings.

Taylor Swift Became A Target Of Deepfakes

In January 2024, Swift made headlines as sexually explicit deepfake images of her made rounds and went viral on social media platforms. The platforms and anti-abuse groups fought to have the images removed, but due to Swift’s immense popularity, they spread rapidly and were viewed by millions, per AP News.

The Swifties rallied behind the singer, using the hashtag #ProtectTaylorSwift and posting legitimate, positive photos to drown out the fake ones. Reality Defender, an AI-generated media detection platform, monitored the activity and discovered that about two dozen fake images were spread. “Unfortunately, they spread to millions and millions of users by the time that some of them were taken down,” Reality Defender’s head of growth stated.

The Pop Star Addressed AI Concerns

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, an AI-generated image of Swift as Uncle Sam circulated on social media, with the text “Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump.” Trump reposted the image on his Truth Social account, captioning it, “I accept!”

Swift was alerted to the AI image and took to Instagram to address the fake post, saying it brought up her fears about artificial intelligence and how it can be used to spread misinformation, per NBC News. “It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is the truth,” she said. Swift then urged her followers to vote and endorsed Kamala Harris.

The Taylor Swift Files Voice And Image Trademarks To Combat AI Misuse first appeared on The Blast

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Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith ended their marriage over a decade ago, but their latest outing proves some connections don’t fade. 

The former couple sparked fresh buzz after stepping out together in Los Angeles, looking relaxed and close as ever. 

Joined by their daughter Stella, the pair appeared completely at ease, reminding fans that their relationship has evolved rather than disappeared since their 2014 split.

Antonio Banderas Steps Out Arm-In-Arm With Melanie Griffith

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith turned heads over the weekend when they were spotted enjoying a dinner outing in Los Angeles.

Photos obtained by the Daily Mail showed the former couple walking side by side, even linking arms as they made their way through the city. 

Their easy chemistry suggested that, despite ending their marriage years ago, they’ve managed to maintain a strong bond.

Their daughter, Stella Banderas, was also present, trailing just behind them as the trio spent time together. 

Stella appeared stylish in a coordinated ivory look, while her parents complemented each other with equally polished outfits. 

Antonio opted for black trousers and a silver jacket, while Griffith kept things casual-chic in jeans and a black moto jacket.

Antonio’s Marriage To Griffith Ended On Good Terms

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith’s relationship began in the mid-90s when they met while filming “Two Much.” 

Their connection quickly turned serious, leading to marriage in May 1996 and the birth of their daughter later that year.

After nearly two decades together, they announced their separation in 2014. However, unlike many high-profile breakups, theirs was notably calm.

In their joint statement at the time, they shared, “We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost twenty-year marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together – Melanie & Antonio.”

Their divorce was finalized the following year, but their approach to co-parenting and mutual respect has remained consistent ever since.

Antonio Banderas Has Always Spoken Highly Of His Ex-Wife

Over the years, Antonio has made it clear that his relationship with Griffith didn’t end when their marriage did.

In a 2019 interview with Vulture, the “Spy Kids” actor reflected on their bond and recalled the depth of their friendship, noting, “I am not married with Melanie anymore, but she is my family.”

He continued, emphasizing just how important she still is in his life: “She is probably one of my best friends, if not the best friend that I have. My family is there, Dakota, Little Estella and Alexander.”

The following month, Antonio reemphasized his close relationship with Griffith, telling PEOPLE, “Melanie is not my wife anymore, but I think she is my best friend. I love her and will love her until the day I die. She’s my family.”

Antonio’s First Impression Of Griffith Still Stands Out

Long before their marriage, Antonio Banderas had already been struck by Melanie Griffith during a chance encounter at the Oscars.

Recalling the moment during the Vulture interview, the 65-year-old said, “The first time I went to the Academy Awards after we got a nomination for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, we got on the red carpet and I saw this blonde woman and I knew her because I saw movies of her, but I didn’t remember [her name] at the time.”

Curious, he turned to director Pedro Almodóvar for help identifying her. “So, I said to Pedro Almodóvar, ‘Who is she? Who is she? What is her name?’ Pedro said, ‘That’s Melanie Griffith!’ I said, ‘That’s it. Oh my God.’ Six years later, I was married to her,” Antonio explained. 

Overall, the actor described his time with Griffith as “very effervescent and really beautiful.”

Antonio Banderas Credits Health Scare For His Life-Changing Hollywood Exit

Away from his love life, Antonio has no regrets about leaving Hollywood. As The Blast reported, he revealed in March that he had “never been so happy” after stepping away from Hollywood, explaining that his decision to return to his hometown of Málaga, Spain, completely transformed his life. 

Following a near-fatal heart attack in 2017, the movie star said the experience was “a really serious warning” that “changed the way I look at life,” prompting him to reassess his priorities and leave behind the fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle.   

He sold his private jet, quit smoking, and embraced a quieter, more grounded existence focused on personal fulfillment rather than constant work.  

Now based in Málaga with his partner Nicole Kimpel, Antonio has dedicated himself to his Teatro del Soho, a passion project that allows him to return to his roots as a theater actor.   

He said the move helped him reconnect with what truly matters, shifting away from material success toward creative satisfaction and community. 

The actor has described the change as life-altering, emphasizing that slowing down and focusing on meaningful work has brought him a deeper sense of happiness than he experienced during his Hollywood years.

The Antonio Banderas Seen Cozy With Ex-Wife Melanie Griffith 12 Years After Split first appeared on The Blast

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While promoting her latest film, Meryl Streep became emotional during an interview when a journalist presented her with a gift related to one of her most iconic roles. The moment prompted a heartfelt reaction from the veteran actress, who was left in shock and awe.

Meryl Streep Received An Unexpected Surprise

Veteran actress Meryl Streep, alongside co-star Stanley Tucci, appeared on the French news show to promote their latest movie, “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Toward the end of the segment, the host, Laurent Delahousse, redirected the conversation to Streep’s 1982 film, “Sophie’s Choice,” and handed her a tablet.

“I even told my mother that she was my favorite mother, because Meryl Streep was always nice to me and playing with me,” a woman in the video said. Streep’s reaction showed the moment she realized who the woman was: Jennifer Lejeune, who portrayed her daughter in “Sophie’s Choice.”

“I think if she wasn’t able to build that bond with me, there’s no way we would have ever had that kind of reaction on set,” Lejeune continued. Streep angled the tablet toward Tucci to show him the clip.

The Actress Was Shocked To See Her Former Co-Star

Streep, who was visibly emotional, asked Delahousse, “That’s the child?” The journalist confirmed that it was, indeed, Lejeune. “Oh my god, that’s amazing,” the 76-year-old actress exclaimed before asking where they found her. Delahousse said that her former co-star now resided in Paris.

Streep, still recovering from her shock, said, “Well, that’s amazing. That’s very beautiful. Thank you for giving me that. What a gift. Journalists never give me gifts!”

Lejeune was just 4 years old when she portrayed Streep’s daughter in “Sophie’s Choice.” The movie, directed by the late Alan J. Pakula, was based on a novel of the same name written by William Styron. The psychological drama focused on Zofia “Sophie” Zawistowski, a Polish immigrant in post-World War II America who is haunted by a traumatic and devastating decision she was forced to make during the Holocaust.

Meryl Streep And Jennifer Lejeune Formed A Bond While Filming

In an interview included on the “Sophie’s Choice” Blu-ray released in 2014, Lejeune recalled auditioning for the role and being asked to kick Streep. “They asked me to kind of kick Meryl at the final interview, and I gave her a good whacking on the shin,” she said.

Lejeune said she formed a bond with the actress, revealing that Streep would often spend a couple of hours with her and her on-screen brother to build rapport. “It was just playing together – sometimes in the hotel, sometimes just around town in the playground – and getting to know each other so I trusted her. I felt safe with her,” she shared.

“I apparently told my real mother that Meryl Streep is a nicer mother than she is. That didn’t go over really well with my real mom,” said Lejeune.

Meryl Streep Refused To Watch One Specific Scene

One of the most emotionally gripping scenes from the movie is when Sophie is forced by a Nazi officer to make a devastating decision: choosing which of her two children will live, knowing that if she refuses, both will be killed.

Streep revealed that she wasn’t acting the moment Lejeune was taken from her. “It was just what happened in the moment,” she said. Lejeune also said her screams were real, as she felt fear at that moment, despite the filmmakers explaining to her what was happening. “I had such a bond with Meryl, so I think I got into the emotional part of it,” she explained.

Years later, Streep shared that she refused to watch the scene because the emotions were too real and shooting it left her completely drained. Moreover, she was a mother herself, and having to revisit that moment was difficult. In 2002, Streep was on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and the scene was played. She then revealed that it was her first time watching that scene.

‘Sophie’s Choice’ Earned Meryl Streep Her First Best Actress Academy Award

Streep’s portrayal of Sophie earned her rave reviews, with notable film critic Roger Ebert praising the actress’ range. “There is hardly an emotion that Streep doesn’t touch in this movie, and yet we’re never aware of her straining. This is one of the most astonishing and yet one of the most unaffected and natural performances I can imagine,” he wrote.

Streep won Best Actress In A Leading Role for “Sophie’s Choice” at the 55th Academy Awards in 1983.

The Meryl Streep Tears Up Over Journalist’s Surprise: ‘What A Gift’ first appeared on The Blast