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Rumors of a rift between Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff began circulating shortly after the former’s latest album was released, but now, the two are putting speculations to rest. In separate interviews, the singer and producer spoke warmly about their longtime friendship and professional partnership, offering nothing but praise for each other and reinforcing the close bond they have built over the years.

Taylor Swift And Jack Antonoff Are Not Feuding

Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff are setting the record straight, confirming in separate interviews that they are still close friends. Swift’s interview with The New York Times was published on April 28, the same day an interview with Jack Antonoff on “The Howard Stern Show” was released.

Speculations about a rift in their friendship began shortly after the release of Swift’s latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” in October 2025. The producer, who has been the singer’s longtime collaborator for years, was not involved in the making of the album. Instead, Swift worked with Max Martin and Shellback. Some quickly interpreted the situation as a sign of tension between the pop star and Antonoff.

However, as evidenced by both interviews, the two still maintain a strong friendship, with Antonoff saying that he isn’t bothered by his absence on the singer’s latest album.

The Producer Is One Of Taylor Swift’s Best Friends

In her interview with The New York Times, Swift said, “Jack Antonoff is a collaborator of mine and one of my best friends.” The “Opalite” singer then went on to share a process that they do when writing songs that they refer to as a “rant bridge.”

Swift explained that it’s the “most intense” part of the song, building up gradually, just like a crescendo. She then shared examples of some songs she worked on with Antonoff that had rant bridges, which include “Cruel Summer,” “Out of the Woods,” and “Is It Over Now?”

“It’s basically like stream of consciousness, endless pouring-out of emotion, intrusive thoughts blended with metaphor, with discussion, with shouting,” Swift explained, sharing her writing process with Antonoff.

Jack Antonoff Describes His ‘Very Deep’ Friendship With The Pop Star

One of the topics discussed in Stern’s interview with Antonoff was Swift’s last album, which the producer had no hand in. Antonoff said he’s grateful for the songs and albums that they did together, but understands Swift’s decision to work with other producers.

“Maybe only because I write my own songs and sing them, but I understand that need to have different collaborators and jump around,” he said, adding that it isn’t “normal” for artists to work with the same producer all the time. “When I’ve had it with people, I think it’s a weird miracle,” he shared.

Antonoff also said he has a “very deep” friendship with the pop star and went on to explain the rant bridge. “It’s something that I feel like is one of our very special things… We kind of egg each other on,” he said.

Taylor Swift And Jack Antonoff’s Friendship

Swift and Antonoff first met in 2012 at the MTV European Music Awards. A year later, the two worked on their first collaboration titled “Sweeter Than Fiction,” which they co-wrote for the “One Chance” soundtrack.

What followed were several creative partnerships between the two. Swift first brought on Antonoff as a producer for the album “1989.” In 2016, they won Grammy awards for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Antonoff then produced several of the singer’s succeeding albums, including “Reputation,” “Lover,” “Folklore,” “Evermore,” “Midnights,” and “The Tortured Poets Department.”

Beyond their professional partnership, the two also developed a close friendship. Over the years, they have been seen together outside the recording studio, including at Coachella and birthday celebrations. Swift was also in attendance when Antonoff married Margaret Qualley in 2023.

Jack Antonoff Acknowledged Taylor Swift For Kickstarting His Producing Career

In an interview with The New Yorker in 2022, Antonoff shared that before their work on “1989,” he had been trying to produce music “for a while.” However, there were people in the industry who told him that producing was “not his lane.”

“Taylor was the first person with the stature to go, ‘I like the way this sounds, I’m putting it on my album,’ and then, suddenly, I was allowed to be a producer,” Antonoff said.

Despite the speculation of a rift, Swift and Antonoff continue to maintain a strong friendship. They were last seen leaving the Jane Hotel in New York on April 27, where the singer reportedly had dinner with her father and friends.

The Taylor Swift And Jack Antonoff Shut Down Feud Rumors In Separate Interviews first appeared on The Blast

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The Met Gala is heading into one of its most talked-about years yet, but not for the reasons fashion insiders might expect. 

As celebrities prepare to climb the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, sources have revealed that the conversation has shifted away from just gowns and guest lists to the powerful figures shaping the event behind the scenes. 

With controversy surrounding its high-profile sponsors continuing to grow, this year’s gala is already stirring debate across the fashion world and beyond.

Met Gala Spotlight Shifts From Fashion To Power Players

The Met Gala has long been synonymous with elite fashion and tight control over its guest list, largely overseen by Anna Wintour for more than three decades. 

Traditionally, the buzz centers on who makes the cut and what they wear. This time, however, attention has shifted from the red carpet to the figures greeting guests at the top of the steps.

Insiders say the presence of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos as lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs has fundamentally altered the event’s tone. 

Rather than celebrating exclusivity, the focus has turned to influence and wealth.

According to one fashion insider, the shift has not been well-received. “It’s, quite frankly, very hurtful and very disturbing for [the Bezoses] to be the face of this year’s Met Gala, something that is really meaningful to a lot of people and to such a highly regarded and highly respected institution,” they told the Daily Mail. 

The same source added, “It feels like a real slap in the face to a lot of people.”

Met Gala Backlash Grows As A-List Names Step Back

The controversy surrounding the Met Gala has already begun to affect participation. 

Sources claim that at least one major Hollywood figure has stepped away from involvement due to the Bezoses’ prominent role.

Meryl Streep, who recently appeared alongside Wintour on a Vogue cover, was rumored to have been considered for a co-chair position. 

However, insiders allege that she declined because of the couple’s financial backing and visibility at the event.

Beyond individual decisions, backlash has steadily built since the sponsorship announcement. 

Online criticism has intensified, with some commentators resorting to extreme language to express their dissatisfaction. 

Activists have even taken their protests offline, placing boycott posters across New York City.

Met Gala Sparks Tension Inside Fashion Industry

Behind the scenes, insiders describe growing friction within the fashion world itself.

According to one source, many professionals involved in the Met Gala feel conflicted about the event’s direction.

They explained that many people in the fashion industry tend to have liberal views, and this has been reflected in past endorsements and guest appearances. 

Because of that, the involvement of people seen as supporting different political views has made some feel uneasy.

“To have a couple that aligns themselves with and have contributed a million dollars to inaugurating a president who has sought to eviscerate DEI, dismantle Roe v Wade, disenfranchise Black voters and crack down on immigration in a way that is so inhumane and horrific, rubs a lot of people the wrong way,” the insider said.

Met Gala Sponsorship Raises Questions About Wealth And Influence

The Met Gala has always been extravagant, but this year’s sponsorship has sparked deeper conversations about wealth and access. 

Individual tickets reportedly cost $100,000, with tables reaching $350,000, figures that already place the event among the most exclusive in the world.

However, insiders note that having individuals, rather than major fashion houses, fund the event is unusual. 

Amy Odell, author of “Anna: The Biography,” explained, “The Met Gala is not normally primarily sponsored by individual donors.”

She added, “It’s normally brands that take on that task to foot the bill. For the leading sponsors to be two individuals is unusual. And they’re not popular, so that’s been very controversial as for why she [Anna] went to them.”

Some think the choice was influenced by the current state of the fashion industry, which hasn’t been as strong in recent years. Others see it as a display of financial power and influence.

“It’s much easier to wrap your head around a luxury brand that has been around for decades having the resources to sponsor an event like the Met Gala,” one insider said. 

“But to reckon with the idea that two individuals can do it during a time like now, I think a lot of people question the ethics of that kind of wealth,” they added.

Met Gala Leadership Decisions Fuel Debate Over Direction

The Met Gala’s current situation has also drawn attention to Wintour’s leadership and evolving role within the industry. Despite stepping back from certain editorial responsibilities at Vogue, insiders say her influence over the event remains as strong as ever.

Odell dismissed the idea that Wintour’s power has diminished, suggesting her role change allows her to focus more on projects like the Met Gala. The decision to involve the Bezoses, therefore, is seen as deliberate.

At the same time, questions have been raised about internal dynamics, particularly with Chloe Malle stepping into a senior editorial role. According to insiders, she is unlikely to challenge Wintour’s decisions, especially given her reported positive relationship with Lauren Sanchez.

Critics have also pointed out perceived inconsistencies in the event’s messaging. After last year’s theme celebrated Black style and cultural expression, some see this year’s sponsorship as contradictory.

“To have the 2025 Met Gala that was a celebration of the Black dandy, which was groundbreaking and historic to then, a year later, have the host be a couple who publicly supports an administration that is actively rolling back DEI initiatives and civil rights, is so disrespectful and distasteful,” one insider said, adding, “It makes last year’s Met Gala seem extremely performative.”

The Met Gala Fallout Deepens As Bezos Role ‘Rubs People Wrong’ first appeared on The Blast

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“Friends” is one of the most successful sitcoms in TV history, and despite the show ending in 2004, it remains a big source of income for its stars. Lisa Kudrow revealed that she and her co-stars continue to receive substantial residuals, highlighting the series’ enduring popularity and ongoing success through syndication and streaming deals.

The ‘Friends’ Cast Earn Millions In Residuals

It has been widely reported that the six “Friends” stars, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry, were able to secure a deal with Warner Bros., giving them 2 percent of everything that the entertainment company earns from the sitcom.

Considering the show makes $1 billion a year for Warner Bros., that translates to $20 million annually for the stars. Kudrow seemingly confirmed the amount in an interview with The Times. When asked why she thinks “Friends” is still bringing in $20 million in repeat fees, she jokingly answered, “Because Phoebe Buffay was so great?” referring to her character.

Since “Friends” aired its final episode in 2004 after Season 10, the show has remained in heavy syndication, with countless reruns across television networks and streaming platforms. The show continues to delight long-time fans and reach new audiences, cementing its status as one of the most rewatched sitcoms in TV history.

The ‘Friends’ Cast Started With Decent Pay

“Friends” catapulted its cast to global fame and helped define them as the stars they are today, but when the show first aired in 1994, the six celebrities were not household names. In the first season, they reportedly earned $22,500 per episode, a decent amount, according to Forbes.

As the show’s popularity grew, the stars’ pay per episode also gradually increased each season. By Season 5, each actor was reportedly paid $100,000 per episode, and that figure skyrocketed to $1 million per episode for the show’s last two seasons.

It’s worth noting that when “Friends” was on air, shows typically had far more episodes than today’s series. Throughout its run, the show averaged 18 to 24 episodes per season.

The Six ‘Friends’ Fought For $1 Million Per Episode

By Seasons 7 and 8, the “Friends” stars took home $750,000 per episode, and before the next season started production, the six castmates negotiated their salaries as a group. As reported by Business Insider, “Friends” had an average of 24.7 million viewers weekly in 2002, which was higher than any of the shows airing at that time.

The outlet also reported that by Season 2, Aniston and Schwimmer earned more than their castmates due to their characters being the center of a storyline, but by Season 3, they started collectively bargaining for their pay, with the two highest earners taking pay cuts for equality.

The show’s popularity gave the cast leverage to negotiate a deal as a unit, and Schwimmer, backed by his co-stars, firmly championed equal pay among the six of them. NBC agreed to a $1 million-per-episode salary for all six actors for Seasons 9 and 10.

Lisa Kudrow And Matt LeBlanc On Their Million-Dollar Salary

In 2014, Kudrow shared the cast’s reason for asking $1 million per episode. The actress said that it only made sense, since the show was “generating an enormous amount of money.” “It’s affordable. to whatever entity has to pay it,” she explained, adding that as actors, they didn’t have the assurance of a job. “You never know when your time is up,” Kudrow told HuffPost.

LeBlanc also discussed the salary in his own interview with the outlet, saying that at the time he and his castmates were “in a position to get it.” “If you’re in a position to get a raise and you don’t get it, you’re stupid. You know what I mean? We were in a position and we were able to pull it off,” the actor said.

Supporting Cast Members Earn Thousands In Residuals

In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, Vincent Ventresca, who portrayed the character of Fun Bobby in two episodes of “Friends,” shared that he still gets residual checks from “Friends,” saying, “I get about $2,000 a year in residuals, and I only did two episodes.”

James Michael Tyler, who played Central Perk’s manager Gunther, appeared in more than 100 episodes of the series, but didn’t have lines in most of them. In 2019, he said he still got residual checks for the episodes where he did speak. “I’m fortunate to have a supplement into my income because of ‘Friends’,” he said, but jokingly added that it wasn’t enough to buy an island.

All seasons of “Friends” are available for streaming on Max in the U.S., and on Netflix in some European and Asian countries.

The ‘Friends’ Star Confirms Astronomical Residual Earnings first appeared on The Blast

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Zoë Kravitz has sent fans into a frenzy after stepping out with a dazzling diamond ring that instantly reignited speculation of an engagement with Harry Styles. 

The actress didn’t try to hide the massive sparkler as she moved through New York City, and new details about the proposal have only added fuel to the excitement. 

From a lavish custom design to whispers of a deeply romantic moment, the couple’s relationship appears to have taken a major step forward in a way few saw coming.

Zoë Kravitz Debuts Jaw-Dropping Ring In Public

Zoë Kravitz turned heads when she was spotted in New York City wearing a striking diamond ring on her wedding finger, casually checking her phone while sporting a “Boy Next Door” cap. 

The understated outfit did little to distract from the eye-catching jewelry, which quickly became the center of attention.

Experts believe the ring is no ordinary piece. According to an estimate shared with the Daily Mail, the diamond appears to be a ten-carat oval stone set in yellow gold, likely custom-made and valued at around $1 million. 

“Zoe’s ring looks to be a ten-carat oval-shaped diamond set in yellow gold. It was probably custom-made and costs around $1 million. It is bezel set, which is popular these days,” Chris from The Diamond Bank in Los Angeles told the outlet. 

The sighting wasn’t the first time she had been seen wearing the ring. Back in December, she was photographed with the same piece on her left hand, quietly sparking early speculation that something serious was unfolding behind the scenes.

Kravitz Said Yes To ‘Romantic’ Proposal Instantly

Behind the scenes, Zoë Kravitz’s engagement reportedly stemmed from a deeply personal, heartfelt moment. 

Insiders revealed that Harry Styles planned an “old-fashioned, romantic” proposal, which she accepted immediately.

According to sources, the “Mad Max: Fury Road” star didn’t hesitate because she is “madly in love with him,” and she values the way he shows up in the relationship. 

One insider noted that Kravitz appreciates how the singer “supports her in a beautiful, kind way.” 

The reaction within their inner circle has also been telling. Friends reportedly weren’t shocked by the engagement, with one source telling Page Six that “no one in their circle is surprised.” 

At the same time, the mood around Kravitz has been described as pure joy, with insiders sharing that she is “on cloud nine” following the milestone moment.

Zoë Kravitz And Harry Styles Built A Low-Key Romance

Kravitz and Styles have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, but their timeline reveals a steady progression.

They were first linked in August last year when they were seen holding hands, and by the following month, things appeared more serious as they were photographed spending time with Kravitz’s father, Lenny. 

That moment hinted that the relationship had already moved into a more meaningful stage.

Since then, the couple has been spotted together in multiple cities, including London, Rome, and Brooklyn, often enjoying quiet outings rather than flashy public appearances. 

In one instance, the One Direction veteran visited Kravitz at her hotel in Hampstead, where they were seen holding hands during a coffee date. 

Despite their efforts to remain private, each sighting has added to the narrative of a relationship that has grown steadily stronger over time.

Kravitz Finds Something Different In Styles

For Zoë Kravitz, this relationship appears to stand apart from her past romances. 

Insiders say she feels “different” about Styles than she did about previous partners, including her former husband, Karl Glusman, and ex-fiancé, Channing Tatum.

Kravitz’s relationship history includes her 2019 marriage to Glusman, which ended in divorce in 2021, and her later engagement to Tatum, which was called off in October 2024 after three years together. 

At the time, sources said the split was amicable, with both realizing they were at different points in their lives and had grown apart.

Now, those close to Kravitz believe she has found something more aligned with what she wants in the long term. One insider even shared that she considers the singer her “soulmate.”

There’s also a sense that Styles approached the relationship with intention. Another source previously noted that “Harry wouldn’t have gone public with Zoe if it wasn’t anything.”

Zoë Kravitz And Harry Styles Align On Future Goals

Part of what makes Kravitz and Styles’ relationship work may come down to shared priorities about the future. 

Styles has openly said he wants more than just career success, explaining that he took time away from music to reflect on what he truly wants in life. 

During that period, he considered where he saw himself in five years and realized he valued meaningful relationships, strong friendships, and the idea of building a family.

He emphasized the importance of choosing the right partner, someone who helps him grow and holds him accountable. 

“I want to be fulfilled and I want to be in great relationships with people. I want to have great friendships with people. I want a family. I want these things,” Styles shared during an interview on Apple Music’s “The Zane Lowe Show.”

He added, “It just allowed me to go like, okay, what do I have to do to create space to allow these things to happen? I can’t just expect them to just happen to me.” 

His past relationships, which have included Olivia Wilde, Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, and Taylor Russell, as well as more recent links to Ella Kenny and Kim Mupangilai, have all unfolded in the public eye. However, with Kravitz, the approach has been noticeably more grounded.

The Zoë Kravitz Stuns With $1M Ring As Harry Styles’ Proposal Details Emerge first appeared on The Blast

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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