Rock royalty is heading back to the spotlight. Queen legends Brian May and Roger Taylor are reuniting once again with powerhouse vocalist Adam Lambert for their long-awaited return to North American stages—their first tour across the continent in four years.

Announced as The Rhapsody Tour, the 14-date run begins in Baltimore this October and will crescendo in Los Angeles by mid-November. Fans can expect a full-throttle 150-minute set packed with Queen’s timeless anthems—from “We Will Rock You” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” to “Somebody to Love” and “Radio Ga Ga”—alongside deeper cuts that loyalists have long cherished.

For the band, the magic isn’t just in the music—it’s in the shared connection with fans. “Every night, those two and a half hours belong to the people in front of us,” said May, 75. “We give them everything we’ve got. It’s a rush—and if it ever stops being fun, that’s when we’d stop doing it.”

Lambert, 41, echoed the sentiment, calling the live experience electric. “The audience is the fuel. Seeing thousands of people singing their hearts out—there’s nothing like it. It charges you. It keeps you going,” he said. “It’s kind of addictive.”

While their energy on stage remains legendary, Taylor, 73, joked that he’s content preparing in his own classic style—no intense vocal warm-ups for him, just a splash of Irish whiskey and a Diet Coke before showtime. “Adam’s vocal rituals are impressive,” he said with a grin. “I’m happy to cheer him on from the side.”

Though Queen + Adam Lambert toured Europe and the UK last year, this marks their official North American return after a pandemic-forced hiatus. Since their last outing, all three musicians have kept creatively busy: May reissued solo projects, Taylor released his first solo album in nearly a decade, and Lambert unveiled High Drama, a genre-hopping collection of cover songs.

But for May and Taylor, this collaboration with Lambert remains more than just a touring act—it’s the revival of something they once thought was gone forever.

“After Freddie passed, we assumed Queen was finished,” May shared, reflecting on the band’s loss of Freddie Mercury in 1991. “We didn’t look for a new singer—we didn’t think it would ever happen again. Then Adam appeared, almost out of nowhere.”

Their first meeting came in 2009, when Lambert, then a contestant on American Idol, stunned audiences with his soaring range and theatrical flair. “His voice is something else. There’s really nothing like it,” said May. “And the look—the glam, the sparkle—he was born to wear diamonds.”

But what makes Lambert a true fit for Queen, the band says, is his reverence for Mercury’s legacy without trying to imitate him.

“He doesn’t try to be Freddie. That’s so important,” May noted. “He honors him, as we all do, but he brings his own interpretation to every song. That’s the magic—he makes the music new again.”

Lambert agrees, calling their creative partnership a “team effort.” “Freddie laid the foundation for all of this. He was one of a kind. I don’t try to replace him—I just try to exist in the space he created, and have fun with it. From what I’ve heard, he loved a bit of mischief too.”

The camaraderie between the trio is evident on and off the stage. “Adam’s kept us young,” joked May. Lambert fired back with a laugh: “I’ve introduced them to eyeliner and high heels.”

Taylor, meanwhile, offered a more serious note on Lambert’s contributions. “Having a voice like Adam’s at the front of the band—it gives us confidence. We can trust him to carry these songs and make them soar.”

As for any talks of retirement? Don’t count on it.

“No way,” May said definitively. “To be able to do this at the level we’re doing it, and still love it—it’s a blessing. Why would we stop? I’ll probably keep doing this until I drop.”

Queen + Adam Lambert – The Rhapsody Tour (North America 2025)

Oct 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

Oct 08 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Oct 10 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Oct 12 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Oct 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Oct 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

Oct 23 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

Oct 25 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Oct 27 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

Oct 30 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Nov 02 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Nov 05 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Nov 08 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

Nov 11 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium

This is the moment Adam Lambert sang ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on American Idol and the judges were torn on whether to send him through to the next round.

When a deadpan Simon Cowell says you’ve chosen his “favourite song” just moments before your first audition, you know that in the world of TV talent shows, the stakes don’t get much higher.

And that was exactly the case with Adam Lambert’s first appearance on American Idol in 2009, when in a nail-biting moment the future Queen frontman singing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, nearly didn’t get put through by the show’s four judges.

Adam, who would go on to perform at sold-out stadiums across the world as the lead singer of Queen, one of history’s most successful bands, waited nervously in front of the judges as they held his fate in their hands.

After singing a flawless acapella version of Freddie Mercury’s famous ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ the judges were quick to evaluate the 27-year-old Adam Lambert’s performance.

Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Kara DioGuardi proceeded to argue over the young performers vocals, with Simon calling his performance “too theatrical”, before eventually – and after much debate – agreeing to put him through.

What the judges didn’t know was they had confirmed the exact doubts Adam had had before the audition: that his musical theatre past would hinder his chances and it nearly stopped him applying for the show altogether.

“I didn’t think I was the right kind of performer to … I didn’t think I would work on the show,” the former Wicked star told Entertainment Weekly in 2016, “I thought ‘Oh, I’m not the type that they look for.’”

Not only was Adam nervous of not getting through,the performer also had to quit his job in a professional theatre production as American Idol rules stated that contestants couldn’t be under any sort of entertainment contract.

“That was my income; that’s how I was getting my health insurance, all that stuff. I had to quit the job that I had in order to move forward, so it was a big risk for me,” he said.

“When it came time to go in front of Simon, Paula, Randy and Kara, it was like in the back of my head, it was like “If this doesn’t work out, you’re screwed.”

“I got up there and it just all kind of worked. I was nervous but I felt a good connection with the judges. I was looking at them and I was chatting with them and I felt it was a good repertoire and they were paying attention.

“The first song that I performed for them was a Michael Jackson song — “Rock With You” — and it didn’t quite connect like I wanted it to, and they were kind of looking at me sideways.”

“[The judges] said, “What else do you have?” That’s when I performed ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ That seemed to click for them and that’s what they ended up using on television,” he recalled.

Adam Lambert proceeded to the live rounds of the show and alongside being embraced by the public, was spotted by none other than Queen themselves.

Roger Taylor later confirmed the exact video the band saw of Adam Lambert that convinced them the singer could pay tribute to their legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury.

Speaking on Good Morning America, Roger Taylor said of the 2009 incident: “A friend of mine called me up and said, ‘I’ve just seen the most amazing singer on American Idol.’

“I checked it out and [Lambert] was singing ‘Whole Lotta Love’ by Led Zeppelin and just blowing it away. Fantastic.”

Queen flew to L.A. to perform with Adam Lambert for the finale of Idol and it proved such a success that not long after, in November 2011, Adam Lambert was officially the new lead singer of Queen.

The rest, as they say, is musical history.

Princess Charlotte could one day inherit Princess Diana’s tiara worth £400k (Image: Getty)

Princess Diana shocked the nation when she chose to wear her own family’s tiara, the Spencer Tiara — on her wedding day to the now, King Charles back in 1981. Rather than selecting a piece from the royal vault, she opted for the dazzling diamond headpiece passed down through the Spencer family, now estimated to be worth £400,000.

Since Diana’s passing in 1997, the tiara has rarely been seen in public and has remained under lock and key. Notably, neither Princess Kate nor Meghan Markle has ever worn the piece in public, despite often paying tribute to Diana through their ensembles.

But the next generation of royal women may one day bring the iconic piece back into the spotlight. Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Princess Lilibet, daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — are both in line to potentially inherit or borrow the sentimental heirloom.

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Princess Diana wore the Spencer tiara on repeat during her lifetime (Image: Getty)

Jewellery expert at Steven Stone Jewellers, Maxwell Stone, told the Daily Express: “The chances of Princess Charlotte or Princess Lilibet wearing the Spencer Tiara one day are certainly possible.”

Although there are “several key factors”. He further explained that the tiara is “not part of the Crown Jewels or royal collection”, and is considered privately owned.

It most likely resides under the possession of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother.

As the 28th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death nears, William and Harry remain estranged but continue to honor their mother through their public work

On July 16, as the 28^th anniversary of his mother Princess Diana’s death loomed, Prince Harry took a poignant walk through a minefield in Angola, retracing the brave steps Diana took nearly three decades ago to shine a light on the hidden horrors of war. Just weeks earlier, on what would have been their mother’s 64th birthday, July 1, Prince William honored her legacy in Sheffield, England, celebrating the second anniversary of Homewards — his mission to end homelessness, an issue Diana championed and introduced her sons to.

But what was once a shared mission to honor their mother now unfolds on separate paths, with no communication between them

“We all remember the days when Harry and William were joshing with one another, and it all seemed set for their relationship and the future — that Harry, as Diana always used to say, would be William’s wingman,” Diana’s biographer Andrew Morton tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “It’s a great loss for the monarchy.”

The brothers grew up sharing a royal life and experience only they can understand, weathering their parents’ scandalous divorce and enduring the unbearable pain of losing Diana after a car crash in Paris on Aug. 31, 1997, when her sons were 15 and 12. But now they’re worlds apart.

That separation extends to the next generation. In Windsor, William, 43, and Kate Middleton, 43, are raising Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. Across the Atlantic in Montecito, Calif., Harry, 40, and Meghan Markle, 44, are raising Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. The cousins have not been seen in public together since 2019, before Lilibet was born.

Their feud exploded into public view in 2020, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their royal duties.

“Things were said that sparked the initial rift, and it’s never healed,” Morton says.

In his memoir Spare, Harry describes a tense 2019 confrontation where William criticized Meghan and, according to Harry, physically grabbed him by the collar, knocking him to the floor. The divide only deepened after the couple’s explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, followed by their Netflix docuseries and Harry’s bestselling book — each delivering sharp criticism of William, King Charles, 76, Kate, 43, Queen Camilla, 78, and the institution they serve. “Some members of my family will never forgive me,” Harry admitted in May.

While Harry has spoken openly about his hope for reconciliation with his family, insiders say his calls and messages to William have gone unanswered.

Says Robert Lacey, author of Battle of Brothers: “The rift is very profound and very long-lasting. It will not be changed, in my opinion, until Harry makes a move and apologizes.”

Adds historian Amanda Foreman: “Everyone wants it to happen on their terms, but that’s what makes it impossible.”

Despite the gulf between them, the royal brothers remain united in one shared vow: to honor their mother’s memory.  Their inspiration comes from Diana, who redefined royal life — not with pomp, but with genuine compassion. She didn’t just infuse their lives with normalcy through visits to amusement parks and burger joints; she also took them to shelters for the unhoused. One was London’s The Passage, whose CEO Mick Clarke says William’s “visits with his mom left a deep and lasting impression.”

The prince, he adds, has spoken about how Diana “made it very pointed that he was exposed to life beyond palace walls. That is something that he and the princess are doing with their own children.” That grounding in service has shaped William’s public life. During the COVID pandemic he made unannounced trips to shelters, helping prepare meals and even delivering food — always without cameras.

Harry, meanwhile, found his calling in supporting young people affected by the AIDS epidemic in Lesotho, Southern Africa, where he was deeply moved by the challenges facing vulnerable youth. In 2006 he cofounded Sentebale — meaning “forget-me-not,” Diana’s favorite flower, in the local language —with his friend Prince Seeiso as a tribute to their late mothers.

Over the next 19 years, the two poured “blood, sweat and tears and their own money into building this charity up to what it was — a multimillion-pound charity that delivered nothing but good for the beneficiary community,” a friend tells PEOPLE.

After a deep dispute over management at Sentebale, devastatingly for Harry, and Seeiso, they have parted ways from the charity, and are seeking new ways to help the disadvantaged of Lesotho and Botswana.

Moreover, Tessy Ojo, CEO of the Diana Award — the only charity to bear their mother’s name, and one they now support separately — has witnessed the princes’ dedication firsthand.

“I’ve seen how they watch young people who never met their mother articulate the impact she’s had on them,” she says. “There is a sense of immense pride: ‘Wow, my mother did that!’”

Despite the emotional and physical distance between them, William and Harry have each created home lives grounded in a shared commitment to providing their children with a genuinely authentic upbringing — “and that is pure Diana,” says Foreman.

Both brothers have also honored their mother by giving their daughters her name as a middle name. They often speak of her to their children, and her photograph is displayed throughout their homes.

“The values they are instilling and discussing as families may be their best success,” Foreman adds. “They are both very good role models as parents.”

There are glimmers of hope for change within the royal family. On July 9, Harry’s representatives met with King Charles’s head of communications, raising hopes of a first step toward rapprochement — at least with his father.

A face-to-face meeting could happen as soon as September, when Harry is expected back in the U.K. to support WellChild, a charity helping children with life-limiting conditions. Whether that reunion will materialize, however, remains uncertain. If it does, it would be the first meeting between father and son since February 2024, shortly after Charles announced he was diagnosed with cancer.

William’s team, notably, was not involved in these discussions. For the Prince of Wales, priorities lie elsewhere: supporting his wife, who is recovering from cancer treatment, and guiding their young family through pivotal years — with attention to 12-year-old George, his heir.

With his focus clear, sources say, William’s anger has calcified into indifference about the situation, a friend told The Sunday Times in June.

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith sees this as William accepting limits: “He can control what he does in his life, but he has no control over what Harry does,” she tells PEOPLE.

Adds historian Robert Lacey: “They both deeply believe that they’re fighting for profound points of principle.”

Though silence now divides them, Diana’s influence remains a strong bond that still shapes their every step.

“This is the sadness of it — they aren’t supporting each other like they should be,” says a source close to the royal household. “That’s what any mother would want — that they are there for each other.”

Adds Morton, whose latest book Winston and the Windsors, is out in October: “Diana always used to say she had two boys for a reason — the younger would be there to support the older in the lonely task as future King. There is no doubt Diana would have tried to act as a peacemaker between them. If she had been around, they would have worked things out in a different way.”

Two weeks after the death of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, his son Jack Osbourne has spoken publicly for the first time, delivering a powerful and deeply personal tribute that peels back the myth of the “Prince of Darkness” to reveal the devoted father behind the fame.

A Heartfelt Video Tribute

In an emotional Instagram post, Jack, 39, shared a moving video montage of his favorite memories with his father. Set to the hauntingly beautiful sound of Ozzy’s 1983 ballad “So Tired,” the compilation features clips from family moments spanning decades.

The tribute opens with a nostalgic 1997 clip of young Jack joining his father during a radio interview, followed by a mix of candid photographs, behind-the-scenes footage, and rare home videos showing Ozzy as a doting dad, rather than the heavy metal icon the world knew.

Jack revealed that he hesitated to post anything after his father’s passing, admitting:

“My heart has hurt too much.”

Alongside the video, he wrote:

“He was so many things to so many people, but I was lucky and blessed to be part of a very small group who got to call him ‘Dad.’ My heart is heavy with sadness and sorrow, but also full of love and gratitude. I got 14,501 days with that man, and I know what a blessing that is.”

The Passing of a Rock Legend

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most influential figures in rock history, died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement:

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning [July 22]. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

A Farewell Worthy of a Legend

Fans around the world mourned Ozzy’s passing, but nowhere was the grief felt more deeply than in his hometown of Birmingham, England. On July 30, 2025, thousands lined the streets as his funeral procession passed through the city.

The following day, Ozzy was laid to rest in a private service attended by close family and friends. He is survived by his wife Sharon, and his children Kelly, Aimee, Jack, Jessica, Louis, and Elliott.

Remembering the Man Behind the Music

While millions knew Ozzy Osbourne as the “Prince of Darkness,” Jack’s tribute reveals the man behind the legend — a father who, despite his fame and chaotic lifestyle, was deeply committed to his children.

“He wasn’t perfect,” Jack admitted in his tribute, “but he was everything.”

It’s a reminder that beyond the music, controversies, and larger-than-life persona, Ozzy’s most meaningful role was the one he played at home: being a dad.

Adam Lambert delivered a captivating performance on the CBS special A Home for the Holidays with Idina Menzel. The 21st annual event celebrated adoption stories from foster care, showcasing inspiring tales of love, family, and resilience.

Tony Award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel hosted the heartfelt evening, performing songs from her festive album Christmas: A Season of Love.

As part of the star-studded lineup, Adam Lambert, the season 8 standout from American Idol, took the stage to perform the emotional ballad “Closer to You.” The song, a highlight from his critically acclaimed EP Velvet: Side A, was a perfect fit for the night’s uplifting and heartfelt theme.

Lambert’s powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery brought an extra layer of emotion to the special, making it a standout moment in an evening dedicated to the transformative power of love and family.

The entertainment world is no stranger to surprises, but nothing could have prepared fans for the emotional rollercoaster delivered by Adam Lambert and Oliver Gliese. After a whirlwind romance, a public breakup, and a quiet reconciliation that kept fans on edge, the couple dropped a bombshell that set the internet ablaze: they’re expecting a baby! But it wasn’t the news alone that left the world speechless—it was the breathtaking, soul-stirring way they shared it. In a raw, deeply personal video, Lambert and Gliese bared their hearts, proving that their love, forged through trials, is stronger than ever.

The announcement wasn’t a polished press release or a casual Instagram post. Instead, it was a cinematic masterpiece of vulnerability and love, shared across Lambert’s social media. The video opens with a montage of their life together—snapshots of laughter, tender embraces, and quiet moments of intimacy that trace their journey from romance to reconciliation. Set to a haunting ballad composed by Lambert for Gliese, the visuals pull viewers into their world, a tapestry of joy and resilience. Just as the music swells, the screen fades to black, leaving fans holding their breath.

Then, a handwritten note appears, penned by Gliese to Lambert. “My love,” it reads, “I want to be with you for every moment we have left. I want to build a life with you, a life filled with laughter, love, and a beautiful, chaotic symphony of noise.” The words, raw and poetic, hit like a thunderbolt, a prelude to the revelation that follows. The scene shifts to a hospital room, where Lambert, his face radiating love and awe, holds a sonogram. The tiny, flickering image of their future child is a moment of pure magic, a testament to their shared dream.

For years, fans speculated about whether Lambert, the Grammy-nominated American Idol alum, and Gliese, the Danish fashion insider, would start a family. Their relationship, which began in 2020 and went Instagram official in 2021, has been a beacon of love and defiance against adversity. Despite a reported split in July 2025, their reconciliation sparked hope, but no one anticipated this seismic announcement. The sonogram, cradled in Lambert’s hands, symbolized not just a new life but a new chapter for a couple whose love has weathered storms of public scrutiny and personal challenges.

Social media erupted in a frenzy of joy and disbelief. Clips of the video, shared by fans and friends, flooded platforms, racking up millions of views within hours. Hashtags like #AdamAndOliverBaby and #LoveWins trended globally as fans poured out their emotions. “I’m crying, this is so beautiful,” one X user wrote. “Adam and Oliver showing the world what love looks like—this is everything.” Another posted, “That note from Oliver? I’m wrecked. They’re going to be the best dads.” The video’s raw authenticity struck a chord, transcending the glitz of celebrity to reveal a profoundly human moment.

The choice to announce their baby in such an intimate way reflects Lambert and Gliese’s unique approach to their public lives. Lambert, known for his powerhouse vocals and fearless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, has never shied away from vulnerability. Gliese, with his bold fashion choices and drag persona Valkyrie, has stood by Lambert, weathering homophobic criticism with grace. Their love story, marked by highs and lows, resonates with fans because it’s real—forged in moments of joy, pain, and perseverance. The sonogram video is a culmination of that journey, a declaration that their love is not just surviving but thriving.

The announcement also carries a deeper significance in the context of their past. Lambert’s 2023 defense of Gliese against online hate, where he called his partner “beautiful and brave,” showcased their unbreakable bond. Their reconciliation after a brief split proved that their commitment runs deeper than fleeting challenges. Now, as they prepare to welcome a child, they’re redefining what family means in the public eye, offering a powerful narrative of love and resilience for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

The video’s impact lies in its simplicity and sincerity. There are no flashy effects or over-the-top theatrics—just two people sharing their hearts with the world. The ballad, reportedly written by Lambert during their reconciliation, adds a layer of intimacy, its lyrics echoing the couple’s journey through love and loss. The handwritten note from Gliese, with its promise of a “chaotic symphony,” captures the messy, beautiful reality of building a family. And the sonogram, a fragile yet hopeful image, seals the moment as one of profound connection.

As the world celebrates, questions swirl about what’s next for Lambert and Gliese. Will they share more of their journey to parenthood? How will fatherhood shape Lambert’s music, already known for its emotional depth? For now, fans are content to revel in this milestone, with many calling it one of the most moving celebrity announcements in recent memory. “This isn’t just about a baby,” one fan tweeted. “It’s about love winning against all odds. Adam and Oliver are unstoppable.”

In a world often cynical about celebrity, Lambert and Gliese’s announcement is a reminder of the power of authenticity. Their love, tested by time and trials, shines through in every frame of the video. It’s a story of two people who chose each other, chose hope, and chose to build a future together. As they prepare to welcome their child, the world watches, not just for the spectacle, but for the profound, beautiful truth that love—raw, real, and relentless—always finds a way.

“When the Queen’s Ballroom Fell Silent: The Unplanned Duet That Stole Britain’s Heart”

Nobody attending the winter gala at Buckingham Palace could have guessed what the evening would hold. It was meant to be a night of elegance and tradition—fine dining, distinguished guests, and performances from celebrated artists. The grand ballroom, lit by the golden glow of crystal chandeliers, radiated timeless royal splendor. Glasses of champagne sparkled in the candlelight, the orchestra played soft strings in the corner, and conversation flowed gently through the air.

King Charles, seated with dignified calm, listened intently to the music. Queen Camilla drifted gracefully between tables, speaking warmly with ambassadors and charity patrons. And then there was the Princess of Wales—Kate Middleton—moving through the crowd with her signature poise, offering kind words and warm smiles to all she greeted. Her emerald gown shimmered as she walked, a quiet reminder of resilience and grace after her recent health battle.

The evening followed the expected rhythm until, between the second and third course, the master of ceremonies stepped to the microphone and introduced a living legend: Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. The applause was polite but expectant—guests anticipated a nostalgic solo performance from the man whose voice had shaped decades of music history.

Barry stepped up to the stage, adjusting the microphone. Then, with a playful glint in his eyes, he turned toward the royal table.
“Your Majesty,” he began, “I have a request—one that I promise will make tonight unforgettable.”

Whispers rustled through the audience. Barry paused, scanning the room, and then said, “Princess Catherine, would you do me the honor of joining me for a song?”

For a heartbeat, the room froze. Kate’s eyes widened slightly, as though caught completely off guard. There was no official program mentioning her participation—this was clearly spontaneous. Prince William gave her an encouraging smile, and King Charles nodded with quiet approval. Slowly, she rose from her seat, her gown catching the light with each step toward the stage.

When she reached Barry, he leaned in and whispered something that made her laugh softly, the tension melting from her shoulders. Then, with no further ceremony, the opening chords of How Deep Is Your Love began to flow from the orchestra.

Barry’s voice, still rich and smooth after all these years, filled the room first. It carried the weight of nostalgia, instantly drawing guests into a moment that felt almost suspended in time. Then Kate began to sing. Her voice was not that of a polished professional, but it was warm, clear, and deeply sincere. Every note carried emotion—years of lived experience, joy, and quiet strength.

The audience barely breathed. They weren’t just hearing a song; they were witnessing something rare: a royal moment stripped of formality, where music bridged the gap between tradition and humanity.

When Barry and Kate’s voices joined in harmony for the chorus, something seemed to shift in the room. The chandeliers above sparkled more brightly, the polished marble floors reflected the glow of the stage, and the guests leaned forward as if afraid to miss a single note.

By the final line, the room erupted into applause—not the polite clapping reserved for formal events, but the wild, standing ovation of people who had just experienced something unforgettable. Barry clasped Kate’s hand and bowed with her, both smiling in shared surprise at what had just unfolded.

Later, palace staff quietly revealed the backstory. The duet had not been arranged in advance. Barry had overheard Kate softly humming along to one of the songs earlier in the evening and, struck by her genuine warmth, decided to take a chance. She had hesitated at first—after all, it’s not every day a princess is asked to perform in front of royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries from across the globe. But Barry had convinced her, telling her, “The best moments are the ones we never plan.”

By dawn the next morning, clips of the duet were everywhere—across television networks, social media feeds, and international headlines. Fans called it “the duet of the century” and “the moment that melted Britain’s heart.” Music critics praised the spontaneity, while royal watchers were moved by the personal courage Kate displayed in saying yes to such an unplanned request.

For the guests lucky enough to be there in person, the memory was more than just about the song. It was about the intimacy of the moment—the way the grandeur of Buckingham Palace had, for a few minutes, transformed into the most exclusive, heartwarming concert hall in the world.

One attendee summed it up best: “We came expecting a gala. We left having witnessed history.”

And so, on that December night, beneath the chandeliers and the watchful portraits of centuries past, the walls of Buckingham Palace echoed with something more powerful than protocol. They rang with harmony, with laughter, and with a reminder that even in the most formal settings, magic can still take us by surprise.

A Texas shopping trip turned deadly when a gunman claiming to be “Jesus” opened fire outside a retail center, killing three people — including a child — before leaving a trail of destruction in a fast-moving pursuit across the city.

Law enforcement officers secure the scene outside a Target store in north Austin, Texas, on August 11, 2025, after a gunman opened fire in the parking lot, killing three people | Source: Getty Images

An empty cart near the scene of the August 11, 2025, Target shooting in north Austin | Source: Getty Images/Brandon Bell

Investigators gather outside the north Austin Target where a deadly shooting occurred on August 11, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis speaks at a press conference about the August 11, 2025, Target parking lot shooting in north Austin | Source: YouTube/fox4news

Sergeant Nathan Sexton provides details to the media about the Target parking lot shooting that occurred on August 11, 2025 | Source: Source: YouTube/fox4news

Police tape blocks off the scene outside the Target at 8601 Research Boulevard in Austin, Texas, after the August 11 shooting that left three dead. | Source: Getty Images

Aerial view of the north Austin Target where three people were killed on August 11, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

NYPD officers stationed outside 345 Park Avenue in Midtown, Manhattan, on July 28, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ABC7

Commissioner Tisch speaking at a press conference following the Midtown Manhattan shooting on July 29, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ABC News

Occupants of 345 Park Avenue in Midtown, Manhattan, evacuating the building with their arms up on July 28, 2025 | Source: YouTube/ABC News

Mayor Eric Adams addressed a crowd of journalists following the mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan on July 28, 2025. | Source: YouTube/ABC News

The 47th president of the US assumed leadership of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts earlier this year and is keen to make his mark on its upcoming events.

President Donald Trump has revealed the honorees for the 48th Kennedy Center Honors, his first selections since assuming oversight of the institution. One of the people Trump wanted to honor, Tom Cruise, has shared his thoughts on the recognition.

Tom Cruise arrives at the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York on May 18, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Tom Cruise arrives at the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York on May 18, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The annual ceremony, which recognizes lifetime achievement in the arts, is set for December. Trump, who appointed himself chairman of the arts complex in February, revealed the honorees during a visit to the Kennedy Center on August 13.

This year’s list features a mix of music legends, Hollywood stars, and Broadway icons, including Sylvester Stallone, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS, country music powerhouse George Strait, and celebrated stage performer Michael Crawford.

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Donald Trump arrives to speak at the unveiling of the Kennedy Center Honors nominees on August 13, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
Donald Trump arrives to speak at the unveiling of the Kennedy Center Honors nominees on August 13, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images

The President will also be taking on a new role this year, that of host, a shift that could bring a distinct tone and format to the annual event. But while the ceremony promises a star-studded lineup, one name will be absent from the stage despite being offered the honor.

According to The Washington Post, Tom Cruise was reportedly invited to receive a Kennedy Center Honor alongside the other luminaries but turned down the offer.

Donald Trump speaks during an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
Donald Trump speaks during an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images

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Multiple former and current Kennedy Center employees, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss event plans, confirmed the actor declined due to “scheduling conflicts.” Cruise’s spokesperson also opted not to elaborate.

Tom Cruise attends the “F1: The Movie” European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on June 23, 2025 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Tom Cruise attends the “F1: The Movie” European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on June 23, 2025 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Fresh off the release of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” and with several upcoming projects in motion, Cruise’s packed calendar may have made it difficult for him to attend the December ceremony.

Tom Cruise arrives at the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York on May 18, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Tom Cruise arrives at the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at Lincoln Center Plaza in New York on May 18, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

While announcing those who accepted the honor, Trump took a moment to highlight their achievements. He described them as “incredibly talented” and an “exceptional class.” He also referred to Strait as “the king of country.”

As the audience applauded, he glanced at the star’s photo on display and remarked, “Oh, it looks nice. He’s a good-looking guy. I hope he still looks like that.”

Some honorees, such as Gaynor, have shared their enthusiasm through representatives. “I am beyond blessed and honored to be receiving this award. My hope is that in accepting this honor, I can continue with the inspirational phenomenon that began with ‘I Will Survive,'” she noted.

Gaynor added that the recognition reinforces her mission to use her music and art to inspire, empower, and bring unity to people around the world. “I’ve always focused on a creative path that will help others and I hope that being awarded the Kennedy Center honor will help me continue this legacy,” she concluded.

President Donald Trump departs after speaking during an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
President Donald Trump departs after speaking during an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images

When reporters asked Trump about his role in selecting the 2025 honorees, he emphasized, “I was about 98% involved… they all came through me.”

Trump also shared how he ended up as host. He joked that when first asked, he turned it down, saying he was the president of the US. Even after being told it might boost his ratings, he still refused — until Susie Wiles, whom he had recently appointed to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, convinced him to accept.

As chairman, Trump is ramping up efforts to reshape the honors program, aiming for a more glamorous, star-studded celebration. He praised the institution’s revival since he took over, “We’ve completely reversed the decline of this cherished national institution.”

Donald Trump appears to be following through on his earlier vow to restore the Kennedy Center, having previously stated that it had not been properly maintained and needed to be rebuilt into something great.

Donald Trump speaking during an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
Donald Trump speaking during an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images

Sources have shared that the president remains committed to revitalizing the Kennedy Center, with some even suggesting it could one day be renamed the Trump–Kennedy Center.

The institution’s two affiliates, the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, are working with the new leadership team on business plans aimed at boosting endowments and ensuring greater long-term sustainability.