Author: Rap Hooks

Two days after hosting the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, Stephen Colbert made one more surprise appearance — this time on a public access show in Monroe, Michigan.

Colbert guest-hosted an episode of Only in Monroe that aired at 11:35 p.m. on Friday (May 22), the night after his CBS farewell drew 6.74 million viewers. The Michigan public access show, hosted by Michelle Baumann and Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson — Miss America 1988 — had previously welcomed Colbert in July 2015, when he interviewed Eminem just months before taking over The Late Show from David Letterman.

Colbert had foreshadowed the return during Thursday’s finale, calling the 2015 Only in Monroe episode “technically our first show… for an audience of 12 people,” and quipping: “Show business being what it is these days, that’s probably where you’ll see me next.”

Friday’s episode leaned heavily into Michigan local culture, with Jack White serving as volunteer musical director. Actor Jeff Daniels appeared to make the peanut butter, hand-crumbled Ruffles and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce sandwich he had described during a Late Show appearance in March. Steve Buscemi appeared in a public service announcement for Buscemi’s Pizza in Monroe — a Michigan chain he has no connection to — to clarify exactly that.

“All I know is Buscemi’s exists. I exist. We have the same name. And that’s where any connection ends,” he said. Colbert also had a quick FaceTime chat with Detroit native Byron Allen, who has taken over the Late Show timeslot with back-to-back episodes of his syndicated Comics Unleashed. The regular hosts joined Colbert in drinking shots of Cain & Grain whiskey from the River Raisin Distillery in Manchester.

The episode closed with Colbert, White and Daniels destroying the set — described as a version no longer used by the show — and burning it in a flaming dumpster.

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers in nearby St. Joseph, Michigan, appeared via video to give the fire marshal all-clear for the blaze. Colbert had joked he wanted official approval before proceeding.

Colbert’s 11-year run at The Late Show concluded Thursday with a finale that drew 6.74 million viewers — among the strongest late-night farewell numbers in years. The episode included a performance from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, tributes from former presidents and celebrities, and a final monologue in which Colbert reflected on the state of American democracy.

Only in Monroe had hinted at Colbert’s return in a recent Instagram post, though the episode’s filming date was not disclosed.

J Balvin didn’t need surprise guests or a big reinvention to close out the first night of Sueños Music Festival 2026. He just needed the songs.

During his hour-long headlining set on Saturday night (May 23) at Chicago’s Grant Park, the Colombian superstar delivered a tightly wound medley of hits that doubled as a reminder of his place in the reggaetón canon — not just as a hitmaker, but as one of the genre’s defining global architects. If Sueños is built to celebrate Latin music’s past, present and future, Balvin’s performance made a convincing argument for why his catalog still sits firmly at the center of that conversation.

He took the stage at 9 p.m. local time in classic tan Dickies and a yellow jacket, striking a balance between laid-back and larger-than-life. From there, the set moved with the confidence of an artist who knows exactly how much history is attached to his records. “Ginza” still landed with the same snap it had in 2015, when Balvin was helping push Colombian reggaetón even deeper into the global mainstream. Elsewhere, lines about breakups, makeups and messy desire were met with instant recognition from a crowd that hardly needed prompting.

Balvin kept the audience engaged all night, asking fans to put their phones in the air and checking in on the energy in the park before launching into “La Canción.” But some of the set’s strongest moments came in his brief asides between songs. In the middle of Mental Health Awareness Month, he encouraged fans to embrace the person next to them — a small but resonant gesture from an artist who has long spoken openly about anxiety, depression and emotional well-being. Later, he also shouted out immigrants “who are fighting day by day,” drawing one of the loudest responses of the night.

That blend of confidence and sentiment helped give the set shape beyond a straightforward greatest-hits run. For “Que Calor,” Balvin peeled off the yellow layer to reveal a white tank, and by the final stretch, he tore it open, revealing his tatted muscles. What could have felt like gratuitous rock-star bravado in lesser hands instead landed as yet another effortless flex in a performance full of them.

Backed by dancers and a crowd eager to meet him at every word, Balvin headlined like someone fully aware of what his presence still means. More than a victory lap, the performance was a reminder: the OGs don’t always have to chase the moment when they helped create it.

The Medellín star’s set capped a Saturday lineup that also featured Kali Uchis, Paulo Londra, Danny Ocean, Manuel Turizo and more. Sueños continues Sunday (May 24) with performances by Ryan Castro, Yandel, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Fuerza Regida and more.

Earlier this month, Balvin and Ryan Castro released their joint album Omerta. He was also recently announced as part of the lineup for the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

Taylor Swift made a courtside appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday (May 23), sitting alongside fiancé Travis Kelce as the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena — and prompting one of the more baffling broadcast moments of the NBA playoffs.

Swift and Kelce, who announced their engagement last August, were spotted in the first quarter and shown on the ESPN on ABC broadcast. What followed left the internet in disarray: play-by-play announcer Mike Breen acknowledged the pair with “Travis Kelce and his fiancée here at the game,” while analyst Richard Jefferson went with “as Travis and his girlfriend are in the building, that’s always great to see.”

Analyst Tim Legler then inadvertently delivered the evening’s funniest line when, after Jefferson mentioned being invited to the couple’s wedding, Legler asked who was getting married — apparently unaware of the engagement.

The trio made the curious decision not to say Swift’s name at any point during the broadcast, despite ESPN having shown the couple on camera multiple times, and the broadcast drew immediate backlash online.

The omission is particularly striking given Swift’s current commercial standing. Her album The Life of a Showgirl debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in October 2025 with a modern-era weekly record of 4 million equivalent album units — the largest opening week of any album since Adele’s 25 in 2015.

It spent 12 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1, topped the 2025 year-end Billboard 200, and led to Swift becoming the first act to top the year-end chart in back-to-back years with two different titles since Elton John in 1974 and 1975. She holds 15 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 — the most among soloists in chart history. She also leads tomorrow night’s American Music Awards with eight nominations, going in as the most decorated artist in the ceremony’s history with 40 career wins.

Whether the broadcast omission was a deliberate bit or a genuine oversight is unclear, though the latter seems unlikely given Swift is one of the most recognisable people on the planet. The moment echoes a long history of sports broadcasters fumbling Swift’s identity — in December 2023, Tony Romo called her “Kelce’s wife” during a CBS Chiefs broadcast.

The Cavaliers had also issued a light-hearted warning ahead of the game via social media, posting “NEW ROUND. NEW RULES” and specifying that anyone in the building was required to wear a playoff T-shirt from tip to final buzzer. Neither Swift nor Kelce was wearing the shirt.

The Knicks lead the series 2-0 going into Game 3, with Kelce cheering on his hometown Cavs — he was born in Westlake, Ohio and attended Cleveland Heights High School. In the fourth quarter, he was captured on camera chugging a beer to crowd cheers.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

KPop Demon Hunters marks its one-year anniversary in June, and the buzz over the hit Netflix film shows no signs of slowing down.

KPop Demon Hunters won two Oscars in March — for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song — and the animated musical has spawned countless merch releases, from T-shirts to trading cards. Now, fans can pick up an officially-licensed KPop Demon Hunters slime kit online.

BUY ONLINE

Increditoyz GUI GUI Kpop Demon Hunters Scented Slime Kit

$44.95

Buy Now On Amazon

From the toys and collectibles brand, Increditoyz, the KPop Demon Hunters Scented Slime Kit features everything you need to create your own character-inspired slime, from a base and reusable mixing jar, to custom mix-in packs.

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Each kit features colors, scents and mix-ins inspired by HUNTR/X members Rumi, Mira and Zoey, along with the supernatural tiger, Derpy. Rumi’s slime is purple-colored with pom poms and musical note sparkles; Mira’s slime is clear pink with bows and heart charms; Zoey’s slime is cupcake blue and smells like citrus; and Derpy gets a bright yellow slime with “blackberry burst” charms and scent.

This release also features a limited-edition “golden slime,” which is bright and shimmery and comes with mini pearlescent beads. Only 1,000 golden slime kits were released in total. Just like the blind box trend (which was a hit with Labubu characters last year), each KPop Demon Hunters slime pack is a blind reveal. That means you won’t know which kit is inside the box until you open it.

The KPop Demon Hunters Slime Kit is an officially-licensed release between Netflix and Increditoyz and it’s selling quickly online so we recommend adding to cart while it’s still in stock at Amazon. Similar unofficial slime sets have also popped up on sites like Etsy, made by crafty fans.

Just like the film, the slime trend shows no signs of slowing down either, with kids and fans of all ages lauding the sensory toy for helping with fidgeting, motor coordination, and for its stress relief and calming properties.

BLU-RAY RELEASE

KPop Demon Hunters (The Criterion Collection)

$39.95

Buy Now On Amazon

The film, meantime, is available to pre-order now on Blu-ray for those looking for a physical copy.

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For more product recommendations, see ShopBillboard’s picks for the best Saja Boys merch, KPop Demon Hunters water bottles and fan-made coloring books here.

About the Author

Tim Chan is the VP of Commerce at Penske Media, overseeing fashion, tech, lifestyle and streaming coverage across marquee brands like Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and WWD, among others. Previously, Chan was the first-ever Lifestyle Editor at Rolling Stone, covering all things fashion, culture, and travel through an entertainment lens. In addition to PMC, his bylines over the years have appeared in L’Uomo Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Korea, i-D, and more. Chan has also consulted for a number of fashion brands, advising them on media and marketing strategy. He graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in journalism. A big K-pop fan, Chan has interviewed groups like Monsta X, EXO and Enhypen and recently hosted a fireside chat with KPop Demon Hunters creator Maggie Kang at the Departure Festival in Toronto.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Ind., on Sunday (May 24). The race features the best and brightest drivers in IndyCar motorsports, such as Alex Palou, Alexander Rossi, Team Penske’s David Malukas and others.

And the year, WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from the Indiana Fever serves as the race’s Grand Marshal, who delivers the traditional pre-race command, “drivers, start your engines.”

Where to Watch Indianapolis 500 Online, At a Glance:

When Does Indianapolis 500 Start?

Indy 500 broadcasts on Sunday (May 24) with flag drop at 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT. The motorsport event airs live on FOX and FOX Sports.

Where to Watch Indianapolis 500 Online for Free

Cord-cutters have a few ways to watch Indy 500 online, especially if you want to watch for free. Online streaming platforms, like DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and others have free trials, so you can watch FOX and FOX Sports for free.

Keep reading for more details on how to watch the race online without cable.

DirecTV

Get Five-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a five-day free trial to watch for free.

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You can livestream the Indy 500 on FOX and FOX Sports with DirecTV’s “Entertainmet” package. The streaming service’s most comprehensive plan is the “Entertainment” signature streaming package with more than 90 live channels, which includes plenty of other sports channels: ESPN, ESPN2, FS2, NBA TV, NHL Network and more. For a limited time, new subscribers can get DirecTV for just $59.99 for the first month of service (reg. $89.99 per month).

Meanwhile, the streamer offers the “MySports Genre Pack” with over 20 sports channels, including FOX and FOX Sports, and access to ESPN Unlimited. It goes for $49.99 per month for the first two months of service ($64.99 per month afterwards) with DirecTV’s current deals. Sign up for a five-day free trial to start watching online.

Additionally, you can stream up to three devices with a subscription to DirecTV, as well as unlimited cloud DVR to record your favorite TV shows to watch back on-demand.

Sling TV

Get Sling Blue

Sling Blue comes with 40+ channels.

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A subscription to Sling Blue, which comes with FOX and goes for $45.99 per month, gets you access to live TV, local and cable channels. You can watch local networks such as NBC and ABC (in select markets), while you can watch many cable networks too. Please note: Prices and channel availability depends on your local TV market. You can learn more about Sling TV here.

FuboTV

Get Five-Day Free Trial

Fubo is affordable option offering a five-day free trial for new users who sign up.

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With prices starting at $48.99 per month for the first month of service, Fubo’s “Pro” plan is a cable alternative streaming service that offers the Indy 500 broadcasts on FOX and FOX Sports. The plan features more than 200 other channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, MLB.TV, MLB Network, NHL Network and others. Fubo comes with a five-day free trial, so you can try out the service before you commit month-to-month.

Hulu + Live TV

Get three-day free trial

Hulu + Live TV comes with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost.

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If you don’t have a Hulu + Live TV subscription, the streamer offers a free trial that’ll get you your first three days free to access FOX and FOX Sports. Once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged the regular subscription fee starting at $89.99 per month. For even more content, Hulu + Live TV bundles with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost to watch even more exclusive and original sporting events and programming.

Who Is Performing During Indianapolis 500?

For 2026, Grammy-nominated singer and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks performs “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the race begins. Along with 2015 and 2024, this is the third time Sparks has performed the National Anthem of the United States during the racing event.

In the meantime, Indianapolis 500 is available to watch on FOX and FOX Sports via DirecTV, on Sunday (May 24) with a start time of 12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT.

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.