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Latest stories, analysis, and insights from the world of culture.

Hayden Panettiere Reveals the 'Most Gut-Wrenching Experience' of Her Life in New Memoir

Hayden Panettiere opens up in her new memoir "This Is Me: A Reckoning" about battling addiction, domestic abuse, postpartum depression, and losing custody of her daughter—experiences she calls "lifequakes" that fractured her sense of self.

May 20, 20265 min
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Ariana Grande Drops 'Dangerous Woman' Outtake on Album's 10th Anniversary

Ariana Grande has released "Knew Better Part Two," a previously SoundCloud-only outtake from her 2016 album Dangerous Woman, to commemorate the record's 10th anniversary. The bouncier take on the track has become a fan favorite among Arianators and marks another release as Grande prepares for her upcoming album Petal, set to drop on July 31.

May 20, 20263 min
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The 10 Best TV Shows to Stream This Month

WIRED's curated guide to May 2026's must-watch streaming shows, featuring returning favorites like Rick and Morty, new projects from The Duffer Brothers, and highly anticipated series across Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

May 20, 20267 min
streamingtelevisionnetflix

'Michael Jackson: The Verdict' Doc to Pick Up 'Michael' Story With Sex Abuse Trial

A three-part Netflix docuseries premiering June 3 will reexamine Michael Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial, featuring jurors, witnesses, accusers, and his defenders to explore both sides of the case that ended in his acquittal.

May 20, 20264 min
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Granta and the Commonwealth Foundation say they can't determine yet if AI was used to write a prize-winning short story after critics pointed to signs of AI use

Literary prize organizers Granta and the Commonwealth Foundation cannot confirm whether a prize-winning short story was AI-generated despite critics identifying telltale signs of artificial intelligence in the work, saying they may "never know" the true authorship.

May 20, 20263 min
ai-generated-contentliterary-prizesartificial-intelligence

'Survivor' Taught America About Truth and Power

An examination of how the reality TV phenomenon 'Survivor' shaped American culture through its exploration of power dynamics, strategy, and human nature.

May 20, 20262 min
survivorreality-tvtelevision

Smashing Pumpkins Recorded With Butch Vig for First Time Since 'Siamese Dream'

Smashing Pumpkins have recorded their first song with legendary producer Butch Vig in over 33 years, marking a reunion since the 'Siamese Dream' sessions. Billy Corgan announced the new track will be released later this year for a specific, unspecified purpose.

May 20, 20263 min
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Inside the Series Finale of 'The Boys': 'Every Strongman Eventually Goes Too Far'

Showrunner Eric Kripke discusses the creative decisions behind The Boys' series finale, including Homelander's de-powering and death, character endings, and the show's hopeful message about finding salvation through love and family.

May 20, 20268 min
the-boysseries-finaleeric-kripke

Good Kills and Great Sex: Inside 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma'

Rolling Stone explores the creative vision behind 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma', featuring insights into the film's provocative themes and filmmaking approach.

May 20, 20261 min
teenage-sex-and-death-at-camp-miasmafilm-interviewjane-schoenbrun

Harry Styles tour to review staging after fan complaints

Harry Styles' Together, Together world tour is reviewing its stage design following fan complaints about obstructed views caused by 10ft walkways surrounding the performance pit at Amsterdam shows.

May 20, 20264 min
harry-stylesconcert-tourstaging-design

Kylie Minogue Refutes Rumor She Appears on Madonna's 'Confessions II'

Kylie Minogue denies speculation that she will feature on Madonna's upcoming album 'Confessions II', confirming instead that she has a new song called "Light Up" featured in her Netflix documentary.

May 20, 20263 min
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Kylie Minogue Refutes Rumor She Appears on Madonna's Forthcoming LP 'Confessions II'

Kylie Minogue has denied rumors that she will feature on Madonna's upcoming album "Confessions II," confirming she is not on the Queen of Pop's new LP releasing July 3. The pop star did reveal new music of her own, including a song called "Light Up" featured on her new Netflix documentary.

May 20, 20263 min
kylie-minoguemadonnaconfessions-ii

This New Iron Maiden x Timex Watch Features a Light-Up Cyborg Eddie. Here's Where to Preorder It Early

Iron Maiden and Timex have unveiled a limited-edition 50th-anniversary watch inspired by the band's 1986 timepiece and "Somewhere in Time" album, featuring a light-up Cyborg Eddie head available for exclusive pre-order.

May 20, 20263 min
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Iron Maiden x Timex Watch: Where to Buy 50th Anniversary Watch Online

Timex collaborates with legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden on a limited-edition 50th anniversary watch. Discover where to buy this collectible timepiece online.

May 20, 20262 min
iron-maidentimexwatch

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe to present Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC has announced Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The trio will share equal billing in the show's first time having three permanent presenters.

May 20, 20268 min
strictly-come-dancingemma-willisjosh-widdicombe

Billy Joel Denounces 'Billy and Me' Biopic: 'Professionally Misguided'

Billy Joel has publicly criticized the upcoming 'Billy and Me' biopic, calling the project "professionally misguided" in a statement regarding the unauthorized use of his life rights.

May 20, 20262 min
billy-joelbiopicmusic-news

Literary Prizewinners Are Facing AI Allegations. It Feels Like the New Normal

Three winners of the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize face accusations of using AI to generate their work, highlighting growing concerns about artificial intelligence infiltrating literary institutions and raising questions about detection methods and contest integrity.

May 20, 20267 min
artificial-intelligenceliterary-prizesai-detection

'Taiwan Travelogue' wins the 2026 International Booker Prize

Yáng Shuāng-zǐ's 'Taiwan Travelogue' has won the 2026 International Booker Prize, becoming the first work translated from Mandarin Chinese to receive the award. Author Yang and translator Lin King are also the first Taiwanese and Taiwanese-American winners of the prize, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

May 19, 20264 min
international-booker-prizetaiwan-travelogueliterary-awards

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe to present Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC has announced TV presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

May 19, 20262 min
strictly-come-dancingemma-willisjosh-widdicombe

Why does the UK keep getting Eurovision wrong?

The UK's Eurovision entry Look Mum No Computer finished last with just one point at Eurovision 2026, marking the third bottom-place finish since 2020. The BBC's repeated failures highlight a systemic problem in artist selection and the perceived "poisoned chalice" status of representing Britain at the competition.

May 17, 20268 min
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