Entertainment
Ben Folds Breaks Silence on Kennedy Center Exit, Says Trump Takeover Raised Fears Artists ‘Wouldn’t Be Safe From Retribution’
Musician Ben Folds has explained why he stepped down as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, telling lawmakers he feared artists he invited could face political retaliation amid changes at the Kennedy Center.
Ben Folds has publicly explained the reasoning behind his decision to resign as artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, saying he no longer believed he could guarantee that artists he booked would be protected from political retaliation.
Speaking during a congressional hearing on Tuesday, the singer-songwriter addressed concerns surrounding changes at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the broader impact they could have on artistic independence.
“I Could Not Trust They Would Be Safe”
During his testimony, Folds said his resignation was driven by concerns over the environment surrounding the Kennedy Center following leadership changes linked to Donald Trump.
According to Folds, his role required him to invite performers from a wide range of artistic and cultural backgrounds. However, he said he reached a point where he could no longer confidently assure those artists that they would be free from potential political retribution.
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“I could not trust that artists I booked … would be safe from retribution,” Folds said while explaining the decision that ultimately led him to step away from his advisory position.
Why Ben Folds Resigned
Folds had served as the artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, helping shape performances and collaborations featuring musicians from different genres and creative disciplines.
His resignation came amid broader discussions about governance, artistic freedom and the future direction of the Kennedy Center. While he did not question the talent of those involved in the institution, he argued that artists should be able to perform without worrying about political consequences.

Congressional Hearing Focuses on Arts and Independence
The issue was discussed during a congressional hearing examining developments at the Kennedy Center and their potential impact on America’s cultural institutions.
Folds appeared as one of several witnesses, sharing his personal experience and expressing concern about maintaining creative independence within publicly supported arts organizations.
His testimony added to an ongoing national conversation about the relationship between politics, public institutions and artistic expression.
Debate Over the Future of the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center has long been regarded as one of the United States’ premier performing arts venues, hosting musicians, actors, dancers and performers from around the world.
Recent changes involving the institution have sparked debate among artists, policymakers and cultural leaders over how governance decisions may influence programming and creative freedom.
While opinions remain divided, Folds’ remarks have highlighted the concerns some artists have about preserving an environment where creative work can flourish without fear of political pressure.
Entertainment
Crystal Methyd Wins ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,’ Completing Her Redemption Story
After years as a fan favorite, Crystal Methyd returned to the competition, captured the crown, and capped off her inspiring journey with an unforgettable All Stars victory.
Sometimes, a second chance becomes the perfect stage for a lasting legacy.
For Crystal Methyd, returning to RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars wasn’t simply about competing again—it was about proving how much she had evolved since capturing audiences’ hearts on Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Now crowned the latest All Stars champion, Crystal is embracing the moment with gratitude and confidence after years of artistic growth. Reflecting on her return, the drag performer admitted she was fully aware of the expectations waiting for her.
“I knew those expectations were going to be high, and I really wanted to be able to meet them,” she said while discussing her long-awaited return to the franchise.
That mindset became a driving force throughout the competition. Rather than relying on nostalgia, Crystal approached the season determined to showcase a more polished performer—one who had spent years refining her drag, expanding her creativity, and gaining confidence beyond the original competition.
ALSO READ : Sen. Elizabeth Warren Calls It a ‘Cesspool of Corruption’ — Here’s Why Senators Are Now Fighting Back Against the DOJ’s Live Nation Deal That Left Every Fan Betrayed…
Fans first met Crystal during Season 12, where her quirky fashion, imaginative makeup, and offbeat humor quickly made her one of the breakout stars. Although she narrowly missed taking the crown, she built a devoted following thanks to her originality and willingness to embrace her unique artistic vision.
Her return to All Stars demonstrated just how much she had grown. Throughout the season, Crystal consistently delivered inventive runway presentations, memorable performances, and a renewed confidence that impressed both the judges and longtime viewers.

The latest victory also highlights the enduring appeal of the Drag Race franchise, which continues to celebrate individuality, performance, and self-expression while giving returning contestants an opportunity to redefine their careers.
Hosted by RuPaul, the competition has become one of reality television’s most influential franchises, launching the careers of countless drag performers around the world and introducing mainstream audiences to diverse forms of artistry.
For Crystal, winning All Stars represents more than adding another title to her résumé. It marks the completion of a personal journey that began with high expectations, continued through years of creative development, and concluded with the validation that she had always hoped to earn.
As fans celebrate her victory, Crystal’s story serves as a reminder that growth often comes with patience—and sometimes the best comeback is the one that arrives exactly when the artist is ready.
Entertainment
Tom Holland’s Next Big Role Could Be His Toughest Yet as He Commits to Doing Every Dance Move Himself
After wrapping work on Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, Tom Holland is preparing to portray Fred Astaire in a demanding biopic, determined to perform all of the dancing without a double.
After an action-packed schedule featuring Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, Tom Holland is already setting his sights on an entirely different challenge—bringing legendary dancer Fred Astaire to life on the big screen.
The 30-year-old actor recently shared that the long-awaited Fred Astaire biopic is expected to be his next major project, and he has one ambitious goal in mind: performing every dance sequence himself.
For Holland, the role represents much more than another career milestone. It is also a chance to reconnect with a passion he left behind years ago.
“One of my biggest regrets in my career is after I finished Billy Elliot, I quit dancing,” Holland said while reflecting on his early years as a performer.
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Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, Holland built his reputation as a talented stage performer in the musical Billy Elliot, where his dancing skills earned widespread praise. However, as his acting career accelerated, dance gradually took a back seat.
Now, portraying Fred Astaire offers the opportunity to revisit those roots.
A Role That Demands Perfection
Known as one of cinema’s greatest dancers, Fred Astaire set standards that few performers have ever matched. His effortless style, precision, and elegance transformed musical films and influenced generations of entertainers.
Holland acknowledged the challenge ahead and made it clear that he wants audiences to see authentic performances rather than relying heavily on body doubles or digital tricks.
His commitment to performing all of the choreography himself is expected to require months of intensive dance rehearsals and physical preparation.

Busy Summer, Bigger Future
The announcement comes after an exceptionally busy period for Holland. He has been filming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the latest installment in the hugely successful superhero franchise produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Sony Pictures.
At the same time, he has also been involved in The Odyssey, the ambitious epic directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan. The back-to-back productions mark one of the busiest phases of Holland’s career.
Despite the demanding schedule, the actor appears excited about shifting from blockbuster action to the graceful world of classic dance cinema.
Returning to His Original Passion
Fans have long admired Holland’s athleticism in action films, but many remember that his professional journey actually began with dance before Hollywood came calling.
The upcoming Fred Astaire biopic could allow audiences to see a different side of the actor—one rooted in musical performance, discipline, and classic showmanship.
If Holland succeeds in performing every dance routine himself, the film may become one of the most physically demanding performances of his career and a fitting tribute to one of cinema’s greatest entertainers.
With blockbuster franchises already under his belt, Holland’s next chapter could prove that sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t saving the world—it’s mastering the dance floor.
Entertainment
Crystal Methyd Wins ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,’ Completing a Remarkable Comeback
After years as a fan favorite, Crystal Methyd returned to the competition, claimed the crown, and completed an inspiring journey with a memorable All Stars triumph.
Sometimes, a second chance becomes the perfect stage for a lasting legacy.
For Crystal Methyd, returning to RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars wasn’t simply about competing again—it was about proving how much she had evolved since capturing audiences’ hearts on Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Now crowned the latest All Stars champion, Crystal is embracing the moment with gratitude and confidence after years of artistic growth. Reflecting on her return, the drag performer admitted she was fully aware of the expectations waiting for her.
“I knew those expectations were going to be high, and I really wanted to be able to meet them,” she said while discussing her long-awaited return to the franchise.
That mindset became a driving force throughout the competition. Rather than relying on nostalgia, Crystal approached the season determined to showcase a more polished performer—one who had spent years refining her drag, expanding her creativity, and gaining confidence beyond the original competition.
ALSO READ : Sen. Elizabeth Warren Calls It a ‘Cesspool of Corruption’ — Here’s Why Senators Are Now Fighting Back Against the DOJ’s Live Nation Deal That Left Every Fan Betrayed…
Fans first met Crystal during Season 12, where her quirky fashion, imaginative makeup, and offbeat humor quickly made her one of the breakout stars. Although she narrowly missed taking the crown, she built a devoted following thanks to her originality and willingness to embrace her unique artistic vision.
Her return to All Stars demonstrated just how much she had grown. Throughout the season, Crystal consistently delivered inventive runway presentations, memorable performances, and a renewed confidence that impressed both the judges and longtime viewers.

The latest victory also highlights the enduring appeal of the Drag Race franchise, which continues to celebrate individuality, performance, and self-expression while giving returning contestants an opportunity to redefine their careers.
Hosted by RuPaul, the competition has become one of reality television’s most influential franchises, launching the careers of countless drag performers around the world and introducing mainstream audiences to diverse forms of artistry.
For Crystal, winning All Stars represents more than adding another title to her résumé. It marks the completion of a personal journey that began with high expectations, continued through years of creative development, and concluded with the validation that she had always hoped to earn.
As fans celebrate her victory, Crystal’s story serves as a reminder that growth often comes with patience—and sometimes the best comeback is the one that arrives exactly when the artist is ready.
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