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The UNEXPECTED connection between Jeopardy!’s Ken Jennings and The Price Is Right’s Drew Carey. They has more in common than you think.

Jeopardy!’s Ken Jennings and The Price Is Right’s Drew Carey have more in common than you think

Jeopardy! legend Ken Jennings and The Price Is Right host Drew Carey both celebrated their birthdays on May 23, and fans were quick to point out the connection

Ken and Drew share a birthday(Image: (Image: ABC/CBS))

Quiz show enthusiasts were caught by surprise this week upon discovering that a pair of TV’s most loved game show masters are linked by more than their legendary positions.

The double celebration for the hosts of Jeopardy! and The Price Is Right had the Internet buzzing when it was unearthed both Ken Jennings and Drew Carey blow out their candles on May 23.

In a festive nod, The Price Is Right sent out birthday cheers to its cherished presenter. “Happy birthday to the host with the most and one of the best in the business, [Drew],” broadcasted the official Instagram account for the show, alongside a snap featuring Drew with a grin and a birthday cake.

Drew Carey rang in his 66th year of life this past Thursday, while Ken Jennings hit an exciting half-century mark on the selfsame calendar square.

Ken Jennings is Jeopardy’s host, and a former contestant(Image: (Image: ABC))

The realization set social media alight, with fans sharing their astonishment. “I was today years old when I learned that Drew Carey and Ken Jennings share the same birthday,” exclaimed one fan, reports the Express US.

“Kind of incredible that the hosts of the two most popular and well-known game shows have the same birth date,” shared another admirer.

“Drew Carey and Ken Jennings were born on the same day 16 years apart,” pointed out a third, while another chimed in “Ken Jennings and Drew Carey on the same day? That’s incredible. Happy Birthday to the both of ya!”

Jeopardy!’s own Ken Jennings received a fanfare from devotees as he made his appearance on the Jeopardy! set on his 50th. “50 looks good on him. Ken was in for a big surprise when he walked onto the #Jeopardy! stage today,” posted a viewer.

In another unexpected turn, a fan noted that Ken shares his birthday with none other than Drew Carey of The Price Is Right fame.

But during his birthday episode, Carey experienced a less-than-celebratory moment.

During filming, one of the contestants, Jeffrey, wore a T-shirt with the slogan: “2024 with the soon-to-be legendary Drew Carey.”

Carey’s reaction was immediate, momentarily pausing and turning away, his pride visibly wounded. “Soon to be legendary?” he repeated.

Drew Carey is the longtime Price is Right host(Image: (Image: CBS))

As the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward, announcer George Gray smoothly wrapped things up: “That’s our show! Good night, everybody!”

Attempting to play off the gaffe, Jeffrey applauded and waved to the crowd, awkwardly declaring: “That’s a wrap,” still looking flustered.

Raw and Touching: Drew Carey’s Account of His Fiancée’s Passing Brings Fans to Tears

Drew Carey reflects on the death of onetime fiancée Amie Harwick: ‘I think about her every single day’

Drew Carey is opening up about the tragic death of his former fiancée, Hollywood therapist Amie Harwick.

In an emotional sit-down with 48 Hours that aired Saturday night, the Price Is Right host reflected on the murder of Harwick at the hands of a violent ex-boyfriend two years ago on Valentine’s Day weekend.

“I think about her every single day,” Carey told 48 Hours correspondent Erin Moriarty. “I don’t know if I’ll ever want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dinner. You know? I just don’t want to do anything.”

In the revealing interview, Carey spoke about falling in love with Harwick, 38, who was known in Hollywood as an advocate for women and sexual health.

“I fell so hard for her,” Carey explained. “She was really smart. You want an intimate relationship where you can open up to somebody completely and be yourself. And she was that for me.”

Eventually, the couple broke up. Carey attributes the split to his hectic career, saying, “it was so painful.”

“We had some problems, and finally had to call it a day,” he shared. However, the couple remained friends after the breakup.

Drew Carey discussed his former fiancée Amie Harwick on 48 Hours: The Final Hours of Amie Harwick. (Photo: CBS News)
Shortly before her death, Harwick sent Carey a text asking to see him.

“I got a text from her. ‘I would love to get together with you and talk.’ And I said, ‘Yeah. I would love to do that, I love you,’” Carey recalled. However, he never got that chance to see her again.

“I never got it,” he shared. “I never got a chance to do it.”

Despite the tragedy, Carey finds tremendous comfort in knowing how much she cared for him.

“That’s the big solace that I get from it, is that she loved me and I’m glad I could get that message to her before she died,” Carey said.

Harwick had previously notified several friends that she had run into a dangerous ex-boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse. However, she didn’t appear upset on the night of her death, and celebrated with friends at a burlesque show.

Sadly, the evening took a turn later on. In the early morning hours of Feb. 15, 2020, LAPD officers responded to a call for a “woman screaming.” They found Harwick lying on the ground, beaten and battered and unresponsive under the third-floor balcony of her Hollywood Hills home. She later died, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office revealing the cause of death as blunt force injuries of the head and torso suffered when she “fell from a balcony after altercation.” There was also “evidence of manual strangulation.”

Evidence led investigators to Pursehouse, who was arrested and charged with murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

Immediately after hearing the news of Harwick’s death, Carey believed Pursehouse was involved.

“When I heard that she was murdered, right away I thought, ‘oh it’s gotta be that guy,’” Carey shared.

There was also new evidence released in the 48 Hours broadcast. At the crime scene, authorities discovered a syringe that contained nicotine they found on Harwick’s balcony. Prosecutors believe the syringe is evidence of Pursehouse’s intent to murder Harwick.

For those who loved Harwick, her tragic death is a reminder of how passionate she was about helping others. Carey noted that she cared deeply about domestic violence issues and helping patients who were victims of sexual abuse, and that he hopes her death will bring awareness to the commonality of intimate partner violence.

“She cared so much about helping people,” said Carey. “That was her life’s purpose. She just wanted to help people. Especially women. You can’t be a person in this country and not know a woman who hasn’t been a victim of domestic violence. You just can’t. And it’s really a problem that not enough people acknowledge.”

In the meantime, Carey said the holiday weekend will remain a challenging one.

“Valentine’s Day sucks now,” Carey said. “That’s not a good day to remember.”

Ryan Seacrest is IN DANGER as Pat Sajak makes Wheel of Fortune return.

Ryan Seacrest called out for being ‘difficult’ as Pat Sajak makes Wheel of Fortune return and celeb winner revealed

PAT Sajak made an epic return to telly screens last night – much to the delight of fans.

The former Wheel Of Fortune host was back at the helm for a celebrity version of the much-loved game.

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Sam Richardson, Regina Hall, and Randall Park went up against each other in order to win a cash prize for their chosen charities

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Vanna White and Pat Sajak have been reunited for the celebrity specialsCredit: Getty

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Ryan Seacrest took over from Pat Sajak last SeptemberCredit: Wheel of Fortune
Comedian Sam Richardson was up against actress Regina Hall, and actor Randall Park in a bid to win a cash prize for their chosen charities.

In the end, Randall won an eye-watering $88,000, leaving viewers stunned and overjoyed in equal measure.

But it wasn’t the game that left some viewers up in arms – instead it was how the hosting skills of Pat, 78, differ from new host Ryan Seacrest.

Some even called for Ryan to be replaced by Pat despite him having retired from the main show last year.

“Watched it. Miss Pat Sajak so much, bring him back,” said one viewer on the show’s Facebook page.

Another then said: “Pat Sajak knows how to keep the contestants in line.”

RYAN’S HOSTING HABIT

One fan then went on to quickly point out an annoying habit Ryan has that was highlighted with his absence from the show.

They explained how when Ryan hosts and a contestant fails to get the million dollar envelope, he reaches for it.

The X user explained how this makes it difficult as a viewer to know where it was on the wheel.

They fumed over how Ryan does this and Pat doesn’t.

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune fans wish Pat Sajak ‘never retired’ in triumphant comeback after Ryan Seacrest took over gig
“Once again @RyanSeacrest, when someone doesn’t get the million dollar envelope do what Pat does here instead of just reaching for the envelope making it difficult to know where it was on the wheel,” they penned.

The same X user said something similar last week when they wrote: “@RyanSeacrest, when someone doesn’t get the million dollar envelope please turn the wheel and say where it was like Pat does here instead of just reaching over and taking it where it makes it difficult for the audience to know where it was.”

Meanwhile, after another recent celebrity special of the hit game show, one fan said Pat was “much better” than Ryan.

“Nice to see Pat and be reminded of how much better he is at this than Seacrest,” one viewer penned on X recently.

Wheel of Fortune’s big changes

The game show has undergone a major transformation now that Ryan Seacrest has taken over hosting duties for Pat Sajak.

-Ryan and Vanna White now host on a brand-new set, featuring a blue-toned stage, a green screen and art-deco wheel design.

-Ryan and Vanna make their big entrance from behind new sliding, brightly lit doors.

-Vanna turns – or now, touches – a modern, digital puzzle board controlled by lasers.

-Ryan brings a new hosting style, and has ditched Pat’s signature cue cards.

-The prizes have also been upgraded, and now include tickets to NFL games, and tickets to A-list concerts.

PAT’S RETIREMENT

Back in June 2024, Pat said goodbye to the wheel when he retired from his hosting duties after nearly 40 years at the helm of the show.

Ryan took over from Pat in September.

When Ryan was announced as the new host he said that he was “truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak”.

“Pat Sajak is such a legend. He makes it look so easy and smooth and seamless. He’s remarkable,” Ryan previously gushed.

Although Pat left the show, he recorded the celebrity specials before his departure, which is why he is still on these episodes currently.

It is expected that Ryan will take over in the future.

RYAN SLAMMED AGAIN

During a normal episode of Wheel of Fortune this week, Ryan was once again slammed for his hosting skills.

Taking to Reddit, one viewer noted how a contestant spun the wheel without Ryan ever reminding them that they could have given up the WC for another guess.

“Instead he landed on bankrupt,” the fan said, adding: “I know it would be nice if contestants remembered on their own, but it’s kind of a rare event to have a WC and land on a sparkly wedge that I think the host should remind them.

“I think Ryan has only reminded one person this whole season.”

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Vanna and Ryan host the regular Wheel of Fortune episodes togetherCredit: Getty

JEOPARDY! fans are demanding that the show make BIG RULE CHANGES to shake up the current format.

Jeopardy! fans demand major rule change to shake up format as show has ‘gone downhill’ with ‘carousel’ of one-day champs

JEOPARDY! fans are demanding that the show make big rule changes to shake up the current format after feeling like its ‘gone downhill’ with a ‘carousel’ of one-day champs.

Following a nail-biting series of spinoff tournaments, season 41 of Jeopardy! is coming to a dwindling close that has resulted in runaway games, but very few repeat champions.

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Ken Jennings hosts Thursday’s game of Jeopardy!Credit: Jeopardy!

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Thomas Sweeney was a one day Jeopardy! championCredit: Jeopardy!
In many recent Jeopardy! games, the winner has had only a one-day streak, and most have failed to extend their streaks to even two days.

While it is rarer to get to the five-day winning streak to qualify for the Tournament of Champions, most seasons are full of three or four-day champions.

This year has had more one-day champions than other recent seasons, with a lot of “runaway games” – meaning the players who are in second and third position are not even within striking distance of taking the lead from the winner.

Fans have taken note of the “carousel of one-day champions” and the increase in runaway games, leading them to demand that Jeopardy! producers make some changes.

“The season has gone downhill fast. They need to make some kind of production adjustments, whether that be to the game itself or even in the casting process,” a viewer noted.

“Is there anything the show can do to give us more ‘stars’? I know that sounds weird about Jeopardy but there has to be a way to get better TV than a brand new winner every single day,” a second questioned.

While another viewer offered a suggestion online of how they would up the excitement of the game: “I’d replace FJ with a ‘speed round’ with an ‘Elam ending’ type scoring goal…. a target goal is set of $9,000 more than the leaders score.

“You ask questions worth $2,000 each (top DJ value) randomly from all 12 categories of the game. If you buzz in wrong, you do go down $2k…

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Jeopardy! contestants from L-R: Thomas Sweeney, Anne LaGatta and Geoff BarnesCredit: Jeopardy!
“You play until someone gets to or over the target score.   Then, technically, someone can potentially come back, even from way back…. even people who finish DJ negative can still play.”

Another suggested that the show could “make the second place prize 5k instead of just a $1000 difference,” noting that currently, second place receives $3,000 while third gets $2,000.

One more claimed their idea would “never happen” but said: “If a player has a true runaway heading into FJ, then they win the game regardless allowing them to wager it all for a big payday while the win has already been guaranteed.

“This won’t happen because it would make the payouts much larger and someone has to pay for that. Would be fun to watch though.”

Jeopardy! Masters fans make major complaint about player as they say the outcome is always ‘so predictable’
In today’s game, one-day champion Thomas Sweeney tried to break the single-game curse and extend his winnings to day three.

The survey technician from Ohio played against Geoff Barnes, an analyst from Washington, D.C. and Anne LaGatta, a college professor originally from New Jersey.

Newcomer Geoff was off to the early lead when he doubled his score after finding the first Daily Double.

In the Double Jeopardy round, Thomas scored the second Daily Double – and accurately responded to give him a $3,000 boost.

Jeopardy! Universe

Jeopardy! first aired in 1964 until 1975. Then the nighttime version began in 1974. Since then, many spinoffs of the game show have emerged. Here they all are:

Jeopardy! – (syndicated) 1974 to present, weekdays on ABC at 7 pm ET.

Tournament of Champions – 1984 to present, features the top champions who have appeared on the show since the last tournament.

Second Chance Tournament – 2022 to present features hand-selected non-winners from the season prior, where the prize is entry into Champions Wildcard.

Champions Wildcard – 2023 to present, features all one, two and three-day champions from the season prior worth entry into the Tournament of Champions.

Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament (syndication) – 2023 to present, features past greats invited by producers to vie for a slot in Masters.

Jeopardy! Masters (primetime) – 2023 to present, features the six highest-ranked Jeopardy! champions competing against each other.

Celebrity Jeopardy! (primetime) – 1992 to present, has celebrities compete against each other to raise money for charity.

Pop Culture Jeopardy (streaming) – 2024 to present, will feature teams of three tasked with pop culture trivia on Amazon Prime, hosted by Colin Jost, airdate TBD

Jeopardy! has done away with specialized tournaments like its College Tournaments, Kids Week, and Professor’s Tournament to gear towards a more sports-like model, with Masters being the top of the Jeopardy pyramid.

Other versions of Jeopardy! have fizzled out throughout the years as well, like Sports Jeopardy!.

Geoff couldn’t be caught though, increasing his lead to $15,800 when he accurately guessed the third Daily Double.

Heading into Final Jeopardy!, it was looking like another runaway game as Geoff had a whopping $23,000 compared to $9,600 for Anne and $4,800 for Thomas.

“An 1845 article called ‘annexation’ was the first appearance of this two-word phrase implying inevitability,” host Ken Jennings read under the category “Phrase Origins.”

Only Geoff was correct on the last clue, answering “What is manifest destiny?”, adding $1,000 to his score to leave him with an impressive $24,000.

Anne ended the game with just $1 while Thomas remained in third with $0.

Fans are hoping that Geoff can continue his strong performance tomorrow and be the first multiple-day champion the show has had since earlier this month.

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Geoff smiles after winning his first Jeopardy! gameCredit: Jeopardy!

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The one-day champion scored an impressive $24kCredit: Jeopardy!

What Really Happened to This “Reba” Star? Uncovering the Sadness and Truth of Their Fate.

[VERY SAD] The Tragic Truth About What Happened To “Reba” Star

Scarlett Pomers: What Happened To Kyra From Reba (& Where The Actress Is Now)

Scarlett Pomers played a pivotal role in the sitcom Reba (2001-2007) as Kyra Hart, so her absence from the sitcom’s fifth season was notable, causing fans to wonder what happened. The six-season show was one of its kind, a multi-cam sitcom filmed in front of a large studio audience. At its anchor was country superstar Reba McEntire as Reba Hart, a single mom of three kids whose husband leaves her for his dental hygenist.

Many Star Trek fans recognize Pomers as the young Naomi Wildman in Star Trek: Voyager, and the child actress was right at home when she joined the cast of Reba as a teenager in the role of Kyra. Reba’s middle child, Kyra was known for her sharp wit, sarcastic humor, yubi, and rebellious nature. Kyra’s character often challenged her mother and older sister, bringing an edge to the show’s family dynamics. As one of the key characters, Kyra’s quick comebacks and teenage rebellion endeared her to fans, and she was sorely missed in season 5.

How Kyra’s Absence Was Explained On Reba

Scarlett Pomers Sought Treatment For An Eating Disorder

Pomers had appeared as Kyra in every season of Reba up until season 5, where her character was only in two episodes. This absence was due to Pomers’ battle with anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder that led to her weight dropping dangerously low. In late 2005, she sought treatment and took time off from the show to focus on her health, checking herself into a treatment facility. After leaving the facility in 2006, Pomers went public about her struggles, and she used her platform to raise awareness about eating disorders (via Wide Open Country).

Following her recovery, Pomers became an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association, using her experience to help others struggling with similar issues. She also launched Arch-Angels, a charity dedicated to raising funds for those who cannot afford treatment for eating disorders. Pomers started the organization after witnessing families go bankrupt trying to save their children from these life-threatening conditions. She told The Baltimore Sun,

A lot of people only think it affects women – young, white women. It can happen to anybody, and it does happen to a lot of people. No one’s safe.

How Kyra’s Absence Was Explained On Reba

Kyra Says She “Went To Get Something To Eat”

Scarlett Pomers did return to Reba for the sitcom’s sixth and final season, and was greeted by enthusiastic applause from the live studio audience. Rather than offer a lengthy explanation as to Kyra’s absence, Reba simply asks her daughter, “Where have you been?“. The middle Hart child replies, “I went to get something to eat.”

This joke was later repeated throughout the episode, an obvious reference to Pomers’ eating disorder. While this may seem like it was in poor taste, Pomers has never publically spoken out about it, and her willingness to come back to the show after departing in season 5 suggests she was fine with the joke.

Where Scarlett Pomers Is Now

Scarlett Pomers Left Hollywood & Has Pursued Other Artistic Endeavors

After Reba ended, Scarlett Pomers continued to focus on advocacy and raising awareness about eating disorders, following her personal battle with anorexia. She also made the decision to permanently retire from acting and explore other interests. In an interview with StarTrek.com, Pomers was asked if she was finished with Hollywood, and she replied,

Pretty much. I’ve been doing some voiceover work here and there, but for the most part I’m focused on the music and photography. That keeps me busy and happy, and I can make enough of a living doing it.

Pomers has thoroughly embraced her passion for music, forming the band SCARLETT, which played various event venues in Los Angeles. She also released her debut EP, Insane, in 2010, though she confessed in the StarTrek.com interview that it was a pure passion project and she wasn’t in it for the money.

In addition to her photography pursuits, Pomers also opened an online jewelry store, The Mermaid’s Lure, though it doesn’t appear to be selling more products. However, Pomers has recently resurfaced on social media, and has begun posting on her Facebook and Instagram pages again. In her Instagram bio, she describes herself as “Writer. Director. Horror enthusiast,” so it could very well be possible that directing a horror movie is in Pomers’ post-Reba future.

You Won’t Believe Why Melissa Peterman Cried Over Reba McEntire!

Melissa Peterman Reflects on Longtime Friendship With Reba McEntire and Celebrates Their New Show (Exclusive)

The actress also shared with ET why she takes a ‘little credit’ for setting Reba up with her beau, Rex Linn.

Melissa Peterman and Reba McEntire are headed back to TV together!

The longtime friends and Reba co-stars are set to reunite on a new sitcom, Happy’s Place, and on Tuesday, ET’s Deidre Behar was the first to break the news to Peterman that their pilot had been picked up to series by Peacock.

“Amazing!” the actress reacted. “I get to work with Reba and our team and I’m so excited!”

While the new series won’t be related to Reba in any way, there are familiar faces both in front of and behind the camera. In addition to Peterman, most of the creative team leads — executive producers Michael Hanel and Mindy Schultheis, as well as writer Kevin Abbott — also worked on McEntire’s eponymous sitcom, which ran on The WB and The CW from 2001-07.

“It’s whole new characters, a whole new scenario and a lot of our same team,” Peterman said of Happy’s Place. “The dynamic is gonna be that dynamic that we have, that natural one.”

“You’re lucky if you get one chance to work with people you love and have it be received so well and still sort of live on,” she reflected, “but I’ve had more than that and I mean, I feel like the luckiest.”

Reba McEntire and Belissa Escobedo in ‘Happy’s Place.’ – NBC

Happy’s Place — on which McEntire also serves as an executive producer — will star The Voice coach as Bobbie, a woman who inherits her father’s restaurant following his death. Things get interesting — and presumably hilarious — when she discovers that her business partner in the endeavor is a half-sister she never knew she had.

Hocus Pocus 2 star Belissa Escobedo stars as Bobbie’s younger half-sister, Isabella, while Peterman plays Gabby, a bartender at Bobbie’s newly inherited restaurant. Happy’s Place is also set to star Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, and McEntire’s real-life beau, Rex Linn — who previously co-starred with Peterman on Young Sheldon.

Of her matchmaking abilities between her co-star and her longtime pal, Peterman admitted, “I like to take a little credit.”

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn at the 2022 CMA Awards. – Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Mostly, the actress admitted, she’s happy to see McEntire happy in her new relationship — remarking how much their decades-long friendship has meant to her.

“She’s like coming home,” Peterman shared, tearing up. “I think that in this business, we have a lot of ‘Hollywood friends’ — friends that you share just the good stuff with. I think I knew that when we started sharing real-life stuff, that it was forever. I know she’s got my back whether we ever work together again. She is on my side always, and she knows I’m on her’s.”

Carrie Underwood makes ‘SURPRISE’ announcement following American Idol finale.

Carrie Underwood makes ‘surprise’ announcement after returning to Nashville farm following American Idol finale.

AFTER looking ‘unhappy’ at the American Idol finale earlier this week, Carrie Underwood has made an announcement.

The country music singer, 42, made a “surprise” announcement after returning to her Nashville farm following the American Idol grand finale on Monday.

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Carrie Underwood is back in Nashville after the American Idol finaleCredit: Instagram/carrieunderwood

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She excitedly revealed the birth of a new baby lamb on her farmCredit: Instagram/carrieunderwood

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Carrie thrilled fans with the exciting newsCredit: Instagram/carrieunderwood

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The lamb was tiny and looked adorable in the snapsCredit: Instagram/carrieunderwood

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This comes after Carrie looked less than impressed during the American Idol finaleCredit: AMERICAN IDOL
Carrie, who looked “unhappy” with the Idol finale result just mere days ago, took to Instagram to make her very exciting announcement.

“Surprise! We’ve got another new life around the farm,” she penned in the caption of a sweet snap.

Underneath the snap of a cute little lamb, she said: “This little guy happened to be born on the day of the @americanidol finale, so we figured it would only be right if we named him Jamal!!!

“Mama and Baby J are doing well…” she added.

Carrie continued: “And I’m popping by the barn to get snuggles every chance I get! Welcome to the world, little dude!”

Fellow country crooner Priscilla Block penned: “Oh my goodness,” complete with a heart eye emoji.

Another person added: “Oh my stars! I want one so bad! What a doll baby!”

SWEET NAME REVEALED

While a third wrote: “How cute! I love this so much!.”

“Carrie had a little lamb. His fleece was white as snow,” penned a fourth.

Commenting on the name of the new addition, one person said: “Very good name.”

When is The Grand Ole Opry 100 coming to London’s Royal Albert Hall and how can you get tickets?
“Love this so much! How fitting,” penned a second.

A third then said: “Oh my goodness gracious; lil baby Jamal is Adorbs!!!”

While a fourth wrote: “Not a half baaaad name choice!”

This comes after viewers of the hit show slammed the country music icon and former Idol winner for her reaction as Jamal Roberts was announced as this year’s champion.

Carrie Underwood’s Family

The American Idol winner had relationships with Chace Crawford and Tony Romo but she ultimately walked down the aisle with Mike Fisher.

Mike is a Canadian retired hockey player from Peterborough, Ontario.

In October 1999, Fisher made his NHL debut with the Ottawa Senators.

He played for the Senators until he was traded to the Nashville Predators.

One of the reasons he agreed to the trade was so he could be close to his wife Carrie.

On December 20, 2009, Carrie and her former hockey captain hubby announced their engagement.

On July 10, 2010, Carrie Underwood and Mike tied the knot after almost two years of dating.

More than 250 people were in attendance at their wedding ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, Georgia.

Carrie’s engagement ring from Mike features a yellow diamond and was valued at $150K.

In February 2015, the couple welcomed their first child; a son named Isaiah.

In January 2019, the singer and the pro athlete expanded their family further with the birth of their second son Jacob.

CARRIE LOOKED ‘UNHAPPY’

During the live broadcast of the finale, fans noticed something odd about Carrie’s body language and how she failed to stand up when Jamal crooned his song a final time after winning.

Reacting to Carrie not standing up when Jamal won, one fan speculated that she might have been asked by show bosses to stand.

“Not Carrie Underwood sitting down and probably being told to stand up when Jamal won,” said one person on X.

Another added: “Carrie underwood is not happy that Jamal won America Idol.”

“Carrie hating until the very end I see. CONGRATULATIONS JAMAL,” penned a third.

A fourth then said: “Carrie Underwood’s face when Jamal won!”

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www-youtube-com-watch-v-996211197Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk

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AMERICAN IDOL: “819 (Grand Finale)” – It’s the grand finale! The Top 3 give their final performances in a star-studded night with music legends and top stars. Then, this year’s “American Idol” winner is revealed live. SUNDAY, MAY 18 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Christopher Willard) LIONEL RICHIE, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, LUKE BRYAN (Photo by Christopher […]Credit: Getty

NOT Carrie Underwood, AN A-list pop star was American Idol’s ‘top pick’ to be a judge, exclusively reveal.

A-list pop star was American Idol’s ‘top pick’ before Carrie Underwood but her ‘ridiculous’ salary demand squashed deal

AN A-list pop star was American Idol’s ‘top pick’ to be a judge before casting Carrie Underwood, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.

Despite ABC execs having their eyes set on a certain Hollywood icon, the star’s alleged “ridiculous” salary demand ultimately ended up squashing the deal.

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Carrie Underwood celebrates Ladies Night on American IdolCredit: Getty

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Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie judge American IdolCredit: Getty
Carrie, 42, was officially welcomed to the American Idol judges’ panel when the show announced the casting choice in August 2024.

It came following a long hunt for someone who could fill Katy Perry’s shoes after she left the show in 2024 after six years.

Before Carrie was the final pick to join judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, execs had their eyes set on another A-list name.

According to a show insider: “Miley Cyrus was the top pick to replace Katy Perry.

“Everyone was on board with her and she got an official offer but the deal fell through when Miley was asking for even more money than Katy which they found ridiculous.

“She surprised the producers with how much she genuinely cared about helping the contestants.

“She relates to people in a way no one else did and the show wanted her bad but couldn’t justify the price tag.

“It wasn’t possible. And she was firm and wouldn’t come down from the number.”

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Miley Cyrus performs onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaCredit: Getty

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Katy Perry stuns in a cutout blue dress on the American Idol stage before her departureCredit: Getty
Allegedly, Miley, 32, wanted upwards of $30 million for her debut Idol season – more than Katy’s reported $25 million salary.

It appears those making the decisions behind-the-scenes weren’t the only ones who wanted the Hannah Montana alum on the show.

WHEN I LUKE AT YOU

Last year, Luke, 48, praised Miley as she was “in talks” to join the singing competition.

“I’ve said several names. I think Pink has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks.

Carrie Underwood’s Controversial Role as American Idol Judge: Behind the Scenes
“But they’re being tight-lipped about it. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do.

“And we’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide,” Luke previously told Billboard.

CARRIE-D AWAY

Previously, The U.S. Sun reported that Carrie was not Idol’s first pick to be a judge on season 23.

While many viewers “love” the Grammy-winning country singer and gush she’s been a “breath of fresh air” on the show, others have been disappointed by her performance as a judge.

Who are the past American Idol winners?

The previous American Idol winners include:

Kelly Clarkson (2002)

Ruben Studdard (2003)

Fantasia Barrino (2004)

Carrie Underwood (2005)

Taylor Hicks (2006)

Jordin Sparks (2007)

David Cook (2008)

Kris Allen (2009)

Lee DeWyze (2010)

Scotty McCreery (2011)

Phillip Phillips (2012)

Candice Glover (2013)

Caleb Johnson (2014)

Nick Fradiani (2015)

Trent Harmon (2016)

Maddie Poppe (2018)

Laine Hardy (2019)

Just Sam (2020)

Chayce Beckham (2021)

Noah Thompson (2022)

Iam Tongi (2023)

Abi Carter (2024)

Jamal Roberts (2025)

It seems the divide began long before Carrie stepped into her new role, as producers and studio execs were not all on the same page about hiring her.

According to a production insider, Carrie was “not the network’s first pick to be a judge this season.”

“They spoke with a handful of other A-list artists in pop and country before landing on Carrie.

“It was not a unanimous decision,” the insider added.

Idol has not yet revealed their plans for the judges panel next season, but sources have claimed the show hopes all three stars return.

After crowning fan-favorite Jamal Roberts as the season 23 winner, Idol is on hiatus until it returns in early 2026 for season 24.

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Miley Cyrus stuns as she is seen leaving her hotel in ParisCredit: Splash

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Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan pose with host Ryan SeacrestCredit: Getty

AGT’s Sofia Vergara throws shady jab at Mel B under her breath on season 20 premiere after ‘icy vibes’ on set

AMERICA’S Got Talent’s Sofia Vergara has been caught throwing a shady jab at Mel B under her breath during the season 20 premiere.

The snarky moment happened after a source told The U.S. Sun that the pair of judges appeared “icy” on set and hardly spoke to each other when filming.

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Sofia Vergara judges the season 20 premiere of America’s Got TalentCredit: NBC

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Mel B returns to AGT for season 20 after previously leaving the show in 2018Credit: NBC
For Season 20 of AGT, Mel B, 49, returned as a judge for the first time since she was last on the show back in 2018.

It marks the first time she’s worked with Sofia, 52, who joined the show in 2020 following the end of her hit sitcom, Modern Family.

When they each got to set to film the Season 20 premiere, the ladies revealed it was actually the first time they’d ever even met.

“So nice to finally meet you,” Mel told Sofia as they went in for a hug backstage.

However, it appears the camaraderie didn’t last long as during the very first audition of the evening, Sofia and Mel were caught at odds.

AGT hopeful Eric Booker was the first person to step foot on the big stage this season in hopes of showing off his talents of quickly swallowing whole jars of bizarre ingredients, such as hot dog water and pickle juice.

While the judges, as well as host Terry Crews, seemed charmed by Eric’s electric personality, one person he did not win over was the famous Spice Girl.

Just seconds into his act, Mel hit her ‘X’ buzzer – meaning she had seen enough of the audition and wanted it to end.

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Mel B appears upset during an audition on AGT as Sofia and Simon look shockedCredit: NBC

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America’s Got Talent contestant Eric Booker chugs a jar of hot sauce during his auditionCredit: NBC
She then crossed her arms and appeared to pout during the remainder of Eric’s performance.

“I don’t like it,” she continued to complain as co-star Howie Mandel turned to her and said, “you’re grumpy.”

Mel continued to look upset, and at one point, Sofia leaned over to Simon Cowell and mentioned how displeased her co-star seemed to be.

“I mean, she just got here and she’s already putting red,” Sofia told Simon – which he replied: “I know, a bit grumpy.”

AGT judges Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mendel’s return for Season 20 ‘up in the air’ as show teases cast shakeup
Following the audition, the judges gave critical feedback to contestant Eric, with Mel expressing concern for his health.

“I think you can really injure the lining of your tummy. I don’t think you should be doing that. Please take care of yourself,” she begged him.

Ultimately, Eric did not end up receiving enough ‘yeses’ to advance to the next round.

ICE QUEENS?

Mel B was first part of the AGT panel in 2013 and remained a judge for five years until her departure in 2018.

Over seven years later, the British pop star took back her judges’ seat to lead this current season alongside Simon, Howie and Sofia.

Previously, a source claimed that while Mel appeared to get along with everybody when cameras were rolling, the vibe shifted behind the scenes.

During tapings of auditions, which took place over three weeks in March, “Mel barely acknowledged Sofia when they weren’t recording,” the insider alleged.

They added: “Mel spent most of the time talking to Howie who she was sat right next to or even got up to talk to Simon.

“But even though Sofia was right on the other side of her, they barely spoke or even made eye contact when the cameras went down.

“Mel would even get up and walk around to go talk to Simon or lean back and talk to him over Sofia, but barely spoke or made eye contact with Sofia.

“She seemed to get along well with Simon and Howie off-camera. And she got along with Sofia when cameras were on, but when they were off, very icy vibes.”

In front of the cameras, the pair seems to hit it off as they banter with each other during filming, and even frequently post together on social media.

America’s Got Talent airs on Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on ABC.

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Sofia Vergara and Mel B pose for the cameras on the AGT setCredit: Instagram/SofiaVergara

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AGT Season 20 pictured: (l-r) Howie Mandel, Mel B, Terry Crews, Sofía Vergara and Simon CowellCredit: Getty

The Voice to bring ‘big changes’ to season 28 as fans complain show’s format is ‘unwatchable’ after controversial winner

THE VOICE will be bringing in some more changes to season 28 after fans complain that the show’s current format is ‘unwatchable,’ The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.

Many viewers feel the way the singing competition is currently set up gives too much room for error of the season’s top talents slipping through the cracks and being eliminated “too soon.”

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Michael Buble, Kelsea Ballerini, Adam Levine, John Legend pose during The Voice finaleCredit: Getty

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Michael Buble pictured with team member Adam David, Winner of Season 27Credit: Getty
An example of this occurred on Tuesday night’s season 27 finale, when the Top 11 took to the stage to sing the Bastille hit, Pompeii.

The top 5 kicked off the performance before they were joined by their six former competitors – and a lot of fans said the talent was noticeably better once the others took the stage with the finalists.

That’s just one of many examples of fans feeling like the “most talented” singers are forced out of the show prematurely due to The Voice’s format.

“The show’s format is by far the show’s biggest obstacle,” a production insider claimed.

“It’s a tough recipe to follow. The blind auditions, nothing gets better than that. That’s the show’s bread and butter and what put the show on the map.

“Now everything after that? The show is still figuring it out as they go even 27 seasons in.

“Next season won’t be exactly the same, changes are underway and changes will always come and evolve. No two seasons have ever been the exact same.

“The show hears the complaints loud and clear. The people who make the show also want the best talent possible to make it to the finale but some of that is not in their control.

“They do the best they can,” the source explained.

MUSIC IS A BATTLEFIELD

For season 27 of The Voice, the setup started with the show’s famous blind auditions for coaches Kelsea Ballerini, Adam Levine, John Legend and Michael Buble.

Each needed to fill 12 slots on their team – often times having to fight their fellow coaches to snag the talent.

To make things more complex, each coach was given flashy show advantages such as the blind audition “block.”

The Voice fans rage John Legend’s finalist Renzo was ‘robbed’ after Adam David makes history with shocking season 27 win
After the blind auditions, the show moved onto the battle round where the coaches pair two of their team members to sing a duet of the same song and a decision has to be made of only sending one of them through.

Again, this round is also given advantages as each coach has one “steal” and one “save” so they can either keep a team member they would’ve otherwise have lost or take an eliminated contestant from another coaches team.

The show then moves on to the Knockouts, where two artists from the same team perform against each other, but this time with different songs.

The heavily-produced show continues onto the Playoffs, where each coach is forced to choose just two of their remaining contestant to move onto the live shows.

Unlike other singing competitions, such as American Idol, The Voice contestants only perform live shows for two weeks.

Live shows then begin at the end of the season and the remaining contestants perform in front of a live studio audience at the NBC Universal lot in Los Angeles.

SAVED BY THE BELL?

Another advantage was introduced this year – a “super save” which allowed each coach to bring back one eliminated former contestant.

The live shows then lead to the finale – which ultimately crowns a winner.

The Voice Season 27 Coaches

The Voice has gone through many coaches in its various seasons. Some stay on for a while, while others only stay for one season. Here is who will be coaching Season 27 in 2025.

Adam Levine – Season 1 to 16, 27

John Legend – 16 to 22, 24 to 25, 27

Kelsea Ballerini – 15, Comeback Stage, 20, 27

Michael Buble – 26 and 27

This year, Adam David, who was on Team Buble, ended up taking home The Voice season 27 trophy – leaving fans shocked.

Fans have expressed their disapproval for how the series handles the competition now, with one saying: “I think what’s been disappointing about these recent seasons is that we barely get any episodes of live shows. To have a live show last week and the finale this week it seems so extremely rushed. I miss the older format honestly.”

“The Voice – worst format ever. Instead of all these auditions, battle rounds, knockouts… how about 3 audition ep., 2 battle/2 knockout ep. & the rest of the shows live. This way you get more than 2 performances out these ppl & you get ppl caring about the contestants,” another said.

While a third voiced earlier this month during the semi-finals: “12 people in the semi finals means SEVEN people go home tomorrow… Im sorry but The Voice really needs to tweak their format. 7 eliminations on the first night of live shows is ridiculous and insulting to these contestants.”

Season 28 of The Voice returns this Fall on NBC with judges Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan and Michael Buble.

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Country legend Reba will return to her The Voice coaches’ chairCredit: Getty

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Niall Horan is coming back to The Voice stage this yearCredit: Getty

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Snoop Dogg is returning to season 28 as a The Voice coachCredit: Getty

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Michael Buble during the season 27 The Voice finaleCredit: Getty