Online posts sharing a headline falsely stating that billionaire Elon Musk acquired the American television network ABC and fired the entire cast of its talk show “The View” originated from social media accounts associated with clickbait websites.
Shared by the websites’ Facebook accounts, which describe themselves as “news” or “entertainment” sources, the posts, opens new tab featuring photos of Musk and actor Whoopi Goldberg, one of the show’s hosts, said: “NEWS: Elon Musk Shocked When He Fired The Entire Cast Of ‘The View’ After Acquiring ABC.”
Reuters Image
However, the same fake news, opens new tab was posted at least as early as February 2024, while “The View” has continued to air with its longtime cast including Goldberg. The show’s latest episode, opens new tab was broadcast on June 3.
No announcement of an ABC acquisition appears on the ABC website, opens new tab on Musk’s X profile, opens new tab.
As of June 4, the social media profiles for “The View” hosts do not feature any announcement about the cast being fired.
There are no credible news reports of Musk acquiring ABC and firing the cast of “The View”.
Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022 and changed the company’s name to X.
The press team at X responded to a request for comment saying, “Busy now, please check back later.”
A representative for ABC did not offer a response to a request for comment.
Reuters has previously addressed false/misleading posts about “The View”cast and
VERDICT
False. There is no evidence that Musk acquired ABC and fired the cast of “The View”.
This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact-checking work.
Hoda Kotb may no longer be on the Today show, but it doesn’t mean she’s leaving the world of television forever.
The former news anchor’s last Today episode aired on January 10, leaving fans to wonder if this was the last they’d see of her on NBC.
Even though Hoda is already busy working on creating a wellness app and community, Page Six revealed her run on TV isn’t exactly over. In fact, Hoda is continuing her relationship with NBC for some unique projects — including one that sports fans will be excited about.
As it turns out, the Hope Is a Rainbow author reportedly signed a deal as a contributor with the Today show and NBC.
Her new role will see her conducting exclusive interviews for the network while also covering the next two Olympics: the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy and the 2028 Summer games in Los Angeles.
NBC
As for how Hoda will be contributing to the Today show, the outlet further noted she’ll appear in monthly segments and continue to work on her popular Making Space podcast.
What’s more, she exclusively told the publication she’s excited to be working behind the scenes, rather than constantly in the spotlight.
“I want to be a supporting character on a team that is already in place so that I’ll come in and just have a role there,” she stated. “And then I’m going to do my Making Space podcast, which I enjoy and love so much. And for the Today show, I think we talked about doing something every four to six weeks — just a little something.”
Well, this is quite an interesting turn of events.
And given how Hoda was so loved by the U.S. Olympians when she covered the 2024 Paris Olympics, it’s only fitting she would continue to give her two cents on the worldwide event.
Trisha Yearwood Shares “Vulnerable” Message with Country Music Fans
Trisha Yearwood Shares “Vulnerable” Message with Country Music Fans
Trisha Yearwood has been in the country music industry for 40 years, and her latest performance had her in a reflective mood.
The “She’s in Love with a Boy” singer took the stage on February 12 at the intimate Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville, and she took a moment to share what the storied venue means to her.
Trisha shared a black-and-white photo on Instagram of her rehearsing in the cafe surrounded by empty chairs and poster-covered walls.
She wrote, “The @bluebirdcafetn is the place where the songwriter is protected and it feels like the perfect place to be vulnerable. Thanks for letting me share my songs with you. xo, Trisha”
Fans replied with messages like “Seeing you perform at the Bluebird was something I will never forget. ❤️” and “Authentic, beautiful, funny, great story teller and gorgeous voice, You captured hearts and got us out of our minds for a few hours last night! Thank you!”
In her initial post about the performance, Trisha shared that she “might even play some new stuff. 🙌🏻” Judging by the comments, it sounds like she came through. Fans wrote, “It was an incredible night of music! So happy to hear the new music!” and “could you release all that, like now, this minute!!??? DAAMMNNN ❤️🔥All the feels girl…..ALL THE FREAKIN FEELS!!! you have been missed. Thank God to be in there tonight. needed it”
Trisha hasn’t publicly announced details about new music, but, according to The Tennessean, she has a new album that is roughly 75% completed. We’ll be on the lookout for more details!
It’s Official: The 2025 CMT Awards Have Been Cancelled
This was not on our 2025 bingo card…
We don’t like being the bearer of bad news, but we think this is worth an explanation.
In a major turn of events, the 2025 CMT Awards have officially been cancelled—a blow to country music artists and us, their fans! Last year’s award show was hosted by none other than Kelsea Ballerini and we saw some of our favorite artists take home some of the night’s most coveted awards.
We’re talking Jelly Roll taking home the award for video of the year, Lainey Wilson winning female video of the year, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the talent honored at the long-running award show.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the reason why this year’s CMT Awards show was put on pause is due to Paramount Global’s upcoming merge with David Ellison’s Skydance Media. As the parent company to other major televised events, unfortunately, the CMT Awards isn’t the only one being affected.
The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Mexico, and MTV MIAWs— an event that honors Latin American music—were also put on pause due to this upcoming merger.
The news of the award show cancellations were obtained by The Hollywood Reporter through a memo sent to staff from Paramount Global executive Bruce Gillmer. In it he states that the company is looking to “reimagine and optimize [their] events slate going forward.”
“Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount’s music offering as we continue to raise the bar in delivering iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture. We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life,” he concluded.
While this isn’t the news country music fans want, there are still several other award shows to look forward to this year like the ACM Awards (Thursday, May 8) and the yet-to-be scheduled CMA Awards.
Dolly Parton Calls Out Sabrina Carpenter for Her “Dirty Words” In New Video
It’s the duo we never knew we needed!
Have you ever noticed that Sabrina Carpenter’s big, bouncy blonde blowout resembles Dolly Parton’s iconic higher-than-heaven ‘do? If you’ve never made the connection, you’re bound to after watching Sabrina’s surprise Valentine’s Day release: A “Please, Please, Please” remix and accompanying music video featuring the queen of country herself.
“Dolly and me singing in a pickup truck,” Sabrina excitedly captioned the black-and-white music video. “I am so honored to have one of my biggest idols on a song that means so much to me.”
In fact, Sabrina was so tickled pink by the chance to work with Dolly, she was left nearly speechless.
In a video Dolly posted to TikTok, the 79-year-old country singer thanked Sabrina for letting her work on the remix with her, to which the 25-year-old popstar stumbled across her words. “Thank, thank you for, um, yeah—thank you for being you,” she said while grinning at and gesturing toward the country icon.
As adorable as the music video is, the clip Dolly posted to TikTok is just as charming.
“Turns out, two things can be short and sweet,” she captioned the video, in which Sabrina was surprised to learn that she and Dolly are just about the same height. Meanwhile, Dolly joked that the duo looked like an itty-bitty before and after when standing side by side. “You’ll be this old one day,” she added. “I know! I can’t wait. I hope I look like you,” Sabrina enthusiastically responded, proving that no matter how famous you are, it’s still possible to be starstruck by the one and only Dolly.
Dolly teased Sabrina about some of her lyrics, saying “You and your dirty words!” Fans will notice that some of the choice words in “Please, Please, Please” were changed in Dolly’s version.
“Sabrina was fangirling, you can tell,” one fan commented on TikTok. “I love women. This is so wholesome,” someone else wrote. “Is there going to be a Dolly bio movie because I think we just found the actress,” another fan commented. “Same divas, different age,” someone else added. “This duo is everything,” someone else agreed.
Sabrina and Dolly’s duet of “Please, Please, Please” is available on Spotify, as well as the deluxe edition of Short ‘n Sweet. Happy listening!
2 country music legends planning to retire after this year
ALan Jackson and John Michael Montgomery are planning to retire after this year. Getty Images
Country music singers are kind of like pro wrestlers in that they never truly retire all the way.
Sure, they might cut back, but they always seem to have at least one more show in them. And that’s good news for the country music world, especially in the case of the guys listed below becuase they are legends. And they are legends who have announced intentions to retire from touring by the end of 2025.
So, chances to see them in person will likely be extremely rare, and … you never know, this may indeed be the last year you can see them at all.
Check out the legends with retirement plans this year below:
Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson announced last May that he was planning on wrapping up his career, and in early June he opened up about why that is.
The 66-year-old delivered the message to his fans via a video posted to his X, formerly Twitter, account.
“I’ve been touring for over 30 years, you know, played everywhere in the country and parts of the world,” Jackson said. “Have had a wonderful career, and getting into my twilight years, and all my daughters are grown, and I got one grandchild and one on the way. Enjoy spending more time at home, and don’t want to be away like I had to be in my younger days, and I don’t tour as much now as I did 10 years ago. But I think it’s getting time to start thinking about hanging it up full-time.” The tour, which is called “Last Call: One More for the Road,” is slated to begin on Aug. 2 and currently has 10 dates running through May 17, 2025.
Jackson revealed in 2021 that he has Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a chronic neuropathy condition that effects a person’s balance and ability to walk. He also addressed that in the video posted to his account.
“Most of my fans know I have a degenerative health condition that effects my legs and arms and my mobility that I got from my daddy and it’s getting worse,” he said. “So, it makes me more uncomfortable on stage, and I just have a hard time, and I just want to think about maybe calling it quits before I’m unable to do the job like I want to.”
Jackson still has some tour dates into 2025 so there’s still chance to see him.
John Michael Montgomery
John Michael Montgomery’s Facebook message on New Year’s Eve was pretty tame compared to that of a year ago.
“Happy New Year!” the country music star wrote. “We had a great 2024, thanks to everyone who came out to the shows. Looking forward to seeing you next year as I kick off my ROAD TO HOME farewell tour. Wishing you all a blessed 2025!”
That’s right. He is ready to head out on the road for the final time this year, but it wasn’t a surprise because that was the surprising message he had for fans on Facebook to start 2024.
“I have decided to wind down my touring career over this year and 2025,” he wrote back then. “It’s been a wonderful run for me from the beginning over 30 years ago in 1992 when my first song ‘Life’s A Dance’ was released to radio.”
Fans flooded his post this year with more than 3,000 comments, and it sounds like if he is going out, they are going to make it a point to see him one more time.
“Happy New Year,” one person responded. “Hope to see you one last time on your farewell tour.”
Others, though, are still trying to talk him out of it.
“Happy New Year!” one person wrote. “You’re too young for a farewell tour. Give it another 20 years and try again.”
The 59-year-old singer’s first three albums, 1992’s “Life’s A Dance,” 1994’s “Kickin’ It Up,” and 1995’s “John Michael Montgomery,” were all reportedly mutli-platinum selling albums. And he has reportedly sold more than 16 million albums in his career.
His Billboard number-one hits include: “I Love the Way You Love Me,” “I Swear,” and “I Can Love You Like That.”
Good news for fans of the artist is that while it sounds as though he is all but wrapping up his time on the road, he reportedly hasn’t ruled out the occasional appearance and it doesn’t sound like he is completely walking away from making music.
“I’m sure there will be some situations where I just need to do a show here and there because I’ll miss that too much,” he reportedly said in a statement. “But I just feel the time has come to say goodbye to the road life.”
Angry ‘Voice’ fans slam Adam Levine for ‘lack of respect’ toward DeAndre Nico
Some fans of “The Voice” are still furious at the show for booting contestant DeAndre Nico last week – and Monday night’s episode didn’t do anything to calm them down.
Last Tuesday’s dramatic “Voice” episode saw Nico eliminated, while fan-favorite Reagan Strange, who was sidelined by illness, was saved without actually having to sing during the episode.
When it came time for the Instant Save, with Adam Levine’s contestants Strange and Nico – both in the bottom three – along with Blake Shelton‘s Dave Fenley – Levine told viewers to cast their tweets for Strange over Nico, even though Nico performed and she didn’t.
“I have a very special relationship with Reagan … I’ve got to fight for my girl,” he told viewers, who took his advice and saved Strange, sending Nico and Fenley packing.
Nico initially didn’t handle his loss well, granting a contentious interview with a local Texas TV station saying that Levine “sold him out” by advocating for Strange over him.
Monday night’s episode of “The Voice” attempted to smooth things over after the controversy. “It was a strange week, but it’s over now,” Levine said, showing him and Strange FaceTiming with Nico during Monday’s rehearsal, “DeAndre’s my boy. I love him. We talked.”
Fans on Twitter had a much different takeaway from the FaceTimed segment, with some viewers demanding justice for Nico, and others slamming Levine for his role in the drama.
“Of COURSE they trotted out DeAndre to give his seal of approval to Reagan! That poor guy,” one commenter wrote, with another replying, “To be fair, DeAndre probably had no issue with Reagan and is a good guy so he called and helped her. But Adam? NO SIR!! Take several seats!!!!”
“Lost all respect for Adam Levine in this moment,” another fan wrote Tuesday. “His lack of respect for his other contestant was despicable! He could have shown grace, respect and courtesy to DeAndre then put in a plug for Reagan.”
“I am sticking true to my word,” tweeted an additional angry viewer. “I am done with The Voice. Don’t care who wins or loses. Adam really screwed things up. Public apology to Deandre would be the right thing to do. Oh but wait, Adam isn’t a man. He is a mouse.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angry ‘Voice’ fans slam Adam Levine for ‘lack of respect’ toward DeAndre Nico
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Secret Engagement Rumors Are Swirling
Country music superstar Kelsea Ballerini and “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes have never been shy about putting their happiness in their relationship out there for all their fans to see. But a new report claims that the duo might be hiding one aspect of their relationship from their fans—an engagement!
Celebrated gossip site DeuxMoi recently shared a blind item from a sender who claims Ballerini and Stokes might be more than just boyfriend and girlfriend. Using the pseudonym “pogue meets cow girl,” a nod to Stokes’ “Outer Banks” character, the sender suggests that “wedding bells might ring sooner than people think” for the “First Rodeo” singer and the actor.
The source claims the couple secretly got engaged “a while ago” and has waited for the right moment to announce the news. They also suggest that Ballerini and Stokes might even “pull a married first, announce later” move.
“For now, it’s all very hush-hush, but those close to them say it’s definitely happening,” the source added.
While this remains speculation, DeuxMoi submissions are always anonymous and unverified. However, earlier this month, Ballerini hinted at building a future with Stokes.
Kelsea Ballerini Said ‘Never Say Never’ When Asked if She Would Marry Chase Stokes
The couple has seemed inseparable since Ballerini slid into Stokes’ DMs in 2022. Ballerini opened up about how she found support from her boyfriend while writing her latest album.
“I’m really proud of the art that he’s inspired,” she told People. “And I’m really proud to be with someone who’s a truth-teller in his own art, too. And to be aligned in that way and to share parts of our relationship and that kind of stuff, so openly and willingly, is really beautiful.”
They also out their relationship on full display when he starred in the music video for her single, “First Rodeo.”
In October 2024, she told People that they officially moved in together, saying, “Oh, we’re unpacked, baby!”
Just a day earlier, E! News asked the “Baggage” singer if she would ever consider marrying the “Outer Banks” star. She revealed she would “never say never” to the possibility. “Anything that I’ve said a hard no to in my life, I have come back and challenged myself on,” she added.
While neither has confirmed an engagement or secret wedding, they appear head over heels. Each of their end-of-2024 Instagram posts featured photos together. They also celebrated their second anniversary in early 2025, sharing never-before-seen pictures from their relationship.
The two looked extra cute, packing on the PDA at the Grammy Awards on February 2, just a day before Ballerini debuted as a new judge on “The Voice.“
Kelsea Ballerini is her boyfriend Chase Stokes’ biggest fan, and vice versa. Both stars gushed in January 2025 interviews about each other.
John Legend Ribbed Michael Bublé for Being Like “Liar” Blake Shelton on The Voice
The Voice Coaches’ quips continue on Season 27, Episode 2.
Only two episodes in, and things are getting (playfully) spicy on The Voice Season 27. Coaches John Legend and Michael Bublé went head-to-head in competition over an Artist, and (friendly) accusations soon flew.
Michael Bublé promised to get inked for Artist Ari Camille on The Voice
Twenty-one-year-old Chicago native Ari Camille got chair turns from both Bublé and Legend on The Voice Season 27, Episode 2.
Bublé then made an interesting pitch to get Camille on his team.
Showing off the four tattoos he has on his wrist — the names of his kids: Noah, Elias, Vida and Cielo — he promised to add some Ari ink if only she’d pick him as her Coach.
The others immediately called Bublé out on his empty promise, as Bublé’s wife Luisana Lopilato would surely object to him getting someone who isn’t family added to the list — however talented she may be!
To prove his point, Bublé invited Camille to write her name on his arm in black marker.
Michael Bublé’s tattoos on his wrist. Photo: Dave Simpson/WireImage
Legend, on the other hand (or wrist, as it were), pointed to his Coach bona fides to woo Camille, who’d sung “I Wanna Be Down” by Brandy. “There’s only been one time that Brandy came on this show to be a mentor, and there’s only one Coach who brought her on,” he pointed out.
Ultimately, this argument won Camille to Team Legend, though she thanked Bublé for his offer, and he was happy to have her autograph.
Ari Camille on The Voice Season 27, Episode 2. Photo: Christine Bartolucci/NBC
In an interview following the back-and-forth, Legend, who wasn’t present for Bublé’s debut season, said he’s been getting to know the crooner and has theories about his Coach gameplay.
“What I’m learning is he’s a lot like Blake Shelton. He’s friends with Blake. He lies like him,” Legend said as Bublé walked right into his interview. “I want your Contestant,” Bublé told him plainly. Legend tried to revel in his victory by getting the audience to chant his name, but unfortunately, the other three Coaches were chatting, and not paying attention. Ah, well, more ribbing to come, surely.
John Legend Made The Voice Audience Gasp While Trolling Kelsea Ballerini
Behold, friends: a lesson in Voice Coach banter from John Legend.
Coach Kelsea Ballerini may be new(ish) to The Voice, but with a decade-long career and a reputation that precedes her, no one’s doubting her ability to get the job done. Fellow Season 27 Coach John Legend found that out the hard way when he tried to troll the country singer-songwriter on her Coach inexperience during the February 10 episode.
John Legend had no chance of recruiting a Kelsea Ballerini fan on The Voice
When High Point, North Carolina singer Tatum Scott took the stage at the Blinds to sing “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo, it was almost a done deal that she’d be Team Kelsea. Not only does Scott live and work in Nashville, she was wearing a pair of embellished jeans that Ballerini also owns.
Legend turned his chair, followed by Ballerini, which Legend tried to use to his advantage, calling out his fellow Coach for being “a little late” to hit her button. When that didn’t sway Scott, he added, “Kelsea’s never done this show before. This is just a fact. This is not criticism,” which got a gasp from the audience.
“I listen to Olivia Rodrigo in the car with my daughter. I’m very young and hip,” Legend continued, but Ballerini wasn’t letting Scott go, pointing to her status as the only female Coach in an effort to bond with the Artist. It worked, and Team Kelsea added a new member. “I only have one Artist on my team…I’m on a slump,” admitted Legend.
Tatum Scott on The Voice Season 27, Episode 2. Photo: Christine Bartolucci/NBC
The other Voice Coaches can’t stop (playfully) teasing Kelsea Ballerini
It’s not just John Legend who enjoys poking fun at the “little sister” of the red chairs. During the first episode of Season 27, Ballerini sent a text between Blind Auditions. Adam Levine took notice and teased in a high-pitched voice, “You’re texting your boyfriend, oo-ooh.”
“Guys, really?” Ballerini snapped, prompting John Legend to say, “She said, ‘Mind your business!’” Is Michael Bublé the only one focused on work?
For context, Kelsea Ballerini has been seeing Outer Banks star Chase Stokes for two years. During a chat on Call Her Daddy, she revealed that she met the actor by sliding into his Instagram DMs. “I’ve never seen his show, but I just knew of him, and I just swan dove right on in…” Ballerini said. “I was ready to open back up. I just felt, why not? I’ve never really dated; I don’t know how it works. I’m like, ‘Let’s just put ourselves out there; let’s just vibe.’ And it’s been fun.”
![[BREAKING NEWS] Star Hoda Kotb Will Be Back on TV just a short time after exiting ‘Today’. Revealed the show she will be joining](https://celebsuniverse.noithatnhaxinhbacgiang.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-198-300x300.png)
![[VERY SAD] Bad news for country music fans and we’ve got all the details of why](https://celebsuniverse.noithatnhaxinhbacgiang.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-196-300x300.png)
![[VERY SAD] Two country music legends planning to RETIRE](https://celebsuniverse.noithatnhaxinhbacgiang.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-194-300x300.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1239x492:1241x494)/John-Michael-Montgomery-death-091122-2000-c3a12991ac5244da8f7b48e7dbfee6e2.jpg)
![[CONGRATULATION] The Voice Coach Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes secretly got engaged](https://celebsuniverse.noithatnhaxinhbacgiang.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-192-300x300.png)
