Travis Kelce has welcomed comedian Andrew Santino onto his New Heights show this week, ahead of an episode where is expected to address the new Taylor Swift songs about him.
Santino shared a video on his Instagram story where he’s sat with Kelce, seemingly discussing how he came up with his ‘Cheeto’ nickname. The comedian shared caption the footage: ‘Behind the scenes with @KillaTrav @NewHeightsShow.’
There is no sign of Kelce’s brother Jason in the clip but he has joined to film previous episodes from his home in Philadelphia.
This week’s podcast will have extra interest for the Swifties as it’s the first Kelce has recorded since his girlfriend released her new album, The Tortured Poets Department.
After getting hold of an early leak of the album last week, fans claimed the song ‘The Alchemy’ was about Kelce with lyrics such as ‘touch down’ and ‘Cheers chanted/ cause they said there was no chance/trying to be the greatest in the league/where’s the trophy? He just comes running over to me.’
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Chiefs star Travis Kelce has welcomed comedian Andrew Santino onto New Heights this week
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Kelce is also set to address girlfriend Taylor Swift’s new songs about him on the podcast
But Swift left a trick up her sleeve, surprising fans with a second album including the song ‘So High School’ – which fans also believe is about the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl winner.
In that song, Swift sings about: ‘Truth, dare, spin bottles/You know how to ball, I know Aristotle’ and ‘I feel like laughing in the middle of practice/Do that impression you did of your dad again.’
Kelce appeared to acknowledge that song is about him via the New Heights X account, who tweeted out video of the brothers doing an impression of their father Ed the following day.
But the Chiefs star has not spoken directly about the record since it was released.
Swift announced the album’s impending release before the Super Bowl, and Kelce told reporters he had listened to some of the songs.
‘I have heard some of it, yes, and it is unbelievable,’ he said. ‘I can’t wait for her to shake up the world when it finally drops.’
Kim Kardashian may have subtly shaded Taylor Swift by sharing a selfie with the pop star’s ex-pal Karlie Kloss, after getting dissed on The Tortured Poets Department.
While she opted to remain mum about seemingly inspiring two tracks on the 34-year-old singer’s 11th album, the reality star, 43, opted to stir the pot by sharing a throwback with the model, 31, to wish their mutual friend Derek Blasberg a happy birthday.
In the snap, the mother-of-two, who was nearly inseparable from Swift during their six-years until they began to drift apart in 2019, can be seen smilin alongside Blasberg, Kim and her younger sister, Khloé Kardashian.
‘This is Kim’s attempt to fuel the fire that the song is referring to Karlie instead of her,’ one X user speculated.
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Kim Kardashian may have subtly shaded Taylor Swift back by sharing a selfie with the pop star’s ex-pal Karlie Kloss, after getting dissed on The Tortured Poets Department
Another wrote: ‘Kim Kardashian sharing a two-year-old photo of her and Karlie Kloss to her story four days after Taylor Swift dropped a song about her is SOOOOO rich…we are SOOOOOO back.’
‘Kim Kardashian posting Karlie Kloss right now is truly f**king crazy oh my god,’ a third tweeted.
A Swiftie admitted that ‘Karlie Kloss does nothing but disappoint’ her ‘every time.’
Others expressed shock over seeing the Kode With Klossy founder hanging out with Kim, who began feuding in 2016 over Kanye West’s Famous lyrics.
‘Karlie Kloss and Kim Kardashian uniting against Taylor Swift in 2024 was definitely not in my bingo card for this year yet here we are,’ a perplexed X user admitted.
Kardashian post comes after failing to address the not-so-subtle diss tracks about her on The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD).
While appearing on Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the reality star, 43, left fans of the pop star, 34, furious as she dodged any mention of Swift’s song, thanK you aIMee, which cleverly spells out her name KIM in all capitalized letters in its title, or Cassandra, a melancholy track that seemingly alludes to their longstanding feud.
In response to the interview, viewers questioned why host, Jimmy Kimmel, did not even attempt to ask about the diss tracks.
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In the snap, the mother-of-two, who was nearly inseparable from Swift during their six-years until they began to drift apart in 2019, can be seen smilin alongside Blasberg, Kim and her younger sister, Khloé Kardashian
‘This is Kim’s attempt to fuel the fire that the song is referring to Karlie instead of her,’ one X user speculated
Another wrote: ‘Kim Kardashian sharing a two-year-old photo of her and Karlie Kloss to her story four days after Taylor Swift dropped a song about her is SOOOOO rich…we are SOOOOOO back’
‘Why not ask her about the Taylor Swift song that North will be singing!’ one asked, referencing the lyrics in thanK you aIMee, in which the Grammy winner sings about a mean girl whose bullying made her stronger.
Another wrote: ‘Jimmy, I’m 100 percent sure you weren’t allowed to speak or ask questions about Taylor or TTPD but you could have least “slipped up” a couple of times and called her aIMee.’
‘If cringe was an interview,’ a third reacted under a post from Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s official Instagram account.
One Kardashian fan defended her appearance as she promoted her series, American Horror Story: Delicate, with one X user quipping that it was really Swift who was ‘pretty much beefing with herself at this point.’
Still, others tweeted that Kimmel was ‘so messy’ for inviting the mother-of-four on his show to set the record straight on some online rumors about her, but not ask about the alleged diss tracks.
A Swiftie admitted that ‘Karlie Kloss does nothing but disappoint’ her ‘every time’
Others expressed shock over seeing the Kode With Klossy founder hanging out with Kim, who began feuding in 2016 over Kanye West’s Famous lyrics
‘Karlie Kloss and Kim Kardashian uniting against Taylor Swift in 2024 was definitely not in my bingo card for this year yet here we are,’ a perplexed X user admitted
Another wrote: ‘Wow I thought this was fake but maybe she does deserve the thank you’
Kimmel mentioned Taylor’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, and her feud with Kardashian’s ex-husband Kanye West, 46, but did not bring the topic up with Kim directly.
The two songs – that many believe Swift wrote about Kardashian – were part of the surprise ‘double album’ version of TTPD, marking the latest broadside in the pop star’s explosive long-running feud with the SKIMS founder and her ex-husband Kanye West.
After Kim’s Instagram comment section was trolled, her 363million following took a substantial hit – dropping by 120,000.
‘When I picture my hometown, there’s a bronze spray-tanned statue of you and a plaque underneath it that threatens to push me down the stairs at our school,’ Taylor sings at the beginning of the acid-tongued song, with fans convinced that the person she is actually singing about is Kim.
‘All that time you were throwin’ punches, I was buildin’ somethin’ / And I can’t forgive the way you made me feel / Screamed ‘F**k you, Aimee’ to the night sky, as the blood was gushin’ / But I can’t forget the way you made me heal.’
She goes on to add: ‘And it wasn’t a fair fight, or a clean kill / Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе / And then she wrote hеadlines/ In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I’d take.’
Taylor concludes by confirming she’s changed the name of the woman she’s singing about – further fueling speculation the track is about Kim.
She also seems to reference Kim’s 10-year-old daughter North West dancing to her 2014 single Shake It Off on TikTok, finding it ironic as the ‘song is about you.’
Taylor Swift in advert for Tortured Poets vinyl at Target
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Kardashian post comes after failing to address the not-so-subtle diss tracks about her on The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) on Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
She sings: ‘And so I changed your name, and any real defining clues/And one day, your kid comes home singin’ a song that only us two is gonna know is about you.’
While the references in Cassandra are largely more subtle, that hasn’t stopped fans from calling out the way in which Taylor appears to be going after Kim.
Many believe that the title character, Cassandra, is Taylor, while references to ‘the call’ are meant to allude to a phone call between the singer and Kanye, which Kim secretly recorded and posted online.
Additionally, the references to ‘snakes’ in the song are being compared to the use of snake emojis throughout the feud between the trio.
Following the release of the album, ‘Swifties’ flooded onto Kim’s Instagram page to fill her comments with the phrase: ‘Thank you Aimee,’ signaling their loyalty to Taylor.
Kim had posted a birthday tribute to her older sister Kourtney Kardashian on Thursday, but by Friday morning its comments were deluged with: ‘Thank you Aimee’ messages from devoted Swift fans.
Sharing their thoughts on social media platform X, one fan described ‘thanK you aIMee’ as ‘The ultimate f**k you,’ while another shocked listener said: ‘OMFG thanK you aIMee is about Kim Kardashian. This album is SO unhinged.’
Another chimed in: ‘Kim your day of reckoning is here,’ while one simply wrote: ‘Welcome to your tape.’
The song takes aim at a person named ‘Aimee’, who fans are convinced is actually Kim
A second track, titled Cassandra, is also being called out for its apparent references to Taylor’s feud with both Kim and her ex-husband Kanye
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Kim’s birthday tribute to her older sister Kourtney Kardashian on Thursday, was deluged with digs by Swifties
As for the other diss track, one fan wrote, ‘ThanK you, aIMee may be about Kim, but Dear Reader, please don’t overlook the fact that Cassandra is a brilliant retelling of how Kanye, Kim, and the extended Kardashian family knew the truth and tried to ruin Taylor’s career anyway. Stay for the jabs at Yeezus/Sunday Sessions.’
‘Cassandra is Taylor and she warned everyone about Kim but no one believed her oh taygod,’ one person shared on X.
Taylor and Kim’s longtime row actually began thanks to the singer’s dispute with Kanye in 2009, when he famously stormed the stage at the VMAs when she won the prize for Best Female Video.
A furious Kanye took to the stage to declare that Beyonce should have won the prize, telling Taylor: ‘Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you. I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time.’
The moment was quickly slammed by furious viewers, as Taylor was then unable to finish her acceptance speech, though Beyonce later invited her on-stage while she accepted the Video Of The Year prize.
After tying the knot with Kanye in 2014, Kim was proudly at his side when he received the coveted Vangard Award at the VMAs.
Appearing to show their feud was quashed, it was Taylor who presented him with the prize, and the pair appeared to have brought an end to their row.
However, in a later interview, Taylor noted that this was far from the case, as Kanye declared on stage that she was asked to present the award ‘for ratings,’ and she refused to speak to him backstage.
She told Rolling Stone: ‘I’m standing in the audience with my arm around his wife, and this chill ran through my body.
‘I realized he is so two-faced. That he wants to be nice to me behind the scenes, but then he wants to look cool, get up in front of everyone and talk s**t. And I was so upset. He wanted me to come talk to him after the event in his dressing room. I wouldn’t go.’
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Taylor also seems to reference Kim’s 10-year-old daughter North West dancing to Shake It Off on TikTok back in January, she writes: ‘your kid comes home singin’ a song that only us two is gonna know is about you’
Kim Kardashian and daughter North West dance together on TikTok
Adding an explosive new level to their feud, Kanye shocked the internet when he released his new song Famous.
It featured the vulgar lyrics ‘I feel like me and Taylor Swift might still have sex/Why? I made that b***h famous.’
The track sparked a huge backlash from Taylor’s fans, and Kanye furiously defended himself in a now-deleted tweet that said: ‘I called Taylor and had an hour-long convo with her about the line, and she thought it was funny and gave her blessings.’
Taylor’s representative then hit back, telling People: ‘Kanye did not call for approval, but to ask Taylor to release his single Famous on her Twitter account.
‘She declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message. Taylor was never made aware of the actual lyric, ‘I made that b***h famous.”’
Kim sparked a social media firestorm when she shared a Snapchat video of Kanye during a phonecall with Taylor, where the rapper appeared to ask her for permission to include lyrics about her in his new song.
After rapping the line, West can be heard saying: ‘I think this is a really cool thing to have.’
Swift responds: ‘I know, it’s like a compliment, kind of. Yeah, I mean, what’s dope about the line is it’s very tongue in cheek either way. And I really appreciate you telling me about it, that’s really nice.’
Taylor became the subject of furious backlash when the video was shared online, with many accusing her of being a snake.
After Kim’s post made her the subject of multiple ‘snake’ memes, Taylor stood by her version of events in a furious social media statement.
She wrote: ‘That moment when Kanye West secretly records your phone call, then Kim posts it on the Internet.’
The statement read: ‘Where is the video of Kanye telling me he was going to call me ‘that b****’ in his song?
‘It doesn’t exist because it never happened. You don’t get to control someone’s emotional response to being called ‘that b****’ in front of the entire world.’
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After being named as TIME’s Person Of The Year in 2023, Taylor slammed Kim for ‘taking her down psychologically’ and forcing her into hiding during their long-running feud – while subtly branding the reality star and her ex-husband Kanye as ‘trash’ (seen in 2015)
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Taylor and Kim’s longtime row actually began thanks to the singer’s dispute with Kanye in 2009, when he famously stormed the stage at the VMAs
Taylor Swift makes joke in reference to Kanye interrupting her
Later, a leaked video appeared to have proven Swift told the truth about her phone call with West.
The clip that surfaced on social media appears to show Kanye didn’t consult Taylor about the ‘b****’ lyric, and only asked her about the other line in the song, which was previously mentioned by Kim.
After hitting back, Taylor took a year-long break from the limelight, and only returned when she released her new single Look What You Made Me Do, in 2017.
In the song, and it’s accompanying video, the star took aim at the trolls who had furiously branded her a ‘snake’ after Kim’s phonecall leak.
In her track Miss Americana, Taylor noted that she felt ‘alone and bitter’ during her fall-out with Kanye and Kim, adding that she was branded ‘wicked and evil.’
After being named as TIME’s Person Of The Year in 2023, Taylor slammed Kim for ‘taking her down psychologically’ and forcing her into hiding during their long-running feud – while subtly branding the reality star and her ex-husband Kanye as ‘trash.’
Netflix Scores ‘Calabasas’ Teen Drama Series : Netflix Acquires ‘Calabasas’ TV Series Produced by Kim Kardashian and Emma Robert
The show is based on the book “If You Lived Here You’d Be Famous By Now” by Via Bleidner
Arnold Jerocki/Getty ImagesStephanie KaloiApril 20, 2024 @ 4:23 PMShare on Social Media
Netflix has landed the television series “Calabasas,” TheWrap has learned. The series, which is executive produced by Kim Kardashian and her “American Horror Story” costar Emma Roberts, is based on Via Bleidner’s book “If You Lived Here You’d Be Famous By Now” and is set in the SoCal town most closely associated with the Kardashians.
Two major offers were on the table when Netflix closed out the deal on Friday, according to sources close to the story. The book follows the story of 16-year-old Via, a young Catholic girl whose life is changed after her family moves from the Midwest to Calabasas, California.
The series will also be produced by “Pretty Little Liars” creator I. Marlene King and Alexandra Milchan. King’s partner Lauren Wagner via Long Lake Media will also produce, as well as Belletrist Productions for Roberts, Karah Preiss and Matt Matruski.
Kardashian and her famous family are credited with putting Calabasas on the map with their reality series. The series is also the fourth project the reality star-turned-actress/entrepreneur/producer has taken on since the end of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Among those, Netflix will produce the series “Fifth Wheel,” which Kardashian is expected to star in.
Roberts and Kardashian most recently worked together on FX’s “American Horror Story: Delicate.”
Bleidner began pitching the book when she was 18 years old and told the Santa Barbara Independent that the entire process took two years. She said of the book, “It’s a collection of stories about growing up in the San Fernando Valley. To be more specific, it’s about what I saw at Calabasas High School, a public school located right in the crosshairs of L.A. celebrity weirdness and typical, run-of-the-mill suburban boredom. And the string that ties everything together is the internet and how it’s ‘raised’ Gen-Z.”
Taylor Swift is on the list of the 25 мost attractive people of the year, inclυding мany faмoυs figures froм all fields, voted by People.
The list is arranged randoмly, not in order. However, Taylor Swift is the first artist to have her own article annoυncing the title, on the мagazine’s online page.
Last year, her <eм>The Eras Toυr </eм>“swept” the world, bringing the singer into the ranks of billionaires . Her re-recorded albυмs are also well received by listeners, inclυding мany new Gen Z aυdiences <eм>. 1989: Taylor’s version</eм> sold 580,000 copies in its first мonth of release.
<eм>People</eм> predicts that the singer will have even мore sυccess next year, when he continυes to bring <eм>The Eras Toυr</eм> to Eυrope and Asia. In addition, she has six Graммy noмinations (event taking place in Febrυary 2024). Swift is also working on her first featυre filм, which she wrote.
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Singer Taylor Swift. Photo: <eм>People</eм>
“Swift is at the top. After 17 years in the spotlight, she knows where, when and how to proмote her career, bυt she still knows how to enjoy life like a norмal people. I think she has navigated this path intelligently,” мυsician and actor Tiм McGraw, one of Swift’s collaborators, said on <eм>People.</eм>
Donna Kelce – мother of rυgby player Travis Kelce – Taylor Swift’s boyfriend – is on the list. The 71-year-old мother is loved by мany when she appears at her two sons’ мatches and cheers enthυsiastically. In addition to her yoυngest son Travis Kelce, she has an older son, Jason Kelce, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Soмe мoмents of Taylor Swift at Eras Toυr. Video: <eм>Instagraм Taylor Swift</eм>
Beyonce is also on the list. She had a sυccessfυl year with her <eм>Renaissance World Toυr.</eм>
Soмe other faces inclυde David Beckhaм, Margot Robbie, Lily Gladstone, Eммa Stone, Paмela Anderson, Robert Downey Jr., Adele, Jada Pinkett Sмith, Jereмy Renner, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Jenna Ortega, Bradley Cooper, Halle Bailey, Jereмy Allen White.
Prince Harry was also chosen dυe to the sυccess of his мeмoir – <eм>Spare</eм> .
Most Intrigυing People of the Year is <eм>People</eм> ‘s annυal voting list , inclυding 25 faмoυs people froм мany fields, receiving мedia attention.
The pop star gave Amazon Music listeners commentary about five songs on her “very fatalistic” new album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”
“It’s about a dramatic, artistic, tragic kind of take on love and loss,” she shared.
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Taylor Swift gave insight into five songs from “The Tortured Poets Department.”
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The singer shared commentary with Amazon Music listeners.
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She began by breaking down “Fortnight.”
Taylor Swift/Twitter
Swift, 34, did not name names while dishing on “Fortnight” and “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys,” but she gave rare insight into the relationships that inspired them.
The Grammy winner said she “always imagined” the former took place in an “American town where the American Dream you thought would happen to you didn’t.”
She explained, “You ended up not with the person you loved and now you have to just live with that every day, wondering what would’ve been, maybe seeing them out.
“And that’s a pretty tragic concept, really,” Swift continued. “So I was just writing from that perspective.”
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The song is about a “toxic, broken relationship.”
Taylor Swift/YouTube
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She also addressed “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys.”
Getty Images for The Recording Academy
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The Eras Tour performer called the other breakup song a metaphor “from the perspective of a child’s toy being somebody’s favorite toy until they break you, and then don’t want to play with you anymore.”
She recalled being “so valued by a person in the beginning” of a romance before things turned south.
“Then all of a sudden they break us, or they devalue us in their mind, and we’re still clinging on to, ‘No, no, no, you should’ve seen them the first time they saw me. They’ll come back to that. They’ll get back to that,’” she noted.
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The songwriter did not clarify which of her exes, if any, the songs are about.
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Swift clearly roasts her and Joe Alwyn’s six-year romance elsewhere on the album.
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Swift called the track a “song about denial” in which one “can live in this world where there’s still hope for a toxic, broken relationship.”
Swifties want to know
Taylor Swift’s complete dating history
Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s relationship timeline
Taylor Swift’s birth chart
The songwriter also spoke to her motivations behind writing “Florida!!!,” “Clara Bow” and “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?”
She did not, however, address the songs eagle-eyed fans believe to be about her exes Joe Alwyn, Matty Healy and John Mayer.
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She also sings about her fling with Matty Healy.
Claude Yao Sahi @hijoshotit / Shutterstock
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Swift is currently dating NFL star Travis Kelce.
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What do you think? Post a comment.
Swift also refrained from commenting on “thanK you aIMee,” a viral diss track seemingly shading Kim Kardashian amid their years-long feud.
While the reality star, 43, has remained mum about the scathing lyrics, even during her “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” interview Monday, Healy, 35, has spoken out — via his aunt.
“Nothing surprises him. … Him and her know what went on,” Debbie Dedes told the Daily Mail over the weekend, going on to call the 1975 frontman “very happy” with his girlfriend, Gabbriette Bechtel.
Since Taylor Swift officially released the “sυper albυм” <eм>The Tortυred Poets Departмent</eм> with 31 songs yesterday, the world has been preparing to witness a series of new records being set. And indeed, even thoυgh Taylor Swift’s latest albυм мay face conflicting opinions aboυt its qυality, the indicators that <eм>The Tortυred Poets Departмent</eм> set easily мake the aυdience sυrprised, bewildered, and stυnned. .
After only 1 day of release, the albυм <eм>The Tortυred Poets Departмent</eм> sold мore than 1.6 мillion copies (inclυding 1.4 мillion pυre copies), an extreмely iмpressive nυмber. The cυrrent record is still Adele’s <eм>25</eм> with 3,378 мillion copies sold in the first week of release. This мeans that <eм>The Tortυred Poets Departмent</eм> is coмpletely capable of beating Adele’s record to becoмe the albυм with the highest first-week sales in history, especially when Taylor Swift still has 6 days to “fight”. . Taylor Swift also becaмe the only artist in the world to have 7 albυмs selling мore than 1 мillion copies in the first week of release.
Taylor Swift “sweeps” across the globe!
In 2024 alone, Taylor Swift certainly has no coмpetitors in first-week sales. Previoυsly, Beyoncé’s albυм <eм>Cowboy Carter</eм> teмporarily held the No. 1 position with 407,000 copies sold in the first week, and Ariana Grande’s <eм>Eternal Sυnshine</eм> held the No. 2 positions with 227,000 υnits sold. It only took Taylor Swift one day to bring in doυble the sales of Beyoncé and Ariana Grande coмbined.
According to predictions, all of the first 12 positions of the Billboard Hot 100 next week will be 12 songs froм the albυм <eм>The Tortυred Poets Departмent,</eм> of which <eм>Fortnight</eм> will debυt at nυмber one. Spotify also confirмed that Taylor Swift’s latest albυм becaмe the albυм with the highest streaмs in the first 24 hoυrs in history with 313 мillion streaмs. Yesterday, Aмerica’s Apple Mυsic also witnessed an υnprecedented phenoмenon: the chart had 50 positions, of which 44 belonged to Taylor Swift.
In a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that Justin Bieber ended his marriage with Hailey this year. The news has shocked fans and followers of the celebrity couple, who had appeared to be deeply in love and committed to their relationship.
The reasons behind Bieber’s decision to end his marriage with Hailey remain unclear, prompting speculation and curiosity among fans. Despite their public displays of affection and declarations of love, it seems that the couple may have encountered challenges behind closed doors.
As the story continues to unfold, fans are left to wonder about the future of Bieber and Hailey’s relationship and the implications of their split. While the news may come as a surprise to many, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of love and relationships, even in the glamorous world of celebrity.
As Bieber navigates this new chapter in his personal life, fans around the world offer their support and well-wishes, hoping for the best for both him and Hailey as they embark on separate paths.
Hailey and Justin Bieber, the dynamic celebrity couple, recently delighted fans and customers alike with a surprise appearance at Erewhon, a popular organic grocery store. The couple took their visit a step further by personally serving cake to unsuspecting patrons, creating a buzz of excitement and joy throughout the store.
Erewhon, known for its high-quality organic products and health-conscious clientele, was abuzz with excitement as news spread of the Bieber’s impromptu visit. Customers were taken aback as the couple, known for their philanthropy and occasional public appearances, graciously interacted with shoppers and even helped distribute slices of cake.
The gesture not only delighted fans but also underscored the couple’s down-to-earth nature and commitment to connecting with their community. Despite their global fame, Hailey and Justin Bieber’s willingness to engage with fans on such a personal level left a lasting impression and created a memorable experience for all involved.
Social media platforms were soon flooded with images and videos capturing the unexpected encounter, further amplifying the excitement surrounding the Bieber’s visit to Erewhon. Fans praised the couple for their generosity and genuine approachability, solidifying their status as beloved figures in the public eye.
As the buzz surrounding their surprise appearance continues to reverberate, Hailey and Justin Bieber’s spontaneous act of kindness serves as a reminder of the power of small gestures to bring joy and connection to others. Their willingness to step out of the spotlight and connect with fans in a meaningful way is a testament to their genuine and compassionate nature, endearing them even more to their adoring fan base.
Earlier this year, Forbes released their annual list of the richest people on the planet. Michael Jordan came 1,001st with an estimated fortune of $2.1billion.
It has been six years since the Chicago Bulls legend first appeared on the billionaire countdown, having seen his wealth grow astonishingly since his retirement.
Jordan called time on his extraordinary career once and for all back in 2003, but that hasn’t stopped him cashing in on his popularity, or developing his brand.
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Michael Jordan’s groundbreaking deal with Nike has helped turn him into a multi-billionaire
In fact, after earning less than $100m during his time as a player with the Bulls and the Washington Wizards, Jordan has seen his net worth skyrocket.
Netflix documentary The Last Dance, which focuses on Jordan’s incredible rise to the top of the NBA and his final season in Chicago, covers his groundbreaking shoe deal with Nike and his early endorsement deals.
But since leaving the court for the final time, MJ has created a business empire with restaurants, investments and his own NBA franchise.
Here, Sportsmail takes a closer look at how basketball’s greatest player also became the richest sports star ever.
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Jordan discusses his rise to fame with Chicago Bulls in Netflix documentary The Last Dance
The Last Dance takes a look at Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls
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In comparison to the money pocketed by the NBA’s biggest stars today, Jordan’s earnings – at least at the start of his career – were modest.
Picked third overall by the Bulls during the 1984 draft, Jordan signed a four-year contract worth $2.8million over four seasons.
His rise to the top of the game – he was named the league’s MVP in 1988 – coincided with an improved deal, but it wasn’t until the end of his time in the Windy City that his talent was recognised in his salary.
By 1991, Jordan was picking up $2.5m a season. That figure rose to $3.25m, then $4m in 1992-93. The Bulls even paid him that amount during his time away from the game, when he decided to try his hand at Minor League Baseball for a year.
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Jordan celebrates with the NBA Championship trophy after leading the Bulls to glory in 1991
After being paid $3.85m for his first full year back in action, Jordan’s salary went through the roof during his 12th season in Chicago. Having won four NBA titles and four MVP awards, he finally became the best-paid player in the league on $30.1m a year.
His pay increased to $33.1m in his final season with the Bulls, but his career total – including two seasons with the Wizards after coming out of retirement – was $98m before tax, a relatively small percentage of what he’s now worth.
Due to a new salary cap implemented in 1999, it would be another 16 years until a player would make $30m in a single season.
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Jordan, pictured in action for the Bulls in May 1998, earned $33.1million in his final season
NIKE PARTNERSHIP
While Jordan’s first contract in Chicago was far less lucrative than those handed out to top draft picks nowadays, the next one he signed has proved to be anything but.
The Last Dance covers the tale of how Jordan wanted to sign an endorsement deal with adidas after emerging onto the scene, only to be told that it was not an option.
Converse was the official shoe of the NBA at the time, but they too did not see Jordan as a priority as they already had contracts with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the game’s two biggest stars.
Instead, he was convinced to attend a meeting with the recently established Nike by his mother, Deloris, and agent David Falk.
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Jordan wears a pair of his own Nike shoes during an NBA game in Chicago back in 1984
He went on to sign a five-year contract worth $500,000 a year – three times more than any other NBA deal at the time – but it was the development of the ‘Air Jordan’ shoe which proved to be a game-changer.
In its first year, Nike expected to sell around $3m of product. They ended up making $126m and starting a cultural movement which exists to this day.
In The Last Dance, Jordan says: ‘My mother said: “You’re gonna go listen. You may not like it, but you’re gonna go listen”. She made me get on that plane and go listen.
‘Go into that meeting not wanting to be there, and Nike made this big pitch. My father said, “You’d have to be a fool not taking this deal. This is the best deal.”‘
So it has proved for Jordan, who has earned a whopping $1.3bn from his partnership with Nike so far, according to Forbes.
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The Jordan brand helped Michael become a cultural icon – and it has earned billions for Nike
Even in 2019, 16 years after he stopped playing, MJ pocketed $130m from his shoe deal – four times more than LeBron James, who has the most lucrative contract among current NBA players.
Nike’s Jordan brand alone is now worth $3.1bn annually, having grown by 10 per cent from 2018. It is estimated that overall, the brand is worth $10bn to the company.
It is by some distance the most lucrative endorsement deal signed by any athlete, but it also took Nike to new heights.
Before signing MJ, they were 50 per cent smaller than adidas when it came to revenue. Last year their revenue of $40bn was 60 per cent higher than adidas and roughly 43 times what it was before starting the Jordan brand.
Research last year also showed that Nike’s share of the performance basketball market is 86 per cent, with 77 per cent of NBA stars wearing Nike or Jordan shoes during the 2019-20 season.
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Jordan poses with the Air Jordan XX3 basketball shoe ahead of its release back in 2008
ENDORSEMENT DEALS
As well as the incredible deal with Nike, The Last Dance also shows how becoming the face of the NBA resulted in a number of money-spinning endorsements for Jordan.
During his playing days, he signed deals with big brands including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Wheaties and Chevrolet.
And even though he has cut back on his commitments, the 57-year-old still has lucrative agreements with clothing brand Hanes, Gatorade and trading card company Upper Deck.
It is estimated that he has earned $1.7bn through endorsement deals, with the money continuing to roll in from companies still keen to be aligned with the greatest basketball player of all time.
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Jordan shoots a Gatorade commercial in 1990 – he is still affiliated with the brand to this day
Jordan has always been picky about which brands to work with, even turning down a $1m offer from Beanee Weenees because he didn’t like the name.
Despite having earned less than $5m at the time, Jordan said: ‘How can I stand in front of a camera and say I’ll eat Beanee Weenees?’
That was nothing compared to an offer he received in 2017, however, when one unnamed brand came up with an eye-watering $100m deal.
Yet, despite only needing to hand over his image rights and make one two-hour appearance at an event, Jordan rejected it.
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Jordan was one of the faces of McDonald’s in his heyday and also worked with Coca-Cola
His agent, David Falk, explained: ‘I brought him a deal three years ago for $100m. All he had to do was, other than giving his name and likeness, make a one two-hour appearance to announce the deal and he turned it down.
‘God bless him. He’s been so successful, it gives him an opportunity to do whatever the hell he wants or not to do things he doesn’t want.
‘I really admire that. He’s very, very selective in the things he wants to be involved in.’
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
After rekindling his love for basketball following his switch to baseball, Jordan had hoped to move upstairs permanently with the Wizards upon his retirement.
Instead he was forced out of the club and had to wait three years until a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats – now known as the Hornets – became available.
In 2010, Jordan became the majority owner in a deal worth $175m which was largely funded with debt. It made him the first former player to become a majority owner.
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Jordan is the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets after first buying a stake back in 2006
Jordan increased his stake in the Hornets to 90 per cent and, due to a number of factors in recent years, including a huge new TV deal with ESPN and TNT which tripled in value and the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers for $2bn, he has seen the value of the Hornets rise significantly.
In 2019, when Jordan sold 20 per cent of the team to New York-based hedge fund managers Gabe Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim last year, they were valued at $1.5bn.
‘I’m excited to welcome Gabe and Dan as my partners in Hornets Sports & Entertainment,’ said Jordan in a statement after sealing the deal.
‘While I will continue to run the Charlotte Hornets, make all decisions related to the team and organisation, and remain the team’s NBA Governor, Gabe and Dan’s investment in the franchise is invaluable, as we continue to modernise, add new technology and strive to compete with the best in the NBA.’
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Jordan’s Charlotte Hornets, pictured in action last November, are now valued at $1.5billion
INVESTMENTS
Although his initial investment in the Hornets was the largest he has been involved in, Jordan has still used his money to make money since retiring.
Among the companies MJ has invested in are sports data provider Sportradar, headphone brand Muzik and aXiomatic, the parent company of esports squad Team Liquid.
Jordan also launched his own premium tequila brand, Cincoro, in 2019 with the help of three of his fellow NBA owners – Los Angeles Lakers’ Jeanie Buss, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Wes Edens and the Boston Celtics’ Wyc Grousbeck.
And, after playing for the Chicago White Sox during his hiatus from basketball, Jordan is now back involved in baseball.
He owns less than 1 per cent of the Miami Marlins after joining his friend, former shortstop Derek Jeter, as part of an investor group which bought the Major League Baseball team for $1.2bn back in 2017.
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Jordan owns less than 1% of the Miami Marlins after linking up with pal Derek Jeter (pictured)
RESTAURANTS AND CAR DEALERSHIP
As if all of that wasn’t enough, Jordan’s business empire extends even further.
The Bulls legend is a partner in Cornerstone Restaurant Group, which runs five Jordan-branded restaurants called Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse.
First established in 1997, the restaurants can now be found in Chicago, Oak Brook, Washington and Connecticut.
Jordan also owns a Nissan car dealership in North Carolina.
Hailey Bieber has once again turned heads with her fashion-forward style, as she was spotted walking around with her husband, Justin Bieber, and their two pet dogs. The model and style icon opted for a bold look, pairing a chic blazer with no pants, showcasing her unique sense of fashion and confidence.
The paparazzi captures of the couple’s casual stroll depict Hailey exuding effortless coolness in her unconventional ensemble. With her blazer serving as the focal point of the outfit, she completed the look with stylish accessories and sneakers, creating a relaxed yet polished aesthetic.
Hailey’s choice to forgo pants in favor of a statement blazer has become somewhat of a signature look for her, demonstrating her fearless approach to fashion and willingness to push sartorial boundaries. Her daring style choices continue to inspire fans and fashion enthusiasts alike, solidifying her status as a trendsetter in the industry.
As Hailey and Justin enjoy quality time together with their furry companions, their relaxed demeanor and coordinated fashion choices serve as a testament to their close bond and shared love for both each other and their pets. With each public appearance, the couple captivates onlookers with their effortless style and undeniable chemistry, leaving a lasting impression wherever they go.
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Arnold Jerocki/Getty ImagesStephanie KaloiApril 20, 2024 @ 4:23 PMShare on Social Media
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