Kevin James Explains How His Performance with Jelly Roll Came to Be: 'He's a Wonderful Human Being' (Exclusive)

Kevin James Explains How His Performance with Jelly Roll Came to Be: 'He's a Wonderful Human Being' (Exclusive)

taylorteaguee/TikTok Kevin James tells PEOPLE he and Jelly Roll are friends and calls the country star a "wonderful human being" The two stars performed together in Ohio earlier this month when Jelly Roll brought him onstage James joined Jelly Roll for "Need a Favor" at the Buckeye Country Superfest Kevin James' hilarious performance withJelly Rollwas a case of "right place at the right time." During an event to celebrate thereturn ofHeathers the Musicalto the stageon Monday, June 30, in New York City, PEOPLE asked theKing of Queensstar, 60, how hisviral performance with Jelly Roll in Columbus, Ohio, came to be. "I'm a good friend of his," James tells PEOPLE, later adding that the country superstar, 40, is a "great friend of mine" and a "wonderful human being." "We just happened to be in Columbus together and we just went out and had fun," James tells PEOPLE. Back on June 21, Jelly Roll brought James out to the Buckeye Country Superfest to join him onstage for "Need a Favor." The two stars looked alike, even dressing in head-to-toe black as James showed off his dance moves. The video could serve as James' Broadway audition, as he tells PEOPLE the only way he'd star in a Broadway show is if it involved dancing. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I was born to dance, so if there's a dancing show, then I would be interested in," James says. "Other than that, I can't be bothered. It's got to be full dance." taylorteaguee/TikTok James was among the stars attending a gala performance ofHeathers the Musicalto celebrate the show's return to Broadway. It is being performed Off-Broadway at New World Stages through Sept. 28. The show is based on the 1989 cult film of the same name, and centers on high school student Veronica Sawyer, who suddenly becomes popular after she joins the Heathers. She soon meets the rebellious J.D., who shows her that popularity isn't all it's cracked up to be. TheGrown Upsstar will be taking the stage himself, although not to dance. His stand-up comedy tour returns to the road in September and tickets are on sale athis website. He also stars in the upcoming action-packed movieGuns Up, out on July 18. Jelly Roll is also on tour, with stops planned throughout the summer and fall. His most recent album,Beautifully Broken, was released in October 2024. Read the original article onPeople

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Kevin James Explains How His Performance with Jelly Roll Came to Be: 'He's a Wonderful Human Being' (Exclusive)

Kevin James Explains How His Performance with Jelly Roll Came to Be: 'He's a Wonderful Human Being' (Exclusive) taylorteaguee/Ti...

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Rosie O’Donnell Calls Out Oprah for Attending Jeff Bezos’ Wedding: ‘How Is That Possible? He Treats His Employees With Disdain… He Is Not a Nice Man’

Rosie O'Donnell Calls Out Oprah for Attending Jeff Bezos' Wedding: 'How Is That Possible? He Treats His Employees With Disdain… He Is Not a Nice Man'

Rosie O'Donnell wrote in an Instagram post that she was sickened by Jeff Bezos' lavish wedding to Lauren Sanchez in Venice, Italy. The days-long event featured a ton of A-list celebrities, from Sydney Sweeney to Leonardo DiCaprio, and promptedwidespread backlashand protests from Venice locals. "The Bezos' wedding. It turned my stomach seeing all these billionaires gathering in the gross excess of it all. The show of it," O'Donnell wrote before calling out Oprah for her attendance at the event. More from Variety Italian Press Plays Up 'No Space for Bezos' Versus 'Welcome, Mr. Amazon!' Plus a Bomb-Sniffing Dog Named Elvis The Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez Wedding Extravaganza Is the Ultimate Billionaire Flex by a Couple Flying Above Cost-Cutting Times Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Forge Ahead With Venice Wedding After Activists Threaten to Block a Canal With Inflatable Crocodiles "Is Oprah friends with Jeff Bezos? Really? How is that possible? He treats his employees with disdain. By any metric he is not a nice man. And his fake fem bot wife who looks like that… Why would he choose her after the salt of the earth Mackenzie [Scott]? Sold his soul is what it looks like from here. The devil is smiling at all his conquests." Oprah attended the Bezos wedding with longtime friend Gayle King, who is well-acquainted with Sanchez after theirspace flight togetherearlier this year courtesy of Bezos' Blue Origin company. O'Donnell expanded on her anti-Bezos thoughts in a post on her Substack page. Other celebrities who criticized the Bezos wedding include Oscar winner Charlize Theron, whomade a quipabout Bezos' wedding guests while hosting her annual party for the Africa Outreach Project. She told attendees: "I think we might be the only people who did not get an invite to the Bezos wedding. But that's ok because they suck and we're cool." O'Donnellmade headlinesearlier this year for revealing she fled America after the re-election of Donald Trump. She currently lives in Ireland and toldVarietyshe has no plans on returning to the U.S. until Trump is out of office. "With the current political climate, when would it be safe to come back with my child?" she asked. "I'm not going to push it before this administration is completely finished, and hopefully held accountable for their crimes." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rosie O'Donnell (@rosie) Best of Variety Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Rosie O’Donnell Calls Out Oprah for Attending Jeff Bezos’ Wedding: ‘How Is That Possible? He Treats His Employees With Disdain… He Is Not a Nice Man’

Rosie O'Donnell Calls Out Oprah for Attending Jeff Bezos' Wedding: 'How Is That Possible? He Treats His Employees With Disdain… ...

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Iran foreign minister doubtful talks with U.S. will resume quickly

Iran foreign minister doubtful talks with U.S. will resume quickly

President Trump recently indicateddiplomatic talks with Iran could restartas soon as this week, although the White House noted no talks were officially scheduled. AfterU.S. airstrikes on some of Iran's nuclear facilities, followed days later by aceasefireto end what Mr. Trump called the12-day war between Iran and Israel, Iran's foreign minister seemed less certain about a speedy return to diplomacy. "I don't think negotiations will restart as quickly as that," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News through a translator. "In order for us to decide to reengage, we will have to first ensure that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations," Araghchi said in his first interview with an American media outlet inside Iran since the bombings. "And I think with all these considerations, we still need more time." However, Araghchi also insisted, "The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut." Mr. Trump said during a televised address following the American strikes on June 21 that Iran's Fordo nuclear enrichment site and the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities had been "completely and totally obliterated." Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a news conference, "Initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction." Rafael Mariano Grossi, the head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog agencytold CBS Newsthe U.S. strikes caused "severe damage, but it's not total damage." Grossi said Iran could likely start enriching uranium again within a few months. "One cannot obliterate the technology and science for enrichment through bombings," Araghchi said. "If there is this will on our part, and the will exists in order to once again make progress in this industry, we will be able to expeditiously repair the damages and make up for the lost time." When asked if Iran intends to continue enriching uranium, Araghchi said the country's "peaceful nuclear program has turned into a matter of national pride and glory. We have also gone through 12 days of imposed war, therefore, people will not easily back down from enrichment." After 12 days of missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneideclared victory, writing on social media, "I offer my congratulations on the victory over the fallacious Zionist regime," andclaimingIsrael's government was "practically knocked out and crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic." Mr. Trumpresponded on social media, calling Khamenei's declaration a lie, saying Iran had been "decimated" and claiming he prevented both the U.S. and Israeli militaries from assassinating the supreme leader. Mr. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet at the White House next Monday. Mr. Trump has also indicated he could order strikes on Iran again should it resume enriching uranium beyond a certain level. Araghchi questioned the legality of such action and said Iran was prepared for more attacks. "We showed and proved during this 12-day imposed war that we have the ability to defend ourselves, and we will continue to do so should any aggression be launched against us," he said. Saving money vs. saving lives The true cost of the Senate spending bill New Tennessee laws make it illegal to shelter undocumented immigrants

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Iran foreign minister doubtful talks with U.S. will resume quickly

Iran foreign minister doubtful talks with U.S. will resume quickly President Trump recently indicateddiplomatic talks with Iran could restar...

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USDA grant cuts leave food groups, farmers scrambling

USDA grant cuts leave food groups, farmers scrambling

Four days a week, Maile Auterson and one of her employees drive hundreds of miles across Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas to deliver fresh produce to food deserts. Auterson's nonprofit, Springfield Community Gardens, helps underservedschools, food pantries and senior centers. One center in Ava, Missouri, is the only place for many where they can get a hot meal. Springfield Community Gardens isone of many organizationsthat relied on grants from the United States Department of Agriculture to distribute produce to schools and low-income communities through two pandemic-era federal programs. They provided about $1 billion in funding to schools andfood banksto buy food directly from local farms, ranchers and producers.But in March, the USDA abruptlycanceled the programs, calling the decision a "return to long-term, fiscally responsible initiatives." Now, Auterson says, "some of the most vulnerable people" are without adequate access to food, including children and senior citizens. "We are not past the effects of the pandemic," Auterson added. The impact of the recent cuts are also trickling down — aid groups used USDA grants to buy food from small farms like the one owned by Liz Graznak. "It was devastating. I don't know those families, but I know those families are desperate for the food that they were getting," Graznak said. Graznak said the grant programs were "huge" for her farm. She rented an extra 16 acres to harvest more onions, garlic and peppers to keep up with demand. "A quarter of my annual sales were going to those programs, and when they said that that money is gone, I thought, 'Oh my god, well now what do I do?'" Graznak said. Nationwide, more than 8,000 small farmers were supported by the programs. Advocates warn the cuts could ripple through food deserts, rural communities and urban areas where access to healthy food is miles away. With food insecurity in Missouri above the national average at 15%, according to Feeding America, local farmers help bridge the gap. Auterson says they will still be able to feed people, but "not nearly as many." Saving money vs. saving lives The true cost of the Senate spending bill New Tennessee laws make it illegal to shelter undocumented immigrants

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

USDA grant cuts leave food groups, farmers scrambling

USDA grant cuts leave food groups, farmers scrambling Four days a week, Maile Auterson and one of her employees drive hundreds of miles acro...

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James Gunn Says Adria Arjona Would ‘Be a Great Wonder Woman’

James Gunn Says Adria Arjona Would 'Be a Great Wonder Woman'

DC Studios head James Gunn may have revealed his first choice to play Wonder Woman. In a recent interview withExtra, the "Guardians of the Galaxy" director discussed "Hit Man" star Adria Arjona and teased where he sees her fitting in to his revamped DC Universe. More from Variety Matt Reeves Finally Completes 'The Batman 2' Script James Gunn Says 'Superman' Won't Confuse Moviegoers With So Many Characters: 'Oppenheimer' Had 'Three Times as Many Speaking Roles' James Gunn Says 'I'm Irritated by People' Outraged Over 'The Batman 2' Delay: 'Get Off Matt Reeves' Nuts... He Doesn't Owe You Something Because You Like His Movie' "I follow Adria on Instagram, but everybody came out [and thought], 'He just followed her, that means she's Wonder Woman,'" Gunn shared. "She'd be a great Wonder Woman, by the way." "She was in a movie that I made seven years ago," he added. "We've been friends and have known each other since that time. I followed her then, I didn'tjustfollow her." Earlier in June, Gunn told Entertainment Weekly thata new feature film following Wonder Womanis "being written right now." He added that the movie would come in addition to an HBO series about Wonder Woman's home of Themyscira. Gunn said that the TV project is "slow moving, but it's moving." The Wonder Woman movie is only one of many feature films in development at DC Studios. "Superman," written and directed by Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, is set to release in July. "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" is scheduled for release in June 2026, directed by Craig Gillespie. "Clayface," a horror film and origin story of the titular Batman villain, is also in the works and set for release in September 2026. James Watkins is set to direct with a script from Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. Best of Variety Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

James Gunn Says Adria Arjona Would ‘Be a Great Wonder Woman’

James Gunn Says Adria Arjona Would 'Be a Great Wonder Woman' DC Studios head James Gunn may have revealed his first choice to play W...

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Robert De Niro Adorably Brings His 2-Year-Old Daughter Gia to Meet the Wiggles — See the Cute Photos!

Robert De Niro Adorably Brings His 2-Year-Old Daughter Gia to Meet the Wiggles — See the Cute Photos!

John Nacion/Getty Robert De Niro was photographed meeting The Wiggles alongside his 2-year-old daughter, Gia, ahead of their New York City show The actor and his daughter were seen playing with bubbles and listening as the children's band sang a few songs De Niro shares his youngest daughter with Tiffany Chen Robert De Nirois winning major dad points! The actor, 81, and his 2-year-old daughter,Gia, metThe Wigglesbefore their New York City concert. While posing with the children's band, De Niro sweetly holds his daughter up in one photo as they sit between two of the members. Other photos show De Niro, Gia and the toddler's mom, Tiffany Chen, sitting together amongst a few bubbles, getting ready to watch the show. The Wiggles also shared a few photos on their Instagram from their time with De Niro, including a video of the actor and his daughter shaking hands with some of the Australian singers. Later, De Niro can be seen playing around in the bubbles with his toddler daughter and listening as group sang a few tunes. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. John Nacion/Getty "It was such a thrill to spend some time with the legendary Robert De Niro and his family before our concert here in New York City ✨," The Wiggles wrote intheir Instagram caption. TheAcademy Awardwinner has seven children. De Niro and his first wife,Diahnne Abbott, are parents to daughter Drena, 53, and son Raphael, 48. In 1995, he welcomed twin sons Julian and Aaron, 29, with his former girlfriend, model and actress Toukie Smith. De Niro shares son Elliot, 26, and daughter Helen Grace, 13, with his ex-wife,Grace Hightower. In April 2023, the proud father welcomed a baby girl, Gia, withTiffany Chen. Back in February, De Nirofirst shared that he watchesThe Wigglesand other kids' television series with his youngest daughter while speaking with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2'sThe Scott Mills Breakfast Show. John Nacion/Getty At the time, theZero Dayactor and executive producer noted that he doesn't watch as many movies as he should because he's busy watching the news or TV shows with Gia. "I just want to keep up, but I watch current events, if you will news [and] stuff like that," he told Mills. "Now I watch, with my little girl,The Wigglesand Ms. Rachel." "I didn't know of them until I started seeing them and my daughter loves to watch them," he added. "But they're great!" Shortly after welcoming his youngest daughter, De Niro reflected onbeing a father of seven. While chatting withAccess Hollywoodat the premiere of his new filmAbout My Fatherin May 2023, the actor opened up about being a dad and shared his wisdom about being a good father. "Sometimes I don't think people really know what being a good father is, you know you have a responsibility, but it's a mystery, it's a lot of excitement but scary and you do your best," he said. Read the original article onPeople

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Robert De Niro Adorably Brings His 2-Year-Old Daughter Gia to Meet the Wiggles — See the Cute Photos!

Robert De Niro Adorably Brings His 2-Year-Old Daughter Gia to Meet the Wiggles — See the Cute Photos! John Nacion/Getty Robert De Niro was p...

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Satellite imagery reveals ongoing work at Iranian nuclear site bombed by US

Satellite imagery reveals ongoing work at Iranian nuclear site bombed by US

New satellite images show continuing work at Iran's Fordow nuclear enrichment plant, which was struck by US B-2 bombers just over a week ago. The imagery was collected by Maxar Technologies on Sunday. Maxar said it "reveals ongoing activity at and near the ventilation shafts and holes caused by last week's airstrikes on the Fordow fuel enrichment complex." The pictures show "an excavator and several personnel are positioned immediately next to the northern shaft on the ridge above the underground complex. The crane appears to be operating at the entrance to the shaft/hole." According to Maxar, several additional vehicles are also seen below the ridge and are parked along the path that was built to access the site. Earlier this month, American B-2 bombers dropped more than a dozen bunker-buster bombs on Iran's Fordow and Natanz nuclear sites, while Tomahawk missiles launched from a US submarine hit theIsfahan sitein central Iran. The US Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs targeted the two ventilation shafts at Fordow, according to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine. He told a Pentagon briefing last week that most of the bombs dropped at Fordow "were tasked to enter the main shaft, move down into the complex at greater than 1,000 feet per second, and explode in the mission space." Former nuclear inspector David Albright, who now leads the Institute for Science and International Security, said that imagery from Fordow on Saturday showed "the Iranians are actively working at the two MOP impact sites penetrating the ventilation shafts" at the plant. Albright assessed that the activity "may include backfilling the craters, as well as conducting engineering damage assessments and likely radiological sampling. The craters above the main shafts remain open." "We have observed that the Iranians have also rapidly repaired the bomb cratering damage on the main entrance road from only a few days prior. However, there are yet no indications of any efforts to reopen any of the tunnel entrances," Albrightposted on X. On Sunday, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said US strikes on Iranfell short of causing total damageto its nuclear program and that Tehran could restart enriching uranium "in a matter of months," contradicting President Donald Trump's claims the US set Tehran's ambitions back by decades. The comments by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi appear to support an early assessment from the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency,first reported on by CNN, which suggests the United States' strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites last week did not destroy the core components of its nuclear program, and likely only set it back by months. While the final military and intelligence assessment has yet to come, Trump has repeatedly claimed to have "completely and totally obliterated" Tehran's nuclear program. CNN's Laura Sharman and Sophie Tanno contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byMario Satorik

in

June 30, 2025

Satellite imagery reveals ongoing work at Iranian nuclear site bombed by US

Satellite imagery reveals ongoing work at Iranian nuclear site bombed by US New satellite images show continuing work at Iran's Fordow n...

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