Jennifer Lopez says she's in her 'happy era' as she launches Vegas residency

Jennifer Lopezis taking audiences through the story of her life and the lessons she's learned along the way in her new Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace.

The two-hour high-energy show blends Lopez's biggest pop hits with theatrical elements inspired by Old Hollywood, Broadway and classic Vegas spectacles.

Structured in four acts, the production celebrates the singer, actor and entrepreneur's decadeslong career, while also reflecting on her personal journey.

"I feel like my shows are always an athletic event," Lopez told ABC News' Juju Chang in an interview that aired Wednesday on "Good Morning America."

The residency marks a new chapter for the 56-year-old superstar, who says she's embracing what she calls her "happy era."

"I'm in my happy era," Lopez said. "I think for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm free. I am on my own. And it feels really good."

She continued, "I didn't really know what that felt like since I was in my early 20s. And even before that, you know, I've always had a boyfriend. There was always kind of, like, someone in my life and so many other things that I felt like were out of my control, and I just am at a point in my life ... where I really trust myself and have learned to kind of -- I guess this sounds funny -- appreciate myself a little bit more instead of being so hard on myself all the time and always trying to prove so many things."

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez reunite on 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' red carpet

For her Las Vegas residency, Lopez performs reimagined versions of her songs backed by a full orchestra, something she says she had always wanted to do.

"I wanted to have an orchestra onstage for this show, which I've never done," she said. "And all of the songs are reimagined in that way."

The show pays tribute to the city that has long served as a home to many superstar residencies, while also incorporating elements of Broadway, Lopez's first love as a performer.

Advertisement

"It's a celebration," Lopez said of the show. "That life is so precious. And, you know, even my kids going off to college now, it goes so quickly, and it's like ... you have to cherish and live every single moment."

Jennifer Lopez talks bringing her kids on tour this summer, her new film 'Atlas'

The residency comes after a difficult personal period for Lopez, following the highly publicized breakup ofher marriage to Ben Affleckin 2024.

She said that moment forced her to slow down and focus on herself and her family.

"I had stop everything. And I took a year off. I canceled tours. I decided to just be home and sit in what had happened without running away from it. Through work, through another person, through anything. Just sit," Lopez said.

"I needed to be home with my kids, and that was the priority at that time," she continued. "But I really needed to... I was just at a point where I was like, 'What is going on with you?' Because I couldn't blame anybody else. Because I don't think that that's where the lesson is. And so, I really wanted to figure myself out."

That process, she said, helped her learn something she once feared -- being comfortable on her own.

Asked if she is currently dating anyone, Lopez replied, "No. No, I'm not. God forbid. I don't want to ruin anything. It's so nice right now. I'm so happy. It's the best. I just feel really good right now."

After decades in the spotlight, Lopez says she feels stronger than ever.

"I am a mom of graduates this year who are going to college. I am a showgirl and an entertainer and an actor and an entrepreneur," she said. "I am happy, and I am healthy, and I'm grateful. That's who I am today. And I'm surrounded by love, which is the best part."

Ultimately, Lopez said she hopes audiences leave the show with a simple lesson.

"It's definitely 'Get up no matter what happens and dance again,'" she said. "Because you will ... life kind of will throw things at you, but dance. Keep dancing, keep finding the joy in every moment, in every day. Because it's there."

byJastin Mags

in

March 11, 2026

Jennifer Lopez says she's in her 'happy era' as she launches Vegas residency

Jennifer Lopezis taking audiences through the story of her life and the lessons she's learned along the way in her n...

Read More

This 'matchmaker' helps people recoup music instruments lost to LA fires

When Michelle Bellamy evacuated her residence due to thePalisades Fire, she thought about grabbing Gretchyn, the acoustic Martin guitar gifted by a neighbor years ago and one that she wrote all her songs on.

Yet there was the voice in her head telling her she would return.

That didn't happen. Instead, the place she'd called home with her three children was taken by the fire in January 2025.

Several months later, however, Bellamy was gifted a guitar from Abby Sher, a Pacific Palisades resident who'd long stopped playing one of her "prized possessions." It was a donation facilitated through the efforts of nonprofit organizationAltadena Musicians, the brainchild of music composer Brandon Jay.

The loss has led to this "beautiful story," Bellamy said, referring to the gift of "this amazing guitar that I'm forever grateful for from Abby."

To Bellamy, Jay is a "matchmaker." He's been helping victims of the Los Angeles fires last January recoup their instruments and audio equipment through donations. It's a role he carved out for himself not long after theEaton Firetook his home and his recording studio, including all the instruments he and his wife amassed.

More than one year after the fire, it seems to him that every day, someone else finds out about Altadena Musicians, Jay said.

Now, Jay is looking to scale his creation. His vision: Launch the app Altadena Musicians anywhere in the nation and get connected to someone who can get you the instrument you need.

Yet as he eyes a wider audience, Jay is also looking to serve his local community thanks to his recently rebranded Altadena Music Center in Pasadena.

'If I could help to restore her loss': Behind one donation

TOP A firefighter sprays water on a burning home while battling the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. The destructive and deadly wind-driven Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, California, on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures. The fire is the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. Getty Images staff photographer Justin Sullivan revisited some of the locations he covered during the fire, nearly one year after it happened.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Wind bends palm trees as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Trees line a street nearly one year after the Eaton Fire on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Residents dig through the remains of their family's home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 9, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP A home burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Eaton Fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and has destroyed many homes and businesses. BOTTOM A construction worker walks through a construction site of a home that is being rebuilt nearly one year after the Eaton Fire destroyed it on Dec. 19, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A burn scar is visible on the street in front of a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Wind pushes embers into a home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on a burning home as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago is seen under construction on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Fencing surrounds a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Los Angeles County firefighters pull a hose in front of a burning home as the Eaton Fire moved through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP A resident removes valuables from his home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on burning homes as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A view of a street that was ravaged by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Fire engulfs a home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Roses bloom on a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP A vintage car sits parked in front of a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 18, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec.18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP A resident inspects the remains of her home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 9, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM Fencing surrounds a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Los Angeles County firefighters try unsuccessfully to get water from a hydrant as they battle the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A pedestrian walks by a former Bank of America building that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP A business burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A sign remains standing at a property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago on Dec. 19, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> TOP Los Angeles County firefighters attempt to put out a fire at a Bank of America as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. BOTTOM A former Bank of America building that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See dramatic before and after images from the Eaton Fire one year later

TOPA firefighter sprays water on a burning home while battling the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif.BOTTOMA property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire nearly one year ago sits vacant on Dec. 18, 2025. The destructive and deadly wind-driven Eaton Fire ripped through Altadena, California, on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures. The fire is the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. Getty Images staff photographer Justin Sullivan revisited some of the locations he covered during the fire, nearly one year after it happened.

No more than two weeks after the Eaton Fire ignited, Jay had a gig to play: the annual Pasadena Neighbor Day. He made a Facebook post describing what instruments he needed, and loved ones showed up with them at the show, Jay said.

It arrived as Jay came to another realization about the numerous instruments he and his wife lost to the Eaton Fire.

"I want to replace them with ones that I get from friends or from people in the music community," Jay said. "I don't want to just get some money from my homeowner's insurance and then buy instruments that don't have a story behind them, because it's just going to make me sad that I don't have the first guitar that I learned how to play on, or the harmonium that my mother-in-law gave us that my daughter wrote her first song on."

Less than a month after the Eaton Fire broke out, Altadena Musicians launched.

Bellamy didn't have to wait long to find out that Altadena Musicians had a match for her after she reached out over social media last year.

"And within 20 minutes after messaging them, Brandon texted me and was like, 'Oh my God, I'm so thankful you messaged us,'" Bellamy said.

He had a "perfect match" for her.

"We've been looking for someone that lost a Martin that is the same description as the one you lost in the fire," Bellamy recalled of Jay's response.

That's how Bellamy ultimately met Sher in person — Jay said he is big on having people connect directly and meet each other when gifting and receiving an instrument or equipment.

The two shared an embrace when they met in April 2025. Then, Sher handed her the instrument, a guitar that was gifted to the 81-year-old by her brother and one she'd stopped playing years ago, she said.

Bellamy's happiness in having a guitar made Sher happy, she said.

"I would have sold it, as I had planned to," Sher said when asked about whether knowing her instrument would go to a person impacted by the fires carried any more significance to her.

Advertisement

"But if I could help to restore her loss, that was the motivation for me in giving it," she said.

How Altadena Musicians has inspired another Eaton Fire survivor

On a Sunday in January amid an instrument drive for Altadena Musicians, Sunny Lu was given an Apollo Twin X, an audio interface that she said allows for professional-level, quality sound output. It was an item she felt she couldn't have justified replacing for herself anytime soon, and it was a donation that meant the world to her, she said.

Lu narrates audiobooks and lost her home, including her basement studio, in the Eaton Fire. The dedicated recording space was important for her work and had housed equipment like an audio interface that she had actually upgraded to "honor" her career, she said.

"Because it's been donated and has its story, it also has been imbued with this new importance," Lu said of the audio equipment.

The audio equipment, which entered her life because someone cared enough to help her, has transformed into something beyond aiding her professionally.

"There's something about it reentering my life in this very special way where I feel like I need to give it the extra respect that it's due, because now I have like a duty and responsibility as the next, the next user — the next owner," Lu said.

Also on that January day came Gayle Nicholls-Ali, who was there to pick up an instrument. Her husband, Rasheed Ali, lost his recording studio at their Altadena home due to the Eaton Fire. Also gone was Nicholls-Ali's studio for her photography.

Seeing the existence of Altadena Musicians had spurred Nicholls-Ali to ask: Who is helping out the photographers?

She reached out to Jay in 2025, who walked her though how he created Altadena Musicians. It led her to formAltadena Photographers, which similarly aims to help people recoup their equipment through donations.

But that's just one part of helping photographers in Altadena, Nicholls-Ali said. It's also about helping them with their mental health and connecting them to what they need, according to Nicholls-Ali. That's taken the form of connecting people to work opportunities and being responsive when they tell her they need other items, from computers or to use a printer for their photos.

"We're thinking about holistically, how can we help beyond the camera gear?" Nicholls-Ali said. "How can we help?"

To Jay, Nicholls-Ali's efforts have been "incredible."

"It's really a wonderful thing to help people," Jay said.

What's next for Altadena Musicians one year after the fires

Altadena Musicians launched an app called Instrument Giving in 2025, the "wedding registry for musicians" that lets people list what they lost in the Los Angeles fires, according to the organization.

Jay hopes to scale the app so that it's not just for people impacted by fires in Southern California, but rather, a tool people facing disasters anywhere can turn to and get back the instrument or equipment they'd lost, according to Jay.

Perhaps there could even be a version of the app where people are just sharing their instruments to someone who needs it or wants to borrow it, unrelated to a disaster, he said.

Jay has also been creating something for his local community: the Altadena Music Center off Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena.

The space — which Jay aims to have a grand opening for later this year — has already held programming like open mic nights, live music and even an evening dedicated to guitar repairs. It's a destination for people to gather, and a "music hub for the community," he said. Also in the plans at the space: an area for those impacted by the fires to recoup their record collections, and a recording studio for people to use, according to Jay.

"The one super cool thing in all this is just people meeting each other and building a bigger music community, both people that are fire impacted and then other people that are just donating instruments and just meeting people that they're giving them to and staying in contact and coming and seeing them play live," he said.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her atpbarraza@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Altadena Musicians helps LA fires recovery, instrument by instrument

byJastin Mags

in

March 11, 2026

This 'matchmaker' helps people recoup music instruments lost to LA fires

When Michelle Bellamy evacuated her residence due to thePalisades Fire, she thought about grabbing Gretchyn, the acousti...

Read More

Bella Hadid’s Lacy Top Look Steals the Spotlight at REVOLVE Event

Bella Hadidstole the spotlight as she stepped out for the REVOLVE event in a lacy top that added a bold twist to her look. The supermodel effortlessly delivered a striking fashion moment, pairing the delicate yet edgy piece with her signature confidence and high-fashion flair.

Bella Hadid stuns in black outfit

Take a look at Bella Hadid'soutfitbelow:

Bella Hadid caught everyone's eye at the REVOLVE event, effortlessly drawing attention with her striking lacy top. The supermodel chose a bold look, featuring a delicate black lace top complemented by a black leather jacket that subtly highlighted her figure.

Advertisement

This ensemble created a stylish, contemporary vibe that truly embodied her trendsetting fashion sense. The runway star wore the outfit with confidence, accessorizing with a silver heart necklace. She paired her top with short leggings. Fans loved her look and shared their reactions on social media, praising her style.

Originally reported by Ayesha Zafar onMandatory.

The postBella Hadid's Lacy Top Look Steals the Spotlight at REVOLVE Eventappeared first onReality Tea.

byJastin Mags

in

March 11, 2026

Bella Hadid’s Lacy Top Look Steals the Spotlight at REVOLVE Event

Bella Hadidstole the spotlight as she stepped out for the REVOLVE event in a lacy top that added a bold twist to her look. The supermodel ...

Read More

US vaccine advisers drop plan to question mRNA COVID shots, WaPo reports

March 11 (Reuters) - A key U.S. federal vaccine advisory panel has dropped a push against COVID ‌mRNA vaccines, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, ‌citing two people familiar with the matter.

Some vaccine advisers under Health ​and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr had been seeking to potentially stop recommending mRNA shots, but that plan is no longer moving forward, the report ‌said.

The Department of Health ⁠and Human Services, which oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, did not ⁠immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment outside regular working hours.

The advisers to the CDC are slated to ​meet next ​week and are expected ​to make recommendations on ‌which vaccines Americans should receive and when.

Advertisement

Under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, the HHS decided in August last year to wind down mRNA vaccine development activities under its biomedical research ‌unit.

He had said "the data show ​these vaccines fail to protect effectively ​against upper respiratory ​infections like COVID and flu," despite scientific ‌evidence to the contrary.

These vaccines, ​produced by Pfizer-BioNTech ​and Moderna, do not contain weakened or inactivated viruses, and instead give cells instructions to make a ​protein component of ‌the virus, prompting the body to build immunity.

(Reporting ​by Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Andrew Heavens and Andrei Khalip)

byJastin Mags

in

March 11, 2026

US vaccine advisers drop plan to question mRNA COVID shots, WaPo reports

March 11 (Reuters) - A key U.S. federal vaccine advisory panel has dropped a push against COVID ‌mRNA vaccines, the Wash...

Read More

Teyana Taylor Brings the Drama in Sculptural Look for TIME Gala

At the Time Women of the Year Gala,Teyana Taylormade a show-stopping entrance, embracing a sculptural look that showcased her fearless approach to fashion. The singer and actor wore a top with a flattering silhouette and one-shoulder design, paired with a sleek skirt for a perfectly glamorous look.

Teyana Taylor stuns in sculptural dress at TIME 2026 Women of the Year Gala

Check outTeyana Taylor's photos in a sculptural dress for TIME Women of the Year Gala event:

Advertisement

The "One Battle After Another" actor wore a form-fitting top with a one-shoulder design for the gala event. The top hugged her torso perfectly, creating a sleek and sculpted look. She paired it with a long black skirt featuring a feathered hem, adding movement and grace to the ensemble.

Meanwhile, a sparkling embellishment at the waist provided a pop of color and a touch of glamour to the otherwise streamlined outfit. Taylor completed the look with black pointed heels and hoop earrings, perfectly complementing the bold ensemble. Her photos were shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @metgalacrave, with fans calling her "stunning."

The postTeyana Taylor Brings the Drama in Sculptural Look for TIME Galaappeared first onReality Tea.

byJastin Mags

in

March 11, 2026

Teyana Taylor Brings the Drama in Sculptural Look for TIME Gala

At the Time Women of the Year Gala,Teyana Taylormade a show-stopping entrance, embracing a sculptural look that showcased her fearless app...

Read More

Blackpink Jennie’s See-Through Look Hides Bold Twist for PFW

Jennie Kim, the undisputed "Human Chanel," once again brought Paris to a standstill at the Chanel Fall/Winter 2026 show. Known for her ability to mix classic elegance with modern trends, theBlackpinkstar opted for a daring, sheer ensemble that pushed the boundaries of the heritage brand.

Blackpink Jennie stuns in see-through look for Paris Fashion Week appearance

The core of Jennie's look was a stunning, two-piece matching set made of open-knit mesh. Both the cropped cardigan and the skirt featured a complex lattice pattern adorned with shimmering dark green beads.

Advertisement

The see-through fabric was a major fashion statement, leaning into the popular "transparency" trend seen across global runways. However, the "bold twist" was how she styled it. Jennie wore the sheer set over a simple black bralette and high-waisted briefs. In a rebellious move, she slouched her skirt low to reveal the waistline of her undergarments, giving the high-fashion look a cool, Y2K-inspired edge.

To add a layer of sophistication, Jennie draped a burgundy croc-effect leather coat over her shoulders. The heavy, glossy texture of the patent leather provided a sharp contrast to the delicate, airy beads of her dress. She matched her outerwear with a small, glossy burgundy Chanel bag, adding a "pop of red" that anchored the entire outfit.

The postBlackpink Jennie's See-Through Look Hides Bold Twist for PFWappeared first onReality Tea.

byJastin Mags

in

March 11, 2026

Blackpink Jennie’s See-Through Look Hides Bold Twist for PFW

Jennie Kim, the undisputed "Human Chanel," once again brought Paris to a standstill at the Chanel Fall/Winter 2026 show. Known f...

Read More

Dakota Johnson Steps Into Daring Bikini Top & Heels for Calvin Klein Campaign

Dakota Johnsonmesmerized fans with her bold look forCalvin Klein's new campaign, wearing nothing but a bikini top and heels. It promoted the fashion designer's new, perfectly fitting ultralight bra with wire-free lift. Johnson was recently announced as the face of the brand's Spring 2026 campaign, during which she promoted several new clothing items, including the Baggy Jean and Archive High Rise Slim Jean.

Dakota Johnson turns heads in new Calvin Klein campaign

Check out Dakota Johnson wearing nothing but a bikini top and a pair of heels in the X (formerly Twitter) photo below:

As seen in the photo above, Johnson's black bra features a V-neckline. The actress sat on a green sofa inside a room with brown, wooden walls, striking a sultry pose. Preferring to keep things simple yet alluring, she did not wear any makeup or accessorize. Meanwhile, she let her black bangs flow naturally.

Advertisement

The post, captioned, "breathable comfort. Dakota Johnson in the new Perfectly Fit Ultralight Bra with wirefree lift," has received 16k likes as of writing. It also received some positive responses. "So freakin gorgeous," a user wrote. "Stunning beautiful," another added.

Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad forMandatory.

The postDakota Johnson Steps Into Daring Bikini Top & Heels for Calvin Klein Campaignappeared first onReality Tea.

byJastin Mags

in

March 11, 2026

Dakota Johnson Steps Into Daring Bikini Top & Heels for Calvin Klein Campaign

Dakota Johnsonmesmerized fans with her bold look forCalvin Klein's new campaign, wearing nothing but a bikini top and heels. It promot...

Read More