By Wonderwall.com Editors
2:12pm PST, Dec 21, 2020
In the wake of Fiona Apple's criticism of the Recording Academy for nominating Dr. Luke for a Grammy Award, Kesha thanked fans on Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 20, for continuing to speak out about sexual assault. "Thanks to everyone who is supporting survivors and telling their stories," wrote the singer, who has repeatedly accused Dr. Luke of raping and emotionally abusing her when they worked together. "They see you and appreciate it more than you could ever know," she added in her post. Though she didn't mention Fiona's recent interview with The Guardian, the renewed wave of support for survivors Kesha mentions was likely inspired in part by Fiona's comments. Nominated for three Grammys herself, the singer told outlet in a piece published last week that she has major misgivings with the fact that the organization behind the Grammy Awards showcased "Praying," Kesha's riveting song about abuse in 2018, "then two years later" saw fit to praise Dr. Luke, who's widely believed to be the alleged abuser who inspired Kesha's song. Dr. Luke has long denied Kesha's claims and even went so far as to sue her for defamation. He produced Doja Cat's Record of the Year contender, "Say So," under the pseudonym Tyson Trax. Fiona said she's considered smashing the Grammy should she win one next month or inviting other women nominees to boycott the awards with her "because of Dr. Luke."
Keep reading to see which "That '70s Show" alum is expecting and more …
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Wilmer Valderrama, Amanda Pacheco are expecting their first child together
Wilmer Valderrama's going to be a dad! The actor, 40, and his fiancee Amanda Pacheco announced their impending stork news Monday on Instagram, sharing the same colorful photo of the couple's profile — including Amanda's visible bare baby bump. "#ItsJustUs3Now," they both captioned the shot. Wilmer's post earned love from the likes of his close friend, Joe Jonas, who wrote in the comments, "Congratulations! So happy!" and Avril Lavigne, who responded, "Congratulations to you both !!!!!!!!!💖💖💖💖." The parents-to-be announced their engagement in early January.
RELATED: Stars who had babies or adopted in 2020
Newly single Kelly Clarkson shares advice on dealing with awkward holiday interactions
This year, Kelly Clarkson and her ex, Brandon Blackstock, will be navigating a very different kind of holiday season, given their recent divorce filing. That may be why she has the possibility of awkward holiday family situations on her radar. In a new digital "Kelly Clarkson Show" clip, the singer, who shares two young children with Brandon, offers some holiday advice to get viewers through even the most uncomfortable potential hiccups. At one point, she responds to a fan looking for advice on how to deal with her "dad's not-so-fun side of the family," whom she told she was "staying home" for the holiday this year … then accidentally included them in a group chat about her actual Christmas Day plan of "'going with the fun'" family members. Whoops. Asked if she was doomed, Kelly says "no" but admits (via ET), "you are in so much trouble," letting out a laugh. "Here's the thing, don't lie," Kelly suggests. "Just own it. And then be like, 'Look, maybe this is your opportunity to become the fun ones.' … In that situation you just gotta be like, 'Sorry it was a turd statement. I do stand by it, but maybe let's do something to turn it around.'" Later, the singer and show host tackles the matter of talking politics with relatives. "I don't like when people say, 'Don't talk about faith or politics or all the big issues'… ," she explains. "That's how we get here. That's how we get to 2020. 'Cause no one talks about stuff. That doesn't fix the problem. It doesn't help in any way, shape or form on either side. Why would you not want to have conversations about stuff like that? Because maybe, just maybe, what I think about something isn't really right and I didn't really think about it in that way or vantage point or perspective." Kelly points out that America is supposed to be about allowing freedom of expression and thought. "That should be celebrated," she says. "But I do think no progress will happen, no change will happen, unless we talk about it."
RELATED: Stars getting into the holiday spirit
Taylor Swift sets new Billboard charts record
Quarantine is looking better and better on Taylor Swift, whose fans made #ProudOfTaylor a trending topic this week after she set yet another record on the Billboard charts, courtesy of music she made during the pandemic. On Monday, Billboard reported Taylor's new album "evermore" opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, while the album's lead single, "Willow," debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. Her previous new release, "folklore," and its instant hit single, "Cardigan," topped the same two charts when they dropped over the summer, making her "the first artist "to debut atop both charts simultaneously twice," according to the outlet. Brain-scrambling verbiage aside, Taylor's latest charts milestone feels like even more of a win for the singer, given her battle with Scooter Braun over the sale of her early catalog masters. Looks like she's doing just fine without 'em.
Who is Ariana Grande's fiance, Dalton Gomez?
Following Ariana Grande's announcement over the weekend that she's engaged to Dalton Gomez, a number of outlets have done some digging to suss out a little more info about the singer's lucky guy. According to ET, Dalton and Ariana's relationship got serious this year as they quarantined together at Ariana's pad. Dalton, a Southern California native, has continued to work as a luxury real estate agent during the pandemic, handling A-list clients for the Aaron Kirman Group, where he serves as the sole buyers agent. And other than brief cameos in Ariana's "Stuck With You" and "Rain on Me" vids, Dalton, who keeps his Instagram private, lives his life away from the public eye as much as possible — or he did until Ariana announced the couple's engagement on Sunday. The future Mr. Grande, whose proposal appears to have come with a playfully designed diamond and pearl engagement ring, also already has a big vote of support from one very important person in Ariana's life … her mom. "I am so excited to welcome Dalton Gomez into our family!" she tweeted on Sunday. "Ariana, I love you and Dalton so much!!!! Here's to happily ever after! YAY! xoxoxo."
John Kraasinki's 'Some Good News' returns with a visit from 'Dwanta Claus'
Back in March, as pandemic lockdowns kicked in around the world, John Krasinksi launched a YouTube series aimed at helping viewers find reason to smile in dark times. The show, "Some Good News," wrapped up in May, with a promise from John that his team would be back (and a sale of the concept to ViacomCBS). Although John won't be hosting the ViacomCBS version of the series, "The Office" alum did return for a "Some Good News" holiday special on Youtube over the weekend — just in time to brighten the spirits of a recently widowed fan, with some help from Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Per CinemaBlend, Jay Abel, who's been selling his comic book collection and memorabilia on eBay so he can afford gifts for his kids this yea, joined The Rock and John for a virtual visit. He'd previously reached out to The Rock on Twitter, asking him to help spread the word about his comic book sale, but John and The Rock had something better in mind. "Take all of your stuff off of eBay because Dwanta Claus is going to take care of all of that stuff, man," said The Rock, who was sporting a "Dwanta Claus" Santa hat. He went on to say he'll cover the cost of everything on Jay's kids' lists, plus throw in a set visit to The Rock's new supervillain centric Marvel flick, "Black Adam." TheRock said he'd also have his "Black Adam" script bound and sent to Jay when he's done with it. John and "Dwanta" later revealed the show's sponsor, FedEx, donated $5 million to Toys for Tots.
Lizzo's mom gets emotional as singer presents her with an extra special Christmas gift
Sometimes the best way to pay it forward is to treat someone close to home. That's just what Lizzo did over the weekend, when she gifted her mom a gorgeous new SUV. The singer caught her mom's emotional reaction on video and shared it on Instagram Sunday. "Got my mommy a brand new Audi for Xmas," Lizzo captioned the post, which shows her mom being led, eyes closed, out to the driveway where the new wheels sit wrapped in a giant red bow. "I remember crying in my car when my daddy passed, no job no money nowhere to live, wishing I could one day provide for my family," the Houston native explained. "I couldnt do it for my dad so ima make sure I spoil Mama. Happy holidays y'all." The sweet video ends with Lizzo's teary-eyed mother throwing her arms around her daughter to give her a warm hug. Happy holidays, indeed.
Elliot Page thanks fans for their 'love and support' after coming out as trans
Elliot Page is feelin' the love! The "Juno" star came out as a transgender man on Instagram on Dec. 1, and he's clearly felt supported in this new segment of his life. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your love and support has been the greatest gift," Elliot, 33, shared on Instagram on Sunday. "Stay safe. Be there for each other. If you are able, support @transanta and @translifeline See you in 2021 Xoxo Elliot," he added. Less than two days later, the post had more than 1.7 million likes, along with love-filled heart emojis and comments from Elliot's famous friends including Kate Mara and director James Gunn.
Kim Kardashian West offers to send $500 to 1000 people
Kim Kardashian West has vowed to make the coming holiday a little bit easier for 1000 people. "Hey guys! It's the most wonderful time of the year," Kim tweeted on Monday. "I know 2020 has been really hard and people are struggling, worried about how they're going to pay rent, put food on the table, or a gift under the tree for their kids," she continued. "I want to spread the love by sending $500 to 1000 people." The KKW Beauty founder then asked followers interested in vying for the $500 to send her their $Cashtag info and include the hashtag #KKWHoliday.
For new mom Meghan McCain, '2020 wasn't all bad'
Nearly three months after giving birth to her first child, Meghan McCain got nostalgic about her pregnancy over the weekend, sharing photos of herself taken shortly after she learned she was pregnant and before Liberty's arrival on Sept. 28. "11 days left in 2020… the year wasn't all bad. (Pics from almost a full 9 months and a week before Liberty arrived) ♥️🗽," she wrote on Instagram. Liberty made a big impact on her mom and dad, Ben Domenech, when she arrived this fall. "Ben and I are completely and utterly in love with our daughter and feeling indescribably blessed/blissed out," Meghan tweeted in October, noting that "all of the cliches" about parenthood "have come true and exceeded well beyond my wildest expectations." She went on to liken welcoming Liberty to "observing my entire heart live and exist outside of my body," admitting, "I only wish I had done this sooner."
