分类: entertainment

  • Watch: Sukhoi 57, F-16 model jet perform high-speed loops, rolls in Dubai skies

    Watch: Sukhoi 57, F-16 model jet perform high-speed loops, rolls in Dubai skies

    The skies above Dubai became an arena for high-performance aviation during the Model Aircraft Airshow Dubai (MAAD), where scale-model fighter jets demonstrated breathtaking aerial capabilities that rivaled their full-sized counterparts. Over two days at Sky Hub RC in Lisaili, hundreds of spectators witnessed meticulously engineered replica aircraft, including Russian Sukhoi-57 and American F-16 models, executing precision maneuvers at speeds exceeding 350 km/h.

    Veteran pilot Michael Dressendoerfer, with three decades of model aircraft experience, showcased a 42kg F-16 replica generating 420 newtons of thrust. The aircraft performed sharp turns, rapid rolls, and controlled dives that elicited enthusiastic applause from the audience. The event featured diverse aircraft designs spanning historical wartime planes to cutting-edge fighter jet replicas, each requiring months of precise engineering and testing.

    First-time attendees expressed astonishment at the performance level. Dubai resident Ahmed Hassan noted, ‘When the jet passed close to the ground, everyone went silent. Then people started clapping. It actually feels like a real airshow.’ Maria Lopez, a visitor from Spain, added, ‘I thought these were just small toy planes, but the skill involved is unbelievable.’

    The aviation spectacle transitioned to ground-based excitement with high-powered drag racing demonstrations featuring burnouts and tight turns that filled the arena with smoke and engine roars. Behind the scenes, engineers emphasized the painstaking construction process, with Friedrich Huffman explaining, ‘Everything has to be exact. Even a few millimeters can change how the plane behaves in the air. We test it many times on the ground before it ever flies.’

    The event successfully demonstrated that advanced aeronautical engineering and piloting expertise transcend aircraft size, delivering a comprehensive entertainment experience that blended aerial precision with ground-level adrenaline.

  • Pegasus fondant artwork ushers in Year of the Horse in Shanghai

    Pegasus fondant artwork ushers in Year of the Horse in Shanghai

    Shanghai has unveiled a spectacular culinary masterpiece to welcome the upcoming Lunar New Year—a monumental 4-meter-tall Pegasus sculpture crafted entirely from fondant. The breathtaking artwork made its debut on January 30, 2026, representing an extraordinary fusion of traditional Chinese cultural elements, heritage craftsmanship techniques, and contemporary artistic expression.

    The magnificent white winged horse, requiring over one ton of fondant material, stands as a symbolic tribute to the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Master sugar artist Zhou Yi, nationally celebrated as China’s ‘Sugar King,’ led the ambitious project utilizing intangible cultural heritage techniques passed down through generations.

    Zhou and his dedicated five-member team invested nearly four months of meticulous work to create the masterpiece from initial concept to final execution. The Pegasus installation forms part of Shanghai’s broader initiative to establish itself as a global cultural metropolis, seamlessly blending commercial appeal with artistic innovation while honoring traditional Chinese cultural motifs.

    The fondant sculpture represents more than seasonal celebration—it demonstrates how ancient craftsmanship can find renewed relevance through modern artistic interpretation, creating cultural dialogue between past and present while captivating public imagination through edible art on a monumental scale.

  • Chaka Khan, Cher, Whitney Houston, Fela Kuti get Grammys Life Achievement Awards

    Chaka Khan, Cher, Whitney Houston, Fela Kuti get Grammys Life Achievement Awards

    LOS ANGELES — The Recording Academy bestowed its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards upon an illustrious group of music icons during Saturday’s Special Merit Awards ceremony. Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Fela Kuti, and the late Whitney Houston were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the music industry at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre event, held preceding Sunday’s main Grammy Awards.

    Chaka Khan emerged as the sole honoree to personally accept her award during the emotional ceremony. Dressed in a radiant sea green gown, the legendary vocalist reflected on her five-decade career with profound gratitude. “Music has been my prayer, my healing, my joy, my truth,” Khan expressed. “Through it, I saved my life.” Her acceptance speech acknowledged both the brilliant collaborators and occasional “cuckoos” she encountered throughout her journey.

    The ceremony featured poignant tributes to posthumous recipients. Family members accepted honors for Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who passed in 1997, and vocal phenomenon Whitney Houston, who died in 2012. Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and former manager, movingly declared: “Her voice — that voice! — remains eternal. Her legacy will live forever.”

    Kuti’s children received his award, recognizing him as a “producer, arranger, political radical, outlaw and the father of Afrobeat” — marking the first time an African musician has received this honor. Femi Kuti emphasized the significance: “It’s so important for us, it’s so important for Africa, it’s so important for world peace and the struggle.”

    Absent recipients contributed through video messages. Cher humorously recalled her childhood aspirations: “The only thing I ever wanted to be was a singer. When I was 4 years old I used to run around the house naked, singing into a hair brush. Things haven’t changed all that much.” Carlos Santana, represented by his son Salvador, delivered an inspirational message: “The world is so infected with fear that we need the music and message of Santana to bring hope, courage and joy to heal the world.”

    The Trustees Award recognized non-performers including Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s longtime lyricist, who humorously noted waiting “57 years for one of these” despite co-writing numerous hits. Taupin shared his songwriting principles: “avoid cliches,” “never write songs in cubicles” and “don’t say you’re going to die if she leaves you — because you’re not.”

    Additional honorees included Latin jazz innovator Eddie Palmieri (posthumously), Sylvia Rhone (the first Black woman to lead a major label), and technical pioneer John Chowning. The ceremony also celebrated educational excellence with Jennifer Jimenez receiving the Music Educator Award and Raye’s “Ice Cream Man” earning the Harry Belafonte Song for Social Change Award.

  • Ms. Lauryn Hill returns to the Grammys to pay tribute to D’Angelo, Roberta Flack

    Ms. Lauryn Hill returns to the Grammys to pay tribute to D’Angelo, Roberta Flack

    The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles, evolved into a potent fusion of artistic celebration and political advocacy, with immigration policy emerging as a central theme. The ceremony honored musical legacies while witnessing historic victories and pointed criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    Kendrick Lamar cemented his status in hip-hop history by securing his 26th Grammy for the rap album ‘GNX,’ surpassing Jay-Z’s longstanding record. ‘Hip-hop is always going to be right here… We’re gonna be having the culture with us,’ Lamar stated in his acceptance speech.

    The night’s most resonant moments, however, were politically charged. Upon winning Song of the Year for ‘Wildflower,’ Billie Eilish declared from the stage, ‘No one is illegal on stolen land,’ before adding, ‘(Expletive) ICE.’ This sentiment was powerfully echoed by Bad Bunny after his win for best música urbana album for ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos.’ He began his speech in English, proclaiming ‘ICE out’ to massive applause, and asserted, ‘We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.’

    The anti-ICE messaging extended beyond the main awards. Songwriter of the Year Amy Allen and first-time winner Kehlani, who took home trophies for R&B performance and song, wore ‘ICE Out’ pins. Backstage, music icon Gloria Estefan expressed fear over the current political climate, noting, ‘There are hundreds of children in detention centers… I don’t recognize my country.’

    Artistic tributes formed a core part of the evening. A powerful in memoriam segment celebrated the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. In a highly anticipated return, Ms. Lauryn Hill performed on the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999, joining Wyclef Jean for a Fugees medley honoring Flack. Other notable performances included Post Malone and rock legends paying homage to Ozzy Osbourne with Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs.’

    The 2026 ceremony was also marked by a record number of first-time winners. Olivia Dean, named Best New Artist, emotionally dedicated her win to her immigrant grandmother, stating she was ‘a product of bravery.’ The award for best contemporary country album went to Jelly Roll for ‘Beautifully Broken,’ while Lady Gaga won pop vocal album for ‘Mayhem.’

    In a surprising pre-show development, the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy for an audiobook narration, and director Steven Spielberg achieved EGOT status by winning for the music film ‘Music for John Williams.’ The show was broadcast live on CBS and available via major streaming platforms.

  • Grammy Awards 2026: How to watch and who will win

    Grammy Awards 2026: How to watch and who will win

    The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, maintaining its prestige as “music’s biggest night,” prepares to unfold in Los Angeles with unprecedented stakes and potential historic victories. This year’s ceremony features a remarkable convergence of established icons and emerging talents across 95 categories, with Kendrick Lamar leading nominations with nine nods for his critically-acclaimed album “GNX.

    The competition for Album of the Year presents a fascinating three-way race between Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny. Gaga’s maximalist pop masterpiece “Mayhem” represents her 45th nomination, while Lamar seeks to become the first hip-hop artist to win the category since 2004. Most significantly, Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” could mark the first victory for a non-English recording in the ceremony’s history.

    Several other landmark achievements await determination. Rosé of BLACKPINK could become the first K-pop artist to secure a Grammy for her collaboration with Bruno Mars on “APT,” while Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan seeks redemption through a best audiobook nomination 36 years after his infamous award revocation. The ceremony also features potential record-setting moments, as Bruno Mars could become the first four-time Record of the Year winner.

    The Best New Artist category showcases exceptional diversity, with British sensation Olivia Dean facing competition from R&B artist Leon Thomas, K-pop trained group Katseye, and social media transformed performers Addison Rae and Alex Warren.

    Political undercurrents may surface during the event, with artists including Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny having previously voiced strong criticisms of U.S. immigration policies. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledges that current global tensions will inevitably influence artistic expressions throughout the evening.

    Hosted for the final time by comedian Trevor Noah, the ceremony will unfold through a premiere event showcasing 80 categories, followed by the main broadcast featuring performances from Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and a special tribute by Lauryn Hill. While viewership restrictions affect international audiences, the Recording Academy will provide comprehensive digital coverage through official platforms.

  • ‘Just one shot’: Bollywood actor KRK breaks silence after bail over firing incident

    ‘Just one shot’: Bollywood actor KRK breaks silence after bail over firing incident

    Bollywood personality Kamaal R Khan (KRK) has broken his silence following his release on bail in connection with a firearm discharge incident in Mumbai’s Oshiwara area. The controversial actor-producer maintains the episode resulted from an accidental discharge while cleaning his licensed weapon.\n\nIn an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times from his Mumbai residence, KRK detailed the events of January 18th, explaining he had just retrieved his German-made Mauser pistol from police custody the previous day. While cleaning the firearm in his bedroom, he claims to have fired a single shot toward nearby mangrove swamps after being uncertain whether the chamber was empty.\n\n\”I was being careful because these things can happen,\” KRK stated, referencing a recent incident where actor-politician Govinda accidentally shot himself while cleaning a handgun.\n\nThe case originated when two bullets were discovered embedded in apartments within the Nalanda housing society in Lokhandwala, though no injuries were reported. Mumbai Police took KRK into custody for questioning after the projectiles were found in the residences of writer Neeraj Mishra and model Prateek Baid.\n\nKRK’s legal representative, Supreme Court advocate Sana Raees Khan, has characterized the arrest as \”an abuse of the process of law,\\” citing significant discrepancies in the allegations. She contends the pistol’s effective range of 20-30 meters makes it physically impossible for the weapon to have fired projectiles the alleged 1,500 meters to the affected apartments.\n\nThe actor was released on bail with a personal bond of ₹25,000 (approximately Dh1,000) after his legal team successfully argued the allegations were inconsistent with both the firearm’s capabilities and the distances involved.

  • Connection by the sea: A Valentine’s escape at Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah

    Connection by the sea: A Valentine’s escape at Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah

    Ras Al Khaimah’s shoreline sets the stage for an intimate Valentine’s celebration as Rixos Al Mairid resort announces specially curated romantic experiences available from February 13th to 15th, 2026. The luxury destination offers couples an opportunity to escape routine and reconnect through premium accommodations and bespoke dining experiences amidst stunning beachfront surroundings.

    The resort’s most exclusive offering, the Two-Bedroom Premium Villa with Private Pool and beach access, provides complete seclusion just steps from the water’s edge. Priced from AED 7,800, this ultimate romantic package includes customized villa decorations, a chilled bottle of premium champagne, and an Instagram-worthy floating breakfast served in the privacy of one’s pool. The villa experience combines homely comfort with five-star service, creating a personal seaside sanctuary.

    For those preferring traditional accommodations, the resort offers Valentine’s room packages starting from AED 1,780, featuring intimate decorations and inclusive access to all resort facilities. Both villa and room guests can enhance their experience with two distinctive dining options.

    The Destination Dinner on the Beach presents a cinematic private dining experience with tables set directly on the sand, soft lighting, customized menus, and the natural symphony of waves. Starting at AED 3,000 per couple, this includes specialty beverages. Alternatively, SOL Seafood Grill & Bar provides an elegant restaurant setting with refined seafood cuisine and sunset views, with packages beginning at AED 2,000 per couple including beverages.

    Beyond accommodations and dining, the resort offers complementary experiences including spa treatments, beach walks, and live entertainment, creating a comprehensive romantic getaway. The extended date range from February 13th to 15th allows couples to customize their celebration as either a focused romantic evening or an extended weekend escape.

    Reservations and detailed information are available through direct contact with the resort via email at reservations.rixosmairid@accor.com or telephone at +971 7 228 8844.

  • Pedro Pascal and Meryl Streep lead tributes to Catherine O’Hara

    Pedro Pascal and Meryl Streep lead tributes to Catherine O’Hara

    The entertainment world is grieving the passing of Emmy-winning comedic actress Catherine O’Hara, who died at age 71 following a brief illness at her Los Angeles home on Friday. The Canadian icon, celebrated for her remarkable versatility and unparalleled comic timing, leaves behind an indelible legacy spanning five decades of film and television.

    Tributes poured in from Hollywood’s elite, with Meryl Streep commemorating O’Hara’s ability to bring ‘love and light to our world through whip-smart compassion for the collection of eccentrics she portrayed.’ The actresses had previously collaborated in the 1980s comedy ‘Heartburn,’ with Streep characterizing the loss as profound for both personal connections and the audiences who cherished her performances.

    O’Hara’s career encompassed iconic roles that became cultural touchstones. She achieved household recognition as Kate McCallister in the ‘Home Alone’ franchise and delivered memorable performances in Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988) and its 2024 sequel. Burton himself shared a poignant cast photo on social media, writing: ‘Catherine, I love you. This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us.’

    Her recent career resurgence came through the critically acclaimed series ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ where her portrayal of the eccentric Moira Rose earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 2021. Co-creator Dan Levy described her as ‘family before she ever played my family,’ emphasizing the deep personal bonds formed during production.

    Michael Keaton, her ‘Beetlejuice’ co-star, reflected on their long professional relationship: ‘We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts.’

    Beyond her acting prowess, O’Hara was celebrated for her influence on comedy itself. Ben Stiller noted it was ‘hard to explain the impact she had on comedy,’ asserting there was ‘no one better.’ Director Christopher Guest, who collaborated with her on four films including ‘Waiting for Guffman,’ called her ‘one of the comic giants of our age.’

    Her ‘Home Alone’ son Macaulay Culkin posted an emotional Instagram tribute: ‘Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say.’

    O’Hara’s impact extended beyond Hollywood to her native Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described her as a ‘beloved Canadian icon’ and comedian Mike Myers noted her passing marked ‘a very sad day for comedy and for Canada.’

    She is survived by her husband Bo Welch, whom she married in 1992, their two sons Matthew and Luke, and six siblings. O’Hara remains nominated posthumously at the upcoming Actor Awards for her role in Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire ‘The Studio.’

  • Friendship built through music, travel

    Friendship built through music, travel

    PHILADELPHIA – As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Philadelphia Orchestra and China National Tourist Office have collaboratively orchestrated a powerful symphony of cultural diplomacy through a special concert series and tourism promotion event at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

    The ‘Ni Hao! China’ celebration, merging traditional Chinese music with tourism promotion, created a vibrant Spring Festival atmosphere that underscored five decades of artistic collaboration between the two nations. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng emphasized the universal language of art during a pre-concert reception, noting that ‘people-to-people exchanges serve as a bridge’ between cultures.

    ‘When strings are struck and songs take flight, the beauty of art resonates between our two peoples,’ Ambassador Xie stated, highlighting art’s unique capacity to foster mutual understanding and trust. He pointed to recent cinematic successes including ‘Ne Zha 2’ in American markets and ‘Zootopia’ in China as evidence of thriving cultural exchange with significant economic benefits.

    The event featured a photographic exhibition titled ‘On the Road in China — China and the Philadelphia Orchestra,’ documenting the ensemble’s historic 1973 debut as the first American orchestra to perform in China and their subsequent twelve tours. Veteran violinist Davyd Booth, who has visited China approximately fifteen times since that inaugural trip, expressed his fortune in witnessing the country’s remarkable development and modernization.

    Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Ryan Fleur emphasized the enduring legacy of cultural exchange, noting his nearly twenty personal visits to China and the orchestra’s tradition of Spring Festival concerts since 2019. The celebration also included performances by the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra, providing American audiences with authentic cultural experiences.

    China National Tourist Office Director Ma Yunfei highlighted the orchestra’s special relationship with China, noting that their exchanges have ‘always been about more than music—they are about openness and learning from one another.’ The event concluded with enthusiastic audience responses and expressions of interest in future travel to China, demonstrating music’s continuing power to build international friendship bridges.

  • What we learned – and didn’t – from the Melania documentary

    What we learned – and didn’t – from the Melania documentary

    A new documentary offering a curated glimpse into Melania Trump’s world has sparked both public fascination and significant controversy. ‘Melania: 20 Days to History,’ co-produced by the First Lady herself and director Brett Ratner, premiered in U.S. theaters this Friday, presenting a carefully constructed narrative of her transition into the White House during the lead-up to her husband’s January 2025 inauguration.

    The film arrives amidst a turbulent political climate, with its release timing criticized as insensitive following fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. Despite this backdrop, the documentary deliberately sidesteps political discourse, focusing instead on the First Lady’s personal journey, her meticulous attention to detail in event planning and fashion, and her navigation of grief following her mother’s death in January 2024.

    Viewers are offered intimate, though often superficial, moments: Melania reviewing fabric swatches with her long-time stylist Hervé Pierre, discussing mutual interests with France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron, and privately mourning her mother. The documentary reveals her musical preferences, including a fondness for Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean,’ and captures her candid admission of the challenges inherent in her ‘structured’ role, which affords ‘fewer quiet moments.’

    President Donald Trump appears sparingly, primarily to offer praise, stating on camera that his wife ‘has done a great job.’ Notably absent are deeper explorations of Trump family dynamics or substantive policy discussions. The film instead portrays Melania’s philosophy of using her influence to ‘fight for those in need,’ exemplified by an emotional meeting with former Israeli hostage Aviva Siegel.

    The project’s association with Amazon MGM Studios—which reportedly spent $40 million for rights and $35 million on marketing—has drawn scrutiny from government watchdogs, questioning the optics of such financial investment during heightened billionaire access to the White House. Furthermore, the involvement of director Brett Ratner, previously accused of sexual misconduct, has added another layer of controversy. Despite these criticisms, initial screenings attracted supportive, flag-attired audiences who cheered throughout, highlighting the deeply polarized reception of a documentary that seeks to redefine a famously enigmatic figure.