Liz Gillies’ Megara Hint, Gaga’s Surprise Film, Vince Zampella & Abrams' ‘Sold Out’

Lady Gaga Releases ‘Harlequin Live’ on YouTube

Lady Gaga is making the holidays a little more sensational with the surprise Christmas Eve release of her performance film, LADY GAGA IN HARLEQUIN LIVE – ONE NIGHT ONLY. Premiering today on YouTube as a gift to her fans, the film captures an intimate, full-length performance of her Grammy-nominated album Harlequin at The Belasco in Los Angeles. While the high-octane show actually took place late last year shortly after the album's debut, Gaga reportedly felt it wasn't the right time to share the footage until now, choosing this festive window to finally unveil the private concert to the public.

The film serves as a soaring tribute to the jazz standards that inspired her role in Joker: Folie à Deux, featuring powerhouse renditions of "That’s Life" and "Oh, When the Saints." It marks a poignant milestone for the superstar, being her first jazz-focused project since the passing of her legendary collaborator Tony Bennett in 2023.

Liz Gillies Addresses Long-Standing Megara Casting Rumors

Liz Gillies has finally weighed in on the internet’s long-running campaign to cast her as Megara in Disney’s upcoming live-action Hercules. During a candid chat on the Zach Sang Show, the Dynasty star and powerhouse vocalist said she’s very aware of the viral fan-casts and admitted that Meg’s dry wit and sharp sarcasm are right in her wheelhouse. “I love Megara,” Gillies told Sang, adding that while she hasn’t gotten an official call yet, she’d be more than ready to slip into the iconic purple dress if the opportunity came her way.

Gillies, who voiced Daphne in Winx Club and broke out on Victorious, has been the internet’s favorite pick for years, especially after her pandemic-era cover of “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” blew up online. In the interview, she praised Megara’s complexity and musical edge, and sounded genuinely excited about what a new version of Hercules could look like. As Disney moves ahead with the reimagining, social media buzz is only getting louder, with fans insisting that Gillies’ mix of Broadway-level vocals and dry, cynical charm makes her the obvious choice to bring Megara back to the big screen.

ICYMI:

• Chris Rea has passed away at 74 years old. He is most famous for his Christmas song, “Driving Home for Christmas.”

• Greta Thunberg has been arrested in London under the Terrorism Act for holding a sign that said: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”

Gracie Abrams, Bon Iver, and Aaron Dessner Team Up for ‘Sold Out’

Gracie Abrams, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, and The National’s Aaron Dessner have released a new charity single, “Sold Out,” exclusively on Bandcamp. Written in the immediate aftermath of a school shooting, the track is a somber, haunting piece meant to confront the reality of gun violence. In a joint statement, the artists admitted it was difficult to share something so heavy during the holidays but urged listeners not to look away from a world in pain.

All proceeds from “Sold Out” will go to Everytown, an organization working to end gun violence in America. The collaboration feels like a natural fit, reflecting the trio’s shared musical DNA and history of mutual admiration, with Abrams having previously covered Bon Iver in her live shows. By using their platform this way, they’re turning heartbreak into tangible support for ongoing efforts toward social change.

POP FACT: On this day in 1970, Disney’s Aristocats was released in the US.

Gaming Visionary Vince Zampella Dies at 55 Following California Car Crash

The video game industry is mourning the loss of a true pioneer following the death of Vince Zampella, the 55-year-old visionary behind the multibillion-dollar Call of Duty franchise and founder of Respawn Entertainment. Zampella reportedly died on Sunday in a single-vehicle Ferrari collision in Southern California’s San Gabriel Mountains, a tragedy confirmed by Electronic Arts, which described his influence as both profound and enduring. From his foundational work at Infinity Ward to his leadership at Respawn, Zampella helped shape modern gaming and the way players experience online worlds.

ICYMI:

• The first teaser for ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’ has been released, set for release on December 18th, 2026.

• The runtimes for the final 4 episodes of ‘Stranger Things’ have been revealed. All 4 episodes are over an hour long, with the final episode reaching 2 hours and 8 minutes.

• A new interview with GQ has unveiled that the entire first season of ‘Heated Rivalry’ was filmed in 36-37 days. It has already been greenlit for Season 2.

• Lola Young’s ‘Messy’ has reached 1 billion streams on Spotify.

— Katie Macbeth

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