American Idol's Madison Watkins announces engagement with exclusive photos

Madison Watkins announced her engagement (Image: Melany McAngus)

American Idol's beloved Madison Watkins exclusively announced her engagement to Express US.

Madison dished about her relationship with Elisha Qalo, including the sweet way he proposed. TheChristianpop star explained that the intimate proposal was a callback to their past. "There is a beautiful horse farm with a pond in our City in Franklin,Tennessee. The first week we were dating I took Eli there, and while we were walking around, I told him that I came to that spot all the time and pray for my future husband," she said.

Madison, 31, added, "A year and a half later, he remembered me saying that and proposed on the dock of that very pond. I was so surprised and completely shocked! All my friends had flown in the night before for my birthday, and little did I know, I would be getting proposed to the next day. It was so beautiful and heartfelt!" It comes asAmerican Idol announced a few major shakeups to their show.

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The announcement comes six months after Eli's romantic move - and their fully in wedding planning mode now. "Things are all happening so fast!" she confessed. "Planning a wedding is not for the weak!"

Eli was born and raised on Oahu, and he served in the United States Army for the past 10 years, including a recent 9 month stint overseas. He was recently promoted to Sargeant.

"Eli is the most private person you will ever meet. His job in the military is literally to not be seen or heard while he is on missions, and after meeting me, things have changed pretty quickly," she explained.

The couple met on the dance floor - not surprising for the electric musician.

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Madison is known for cracking the top 12 on American Idol in 2021. She released a debut EP, "Letting Go," in 2025 and a new single, "God You Are," in April 2026. The song was a smash hit on TikTok, where it received millions of listens.

Her debut was recorded in Stockholm and London with music producer Frequency (who previously worked with Rihanna and Tate McRae). It blends classic soul and R&B.

Another hit, "Curls," generated over 1.5 billion plays.

After her time on American Idol, the star moved to Los Angeles, where she struggled with her mental health while in an abusive relationship. Songwriting was an escape for Madison, helping her navigate her emotional journey.

Amid her budding career, Madison knew a relationship could be difficult, but Eli seemed to take her fame in stride. "For someone who has never been in the public eye, he has handled everything with so much grace and gratitude. I truly feel like he is my better half and very grounding in my life. He definitely prefers the private life, but I think we have a good mix of both living in Tennessee!" she said.

When it comes ot her 'must-haves,' Madison dished that they'll absolutely have Hawaiian food and music at their wedding to reflect his culture.

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byDamon Long

in

May 10, 2026

American Idol's Madison Watkins announces engagement with exclusive photos

Madison Watkins announced her engagement (Image: Melany McAngus) American Idol's beloved Madison Watkins exclusively announce...

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Duffys fire back after Pete Buttigieg, husband attack new road trip TV series: 'Radical, miserable left'

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his wife, "Fox & Friends" co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy, fired back on Friday after former Sec.Pete Buttigiegand his husband launched a barrage of attacks against the Duffys' upcoming "Great American Road Trip" reality TV series.

The feud ignited Friday after the couple announced the new show on "Fox & Friends." Chasten Glezman Buttigieg quickly took to X to bash the project, accusing the Duffys of taking a "multi-month, taxpayer-funded family road trip" while gas and grocery prices soar due to "Trump's war of choice."

He went on to call the couple "unfocused, unserious, and out of touch," and aired old grievances about the Duffys' past criticism of Pete Buttigieg working from his son's ICU bedside.

Duffy Blasts Buttigieg, Accusing Biden-era Official Of 'Mismanagement': 'Mayor Pete Failed For Four Years...'

Pete Buttigieg joined in on the attack on X, adding, "I love a good road trip, but this is brutally out of touch: a Trump Cabinet member making a documentary about himself while regular families can’t afford road trips anymore, because Trump and his war put gas prices through the roof."

Rachel Campos-Duffy replied to Chasten Buttigieg's post, telling him to "stand down," and clarifying the production was funded entirely by a nonprofit, The Great American Road Trip, Inc.

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She said her family participated for free to celebrate America's 250th birthday and noted the series was filmed in short one- and two-day stops over seven months.

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"You and I both know that my husband hasdone more in one yearto transform the DOT and ATC than your husband did in over 4 years on the job," Campos-Duffy said.

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Sean Duffy waited until Saturday to deliver a blistering response, claiming the "radical, miserable left" hates the series because it is "too wholesome," "too patriotic" and "too joyful."

He confirmed career ethics and budget officials at the Department of Transportation fully reviewed and cleared his participation in accordance with federal rules, emphasized zero taxpayer dollars were used, and said filming took place strictly during short windows like weekends and his children's spring break.

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He also defended his fast-paced record at the DOT, highlightingmodernized air traffic control, the removal of illegal truck drivers and a 20% annual increase in hiring controllers compared to his predecessor.

Following the Duffys' corrections, Chasten Buttigieg pivoted his line of attack, reposting multiple creators on X Saturday who took aim at the road trip's corporate sponsors, which include DOT-regulated entities like Boeing, UnitedAirlines, Toyota and Shell.

The reposted critics alleged a conflict of interest, claiming the companies funded an "extended vacation" for the secretary. The posts also attempted to tie the sponsorships to claims that Duffy hashalted safety standards, pardoned airlines that violated consumer laws,and hasn't fined a single airline in over a year.

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Despite the political mudslinging and moving goalposts from critics, the Duffys continue encouraging families to ignore the "haters" and explore America'snational parksand monuments ahead of the nation's 250th birthday.

"Our message is really simple: to love America is to see America," Sec. Duffy said. "So put the phone down, hit the open road, and rediscover what makes America great."

Original article source:Duffys fire back after Pete Buttigieg, husband attack new road trip TV series: 'Radical, miserable left'

byDamon Long

in

May 10, 2026

Duffys fire back after Pete Buttigieg, husband attack new road trip TV series: 'Radical, miserable left'

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his wife, "Fox & Friends" co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy, fired back on Friday after...

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Queen Camilla Just Broke from Her Usual Royal Uniform with a Rare New Look

Queen Camilla wore a dark suit and sneakers to the Badminton Horse Trials, departing from her usual royal uniform of dresses

NEED TO KNOW

• The late Queen Elizabeth rarely wore pants and preferred royal women to wear dresses or skirts as well

• Queen Camilla met with young riders from the Ebony Horse Club, a charity she has supported as president since 2009

Queen Camillais experimenting with her fashion.

On May 8, the Queen shook up her signature style at the Badminton Horse Trials to meet members of the Ebony Horse Club, which she backs as president.

King Charles' wife, 78, served a true style surprise by wearing a dark suit with a white blouse, black belt and sneakers, suitable for the grassy grounds of the equestrian event. The look marked a major departure from the Queen's usual fashion, as long-sleeved dresses are her usual go-to royal uniform for public engagements and royal events.

The lateQueen Elizabethwas rarely pictured in pants during her lifetime andpreferred women in the royal family to wear dresses or skirtsas well.

Meghan Marklebroke the mold by sometimes wearing pants for official outings when she was a working member of the royal family before stepping back from her royal role in 2020.

In recent years,Kate Middletonhas also made pantsuits part of her royal uniform.Princess Kate has rocked pantsuits in a parade of colorssince becoming the Princess of Wales following Queen Elizabeth's death in 2022.

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The Queen seemed to be in good spirits at the equestrian event on Friday, where she met young riders, staff and volunteers from the Ebony Horse Club. The club is a charity working to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people by supporting their wellbeing and providing access to the horse world through contact with horses, riding lessons and stable management.

Queen Camilla has been president of the Ebony Horse Club since 2009 and has visited its equestrian center in Brixton over the years.

A lifelong rider like her late mother-in-law, Queen Camilla is also patron of the British Equestrian Federation, which governs equestrian sports in the U.K. The royalvisited a horse farm in Virginia during her state visit to the U.S.withKing Charleslast week, but she revealed in 2023 thatshe's no longer riding as she is "too old."

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While her public appearances in pants are rare, the Queen does have denim in her closet.

The royal was spotted in jeans in Scotland in September 2025 in photos published by theDaily Mailand oncesported jeans in a Christmas picture with King Charles, among other fashion statements.

Read the original article onPeople

byDamon Long

in

May 10, 2026

Queen Camilla Just Broke from Her Usual Royal Uniform with a Rare New Look

Queen Camilla wore a dark suit and sneakers to the Badminton Horse Trials, departing from her usual royal uniform of dresses NEED...

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Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and More Had Iced Chrome Nails at the Met Gala. Here’s How to Wear the Trend in Real Life

In a world ofchrome nail trendsandballet slipper tones, we eagerly anticipate the Met Gala’s array of maximalist, experimental nail looks. The event has showcased some of the most boundary-pushing nail art of all time. Think hyper-dramatic, on-theme tips from the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Zendaya,Beyoncé, and more. This year, there is one manicure look uniting the star-studded red carpet: metallic, high-shine “iced nails.”

Appearing in varying degrees of intensity, the iced nails look is a bold, cool-toned take on the classic chrome nail trend. While some celebrities embraced the look fully, such as Rihanna with her statement mixed-metals manicure and Ashley Graham with her dipped silver fingers, others proved it can be effortlessly adapted for everyday wear.

Since being brought into the spotlight by Hailey Bieber’s “glazed donut” nails, the chrome manicure has taken on a life of its own. Though it can be recreated at home by those with a more advanced skill set, you’re more likely to see the look achieved in salon by experienced hands.

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“Chrome nails are a game-changer in the nail industry,” says A-list manicurist Tinu Bello. “They offer an unparalleled allure, closely mimicking the reflective, glossy nature of metal. Unlike regular glitter, which scatters light, chrome nails have a uniform gleam that captures and reflects light consistently, creating an ethereal effect. It’s like wearing jewelry on your fingertips. The high-shine finish elevates any nail design, making it look more polished and luxurious.”

It’s no surprise, then, that the look feels apt for this year’s Met Gala. While we’re unlikely to opt for a full-finger application of the shimmering powder, there are plenty of references we’ll be looking to in the months ahead. For minimalists, Gigi Hadid and Laura Harrier’s soft vanilla chrome nails are perfect for everyday wear. Their short length and soft shape prove the finish looks effortlessly expensive on all nail types, while a sheer glaze of silver offers a sophisticated, your-nails-but-better effect.

Feeling more experimental? Opt for a simpler take on Rihanna’s maximalist manicure. While its long, pointed length, hanging jewels, and pick-and-mix approach to shades may feel a little heavy for everyday wear, the subtle shift between metallic hues makes a convincing case for mixed-metal chrome nails on special occasions. Think gunmetal silvers, green-golds, and brassy bronze tones. Remember: where there’s a statement beauty moment, there’s always a cool, more demure reference to take.

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byDamon Long

in

May 09, 2026

Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and More Had Iced Chrome Nails at the Met Gala. Here’s How to Wear the Trend in Real Life

In a world ofchrome nail trendsandballet slipper tones, we eagerly anticipate the Met Gala’s array of maximalist, experimental nail loo...

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“Price Is Right” contestant wins largest single-game prize in show's 54-year history

A contestant on Friday's episode of The Price Is Right set a new all-time high in winnings from a single pricing game.

Key Points

• Vanessa from Virginia walked away with $240,150 in cash and prizes after playing Lion's Share.

• This new record surpasses the last, set in 2010, by more than $30,000.

After more than five decades on the air,The Price Is Rightis still breaking records.

A contestant on Friday's episode of the long-running game show set a new all-time high in winnings from a single pricing game. After several wild rounds of the game Lion's Share, Vanessa from Virginia walked away with $240,150 in cash and prizes— the largest one-game haul a contestant has ever won in the CBS daytime show's 54-year history.

The retired veteran made her mark in a special Mother's Day-themed episode, with her daughter cheering her on from the sidelines.

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Lion's Share, an MGM-branded game that premiered last year as a replacement for Pay the Rent, revolves around grocery price guessing.

In the game, each contestant is able to win up to five balls depending on their number of correct guesses. Balls are then dropped into a wind tunnel, which reveal hidden prize amounts. But that's not all: HostDrew Careythen commands contestants to choose between walking away with the dollar value displayed on the screen or risking it all to grow their earnings further.

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That's exactly what Vanessa did, and after very little deliberation. Continued correct guesses yielded more prize balls, which revealed more earnings, eventually loading her up with $227,500 in cash. A luxury trip to Morocco valued at $12,650 ultimately brought her total up to $240,150.

Vanessa's win clears the previous record by a wide margin. In 2016, contestant Christen Freeman won $210,000 in the game Cliffhangers, and also walked away with a steam iron, portable heater, and drink mixer.

Vanessa may be the biggest winner when it comes to earnings from a single game, but her $240,150 total is no match for the overall killing that one contestant made in a 2019 episode.

Michael Stouber left the roller coaster ride of an episode with a grand total of $262,743 in cash and prizes. That included $202,000 from a game of Plinko, a nearly $30,000 Showcase win, an equivalent value Nissan Sentra S, a $1,475 diamond bracelet, and more.

The Price Is Rightairs weekdays on CBS and streams on Paramount+. Check your local cable provider for exact airtimes.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byDamon Long

in

May 09, 2026

“Price Is Right” contestant wins largest single-game prize in show's 54-year history

A contestant on Friday's episode of The Price Is Right set a new all-time high in winnings from a single pricing game. Key P...

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“He has probably the strongest ripple effect on our …

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Silver & Black Coffee Hour:“He has probably the strongest ripple effect on our team in terms of what he's an attack mode,pushing the pace because you have Stephon, Dylan that follow suit that and then our shooters get shot the transition, Victor plays in space." - Mitch Johnson on De'Aaron Fox.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype:“He has probably the strongest ripple effect on our …

byDamon Long

in

May 08, 2026

“He has probably the strongest ripple effect on our …

Advertisement Silver & Black Coffee Hour:“He has probably the strongest ripple effect on our team in terms of what he's a...

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BlueClaws, America both celebrating birthdays this summer

Buckle up for a summerlong celebration as the Jersey Shore BlueClaws pair their own silver jubilee with our nation’s semiquincentennial at ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood.

There will be fireworks, summer concerts, heritage and theme night giveaways, character appearances and more as the BlueClaws celebrate 25 years at the Jersey Shore and join in America’s 250th festivities this summer.

“So many different events (are) going on this season with the focus on America’s 250th and our own 25th anniversary,” said BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane. “We have home games for Fourth of July weekend with major fireworks displays, and a lot of new promotions and theme nights on the schedule for this year.”

Officials said the BlueClaws organization, a Philadelphia Phillies High-A minor league baseball affiliate, strives to provide affordable family fun with activities throughout the ballpark and special events all summer offering something for all ages.

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Inside the park, ShoreTown’s signature 360-degree concourse encircles traditional stadium seating and features a host of Shore-themed activities throughout. Family fun abounds with mini golf down the right field line, traditional boardwalk games in center field and the Sand Bar Stage for live concerts in right field. Fans can watch the game from beach blankets on the outfield hill or atop one of five oversized lifeguard stands, and a must-see for fans every game are the Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese and other mascot-themed races at the end of the third inning.

Summer at the ballpark

Special promotions this season feature a mix of theme nights, character appearances, and giveaways along with fireworks, recurring weekly events, and special celebrations tied to the 25thanniversary, holidays and community causes. The promotional 2026 schedule is loaded with commemorative items early in the season, family-friendly events, character meet-and-greets (Phillie Phanatic and Bluey), cultural heritage nights, community appreciation nights (first responders, military, Scouts), giveaway games (bobbleheads, hats, and beach badges), and fireworks displays every Friday as well as during Independence Week and on Fan Appreciation Day.

Recurring weekly events include Kids Eat Free and Pups in the Park every Sunday, Thirsty Thursdays (21+ drink specials), Summer Concert Saturdays at the Sand Bar Stage, and Jersey Shore Locals jerseys/caps on most Sundays.

BlueClaws 2026 summer events

• May 2: Touch-Some-Trucks, Buster's birthday celebration

• May 13: (Wednesday matinee) Education Day

• May 14: Thirsty Thursday, Phillie Phanatic appearance

• May 15: Medusas de Jersey Shore kickoff/Hispanic Heritage Night, post-game fireworks

• May 16: Bluey character appearance

• May 27: (Wednesday matinee) Education Day

• May 29: Commemorative beach badge giveaway , first 1,000 fans free

• May 30: Halfway to Halloween (Ghostbusters bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans, trick-or-treating, costume contest)

• May 31: Bark in the Park (pre-game festival, dogs welcome)

• June 4: First Responders Night

• June 5: Girl Scout Family Night (pre-game parade and fireworks)

• June 6: E-Street Shuffle performance

• June 7: 6/7 Day, Locals towel poncho giveaway (first 500 kids 12 and younger)

• June 20: Irish Heritage Night, hat giveaway, The Shantys

• June 21: Father's Day celebration (post-game father/child catch on field)

• July 2: Pride Night — “Baseball is For Everyone"

• July 3, 4: Independence Week/Red, White & BlueClaws/America's 250th Birthday (major fireworks displays)

• July 22: Camp Day

• July 23: Military Appreciation Night

• July 25: Christmas in July (Santa appearance, post-game fireworks)

• Aug. 5: Camp Day

• Aug. 6: Jersey Tomatoes night

• Aug. 7: Star Wars Night

• Aug. 8: Salute to Heroes/Country Night (Tequila Rose, line dancing)

• Aug. 20: BlueClaws Charities Karaoke Night

• Aug. 21: Scout Night (pre-game parade, ceremonies, and post-game fireworks, with a sleepover option)

• Aug. 22: Splintered Sunlight (Grateful Dead tribute performance)

• Aug. 27: Liberty bucket replica giveaway (first 1,000 fans)

• Aug. 28: Autism Awareness Night

• Aug. 29: Fan Appreciation Night (food and drink specials and post-game fireworks)

For the most up-to-date details, full game-by-game schedule, or to purchase tickets, visitmlb.com/milb/jersey-shore.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press:Jersey Shore BlueClaws have birthday surprises in 2026 summer

byDamon Long

in

May 08, 2026

BlueClaws, America both celebrating birthdays this summer

Buckle up for a summerlong celebration as the Jersey Shore BlueClaws pair their own silver jubilee with our nation’s semiquincentennial...

Read More