Israel and favorite Finland advance to the Eurovision final as 5 countries are sent home

VIENNA (AP) — Ten countries have advanced to the Eurovision Song Contest final after the first semifinal. They include favorite Finland and Israel, whose participation has spurred a boycott by five nations. Israeli singer Noam Bettan was met with shouts of protests amid the cheers in the auditorium when he performed the rock ballad “Michelle." Finland advanced with “Liekinheitin,” or “Flamethrower,” a mashup of pop singer Pete Parkkonen’s anguished vocals and violinist Linda Lampenius’ fiery fiddling. Greece, Serbia, Moldova, Croatia and Sweden were also voted into the final, while Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino were eliminated. The second semifinal will be Thursday. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators plan to protest Israel's participation ahead of Saturday's final.

Sandra Oh, Kumail Nanjiani and Bowen Yang are in a HBO doc on being Asian American, Pacific Islander

Timed for release during AAPI Heritage Month, “The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas” has dropped on HBO Max. It’s the latest in “The List Series” created by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. The franchise has previously produced documentaries on prominent Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ Americans. Director Eugene Yi captures no-frills, intimate interviews with 15 people of AAPI heritage across industries. They include TV broadcaster Connie Chung, Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth and DJ Rekha. Actors Sandra Oh, Kumail Nanjiani and Bowen Yang also shared their thoughts about identity and belonging.

From 'The Hills' villain to LA mayoral contender: Spencer Pratt’s viral video-fueled campaign

Spencer Pratt, known for his role on the reality television show "The Hills," is running for mayor of Los Angeles. He's positioning himself as a savior, promising to tackle the city's disorder and dysfunction. Initially met with skepticism, Pratt's campaign is gaining momentum from viral videos as early voting begins. Pratt, a Republican, is focusing on populist themes, criticizing liberal governance and highlighting issues like homelessness. Despite his creative campaign, he faces a challenge in the heavily Democratic city. Karen Bass, seeking a second term, has strong Democratic support.

Conan O’Brien to return as Oscars host in 2027

Conan O’Brien’s era as Oscars host is becoming a trilogy. Film academy leaders say the Emmy-winning comedian will host the 99th Academy Awards in 2027. O’Brien hosted the last two Oscar ceremonies to positive reviews. Earlier this year, he joked about being the last human host before AI takes over. He’ll be joined by returning executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan. Film academy leaders on Tuesday praised the team for producing captivating shows. Despite a dip in viewership this year, social media engagement rose significantly. The 99th Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Peter Jackson receives honorary Palme D’Or as Cannes flaunts star power despite Hollywood's retreat

CANNES, France (AP) — The 79th Cannes Film Festival is underway with politics, artificial intelligence and the shifting priorities of Hollywood taking center stage at the global film gathering. The festival paid tribute to Peter Jackson in the opening ceremony, giving the “Lord of the Rings” filmmaker an honorary Palme d'Or. Jane Fonda and Gong Li officially opened the festival, with Fonda declaring: “Cinema has always been an act of resistance.” It was a fitting observation for a film festival where politics has taken center stage. The festival hands out the awards on May 23.

The Cannes Film Festival has started. Here are 5 things that happened on its first day

CANNES, France (AP) — The 79th Cannes Film Festival has kicked off. Tuesday marked the start of 12 days of nonstop premieres that will culminate on May 23 with the presentation of the prestigious Palme d’Or prize. The festival's first day was eventful. Peter Jackson was given an honorary Palme d'Or. The festival was declared open by Jane Fonda and Gong Li. Talk of politics and artificial intelligence dominated the introduction of the jury. Guillermo del Toro presented a restored “Pan's Labyrinth.” And James Franco, largely left out in Hollywood, walked the red carpet.

Neil deGrasse Tyson takes on aliens and how we should greet them in 'Take Me to Your Leader'

NEW YORK (AP) — Neil deGrasse Tyson has turned his lifelong fascination with aliens into a new book, “Take Me to Your Leader: Perspectives on Your First Alien Encounter.” Tyson explores what we know about extraterrestrial life and what an encounter might be like. He suggests that aliens would likely be far more advanced than humans, making Hollywood's depictions of fighting them seem laughable. The book blends pop culture with science, referencing everything from “Rick and Morty” to Voltaire. Tyson believes science could be a universal language for communication. The book arrives amid renewed interest in UFOs and aliens.

Rick Riordan unveils new 'Camp Half-Blood' novels, starting this fall

NEW YORK (AP) — Fans of Rick Riordan's “Percy Jackson” books can explore new adventures at Camp Half-Blood this fall. Random House Children's Books announced Tuesday that Riordan is collaborating with four co-authors on a series of middle grade novels. These books will delve into the camp's history when Percy himself isn't there. Riordan was inspired by working on the Disney+ adaptation of his work. The first book is called “The Wild Zone” and was written with Annebelle Oh. It releases Sept. 29. It introduces new demigod heroes facing ancient threats and secrets. The series will expand Percy's world with fresh stories and diverse characters.

Man pleads guilty to Atlanta auto break-in that led to theft of unreleased music by Beyoncé

ATLANTA (AP) — A man has pleaded guilty to an auto break-in last year in Atlanta that police say resulted in the theft of unreleased music by Beyoncé. Forty-one-year-old Kelvin Evans entered guilty pleas on Tuesday in Fulton County Superior Court to entering an automobile and criminal trespass. News outlets say he was sentenced to two years in prison. He was scheduled to go on trial this week. In July, Evans broke into a parked Jeep Wagoneer rented by a choreographer and a dancer for Beyoncé. Stolen items included hard drives containing the unreleased music, footage plans, and concert set lists. Atlanta police have not recovered the items.

Black Sabbath bass player, Debbie Gibson praise effort to find new homes for beagles

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Pop star Debbie Gibson and Terry “Geezer” Butler, co-founder of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, are singing the same tune when it comes to sparing dogs from medical experiments. The unlikely pair came together Tuesday in Wisconsin to praise ongoing efforts to find new homes for roughly 1,500 beagles purchased from dog breeder and research facility Ridglan Farms outside of Madison. Numerous groups are working to transfer the 1,500 dogs bought from Ridglan Farms to facilities where they will get veterinary care and be prepared for transport to shelters around the country, where they will eventually be put up for adoption. Gibson says she plans to take one beagle home with her.