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Chris Harrison can't confirm or deny "crazy rumors" about Clare Crawley's season on 'The Bachelorette'

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ABC/John Fleenor(LOS ANGELES) — After a small break, The Bachelorette is back tonight and with it comes a whirlwind of rumors about what’s in store for fans this season! 

For those who have scoured gossip sites for tidbits about the upcoming season have probably heard some wild stories and theories, which is why host Chris Harrison sat down with ABC Audio to clear the air before the big premiere.

“There’s some crazy rumors. I think people have an idea of of what happens this season,” noted Harrison.  “I can assure you they don’t.” 

In fact, he says fans need to buckle up because this season is going to be “a wild ride.”

The biggest rumor hanging above The Bachelorette this year is all about Crawley herself and whether or not she even finishes the season.

“What I can confirm is it is Clare’s season. It is 100 percent her season. And it’s all about her journey to find love,” Harrison maintained, but, true to his style, let something slip to build up the suspense. 

“What happens after that? Everybody will have to wait and see… it’s explosive,” The longtime show host smirked.

Beyond the rumors, Harrison also elucidated ABC Audio about how the show kept everyone involved safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, such as filming in a “bubble” at a resort in Palm Springs, California.

Despite those added precautions, fans won’t notice that much of a difference from season’s past.  To put it bluntly, Harrison promised that fans will not see Crawley and her suitors making out with masks.  

“You could kiss and be in a hot tub and do all those crazy things,” he allowed.

Meaning, this season is not a COVID-version of the show.  “This is The Bachelorette. It’s back,” says Harrison.  

The Bachelorette premieres Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Christmas comes early for Dolly Parton after "A Holly Dolly Christmas" tops several Billboard charts

• No Comments • Country Music News

Brett Carlsen/Getty ImagesDolly Parton has jingled her way to the top of several Billboard charts thanks to her new holiday LP A Holly Dolly Christmas.

The seasonal album made it to the number one spot on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums and Top Holiday Albums charts dated October 17, the outlet reports. 

“I am so proud and humbled to have my album reach No. 1 on the Billboard country and holiday charts,” Parton said. “Boy, what a great early Christmas present for me! Thanks to Billboard and the fans.”

The achievement also makes the country star the only female with top 10 country albums in each of the last seven decades — second overall to Willie Nelson. 

A Holly Dolly Christmas is the 74-year-old’s third holiday album and includes collaborations with Michael Bublé, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon, and more. 

By Danielle Long
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Granger Smith's brother Tyler is one of 31 suitors romancing Clare Crawley on 'The Bachelorette'

• No Comments • Country Music News

BBR Music Group; ABC/Craig SjodinTypically, you’ll find Granger Smith onstage, while his manager and brother, Tyler Smith, is busy working in the background. Tonight, however, the tables turn, as Tyler steps into the spotlight at one of 31 bachelors romancing Clare Crawley on season 16 of The Bachelorette. 

Even though Granger’s previously performed on the show, the Texan admits he’s only been a casual watcher.

“I have seen a few episodes, been passing [through],” he tells ABC Audio. “My wife used to watch it quite a bit.”

“So I would come in,” he continues, “and it was one of those shows where you just kind of stop and you go, ‘Why are they doing that? Why? Why is he saying that? That’s not real. There’s no way he feels that way or she thinks that.'”

While Tyler connected with Bachelorette producers during Granger’s 2018 guest appearance, you won’t see the “Backroad Song” hitmaker sharing screen time with his brother.

“I’m not on this season…” Granger reveals. “I’m pretty sure there’s not any musicians that came because of COVID. They were so strict on who they’ve brought in.”

“They quarantined Tyler here in Texas,” he adds, “and they quarantined him in California, and they tested every day. I just don’t think they brought anybody outside in.”

Granger confesses he and Tyler had a heart-to-heart before filming began.

“We had a long talk at the beginning, that, ‘Hey, Tyler, this is an experience for you. This is a lifetime experience that you should just open up to fully and drop all expectations and go in like it’s a really cool vacation.’ And that’s what he did.”

“It was quite the experience. I’ll put it that way,” Granger laughs.  

You can watch Tyler on The Bachelorette tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

By Stephen Hubbard
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Watch Winston Duke offer Zazie Beetz the "amazing opportunity of life" in new film 'Nine Days'

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Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — The first trailer for the critically-acclaimed Sundance film Nine Days has been released.

Starring Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz, the film follows Duke as Will, a reclusive man who interviews candidates for an opportunity to be born in the world.

“You are being considered for the amazing opportunity of life,” he says in the promo.

Beetz, Benedict Wong, Bill Skarsgard, Tony Hale, Arianna Ortiz and David Rysdahl are all seen as some of those potential candidates.

However, the group soon learn that will have to undergo a nine day process to see if they are worthy to be in the real world.

“If you are selected, you will have the chance to be born in a fruitful environment where you can grow, develop and accomplish,” Duke explains.

Nine Days, written and directed by Edson Oda, first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival back in January to rave reviews. A release date for the film has not been set.

By Candice Williams
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Luke James says he had a "slight reservation" about his 'The Chi' character, but saw opportunity for something meaningful

• No Comments • Entertainment News

Brendan Wixted for CRUSHfanzine(NEW YORK) — Luke James is getting candid about his recent role on The Chi as the boyfriend of Imani, played by transgender actress Jasmine Davis.

James tells ABC Audio that he initially had some concern taking on the role of Trig — the estranged older brother of Jake — but soon realized it was a great opportunity to shine light on an important and authentic story.

“I had a slight reservation, but not totally,” he says. “Because at some point in your life… you have to live for you, and you have to do what makes you happy, regardless of whomever.”

“And this is art,” he continues. “This is something beautiful and brilliant. These stories are needed.”

James says his desire to share those meaningful stories made him “grateful to be a part of it.”

“I love the writing and the intention,” he says, noting that the cast was also “wonderful.” “And so, I had maybe a slight reservation, but not totally. I just looked at it [as an] opportunity to really do things — what I prayed for. To do art that means something that motivates the world.”

James explains that he also wanted a project and role that made people think and “have a conversation.”

“If you can sit there and watch it and have a conversation, then that’s the start,” he says. “We can have a conversation and we can get to a better place. Because at the end of the day, it’s about love, and more than ever in this time we need unity and we need true love.”

“And to still be in a place where we hate somebody for something that isn’t our business,” he continues. “It’s ridiculous… And so you need shows like this to help us see ourselves and help correct, in a positive light.”

By Candice Williams
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.