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Simone Biles ends her Olympic comeback with a silver medal in the freestyle

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PARIS (AP) — American gymnast Simone Biles didn’t get the golden send-off she hoped for.

On Monday, Biles won the silver medal in the freestyle final — her eleventh Olympic medal — after taking several costly steps off the line during her routine.

Brazilian Rebeca Andrade became the first gymnast to defeat Biles in the free exercise final at a major international competition, scoring 14.166 to surpass Biles’s rating of 14.133.

The bronze medal was won by Jordan Chiles, Biles’ longtime friend and teammate.

Biles, 27, considered the best in the history of the sport, was not at her best during the performance to music by pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyonce.

Still, she managed to increase her medal haul in Paris to 4 — gold in the team final, all-around and vault, in addition to silver, surprisingly, in her favorite event.

“I couldn’t be more proud of how I did,” Biles said. “I’m 27 years old and I’m finishing these Games with four medals. I’m not mad about it.”

Biles’ medal total (including seven gold, two silver, two bronze) now equals Czech Vera Caslavska for the second-most amongst gymnasts in Olympic history. She lost her probability to win a fifth medal in Paris earlier Monday when she fell in the balance beam final while ending fifth.

While it could look easy at times, it isn’t. She hit the mat during a floor warmup and re-wrapped her stubborn left calf before the competition, which she strained in qualifying last week.

Her passes weren’t perfect – she went over the line twice – but her difficulty level is generally so high that it doesn’t really matter.

Not this time. She received an execution rating of seven.833, which included 0.6 deductions for going out of bounds, allowing Andrade to win her second Olympic gold.

Still, Biles, wearing a red, white and blue leotard embellished with hundreds of rhinestones, finished the nine-day competition in Paris, once and for all silencing critics who had long ridiculed her for withdrawing from multiple events at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

She won a total of 4 medals, just one lower than eight years ago in Rio de Janeiro.

Chiles — the final competitor of the day — initially received a rating of 13.666 from the judges. After a delay, her rating was increased by 0.1 when she asked about the difficulty component of her rating, allowing Chiles to overtake Romania’s Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea for third place.

Biles said that after winning the show jumping final on Saturday, she noticed that her haters “are really quiet now, which is weird.”

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In contrast, the constant roar of support that followed Biles wherever she went at Bercy Arena, which became a hub for celebrities from across the spectrum — including former NFL star Tom Brady, who performed Monday — each time she performed.

The outdoor exercise is Biles’ signature event, where she will be able to mix the most difficult, boundary-pushing acrobatics in her sport with charismatic choreography to create arguably the most enjoyable 75 seconds of her sport.

However, the enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by an unusual execution blunder.

The show ends with Biles blowing a kiss, a small gesture she has incorporated into her show in various forms over the years.

Whether that was a goodbye kiss is an open query. Maybe even Biles’.

She has not yet spoken out about what awaits her after the Paris Games, although she has left the door ajar in case of a possible return when the Olympic Games happen in Los Angeles in 2028.

“Never say never,” Biles said after winning her second Olympic title in the ski jumping event earlier in the Games. “The next Olympics are at home. So you never know. I’m really getting older.”

She’ll be 31 by then, an age when most gymnasts have long since retired. But Biles is redefining that phrase in real time, and given the gulf that also exists between her and almost everyone else in the sport — barring Andrade, who pushed Biles as hard as she’s been pushed for nearly a decade — anything is feasible.

She won the silver medal about an hour after the balance beam final, in which half of the eight competitors jumped down the steps during a routine because they lost their balance.

Biles included. She lost her balance at the end of her acrobatic series and received a rating of 13.100, which put her in fifth place, tied with teammate Sunisa Lee.

Like Biles, Lee saw her gold hopes end midway through her performance when she fell in the same portion of the performance as Biles.

Later, the two Olympic champions and long-time friends, with 17 Olympic medals between them, lamented the strange atmosphere in the strangely quiet arena, which is generally filled with music all the time.

“It adds to the stress, just because it’s like, yeah, you’re the only one there,” said Lee, who will take some day off before deciding on her future. “So I felt pressure.”

Alice D’Amato of Italy won gold on the balance beam with a rating of 14.366. Zhou Yaqin of China won silver with a rating of 14.100, just ahead of bronze medalist Manila Esposito of Italy. Italy, which won silver behind the U.S. in the team competition, has never before won a medal on the beam.

The awards podium has long served as a second home for Biles during a profession that features 41 medals in major international competitions, a number that will never be broken and — who knows? — may even be increased in Los Angeles.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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