Summary

The 2024 Tony Awards were broadcasted on Sunday night, showcasing the 36 new productions that hit broadway this year. Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliff won their first Tony’s, and Hilary Clinton received a standing ovation. The final part of Bridgerton Season 3 was released last week, giving fans the perfect romantic conclusion to the favorite “Polin” couple. HBO paired the release of House of the Dragon season 2 with their biggest ever marketing campaign, using famous New York sights to increase viewership. Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” performs well at the box office, sparking whispers of a potential Oscar nomination. Music manager Scooter Braun retires, but not without avoiding Swiftie vengeance. 

For those who read...

Today is June 18th, my name is Jake, and you’re listening to Current2 Pop Culture! Today’s episode is brought to you by Just Bagels, the best NYC bagels delivered.

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I think I’m coming down with something because in Today’s Trending Topics… we have Broadway fever!

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The 2024 Tony Awards delivered this past Sunday with Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose hosting. For those who don’t know who that is, she starred as Anita in West Side Story. With a whopping 36 new productions hitting the stage this year, it was a jam packed night. Actor Eddie Redmayne gave an impressive performance as the EmCee from the famous musical “Cabaret”, taking a unique and marionette-like approach to the well-known character. Daniel Radcliffe won his first Tony for his performance in “Merrily We Roll Along”, thanking Broadway for allowing him to feel like an actor and not just Harry Potter. Good thing he didn’t thank me, because in my mind, he will forever be Harry. Broadway veteran and Glee star Jonathan Groff was finally awarded his first Tony after two previous nominations, also for his performance in Merrily. And Hilary Clinton received a standing ovation as she introduced a performance from the suffragette musical “Suffs”, during which she emphasized the importance of voting. All in all, this evening had us feeling merrily indeed! 

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A quick break from the news so I can practice my thank you speech, this goes out to our sponsor…

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If you liked that, text me and tell me! If you thought it was cringy, forget about it and listen up for some Screen Sightings…

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Part 2 of Bridgerton season 3 was released last week on Netflix, delivering a romantic and much anticipated conclusion to Colin and Penelope’s love story. And spoiler warnings ahead, so plug your ears if you need to for the next 10 seconds: Though no news has been released regarding the next Bridgerton story, the season finale made slight nods to it being Benedict by including aspects from his book. Looks like we will have to wait and see! Anddd we should have everyone back now.

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Season 2 of the HBO series House of the Dragon premiered on Sunday, delivering an absurdly tense and bloody first episode. In preparation for the release, HBO did their biggest ever marketing campaign with over $100 million spent on media. The campaign included a dragon on the Empire State Building and a Team Black banner on the Brooklyn Bridge, which you might have seen on social media from fans who ate it up.

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Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” crushed the box office this past weekend, making $155 million domestically, already on the path to overthrow “Dune: Part 2.” This must be the year for sequels, because critics are already betting on an Oscar nomination for Pixar. 

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And finally we have some music news, and I think all of the Swifties should be excited to hear. Yes, I’ll say that even though I promised my sister I’d never say Swifties again…

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Music manager Scooter Braun announced his retirement on Monday, following a 23 year career in the music industry. Braun is most notably known for his long running feud with Taylor Swift after his company bought the master rights to Swift’s first 6 studio albums, causing her to re-release them under the title “Taylor’s Versions”. Braun was also responsible for launching Justin Beiber’s career in 2008, but he’ll always be remembered as the reason we have the All Too Well 10 Minute Version. 

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That’s all for your pop culture news, this is Jake signing off, thank you for listening to Current2 Pop Culture, if you enjoyed it, tell yours friends to listen so you have someone to talk to about it. We are the easy way to stay entertained, have a great rest of your day.

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The Bulletin Brief

2024 Tony Award Highlights and big names (Hollywood Reporter, Guardian, AP, People)

Bridgerton gives romance fans a perfect conclusion with season finale (Wrap)

HBO’s House of the Dragon premiers off of huge marketing push (Guardian, Deadline)

Inside Out 2 in talks for Oscar after impressive opening weekend (Variety)

Scooter Braun retires, Swifties remember it ‘All Too Well’ (Today)