By Mark Gray
7:06pm PDT, Apr 28, 2023
Country music exit
Granger Smith's country music career is winding down, and he can already feel "relief." The singer made headlines recently after detailing his plans to quit entertainment to become a minister. "There's a big sense of relief now that I've told everyone," he told Fox News Digital. While he heads out on his final tour — which will wrap in August — Granger is working towards receiving a master's degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. "A lot of pastors and preachers told me, 'Country music is your ministry, brother. You're in a dark world. You're bringing light to a dark world. You're going into bars and stages where people might not have heard the message of Christ, and you get to speak it – that is your ministry,'" he said. Granger thought about trying to preach from the stage, but he feels his work is best done at the pulpit. "That was the contradiction I finally had to come to terms with. I might have a stage down the road, but right now I need to completely surrender that and give it over to God," he said.
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Learning her lesson
Meghan Trainor made you look, and it's not pretty. The singer is apologizing for her "careless" comments about schools after proclaiming, "f*** teachers." While hosting her "Workin' On It" podcast, Meghan was speaking to influencer Trisha Paytas about the epidemic of school shootings. After Trisha said she was worried about potential bullies and teachers, Meghan chimed in, "F—k teachers, dude." Now, the "All About That Bass" singer is walking her comments back in a big way. "I did not mean all teachers," Meghan said on Sunday, April 23. "I love teachers, I fight for teachers. I think they have the hardest job and they are the most underpaid. They are the most unappreciated when they literally raise all of us. I don't want to make excuses, I just want to [say] I am so sorry." She added, "I am so sorry to any teachers I made feel bad and I will remind myself that my words definitely could have a consequence and I will be more careful." In a TikTok video, Meghan insisted that she "loved" teachers and was "careless" with her words.
Dying wish granted
Ryan Reynolds granted a dying fan's wish over the weekend in multiple ways. A 45-year-old man named Jay Fear has terminal appendix cancer, but he said he wanted to meet Ryan before he dies. The affable actor granted that wish, as he met Jay on April 22. "It was amazing to meet Jay. I wonder if I'd have the same unwavering joy if our roles were reversed," Ryan told the BBC after the 20-minute meeting. During the meeting, Jay spoke of his love of "Deadpool" and the Wrexham soccer team, which Ryan owns with Rob McElhenney. "He is an exceptional person and his family is wonderful. I got a little choked up talking to him and feeling how much his kids and wife are going to miss him." That same day, Jay and Ryan were further delighted after Wrexham won promotion to the English Football League for the first time in 15 years. "They always say you should never meet your idol and this guy is definitely an exception to that," Jay told BBC. "He made me feel welcome and spent time with wife and kids as well. People might think this whole thing was for me. Actually, this is for [my family] because they are the ones that are going to remember what happened for the rest of their lives. I just hope this is a core memory that they'll never forget."
Status update
Although he's still hospitalized, Jamie Foxx is doing "so much better," according to one of his celebrity pals. While speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Nick Cannon said he's "praying" for the former Oscar winner. "You see, I posted on Instagram. I literally have been saying prayers out loud. Words of affirmation for my big brother," Nick said. "I know he's doing so much better because I'm actually about to do something special for him, and doing him a favor." The father of 12 wouldn't detail the "favor" he's been asked to do. "I can't really say what it is, but it'll be out there soon," Nick said. "I was reluctant to go all the way there, and even talk about it, but he gave me the blessing, so it's a beautiful thing. He's awake. They say he's alert, so, we love it. That's family right there." Jamie has been hospitalized since April 12 for an undisclosed "medical complication."
Criminal charges coming?
Pete Davidson could be criminally charged for his March 2023 car crash. Last month, Pete was driving at a "high rate of speed" though Beverly Hills, Calif., when he lost control and crashed his Mercedes into a house, TMZ said. No one was injured and drugs and alcohol were ruled out. However, the "SNL" alum might not be out of the woods. The webloid reports that the Beverly Hills Police Department recently wrapped its investigation, and sent the case over to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office to determine whether Pete will be charged with reckless driving. Pete, who was with girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders at the time, was not cited in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Paying tribute
"Dancing with the Stars" judge Len Goodman is being honored by his colleagues. On Monday, April 24, it was announced that Len had passed at the age of 78 after a battle with bone cancer. Following the death, Carrie Ann Inaba posted a video montage to pay homage to Len. "A Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful storyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And … A treasured friend," she wrote. "Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart. But today's news has shattered it all over again. I can't believe that you're gone. You were one of a kind my dear friend. And I will cherish our memories and hold them close, while I join so many others in mourning your loss." Tom Bergeron called Lena "a good man indeed." Pro dancer Kym Johnson-Herjavec is "heartbroken" and added, "Heavens gates are covered in 10 paddles and mirror balls today." Mark Cuban called Len a "legend."
