‘Heated Rivalry’ Author Addresses What She Wants for Season 2

Heated RivalryauthorRachel Reidis offering insight into what fans can expect, as well as her hopes, from the highly anticipated second season of the HBO Max and Crave series.

Reid discussed the future of the series in a recent interview with Variety, where she reflected on her early conversations with show creatorJacob Anderson, casting decisions, and the show's breakoutsuccess.

When asked about her expectations for Season 2, Reid suggested that the creative team is aligned on the direction. "I think we're on the same page about it," Reid said.

According to Reid, the story will continue to focus on Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams), the fan favorite couple introduced in Season 1. "Obviously, the focus has to stay on Ilya and Shane," she said.

Reid reassured fans that the series will not shift to an entirely new romance in its second season. "We're not going to do Season 2 and it's a totally different couple." The author acknowledges, "It wouldn't be very popular."

That said, Reid acknowledged the strong response to other characters in theGame Changersuniverse. "Not that we weren't expecting it, but I think we're all surprised at how popular Scott and Kip were."

She added that the creative team is actively considering how to expand their roles. "OK, how do you get more Scott [Hunter] (François Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.)?"

Reid believes Season 2 will largely draw fromThe Long Game,her 2022 sequel toHeated Rivalrywhich follows Ilya as he pushes to make their once-secret relationship public.

She noted that Anderson has previously referenced this direction in interviews, reinforcing the adaptation's focus.

However, Reid pointed out that the events ofThe Long Gameoverlap with another novel in the series,Role Modelcreating an opportunity for parallel storytelling. "There's another bookRole Model thatkind of overlaps it. So, I'm hoping that we'll get both stories told at the same time. I don't think there's another way you could do it."

Reid also expressed hope that Season 2 will receive an expanded episode order. "I'd go as high as 12, but maybe if it was just eight or 10, that would be nice."

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

The complete first season ofHeated Rivalryis streaming now on HBO Max.

This story was originally published byParadeon Dec 31, 2025, where it first appeared in theTVsection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

byAdministrator

in

December 30, 2025

‘Heated Rivalry’ Author Addresses What She Wants for Season 2

Heated RivalryauthorRachel Reidis offering insight into what fans can expect, as well as her hopes, from the highly anti...

Read More

Isiah Whitlock Jr dies at 71 after decades-long career spanning 'The Wire', 'Veep' and Spike Lee films

"The Wire" star Isiah Whitlock Jr.has died. He was 71.

Whitlock died peacefully inNew Yorkon Tuesday after battling a short illness, his manager, Brian Liebman, confirmed to the Associated Press.

Whitlock was most famously known for his role as the corrupt state senator, Clay Davis, in HBO's "The Wire."

Liebman tookto Instagramon Tuesday to honor Whitlock after his passing.

"It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and client Isiah Whitlock Jr. If you knew him — you loved him. A brilliant actor and even better person. May his memory forever be a blessing. Our hearts are so broken. He will be very, very missed," Liebman wrote alongside images of the actor.

Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News

Read On The Fox News App

Whitlock also has a breakout role in "Veep," starring as George Maddox, the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

The actor also appeared in some of Spike Lee's movies, including "BlacKkKlansman," "Da 5 Bloods," "She Hate Me," "25th Hour," "Red Hook Summer" and "Chi-Raq."

In "25th Hour," Whitlock introduced his iconic phrase, "sheeeeeit," which was his interpretation of "sh-t." His phrase became so popular, the writers on "The Wire" decided to incorporate it into his character's lingo.

Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter

"I was in, I think, Grand Central Station and far away I heard someone say it and they'd be kind of smiling," he said. "I'm glad people enjoy it," Whitlock said in a2008 interview.

Whitlock also had a role in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas."

Whitlock's final TV role was in Netflix's "The Residence."The seriespremiered on the streaming service in March. He also was a voice actor in Pixar's animated movie, "Hoppers," which is slated for a 2026 release.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

Original article source:Isiah Whitlock Jr dies at 71 after decades-long career spanning 'The Wire', 'Veep' and Spike Lee films

byAdministrator

in

December 30, 2025

Isiah Whitlock Jr dies at 71 after decades-long career spanning 'The Wire', 'Veep' and Spike Lee films

"The Wire" star Isiah Whitlock Jr.has died. He was 71. Whitlock died peacefully inNew Yorkon Tuesday after battling a short illn...

Read More

People Share 57 Of The Funniest Things Their Parents Said While Watching Stranger Things Season 5

When Stranger Things premiered in 2016, none of us knew we'd be waiting almost ten years for the finale.

While the show took its sweet time between all the five seasons, fans found their own ways to prepare for the last season before the first volume dropped this November.

Some people did full rewatches, others watched quick recaps online, while some of us just trusted our memory and hoped everything would come back once the theme song played.

Most of our parents chose the third option, but with a new approach — asking their children who's who like it's their first time in the Upside Down, while giving a running commentary at the same time.

From forgetting who is related, to mixing up names, inventing new ones, and not knowing who is dating whom, the parents are still stuck somewhere between season one and season five. Luckily for us, it has left us with endless meme gold.

"So he's not a wizard or a sorcerer, he's a fairy" -my dad after Will's coming out speech

© Photo:alexander

my mom said that jonathan is in love with will because he smiled while will was coming out

"Someone needs to stop these tulips" my mom talking abt demogorgans

© Photo:Sahara

Created by Matt and Ross Duffer, better known as the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things arrived at a time when Netflix was still finding its footing — and it quickly became a defining moment for the platform.

"People always talk about Netflix and [say] our big moment was when we'd put on 'House of Cards,' and that was a big deal. But our real moment was when we put on Stranger Things," co-CEOTed Sarandossaid during the season 5 premiere in Los Angeles recently.

my mom cannot stop calling vecna "vespa"

© Photo:alex

my dad said "so how was the new season of Dangerous Things?"

© Photo:swiss

The first four episodes of the new season, released as Volume 1 over Thanksgiving, pulled in 59.6 million views in their first five days — the biggest launch for any English-language series on Netflix.

And the hype hasn't died down since Volume 2 was released with three more episodes this Christmas. According toFlixPatrol, Stranger Things is currently the number one show on Netflix both in the US and around the world, proving that fans everywhere are still completely hooked on the Upside Down.

my grandpa asked if lucas was the demon

© Photo:alima

I asked my mom who her favorite was and she said mr whatsit

© Photo:ghostface

My dad is trying to convince me vecna is wills dad

© Photo:User5352673373837

It's not just the new season keeping fans glued to their screens. Many went back to catch up, and season 4, which dropped in 2022, still holds strong — sitting at number two on Netflix's list of the most popular English-language TV shows of all time.

Maybe that's part of the Duffer Brothers' strategy to get more viewers revisiting earlier seasons — by spacing out releases over long periods.

"If TV shows come out every year, it's diminishing return," Matt Duffer said atVariety'sEntertainment and Technology Summit. "I like the build-up."

Netflix says each of the previous four Stranger Things seasons sawviewershipjump week by week, as fans went back to rewatch older episodes before the new season dropped.

My mum thought vecna became cancer to k**l hoppers daughter

© Photo:Darcey

"did they ever find will?" dad will is RIGHT THERE

© Photo:savannahphernelia

"He's new right?" And it's Mike

© Photo:spilledteaonmycoaster

when Jonathan got up to hug will after he came out my dad said "kiss him" bby that's his BROTHER

© Photo:elle

But it's not just parents asking the questions — many people online admit they are having trouble keeping up, especially if you have not revisited the earlier seasons.

There were alsocomplaintsthat Volume 2's episodes felt rushed, and relied more on explanation rather than moving the narrative forward.

But not everyone felt that way. Some fans defended the new season, saying its focus on character development and emotional moments is part of what makes it special. And that the explanations helped them fill in gaps from previous episodes

My mom keeps calling vecna vector

© Photo:Kenadie

after literally watching Mr whatsit turn into vecna to attack max, my dad kept saying his theory is Mr whatsit is evil

© Photo:cherry

my dad asked why is mike hugging hollys mom

© Photo:charley

My dad stopped caring after they ended Matthew Modine

© Photo:juliancoms

Whether you are a parent catching up or a longtime superfan, part of the fun this season has been piecing together the story and the characters.

Stranger Things is definitely a show that keeps on giving, with plenty of surprises and meme-worthy moments that make each episode just as enjoyable as the first.

My mom thought will had a crush on robin

© Photo:𝙹𝚘𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚊

they forget major character names but my mom is still asking where's barb

© Photo:Jenna

"ok wrap it up" - my father as Will's coming out

© Photo:kat

my mom thought he was confessing that he had anger issues

© Photo:tomie

My dad asked me if Steve and Dustin were dating

© Photo:іsᥣᥲ 𝖿ᥲᥣᥣ᥆ᥒ

my dad said that johnathan looked like a cpr doll

© Photo:lauren

"what's the upside down" We've been watching the show since 2016

© Photo:Chloe<3

My mom keeps thinking that them playing dnd is what's making the monster come alive

© Photo:The_weasel

my dad said his fav character is matthew

© Photo:nikwithdrawals

"Who's that little boy" it was kali

© Photo:Jojo

My parents were convinced that Karen became Vecna in the hospital

© Photo:sliceofkaye

My dad literally asked "now who is hawkins" 5 mins into vol 2

When holly went into the woods and they revealed max my dad gasped and said "BARB"

© Photo:Maddie Peters

My dad keeps calling Steve "Chicago"

© Photo:Dani

my mom calls the demogorgons "demi lovatos"

My grandma calls vecna , Velcro

My mom asked if the demogorgons were vecnas children

"he's such a good dad" -my dad talking about ted wheeler

my mom called el and kali 7/11

My mom bought a stranger things calendar from Amazon and for some reason all of the pictures in it were of cosplayers (she didn't know) and she asked me if this was barb…

my dad was too focused on how much Max looks like Jesse from Toy Story

when will came out my dad said "we've known since the first season little boy"

my mum keeps calling dustin toothless

My husband some how combined IT and Stranger Things in his mind, and I didn't realize until we watched Welcome to Derry and he asked me why Vecna was Henry for some kids and Pennywise for others.

My mother won't stop calling the upside down the nether

My dad keeps tryna convince everyone will is secretly vecna

"why doesnt barb have any scenes anymore" dude WHAT

My dad thinks that papa is the mind flayer

My dad still calls it strange kids

My dear mother asking, "Aww, he liked her? 🥺" after Will saw Robin kissing Vicky and ran away

my mom asked if vickie was barb

my dad goes "are they sisters?" as vickie and robin huddle together

My dad asked "who's will" 10 minutes into episode 7 of season 5 like gang WHAT do you mean

My dad said "i think it's over for the strawberry shortcakes" (Robin and vickie)

parents will miss entire plot points but they'll never forget Barb

my dad keeps fatshaming derek 😭 he calls him tubby and when i asked why he wasn't running to the caves he said "because he's fat"

Dad asked if the creatures were "Gargamels"

my dad said he thought henry was working with vecna

"wait there's holly right there!" so that's actually nancy

My mom asked if the lab in the upside down was Steve's house

byAdministrator

in

December 30, 2025

People Share 57 Of The Funniest Things Their Parents Said While Watching Stranger Things Season 5

When Stranger Things premiered in 2016, none of us knew we'd be waiting almost ten years for the finale. W...

Read More

Trump issues first vetoes of his second term

PresidentDonald Trumpthis week issued the first vetoes of his second term in office, rejecting two bills thatpassed Congresswith bipartisan support.

Trump on Monday vetoed a pipeline measure and legislation that would include more land for the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida,the White House said on X.

The pipeline bill, known as theFinish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, passed both the House and the Senate by voice vote, indicating overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation aims to facilitate completing a pipeline project to bring clean water to southeastern Colorado.

In a letter to the House announcing the veto, Trump pointed to the history of the pipeline construction, arguing it had dragged on for too long and had cost too much money.

"Enough is enough," Trump wrote. "My administration is committed to preventing American taxpayers from funding expensive and unreliable policies. Ending the massive cost of taxpayer handouts and restoring fiscal sanity is vital to economic growth and the fiscal health of the Nation."

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., respondedon social media, writing, "This isn't over."

Colorado's two senators, both Democrats, blasted Trump on social media. Sen. Michael Bennetcalled Trump's vetoa "revenge tour," and Sen. John Hickenlooperaccused himof "playing partisan games and punishing Colorado by making rural communities suffer without clean drinking water."

Hickenlooper encouraged Congress to overturn the veto, which would require two-thirds majority votes in both chambers.

The other bill Trump vetoed, known as theMiccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act, would expand the Miccosukee Reserved Area in Florida to include part of the Everglades National Park known as Osceola Camp. It also passed Congress by voice vote.

The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., whose office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's veto.

In his letter explaining the veto, Trump accused the Miccosukee Tribe of seeking "to obstruct reasonable immigration policies that the American people decisively voted for when I was elected."

Trump vetoed 10 bills during his first term; only one of the vetoes was overridden by Congress. Thefirst vetocame two years into his term, on a Senate joint resolution that sought to terminate a national emergency he had declared on the Southern border.

byAdministrator

in

December 30, 2025

Trump issues first vetoes of his second term

PresidentDonald Trumpthis week issued the first vetoes of his second term in office, rejecting two bills thatpassed Congresswith bipartisa...

Read More

Israel to suspend operations of several aid groups in Gaza as countries warn of renewed ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis

Several international humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), face being barred from working in Gaza from Thursday for failing to comply with Israel's new restrictions for aid groups operating in the devastated enclave.

Israel said Tuesday it will suspend the operations of international aid groups that did not renew their registration, which includes requiring organizations working in Gaza to provide personal details of their staff members.

Aid agencies have repeatedly voiced concerns over those requirements, citing the safety of their employees.

Israel's move comes as 10 countries warned that Gaza's humanitarian situation is facing "renewed deterioration" and that conditions in the enclave "remain catastrophic."

Gaza, which lies in ruins, isenduring a harsh winter, with heavy rain and plunging temperatures worsening already dire living conditions.

Fierce rain and strong winds have destroyed the flimsy, waterlogged tents many Palestinians are forced to survive in, and at least 20 people have been killed by homes and buildings collapsing as they sought shelter from the severe weather conditions, according to the Hamas-run Government Media Office in Gaza (GMO).

"As winter draws in, civilians in Gaza are facing appalling conditions with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping," the foreign ministers of Canada, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland said in a statement Tuesday.

Relief groups say Israel's decision affects more than two dozen aid organizations and that suspending their operations in Gaza "will cost the lives of Palestinians."

"Removing these humanitarian organizations now will deepen exposure, illness, and preventable deaths," Refugees International said in a statement. "It is a pretext to further restrict aid to Gaza while silencing independent aid organizations."

Israel said its registration rules are to prevent Hamas from exploiting international aid, a claim the UN and aid groups have rejected. AUS government reviewearlier this year found no evidence of widespread theft by Hamas, claims both Israel and the US State Department have made.

"The registration requirement is aimed at preventing the involvement of terrorist elements and at safeguarding the integrity of humanitarian activity, as demonstrated in past cases," the Israeliforeign ministrysaid in a statement.

Concerns over Israel's registration rules

UN agencies and aid groups had repeatedly voiced concerns over Israel's registration rules.

Israel said it notified international organizations in March that they needed to comply with the requirements. It said those who did not renew their registration were told their authorization would end on January 1 and they would have to withdraw two months later.

The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli agency tasked with facilitating aid distribution in Gaza, said medical charity MSF "chose not to cooperate with the registration process and refused to provide Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs with a list of its employees, as required by a government decision."

CNN has reached out to MSF for comment.

Aid agencies have balked at Israel's new requirements.

"The system relies on vague, arbitrary, and highly politicized criteria and imposes requirements that humanitarian organizations cannot meet without violating international legal obligations or compromising core humanitarian principles," the Humanitarian Country Team of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, a forum that brings together UN agencies and more than 200 local and international organisations,said in December.

In May, Oxfam raised concerns over the requirement to submit staff lists and other information about staff members and their families to Israel, followingdeadly attackson aid workers in Gaza.

"In a context where humanitarian and healthcare workers are routinely subject to harassment, detention, and direct attacks, this raises serious protection concerns," Oxfam said in astatement.

MSF, one of the largest medical operations operating in Gaza, said losing access "would be a disaster for Palestinians."

"If MSF loses its access to Gaza in 2026, due to the Israeli authorities, a large portion of people in Gaza will lose access to critical medical care, water, and lifesaving support," the medical agencysaid in a statementearlier this month. "MSF's activities serve nearly half a million people in Gaza through our vital support to the destroyed health system."

COGAT has claimed the groups facing suspension did not bring aid into Gaza throughout the current ceasefire and the "government decision will not result in any future harm to the volume of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip."

It said 4,200 trucks would continue to enter Gaza each week through the UN, donor countries, the private sector, and more than 20 international organizations that have been registered.

However, a group of more than 40 organizations, including MSF and Oxfam, said in October that Israel had continued to "arbitrarily reject shipments of life-saving assistance" since the ceasefire.

More than a dozen international aid groups had "urgent shipments of aid, including water, food, tents and medical supplies denied entry into Gaza," the group said, on the grounds that most organizations were "not authorized" to deliver aid.

The 10 foreign ministers warning about conditions in Gaza urged the Israeli government to take "urgent and essential steps," including ensuring international NGOs can continue operating in the strip and allowing the UN and its partners to carry out their humanitarian work.

They also called on Israel to "open crossings and boost the flows of humanitarian aid into Gaza."

At least 1.3 million people still require urgent shelter, while more than half of Gaza's health facilities are only partially functioning because of shortages of essential medical supplies, the statement said. It added that the collapse of sanitation infrastructure had left around 740,000 people vulnerable to toxic flooding.

Over the weekend, severe weather contributed to further deaths. Gaza's civil defense said two people, including a 7-year-old child, were killed on Sunday when a wall collapsed due to the cold conditions.

Israel's foreign ministry rejected the joint statement, calling it "false but unsurprising."

The statement reflects "a recurring pattern of detached criticism and one-sided demands on Israel, while deliberately ignoring the essential requirement of disarming Hamas - a prerequisite for the security of Israel and the region," the ministry said in a post on X.

It also criticized the statement for overlooking what it called the "significant improvement in the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire," attributing the progress to Israel's efforts alongside the United States.

Netanyahu in United States

The alarm from multiple western nations over the winter aid crisis comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues a visit to the United States, where he was warmly greeted by President Donald Trump.

In an interview that aired on Tuesday, Fox News' Brett Baier asked Netanyahu whether he sees an international stabilization force on the ground and a new government in Gaza in 2026.

"A new government in Gaza is possible if you disarm Hamas," Netanyahu said. "No one's going to come in there if Hamas stays armed and will put a bullet right through the back of their head, of any potential new government."

"If we disarm Hamas, whether with an international force or by any other means, yes, I see a different future for Gaza."

The interview aired a day after Netanyahumetwith Trump in Florida. Netanyahu told Baier that he and the US president "saw eye to eye" and that he didn't hear any frustration from Trump about Israel's recent strikes on Gaza.

"He understands," Netanyahu said of Trump.

In a statement on Monday Hamas rejected calls of disarmament. The group's new spokesperson Hudhaifa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout said "our people are defending themselves and will not give up their weapons as long as the occupation remains."

CNN's Benjamin Brown contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byAdministrator

in

December 30, 2025

Israel to suspend operations of several aid groups in Gaza as countries warn of renewed ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis

Several international humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), face being barred from working in Gaza from Thu...

Read More

Zohran Mamdani is set to be sworn in as mayor as NYC rings in the New Year

Zohran Mamdaniwill become mayor of New York City as the clock ticks over into 2026 — but the celebrations are set to last through New Year's Day.

The Democrat's team is planning two separate swearing-in ceremonies Thursday — a small, private one with his family in an old subway station around midnight, followed by a large event in the afternoon that will include a public block party outside City Hall.

As anew mayor'sterm begins immediately with the new year, it has been customary for the city's incoming leaders to hold two events. Outgoing mayor Eric Adamsheld his initial swearing-inat Times Square shortly after the famous ball drop, while Adams' predecessor, Bill de Blasio,took his first oathat home in Brooklyn.

For his part,Mamdaniwill take his initial oath at the former City Hall subway station in Manhattan — one of the city's original stops on its subterranean transit system, known for its tiled arches and vaulted ceilings.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a political ally and notable foe of President Donald Trump, will administer the oath of office.

The old City Hall stop was designed as the flagship station of the city's first subway line, but was decommissioned in 1945. These days, outside of occasional guided historical tours, locals can usually only catch a glimpse of it by staying on the 6 train after its last stop downtown when it turns around to head north.

In a statement, Mamdani's office said the choice to be sworn in at the station reflected his "commitment to the working people who keep our city running every day."

"When Old City Hall Station first opened in 1904 — one of New York's 28 original subway stations — it was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples' lives," Mamdani said.

"That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath City Hall: it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above," he said.

On Thursday afternoon, Mamdani will be sworn in again, this time by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of hispolitical heroes, on the steps of City Hall in a ceremony scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another political ally, will deliver opening remarks.

Mamdani's transition formed an inaugural committee that includes actor John Turturro, playwright Cole Escola and writer Colson Whitehead, as well as advocates, small business owners and campaign workers who the incoming mayor's office says have "provided perspective, guidance, and cultural sensibility" for the ceremony.

The public swearing-in will be accompanied by a block party along a stretch of Broadway leading up to City Hall. Mamdani's office expects thousands of people to attend and says there will be performances, music and interfaith elements.

byAdministrator

in

December 30, 2025

Zohran Mamdani is set to be sworn in as mayor as NYC rings in the New Year

Zohran Mamdaniwill become mayor of New York City as the clock ticks over into 2026 — but the celebrations are set to las...

Read More

John Fogerty reveals how he spends his time during Las Vegas residency

John Fogerty'scatalog is ripe for residencies.

As the voice ofCreedence Clearwater Revival classics("Bad Moon Rising," "Proud Mary," "Fortunate Song") and the engine behind a prolific solo career ("Centerfield," "The Old Man Down the Road"), Fogerty could play a Bruce-Springsteen-circa-1979-length show and still not have time for every well-worn hit.

The energetic singer-songwriter-guitarist, 80, will drop a setlist of fan favorites at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Dec. 31 and Jan. 2-3 with a return March 18 and 20-21. Tickets for all showsare available now.

The "John Fogerty, Live in Las Vegas" run isn't the musician's first round in Vegas. He's previously performed extended runs at the Venetian Theatre at the Venetian Las Vegas and Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas and says he loves staying in one place and getting to know the staff at the hotels.

In a recent chat with USA TODAY, thegregarious Fogertyrevealed his favorite guitarists, how he keeps his voice in robust form and what he does to "honor the music."

Question: This will be your third residency in Las Vegas. How do you spend your downtime when you're there?

John Fogerty:I spend a lot of time practicing guitar. I'm still very engaged in that process. It's just fun. I'm much better at practicing now. I'm able to find things I want to get better at and charge at them.

As a kid, I didn't take lots of lessons. I don't read music very much. I'm not a traditional student; it's all about techniques for me. When I was young and would hear Chet Atkins and Scotty Moore thumb picking, I'd wish I was better at it. My comfort zone is blues, but there's plenty of material for me to work on.

Who do you listen to that isn't in your comfort zone?

When all the metal and hair bands in the '80s came along, starting with Eddie Van Halen, that was way over my head. It took me 20 years trying to crack the code (of his playing). I have much respect forthe way Eddie played. It's something I call the "hair band approach." You play the guitar as if there are no other instruments, you open your mind and almost anything goes.

Did you ever meet Eddie?

I did, at least on one occasion at a wedding. All of Van Halen was there. All I did was sort of bow as low as I could and give him a big hug. I didn't even realize then how amazing he was.

Who among current guitarists impresses you?

Billy Strings. He's certainly the one everybody sees right now. But I have to mentionJerry Douglas. He's my absolute idol. He's in a wondrous universe all by himself. Jerry's approach is so mind boggling. It's quite a discipline for me to chase after and honor. He kicked me in the rear, metaphorically.

Your first show of this new residency is New Year's Eve. How are you planning to ring in 2026 with the crowd?

We'll certainly honor the day. It is a wonderful time when we all reflect on the past year, hoping the next year is better. All of us feel that way this year. But we'll have some twists and turns that night – I don't want to give it away.

Have you caught any other residencies in Vegas, or been to the Sphere?

Oh yes, my wife and Isaw the Eagles, and that was something. They have so many great songs. At one point, [Don] Henley said, "It's all about the songs." I think he was probably marveling at the technology and that tends to dazzle everyone − which it did − but I'm a musician and songwriter and I do admire their songs and music … I also saw Garth Brooks doing his one-man show at the Wynn (more than a decade ago) and that was great to hear a lot of his background and who he admired. He was very human. You could really see his depth and commitment to people.

On the"Legacy" album, you rerecorded 20 of CCR's best known songs and it's a marvel how strong you still sound. What are you doing to preserve your voice?

Mainly, I take care of myself. A lot of things will hurt your voice, smoking being one. I used to smoke, but I gave it up a long time ago. I sincerely believe that the first good thing you can do for yourself is be in a happy place and as free of stress as you can possibly get, which is a tall order. But remarkably, I am very happy. I'm with a beautiful woman, and I know how good I've got it.

That really fulfills my heart. I don't try to worry so much about the career thing. You try to manage it, but don't let it get out of control or take over your life.

You mentioned taking care of yourself physically. What in particular do you do?

Getting enough rest, recognizing that you're human − especially now, not so much when I was 20 (laughs). I don't want to feel that I was wanting in front of an audience. That would make me feel so guilty, so I don't let that happen. Diet is a big thing. Coffee is very bad for your tummy, so when I'm touring, I have to give that up. I suffered years ago with acid reflux, which is a diet thing and can hurt your vocal cords. It's really important to me. I run into people more casual about it. But I want to be able to sing and want to have the energy. I honor the music and think of all the people I admire and hold them in my head. Like I'll think aboutThe Beatlesand go, they'd be mad at you if you acted a fool and you showed up and couldn't sing.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:John Fogerty shares how his voice stays strong during Vegas residency

byAdministrator

in

December 30, 2025

John Fogerty reveals how he spends his time during Las Vegas residency

John Fogerty'scatalog is ripe for residencies. As the voice ofCreedence Clearwater Revival classics("...

Read More