Chaka Khan Dishes on Friendship with 'Brilliant' Sia and How She Became the Singer's 'Godmother' (Exclusive)

Chaka Khan and Sia collaborated on the dance-pop single "Chakzilla," the first release from the "I'm Every Woman" singer's upcoming album

NEED TO KNOW

• Khan tells PEOPLE about how she became Sia's godmother

• "Chaka is the Godzilla of chanteuses alive," Sia tells PEOPLE in a statement

Friendship looks good onChaka KhanandSia.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member's new single "Chakzilla" is out now, and the dance-pop track was written with Sia, who also provides backing vocals, marking their latest collaboration after years of knowing one another.

"The moment we met, we felt like we knew each other forever," Khan, 73, tells PEOPLE of the "Chandelier" singer-songwriter, 50. "She's now my goddaughter. I'm a godmother."

How did Khan become Sia's godmother? "Quite naturally," she explains. "She asked me to be her godmother. I said, 'Absolutely.' Simple as that."

The two artists previously performed "I'm Every Woman" together when Khan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, and they later collaborated on the song "Immortal Queen" from Sia's 2024 albumReasonable Woman.

"She's got a big, beautiful heart. And she's such a talent," says Khan of Sia. "She's so clever and so smart and a great singer, a great writer. I mean, she's almost perfection when it comes to art. She's brilliant."

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"Chakzilla" serves as the first single off Khan's upcoming album of the same name, which comes out on Friday, Sept. 18 after about "a year and a half" of making the project together with producer Greg Kurstin.

Sia tells PEOPLE in a statement, "Chaka is the Godzilla of chanteuses alive, and it was my honor to collaborate with her on this music!"

The "Cheap Thrills" artist came up with the title of "Chakzilla," according to Khan. "I would've never thought of that," she says. "[Sia is] clever. She comes up with lots of ideas."

In the song's music video, Khan portrays a Godzilla-like "monster of a person" who rebuilds society instead of destroying it. She was inspired to embody the altruistic character "because that's closer to what I am," she says. "I tried to make it true to who I am and what I'm about."

Chakzillawill mark Khan's first new album since 2019'sHello Happiness. "It's a really, really great album, a great CD with great songs. It's going to be on the pop dance side," she explains. "We've got lots of great people collaborating as well."

Read the original article onPeople

byCosmopolite

in

May 08, 2026

Chaka Khan Dishes on Friendship with 'Brilliant' Sia and How She Became the Singer's 'Godmother' (Exclusive)

Chaka Khan and Sia collaborated on the dance-pop single "Chakzilla," the first release from the "I'm Every Woman...

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Nomade sculpture returns to Des Moines after monthslong restoration

One of Des Moines most beloved landmarks has returned.

On May 5, crews started reassembling Nomade at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines. One of the park's most photographed and admired sculptures, it has beenabsent from the park since October2025, when it was removed for conservation work.

Nomade, a crouching human form composed of painted stainless‑steel letters from the Latin alphabet, has been at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park since it opened in September 2009. Spanish artist Jaume Plensa created the 27‑foot‑tall sculpture.

Here's what to know about the return of the Nomade.

What renovations were done to the Nomade?

A team of members from the Des Moines Art Center, professional conservators and Des Moines company specializing in metalwork removed the sculpture from the park and disassembled it bolt by bolt, according to aMay 5 news release.

Afterward, they conducted a thorough inspection, which included 100 hours of sandblasting and meticulous repainting of each surface before reassembling the work.

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There will be a ribbon‑cutting to celebrate Nomade’s return on Wednesday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. Remarks from Des Moines Art Center staff begin at noon, followed by free guided tours, refreshments and a picnic in the park. Thursday, May 21, is the backup date if weather does not cooperate.

Are more renovations coming to sculptures at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park?

Conservation work on Nomade was the first of a series of conservation efforts happening over the next three years, Amy Day, the senior director of communications and marketing at the Des Moines Art Center, told the Register in 2025.

The Register reported in October 2025 that the Des Moines Art Center received a $113,000 Legacy Grant from Prairie Meadows to preserve Nomade and upgrade the park's security and accessibility. The organization also received $50,000 from The Fred Maytag Family Foundation and launched a $500,000 "Friends of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park" campaign, a multi‑year fundraising effort to protect sculptures across the park and improve security and accessibility, the news release said.

"Thanks to Prairie Meadows' leadership and commitment, we can ensure this beloved space remains welcoming and inspiring for generations to come," Dr. Kelly Baum, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Des Moines Art Center, said in the news release.

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register:Nomade returns to Des Moines sculpture park after monthslong repairs

byCosmopolite

in

May 08, 2026

Nomade sculpture returns to Des Moines after monthslong restoration

One of Des Moines most beloved landmarks has returned. On May 5, crews started reassembling Nomade at the John and Mary Pappajohn...

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WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg coming to Memphis in May BBQ contest

It’s not just the ribs that will be bringing the heat to the2026 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

Professional wrestling icon Bill Goldberg is slated to appear on Friday, May 15, at Liberty Park, leaving the ring for the smoke pit, connecting generations of fans united by the thrill of competition and the perfect smoked meat.

“Memphis has always been the home of champions, whether it’s in the ring or on the grill,” said Mack Weaver, Memphis in May president and CEO. “Bringing Goldberg to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a celebration of that spirit. It’s bold, it’s exciting, and it’s uniquely Memphis.”

MEMPHIS IN MAY 2025:Memphis in May: Meet the winners of the 2025 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

Starting at 2 p.m. May 15, fans can stop by the Patriot Tactical Booth and grab photos and autographs with the WWE Hall of Famer, perhaps best known for his 173-win streak at World Championship Wrestling.

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According to Memphis in May, Goldberg will make many other special appearances throughout the day, blending his larger-than-life persona and star power with one of the city’s most celebrated culinary events.

The Memphis in May barbecue contest is set for May 13-16 at Liberty Park. For more information, visitmemphisinmay.org/barbecue.

Brian Strickland is the Food & Dining reporter at the The Commercial Appeal. Contact him atbrian.strickland@commercialappeal.com.

To keep up with the latest news from the Memphis food and dining scene, sign upherefor our Eat Drink Memphis weekly newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal:Bill Goldberg coming to Memphis in May BBQ contest. What to know

byCosmopolite

in

May 07, 2026

WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg coming to Memphis in May BBQ contest

It’s not just the ribs that will be bringing the heat to the2026 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Prof...

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Eileen Davidson credits Oprah Winfrey with changing her outlook on “Days of Our Lives” role

Eileen Davidson looked back on a time when Oprah Winfrey changed her outlook on life.

Key Points

• The soap opera star, who was transitioning from a role on The Young and the Restless to one on Days of Our Lives, saw the talk show host and her guest discussing the importance of having no expectations.

• Davidson tried the approach herself and ended up having the "best" year of her creative life.

Soap opera actressEileen Davidsonjust described having whatOprah Winfreywould call an "aha moment," because of the former talk show host.

TheYoung and the Restlessalum, who had originated the character of Ashley Abbott in 1982, which she left and returned to several times over the years, recalled being asked to work on another soap,Days of Our Lives,during an appearance this week on theSoapypodcast.

While Davidson was asked to do both series at first, she said, she lost her job atY&Rtwo months later.

"I thought, 'I'm like a baseball player," Davidson said. "I got no say in it. I took a pay cut. I was so angry. I was so pissed off, because I got no say."

Still, Davidson joined the other soap opera, because she needed the money for her family.

"I was so angry," the actress repeated. "And I'm going toDayswith so much bitterness. I had no idea what I was going into. I didn't know who I was going to be working with. I was kind of just given a take it or leave it. And then I watched Oprah."

The experience of hearing the conversation between Winfrey and her guest changed things for her.

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"She said, 'When you're in life, if something happens, just have no expectation,'" Davidson recounted. "Have no expectations, and then you'll be surprised and it'll be a blessing.' And I went, 'I can't go into this new job being full of bitterness and hate."

She decided to "go in completely free of it, any bitterness, and just welcome the experience, see what was going to happen.'"

As viewers who watched Davidson as Kristen know, what happened wasverygood.

"It was, honestly, one of the best years of my life creatively," Davidson said. "I won my first Emmy that year."

She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy (for the first time) for her work onDays of Our Livesin both 1998 and 2014. She won for the latter. (Davidson was nominated onY&Rin 2003, 2018, and 2025. She won in 2018.)

And she continued to appear onDaysfor decades.

Watch the full conversation above.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byCosmopolite

in

May 07, 2026

Eileen Davidson credits Oprah Winfrey with changing her outlook on “Days of Our Lives” role

Eileen Davidson looked back on a time when Oprah Winfrey changed her outlook on life. Key Points The soap opera st...

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Carrie Underwood on HiNote, Healthy Habits and Life on a Farm (Exclusive)

Carrie Underwood launched HiNote, a wellness brand designed to make wellness feel doable

NEED TO KNOW

• Underwood emphasizes self-care through fitness, nutrition and going on walks to balance her career and family life

• The "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer says she finds joy and fulfillment living on her Tennessee farm

Carrie Underwoodwants to live life on a HiNote.

At 43, Underwood has her priorities straight — and she wants to show up as her best possible self for it all.

"I have to take care of myself because if I get sick, if I get down, if I get unhealthy, everything suffers," Underwood says. "I can't do my job the way I want to, I can'tbe a momthe way I want to, I can'tbe a wifethe way I want to or a friend."

After launching the Fit52 app in 2020, Underwood knew she was ready to take it a step further — this time by simplifying the path to "the best version of yourself" for women everywhere. The result was her newly launched wellness brandHiNote.

"Over the past couple of decades, I really have been trying my best to take care of myself," Underwood, who's currently serving as judge onAmerican Idol, says. "I know better than anyone. I'm in gyms all over the world, it's confusing and there's so much information out there and we really wanted to simplify."

According to a press release, HiNote brings together movement, nourishment and community to make wellness feel doable. The first product launch is HiNote's Everyday Energy Daily Nutrition Drink Mix, which is available in three flavors.

"We want to create things that are easily implementable into daily life. Nothing should be too complicated," she says of the drink mix. "It's not a meal replacement. We're not telling you to get on some crazy diet... You're going to be hydrated. You're going to get your protein, you're going to get some fiber, you're going to get some greens and some super foods and some veggies in there."

She continues, "I'm in my 40s and I feel now it's more important than ever to make sure that those numbers stay where they need to be."

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Over the years, Underwood — who released her last studio albumDenim & Rhinestonesin 2022 — has found that the best remedies involve making time for herself and staying off social media.

"If I do have time to work out, I'm going to work out. If I don't, I might go for a walk. I try to look for those windows in my day that it's like, 'What can I do right now instead of sitting on your phone scrolling?' Which is everybody's favorite pastime these days," she says.

"The foundation is good sleep and good nutrition. I feel like we try to over complicate things," she says, adding, "And then having healthy snacks, having our HiNotes sitting on the counter, it's an easy win. All those little easy wins really do make a big difference."

Most recently, however, Underwood has found fulfillment at her Tennessee farm.

"I grew up in a small town on a farm to leave the farm, go and do all this other stuff, only to end back up on a farm," she says. "I love getting my hands in the dirt. I love growing things. I love it when I make dinner and my husband's a big hunter, my boys are hunters, so we get the cleanest meat anywhere," she says.

The "Somethin' Bad" singer continues, "It's something really soul-filling, as well as fueling your body right when you know exactly what's in it. Nobody's sneaking anything, it was grown right. It's fun and it's great for your brain and your body to be out in the sunshine and have your hands in the dirt. It's very cup-filling for me."

Learn more aboutHiNote here.

Read the original article onPeople

byCosmopolite

in

May 07, 2026

Carrie Underwood on HiNote, Healthy Habits and Life on a Farm (Exclusive)

Carrie Underwood launched HiNote, a wellness brand designed to make wellness feel doable NEED TO KNOW Underwood em...

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