New Photo - Wicked composer reveals what Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo asked for while writing new For Good...

Stephen Schwartz shares what the creative process was like writing Glinda's &34;Girl in the Bubble&34; and Elphaba's &34;No Place Like Home.&34; Wicked composer reveals what Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo asked for while writing new For Good songs Stephen Schwartz shares what the creative process was like writing Glinda's &34;Girl in the Bubble&34; and Elphaba's &34;No Place Like Home.&34; By Patrick Gomez :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/pgomezheadshot25b24b6c6d8948899ca9b24a6a9a6844.jpg) Patrick Gomez is an Executive Editor at . Formerly at People magazine and The A.V.

Stephen Schwartz shares what the creative process was like writing Glinda's "Girl in the Bubble" and Elphaba's "No Place Like Home."

Wicked composer reveals what Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo asked for while writing new For Good songs

Stephen Schwartz shares what the creative process was like writing Glinda's "Girl in the Bubble" and Elphaba's "No Place Like Home."

By Patrick Gomez

Patrick Gomez

Patrick Gomez is an Executive Editor at . Formerly at People magazine and The A.V. Club, the Critics Choice and Television Critics Association member has appeared on 'Today,' 'Extra!,' 'Access Hollywood,' 'E! News,' 'CNN,' and 'Nightline,' and can be seen frequently on 'Good Morning America.' Follow the Texas Native at @PatrickGomezLA wherever your media is social for all things 'For All Mankind' 'Top Chef,' and puppy related.

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Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande attend the "Wicked: For Good" European Premiere at Cineworld London Leicester Square on November 10, 2025 in London, England.

Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande promoting 'Wicked: For Good'. Credit:

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Adding to his beloved *Wicked* score was never going to be easy, but Stephen Schwartz knew there was one thing he'd never have to worry about when crafting new songs for *Wicked: For Good* stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

"Both Cynthia and Ariana, of course, have extraordinary vocal instruments — and the ability to do just about anything with them that they want," the lyricist and composer tells **, "so it was just a matter of what would make each of them most comfortable in doing the songs."

So what made Erivo comfortable singing Elphaba's "No Place Like Home" and Grande performing Glinda's "Girl in the Bubble"?

"Cynthia asked for a couple of small word changes in 'No Place Like Home,' where she felt there was one too many syllables here or there," says Schwartz. "She asked if I could find a way to phrase some things a little bit differently, so she could take a breath."

"Then with Ariana, we just worked on vocal placement, because we felt that it was important," he shares. "Since this is the moment at which Glinda changes — that both Glindas, both the private self where she sings in chest voice, or whatever you want to call it, and her public persona where she sings in soprano.... She's going to give up both of those and become her authentic self. And therefore, we needed both of those voices in the song, so we found where would she do the soprano, and how would we do that in a way that was comfortable for her."

ariana grande wicked How they shot Girl in the Bubble number

Glinda (Ariana Grande) singing 'Girl in the Bubble' in 'Wicked: For Good'.

"'The Girl in the Bubble' is such a beautiful and important narrative piece for Glinda, because that's when we see the final layer of her shielding bubble pop," Grande said in a recent video interview exclusive to EW. "It is a shift that happens for her where she realizes something's gotta change."

Jeff Goldblum honors 'Wicked' costars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo for EW's 2025 Entertainers of the Year

Entertainers of the Year tout with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande honored by Jeff Goldblum

Cynthia Erivo explains 'sex cardigan' origin in 'Wicked: For Good': 'She felt safe and comfortable'

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero in 'Wicked: For Good'

The actress went on to say it was "a really surreal thing to be trusted with an original Stephen Schwartz song — but also to be responsible for showing the audience for the first time this very pivotal, sacred moment in Glinda's life."

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu.

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) singing 'No Place Like Home' in 'Wicked: For Good'.

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Erivo echoed those sentiments in another exclusive video: "'No place like home' is originally said by Dorothy [in *The Wizard of Oz*], and so to take those words and put them into the Wicked Witch of the West's mouth, it's a really big responsibility."

"I think it really becomes a beautiful song of resistance," Erivo concluded. "I loved singing it and when we did it on the Yellow Brick Road, which is really iconic and special, it felt really powerful. That home that she's known and loved this entire time might not want her but it doesn't mean that it makes it any less like home."**

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January 04, 2026

Wicked composer reveals what Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo asked for while writing new For Good...

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New Photo - Tonatiuh on his Kiss of the Spider Woman transformation — and trying not to step on Jennifer Lope...

The star of the musical movie reflects on playing two very different characters in director Bill Condon's film. Tonatiuh on his Kiss of the Spider Woman transformation — and trying not to step on Jennifer Lopez's toes The star of the musical movie reflects on playing two very different characters in director Bill Condon's film. By Patrick Gomez :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/pgomezheadshot25b24b6c6d8948899ca9b24a6a9a6844.jpg) Patrick Gomez is an Executive Editor at . Formerly at People magazine and The A.V.

The star of the musical movie reflects on playing two very different characters in director Bill Condon's film.

Tonatiuh on his Kiss of the Spider Woman transformation — and trying not to step on Jennifer Lopez's toes

The star of the musical movie reflects on playing two very different characters in director Bill Condon's film.

By Patrick Gomez

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Woman Doesn't Want to Invite Her Future SisterinLaw to Her Wedding for This Reason Charlotte PhillippJanuary 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM 0 Image Source/Getty Bride and groom (stock image) A woman is questioning whether she would be wrong to not invite her soontobe sisterinlaw to her wedding In a post shared on Reddit's "Am I the A?" forum, the 25yearold woman opened up about the difficult wedding planning process she's had The groom's sister said that she also wanted to have her destination wedding in the same country — and there is one venue she loves that the couple is "not allowed to book" A woman i...

- - Woman Doesn't Want to Invite Her Future Sister-in-Law to Her Wedding for This Reason

Charlotte PhillippJanuary 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Image Source/Getty

Bride and groom (stock image) -

A woman is questioning whether she would be wrong to not invite her soon-to-be sister-in-law to her wedding

In a post shared on Reddit's "Am I the A------?" forum, the 25-year-old woman opened up about the difficult wedding planning process she's had

The groom's sister said that she also wanted to have her destination wedding in the same country — and there is one venue she loves that the couple is "not allowed to book"

A woman is questioning whether she would be wrong to not invite her soon-to-be sister-in-law to her wedding.

In a post shared on Reddit's "Am I the A------?" forum, the 25-year-old woman opened up about the difficult wedding planning process she's had — and how her fiancé's sister became involved.

According to the woman, she and her fiancé got engaged in June and immediately started wedding planning. The couple had a very specific destination in mind.

"We knew we wanted it in Cyprus as my fiancé's dad passed away there very suddenly while he was on holiday last year, so it is a way for my fiancé to feel closer to him on the day," the OP (original poster) explained.

The issue arose when the groom's sister, 28, said she also wanted to have her wedding in the country for the same reason, and insisted there is one venue she loves that the couple is "not allowed to book."

"I feel like I should point out she is not engaged, she has been with her boyfriend for around 5 years and he has no plans to propose soon, as far as I am aware," the Redditor wrote.

Prostock-Studio/Getty

Two women arguing (stock image)

The couple eventually found three venue options, one of which was the venue that the groom's sister told them not to book.

"One we found out was not an option due to the minimum number of guests, as we are only having around 20 people at the wedding. One was not available on any of the dates we wanted, and we did try and work around some different dates, but through more research I did find some red flags about the venue so we decided not to book," the OP noted. "And the final venue we liked was the one my future SIL said we couldn't book."

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According to the OP, she and her fiancé decided to book that venue "after a lot of thinking," as it was "the most logical option for us and fit the vibe we wanted our wedding to be the best," considering the size of their wedding and budget.

"And we decided that if my future SIL does get married there, it doesn't matter to us as we know we will have different weddings," she added.

The OP then explained that her future sister-in-law was immediately upset after learning about the venue, telling the couple that she "wasn't coming" and that she "couldn't believe we would pick a venue over her."

"We tried to explain that we wanted to take her wishes into account but the other venues didn't work out so this was our only option. But she insisted that we have ruined her future wedding," the OP explained.

The OP said she is getting ready to send her "save the dates" — and is "torn" as to whether she should send one to her sister-in-law.

"She has not spoken to us since the argument, she did not come to our engagement celebration and either blanked us at family events or just left when we arrived," she shared, noting her worry that the groom's sister could "find some way to ruin the day and try to make it all about her" if they invite her. On the flip side, she said not inviting her could cause a rift in the family.

Westend61/Getty

Bride and groom (stock image)

The Reddit community had mixed takes on the situation, as some commenters wondered why the couple still wouldn't try to pick another venue or simply invite the sister-in-law despite her complaints.

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"It's your wedding," one person responded. "You using the venue doesn't prevent her from using it. Your wedding is not about her. She doesn't get a vote. It sounds like she has a bad case of the 'it's all about me.' However, be aware that not inviting her will probably permanently alienate your sibling and future SIL, so do take that into account."

"Everyone sucks here," another person chimed in. "She shouldn't reserve a venue for her future wedding and then get that level of angry when you booked it. But also, come on. There's nowhere else to get married? You guys are really going to have petty family drama over a wedding venue?"

"I think you would be the a------ if you didn't give her a save-the-date. Let it be her decision if she wants to go or not," the Redditor added.

on People

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Published: January 04, 2026 at 03:00PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 04, 2026

Woman Doesn't Want to Invite Her Future Sister-in-Law to Her Wedding for This Reason

Woman Doesn't Want to Invite Her Future SisterinLaw to Her Wedding for This Reason Charlotte PhillippJanuary 4, 20...

Chevy Chase's 3 Children: All About Daughters Cydney, Caley and Emily Sophie Dodd, Caroline BlairJanuary 4, 2026 at 6:30 AM 0 Chevy Chase/Instagram (2) Chevy Chase with his daughter Cydney and wife Jayni; Chevy Chase and his daughter Emily. Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni Chase, are parents to three daughters: Cydney, Caley and Emily The comedian and his family share a close relationship Two of his daughters spoke about their relationship with Chevy in the CNN documentary I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not Chevy Chase has been both a household name and a dedicated dad for years.

- - Chevy Chase's 3 Children: All About Daughters Cydney, Caley and Emily

Sophie Dodd, Caroline BlairJanuary 4, 2026 at 6:30 AM

Chevy Chase/Instagram (2)

Chevy Chase with his daughter Cydney and wife Jayni; Chevy Chase and his daughter Emily. -

Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni Chase, are parents to three daughters: Cydney, Caley and Emily

The comedian and his family share a close relationship

Two of his daughters spoke about their relationship with Chevy in the CNN documentary I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not

Chevy Chase has been both a household name and a dedicated dad for years.

The National Lampoon's Vacation actor and his wife, Jayni Chase, are parents to three daughters: Cydney, Caley and Emily. The couple got married in 1982 and became parents not long afterwards when they welcomed daughter Cydney in 1983. The family expanded two years later when they welcomed Caley in 1985, and they had daughter Emily in 1988.

Throughout his rise to stardom, Chevy has had the support of his three daughters and wife. He frequently shares the five of them spending time together and celebrating milestones.

"My dad is the funniest and most generous and loving person I know," his youngest daughter, Emily, told Bedford & New Canaan Magazine in a March 2024 interview. "He has a huge heart and everything he does is for us, his daughters, and our mom — who he has been completely infatuated with since 1980. We truly couldn't ask for a better dad."

Cydney and Caley spoke about their close relationship with their father — as well as the ups and downs they faced as a family — in the CNN documentary, I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not, which premiered on Jan. 1.

Here's everything to know about Chevy Chase's children: Cydney, Caley and Emily.

Cydney Chase, 42

Chevy Chase Instagram

Chevy Chase and his daughter Cydney Chase.

Chevy and wife Jayni welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Cydney Cathalene Chase, on Jan. 4, 1983.

Alongside her dad, Cydney graced the cover of PEOPLE at just 8 months old, in an interview exploring Chevy's initial reactions to fatherhood. The actor explained that he was "terrified" before having a child, and read a variety of childcare books and attended Lamaze childbirth lessons "out of total fear."

"But when Cyd came out, and I saw it was a girl," Chevy told PEOPLE. "I was in love immediately. I cut the umbilical cord, and I held her for the first hour. She seemed to know my voice because, of course, I had been singing and talking to her through the belly for nine months."

He revealed that he and Jayni would bathe and feed her together every night and that their first few months together were pure magic. "When I pick her up, I'm in heaven," he said. "The first couple of years, she'll never remember. But we'll never forget."

Today, Cydney is a singer-songwriter with a passion for painting, yoga, trail running and being out in nature, all of which she documents on her Instagram page. She often accompanies her musical posts on piano or acoustic guitar, sharing covers of everything from Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You" to Nirvana's "Lithium."

The singer is married to husband Ryan Bartell, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Seven Hills Realty. "I really got the handsomest, sweetest, funniest and most steadfast man I could have asked for! Thank you for standing by me and for being my One," she captioned photos of the pair in celebration of Bartell's birthday in October 2021.

She saves plenty of loving tributes for her dad as well, often praising his sense of humor.

"Happy Father's Day to a man who holds onto a sense of humor that is wildly constant and loving. Thank You, Dab, for all you do and for keeping me laughing!" she wrote alongside a photo of her parents in June 2023, referring to her dad by his family nickname, "Dab."

Caley Chase, 40

Chevy Chase Instagram

Chevy Chase and his daughter Caley Chase.

Chevy and Jayni welcomed their second child, daughter Caley, on Jan. 19, 1985.

At age 10, Caley moved with her family from Los Angeles to New York City. She was drawn to the entertainment industry from a young age, she recounted in a May 2018 interview with Magic Image Magazine.

"I think it was originally my love of stories that drew me towards the film and television industry. I have always been very creative and loved the arts," she explained.

The apple hasn't fallen far from the tree: Caley's early interest in the creative arts led her to pursue acting, music and screenwriting. Caley later attended LOLAS Acting School in L.A. and became the first female pianist at The Comedy Store, an iconic comedy club in West Hollywood.

"On a professional level, I am a well-trained actress. I fell in love with acting and have great respect for the craft," she told Magic Image Magazine. "I love it more and more as time goes by. As for singing, I grew up singing with my two sisters, both of whom are also very musical, so it's definitely an important part of who I am."

While pursuing a career in Hollywood, she hasn't only followed in her father's footsteps, but has also worked alongside him on several occasions. Her debut role was as a maid in 2010's short film, Hotel Hell Vacation, which saw her dad reprise his role as Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Vacation.

They've also appeared together in 2013's Before I Sleep and 2023's Zombie Town.

While she has enjoyed sharing the screen with her dad, Caley admitted to Magic Image Magazine that it "has been both difficult and wonderful growing up with a famous father."

"It was tricky learning how to make friends and starting to date, because some people are just enamored by fame and try to connect with you for the wrong reasons. I think any child of a celebrity deals with this in one way or another," she told the outlet.

A fan of her dad, Caley often shares photos and tributes to him on social media, praising him in a moving tribute to "the greatest dad in the world" on Father's Day in 2020.

"I'm so lucky to have you to bounce ideas off of, giggle with, and share stories with- through all the ups and downs," she wrote. "Thank you for challenging me to value myself and better myself. And thank you for all the incredible music you have shown me and given me. You inspire me everyday 💗💕💞 Love you so much!!"

Caley wed husband Milo in June 2022 in a ceremony attended by their entire family.

Emily Chase, 37

Chevy Chase Instagram

Chevy Chase and his daughter Emily Chase.

Chevy and Jayni welcomed their third child together, daughter Emily, on Sept. 29, 1988.

Emily shares her family's passion for music: In addition to singing with her sisters, she started her first band at age 9, according to her Board Member bio page for Give A Note Foundation, a musical education nonprofit. She later performed in a jazz trio in Connecticut.

She also inherited her parents' deep love of animals, often posting photos of herself surrounded by the family pets. "We are big animal people," Emily told the New York Post in February 2022. "Between us, there are three cats, four dogs, some chickens and a couple of old horses."

After graduating from Barnard College with a degree in political science and English, she moved to Aspen, where she worked for the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. In 2019, Emily relocated to New York and began working for the National Audubon Society, where she worked her way up from a development associate to director of board engagement, according to her LinkedIn page.

Much like her older sisters, she shares a close bond with her famous father. As a self-proclaimed "#daddysgirl," she frequently shares photos of her and her "bff" spending quality time together.

Her photos typically show the two hanging out at home, where they can be found cuddled up with their family pets or in the middle of a jam session; others highlight more public occasions, such as when she showed support for her dad at a Q&A and screening of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at Albany's Palace Theatre in 2021.

To ring in the actor's milestone 80th birthday in October 2023, Emily shared a slew of photos on Instagram as she reflected on her dad's achievements in life.

"Today the big Dab is 80, and what a f-----' life he's led. From driving NYC taxis to hosting the Oscars multiple times, he's done more and lived harder than anyone I know," she wrote. "At his core he is deeply loving, sensitive, and a hilarious pain in the a--. We wouldn't have it any other way. Happy birthday to the bestest, mushiest, sweetest and most annoying Dab there is. My BFF!!"

In August 2024, the Christmas Vacation star became a grandfather for the first time when Emily welcomed a baby girl named Ivy Jay Baglieri with her partner, Alex Baglieri.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: January 04, 2026 at 03:00PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 04, 2026

Chevy Chase's 3 Children: All About Daughters Cydney, Caley and Emily

Chevy Chase's 3 Children: All About Daughters Cydney, Caley and Emily Sophie Dodd, Caroline BlairJanuary 4, 2026 at ...

New Photo - Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz is latest star to cancel Kennedy Center event over outrage at Tr...

&34;There's no way I would set foot in it now.&34; Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz is latest star to cancel Kennedy Center event over outrage at Trump takeover &34;There's no way I would set foot in it now.&34; :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JoeyNolfiauthorphotoba4923fec03a4027868306485696ef41.jpg) Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at . Since 2016, his work at EW includes RuPaul's Drag Race video interviews, Oscars predictions, and more. EW's editorial guidelines January 2, 2026 4:25 p.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/StephenSchwartzDonaldTrump010226874e4349c6e64a98a08b2a19824ce301.

"There's no way I would set foot in it now."

Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz is latest star to cancel Kennedy Center event over outrage at Trump takeover

"There's no way I would set foot in it now."

Joey Nolfi, senior writer at

Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at *. *Since 2016, his work at EW includes *RuPaul's Drag Race* video interviews, Oscars predictions, and more.

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January 2, 2026 4:25 p.m. ET

'Wicked' composer Stephen Schwartz; Donald Trump

'Wicked' composer Stephen Schwartz; Donald Trump. Credit:

Karwai Tang/WireImage; Taylor Hill/WireImage

- *Wicked* composer Stephen Schwartz has pulled out of a Kennedy Center event due to outrage at Donald Trump's takeover.

- Schwartz said in an email to *Newsday* that he would not "set foot in" the venue under Trump.

- A longtime Kennedy Center jazz performer canceled a Christmas concert for similar reasons.

Another artist has canceled a Kennedy Center appearance over outrage at President Donald Trump's takeover of the venue, with *Wicked* composer Stephen Schwartz backing out of a planned opera event.

As Trump continues to overhaul the Kennedy Center — a performing arts space and legally protected memorial constructed in honor of President John F. Kennedy — in his own name, Schwartz said Thursday in an email to *Newsday* that he'll no longer host the Washington National Opera Gala on May 16.

Schwartz told the outlet that the center "no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be," with his statement coming after Trump's team erected text bearing his name next to Kennedy's on the exterior of the Washington, D.C., structure.

Donald Trump's name on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts

Donald Trump's name on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty

"There's no way I would set foot in it now," Schwartz added.

Kennedy Center public relations official Roma Daravi said in a statement provided to ** on Friday that "Stephen Schwartz was never discussed nor confirmed and never had a contract by current Trump Kennedy Center leadership" to host the event.

Prior to that, however, EW reviewed a page on the Kennedy Center website touting an event titled "Washington National Opera Gala: Featuring Stephen Schwartz," which was set for May 16. Shortly after EW reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment, the event listing was altered to remove any mention of Schwartz.

George Clooney fires back at Donald Trump after tirade about his 'mediocre' movies

George Clooney and Donald Trump

Christmas concert canceled over outrage at Donald Trump's Kennedy Center changes

Donald Trump on Christmas Eve 2025

EW has also reached out to representatives for Schwartz and the White House for comment.

Schwartz's email to *Newsday* came just over a week after musician Chuck Redd called off an annual Christmas Eve jazz concert that has occurred at the Kennedy Center for the last 20 years.

"When I saw the name change on the Kennedy Center website and then hours later on the building, I chose to cancel our concert," the drummer and vibraphonist behind the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam told the Associated Press.

Kennedy Center listing for Stephen Schwartz's Washington National Opera Gala event

Kennedy Center listing for Stephen Schwartz's Washington National Opera Gala event.

The Kennedy Center

Trump's move to rebrand the storied venue has drawn widespread backlash, including from Democratic Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, who brought a lawsuit against the board of trustees over the development, as law prohibits them from turning the Kennedy Center into a memorial for anyone other than the late president, who was assassinated in 1963.

Kennedy's niece Kerry Kennedy has even said that she will work toward removing Trump's name from the building when he exits his second term as president.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Another jazz group, the Cookers, also backed out of a slated New Year's Eve performance at the Kennedy Center in the wake of the Trump team's changes.

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Original Article on Source

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Published: January 04, 2026 at 03:00PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

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Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz is latest star to cancel Kennedy Center event over outrage at Tr...

&34;There's no way I would set foot in it now.&34; Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz is latest star to cancel...

NFL Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios: What's left to play for Sunday? Michael MiddlehurstSchwartz, USA TODAYJanuary 4, 2026 at 5:04 AM 0 With only 14 games remaining in the NFL regular season, the convoluted clinching scenarios are a thing of the past. The playoff picture has largely come into focus, with 12 of 14 entrants already decided and five of eight division crowns claimed. But there are still a few matters left to be sorted out on Sunday. Among the most notable unresolved issues are who will claim the AFC North and the NFC South.

- - NFL Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios: What's left to play for Sunday?

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAYJanuary 4, 2026 at 5:04 AM

With only 14 games remaining in the NFL regular season, the convoluted clinching scenarios are a thing of the past.

The playoff picture has largely come into focus, with 12 of 14 entrants already decided and five of eight division crowns claimed. But there are still a few matters left to be sorted out on Sunday.

Among the most notable unresolved issues are who will claim the AFC North and the NFC South. The former will be decided by a winner-take-all showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers to conclude the regular season on "Sunday Night Football." The latter will come down to the Atlanta Falcons' meeting with the New Orleans Saints – though neither team can make it into the playoffs. A Falcons win will send the Carolina Panthers to the postseason for the first time since 2017, while a Saints win will ensure the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold onto the division title for a fifth consecutive season.

Here's what all is on the table for Week 18:

NFL Week 18 playoff clinching scenariosDenver Broncos Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios

Broncos clinch AFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage with:

Broncos win

Broncos tie + Patriots loss or tie

Patriots loss + Jaguars loss or tie

New England Patriots Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios

Patriots clinch AFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage with:

Patriots win + Broncos loss or tie

Patriots tie + Broncos loss

Jacksonville Jaguars Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios

Jaguars clinch AFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage with:

Jaguars win + Broncos loss + Patriots loss

Jaguars clinch AFC South with:

Jaguars win or tie

Texans loss

Houston Texans Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios

Texans clinch AFC South with:

Texans win + Jaguars loss

Baltimore Ravens Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios

Ravens clinch AFC North with:

Ravens win

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios

Steelers clinch AFC North with:

Steelers win or tie

Carolina Panthers Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios

Panthers clinch NFC South with:

Falcons win

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios

Buccaneers clinch NFC South with:

Falcons loss or tie

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios: What's at stake Sunday?

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Sports"

Source: Sports

Published: January 04, 2026 at 01:27PM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 04, 2026

NFL Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios: What's left to play for Sunday?

NFL Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios: What's left to play for Sunday? Michael MiddlehurstSchwartz, USA TODAYJanua...

The Cowboys won't reach the playoffs, but their quarterback can still make history Andrew GreifJanuary 4, 2026 at 5:15 AM 0 Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a pass against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 25. (G Fiume / Getty Images) Roger Staubach never did it. Neither did Troy Aikman. Ditto for Tony Romo. But Dak Prescott? He could accomplish something Sunday his Cowboys quarterback predecessors never did. A Dallas quarterback has never led the NFL in passing.

- - The Cowboys won't reach the playoffs, but their quarterback can still make history

Andrew GreifJanuary 4, 2026 at 5:15 AM

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a pass against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 25. (G Fiume / Getty Images)

Roger Staubach never did it. Neither did Troy Aikman. Ditto for Tony Romo.

But Dak Prescott? He could accomplish something Sunday his Cowboys quarterback predecessors never did.

A Dallas quarterback has never led the NFL in passing. Entering Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale, Prescott's 4,482 yards are the most in the league, edging Matthew Stafford of the Rams by a narrow 34 yards.

Should Prescott earn the league's passing title, it won't assuage the sting of the Cowboys missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons after making it three straight from 2021-23, but the record "would be cool, but I'm just playing the game," Prescott told reporters this week.

Having an elite passer remains a prerequisite to have a chance at success in the NFL. Of the 14 passers who entered this week with the most touchdown passes, 10 had helped their teams already secure playoff berths, and two more could join them in the postseason. Quarterbacks are throwing touchdowns at the highest percentage since 2018, and interceptions at a rate that tie for a record-low, according to Football Reference.

Yet statistically, 2025 saw a downturn in raw passing numbers. Entering Week 18, the league average for passing yards per game stood at 211.5 yards, the lowest average since 2008, a dip that some have attributed to kickoff rules that have shortened the average drive.

This season, Prescott leads the league not only in yards but his 397 completions and 589 attempts also are NFL-highs. He earned Pro Bowl honors, has four fourth-quarter comebacks — more than all but one of his previous nine seasons — all with an interception percentage that is lower than his career average. His percentage of on-target and bad throws, as rated by Football Reference, all are better than his career averages.

Dallas entered Week 18 with 49 offensive touchdowns, eighth-most in the NFL, and the league's fourth-highest scoring average. It wasn't enough to offset what has statistically been the NFL's worst defense, in points allowed.

"I'm not going to try to chase" the record, Prescott said. "I'm not going out there and throw it every time. It may actually be opposite of that, just trying to play a smart game, clean game, most importantly get a win. The records will come if they come."

Whether the passing title belongs to Prescott or someone else could come down to snap count. Though he will start against the Giants, Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer has indicated he expects to play backup Joe Milton at some point.

"I'm not gonna try to do too much early and make some big plays so I can get out of the game," Prescott said. "If he says two touchdowns or three touchdowns or 'this score, you're coming out,' that may put a little bit pressure. But me not knowing when it is, and if it is, just go in and play my game and be smart."

Though Los Angeles already has a playoff berth wrapped up, Stafford will play Sunday against the Cardinals. Coming off a three-interception game last week, the 37-year-old Stafford might be trying to make a statement in finishing off one of the best statistical seasons of his 17-year career, and perhaps win over Most Valuable Player voters in the process.

What else we're watching in Week 18

Saints (6-10) at Falcons (7-9): A Falcons win assures the Panthers the NFC South division title. These teams are quietly putting together strong closing statements, with the Falcons winning their last three games and the Saints their last four. Bijan Robinson needs 145 scrimmage yards to join Marshall Faulk (1999) and Chris Johnson (2009) as the only players with 2,400-plus scrimmage yards in a season.

Cowboys (7-8-1) at Giants (3-13): The Cowboys have won 14 consecutive games over the Giants when Prescott starts. That's the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback over an opponent since Miami's Bob Griese over Buffalo (17 straight), per NBC Sports research.

Browns (4-12) at Bengals (6-10): Myles Garrett's pursuit of the NFL's single-season sack record has one final opportunity. Garrett is a half-sack from tying the record, and one sack from owning it outright.

Packers (9-6-1) at Vikings (8-8): Green Bay is guaranteed the NFC's No. 3 seed even though it has lost three consecutive games. Minnesota has won four straight.

Titans (3-13) at Jaguars (12-4): Jacksonville will win the AFC South with a victory. Its seven-game winning streak is the second-longest in team history.

Colts (8-8) at Texans (11-5): The longest active win streak belongs to the Texans, who have won eight straight behind a defense leading the NFL in yards and points allowed.

Chiefs (6-10) at Raiders (2-14): Las Vegas, losers of 10 straight, is guaranteed the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a loss. Amid questions about his future, Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce (1,077) is two catches from passing Terrell Owens for eighth all-time in career receptions.

Dolphins (7-9) at Patriots (13-3): The Patriots rank fifth in both average points scored and allowed. The Dolphins have won five of their last seven games.

Jets (3-13) at Bills (11-5): The final game in Highmark Stadium, which opened in 1973, will see the Bills play a Jets team that has lost four straight games by 23 or more points, tied for the longest such streak in NFL history.

Chargers (11-5) at Broncos (13-3): Denver coach Sean Payton has the opportunity to join Andy Reid and Tom Coughlin as the only coaches to earn the No. 1 playoff seed in both the AFC and NFC. Also, with a Broncos victory, Bo Nix can tie Russell Wilson for the most wins in a quarterback's first two seasons.

Lions (8-8) at Bears (11-5): Record watch is on: Caleb Williams is just 270 yards away from becoming the first Bears quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season.

Commanders (4-12) at Eagles (11-5): Philadelphia can finish as either the NFC's second or third seed. A second seed would require the Eagles to win and the Bears to lose.

Cardinals (3-13) at Rams (11-5): In a fascinating subplot, Rams receiver Puka Nacua and Cardinals tight end Trey McBride enter this game tied for the league lead with 119 catches.

Ravens (8-8) at Steelers (9-7): Pittsburgh has won nine of the last 12 in the series. Whoever wins will earn the last AFC playoff spot. A Ravens loss would give coach John Harbaugh only his third losing season in 18 years.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Sports"

Source: Sports

Published: January 04, 2026 at 01:27PM on Source: RON MAG

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