LIL JON WHY BIEBER SKIPPED HALFTIME SHOW

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Justin Bieber's Super Bowl Halftime appearance could've very nearly happened ... but it just wasn't in the stars, so says Lil Jon.

We spoke to the rapper on TMZ Live Wednesday ... and he tells us JB was actually considering taking to the stage for his former mentor Usher's big performance ... but ultimately decided to sit it out 'cause it was just a lot for him to take on.

LJ adds they all wanted Biebs in the show ... but all the rehearsals, responsibility, time, and eyeballs on him apparently wasn't something he wanted to tackle right now ... and as we all saw Sunday, he opted to chill in the audience with his wife Hailey.

Of course, fans were bummed he didn't say yeah to Usher.

Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Ludacris, and will.i.am ended up hopping onstage alongside Lil Jon, so it's not like fans were deprived of an A-list line-up during Usher's 13-minute-long performance. And while Justin wasn't up there ... Lil Jon says he was still supporting him.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Still, there's no denying that the hyped-up JB/Usher collab would've added an extra layer of magic to the spectacle ... especially since we were first to break the story they were in direct talks of executing the moment that would've been remembered for years to come.

In case you didn't know, Usher helped catapult fresh-faced 13-year-old Bieber to massive fame back in the day ... and he's been working overtime ever since, so from his end, it looks like he still needs a break from performing.

All good, Jon ain't trippin' ... and it sounds like Usher wasn't either.

McDonald's Sued No Space For Us To Breastfeed at Work ... We Need Time To Pump!!!

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McDonald's is being dragged to court by two employees who say the fast food chain is making it tough on them to pump breastmilk on the job ... they say there's no time or place.

According to a new class action lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, two women named Kathleen Faber and Lexis Mays say they returned to work at McDonald's after giving birth and are apparently running into obstacles when it comes to pumping breastmilk for their babies.

The women say they told their managers they would need to pump at work and claim they were told it wouldn't be an issue ... but they say that's turned out not to be the case.

Faber claims her McDonald's in Kansas has no secure, private space for her to pump breast milk, leaving her to pump milk from the corner of a stock room so she can avoid the sight lines of security cameras and male employees.

Mays says her McDonald's in New York doesn't have a secure, private space to pump either ... she claims she's been left to pump from a back office that doesn't have a door and is wide open to other crew members, who she says come in the room when she's pumping.

In the suit, both women also say they don't have enough break time to pump breast milk during their shifts at the Golden Arches.

Faber and Mays say the lack of breastfeeding accommodation at McDonald's is causing them anxiety, discomfort, humiliation, embarrassment and emotional distress.

The women say McDonald's is not complying with federal laws requiring secure and private places for breastfeeding mothers to pump in the workplace ... and they want a court to step in and help them and all similarly situated employees.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

We reached out to McDonald's ... so far no word back.

LARSA PIPPEN, MARCUS JORDAN Pause Relationship Amid Rough Patch ... But, They're Still Talking

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Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan are calling a timeout on their relationship ... and the split comes after some issues cropped up between them -- ones they're hoping to smooth out.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ … Larsa and Marcus recently put a pause on dating while they work through a bump in the road, with Larsa coming to the conclusion over the weekend that they needed to call things off -- at least for the time being, anyway.

Larsa and Marcus were first spotted together in September 2022, and we're told they had been living together and spending 24 hours a day in each other's company ... as our sources put it, their courtship was moving 100 MPH.

Now, it's all grinding to a halt - or at the minimum, a major slow-down -- although we're told Larsa and Marcus are still talking to each other as they try to figure out how they can move forward romantically.

Sex seemed to always be a big deal for them ... remember, Larsa liked to brag about how much they were banging. So, on its face that wasn't the problem.

The fact they're still communicating is interesting ... as we reported, they unfollowed each other on social media and scrubbed pics of them together from their respective pages.

Now, our sources say the split wasn't caused by one specific thing ... instead, like all relationships, we're told Larsa and Marcus are simply in the middle of a rough patch. Something we know they're trying to get on the same page about ... trust.

Remember, Larsa is 16 years older than Marcus and Michael Jordan famously said he didn't approve of their relationship -- Larsa's ex-husband is Scottie Pippen -- but we're told none of that played a role in the split.

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DISAPPOINTED DAD

It will be interesting to see if Larsa and Marcus work things out and get back together somewhere down the line ... right now, our sources are suggesting that may happen.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Time will tell ... stay tuned.

TODD & JULIE CHRISLEY LOVE ON LOCKDOWN!! No Contact On V-Day

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update

8:13 AM PT -- BOP tells TMZ that Todd and Julie actually could've communicated on Valentine's Day -- but they just had to get it approved and planned out beforehand. They also tell us inmates get their mail in a prompt timeframe, despite Todd's claims.

Todd and Julie Chrisley won't be sending their love to each other on Valentine's Day ... which their attorney says is coming as a huge drag.

The couple's attorney, Jay Surgent, tells TMZ the duo won't be able to communicate with one another on Valentine's Day 'cause inmates aren't permitted to get in touch while in different federal prisons.

You'll recall ... Todd was given a 12-year sentence at FPC Pensacola for a slew of fraud charges, while Julie was sent to FMC Lexington in Kentucky for 7 years -- so not only are they in separate prisons, but they're also in different states.

Their attorney tells us the Federal Bureau of Prisons has a no-crossover/contact policy... but Jay doesn't quite understand it, telling us it creates zero security problems or cause for concern.

Jay says the Chrisleys being unable to communicate during V-Day will be a real bummer ... especially cause their love for each other is unwavering and distance has only made the heart grow fonder.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Meanwhile, Jay says when he last spoke with Todd last week, TC said he wanted to pursue an investigation against FPC Pensacola prison administration for mail theft and general corruption ... among other things. He also claims he still hasn't received the mail he's been expecting, which raises further concerns with him.

As we all know by now, Todd's been vocal about the living conditions at his new digs ... ripping them apart for their disgusting food, possible mold, and bad plumbing.

But as it relates to the heart ... it seems like Todd and Julie's love is under lock and key for the time being.

Originally Published -- 1:00 AM PT

Todd y Julie Chrisley no pueden hablar en San Valentín desde la cárcel

Published

Todd y Julie Chrisley no podrán amarse el Día de San Valentín, ya que su abogado tiene malas noticias.

El abogado de la pareja, Jay Surgent, le dice a TMZ que el dúo no será capaz de comunicarse entre el Día de San Valentín, porque a los reclusos no se les permite ponerse en contacto, además de están en diferentes prisiones federales.

Usted recordará que Todd fue condenado a 12 años en por una serie de cargos de fraude, mientras que Julie fue enviada a FMC Lexington en Kentucky durante 7 años, por lo que no solo están en prisiones separadas, sino que también están en diferentes estados.

Su abogado nos dice que la Oficina Federal de Prisiones tiene una política cero contacto... pero Jay no lo entiende muy bien y nos dice que no crea problemas de seguridad y no hay nada de que preocuparse.

Jay dice que los Chrisleys no podrán comunicarse durante este día tan especial y será realmente triste, ya que la distancia solo ha hecho que la relación se fortalezca.

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tmz investiga

Mientras tanto, Jay dice que la última vez que habló con Todd la semana pasada, dijo que quería seguir una investigación contra la administración de la prisión de Pensacola FPC para el robo de correo y la corrupción en general... entre otras cosas. También afirma que todavía no ha recibido el correo que ha estado esperando, lo que plantea más preocupaciones con él.

Como todos sabemos, Todd ha sido abierto sobre sus nuevas condiciones de vida, mostrándonos aparte por su comida repugnante y la mala plomería.

Pero en lo que se refiere al corazón... parece que el amor de Todd y Julie está bajo llave por el momento.

Selena Traveled with Yolanda After She Allegedly Stole $$$ ... Saldívar Family Claims

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Selena Quintanilla didn't cut Yolanda Saldívar out of her life after her father accused Yolanda of embezzling from Selena's clothing boutique ... because they jetted to Mexico together.

That's what Yolanda's family is claiming, saying they have airplane tickets showing Selena and the woman who would later kill her flew first class to Monterrey only a week after Abraham Quintanilla confronted Yolanda about missing funds.

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Why Continue???

The shocking allegation is featured in the upcoming Oxygen docuseries, "Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them."

In a clip from the series, obtained by TMZ, Yolanda's family discovers first-class United Airlines tickets for Selena and Yolanda on March 17, 1995 ... only 8 days after Yolanda was accused of embezzlement.

Yolanda's family says the previously unknown trip raises new questions -- like, why would Selena continue her business relationship with Yolanda after her pops made serious allegations?

Selena's dad fired Yolanda on March 9, 1995, after accusing her of embezzling money from the Tejano star's clothing company, which was planning to open a boutique in Monterrey.

Yolanda ended up shooting and killing Selena 2 weeks after their flight to Mexico ... and now she's serving a life sentence, though she's eligible for parole on March 30, 2025.

In an interview from prison, Yolanda claims Selena would not accept her resignation and wanted to keep her around to run the clothing line and oversee things down in Mexico.

Selena's father has blasted the doc, telling us it's a slap in the face to his family. He also says Yolanda's story is packed with lies.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

The first part of the docuseries drops on February 17, and this clip is from the second part, which airs on February 18.

Selena viajó con Yolanda Saldívar Tras las acusaciones de desfalco

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Selena Quintanilla no sacó a Yolanda Saldívar de su vida después de que su padre acusara a Yolanda de malversar fondos de la boutique de ropa de Selena, porque viajaron juntas a México.

Eso es lo que afirma la familia de Yolanda, diciendo que tienen billetes de avión que muestran que Selena y a la mujer que más tarde la mataría volaron en primera clase a Monterrey solo una semana después de Abraham Quintanilla se enfrentó a Yolanda sobre los fondos que faltan.

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¿para qué continuar?

La impactante acusación aparece en la próxima docuserie de Oxygen, "Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them".

En un clip de la serie, obtenido por TMZ, la familia de Yolanda descubre billetes de primera clase de United Airlines para Selena y Yolanda el 17 de marzo de 1995, solo 8 días después de que Yolanda fuera acusada de malversación de fondos.

La familia de Yolanda dice que el viaje previamente desconocido plantea nuevas preguntas, como, ¿por qué Selena continúa su relación de negocios con Yolanda después de que su papá hizo graves acusaciones?

El padre de Selena despidió a Yolanda el 9 de marzo de 1995, tras acusarla de malversar dinero de la empresa de ropa de la estrella tejana que planeaba abrir una boutique en Monterrey.

Yolanda le terminó disparando y matando a Selena dos semanas después de su vuelo a México y ahora está cumpliendo una cadena perpetua, aunque es elegible para libertad condicional el 30 de marzo de 2025.

En una entrevista desde la cárcel, Yolanda afirma que Selena no aceptó su renuncia y quería mantenerla cerca para ejecutar la línea de ropa y supervisar las cosas en México.

El padre de Selena ha criticado el documento, diciéndonos que es una bofetada en la cara a su familia. También dice que la historia de Yolanda está llena de mentiras.

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tmz investiga

La primera parte de la docuserie se estrena el 17 de febrero y este clip es de la segunda parte, que se emitirá el 18 de febrero.

Miami Grade School Clarifies Permission Slip Re: 'African American' Book Assembly

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A Miami elementary school parent is outraged about a permission slip his daughter's school sent seeking his sign-off on a book listening event featuring a Black author -- something the school is now clarifying by blaming FL state law.

Chuck Walters -- who has a kid at the Coral Way K-8 Bilingual Center -- posted a photo of the school form referring to the school-related activity going down Tuesday where a book would be read aloud to students.

The document describes the nature and activity of the event -- "Students will participate & listen to a book written by an African American." It goes on to note the types of guests for this activity would include a fireman, doctor and artist.

If that language sounds problematic to you, Chuck definitely felt the same way. He wrote on X ... "I had to give permission for this or else my child would not participate???" He tagged the superintendent of Miami-Dade Schools and included the hashtag #BlackHistoryMonth.

We contacted Miami-Dade County Public Schools -- which oversees Coral Way K-8 -- and they told TMZ ... "We realize that the description of the event may have caused confusion, and we are working with our schools to reemphasize the importance of clarity for parents in describing activities/events that would require parental permission."

MDCPS adds, "However, in compliance with State Law, permission slips were sent home because guest speakers would participate during a school-authorized education-related activity."

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WE NEED CLARITY

Now, on the question of whether this activity where an "African American" would be reading a book to kids was tied to Black History Month -- the answer is yes. Concerns over these permission slips relating to BHM have recently been raised by other parents and educators.

In fact, last week ... a school board member said he didn't understand why permission slips to basically sign off on Black History Month lessons needed to be sent out to parents in the first place -- but he was told this is something FL legislators and Gov. Ron DeSantis passed as law back in November.

As a result, anything outside the immediate curriculum needs parental permission.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Some have expressed outrage over this nonetheless, and have suggested Gov. DeSantis' railing against CRT in public schools might be to blame.

BTW ... Walters tells us he signed this form for his daughter and submitted it to the school.

Productor de Beyoncé insinúa una posible colaboración country Con Taylor Swift

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Beyoncé se mantiene activa y va a incursionar en la música country. De acuerdo con Killah B -que produjo y co-escribió su nueva canción, "Texas Hold 'Em"- algo grande está en el horizonte.

Hablamos con el productor nominado al Grammy el martes en "TMZ Live" y le preguntamos si el próximo álbum de Bey "Renaissance Act II" contaría con alguna colaboración -en particular con su buena amiga Taylor Swift- obviamente  porque tiene raíces en la música country y su respuesta es muy reveladora.

Por supuesto, Killah no nos dijo directamente que Taylor aparecería en el álbum, pero reforzó lo que los fans ya saben... Bey guarda muy bien sus secretos.

Sin embargo, llamó la atención de todos cuando dijo: "Digamos que ella está enfocada en sorprender al mundo".

Dejen volar su imaginación con ese críptico comentario.

"Adelante y crucen los dedos, o agarren sus pulseras de la amistad, una colaboración entre las dos mujeres más grandes en el negocio parece plausible, especialmente teniendo en cuenta su historia de apoyo mutuo".

Como recordarás, Tay Tay apareció en el estreno de "Renaissance" en Londres en noviembre después de que B saliera a apoyar el estreno de la película de la gira "Eras" en Los Ángeles.

Pero Killah deja claro que vamos a tener que esperar para ver lo que pasa cuando el álbum aparezca el 29 de marzo.

Por ahora, está celebrando que "Texas Hold 'Em" es la canción country número uno en todas las plataformas de streaming de música, bastante bien teniendo en cuenta que Bey acaba de presentarla el domingo en el Super Bowl junto con otra pista, "16 Carriages".

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tmz investiga

Ni Beyonce ni Taylor necesitan ayuda extra para aumentar las ventas, pero nunca está de más... Para eso están los amigos, ¿no?

Joe Manganiello Viviendo juntos con Caitlin O'Connor Tras el divorcio de Sofía Vergara

Published

Con el divorcio de Sofía Vergara resuelto, Joe Manganiello está moviendo sus cosas junto a Caitlin O'Connor, pues han dado oficialmente el siguiente paso en su relación.

Fuentes cercanas a la pareja le dicen a TMZ que Caitlin está viviendo bajo el mismo techo que el galán de "Magic Mike" y por ahora están disfrutando cada momento de la convivencia.

Nos dicen que ambos están muy enamorados, sobre todo después de forjar un vínculo muy fuerte sobre sus raíces en Pittsburgh, incluso viajaron hasta allá juntos y consolidaron aún más su relación con otros viajes a Nueva York e Italia.

Y lo que es más importante, nuestras fuentes dicen que el querido perro del actor, Bubbles, le dio su sello de aprobación a Caitlin, lo que significa mucho para Joe.

La noticia del romance surgió en septiembre del año pasado, solo 2 meses después de que Joe le pidiera el divorcio a Sofía después de 7 años de matrimonio. La principal razón por la que terminaron fue su deseo de tener hijos y la reticencia de Sofía a tenerlos.

TMZ publicó la semana pasada que su divorcio fue resuelto de manera amistosa: cada uno mantuvo los activos que acumularon individualmente y ambos renunciaron mutuamente a cualquier derecho a la manutención del cónyuge.

Mientras Joe encontró rápidamente un nuevo amor tras su separación, Sofía también ha seguido adelante. Ahora está saliendo con un respetado cirujano ortopédico llamado Justin Saliman. Ambos han sido vistos varias veces juntos en los últimos meses.

Pero volviendo a Caitlin, Joe hizo buenas migas con la actriz después de reunirse en una after party de la serie "Winning Time", donde ella interpretó a Dyan Cannon. Más tarde hicieron pública su relación en la gala de Children of Armenia Fund en Nueva York.

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TMZ investiga

Parece que las cosas van muy deprisa para ellos, primero viene el amor, luego la mudanza, y, ¿a continuación? Sigan en sintonía.

DJ Whoo Kid Throwing Demos at J. Cole Onstage Is INSANE Behavior!!!

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NOT THE TIME!!!

DJ Whoo Kid is applauding J. Cole's decision to ignore a CD recently thrown at his dome right in the middle of a performance, because he says there's a time and place ... and that wasn't it!!!

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the 'Whollywood Shuffle' star at Shaq's Fun House in Las Vegas, where he soaked up the festivities, including Lil Wayne's stage-shattering performance.

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FUN IN THE FUN HOUSE

Whoo Kid says he can relate to Cole in the worst way possible ... he's had guys pushing tapes on him at the worst times imaginable -- while he's trying to get his mack on!

Which would you choose ... a potential ménage à trois or some guy's hopes and dreams on a hard drive? Whoo Kid says that's a no-brainer for everyone.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

Cole didn't give things much thought last week while performing in support of Drake's "It’s All a Blur – Big As the What?" tour when a burned CD crash-landed onstage, getting the Dreamville rapper's attention.

The fan who threw it was instantly given a wake-up call when Cole quipped, "It’s 2024, n****, USB is okay.”

Some fans took exception to Cole's reaction -- after all, much of his early rhymes focus on cracking superstardom at all costs.

But, not Whoo Kid, whose message is, basically ... learn to read the room, rap hopefuls!!!

Tameka Foster Happy For Usher's Marriage/SB Show... ... Can't Say Same For Jermaine Dupri's Style 😅

Published

Usher is a newly married man once again ... an event his ex-wife couldn't be happier about for him -- 'cause she's got motion of her own ... moving and grooving over the news!!!

TMZ Hip Hop spoke to Tameka Foster on Tuesday, ahead of the launch of her new reality series, "Bold and Bougie" ... but she tells us she had a blast at the Super Bowl last Sunday, just like her ex-hubby did during his halftime show.

Tameka's been one of Atlanta's most sought-after stylists for YEARS, so first things first -- we had to get her thoughts on the viral backlash regarding Jermaine Dupri's schoolboy-style uniform ... and him trying to use its Louis Vuitton labels as somewhat of a defense.

Hundreds of comments rejected JD's rebuttal and you can add Tameka to that list too. She tells us relying heavily on designer brands won't always breed the best style results ... sorry, JD ... these are just her confessions.

Bottom line ... she's not very approving, just like the rest of the Internet didn't.

As for Usher, social media users couldn't help but bring her name up when we broke the deets on his marriage to Jennifer Goicoechea on Sunday ... Tameka's blowing them off.

They've been divorced for eons now -- since 2009, actually  -- but do have two children together ... and Tameka tells us he's a great dad. As a matter of fact ... one of their sons just may follow in his singing shadow sooner than later, 'cause he's a helluva crooner himself.

In any case, Tameka's not entertaining negativity on her side -- and neither are her gal pals Malaysia Pargo, Gocha Hawkins, Princess Banton-Lofters and Crystal Smith in their new TV venture.

Ya can't be a boss and be bothered by online BS ... and Tameka certainly isn't as it pertains to Usher's new marriage.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

The past is the past ... and Tameka's focused on her future!

Beyoncé Radio de Oklahoma No desprecia su música country

Published

Una estación de radio de un pequeño pueblo de Oklahoma está bajo fuego después de que un oyente la acusara de prohibir a propósito las nuevas canciones country de Beyoncé, aunque todo el asunto ha sido totalmente deformado y ya está resuelto.

Esta es la cuestión, alguien corrió a X este martes para alegar que KYKC, una estación de country en Ada, les dijo que no tocarían los dos nuevos singles de Bey cuando se los pidió, porque "no tocan a Beyoncé".

Hace falta un montón de contexto en ese primer comentario, obviamente, pero el usuario corrió a escribir lo que él calificó como racismo flagrante, sugiriendo que la estación de radio estaba tratando de privarlos de su música.

El usuario escribió: "Solicité "Texas Hold 'Em" a mi emisora de radio country local (KYKC) y después de solicitarla, recibí un correo electrónico de la emisora de radio". Publicó una captura de pantalla de la respuesta de KYKC, que señala que son una emisora de música country y que por eso no pondrían a Beyoncé.

Una vez más, el usuario de X no explicó ni mostró pruebas de la redacción exacta que hizo inicialmente a KYKC, pero estaba llamando a la gente a boicotear la estación y, como era de esperar, un montón de fans de Bey estaban listos para llevarlos a la horca.

Nos pusimos en contacto con el usuario de X, quien nos dijo que su petición original a KYKC había sido: "Por favor, toquen la nueva canción 'Texas Hold 'Em' de Beyoncé". En su opinión, debería haber sido obvio para la emisora que estaba solicitando una canción country, ya que ya ha sido etiquetada como tal en las principales plataformas de streaming.

También nos pusimos en contacto con KYKC y un empleado nos dijo que la estación todavía no ha recibido las nuevas canciones de Beyoncé "Texas Hold 'Em" y "16 Carriages" y es por eso que no las está tocando. Otra estación de Oklahoma KECO en Elk Citynos dijo lo mismo: aún no tienen las pistas.

En términos de si KYKC era consciente de que Beyoncé había sacado dos canciones country -con un álbum en camino- la respuesta parece ser no.

Obtuvimos más correspondencia entre el usuario de X y KYKC que sugiere fuertemente que la estación simplemente no estaba al tanto de los nuevos singles de Bey. Lo cierto es que si sus programadores no estaban viendo las redes sociales el domingo o el Super Bowl cuando se emitió el anuncio de Verizon de Beyonce, tiene sentido que no tuvieran ni idea.

Pero la colmena de Bey puede dar la pelea. Debido a la gran atención que causó el post del usuario en X, KYKC le dice a TMZ que pusieron la canción "Texas Hold 'Em" por primera vez el martes por la tarde. Problema resuelto.

Ahora mismo, las nuevas canciones de Bey no están en las listas de Billboard, que se publicaron hace 2 días, por lo que no aparecerá en las listas hasta la próxima semana, como mucho. Sin embargo, "Texas Hold 'Em" está muy bien en las listas de streaming y sospechamos que los oyentes de KYKC la escucharán mucho en los próximos días.

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TMZ investiga

Ha habido mucha discusión en Internet y en la vida real sobre la irrupción de Beyoncé en el country y, a primera vista, parece que algunos tienen ideas preconcebidas sobre la escena de la música country.

En este caso, la indignación no estaba justificada.

BEYONCÉ COUNTRY COLLAB WITH TAYLOR?!? Producer Killah B Will Only Say Expect a Shocker

Published

Beyoncé's keeping the surprises coming with her dive into country music -- that's according to Killah B, who produced and co-wrote her new track, "Texas Hold 'Em," and hints something huge is on the horizon.

We spoke to the Grammy-nominated producer Tuesday on "TMZ Live" ... asking him if Bey's upcoming "Renaissance Act II" album would feature any guest collabs, particularly with her good pal Taylor Swift, who obviously has country music roots -- and his response is very telling.

Of course, Killah didn't outright tell us TS would appear on the album -- he reinforced what fans already know ... secrecy is practically Bey's middle name.

However, he did raise our eyebrows by saying this about the project -- "Let's just say she's on the approach of shocking the world."

As he put it ... go ahead and let your imagination run wild with that cryptic comment.

Go ahead and start crossing your fingers, or clutching your friendship bracelets -- a collab between the 2 biggest women in the biz seems plausible, especially considering their history of supporting each other.

You'll recall, Tay Tay showed face at Queen Bey's "Renaissance" London premiere in November after B came out to support the 'Eras' tour movie's L.A. premiere.

But Killah makes it clear, we're just gonna have to wait to see what unfolds when the album drops March 29.

As for now, he's celebrating "Texas Hold 'Em" being the number one country song on all music streaming platforms -- a massive deal given that Bey just unveiled it on Super Bowl Sunday ... alongside another track, "16 Carriages."

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

It goes without saying, neither Beyonce nor Taylor need outside help to boost sales ... but it never hurts. That's what friends are for, right?!

JOE MANGANIELLO SHACKING UP W/ GF CAITLIN O'CONNOR After Sofia Vergara Divorce Finalized

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With his divorce from Sofia Vergara finally settled, Joe Manganiello is moving things along with Caitlin O'Connor -- they've officially taken the next step in their relationship.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... Caitlin is now living under the same roof as the "Magic Mike" hunk, and so far, they're relishing every moment of cohabitating.

We're told they're very much in love, especially after forging quite a strong bond over their Pittsburgh roots -- even traveling there together, and further solidifying their relationship with trips to NYC and Italy.

Most importantly, our sources say the actor's beloved pet dog Bubbles has given Caitlin his seal of approval ... which means a lot to Joe.

News of Joe's romance with COC emerged in September last year ... just 2 months after he filed for divorce from Sofia after 7 years of marriage. The main reason they called it quits was his desire to have kids and Sofia's reluctance to have them.

TMZ broke the story last week their divorce was settled amicably -- each kept the assets they accumulated individually, and both mutually waived any right to spousal support.

While Joe quickly found new love after their split, Sofia moved on too ... now dating a respected orthopedic surgeon named Justin Saliman -- they've been seen out on several date nights over the past few months.

But back to Caitlin ... Joe hit it off with the rising actress after meeting at a 'Winning Time" after-party -- she played Dyan Cannon in that series -- and later going public as a couple at NYC's Children of Armenia Fund Gala in December.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Things seem to be moving along quickly for them -- first comes love, then comes moving in, then comes??? Stay tuned!

Beyoncé OK Radio Station Not Snubbing Her Country Music

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A small-town Oklahoma radio station is under fire after a listener accused it of purposely barring Beyoncé's new country songs -- but the whole thing has been totally warped, and in fact, it's now resolved.

Here's the deal ... someone on X hopped online Tuesday, claiming KYKC -- a local country station in Ada, OK -- had told him they refused to play Bey's 2 new country singles when he requested them, because they "do not play Beyoncé."

There was a lot of context missing here, obviously, but the user ran with this as what he characterized as blatant racism ... suggesting the station was purposely trying to box her out.

He wrote, "I requested Texas Hold ‘Em at my local country radio station (KYKC) and after requesting, i received an email from the radio station." He posted a screenshot of the KYKC response, which notes they're a country music station, and that's why they wouldn't play Beyoncé.

Again, on X, the user didn't explain (or show proof of) the exact wording of his original request to KYKC, but he was calling for people to boycott the station -- and, as you might expect, lots of Bey's fans have their pitchforks out.

Welp, TMZ got to the bottom of this, and the station might be off the hook.

We contacted the X user, who told us his original request to KYKC was ... "Please play the new song, 'Texas Hold 'Em' by Beyoncé." In his eyes, he says it should've been obvious to the station he was requesting a country song, as it's already been labeled as such on major streaming platforms.

We also reached out to KYKC, and a staffer told us the station hasn't received Beyoncé's new songs -- "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages" -- yet, and that's why it's not playing them. Another Oklahoma country station -- KECO in Elk City -- told us the same ... they don't have the tracks yet.

In terms of whether KYKC was even aware Beyoncé had dropped 2 country songs -- with a country album on the way -- the answer seems to be no.

We obtained further correspondence between the X user and KYKC that strongly suggests the station just was not aware of Bey's new drops. Fact is, if its programmers weren't on social media Sunday night, or watching the Super Bowl when Beyonce's Verizon commercial aired ... it makes sense they'd have no clue.

But, the Beyhive can fall back. Due in no small part to all the attention the X user's post got today ... KYKC tells TMZ it played "Texas Hold 'Em" for the first time Tuesday afternoon. Problem solved.

As of right now, Bey's new songs are not charting on Billboard -- they were just released 2 days ago, so they won't appear on Billboard's charts until next week, at the earliest. However, "Texas Hold 'Em" is doing very well on streaming charts, and we suspect KYKC listeners will be hearing it plenty in coming days.

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There's been a lot of discussion -- online and IRL -- about Beyoncé breaking into country, and, on its face, it feels like some have preconceived notions about the country music scene.

But, in this case, the outrage just wasn't justified.