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‘Michael’ is the world’s most authorized biopic

by Stephen Thompson

Michael Jackson was one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, so it’s only natural that he’s the subject of a glossy, big-budget biopic. In Michael, the singer’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson portrays him in his rise to fame. The film leans heavily on the depiction of live performances, but steers entirely clear of the controversies that dogged the singer. 

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The ugly truth of America’s expensive homes

by Brittany Luse

Do you feel poor every time you turn on Bravo television?

You’re not alone – the beautiful homes of the rich and famous showcased on reality TV shows from Keeping Up with the Kardashians to the Real Housewives of Atlanta are meant to be something of a fantasy for audiences everywhere. But what are the housing realities behind the glitz and glamour? And how are your favorite reality TV stars shaping your own ideas of home and stability? To find out, Brittany is joined by Jack Balderrama Morley, author of Dream Facades: The Cruel Architecture of Reality TV, and Liam Dillon, staff writer at Politico who covers housing in California.

Want more about cultural deep dives into Reality TV?

Check out these episodes:

Is this the end of reality TV?
The molten center of ‘The Real Housewives’ multiverse

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New Music Friday: The best albums out April 24

by Stephen Thompson

Noah Kahan. Kehlani. The return of Metric. NPR Music’s Stephen Thompson chats with DJ Llu from Vermont Public about their favorite albums out Friday, April 24. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round.

The Starting 5

(00:00) Noah Kahan, ‘The Great Divide’
(09:28) Kehlani, ‘Kehlani’
(16:14) Metric, ‘Romanticize The Dive’
(21:33) Gia Margaret, ‘Singing’
(28:27) Season 2, ‘Power of Now’

(34:12) The Lightning Round

– Quiet Light, ‘Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2’
– Kiki Cavazos, ‘Goodbye Blues’
– Carla dal Forno, ‘Confession’
– The Milk Carton Kids, ‘Lost Cause Lover Fool’
– Trueno, ‘TURR4ZO’

Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org.

Credits:
Host: Stephen Thompson
Guest: DJ Llu, Vermont Public
Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell
Digital Producer: Dora Levite
Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Special thanks to Hazel Cills, Ann Powers and Anamaria Sayre

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