David Friend
@dfriend.bsky.social
Arts reporter at the Toronto Star | formerly The Canadian Press & Variety | 👉 Insta/Threads: dj_friend
Pinned
David Friend
@dfriend.bsky.social
· Nov 7
I'm obsessed with crafting music playlists, no matter the genre. Here's a thread of ones I've made on Spotify:
#Essentials - 1990s Dance History: A chronological journey from Detroit house to Europe's pop-techno takeover.
open.spotify.com/playlist/3oP...
#Essentials - 1990s Dance History: A chronological journey from Detroit house to Europe's pop-techno takeover.
open.spotify.com/playlist/3oP...
Calgary native Tate McRae draws criticism from Canadians after starring in NBC ad promoting American Olympians
The details:
www.thestar.com/sports/olymp...
The details:
www.thestar.com/sports/olymp...
Tate McRae draws criticism from Canadians after starring in NBC ad promoting American Olympians
The Canadian pop singer appeared in an ad promoting American athletes on Wednesday.
www.thestar.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:45 AM
Calgary native Tate McRae draws criticism from Canadians after starring in NBC ad promoting American Olympians
The details:
www.thestar.com/sports/olymp...
The details:
www.thestar.com/sports/olymp...
Why is the "Melania" doc playing in Canada?
What does its box office performance mean?
@joshuachong.bsky.social does a nice job separating the reality from the hype...
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
What does its box office performance mean?
@joshuachong.bsky.social does a nice job separating the reality from the hype...
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Why the ‘Melania’ doc is playing in Canada and what its surprising box office numbers mean
The Amazon-backed project earned more than $7 million on opening weekend, a product of the strangle-hold the Trumps have over their voters.
www.thestar.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Why is the "Melania" doc playing in Canada?
What does its box office performance mean?
@joshuachong.bsky.social does a nice job separating the reality from the hype...
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
What does its box office performance mean?
@joshuachong.bsky.social does a nice job separating the reality from the hype...
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by David Friend
"No one is illegal on stolen land."
Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.
My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.
My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Grammys 2026 highlights: Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay-Z’s record; Justin Bieber performs in his boxers
Plus, musicians got political in their speeches, and Canadian artists celebrated wins.
www.thestar.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:47 AM
"No one is illegal on stolen land."
Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.
My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.
My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
"No one is illegal on stolen land."
Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.
My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.
My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Grammys 2026 highlights: Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay-Z’s record; Justin Bieber performs in his boxers
Plus, musicians got political in their speeches, and Canadian artists celebrated wins.
www.thestar.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:47 AM
"No one is illegal on stolen land."
Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.
My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.
My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Grammy nominee Justin Gray wants to change the way you hear music. But are listeners ready to be immersed in sound?
My look at the Toronto music professor whose new album also picked up a Juno nomination last week.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
My look at the Toronto music professor whose new album also picked up a Juno nomination last week.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
This Toronto Grammy nominee wants to change how we hear music. But are listeners ready to be immersed in sound?
Composer and mix engineer Justin Gray is up for the best immersive audio album at Sunday's awards.
www.thestar.com
February 1, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Grammy nominee Justin Gray wants to change the way you hear music. But are listeners ready to be immersed in sound?
My look at the Toronto music professor whose new album also picked up a Juno nomination last week.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
My look at the Toronto music professor whose new album also picked up a Juno nomination last week.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
"Starbucks’ revamped loyalty program will leave customers with a bitter aftertaste"
...especially ones who are spending less than $250 a year there. (Globe & Mail)
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/f5e5196...
...especially ones who are spending less than $250 a year there. (Globe & Mail)
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/f5e5196...
Starbucks’ revamped loyalty program will leave customers with a bitter aftertaste
Anyone paying attention to their Stars balance can see the new math won’t work in their favour
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:51 AM
"Starbucks’ revamped loyalty program will leave customers with a bitter aftertaste"
...especially ones who are spending less than $250 a year there. (Globe & Mail)
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/f5e5196...
...especially ones who are spending less than $250 a year there. (Globe & Mail)
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/f5e5196...
At a Grammys light on drama, all eyes Sunday night will be on Bad Bunny, who could take home album of the year, a week before his Super Bowl half time show. (NYT) www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/a...
At a Grammys Light on Drama, All Eyes Will Be on Bad Bunny
www.nytimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 7:00 PM
At a Grammys light on drama, all eyes Sunday night will be on Bad Bunny, who could take home album of the year, a week before his Super Bowl half time show. (NYT) www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/a...
Sex, politics and fleece: Mark Carney joined "Heated Rivalry" actor Hudson Williams in Ottawa to celebrate the seemingly unstoppable success of the Canadian TV series.
My story from the ground:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
My story from the ground:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
'Heated Rivalry' star and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have viral moment on Ottawa red carpet
This year, the event had more reason to celebrate Canadian-made content, as the gay Canadian hockey series grew into a bona fide smash around the world in a matter of weeks.
www.thestar.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Sex, politics and fleece: Mark Carney joined "Heated Rivalry" actor Hudson Williams in Ottawa to celebrate the seemingly unstoppable success of the Canadian TV series.
My story from the ground:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
My story from the ground:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Spotify has pulled down five knock-off Anne Murray tracks that look to have been generated by artificial intelligence.
The songs disappeared after I contacted the streaming service this morning, but they had been up for days.
My story:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
The songs disappeared after I contacted the streaming service this morning, but they had been up for days.
My story:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
January 29, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Spotify has pulled down five knock-off Anne Murray tracks that look to have been generated by artificial intelligence.
The songs disappeared after I contacted the streaming service this morning, but they had been up for days.
My story:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
The songs disappeared after I contacted the streaming service this morning, but they had been up for days.
My story:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Melania Trump Documentary Pulled From South African Theaters due to "recent developments" (NYT) www.nytimes.com/2026/01/28/w...
Melania Trump Documentary Pulled From South African Theaters
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:44 AM
Melania Trump Documentary Pulled From South African Theaters due to "recent developments" (NYT) www.nytimes.com/2026/01/28/w...
Did you post your old photos in that "2016 vs. 2026" social media challenge? If so, A.I. thanks you, say technology experts.
CP's @taradeschamps.bsky.social looks into it:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/science/vira...
CP's @taradeschamps.bsky.social looks into it:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/science/vira...
Viral social media trend reminiscing about 2016 a gold mine for AI firms
TORONTO - If you jumped on the recent social media trend of posting photos or videos of memories from 2016, experts say artificial intelligence likely thanks you.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
January 28, 2026 at 5:35 AM
Did you post your old photos in that "2016 vs. 2026" social media challenge? If so, A.I. thanks you, say technology experts.
CP's @taradeschamps.bsky.social looks into it:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/science/vira...
CP's @taradeschamps.bsky.social looks into it:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/science/vira...
Justin Bieber and Tate McRae lead Juno Awards nominations with six each. (CP)
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Cameron Whitcomb 'grateful' to go up against Justin Bieber, Tate McRae at Junos
TORONTO - Country newcomer Cameron Whitcomb was lying in bed in his Los Angeles hotel room, scrolling on his phone when he saw he was nominated for five Juno Awards.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
January 28, 2026 at 5:20 AM
Justin Bieber and Tate McRae lead Juno Awards nominations with six each. (CP)
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
We are now in a world where the Mexican president pulls an unverified image of Ryan Wedding off Instagram, presents it as fact, and it turns out to be made by an unidentified person using AI. 😭😭😭😭
(Via CBC News) www.cbc.ca/news/world/r...
(Via CBC News) www.cbc.ca/news/world/r...
Mexican president shares AI-generated image of Ryan Wedding | CBC News
Mexican President Claudia Shienbaum on Monday presented reporters with a picture that purported to show Ryan Wedding, a longtime Canadian fugitive and accused drug kingpin, at the U.S. Embassy in Mexi...
www.cbc.ca
January 27, 2026 at 5:47 AM
We are now in a world where the Mexican president pulls an unverified image of Ryan Wedding off Instagram, presents it as fact, and it turns out to be made by an unidentified person using AI. 😭😭😭😭
(Via CBC News) www.cbc.ca/news/world/r...
(Via CBC News) www.cbc.ca/news/world/r...
B.C. homicides put gay dating and hookup apps, including Grindr, in the spotlight, as advocates and police warn of risks (CP)
vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/01/26/b...
vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/01/26/b...
B.C. homicides put gay dating apps in spotlight, as advocates, police warn of risks
Richard Hesketh told a B.C. Supreme Court hearing that he now refuses to use Grindr after his friend was killed by a man he met on the app.
vancouver.citynews.ca
January 26, 2026 at 11:26 PM
B.C. homicides put gay dating and hookup apps, including Grindr, in the spotlight, as advocates and police warn of risks (CP)
vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/01/26/b...
vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/01/26/b...
He's Shane Hollander's hockey body double on "Heated Rivalry" and he's got stories you've never heard from the set.
My look at how Jonah De Simone helped shape the realism of the hit Crave TV series
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
My look at how Jonah De Simone helped shape the realism of the hit Crave TV series
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
This University of Guelph hockey player is Shane Hollander’s body double on ‘Heated Rivalry’
Jonah De Simone played the character on ice: "It was such a bizarre experience."
www.thestar.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:49 PM
He's Shane Hollander's hockey body double on "Heated Rivalry" and he's got stories you've never heard from the set.
My look at how Jonah De Simone helped shape the realism of the hit Crave TV series
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
My look at how Jonah De Simone helped shape the realism of the hit Crave TV series
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Before it was a global obsession, "Heated Rivalry" was a massive gamble.
My look at the inside story of the smash Canadian show and the road from the page to the screen:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
My look at the inside story of the smash Canadian show and the road from the page to the screen:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Before it was a global obsession, ‘Heated Rivalry’ was a massive gamble. The inside story of the smash Canadian show
"Am I gonna get fired?" The creator, execs, actors and more share the untold story of Crave's unstoppable hit.
www.thestar.com
January 24, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Before it was a global obsession, "Heated Rivalry" was a massive gamble.
My look at the inside story of the smash Canadian show and the road from the page to the screen:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
My look at the inside story of the smash Canadian show and the road from the page to the screen:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
The Eagles' 'Greatest Hits' is the first album in U.S. history to sell over 40M units (AP) www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
The Eagles' 'Greatest Hits' is the first album in US history to sell over 40M units
NEW YORK (AP) — Take it easy ... and go quadruple diamond. The Eagles' 1976 album “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975” the bestselling album of all time in the U.S., has
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
January 23, 2026 at 5:43 AM
The Eagles' 'Greatest Hits' is the first album in U.S. history to sell over 40M units (AP) www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
The 2026 Oscar nominations: Who's in? Who's Out?
The New York Times assesses the leaders and the possibility that a 75-year-old record might finally be broken.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/m...
The New York Times assesses the leaders and the possibility that a 75-year-old record might finally be broken.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/m...
Predicting the 2026 Oscar Nominations: Who’s In? Who’s Out?
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:15 PM
The 2026 Oscar nominations: Who's in? Who's Out?
The New York Times assesses the leaders and the possibility that a 75-year-old record might finally be broken.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/m...
The New York Times assesses the leaders and the possibility that a 75-year-old record might finally be broken.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/m...
"The Lion King" co-director Roger Allers has died at 76.
He also contributed to Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin," and "Beauty and the Beast," and worked on the pre-production concepts for the original "Tron." (Hollywood Reporter) www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
He also contributed to Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin," and "Beauty and the Beast," and worked on the pre-production concepts for the original "Tron." (Hollywood Reporter) www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Roger Allers, ‘The Lion King’ Co-Director, Dies at 76
Allers, who received an Oscar nomination, worked on other Disney films including 'Aladdin,' 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'The Little Mermaid.'
www.hollywoodreporter.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:04 AM
"The Lion King" co-director Roger Allers has died at 76.
He also contributed to Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin," and "Beauty and the Beast," and worked on the pre-production concepts for the original "Tron." (Hollywood Reporter) www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
He also contributed to Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin," and "Beauty and the Beast," and worked on the pre-production concepts for the original "Tron." (Hollywood Reporter) www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Pepsi has unleashed the maple!
The Star's food reporter Karon Liu got a taste of the limited edition maple cola that I really want to try...
www.thestar.com/life/food-an...
The Star's food reporter Karon Liu got a taste of the limited edition maple cola that I really want to try...
www.thestar.com/life/food-an...
Pepsi just released a Canada-exclusive maple cola. We put it to the taste test
Bottled in six plants across the country, the limited-run drink is part of a “glocalized” strategy to tap into Canadian pride and domestic sourcing.
www.thestar.com
January 17, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Pepsi has unleashed the maple!
The Star's food reporter Karon Liu got a taste of the limited edition maple cola that I really want to try...
www.thestar.com/life/food-an...
The Star's food reporter Karon Liu got a taste of the limited edition maple cola that I really want to try...
www.thestar.com/life/food-an...
Bell is unafraid that a Warner Bros. sale could mean Crave loses HBO programs, says company's CEO (CP)
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/bel...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/bel...
Bell unafraid of potential loss of HBO due to Warner Bros deal, CEO says
MONTREAL - BCE Inc. chief executive Mirko Bibic says he remains unperturbed about the prospect of losing access to content from HBO, the premium U.S. television network that Bell streams
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
January 17, 2026 at 9:21 PM
Bell is unafraid that a Warner Bros. sale could mean Crave loses HBO programs, says company's CEO (CP)
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/bel...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/bel...
“It will just be a nice night of hugging each other with our words.”
Mae Martin set to host the Juno Awards in Hamilton and celebrate Canada’s “bastion of sanity” amid U.S. tensions. (CP) www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Mae Martin set to host the Juno Awards in Hamilton and celebrate Canada’s “bastion of sanity” amid U.S. tensions. (CP) www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Mae Martin to host Junos and celebrate Canada’s ‘bastion of sanity’ amid U.S. tensions
TORONTO - Mae Martin will host this year’s Juno Awards at a moment when they say they’re feeling especially grateful to be Canadian.
www.thestar.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:36 PM
“It will just be a nice night of hugging each other with our words.”
Mae Martin set to host the Juno Awards in Hamilton and celebrate Canada’s “bastion of sanity” amid U.S. tensions. (CP) www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Mae Martin set to host the Juno Awards in Hamilton and celebrate Canada’s “bastion of sanity” amid U.S. tensions. (CP) www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
‘Heated Rivalry’ fever is sweeping Toronto!
A look at some of the events where fans are connecting, including locker-room trivia nights, improv comedy shows and sweaty dance parties.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
A look at some of the events where fans are connecting, including locker-room trivia nights, improv comedy shows and sweaty dance parties.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Toronto is wild about ‘Heated Rivalry.’ From trivia nights to dance parties, these events connect fans IRL
The city is hosting a wave of fan gatherings celebrating the breakout Canadian hockey drama starring Hudson Williams and Conor Storrie.
www.thestar.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:06 PM
‘Heated Rivalry’ fever is sweeping Toronto!
A look at some of the events where fans are connecting, including locker-room trivia nights, improv comedy shows and sweaty dance parties.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
A look at some of the events where fans are connecting, including locker-room trivia nights, improv comedy shows and sweaty dance parties.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Another setback has emerged as Eurovision faces continued fallout over the participantion of Israel at next year's song contest.
Winner Conchita Wurst has announced a withdrawal from all things Eurovision in the future, citing "personal" reasons. (Euronews) www.euronews.com/culture/2026...
Winner Conchita Wurst has announced a withdrawal from all things Eurovision in the future, citing "personal" reasons. (Euronews) www.euronews.com/culture/2026...
www.euronews.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:08 AM
Another setback has emerged as Eurovision faces continued fallout over the participantion of Israel at next year's song contest.
Winner Conchita Wurst has announced a withdrawal from all things Eurovision in the future, citing "personal" reasons. (Euronews) www.euronews.com/culture/2026...
Winner Conchita Wurst has announced a withdrawal from all things Eurovision in the future, citing "personal" reasons. (Euronews) www.euronews.com/culture/2026...
K-pop sensation BTS are headed to Toronto next summer for two nights, part of their massive world tour that doesn't include any other stops announced in Canada.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
K-pop sensation BTS to perform 2 nights in Toronto next summer
They mark the group's first headline performances since their 2021–22 Permission to Dance on Stage tour.
www.thestar.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:53 PM
K-pop sensation BTS are headed to Toronto next summer for two nights, part of their massive world tour that doesn't include any other stops announced in Canada.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...