Darlene Love Celebrates Iconic Holiday Song as Streaming Giants Merge

Darlene Love continues to celebrate her enduring holiday classic, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” which has become synonymous with the festive season since its release in 1963. The song, often heard in stores and public spaces, has achieved iconic status, comparable to Bing Crosby’s beloved “White Christmas.” Love’s association with the track has spanned decades, including memorable performances on late-night television, particularly on David Letterman’s show, where she showcased her remarkable vocal talent.

Reflecting on her career, Love recalls her early days after being signed by Phil Spector in 1962. Despite their complex relationship, she cherishes the memories of their recording sessions. Love also highlights her long-standing friendship with Cher, who provided backing vocals for “Christmas.” She believes the song resonates universally, capturing the essence of longing and hope during the holidays.

In a significant move within the entertainment industry, Netflix has announced a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming division for a staggering $72 billion. This merger, revealed on Friday, will unite two of Hollywood’s most prominent players, bringing together Warner’s extensive film and television assets, including HBO Max and DC Studios, under the Netflix umbrella. The cash and stock transaction values Warner shares at $27.75, resulting in a total enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion.

As Netflix solidifies its dominance in on-demand content, it continues to produce popular series such as “Stranger Things” and “Squid Game,” further expanding its footprint in the entertainment landscape.

Meanwhile, George Clooney stars in the new film “Jay Kelly,” which debuted on Netflix on Friday. In this fictional narrative, Clooney plays a movie star grappling with regrets. Co-written and directed by Noah Baumbach, the film features a star-studded cast, including Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup. The actors were enthusiastic about the project before even reading the script, reflecting the strong allure of the story that delves into themes of fame and parenthood.

As 2025 progresses, the film industry has seen a variety of top releases. According to The Associated Press’ film critics, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” has emerged as a favorite, leading their rankings. Other notable mentions include “Marty Supreme,” “It Was Just an Accident,” and “Sinners.”

In the realm of music, the Eurovision Song Contest faces challenges as at least four countries—Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia—have announced their withdrawal from the upcoming event set to take place in Vienna in May 2026. The decision follows the European Broadcasting Union’s choice to allow Israel to participate, stirring controversy amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. As a result, there are concerns about potential boycotts impacting viewership and finances for the iconic contest.

This year has also seen the loss of notable figures, including Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025. His death marked a significant moment in history, as it led to the election of the first American pope. The entertainment industry mourned the loss of several stars, including Gene Hackman and Roberta Flack, while discussions surrounding political violence were reignited following the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September.

In a lighter note, the Associated Press has released its list of the top songs of 2025, featuring a diverse selection of artists. Among the highlights is Bad Bunny’s “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii,” recognized for its cultural significance, and Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” marking a return to her electro-pop roots. Other standout tracks include Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” and Wednesday’s “Elderberry Wine,” showcasing the year’s musical diversity.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the intertwining of music, film, and significant global events shapes the narrative of 2025, reflecting both the joys and challenges faced by artists and audiences alike.