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The 22nd Annual Webby Awards Honors Best of the Internet

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NEW YORK (FNN NEWS) - Recording Artist Swizz Beatz (left) presents an award to Jesse Williams at the 22nd Annual Webby Awards. Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for The Webby Awards
NEW YORK, NY (FNN NEWS) – Source: The Webby Awards // The Webby Awards honored the year’s biggest Internet visionaries and activists, celebrating the Winners and Honorees of the 22nd Annual Webby Awards with a star-studded ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on May 14. First-time Webby Awards host, Late Night comedian Amber Ruffin led the celebration to honor this year’s Webby Winners and Special Achievement Honorees, including David Letterman, actor Adam Sandler, #MeToo trailblazer Susan Fowler, actor and activist Jesse Williams, actress Laura Linney, Mozilla founder Mitchell Baker, March for Our Lives youth activists Naomi Wadler, Cameron Kasky, and John Barnitt, director Steven Soderbergh, Ugly Delicious creator David Chang, actor David Harbour, NFL player Chris Long, and artist FKA twigs.
Ruffin opened the show and won over the crowd with her unpredictable wit and humor. She pushed the envelope throughout the night, chronicling the year’s biggest moments on the Internet by channeling a Wakanda warrior in full costume and 80s drumming sensation Sheila E. to explain the intricacies of blockchain technology.
Brimming with powerful and memorable moments, the 22nd Annual Awards Show recognized the many innovators, trailblazers, entertainers, and fierce activists that captivated the Internet this year.
In a moving tribute to the March for Our Lives movement, Parkland students John Barnitt and Cameron Kasky and 11-year-old youth activist Naomi Wadler took to the stage to urge action against senseless and systematic gun violence, with Wadler imploring the audience to “please leave here as warriors.” Joining the chorus of voices on stage, dozens of young activists from Parkland and schools around the country shared their own five words in an emotional film.
The evening was capped off by a passionate presentation from acclaimed tech journalist Kara Swisher to former Uber engineer Susan Fowler for Webby Person of the Year. With a powerful tribute honoring the #MeToo movement and recognizing the noteworthy rallying cry that has been echoed in workplaces across the globe, Swisher lauded Fowler for having “the guts to step forward” and reminded the audience that “words matter.” Fowler accepted the award with the final standing ovation of the evening, declaring “Words can change the world.”
“Tonight’s Webby honorees remind us once again what it means for it to be up to us,” said Webby Media Group CEO David-Michel Davies.
Additional highlights from this year’s Webby Awards Show include:
Long-time king of late night television and current host of his own hit Netflix series, David Letterman accepted a Webby Special Achievement Award with his signature humor, while wiping away imaginary tears, saying “Thank you. Tears of Joy.”
Mitchell Baker, a fierce champion of Internet freedom and an open source pioneer, accepted the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award from CNN tech correspondent Laurie Segall. Ever the defender of an open, collaborative Internet community, Baker accepted her award with a galvanizing 5-Word speech: “Demand better of the Internet.”
Actor Isaiah Mustafa, the comedic face of Old Spice, presented the Webby for Best Actor to David Harbour for his role as Chief Jim Hopper in the Netflix smash hit Stranger Things. Harbour accepted the award, saying “Net neutrality, you greedy dickheads.”
Actress Laura Linney accepted the Webby for Best Actress from her friend and former co-star Liam Neeson for her gripping role in the binge-worthy Netflix original series Ozark, saying “Kindness is not a weakness.”
Former Webby Winner Steve Buscemi presented his The Week Of co-star Adam Sandler with a Webby Special Achievement Award, congratulating Netflix on “having the smarts to hire Adam.” Sandler accepted the Webby Award for his creative success and standout performances in a slate of new Netflix original films and quipped “How about that fucking chicken?”
Prolific director Steven Soderbergh accepted the Webby Award for Film & Video Person of the Year from two stars of Mosaic, Frederick Weller and Jennifer Ferrin, saying “Find new doors. Open them.”
Culinary legend David Chang accepted a Webby Special Achievement Award for his Netflix instant hit Ugly Delicious from Bon Appétit Editor Adam Rapoport, saying “MSG is good for you.”
Hip-hop sensation Swizz Beatz presented actor Jesse Williams with the Webby Special Achievement Award for bringing diversity to apps and entertainment through his chart-topping app BLeBRiTY. Williams accepted his award with: “Afraid? Okay. Do it afraid.”
Artist FKA twigs accepted the Webby Special Achievement Award from actress Dominique Fishback for her groundbreaking contributions to digital culture and said in spoken and sign language: “Treat people kindly. Start now.”
NFL defensive end Chris Long accepted the Webby Award for Best Athlete of the Year for his work on and off the football field and said “Still collecting my playoff checks.”
Other notable 5-Word Speeches include:
Isiah Thomas: “The slow grind never stops.”
The Museum of Ice Cream: “I’m lactose intolerant. Don’t tell.”
Jimmy Kimmel: “Thank you, assholes on Twitter.”
National Geographic: “The planet needed a win.”
Jimmy O. Yang: “Wow, I can’t follow Letterman.”
HBO GO: “My HBO GO password is…”
Prison Diaries: “Don’t get arrested. Trust me.”
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory: “We’ve got space for everyone.”
BBC: “Life isn’t just about algorithms.”
Dylan Marron: “To my childhood bullies. Thanks.”
E! Online: “Everyone deserves to be beautiful.”
S-Town: “Remember, life’s tedious and brief.”

Deray McKesson: “Ain’t no justice, no peace.”

 

Fans can watch this year’s Webby Awards celebration at WebbyAwards.com.

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160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

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160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.

Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.

HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP

This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.

  • Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
  • Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
  • Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
  • Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard

FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES

Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.

In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES

Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.

A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.

TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE

Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.

With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.

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Orlando International Fashion Week Partners with Orlando Fringe Festival for 35th Anniversary Avant-Garde Showcase

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Orlando International Fashion Week

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN)Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new creative partnership with the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival as the festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this May.

As part of the collaboration, OIFW will present a special avant-garde fashion showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., during the two-week festival. The curated runway will feature bold, experimental designs that reflect Fringe’s spirit of artistic freedom, individuality and innovation.

PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Organizers say the partnership reflects a natural alignment between two nonprofit organizations committed to supporting artists and expanding access to creative spaces.

“Fringe and OIFW share a commitment to creating platforms where artists can take risks and express themselves freely,” said Rob Henlon, executive director and co-founder of OIFW. “This collaboration allows fashion to exist within a broader artistic conversation.”

John Payne-Rios, an OIFW advisory board member, added that the partnership strengthens Orlando’s creative ecosystem by bringing together fashion, theater and community engagement.

Festival organizers echoed that sentiment, noting the addition of fashion enhances the Outdoor Stage experience and introduces new artistic energy to the event.

DESIGNER CALL AND MODEL CASTING UNDERWAY

In conjunction with the partnership, OIFW has opened its designer registration call for creatives interested in participating in the Fringe showcase.

Designers are encouraged to submit collections that emphasize:

  • Avant-garde concepts
  • Artistic storytelling
  • Bold, experimental design

Models can also audition for both the Fringe showcase and upcoming OIFW runway shows. Casting calls are scheduled for April 12 and April 19 at CityArts Gallery in downtown Orlando from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The casting is open to ages 4 and up, with no prior experience required.

FRINGE FESTIVAL MARKS 35 YEARS OF ARTISTIC FREEDOM

For 35 years, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided an inclusive platform for artists to present original work in an unjuried and uncensored environment. The festival is the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States and returns 100% of ticket sales directly to artists.

Each May, the festival transforms Orlando into a hub of live performances, visual art, music and interactive experiences that celebrate diverse voices and creative expression.

What’s Next for OIFW?

The Fringe collaboration serves as a lead-in to OIFW’s signature summer event, Orlando International Fashion Week Presents: 626 Euphoria, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Winter Park Events Center.

Organizers say the upcoming season will continue to focus on:

  • Expanding fashion as a cultural platform
  • Strengthening cross-industry partnerships
  • Elevating emerging and diverse designers

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Trick Daddy Threatens Tiffany Moore Russell Mayoral Race After AKA Show Shut Down

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A performance by Miami street legend rapper Trick Daddy ended abruptly Friday night during the 73rd South Atlantic Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated after event organizers said the artist ignored agreed-upon performance guidelines.

The incident, which occurred after the conference’s Step and Stroll competition, has sparked debate online about event vetting, audience expectations, and artistic responsibility.

The event was overseen by South Atlantic Regional Director Tiffany Moore Russell, who also serves as the elected Clerk of Courts for Orange County, Florida and is currently a candidate for Orange County mayor.

Conference Performance Ends Early

Conference attendees from across the South Atlantic region gathered in Orlando for the sorority’s five-day leadership and networking event.

Friday evening’s program featured step teams and strolling performances before transitioning to live entertainment. Organizers booked Trick Daddy, the Miami rapper known for hits including “Nann” and “Thug Matrimony,” to perform a curated list of songs.

However, the performance ended mid-set after organizers said the rapper used language and lyrics that violated previously discussed guidelines.

Russell addressed the incident in a statement distributed to conference attendees.

“We met several times with him and his team to detail our requirements, including attire, language, and specific songs,” Russell said. “Unfortunately, our requirements were ignored. The language, lyrics, and comments made by the artist were not acceptable. I ended the performance because of the disrespect for our organization and our brand.”

Viral Video Fuels Online Debate

Videos posted on social media showed audience members reacting with surprise and discomfort during the performance.

In one clip, attendees could be seen leaving the room as the rapper used explicit language and interacted with the crowd in a manner some attendees described as inappropriate for the event.

The video quickly spread online, fueling debate over whether the performer or the event organizers were responsible for the mismatch between the artist and the audience.

Some critics argued the booking itself raised questions about vetting.

Questions About Booking and Vetting

The controversy has prompted broader discussion about event planning and audience expectations.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black sororities, known for its emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and community service.

Critics on social media questioned why an artist known for explicit hip-hop lyrics was booked for a conference audience largely composed of professional women and long-time sorority members.

Supporters of the organizers say the issue was not the booking itself but whether the performer honored the agreed-upon content guidelines.

Russell emphasized that the step teams and conference participants represented “creativity, discipline, and excellence,” adding that she regretted the performance overshadowed their work.

Trick Daddy Responds: “They Booked Me, Trick Daddy Dollars” [VIDEO]

Following the incident, Trick Daddy posted a video response denying that he violated the agreement and accusing organizers of damaging his reputation.

Trick Daddy video responding to AKA Director statement telling her not to give him a playlist, this isn’t her wedding and not to defame his characte, according to the video.

the video further that he states that anybody in there that was saddity and sanctified should not have been in there once I grabbed the MF’in mic.

He also referenced Russell’s political ambitions, saying: “I heard you’re running for some type of office or something. I’ll get on you every day until you don’t win. Don’t play with me.”

The comments intensified the controversy as the incident shifted from a performance dispute to a potential political crisis for Russell’s Orange County mayoral campaign.

What Happens Next? Reputation, Politics and Public Reaction

For Trick Daddy, the dispute raises questions about how the controversy could affect his public image and performance bookings.

For Tiffany Moore Russell, the issue arrives as she prepares for a campaign for mayor in Orange County, Florida, potentially drawing political scrutiny to the situation.

Whether the rapper follows through on his pledge to publicly attrack Russell’s mayoral campaign remains unclear.

For now, the moment stands as a cautionary tale about entertainment programming at professional events—where audience expectations, artist identity, and brand reputation must align.

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