From Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton's steamy New Year's kiss to a deadly Swiss Alps fire and celebrity engagements, the start of the year brought a mix of high-profile romance, tragic news, and controversial moments.
The New Year began with a flurry of events, both celebratory and tragic. Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton dispelled split rumors with a passionate New Year's Eve kiss. Tragically, Jasen Kaplan, a 'Finding Prince Charming' contestant and celebrity makeup artist, died in a New York City hospital, with NYPD investigating, marking the second loss for the show's family. Tom Brady was seen getting 'handsy' and cozy with influencer Alix Earle at a St. Barths party. Ice Spice celebrated her 26th birthday, needing assistance while leaving her party visibly inebriated. Taylor Swift attended Este Haim's NYE wedding in Ojai, California, without Travis Kelce. Pink revealed she's undergoing neck surgery for two new discs. K-pop sensation BTS confirmed their highly anticipated comeback for March 20, 2026. On the romance front, G Herbo proposed to Taina Williams, Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini confirmed their reunion with an intimate Instagram post, and UFC stars Alex Pereira and Tracy Cortez went public with their relationship. A devastating fire ripped through a bar in the Swiss Alps, killing around 40 people and injuring 115. Comedian Amy Sedaris sparked controversy with a transgender joke on CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast, leaving hosts speechless. Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz were seen partying in South Florida, seemingly unfazed by ongoing family feud rumors. The article also included a segment on healthy cookbooks and a 'Guess Who!' celebrity quiz.
