All-time best Illinois HS football star? Vote in '250 for 250' poll

While Illinois is not the first state that comes to mind when it comes to high school football, the Prairie State has had its fair share of success sending players to college and then the pros.

USA TODAY Sports

As theUnited States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports will celebrate the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time. Alongside that national recognition, the USA TODAY Network will spotlight the roots of the country’s sports culture: the high school athletes and sports figures who shaped communities and defined their states.

So, who among the best of the best has defined the Friday Night Lights in Illinois?

More:Who is the greatest Texas high school football legend of all time? Vote now!

These are our selections for the football players who defined Illinois. The 15 players (listed in alphabetical order) were all standout players at the high school level before they eventually went on to play at both the college and professional ranks.

Did we miss someone? There's a spot for you to write in your own candidate who wasn't included on our list of 15.

Dick Butkus, FB/LB, Chicago Vocational

Fittingly, the list kicks off with a player who only played in Illinois for his entire football career. But before he shone with the Illinois Illini Fighting Illini and the Chicago Bears, the Pro Football Hall of Famer played high school football in the state. He was named Chicago's Player of the Year as a junior.

Gary Fencik, DB, Barrington

Fencik, one of the singers of "The Super Bowl Shuffle," on the 1985 Chicago Bears, actually began his career at Barrington High School. Fencik graduated from Barrington in 1972 before attending Yale and having an NFL career with the Bears.

Otto Graham, RB, Waukegan

Before becoming a star NFL QB, Graham began his high school career at Waukegan High School, where he was all-state in football and basketball. He also excelled as a musician, playing the violin, French horn and cornet.

Red Grange, RB, Wheaton

The "Galloping Ghost"scored 36 touchdowns in his junior season, leading Wheaton to an undefeated season. He earned 16 varsity letters in football, baseball, basketball and track in high school, finishing with 75 total touchdowns. The field at Wheaton Warrenville South High School is named after Grange.

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George Halas, End, Crane

The former founder, owner, player and coach of the Chicago Bears played football, baseball and track at Crane Technical High School. Baseball was his best sport in high school, where he won a state championship as a senior.

Ty Isaac (Joliet Catholic)

As a junior, Isaac rushed for 515 yards and six touchdowns on 26 carries in the 2011 state Class 5A championship game. He finished with 2,629 yards and 51 touchdowns in that junior season. Despite injuries, Isaac had 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior.

Johnny Lattner, HB, Fenwick

The 1953 Heisman Trophy winner is the only Illinois high school player to earn the honors. In his senior season, Lattner averaged 18 yards per carry. He received more than 90 scholarships before deciding to attend Notre Dame.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Niles West

Mendenhall became a 5-star recruit after rushing for 1,300 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore. He followed that up with 1,831 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior and then 1,453 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior. He played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Mt. Carmel

Along with teammates Simeon Rice and Matt Cushing, McNabb led Mt. Carmel to a state championship in football in 1991. He led the program to the Chicago Prep Bowl championship in 1993 as a senior. He was also a star in track and in basketball, where he played with future NBA star Antoine Walker.

Ray Nitschke, LB, Proviso Township

The future Hall of Fame linebacker with the Green Bay Packers began his career in high school at Proviso Township (now Proviso East High School), where he was a star quarterback and safety. He excelled despite not playing his sophomore year, when he was ruled ineligible due to academic reasons.

James Robinson, RB, Rockford Lutheran

Robinson holds the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) record for career rushing yards (9,045) and rushing touchdowns (158). As a senior, he recorded 2,461 yards and 44 touchdowns, earning Class 4A All-State honors.

Laquon Treadwell, WR, Crete-Monee

Treadwell finished his Illinois high school career as the second-leading receiver with 3,563 yards in prep history in the state. He led Crete-Monee to a 6A state championship as a senior, finishing the year with 81 catches for 1,424 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushing for 257 yards and seven touchdowns. He also added 56 tackles and six interceptions on defense.

Jonas Williams, QB, Bolingbrook

The 2026 USC signee finished his high school career with 11,347 passing yards and 147 passing touchdowns, both of which make him the all-time leader in Illinois. In his senior season, he threw for 2,488 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Juice Williams, QB, Chicago Vocational

Williams threw for 1,841 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior with Chicago Vocational, while also adding 1,441 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, good for an average of 21.8 yards per carry. He was selected for the Chicago Public League All-Star game and served as a reserve for the Army All-American Bowl.

Martez Wilson, DE, Simeon

Wilsonput up video game stats as a seniorwith Simeon with 240 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He also added 42 grabs for 1,005 yards and nine touchdowns on offense.

USA TODAY 250 for 250: Who do you think is the best of the best?

All-time best Illinois HS football star? Vote in '250 for 250' poll

While Illinois is not the first state that comes to mind when it comes to high school football, the Prairie State has had its fair shar...
Amal Clooney Dazzles in $124,000 Earrings Featuring 596 Diamonds

Amal Clooney stepped out in $124,000 Cartier earrings — featuring 596 diamonds — to celebrate her husband George Clooney at the 51st Chaplin Award Gala in New York City

People Amal Clooney.Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

NEED TO KNOW

  • Amal appeared in a purple Balenciaga peplum-style mini dress

  • Earlier this month, the human rights lawyer debuted a spring hair refresh

Amal Clooneywas dripping in diamonds in the Big Apple.

On Monday, April 27, the human rights lawyer, 48, appeared at the 51st Chaplin Award Gala alongside her husbandGeorge Clooney, who was being honored at the event. Amal opted for a purple Balenciaga peplum-style mini dress, which she teamed with a gold clutch bag and matching heels. George, 64, looked dapper in a black tuxedo.

The focal point of Amal's ensemble was her jewelry: Cartier'sPanthère de Cartier earringsthat retail for $124,000 and are set with four emeralds and a whopping 596 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 4.32 carats.

The couple posed for a series of photos on the red carpet before heading inside for the event, which recognizes an individual's “significant contributions to the art of cinema,” per the Lincoln Centerwebsite.

The award is named after its first honoree, Charlie Chaplin, with all proceeds from the annual gala fundraiser “going to support our nonprofit organization's mission to celebrate cinema as an essential art form and foster a vibrant home for film culture to thrive.”

Amal Clooney.Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE on the red carpet, George shared that receiving the award and the attention that has come with it was “wild” and “a little embarrassing,” but “fun” at the same time.

“You don't, you drink,” he joked about how he prepared for the evening. “I'm gonna have to start drinking soon.”

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George and Amal Clooney.Credit: Dia Dipasupil/WireImage

The actor also revealed that he doesn't tend to watch his own films because it's "hard" to see how he looked in his younger years, but made an exception to watch 2009'sFantastic Mr. Foxwith his and Amal's children — twins Ella and Alexander, 8.

"It's a weird thing. As you get older, it's hard to watch movies when you were younger because you're like, holy s---, that doesn't even look like me anymore," he told PEOPLE. "You know, I'm watching because I've got 8 year olds, I'm watchingFantastic Mr. Fox, which is a little easier because it's not really me, it's just my boys. And that's kind of fun because the kids are slowly figuring out what I do for a living."

At the gala, Amal also showed off hernew spring hair refresh, which she debuted earlier this month at Cartier's Women's Initiative dialogue in Milan.

Inspired by Cartier's iconic panther motif, celebrity hairstylist and coloristDimitris Giannetosgave Amal "La Panthère highlights." Her slightly shorter brunette locks feature a hint of golden highlights that frame her face.

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"I wanted to subtly change Amal's hair color and length," Giannetos shared on Instagram. "La Panthère highlights are bold but at the same time look effortless and very elegant!"

The stylist added, "Amal has the most beautiful heart and she's always the most caring person! She inspires me and always makes me think out of the box!"

Read the original article onPeople

Amal Clooney Dazzles in $124,000 Earrings Featuring 596 Diamonds

Amal Clooney stepped out in $124,000 Cartier earrings — featuring 596 diamonds — to celebrate her husband George Clooney at the 51st Ch...
All About “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe”, the Latest “Big Bang Theory” Spinoff Centered on Stuart Bloom

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the latest spinoff of The Big Bang Theory

People John Ross Bowie, Lauren Lapkus, Kevin Sussman and Brian Posehn in 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe'Credit: HBO Max

NEED TO KNOW

  • The series stars Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom, reprising his role from the long-running sitcom

  • Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will premiere this summer

The world ofThe Big Bang Theoryis blending sci-fi with sitcom in the upcoming seriesStuart Fails to Save the Universe.

The latest entry in the franchise,Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,joins otherBig Bang Theoryseries, includingYoung SheldonandGeorgie & Mandy's First Marriage.Young Sheldonended in 2024 after seven seasons, and season 2 ofGeorgie & Mandy's First Marriageis set to conclude in May 2026, but it has already been renewed for an upcoming third season, perDeadline. It has been seven years sinceThe Big Bang Theoryleft the air in 2019.

On April 26, HBO Max unveiled a first look at the upcoming show during a panel at CCXP Mexico City. The series is expected to stream on the platform in the summer of 2026.

Here's everything to know about the latestBig Bang Theoryspinoff,Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

What isStuart Fails to Save the Universeabout?

John Ross Bowie, Lauren Lapkus, Kevin Sussman and Brian Posehn in 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe'Credit: HBO Max

Stuart Fails to Save the Universeis bringing multiverse madness to theBig Bang Theoryuniverse.

The spinoff follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman), who "is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon," per theofficial logline.

Stuart is accompanied by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus) and his friends as they run into "alternate-universe versions" of beloved characters fromThe Big Bang Theory.

"As the title implies, things don’t go well," ends the synopsis.

Who is in the cast ofStuart Fails to Save the Universe?

John Ross Bowie, Lauren Lapkus, Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn in 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe'Credit: HBO Max

Sussman is reprising his role of Stuart, which he played on seasons 2-12 of the originalBig Bang Theory. OtherBig Bang Theorycast members returning are Lapkus as Denise, Stuart's girlfriend, Brian Posehn as his geologist friend Bert and John Ross Bowie as "quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass" Barry Kripke.

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Since "alternative-universe versions" ofBig Bang Theorycharacters are expected to show up, other actors from the sitcom could make an appearance.

In a July 2025 interview withTV Line, whenBig Bang Theoryfranchise co-creator Chuck Lorre was asked ifJim ParsonsandJohnny Galecki— who played Sheldon and Leonard on the flagship series — would be reprising their characters forStuart Fails to Save the Universe.Lorre said, "I cannot speak to that."

"That is a closely guarded piece of information that, you know," he teased. "I've taken a blood oath regarding."

Most recently,Parsons said he wouldn't come back for a rebootduring an April 2026 appearance onThe View. “I don’t believe I would do a reboot,” he said, adding of his famous character, “I can’t say I miss him, partly because, especially 12 years on a TV show where they’re writing for this specific actor, there’s a lot of me in that. Not the genius part, but there’s a lot of me in that.”

While not a cast member, it was also revealed at the CCXP Mexico City panel that Danny Elfman created the original theme music for the upcoming series.

When doesStuart Fails to Save the Universepremiere?

Brain Posehn, Kevin Sussman and Lauren Lapkus in 'Stuart Fails To Save The Universe'Credit: Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max

Stuart Fails to Save the Universewill debut in July 2026 on HBO Max, but an exact premiere date has not been announced.

In February 2026, Lorre spoke with PEOPLE aboutStuart Fails to Save the Universe, calling it "a science fiction action-adventure comedy."

“We just finished principal photography and I'm pretty excited about it.It's a big swing," he continued. “I think it will be revered or reviled. I'm not sure which.”

Where can I watchStuart Fails to Save the Universe?

Lauren Lapkus and Kevin Sussman in 'Stuart Fails To Save The Universe'Credit: Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max

Stuart Fails to Save the Universewill be available to stream onHBO Max.

Read the original article onPeople

All About “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe”, the Latest “Big Bang Theory” Spinoff Centered on Stuart Bloom

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the latest spinoff of The Big Bang Theory NEED TO KNOW The series stars Kevi...
Azeez Al-Shaair signs contract extension with Texans. Here's what it means

TheHouston Texanshave agreed to an extension with one of their key defenders following the 2026 NFL Draft.

USA TODAY Sports

The Texans are signing linebackerAzeez Al-Shaairto a three-year extension, according to multiple reports. The full terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed.

Al-Shaair was entering the final season of a three-year, $34 million contract he signed with the Texans as a free agent in 2024. His new deal will tie him to Houston through the 2029 NFL season.

<p style=OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

2026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades

OT Tytus Howard:Traded to Cleveland Browns(previous team: Houston Texans)

Al-Shaair's extension comes after he enjoyed a career-best season in 2025. He totaled 103 tackles – his second-most in a single season – while notching a career-best two interceptions and nine pass defenses and allowing an 80.3 passer rating.

Al-Shaair was named to his first career Pro Bowl as a result of his strong 2025 campaign. He was also the Texans' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The Texans kept Al-Shaair despite trade overtures from the Dallas Cowboys,ESPN's Todd Archer reports. The Cowboys pursued Al-Shaair beforeacquiring linebacker Dee Wintersfrom the San Francisco 49ers during the 2026 NFL Draft.

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Retaining Al-Shaair could prove critical for the Texans. Both he and fellow starting linebackerHenry To'oTo'owere set to be free agents following the 2026 season. Now, the Texans have at least one linebacker locked up long-term for their defense, which was among the NFL's best stop units last season.

Here's more to know about Al-Shaair's contract as the soon-to-be 29-year-old prepares to stay in Houston long-term.

Azeez Al-Shaair contract details

The full details of Al-Shaair's contract have not yet been disclosed. All that is presently known is that Al-Shaair has signed a three-year extension to remain with the Texans.

Al-Shaair is the second notable Houston defender to sign a lucrative extension during the offseason. The Texans also inked star pass rusherWill Anderson Jr. to a three-year, $150 million contractto make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history by average annual value (AAV).

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Texans extend Pro Bowl linebacker after 2026 NFL Draft

Azeez Al-Shaair signs contract extension with Texans. Here's what it means

TheHouston Texanshave agreed to an extension with one of their key defenders following the 2026 NFL Draft. The Texans are signing ...
Olympic Champions Nadia Comăneci and Bart Conner Celebrate 3 Decades of Marriage

Nadia Comăneci and Bart Conner celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary at the Mutua Madrid Open with a sweet Instagram post

People Nadia Comaneci (left) and Bart Conner at the 2024 Paris OlympicsCredit: Jean Catuffe/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • The couple first met in 1976 at the American Cup and reconnected years later before marrying in Romania in 1996

  • They share a 19-year-old son, Dylan, who has also developed an interest in sports

Retired Olympic gymnastsNadia ComăneciandBart Connerare celebrating a big milestone in their marriage.

On Sunday, April 26, they gave each other a lovely shout-out for their 30th wedding anniversary onInstagram. A joint post read, "Happy 30th Anniversary today dear @bartconner 3 Perfect 10 celebrating here @mutuamadridopen ❤️❤️❤️."

In the post, the couple shared a photo of them sitting side-by-side during a game at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026. In the snap, they both wore straw hats and sunglasses. Comăneci, 64, completed her look with a snakeskin jacket, a black skirt and a beige top. As for Conner, 68, he wore a polka dot blue-and-white shirt with a pair of black jeans.

In the post, they also shared a video of Comăneci dancing by her seat.

The Olympiansfirst met in 1976at the American Cup, where Conner won the men's title at 17 and Comăneci won the women's title at 14. While posing for a photo together at the event, Conner gave Comăneci a kiss on the cheek, per the direction of the photographer.

“The photographer said, ‘Oh, she's adorable. Give her a kiss on the cheek, it'd make a nice picture,' " he recalled during a 2016 episode ofOprah: Where Are They Now.

The two eventually reconnected in 1991 after Comăneci went to the 1976 Olympics in Montreal and scored seven perfect 10s.

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“She redefined our sport and became a global superstar,” Conner said.

“And I took 46th place in the Olympics so nobody knew me and she certainly didn't pay attention to me,” he added with a laugh.

Conner and Comăneci got married in 1996 in Bucharest, Romania. While appearing onOprah: Where Are They Now, Comăneci, who was born in Romania, said she wanted to get married there because the lush country, known for its medieval towns, had "a big role in everything that I've done."

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"I couldn't imagine doing the wedding somewhere else," she added.

Conner and Comăneci have been going strong ever since. In 2006, they welcomed their son, Dylan, now 19, who has also taken an interest in sports.

Read the original article onPeople

Olympic Champions Nadia Comăneci and Bart Conner Celebrate 3 Decades of Marriage

Nadia Comăneci and Bart Conner celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary at the Mutua Madrid Open with a sweet Instagram post NEE...
Live Nation's $30 ticket deal begins today. How to purchase

Concerts are affordable with this limited-time deal.

USA TODAY

Live Nation'sSummer of Live!promotion offers fans $30 concert tickets, all fees included, for more than 4,000 shows, allowing you to see your favorite artist for a low cost.

"Some moments only happen once – your favorite song, your favorite artist, your favorite season," the companysaid in their announcement.

If you missed the presales, there's still a chance to get tickets. Here's how.

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<p style=Def Leppard

The veteran British glam rockers will be asking Las Vegas, “Do you wanna get rocked?” at their new dozen-concert residency at Caesars Palace. Singer Joe Elliott told USA TODAY the band wants to keep some “mystique” about show plans but, “Vegas will have a new concept.”

Dates: Feb. 3 - Feb. 28 (Las Vegas). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Brandi Carlile

The Americana sweetheart is supporting her eighth studio album – and first solo project in four years – “Returning to Myself,” released in October. She’ll be joined by The Head and the Heart.

Dates: Feb. 10 (Philadelphia) – March 6 (San Francisco). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Cardi B

The hip-hop maven embarks on her Little Miss Drama Tour – its name drawn from her second studio album that released in September – for more than 30 dates. It’s her first tour in six years and her first arena outing.

Dates: Feb. 11 (Palm Desert, California) – April 18 (Atlanta). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Lady Gaga

The Mayhem Ball was unequivocally the most spectacular road show of 2025. The indefatigable Gaga is back for a second North American leg that will hit some new cities (Atlanta, Boston, Washington DC) and return her captivating pop-opera to others (Los Angeles, New York) because of insatiable demand.

Dates: Feb. 14 (Glendale, Arizona) – April 13 (New York). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Conan Gray

Following the major success of his fourth studio album, “Wishbone,” which bore the dreamy “This Song” and “Vodka Cranberry,” the sensitive singer-songwriter will circle North American arenas with Esha Tewari before heading to Europe and Australia.

Dates: Feb. 19 (Minneapolis) – March 20 (Los Angeles). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Zach Bryan

Following the recent release of his sixth album, “With Heaven on Top,” the alt-country singer-songwriter will launch another slate of stadium shows to promote the 25-song effort. He’s also tapped a heady supporting cast: Kings of Leon and Ben Howard, Alabama Shakes and Caamp.

Dates: March 7 (St. Louis) - Oct. 10 (Auburn, Alabama). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Luke Combs

Country megastar Combs has produced a stadium-sized career, and he’ll fill those venues on his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour, which kicks off the day after his new album, “The Way I Am,” arrives. Combs tapped guest performers – Dierks Bentley, The Script, Thomas Rhett, Thelma & James, among others – for various dates.

Dates: March 21 (Las Vegas) – June 6 (Toronto). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Lily Allen

The forthright British songbird hasn’t toured North America since 2018, and is only doing nine concerts before heading back to the U.K. this summer. But she’ll make them memorable. Her Lily Allen Performs West End Girl will find her performing her intense new album, “West End Girl,” start to finish.

Dates: April 3 (Chicago) – April 28 (San Francisco). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Florence + The Machine

Florence Welch – an ever-captivating and a dazzling stage presence – will lead her band through a romp inspired by her sixth album, “Everybody Scream,” released on Halloween. She’ll be joined by Rachel Chinouriri, Sofia Isella and other artists on varying dates.

Dates: April 8 (Minneapolis) – May 20 (Los Angeles). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Demi Lovato

It’s been four years since Lovato’s last major outing and she’s primed to bring her nearly two decades (!) of hits to 23 cities. Touring behind last year’s “It’s Not That Deep,” which marked her return to pop, Lovato will welcome ADÉLA as her special guest.

Dates: April 8 (Charlotte) – May 25 (Houston). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Bruno Mars

While he hasn’t headlined a tour since 2017, the song-and-dance man has hardly been idle. He's helmed a popular Vegas residency and club opening as well as moonlighting with Silk Sonic and appearing on hits with Lady Gaga and Rosé. His grand return for The Romantic Tour – his fourth album, “The Romantic,” – will play nearly 70 stadium shows across North America and Europe and was met with instant sellouts.

Dates: April 10 (Las Vegas) – Oct. 17 (Vancouver). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=BTS

Cue the eardrum-shattering screams because the K-pop conquerors are back. A 70-plus date world tour featuring an in-the-round stage should sate the BTS Army, especially since it’s the group’s first headline tour since 2022. A new record, “Arirang,” is also expected this year.

Dates: April 25 (Tampa) - Sept. 6 (Los Angeles). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=No Doubt

The effervescent ska-punk of the “Tragic Kingdom” quartet will meld with the remarkable technology at Sphere Las Vegas for what is sure to be a colorful show. Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young have 18 performances set at the venue to host their cache of ‘90s and ‘00s smashes.

Dates: May 6 - June 13 (Las Vegas). More here. 

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Alex Warren

The voice behind the ubiquitous “Ordinary” released his full-length debut album, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid,” in July (with Jelly Roll and Rosé popping on a couple of songs). He’ll parlay his burgeoning success on his Little Orphan Alex Live tour with a run of 28 North American amphitheaters and arenas.

Dates: May 25 (Nashville) - July 28 (Cheyenne, Wyoming). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=5 Seconds of Summer

The Australian pop-rockers show their sense of humor on new album “Everyone’s a Star!” with the single “Boyband.” They’ll take their polished riffs to Europe in the early part of the year before hitting more than three dozen arenas and amphitheaters in North America.

Dates: May 29 (Uncasville, Connecticut) - Aug. 28 (Mountain View, California). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Rosalía

The global superstar broke through in a major way with “LUX,” her fourth full-length album released in November featuring the London Symphony Orchestra, Björk, Carminho and Estrella Morente, among others. Her LUX Tour 2026 will play 42 arena shows in 17 countries.  

Dates: June 4 (Miami) - July 3 (San Diego). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Ariana Grande

It’s a long way from “Wicked” as Grande embarks on her first tour in six years. The album she’s ostensibly supporting, “Eternal Sunshine,” arrived in March 2024, but Grande spent the last couple of years exploring her acting interests and hinted that she will return to that path following this excursion.

Dates: June 6 (Oakland, California) – Aug. 6 (Chicago). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Rush

Even Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were surprised at the demand that met the first seven dates they announced on their Fifty Something tour, their first since 2015. Modern Drummer Hall of Famer Neil Peart died in 2020, but the Canadian rockers will be joined by Anika Nilles behind the kit.

Dates: June 7 (Los Angeles) – Dec. 17 (Vancouver). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Ed Sheeran

Following a spate of shows in Australia and South America, the affable Sheeran will land in North America for a stadium run. Sheeran is rocking a pink-hued motif for the tour in support of his eighth studio album, “Play,” which spawned the hits “Azizam,” “Sapphire” and “Camera.”

Dates: June 13 (Glendale, Arizona) – Nov. 7 (Tampa). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi was extremely candid in the band’s fulfilling Hulu documentary, “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” about the devastating vocal cord issues that robbed him of his singing voice. But following surgery and intensive rehab, one of rock’s greatest frontmen and the rest of his Jersey boys are ready to rock again with a nine-show residency at Madison Square Garden before heading to Ireland and the U.K. for another handful of shows.

Dates: July 7-26 (New York). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Olivia Dean

It’s been quite the whirlwind year for the young London native, whose second album, “The Art of Loving,” earned her a best new artist Grammy nomination and commandeered radio with the soulful pop of “Man I Need” and “Nice to Each Other.” Her The Art of Loving Live tour is her most ambitious as she plays all arenas for the first time.

Dates: July 10 (San Francisco) – Aug. 29 (Austin, Texas). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Motley Crue

Two decades after steamrolling through venues with their Carnival of Sins tour, Motley Crue is resurrecting the explosive production for its 20th anniversary as well as the 45th anniversary of the band. The Return of the Carnival of Sins – featuring updated staging and set lists – will hit 33 cities with Tesla and Extreme in tow.

Dates: July 17 (Burgettstown, Pennsylvania) – Sept. 26 (Ridgefield, Washington). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Guns N' Roses

The band – Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Slash, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus, Isaac Carpenter and Melissa Reese – have returned to their road warrior ways following a 2025 world tour and a 2026 that finds them roaring through South America and Europe before journeying to North America. Among GNR’s dates is a Sept. 5 return to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, their first time playing the stadium in more than 30 years.   

Dates: July 24 (Raleigh, North Carolina) – Aug. 22 (Las Vegas). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Foo Fighters

Their last stadium tour, the 2023-24 Everything or Nothing at All run, sold out stadiums worldwide. The Foos – Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin – will go another round in 12 (for now, they say) North American cities this summer. Queens of the Stone Age will open all dates except Sept. 12 in Fargo, North Dakota.

Dates: Aug. 4 (Toronto) – Sept. 26 (Las Vegas). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=My Chemical Romance

The celebration continues for the emo-punk-rockers, who last year kickstarted an anniversary tour to revisit their standout 2006 rock opera, “The Black Parade.” Skits and costumes are prevalent as the band – Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Mikey Way and Frank Iero – tears through their landmark album in full before a second set of ragers.

Dates: Aug. 9 (New York) – Oct. 31 (Hollywood, California). More here.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Harry Styles

The pop superstar is bringing fans Together. Together with a seven-city worldwide residency including 30 shows at Madison Square Garden with Jamie xx. Styles’ outing will support his upcoming fourth solo release, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” due March 6.

Dates: Aug. 26 through Oct. 31

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Who is on tour in 2026? Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, BTS, Rush and more

Def LeppardThe veteran British glam rockers will be asking Las Vegas, “Do you wanna get rocked?” at their new dozen-concert residency at Caesars Palace. Singer Joe Elliotttold USA TODAYthe band wants to keep some “mystique” about show plans but, “Vegas will have a new concept.”Dates:Feb. 3 - Feb. 28 (Las Vegas).More here.

Tour:Logc, G-Eazy bring Endless Summer tour Part II back, get tickets now

When does Live Nation's Summer of Live general sale begin?

Kesha performs on stage during the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Concert at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 04, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The sale runs from April 29, 10 a.m. local time to May 5, 11:59 p.m. local time. Tickets are available onthe Live Nation website. According to the company, the promotion applies only to certain shows, and inventory is limited and expected to sell out.

Artists listed included in the deal:

  • Ari Lennox

  • 5 Seconds of Summer

  • Wu-Tang Clan

  • Summer Walker

  • Goo Goo Dolls

  • Kesha

  • Yeat

  • Kali Uchis

  • Lil Wayne

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Live Nation's Summer of Live $30 concert deal starts today. How to buy

Live Nation's $30 ticket deal begins today. How to purchase

Concerts are affordable with this limited-time deal. Live Nation'sSummer of Live!promotion offers fans $30 concert tickets, al...

 

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