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New Gap ad features Alabama musician, and an iconic pop star approves

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New Gap ad features Alabama musician, and an iconic pop star approves


You know you’ve crushed a Janet Jackson cover when Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) is into it.

The Gap’s new holiday ad campaign has nine “sing-fluencers” — vocalists popular on social media — performing a version of Jackson’s 1997 chart-topper “Together Again” whilst clad in Gap gear.

Among that nonet, north Alabama musician Lamont Landers, whose TikTok followers number over a half-million. Other singers in the Gap campaign include two gifted young nephews of pop star Bruno Mars, who go by the names of Nyah Music and Zyah Rhythm.

Jackson’s classic track was a sensual banger. The Gap version stripes it down to a stirring a capella ballad.

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After the Gap shared a video of the “Together Again” cover on the San Francisco headquartered clothing retailer’s Instagram, Jackson’s account commented with a black heart.

Other celebs — including ‘80s pop icon Debbie Wilson, Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model Camille Kostek — also expressed their fondness for the clip, in the form of likes or comments. As have notable influencers, like Sarah Nicole Landry and Aubrey Fisher, with millions of IG followers.

The Gap content was filmed over two days in Los Angeles a few months ago. Other singers include Hana Effron, Aneesa Strings, Paige Fish, PawPaw Rod, Amaria and Liamani.

North Alabama musician Lamont Landers, as shot for the Gap’s 2024 holiday ad campaign. (Courtesy Samuel Bradley)Samuel Bradley

Landers says, “Everybody was so cool, and we all meshed very well. We sang the commercial live, so what you hear and see is a live performance. There’s no Auto Tune or us in a studio doing it after the fact. It put the onus on us to really have it tight and sound good.

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“I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but it was an overwhelmingly enjoyable experience. It was cool. To represent north Alabama and a nationwide campaign is very cool – and the money didn’t hurt at all.”

The vocal arrangement for the Gap ad was done by Patrick Lawrence Zappia, whose resume ranges from metal band Slipknot tor virtual-reality headset Meta Quest, and Alexander Lloyd Blake, who’s worked on films like “Wakanda Forever” and Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect.”

“It was almost like an impromptu high school choir,” Landers says. Back in the day, Landers sang choir at Decatur High School under choral director Dr. Carl Davis. “It felt like a throwback to that,” he says.

Landers deft, deep-soul vocals are endearingly juxtaposed to his bespectacled, baby-faced, pale-skinned and redhead appearance. As Kiss frontman Paul Stanley posted on X early this year, ” If you love R&B like I do you’ll LOVE him. No, he doesn’t look what you expect but just goes to show ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. LOVE him.”

Landers was on tour as the opening act for acclaimed soul-rock band Black Pumas, when his manager called him with the news he’d locked down the Gap gig. He says since the campaign launched November 1, he’s gained a couple thousand followers on Instagram, pushing him back over 300,000 there.

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“More so than any kind of benefit I’ve reaped from it,” Landers says, “it’s been cool to see the positive response for the campaign. It’s always good to participate in something that’s successful and that people enjoy rather than, you know, the commercial come out and people are like, ‘Well, this sucks.’”

The Gap content is one of the most effective uses of music in advertising since the now-classic iPod ads featuring the likes of Jet and U2 and Volkswagen’s Super Bowl spot this year with Neil Diamond classic “I Am … I Said.”

“You gotta take every avenue these days,” Landers says. “It’s not a one-shot deal.”

That said, Landers is building a career via more traditional music biz paths too. Touring with Black Pumas “was like a dream,” Landers says. “We got to play these venues that were way above our pay grade.” The trek brought Landers and his band to stages like Brooklyn Paramount Theater and Boston’s Leader Bank Pavilion. The last night of the tour, Black Pumas brought Landers onstage with them to sing on a cover of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” This year, Landers also played sets at Atlanta’s Shaky Knees Festival and Tennessee’s Pilgrimage Fest.

Landers is no stranger to the spotlight. In spring 2018, the Lamont Landers Band wowed on Fox TV’s “Showtime at The Apollo.” They did a hot version of Bill Withers funk-pop classic “Use Me” at Apollo Theater, the hallowed Harlem, N.Y. venue where legends like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson broke through early in their careers.

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The Apollo performance helped score Landers a slot on Tuscaloosa Amphitheater’s Bicentennial Bash, a daylong 2019 concert headlined by Grammy-winner Jason Isbell. That summer, Landers returned to TV. He appeared on top-rated NBC show “America’s Got Talent,” performing Al Green soul standard “Let’s Stay Together” in front of judges including Simon Cowell, the notoriously blunt “American Idol” heel, with whom Landers had a (staged) on-camera confrontation.

Next year should be Landers’ biggest yet. He’s signed a recording contract with a label founded by A-list Americana producer Dave Cobb, known for his work with Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Slash, Great Van Fleet, and Red Clay Strays. “I’m really excited about it,” Landers says. “The man’s got nine Grammys.”

Landers checks in for this phone interview from writing sessions in Muscle Shoals for his debut full-length album, targeted for a first-quarter 2025 release.

“I’ve got eight songs cut right now,” he says, and I gotta go back and hit some more. We’re gonna finish it by the end of the year.” He describes the sound as “contemporary southern soul and Americana-ish.”

Musicians on Landers’ upcoming album include drummer Derek Phillips (credits include Michael McDonald, Vanessa Williams), bassist Brian Allen (Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga), and keyboardist Philip Towns (Brent Cobb, Anderson East).

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Cobb connected with Landers after The Roots drummer and “The Tonight Show” musician Questlove shared an Instagram clip of Landers nailing the lead vocal from “The Rubberband Man,” a 1976 hit by R&B group The Spinners.

“And because of that,” Landers says, “Dave Cobb reached out to me on Instagram. And lo and behold, a couple days later I was in Savannah, Georgia to meet with him, and we talked, and he wanted to sign me.”

Landers also has an EP in the can recorded with an indie-rock-meets-vintage-soul project called Player’s Club, with Brittany Howard/Alabama Shakes bassist Zac Cockrell. Muscle Shoals legend Spooner Oldham is on keyboards.

Landers says his contract with Low Country Sound includes a provision allowing him to release the Player’s Club recordings, which he plans to drop between his first and second albums for Cobb’s label. Landers previous recordings include a strong self-titled EP, recorded at local studio Clearwave and featuring alt-rock tinged single “Into the Fold.”

Thursday, Landers will perform in Nashville at East Iris Studios, headlining a 7 p.m. bill of north Alabama’s best new artists, including Camacho, Common Man and Local Brand. The show, a collaboration between the Huntsville Music Office, Huntsville commercial development MidCity (home of Orion Amphitheater), and major label Universal Music Group will stream live on volume.com.

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All signs point to Landers being the next north Alabama musician to break big, following the footsteps of Jason Isbell, Alabama Shakes and Brittany Howard. He isn’t taking doing a touchdown dance just yet though.

“Something’s gonna happen next year regardless,” Landers says. “I’m just not sure which turn it’s gonna be, but I’m feeling very optimistic with the songs we’ve got and the songs that I’m currently writing. It’s just you just never know how people are gonna receive it. And that’s the scary thing. I can think everything’s good all day, but it’s up to the people to decide whether it’s good.”

A former Huntsville resident, during the pandemic Landers returned to his Decatur hometown, where he currently resides with his fiancé and young child. “Having something worth coming home to,” Landers says, “it’s so good, man. It’s the best.”





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Spiegelman Awards: Best of the high school season

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Spiegelman Awards: Best of the high school season


Spiegelman Awards: Best of the high school season

Rivals national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman has been all over the Southeast this season, scouting top high school prospects from the 2025, 2026, 2027 and even 2028 classes. Here are his awards for the top performances he saw in person.

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THIS SERIES: Greg Smith’s awards for this season

MR. PLAYMAKER: Na’eem Offord

Offord fits the bill as a playmaker in the secondary. Offord is long at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, and his ability to accelerate in a hurry and seamlessly break on the football is evident in coverage. The five-star prospect is dynamic in the defensive backfield and also on special teams, where he’s returned multiple punts for touchdowns as a senior.

He has the ability to smother receivers and mirror routes. He has superb anticipation and suddenness, and has shined as a senior.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT DOTTINGTHEEYES.COM

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COOL UNDER PRESSURE: Julian Lewis

Lewis has been dynamic in his senior season at Carrollton (Ga.) High. He’s been a highly efficient, high-level game manager that’s stepped up in big-game moments week in and week out against a rigid high school schedule. Lewis is immune to pressure and delivers in big moments.

The five-star USC verbal is highly efficient and extremely accurate on throws on in-breaking routes and delivers great balls from off-platform throws. We love Lewis’ ability to command an offense.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH USC FANS AT TROJANSPORTS.COM

ONE GIANT LEAP: Jared Smith

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There might not be another defensive end who has made a bigger statement as a senior than Smith. The fourth-ranked defensive end in the Rivals250 has been absolutely electric flying off the line and making splash plays off the edge.

Smith has exceptional burst and a quick, explosive first step. He turns the corner with conviction and plays with a high motor. At 6-foot-5 and north of 230 pounds, Smith’s length and size allow him to impact plays consistently.

No prospect in the Southeast has taken a bigger leap forward than Smith, a key component of Auburn’s top-five recruiting class.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH AUBURN FANS AT AUBURNSPORTS.COM

SWISS ARMY KNIFE: Michael Terry

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Terry wears multiple hats for his high school team. He sees snaps out of the shotgun, out of the backfield, and lined up as a receiver on the perimeter. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder brings physicality out of the backfield and out wide. He has sure hands and is able to add yardage after contact and break free from hosts of defenders.

Texas and others are recruiting Terry as a hybrid H-back, where he would be a mismatch out of different formations as a pass-catcher and weapon out of the backfield.

MR. ELECTRIC: Adrian Wilson

Wilson, a recent Colorado commit, is one of the most electric receivers from the Lone Star State. Wilson has outstanding body control and is a crafty route-runner – with an explosive release off the line and fantastic hands on the back end. Wilson is smooth in and out of his breaks and is a fluid receiver able to adjust and make plays on the fly.

He’s been doing this for years at Pflugerville (Texas) Weiss and is primed to be a difference-maker in Boulder.

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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH COLORADO FANS AT CUSPORTSREPORT.COM

ADONIS: David Sanders

Sanders has been rock-solid anchoring the offensive line at Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day. The elite OL is a sculpted 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, and has been dynamic working on both sides of the ball as a senior. Projecting as an offensive tackle for the Vols, Sanders has been brilliant. He anticipates well in pass pro and is strong enough to withstand power rushes and agile enough to dispel speed rushers off the edge.

Sanders is light on his feet and plays with great leverage. He thrived blocking in space and clearing paths in the run game in motion. Sanders was one of the best in-person evals from a left tackle in recent memory.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TENNESSEE FANS AT VOLREPORT.COM

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THE SNUGGY: Shamar Arnoux

Arnoux has battled injuries for parts of his high school career, and the senior has been absolutely stellar in coverage on the perimeter. The USC verbal out of the Peach State is able to effectively blanket receivers and use his excellent length and fluidity in coverage to cover bigger receivers outside and move well with quicker pass-catchers, too.

Arnoux is undoubtedly a stock-up candidate after this season, proving to be an aggressive, ball-hawking cornerback and a willing tackler, too.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH USC FANS AT TROJANSPORTS.COM

THE TAKE OVER: Deuce Knight

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Knight has the ability to take over a game, a prerequisite as an elite QB in this era of football. As a senior, Knight has continued to improve with his efficiency as a passer and decision-maker. He enjoyed a strong off-season throwing the football at different levels of the field.

As a senior at Lucedale (Miss.) George County High, he’s kept his eyes downfield, effectively evaded pressure and maneuvered efficiently within the pocket to extend plays. Knight can maintain accuracy and touch on throws when on the move.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder leaned on his legs in critical game situations and is a devastating runner in the open field. The Auburn commit’s mobility is an absolute game-changer when can he extend plays to keep defenses off-guard.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH AUBURN FANS AT AUBURNSPORTS.COM



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Ole Miss Men’s Basketball Fends Off Late Rally, Takes Down South Alabama 64-54

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Ole Miss Men’s Basketball Fends Off Late Rally, Takes Down South Alabama 64-54


Ole Miss men’s basketball took on South Alabama Tuesday night and secured their third win of the season. The win comes as Rebels star guard Matthew Murrell was ruled out of tonight’s game, leaving the Rebels without their primary offensive catalyst.

As a team, the Rebels shot 32.8 percent from the floor, 34.2 percent from three-point range, and 64.3 percent from the free throw line. Virginia Tech transfer Sean Pedulla led the way with 27 points followed by Jaemyn Brakefield with 14 points, Davon Barnes with seven points, and Malik Dia with five points.

The Jaguars shot 38.5 percent from the field, 28.0 percent from three, and 63.6 percent from the free throw line. Judah Brown lead the way scoring-wise for South Alabama with 16 points followed by Myles Corey with 14 points and Dylan Fasoyiro with eight points.

The Jaguars grabbed the first basket of the game, but after Davon Barnes responded with a three-pointer for the Rebels, Ole Miss never relinquished the lead. The Rebels took a 38-26 advantage into the locker room at halftime, but South Alabama would go on to mount a late rally. Despite a furious comeback from the Jaguars, the Rebels once again held firm and secured the win.

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Matthew Murrell’s absence could definitely be felt, as the Rebels were 21-of-64 shooting from the floor and 9-of-14 from the free throw line. With Murrell posting 19 points in the last two games for the Rebels, his tough-shot ability has been a key piece to the Rebels offense.

The Rebels are back in action on Saturday against Colorado State at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. CT and will be televised on SEC Network+.



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Alabama’s Ryan Williams on Travis Hunter winning Biletnikoff: ‘I can’t let him do that’

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Alabama’s Ryan Williams on Travis Hunter winning Biletnikoff: ‘I can’t let him do that’


When Nick Saban shockingly announced his retirement from coaching Alabama last January, a pair of the Crimson Tide’s top recruits in the Class of 2024 weren’t sure what their future held in store for them.

Star freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, unlike many other top recruits ahead of their first year, had yet to settle into the school’s campus in January. In an interview with FOX Sports’ Keyshawn Johnson on Johnson’s podcast “All Facts, No Brakes,” Williams admitted that Saban’s retirement initially threw a wrench into his future, leaving him uncertain on what he wanted to do. 

“It, like, shattered my whole recruiting process, because I’m born and raised from Alabama,” Williams said. “I’m just like, ‘Man, what am I gonna do now?’”

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Williams decommitted from Alabama just hours after Saban’s retirement, opening up his recruitment again. As Williams contemplated his future at Alabama, fellow five-star recruit and Alabama native defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe had just moved onto campus for spring ball when Saban announced his retirement. His first day of team meetings was the day Saban retired. 

But as fellow Class of 2024 recruit Julian Sayin and standout safety Caleb Downs, among others, announced their intentions to hit the transfer portal after Saban’s retirement (both former five-star recruits are now at Ohio State), it didn’t take long for Mbawke to reaffirm his commitment to Alabama after the school hired Kalen DeBoer. 

“A lot that went into it, but I didn’t want to make a decision just off emotions,” Mbakwe told Keyshawn Johnson on “All Facts, No Brakes. “Once we got DeBoer, we had the first team meeting, I felt like that was a great place for me to stay in and be at. So it was just a good fit.”

Alabama WR Ryan Williams on Nick Saban’s retirement — ‘It shattered my whole recruiting process!’

That decision helped Williams reconsider committing to Alabama, sharing that he spoke with Mbakwe about DeBoer.

“I remember us talking [immediately after Saban retired],” Williams said. “I mean, we talked about it, and we were just — I ain’t gonna lie — we were just nervous. The minutes turned into hours. The hours felt like days. Everything just felt like it was taking forever. So, I remember whenever Coach DeBoer, was one of the contenders for it, man, like, looking up his record. We was like, ‘Oh, he was just at Washington. We was like, ’72-12. No, 102-12?’ We’re looking at [his head coaching] record like, ‘Let’s do it.’”

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So, just two weeks after decommitting from Alabama, Williams opted to commit to Alabama again, especially once he saw the success Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan had in DeBoer’s offense at Washington in 2023. All three were drafted to the NFL in the spring, with Odunze going to the Chicago Bears at No. 9 overall.

“My high school coach knew Coach DeBoer a little bit. He was like, ‘Just give him a chance.’” Williams said. “And then I talked to Coach DeBoer, I was like, ‘Oh, we good.’ The offense fit perfectly for a receiver. So I was just like, it ain’t no reason for me to leave.”

DeBoer’s ability to keep Williams and Mbakwe committed to Alabama has helped the Crimson Tide immensely in the first season of the post-Saban era. The 17-year-old Williams has put up one of the more memorable freshman seasons in recent memory, recording 37 receptions for 731 yards and two touchdowns. Mbakwe has 14 total tackles and an interception. 

And while the two freshmen are trying to help the program into a new era from under the shadow of Saban, they certainly aren’t feeling the weight of the expectations he brought to the program over his historic stretch. 

“There’s still no pressure,” Williams said. “It’s a privilege. No pressure.”

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“No pressure, man,” Mbakwe added. “You know, we’ve been doing this since we was ‘yea’ high. I don’t think there’s no pressure. I just feel like you just got to be yourself, man. You know, you go in with a mentality that you had since you’ve been playing ball. So, I feel like if you go in with that same mentality, you’ll fear us in any type of way.”

Of course, Williams and Mbakwe are just two of the pieces for an Alabama team that’s 7-2 and looks destined to make the College Football Playoff. The two freshmen credited older teammates for helping them acclimate quickly. Williams pointed to quarterback Jalen Milroe as one of them, saying he “took me under his wing and we dove into the playbook.” Milroe, who has suddenly become a Heisman candidate again after his four-touchdown performance against LSU, has also helped set the standard for players at Alabama, according to Williams. 

“He’d be at the facility at 4:30 in the morning,” Williams said. “Like I’m telling you, every time I get to the facility, I think I beat him. It’s like he just stayed the night there.”

Mbakwe also made sure to credit the head coach for quickly establishing a positive culture in Tuscaloosa, too. 

“He’s just a cool guy, down to earth,” Mbakwe said of DeBoer. “He loves all his players equally, like you can go to his office and talk to him anytime and that’s what I most love about him.”

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While their teammate is a Heisman candidate, Milroe is still a long-shot for the award with Colorado’s Travis Hunter among others ahead of him in the race. The two-way superstar became the betting favorite to win the Heisman after Week 11 as he’s excelled at wide receiver and cornerback this season. 

Shedeur Sanders connects with Travis Hunter on an ELECTRIC 24-yard TD to help Colorado extend lead over Texas Tech

Shedeur Sanders connects with Travis Hunter on an ELECTRIC 24-yard TD to help Colorado extend lead over Texas Tech

Mbakwe remarked that it’s “impressive to see” what Hunter’s done this season, but the Alabama freshman feels he’s a better cornerback than the two-way dynamo.

“I’m just that type of person, like I feel like I’m better than anybody,” Mbakwe said. 

On top of potentially winning the Heisman, Hunter might win both the Biletnikoff (college football’s best wide receiver) and Thorpe (best defensive back) Awards this season. Hunter has 69 receptions for 856 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Williams said he checks out Hunter’s games when he gets the chance. However, as impressive as he might find Hunter, Williams doesn’t want him winning the Biletnikoff on his watch.

“I can’t let him do that. I can’t let him do that,” Williams said. “I feel like I’m the best receiver in the country, especially whenever my team put me in an opportunity, they do a great job of giving me an opportunity to showcase that. But in the open field, I don’t feel like nobody can tackle me.”

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