During Variety’s 8th annual Hitmakers Brunch in Los Angeles on Saturday (December 7), industry insiders responsible for the biggest songs of the year were celebrated. Charli XCX was awarded Hitmaker of the Year, with the Brat star taking time to praise The Velvet Underground & Nico during her speech. “This record is one of the most influential and groundbreaking records of our time,” Charli said. “It’s the apex of fine art and dirty culture.” Lana Del Rey presented her frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff with Producer of the Decade, joking that he will “be richer than all of us with your 50% on everything.” Antonoff praised his new wife, the actress Margaret Qualley, while saying, “We all make our best work when we’re being decent.”

Lainey Wilson was recognized as Storyteller of the Year, presented the award by Reba McEntire. “The cool thing about storytelling is, it outlives us,” Wilson said. Olivia Rodrigo presented her Guts collaborator Dan Nigro with Producer of the Year, Shaboozey and Benson Boone were both awarded Newcomers of the Year, while Quavo received Humanitarian of the Year for his work to stop gun violence following the 2022 shooting death of his Migos bandmate Takeoff. (Variety)

On a recent appearance on the Politickin podcast, Lance Bass revealed that after he came out as gay in 2006, creative opportunities that were once available to him started to be taken away. Bass was in talks at the time to film a pilot episode of a new sitcom for the CW, but once the former *NSYNC singer announced he was gay, the network scrapped their plans for the show. “They were like, ‘We can’t do the show anymore. They have to believe that you’re straight to play a straight character,’” Bass said. That prejudicial treatment shocked Bass, who only knew the runaway success of his boy band career. “I was confused for sure. I was such a young person. And all I knew was NSYNC,” Bass recalled. “When we decided that the group was no longer, it was very confusing for me because I didn’t know where I belonged. It took awhile to figure out who I was and where I needed to go.” (Rolling Stone)

Sabrina Carpenter's A Nonsense Christmas premiered on December 7 on Netflix. One of the highlights of the holiday special is Carpenter’s duet with Chappell Roan on the Wham! classic, “Last Christmas.” The retro-themed performance was set in the aftermath of a rowdy holiday party, with wine bottles and empty red solo cups discarded on the floor. The two pop superstars delivered the 1984 holiday hit while reading the lyrics of the song karaoke-style off of a vintage TV. Wham!’s “Last Christmas” was written and produced by George Michael, and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2023.

The premiere of Carpenter’s holiday special follows the recent news that she and former boyfriend Barry Keoghan have broken up. The couple’s relationship came to an end after a year of dating, with an insider claiming, "They are both young and career-focused, so they've decided to take a break.” After Keoghan received online harassment for the break-up, the actor deactivated his Instagram “because I can no longer let this stuff distract me from my family and my work.” (Billboard)

Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department returns to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, boosted by the first physical release of the album’s Anthology edition sold exclusively at Target beginning on Black Friday. TTPD jumps from No. 8 to No. 1, topping the charts for the 16th week overall. TTPD Anthology sold 405,000 equivalent album units, the biggest sales week for any album since Poets’ second week of release when it moved 439,000 units.

Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 10, Juice WRLD’s The Party Never Ends debuts at No. 4, while two holiday albums reached the charts, as Michael Bublé’s Christmas jumps to No. 7 and Bing Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas reaches No. 9, Crosby’s first top 10 album in nearly 64 years. Kendrick Lamar’s GNX falls a spot to No. 2, the Wicked film soundtrack slips a spot to No. 3, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet falls two spots to No. 5,  Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft slides down a spot to No. 6, Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess moves up two spots to No. 8, and Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA drops six spots to No. 10. (Billboard)

JAY-Z has dismissed a newly-filed lawsuit alleging he raped a 13-year-old girl in 2000 as a "blackmail" attempt by attorney Tony Buzbee, citing a "terrible error in judgment." The lawsuit, originally against Sean "Diddy" Combs, was refiled to include JAY-Z as a co-defendant, accusing both musicians of the assault at an MTV afterparty. JAY-Z preempted the lawsuit by filing a legal action against Buzbee for extortion. In a statement, JAY-Z vehemently denied the claims and refused a settlement, seeking to publicly expose Buzbee as a "fraud." Buzbee responded, asserting the facts will be litigated in court, "not in the media." (Rolling Stone)

Taylor Swift wrapped up her record-setting The Eras Tour with a celebratory, emotional final show in Vancouver on Sunday night (December 8). Fans from all over the world flocked to the city to see the final Eras Tour shows, with officials claiming that up to 70 percent of ticket holders were not from the Vancouver area, including about 40 percent of international travelers. The Eras Tour – which began in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17, 2023 – is the highest grossing concert tour of all time, with an estimated $2.2 billion earned. Merchandise sales alone totaled over $440 million.

Swift performed 149 total shows over the course of 21 months to an estimated 10 million fans, with each of her shows featuring over 40 songs during the 3.5-hour sets. The Eras Tour featured live dates held in five different continents throughout the world during its historic run, with estimates that between tickets, travel, outfits and lodging, the average Swiftie spent $1,300 per show. The Eras Tour movie also set a record for a concert film by bringing in more than $261 million worldwide. (Today)

Carrie Underwood has been announced as the headlining performer for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2025. Underwood joins the other newly announced performers – CMA Awards Best New Artist Megan Moroney and Saltburn’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” viral sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor – who will all perform during the holiday TV broadcast. The trio of music stars join the previously announced performers Lenny Kravitz, Teddy Swims, Tinashe, Cody Johnson, and Thomas Rhett, along with Rita Ora, who will co-host the event with Ryan Seacrest. “I have such fun memories of performing on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square in both 2007 and 2015, and I’m so excited to perform just before the ball drops again this year,” said Underwood. “I’m thrilled to celebrate 20 years since winning American Idol by joining Ryan as he hosts his 20th New Year’s Eve in Times Square.” Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest will air on ABC on December 31 beginning at 8 p.m. ET. (Billboard)

“Rich Men North of Richmond” singer Oliver Anthony posted a video on YouTube on Wednesday (December 4) where he didn’t hold back his intense dislike of Beyoncé’s multiple-Grammy nominated album, Cowboy Carter. Anthony shared insight into a music industry executive’s plan to try and make the singer “cool.” “One of the guys I worked with, he wanted me to make some stupid f**king post about Beyoncé’s country album, about how it was good, even though it was complete trash," Anthony ranted. "It makes me just want to throw up.” He went on to express his criticism of Beyoncé’s reworking of Dolly Parton’s country classic “Jolene,” calling it “total cringe.” “It represents how degenerative our society has become,” Anthony continued. “That a song like a Beyoncé version of ‘Jolene’ can come out and anybody actually listen to it and think it’s not just complete trash.” (Billboard)

Reading & Leeds Festival announced the first round of artists set to appear at their 2025 joint events. The headliners for these celebrated English music festivals will be Travis Scott, Chappell Roan, Hozier, and Bring Me the Horizon. Those artists will top the bill at the dual-festivals held in Reading, Berkshire, and Leeds, Yorkshire, on August 21-24. The festivals will take place at Little John's Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds, with the same lineups performing at both locations throughout the course of the weekend. Scott’s appearance is being touted as a European festival exclusive, while Hozier and Bring Me the Horizon will be U.K. exclusive performances. Roan’s high-profile set will be an English headlining exclusive, as well as her first ever performance at Reading & Leeds. Bloc Party will also be performing the inaugural Icon Set at Reading & Leeds, which the festival said in a press release “will celebrate the defining acts synonymous with the festival.” (Billboard)

In a new cover story interview with Complex, Billie Eilish returned the praise that Rihanna said about her back in October. “If I could only do a song with Billie Eilish, she’s so good,” RiRi gushed during a recent Fenty launch event, an interview clip that Eilish said she “literally thought … was AI.” The two-time Oscar winner was quick to return the compliments to the “We Found Love” singer and fashion mogul. “I’ve never met Rihanna,” Eilish admits. “She’s literally my idol. She’s the greatest of all time. She’s my complete dream collab.” Eilish says she typically doesn’t answer questions about who she’d like to collaborate with, but she secretly had RiRi in the back of her mind. “I always think Rihanna,” Eilish says, before modestly continuing. “I’m not going to say that, though! Why would I say that?! It’s not real. I’ve never heard from her, and I’ve never had any interaction with her, so why would I have ever even thought about it?” (Billboard)

Chappell Roan took to Instagram on Wednesday (December 4) to share an awesome throwback photo of the future pop superstar, as well as the results of her Spotify Wrapped year-end round-up. Her most-listened to artists shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, though one classic band stood out from the rest. Chappell shared her personal results in the caption of her post, “Ps My Spotify wrapped most listened to artists were 1. Ariana 2. Charli 3. Heart 4. Justice 5. Kacey Musgraves.” Heart sits prominently in the third spot surrounded by a series of contemporary artists, with Chappell reinforcing her love of the Seattle classic rock band by also disclosing, “Top song was barracuda ofc,” giving love to Heart’s 1977 Billboard No. 11 hit single. Charli XCX was quick to show her appreciation to the Grammy-nominated “Good Luck, Babe!” hitmaker, commenting “<3 <3 <3,” while Ariana Grande shared the love by commenting “🥲 ♡” on her post. (People)

In a new video interview with Variety, Charli XCX disclosed that she suffers nerve damage due to her intense performances, and that touring takes a mental and physical toll on the 32-year-old pop superstar. “I find touring really hard emotionally,” Charli shared. “I find the stage — especially these days — to be a very angry place for me. I’ve done a lot of physical damage to my body from performing, and I’m often in a lot of pain when I perform. Physically, I have nerve damage in my neck from things I’ve done on the stage.” Charli just finished up a short run of U.K. arena shows supporting her Grammy-nominated Brat album, and earlier this year played a co-headlining series of sold-out shows in North America with Troye Sivan as part of their Sweat Tour. Charli said those shows with her friend/collaborator were “a lot easier and less of an emotional battle for me.” Touring still feels like “kind of this hellhole” Charli admits, “but being with Troye softens that a lot.” (Billboard)

While The Eras Tour is coming to an end, Taylor Swift gave her fans something special to help them remember these shows forever. The Eras Tour Book was released exclusively at Target on Black Friday, and Swifties snatched up the 256-page coffee table book in record numbers. According to Circana BookScan, The Eras Tour Book sold 814,000 copies in only its first two days of release. Those sales totals mark the second-highest number of books sold in a single week since BookScan began tracking sales in 2001, with the biggest nonfiction launch being Barack Obama's memoir, A Promised Land. But his figures reflected an entire week of sales with books available at all outlets, while Swift’s sales were recorded over only two days while limited to one retailer. Swift has only three shows left on her record-setting Eras Tour, with dates in Vancouver on Friday through Sunday (December 6-8). “Our next city will be the last one of the Eras Tour, and the closing of the most extraordinary chapter of my life so far,” Swift said in Toronto. (Rolling Stone) 

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” tied a record last month by spending 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The universal appeal of the song propelled the Virginia native into music stardom, and Shaboozey loves seeing everyone come together while enjoying his big hit. “It has an American feeling to it, that feeling when you think of apple pie,” Shaboozey shared. “Everybody just holding their drink up, arms around each other’s shoulders, having a damn ball. That’s America.” Producers Sean Cook and Nevin Sastry reworked J-Kwon’s 2004 debut single, “Tipsy,” with Shaboozey saying the track came together naturally.

“My two producers picked up the guitar, started playing the chords and then we started writing it,” he recalls. “I sang, ‘They know me and Jack Daniels got a history,’ and everyone was just like, ‘F**k.’” The rest is chart – and music – history, and Shaboozey’s career will never be the same, as evidenced by his high-profile performance of the song during halftime of the Detroit Lions annual Thanksgiving Day football game. (Variety)

In a new interview with Variety, Charli XCX shared details about her recent collaboration with Ariana Grande on the “Sympathy Is A Knife” remix, and the advice that the Wicked star gave her. “She had a lot to say,” Charli recalls. “We went back and forth on the lyrics, talking about all the knives that we both felt in this industry.” Grande had hosted Saturday Night Live back in September, and gave Charli some tips before she served as host and musical guest during a November episode of the sketch comedy show. “She’d obviously just done [‘SNL’] and killed it, so I was getting tips,” Charli reveals. “She was just like, ‘You’re gonna be amazing, just relax, it’s so fun.'” Grande and Charli’s reworking of “Sympathy Is a Knife” is featured on Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, a remix companion to Charli’s Grammy-nominated sixth studio album, Brat. (Billboard)

Azealia Banks and the 1975 frontman Matty Healy got into a war of words on X that might lead to the provocative rapper suing the outspoken pop singer. Healy came to the defense of Charli XCX, who is engaged to his 1975 bandmate George Daniel, and Matty’s fiancée, Gabbriette, both of whom Banks was harshly criticizing on X. Healy took things too far with a response to Banks in a since deleted tweet where he threatened to “f**king slap you so hard I’ll get a Guinness world record.” Banks previously tweeted her opinion that Charli “used to be” pretty and that Los Angeles was “destroying” her. After Healy’s offensive tweet, they took their fight private, with Banks eventually posting screen shots of their DMs and writing, “He’s been in my DM apologizing and begging me not to sue but I’m f**king tired. And people are gonna learn some f**king respect.” (Rolling Stone) 

Zayn Malik waited until the last possible moment to cancel his scheduled show in Newcastle, England on Tuesday night (December 3). Fans were already inside the O2 City Hall when the former One Direction singer made the decision to cancel the show due to his vocal issues. “I’m so sorry to do this but my voice just isn’t there at all tonight and without it there’s no show,” Malik wrote on Instagram. “I’m truly sorry to let you down, especially at such short notice. I held onto hope until the very last moment. I’m hopeful with some rest tonight I’ll be back on stage tomorrow. My deepest apologies Newcastle.” Fans were informed of the cancellation with an announcement in the venue: “The show will no longer go ahead tonight. We apologize for the late notice, it was his hope that he would be able to continue with the show. But this is no longer possible.” Malik’s next stop on his Stairway to the Sky Tour went on as scheduled on Wednesday night (December 4) in Manchester. (Rolling Stone)

As the first quarter of the 21st Century draws to a close, Billboard counted down the 25 greatest pop stars of the past 25 years as chosen by their staff. On Tuesday (December 3), the publication revealed that Beyoncé topped their list as the greatest pop star of the 21st Century. Billboard said Beyoncé was selected “based on her full 25 years of influence, evolution and impact.” On March 2, 2024, Beyoncé topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for the 12th time this century with “Texas Hold ‘Em.” While her second career No. 1 hit came at the start of the century on March 18, 2000, when Destiny’s Child topped the Hot 100 with “Say My Name.” Beyoncé has dominated the charts and the music headlines over the past 25 years, always remaining culturally and commercially relevant while staying a step ahead of her contemporaries and critics. “There are no flop eras for Bey, no periods where she disappeared for a half-decade,” Billboard wrote. “There are only varying degrees of winning for over two decades.” (Billboard)

On Wednesday (December 4), Spotify revealed its year-end Spotify Wrapped data, which featured its ranking of the most-streamed albums in the world over the past 12 months. According to those figures, the Top Eight most-streamed albums of 2024 were all released by women. Taylor Swift is featured three times in the Top Eight, with The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology topping the list of the most-streamed albums of the year, while 2023’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is at Number Six, and 2019’s Lover reached Number Eight. Billie Eilish‘s Hit Me Hard and Soft came in at Number Two on the most-streamed albums of 2024, while Sabrina Carpenter‘s Short n’ Sweet is third, Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito is Number Four, Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine is Number Five. and SZA’s 2022 album SOS landed at Number Seven. Swift was also crowned Spotify’s most-streamed artist globally for the second consecutive year, with the pop superstar racking up 26.6 billion worldwide streams. (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday (December 3), Variety announced six additional honorees for their upcoming eighth annual Hitmakers celebration. Lainey Wilson will be awarded Storyteller of the Year, while Laufey will receive the Crossover Award. Young Miko is set to be recognized with the Trailblazer Award, while Grace Bowers will receive the Next Gen Award. The event also honors the record labels and executives that helped shape today’s hit music, with REPUBLIC Corps Collective to be recognized as Label of the Year, and Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson celebrated as Executives of the Year. These new honorees join previously announced recipients Hitmaker of the Year Charli XCX, Humanitarian of the Year Quavo, Changemaker of the Year Jelly Roll, Newcomers Award recipients Shaboozey and Benson Boone, Songwriter of the Year Amy Allen, Producer of the Year Daniel Nigro, and Producer of the Decade Jack Antonoff. The private event will be held on Saturday, December 7, in Los Angeles. (Variety)

Ahead of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on Sunday, February 9, Post Malone will officially get the party started with a concert on Friday (February 7). Posty’s intimate performance will take place at the Fillmore in New Orleans, which has a capacity of only 2,000 fans, a stark contrast from the massive venues the crossover country superstar will perform at during his upcoming Big Ass Stadium Tour. The event, which is being touted as ‘Bud Light Backyard Presents Post Malone,’ will also be a free show for fans 21-and-up.

Posty’s partnership with Bud Light goes back a while, with the singer starring in three straight Super Bowl commercials for the beer, along with his Bud Light Dive Bar Tour, and his A Night in Nashville Bud Light-sponsored show in June to promote the release of his chart-topping country album, F-1 Trillion. “Bud Light has rocked with me for a while now, and I really can’t thank them enough for all the love and support they’ve shown through the years,” Malone said at the time. (Billboard)

Eminem’s mother, Debbie Nelson, has died at the age of 69. Nelson passed away due to complications related to advanced lung cancer in St. Joseph, Missouri. Nelson married Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr. when she was still a teenager, and gave birth to Eminem — born Marshall Mathers — on October 17, 1972. The pair had a contentious relationship over the years, which Em candidly expressed in his hits like “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” and “My Name Is.” Nelson sued her son for defamation in 1999, seeking $11 million in damages from the rapper. The judge ultimately ruled in her favor, however she was awarded only $25,000 in 2001.

Nelson also wrote a tell-all memoir in 2007 titled, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem. Em tried to mend his relationship with his mother over the years, including this affectionate verse from 2013’s “Headlights”: “And I’m mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad/ So Mom, please accept this as a tribute I wrote on this jet.” (Billboard)

During an interview on Apple Music's Le Code with host Mehdi Maïzi, LL Cool J reflected on his cultural importance in the world of hip-hop and his lasting impact on rap music. The two-time Grammy Award-winning emcee made a career out of slick rhymes filled with braggadocio, and he expressed that same arrogance throughout the discussion. "I’m [going to] say this humbly, but I really mean this," LL said. "I think one day people are going to wake up and realize that LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed."

The 56-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer went on to praise the groundbreaking ways he impacted rap music, like bringing jewelry, love songs, and custom clothing into the world of hip-hop, as well as popularizing the Greatest Of All Time acronym.  “When it comes to the G.O.A.T terminology, they gon’ say, ‘This is the guy who came up with all the G.O.A.T stuff,’” LL boasted. "I've done so much for the culture, it's almost unfathomable.” (People)   

On Tuesday (December 3), Ryan Seacrest announced the stacked music lineup that will bring 2024 to a rousing close during the annual holiday TV special, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest. Country superstars Cody Johnson and Thomas Rhett, R&B sensation Tinashe, and chart-topping “Lose Control" singer Teddy Swims will all be performing during the festive event, along with the previously announced musical guest Lenny Kravitz, who will be performing at the first-ever live New Year’s Eve countdown from Las Vegas. Rita Ora will also be returning as a co-host alongside Seacrest for the live broadcast of the iconic Times Square ball drop in New York City. New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest typically receives the largest TV viewership of any non-sports rated show, and is set to air on ABC from the East and West coasts on Tuesday night, December 31. (Billboard)

Kendrick Lamar and SZA announced on Tuesday (December 3) that they are hitting the road together in 2025 on their joint Grand National Tour. The hip-hop and R&B superstars will be playing stadiums across North America during a run of 21-shows that kicks off on April 19 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Their jaunt continues throughout May, hitting cities like Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto, with two-night stands planned at MetLife Stadium outside of New York City on May 8 and 9, and at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on May 21 and 23. The North American leg of the Grand National Tour finishes up on June 18 at Northwest Stadium in Washington, D.C.

Lamar and SZA have been frequent collaborators over the years, including her guest appearance on Kendrick’s current No. 3 hit single, “Luther,” from his chart-topping surprise new album, GNX. SZA is finishing up her new record, Lana, the long-awaited follow-up to her 2022 Grammy-winning album, SOS. (Rolling Stone)

Taylor Swift posted an Instagram Story on Tuesday celebrating The Tortured Poets Department, being recognized as Apple Music’s Top Streamed Album of 2024. ““Ahhhhhh thank you for listening to my music and TTPD so much!!!! You, the fans, made The Tortured Poets Department the TOP STREAMED ALBUM of The Year on @applemusic!!! 🩶,” Swift excitedly captioned her story, while also acknowledging another big streaming achievement for her in 2024. “You guys snagged me that Top Streamed Artist spot too. 😝”

Swift’s multiple-Grammy nominated TTPD was also just certified as 6x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on November 30. The milestone signifies that Swift’s 11th studio album has sold over six million units, her sixth record to achieve that feat. The RIAA made the announcement with an Instagram post on Monday (November 2), captioning their post, “She can do it with a broken heart 💔✨. Congratulations @taylorswift on #TheTorturedPoetDepartment earning an RIAA 6x Platinum certification! 💿” (Billboard)

In a new Nylon cover story, Camila Cabello opened up about the public reaction to her “misunderstood” recent album, C,XOXO. The 27-year-old Grammy-nominated singer also shared how receiving praise from her idols Beyoncé and Taylor Swift helped validate her work. “Now I’m going to sound name-drop-y,” Cabello shared. “But Beyoncé told me she loved my album, OK? That’s the gold star. She’s somebody I’ve watched from my childhood.” Getting Beyoncé’s and Swift’s approval sustained Cabello personally and professionally while her new work didn’t connect with portions of the music world. “Her and Taylor saying nice things about the album really meant a lot to me,” Cabello admits. “Anytime an artist that I respect has said something to me like, ‘Hey, I really love what you’re doing,’ it recharges my battery. A lot of the time I felt so misunderstood.” (Billboard) 

In a recent interview with People to promote her new solo album, Bouquet, Gwen Stefani took a reflective look back at her time with No Doubt and how those experiences shaped her entire career. Stefani is clearly proud of her work on her new record, admitting: "I love writing songs. That's everything to me. If I want to feel like I have any kind of purpose or any kind of value or anything, it's about writing a song. That's where I get my fulfillment." One song in particular helped make Stefani’s entire career, No Doubt’s Grammy-nominated 1996 single, “Don’t Speak.” Stefani wrote the hit with her brother, [No Doubt cofounder and ex-member] Eric Stefani, and the pair reworked the song to encapsulate Gwen’s recent breakup with her bandmate, bassist Tony Kanal. "It’s one of those crazy rewrites — probably the only one in history ever that actually turned out to be the heartbeat of my entire life," Stefani admits. "I wouldn’t be here without that song." (People)

Britney Spears was declared legally single on Monday (December 2), seven months after she officially finalized her divorce from ex-husband Sam Asghari. It was a legal gift granted from the California courts on the pop superstar’s 43rd birthday, who separated from the 30-year-old Asghari in late July 2023, just 13 months after their marriage. He filed for divorce from Spears in August 2023 due to irreconcilable differences, and the former couple’s divorce was finalized in Los Angeles on May 2. The required six-month waiting period following a divorce in California has finally passed, with Spears officially being declared single by the courts. Back in October, Spears shared an Instagram video of herself in a wedding dress, captioning the liberating post, “The day I married myself … Bringing it back because it might seem embarrassing or stupid, but I think it’s the most brilliant thing I’ve ever done!!!” (People)

At Louisville’s Whitney Hall on Friday and Saturday night (November 29-30), Jack Harlow brought his 4th annual “No Place Like Home” shows to his dedicated hometown fans. For these special holiday weekend shows, the Grammy-nominated rapper and pop star was backed by the Louisville Orchestra, led by conductor Teddy Abrams. In addition to his own hits, Harlow paid tribute to his influences and personal favorites, covering Elvis Presley’s 1961 Billboard No. 2 hit, “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” and the Frank Sinatra standard, “Fly Me to the Moon,” which Jack dedicated to his grandmother.

In November, Harlow released his first new single since 2023, “Hello Miss Johnson,” which made its live debut during these performances. The track is the second single from Harlow’s upcoming fourth album, which the musician teased during his Brooklyn show in September. “I got some very special s**t on the way. Next time I see you, we gonna have something to talk about.” (Billboard)

Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up” premieres at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with the Nobel Prize-winning rapper owning the entire Top 5 of the singles chart this week. Lamar – whose surprise release, GNX, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart –  joins Taylor Swift, Drake, and the Beatles as the only artists in history to have five singles charting at Nos. 1-5 in a single week. Lamar’s “TV Off” (featuring Lefty Gunplay) lands at No. 2, “Luther” (with SZA) at No. 3, “Wacced Out Murals” at No. 4, and “Hey Now” (featuring Dody6) sitting at No. 5. Two additional GNX tracks cracked the Top 10 this week, as “Reincarnated” is at No. 8 and “Man at the Garden” sits at No. 9. The rest of the Top 10 is rounded out by Shaboozey’s 19-week No. 1 hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” dropping to No. 6, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” slipping five places to No. 7, and Mariah Carey’s holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” jumping up six places to No. 10. (Billboard) 

The Weeknd announced that the release date for his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is set for Friday, January 24. Abel Tesfaye took to Instagram to also reveal his plans for a massive one-night-only record release concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the following day on January 25. This will mark the Weeknd’s debut live performance of his new work, with the special show featuring a custom built stage that will cover the entire floor of the huge outdoor stadium.

Hurry Up Tomorrow will mark the final installment of the Weeknd’s album trilogy which began with 2020’s After Hours and continued with 2022’s Dawn FM. The first two singles from Hurry Up Tomorrow have previously been released, “Dancing In Flames” and “Sao Paolo,” which features a collaboration with Brazilian pop-star Anitta. A companion feature film also called Hurry Up Tomorrow is in the works, starring Tesfaye, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan, and directed by Trey Edward Shults. (Variety)

During a conversation with her sister Brandi Cyrus on Spotify’s Billion Club series, Miley Cyrus looked back on one of her most controversial moments of her career. The Grammy-winning singer revealed that it was her mom, Tish Cyrus, who suggested she pole dance during her performance of “Party in the U.S.A.” at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards. Cyrus received backlash due to the adult themes of her dancing with a pole atop an ice cream cart, especially at an awards show geared towards kids. “Do you know whose idea that was?” Miley asked Brandi, who immediately answered Tish. “Yup, that was my mom’s idea. So she always lets me take the blame,” Miley shared, “When I got in trouble the next day, you know who was nowhere to be found? Tish Cyrus.” But Miley remembers the event for a different reason. “It was the first time I ever wore real diamond jewelry on stage,” she explained. “So you guys remember a little old ice cream truck, I remember the diamonds.” (Rolling Stone)

Chappell Roan took to Instagram on Saturday (November 30) to celebrate her hit single, “Good Luck, Babe!” surpassing one billion streams on Spotify. “Good Luck, Babe!” was released as a standalone single on April 5, 2024, and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. The 3x-platinum certified track was recently nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance at the forthcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards. “Good luck babe hitting a billion streams on Spotify is cuckoo loco,” Chappell captioned her post. “All I have to say is thank you. ♡” Roan worked on “Good Luck, Babe!” with Justin Tranter and her longtime producer and collaborator Dan Nigro, with the pop superstar admitting to Rolling Stone, “The song was a b**ch to write.” “I just wanted to write a big anthemic pop song,” she continued,” revealing that it’s “about wishing good luck to someone who’s denying fate.” (Billboard)

During a performance in Liam Payne’s hometown of Wolverhampton, England, on Friday night (November 29), Zayn Malik honored his late One Direction bandmate by dedicating an emotional rendition of “It’s You” to him. In a fan-captured video of the performance shared on X, Malik shares some heartfelt words about Payne. “So, I’ve been doing something at the end of the show every night, and it’s being dedicated to my brother Liam Payne. Rest in peace. I hope you’re seeing this in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton, this is for you Liam,” Malik said as he introduced “It’s You.”

During Malik’s Stairway to the Sky UK tour, he finishes each show with the words, “Liam Payne 1993-2024 Love You bro,” projected on the stage screen along with a red heart, while Zayn’s 2024 song “Stardust” plays over the speakers. Malik initially postponed the start of his first official solo tour following the news of Payne’s passing, but he started his run of live shows only days after attending Liam’s funeral. (Billboard)

Kendrick Lamar’s surprise new album, GNX, debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, after the Nobel Prize-winning rapper dropped the album with no warning on November 22. GNX marks Lamar's fifth consecutive chart-topping album, while recording the biggest streaming week for any hip-hop album in 2024. The Wicked movie soundtrack also made a strong debut this week, entering the chart at No. 2 while setting a record for the highest debut for a big-screen adaptation of a stage musical.

Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 10, Sabrina Carpenter‘s Short n’ Sweet rises two spots to No. 3, Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA drops a slot to No. 4, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft jumps up four spots to No. 5, Gracie Abrams’ The Secret of Us moves up two slots to No. 6, Rauw Alejandro’s Cosa Nuestra falls a spot to No. 7, Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department jumps three spots to No. 8, Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time moves up three slots to No. 9, and Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess remains at No. 10. (Billboard)

Justin and Hailey Bieber just welcomed their son, Jack Blues, back in August, and also recently celebrated their six-year wedding anniversary, but that doesn’t keep persistent divorce rumors from circulating around the couple. According to a source with inside information about the Biebers, the couple completely dismisses any talk that their marriage is on the rocks. “They laugh at the constant divorce rumors,” the insider says. “It’s annoying but just noise.” Justin, 30, and Hailey, 28, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in September, only weeks after the birth of their son. In Hailey's Instagram Stories, she showed off their festive decorations for the occasion, which featured balloons and romantic candles. “6 years,” she wrote over an affectionate Polaroid photo of her and Justin kissing, adding “Love you baby,” along with a heart and a ring emoji. “They seem even more in love since the baby arrived,” a source said at the time. (People)

In her new book, Cher: The Memoir, Part One, the legendary singer recalled a wild night when she and her then-boyfriend David Geffen brought John Lennon and his drinking buddy Harry Nilsson to the Playboy Mansion. The 78-year entertainment icon revealed that she ran into Lennon and Nilsson at a bar, and the former Beatle told her he was "dying to see the Playboy Mansion," so they went on what should have been a low-key movie night. The pair were more drunk than Cher realized, and after they boisterously chanted at host Hugh Hefner, they stripped off their clothes and went skinny-dipping in the mansion's legendary grotto. "Guys, do not come out. This is not pretty what I’m seeing," Cher wrote of the incident. Nilsson and Lennon kept "threatening to wander around the mansion naked," Cher writes, recalling that it took her "ages to get them back in their clothes. It was like herding drunks." (People)

Ed Sheeran has released a new holiday song called “Under the Tree,” which is featured in the forthcoming animated Netflix movie, That Christmas. The pop superstar also stars in the music video alongside Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie, who plays his girlfriend in the melancholy clip. The video, which also features animation from the film, was directed by Richard Curtis, the legendary British screenwriter who wrote and directed the Christmas classic, Love, Actually, and also wrote the children’s book series that inspired That Christmas. Sheeran was thrilled to work with Curtis, and is a big fan of his work. “Richard Curtis made my fav Christmas film, and TV special. He came round my house in 2021 and showed me a rough of his new one, then asked me to make a song for it. How could I resist,” Sheeran said in a statement. “Hope everyone loves the song.” That Christmas begins streaming on Netflix on December 4. (Rolling Stone)

Adele finished up her celebrated residency in Las Vegas with her 100th and final performance on Saturday, November 23, but the 16-time Grammy winner wants those special moments to live on forever. Adele announced on Instagram on Tuesday (November 26) that she is releasing a 3LP vinyl box set featuring the entire 21-song setlist from her Weekends With Adele performances. “To commemorate the ending of my residency in Las Vegas, I’m making a limited edition vinyl box set featuring the entire live setlist, a photo book, and even confetti from the show,” Adele revealed.

She also announced a new “Love Is A Game” card game and holiday exclusives on her webstore. Adele reflected on her two-year Vegas residency in another Instagram post, saying she “loved every single second of it!” “This residency went on to mirror what 30 was about - lost and broken to healed and thriving!” she added. “Seems so fitting in the end. The only thing left to do in this case is move on. See you next time. 🪐” (Billboard)

Drake has filed his second legal claim against Universal Music Group, this time around accusing the company of defamation by releasing Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The Toronto rap superstar filed a “pre-action” petition in a Texas federal court on Monday night, claiming that by releasing Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss track, “Not Like Us,” – which includes “false” claims by Lamar that Drake is a “pedophile” and a “predator” – Drake alleges that UMG along with  iHeartRadio both aided in defaming his character. “UMG … could have refused to release or distribute the song or required the offending material to be edited and/or removed,” Drake’s lawyers wrote. “But UMG chose to do the opposite. UMG designed, financed and then executed a plan to turn ‘Not Like Us’ into a viral mega-hit with the intent of using the spectacle of harm to Drake and his businesses to drive consumer hysteria and, of course, massive revenues. That plan succeeded, likely beyond UMG’s wildest expectations.” (Consequence of Sound)

In a new interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, Elton John shared the news that his “severe” eye infection has caused him to lose sight in his right eye for the past four months. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer developed the infection over the summer while he was in the south of France, and the ongoing effects of the ailment have kept him from working on any new music. “It’s been a while since I’ve done anything,” John revealed. “There’s hope and encouragement that it will be OK, but I’m kind of stuck at the moment… going into the studio and recording, I don’t know.”

His vision issues aren’t keeping John from remaining in the public spotlight, however, as his highly-anticipated documentary, Never Too Late, will premiere on Disney+ on December 13, featuring a new collaboration on the film’s title-track between Elton and Brandi Carlile. “I’m the luckiest man in the world,” John said while reflecting on his lifetime of accomplishments captured in the documentary. (Rolling Stone) 

Lana Del Rey made major news on Monday (November 25), with the pop superstar taking to Instagram to announce her new album, The Right Person Will Stay, as well as sharing details of her 2025 stadium tour in the U.K. and Ireland. “‘The right person will stay’ out may 21,” Lana captioned her post, featuring an image designed by her sister, the photographer Olivia Grant. “So grateful that my 13 tracks came together. Happy for you to hear a few songs coming up before Stagecoach.” Lana revealed that she worked with celebrated producers Jack Antonoff, Zachary Dawes, Drew Erickson, and Luke Laird on her forthcoming album. LDR’s newly announced 2025 tour kicks off in Cardiff, Wales on June 23, then heads to Glasgow, Liverpool, and Dublin, before finishing with one of Lana’s biggest ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium on July 3. “Coming to see u in June ! Liverpool! Ireland! that means you too 🌷” Lana wrote. (Billboard) 

Following the release of his Grammy-nominated, chart-topping 2023 album, Utopia, Travis Scott launched his epic Circus Maximus Tour on October 11, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was Scott’s first full-scale concert tour in nearly five years, and fans were clearly excited to get the chance to see him perform again. Scott’s Circus Maximus Tour just set a record by becoming the highest grossing tour by a solo rapper in hip-hop history. The year-long worldwide trek finished up on October 30, 2024, in Auckland, New Zealand, and ultimately grossed $209.3 million while selling 1.7 million tickets worldwide. In addition to Scott’s record-setting Circus Maximus Tour, the rapper also scored a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart back in August with the official release of his celebrated 2014 mixtape, Days Before Rodeo. Scott is also set to perform a special headlining set on Saturday nights at Coachella 2025 in what is billed as a “Travis Scott Designs the Desert” performance. (Billboard)

Over the past 18 months, P!nk has performed 128 shows. Those live dates include a span of three separate tours, from her Summer Carnival Tour which took place in stadiums, to the Trustfall Tour and P!nk Live shows that filled arenas around the world. On November 20, P!nk brought her sprawling live run to a triumphant close in Columbia, South Carolina, capping off a wildly successful year and half of touring. Altogether, P!nk earned $693.8 million and sold more than 4.8 million tickets, according to Billboard Boxscore figures. Her nine shows between October 1-18 made her the biggest touring act of the month, as the three-time Grammy winning pop sensation grossed $44.2 million and sold 254,000 tickets in October alone. And even though P!nk’s tour is finished, her nine additional shows in November makes her eligible for one last monthly chart in 2024 when the November Top Tours report is published next month. (Billboard)

Queen Latifah was a 2023 Kennedy Center Honors recipient, and now the hip-hop icon is set to host the 2024 ceremony. The 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will be taped on Sunday, December 8, and will be broadcast on CBS on December 22 from 8:30-11:00 p.m. ET. This year’s Kennedy Center Honors recipients include director and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, psychedelic rock legends Grateful Dead, beloved singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, jazz trumpeter/pianist Arturo Sandoval, and The Apollo, which will receive a special Honors recognition as an iconic American venue and cultural institution. This will be Latifah’s first time as host of the prestigious awards ceremony, which takes place at the Kennedy Center Opera House stage in Washington, D.C. “I am so excited to share that I will be returning to the Kennedy Center Honors this year, AS HOST!” Latifah wrote in her Instagram video post announcing her upcoming hosting gig. (Billboard)

Drake's Frozen Moments LLC has filed a legal complaint in Manhattan court alleging that Universal Music Group and Spotify manipulated streams of Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us" through bots, undisclosed payments, and biased recommendations. Drake's attorneys claim that UMG engaged in deceptive pay-to-play practices and false advertising under New York state law, detailing instances of alleged manipulation, including influencer payments and Siri re-direction tactics to promote the song. The documents also suggest that UMG may have silenced employees who spoke out against these practices. The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains popular, while Drake's response single "Family Matters" charted at No. 7. (Pitchfork)

Shaboozey’s crossover smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” remains at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record-tying 19th week. The song has now tied the longest reign at No. 1 over the 66-year history of the chart, equaling Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” (featuring Billy Ray Cyrus), which also ruled for 19 weeks back in 2019. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has also topped the Hot Country Songs chart for 23 weeks and counting. The rest of the Billboard Hot 100 chart is rounded out by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” holding at No. 2 for the fourth week, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” sticking at No. 3, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” moves up a spot to No. 4, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” drops a slot to No. 5, while her other current charting single “Taste” stays at No. 8, Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True” remains at No. 6, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, sticks at No. 7, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” holds at No. 9, and Wallen’s “Love Somebody” remains at No. 10. (Billboard)

Zach Bryan, Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter were just announced as the leading finalists for the 2024 Billboard Music Awards. Bryan leads the 2024 BBMA finalists, with the country star up for 18 awards with 21 total entries. Swift, the most decorated female BBMAs artist of all time, is a finalist in 16 categories with 17 total entries. Wallen, who previously won the most BBMAs in 2023 (11), is recognized with 15 finalist entries in 13 categories. Carpenter has the next highest total with nine entries. All four of the leading nominees are competing in the night's biggest award, the Top Artist category. Shaboozey will be performing from W Hollywood during the ceremony, with additional performers and special guests announced soon. The 2024 BBMAs will be hosted by actress and comedian Michelle Buteau, and is set to air on Thursday, December 12 at 8:00 pm ET on Fox and streaming on Paramount+. (Billboard)

During her recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Miley Cyrus shared her thoughts about her 2023 single, “Used to Be Young,” and revealed that her famous godmother, Dolly Parton, wished it was her song.  Cyrus said that the track comes from a very vulnerable place, while disclosing that Parton was quite shocked when she first heard it. “She goes, ‘I don’t know if I like that new 'Used to Be Young' song because it’s not fair that you’re singing about not being young when you’re young and beautiful. And here I am — I’m like 80 — and I’m like, that should have been my song!’” Cyrus recalls of Dolly’s initial reaction to the Top 10 hit. “I actually listened to that song yesterday, and I was asking myself, ‘Did I really need to put this out?’,” Cyrus admits. “It was one of those things that maybe now that I’m a bit more private, I would’ve kept private, but I’m happy to have shared it.” (Consequence of Sound) 

ATEEZ’s new album, GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2, debuts atop the Billboard 200, giving the K-pop boy band their second No. 1 record of their career and their sixth consecutive Top 10 release. Other strong debuts dominated the top of the charts this week, as Linkin Park’s From Zero premieres at No. 2, Jin’s solo debut album, Happy, enters at No. 3, and Rauw Alejandro’s Cosa Nuestra arrives at No. 6. ENHYPEN’s ROMANCE: UNTOLD jumps up to No. 7 following a reissue with two bonus tracks, after debuting at No. 2 in July. This marks the first time in Billboard 200 chart history that there are three K-pop albums in the Top 10.

Elsewhere in the Top 10, Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA drops three spots to No.4, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet dips two places to No.5, Gracie Abrams’ The Secret of Us drops four spots to No.8, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft slides down four slots to No. 9, and Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess falls four places to No.10. (Billboard)

Charli XCX took to Instagram on Friday (November 22) to reveal dates and locations on her BRAT 2025 Arena Tour. This official announcement comes after the Grammy-nominated singer teased the tour with a series of BRAT green billboards appeared in cities throughout the United States like Brooklyn, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Charli was also revealed as one of the major acts set to appear at Coachella 2025, where she will perform on Saturday night of both weekends of the high-profile festival in Indio, California.

“BRAT 2025 ARENA TOUR LFG! see you sooooonnnnn angels ;)” Charli captioned her post. After Charli’s Coachella shows, the BRAT 2025 Arena Tour officially gets underway on April 22 in Austin, Texas, then hits up Minneapolis on April 26, Rosemont, Illinois on April 28, and finishes up the short jaunt with a two-night stand at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 30 and May 1. Charli is also scheduled to perform at Primavera Sound in Barcelona on June 5. (Consequence of Sound) 

Khalid took to X on Friday (November 22) to come out as gay, after he was outed online. The 26-year-old Grammy-nominated R&B singer sent out a series of posts on Friday to address his sexuality. “🏳️‍🌈!!! there yall go. next topic please lol,” Khalid posted, before he further explained himself in additional posts. “I got outted and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it ain’t nobodies business! But I am okay with me 🖤 love yall,” he posted. Khalid also replied “I am! And that’s okay” to someone who questioned if he was saying he was gay, while clarifying, “I wasn’t hiding anything! It’s just not any of your business,” in response to another comment. Khalid might delay new music he’s working on because of this ordeal, writing “honestly thinking about pushing the sh*t back, idk want anyone thinking I’m capitalizing off of this sh*t.” (Billboard)

Kendrick Lamar shook up the music world on Friday morning (November 22) by dropping his surprise new full-length album, GNX. This new release is Lamar’s sixth studio album, and is the follow-up to 2022’s Grammy-winning, Mr. Morale and the High Steppers. Lamar made the announcement with a post on Instagram on Friday, revealing the album’s stylish black-and-white cover art along with the simple caption, “GNX,” disclosing the name of his new project.

Production on GNX came from Kendrick’s frequent collaborator Sounwave, as well as Jack Antonoff. Mustard, Terrance Martin, and Kamasi Washington also contributed additional production on the record. SZA is featured as a guest vocalist on two tracks, “Luther” and “Gloria.” GNX represents the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper’s first release since cutting ties with Top Dawg Entertainment. Lamar is set to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans on February 9th, while his Drake diss track, “Not Like Us,” is nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards. (Variety)

On Saturday night (November 24), Adele wrapped up her Weekends With Adele residency in Las Vegas, leaving her future live performance plans in limbo in the process. The 36-year-old singer launched her Vegas residency back in November of 2022, and the 16-time Grammy-winner has created so many wonderful memories for herself and fans alike over the past two years of performances. “I will miss it terribly. I will miss you terribly,” Adele tearfully admitted on stage during the final night of her residency. “I don’t know when I’m going to perform again. I’m not doing anything else, I’m actually sh**ting myself about what I’m actually going to do. I don’t have any f**king plans.” Adele also took a moment to praise Taylor Swift, who is also set to finish up her Eras Tour in Vancouver on December 8. “That’s been a long f**king tour,” Adele said. “Girl needs some rest. She deserves her rest.” (People)

On Wednesday (November 20), Mac Miller’s estate announced that they are officially releasing Balloonerism, a previously unreleased 2014 full-length album from the late rapper, on January 17, 2025. Miller, who died of an overdose in 2018, had worked on Balloonerism during the same time as he was recording his fan favorite 2014 mixtape, Faces. Miller subsequently put out Faces as a free digital download, but instead of releasing Balloonerism next, Miller signed with Warner and dropped GO:OD AM in 2015, leaving his prior collection unreleased until now. “It is a project that was of great importance to Malcolm – to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it,” read the estate’s statement. “Releasing Balloonerism was something that Malcolm frequently expressed being important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world.” Miller’s website currently is offering several versions of the project for presale on both vinyl and CD. (Rolling Stone)

BTS’ Jin appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday (November 20), taking part in an interview while also making his solo US TV debut performance. Jin revealed that one of his most prized possessions is a guitar given to him by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. “I was hanging out with Chris Martin, and he had a guitar from his tour. I jokingly asked him, ‘Can I have this guitar?’” Jin explained. “Chris Martin was like, ‘Of course!’ I was so happy. Now it’s a family heirloom.” Jin and BTS joined Coldplay on their Grammy-nominated, chart-topping Music of the Spheres tune, “My Universe.” Jin and Martin also collaborated on the K-pop star’s 2022 debut solo single “The Astronaut.” “I really, really love Coldplay,” Jin gushed. “A few years ago, Chris Martin gave me a song he wrote. We worked on it together, and it was an honor for me.” Jin later performed “Running Wild” from Happy, his first late-night appearance since completing his mandatory military service in June. (Rolling Stone)

Snoop Dogg is going to make Black Friday a lot more funky for music and football fans. Following the conclusion of the broadcast of the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders game on Amazon Prime on November 29, Snoop will perform as part of the season 3 finale of the Amazon Music Live series. The Doggfather’s performance will stream live on both Prime Video and Twitch beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Snoop is set to perform classic hits from throughout his legendary rap career, as well as giving fans a taste of Missionary, his highly anticipated upcoming album with Dr. Dre that drops on December 13. Snoop joins previous AML performers like Big Sean and Jelly Roll from earlier this season, as well as the girl group TWICE, who performed on the Amazon Music Live stage on Thursday (November 21), becoming the first K-pop group to take part in the AML series. (Billboard)

Lady Gaga is returning to Coachella in 2025 as the Friday night headliner on April 11 and 18, and she is prepared to “do it right” this time. Gaga took to Instagram on Wednesday (November 20) to share her excitement shortly after she was officially announced as a headliner for the high-profile music festival in Indio, California. “I have long dreamed of throwing a massive night of chaos in the desert,” Gaga wrote. “I’ve had a vision I’ve never been able to fully realize at Coachella for reasons beyond our control but I wanted to come through for music fans.” Gaga previously performed at Coachella in 2017, when she filled in as a headliner for Beyoncé, who had to pull out due to her pregnancy. “I have been wanting to go back and to do it right, and I am. I’m headlining and starting the weekend off at Coachella,” Gaga wrote. “Can’t wait to hear you all singalong and dance dance DANCE till we drop.” (Rolling Stone)

On Thursday (November 21), Billie Eilish was named Apple Music’s 2024 Artist of the Year, another hugely successful year for the nine-time Grammy winner. “Since day one, Apple Music has supported my music and artistry,” Eilish said in a statement. “And I am both honored and humbled to receive this recognition as Artist of the Year this many years into my career.” Eilish released her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, in May, which hit No. 1 on Apple Music’s albums chart in 138 countries worldwide, while also reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The record and its singles are nominated for seven Grammys. “What’s been truly remarkable about watching her evolve over the course of this last year isn’t just that her voice and artistry have continued to resonate so widely,” says Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s senior director of content and editorial. “It’s that she’s blossomed as bravely and honestly as she has — on her own terms, in her own way.” (Billboard)

Cher disclosed multiple bombshells in her newly released book, Cher: The Memoir, Part One, including her admission that she contemplated jumping off a Las Vegas hotel balcony while she was “trapped” in a “loveless marriage” to Sonny Bono. After surviving that experience and divorcing Bono in 1975, Cher was there to provide marital advice to Tina Turner about her abusive husband, Ike Turner. Tina appeared with Ike on The Sonny & Cher Show twice, even requesting makeup to hide the bruise on her arm during one occasion. Cher recalls that Tina asked her how she was able to leave Sonny, hoping to take her advice and eventually leave Ike. "I looked at her and told her, 'I just walked out and kept on going,'" Cher wrote in her memoir. While watching Ike and Tina rehearse, Cher observed that Ike "didn't smile one time" and played the guitar "without any emotion." "I just knew whatever he was feeling wasn't good," she writes. (People)

Shakira announced on Instagram on Wednesday (November 20) that she will be giving away her own personal car, a customized 2022 Lamborghini Urus, to one lucky winner of her contest. The giveaway is a partnership between the Latin pop superstar and Univision, in promotion of her latest single, “Soltera.” The Columbian singer shared a series of photos of her with the stylish Lamborghini, and captioned her post, “A promise is a promise! I confirm! I’m going to give my car to someone who really wants to have it and enjoy new unforgettable moments with the people I love the most.” To take part in the contest, fans need to upload their dance to “Soltera” on Instagram and TikTok using the hashtag #ElCarroDeShakira by November 29. Shakira will then personally select five finalists who will be voted on by fans on December 5, with the winner announced on Univision’s morning show Despierta America the following day. Only U.S. residents 18 and older are eligible to win. (Billboard)

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Miley Cyrus disclosed that she is working on a new visual album called Something Beautiful that is inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Cyrus first saw The Wall as a teenager with her brother, where they smoked weed in a limousine while decked out in 70s-style clothes. “We really leaned in,” Cyrus admits. “And so I have this heart-first attachment to it. My idea was making The Wall, but with a better wardrobe and more glamorous and filled with pop culture.” She says her new record has a “hypnotizing and glamorous” vibe, describing it as “a concept album that’s an attempt to medicate somewhat of a sick culture through music.”

Cyrus also showed support for Chappell Roan as she navigates pop stardom as a young musician, something Miley knows all about. “I wish people would not give her a hard time,” Cyrus said. “It’s probably really hard coming into this business with phones and Instagram. That wasn’t always a part of my life, and I’m not a part of it now.” (NME)

The headliners for Coachella 2025 will be Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone (who already confirmed his appearance in his Big Ass Stadium Tour announcement on Tuesday), and Travis Scott. Other artists on the bill include Charli XCX, FKA twigs, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, Kraftwerk, The Prodigy, The Misfits, The Go-Go’s, Three 6 Mafia, Jimmy Eat World, and dozens more.

This will be Lady Gaga’s second time headlining Coachella, after she stepped in to replace a pregnant Beyoncé in 2017. Green Day, who have made frequent festival appearances over the years, have surprisingly never played Coachella. However, frontman Billie Joe Armstrong joined the Replacements during their 2014 festival set. Post Malone performed in Coachella’s Sahara Tent in 2018 and has made numerous guest appearances in the past, but this will mark his first time headlining the festival. Travis Scott was tapped to headline Coachella 2020 before it was canceled due to the pandemic. The rapper was scheduled again in 2022, but was removed from the lineup following the 2021 crowd stampede at his Astroworld Festival, which resulted in the death of 10 people. (Consequence of Sound)

A private funeral was held for Liam Payne on Wednesday (November 20) at St Mary’s Church in Amersham, England. All of Payne’s former One Direction bandmates were in attendance, as Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson arrived separately to the service dressed all in black. Liam’s parents, Karen and Geoff Payne, were in attendance, as were Kate Cassidy, Payne’s girlfriend at the time of his death, and Cheryl Cole, the mother of his son Bear. Also attending the funeral was X Factor judge Simon Cowell, whose reality singing competition helped launch Payne’s career and brought One Direction together, and TV personality James Corden. Payne’s coffin arrived at the church in a white horse-drawn carriage, adorned in flowers that spelled out the words “son” and “daddy.” Payne died on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from his hotel room’s third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Variety)

A new study from the global ticketing marketplace viagogo has revealed the highest selling and most in demand Black musicians over the past year. The study analyzed recent ticket sales data, which found that 19 of the 25 highest-selling Black live performers of 2024 are either hip-hop or hip-hop-adjacent acts. Travis Scott tops the list due to his record-breaking Circus Maximus Tour, which earned over $150 million. The top five was rounded out by Usher, Akon, Bryson Tiller, and Ne-Yo, with Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, PartyNextDoor, Childish Gambino, and Nas all placing in the top 25. Minaj landed at No. 8 in the rankings, making her the highest-selling Black female artist of the year due to her Pink Friday 2 World Tour earning over $100 million. Also featured on the list are Janet Jackson (who placed 15th), Doja Cat (19th), and SZA (21st), as well as RAYE (17th) and Mariah Carey (20th). (Consequence of Sound)

Cher made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday (November 18) to discuss her new book, Cher, The Memoir: Part One, which hit shelves on Tuesday. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee said that writing her memoir was a challenge for her, but it was important for the entertainment icon to tell her own story. “It was hard,” Cher revealed. “It’s not going through your life that’s hard so much. It’s hard because when you’re telling your life there’s parts you’d like to guard.” The memoir documents the singer’s early life and rise to fame, including her fraught marriage to Sonny Bono, and forming the chart-topping husband-and-wife duo, Sonny & Cher. Jimmy Fallon asked her towards the end of the interview, “Could there be another album? Would you do another one?” with Cher confirming, “I’m about to.” (Rolling Stone)

Dua Lipa previously announced that her performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall back on October 17 was being turned into a TV special, An Evening With Dua Lipa, which will air on CBS and Paramount+ on December 15. On Tuesday (November 19), the pop superstar took to Instagram to reveal that she is releasing that show as her first live album, Dua Lipa Live From The Royal Albert Hall, which drops on December 6. In addition to a duet with Elton John on “Cold Heart,” the show features Lipa performing her hits backed by the Heritage Orchestra, a 14-person choir, and a 7-piece band.  “For the longest time, I’ve had this idea to reimagine my music with an orchestra,” Lipa said in a statement. “When The Royal Albert Hall show came up, it presented itself as the perfect opportunity to not only reconstruct these songs, but also celebrate them in such a beautiful and intimate way.” (Billboard) 

After serving double-duty on Saturday Night Live as the show’s host and musical guest, Charli XCX turned Times Square into a dance club on Monday (November 19) by delivering a surprise pop-up performance at the H&M that brought out thousands of fans. The neon billboards in Times Square were lit up in Brat green for the occasion, as Charli performed in a small shop window of the store above the huge crowd while the music played over loudspeakers. Charli previously teased that she had a surprise planned for New York City after wrapping up her SNL gig, and the pop superstar shared the free show announcement in an Instagram video shortly before she hit the stage, “I’m performing live today in Times Square at 6:30 p.m. so don’t miss out if you’re in New York.” Charli performed a 5-song set featuring “365,” “360,” “Von Dutch,” “Apple,” and “Guess,” all taken from her Grammy Album of the Year nominee, Brat. (Rolling Stone) 

A new trailer was released for A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter on Monday night (November 19), and the clip revealed a host of big name special guests who will be joining the chart-topping pop superstar during her holiday special. Chappell Roan, Tyla, Shania Twain, and Kali Uchis will be the musical guests joining Carpenter for some unique Christmas duets, while Quinta Brunson, Cara Delevingne, Kyle Mooney, Nico Hiraga, Megan Stalter, Sean Astin, Owen Thiele, and Jillian Bell will make appearances during scripted sketches. “It’s a nonsense holiday and we’re so here for it,” Netflix wrote in a press release. “In this special with musical guests, pop icon Sabrina Carpenter will perform songs from her holiday EP ‘fruitcake’ and other iconic chart-topping holiday covers.” A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter will begin streaming on Netflix on December 6. (Variety)

K-pop sensation Stray Kids just announced dates for their 2025 world tour. The boy band is set to perform 20 shows throughout Latin America, North America, and Europe next year as part of their <dominATE> World Tour, which represents Stray Kids’ first full stadium tour of their career. The tour kicks off on March 28 at the Estadio Bicentenario La Florida in Santiago, Chile, before hitting up stadiums in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Lima, and Mexico City. The North American leg of the <dominATE> World Tour launches on May 24 in Seattle, followed by high-profile stadium shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Arlington, Atlanta, Orlando, New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago, before finishing up on June 29 at Rogers Stadium in Toronto. The European leg of the <dominATE> World Tour starts on July 11 in Amsterdam, and comes to a close on July 26 at the Stade de France in Paris. (Billboard)

New Edition have extended their successful live residency at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas into 2025. The chart-topping R&B group announced new dates for their New Edition: Las Vegas residency with an Instagram video on Monday (November 18), revealing a run of six new shows on February 12, 14-15, 19, 21-22, which includes notable performances on Valentine’s Day weekend. These new dates follow New Edition’s 15 sold-out performances during its first residency at the Encore that began in February of 2024. The vocal group – which features Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill – promises, “Six incredible nights of timeless music and classic showmanship, as we perform some of your favorite songs for the first time ever on the Encore Theater stage. We look forward to returning to the stage in 2025, to making new memories and to sharing all that we have in store for our fans.” (Billboard)

Madonna took to Instagram on Monday (November 18) to express frustration with the producers behind Universal’s long-awaited biopic of the Queen of Pop. Madonna has invested four years of her life working on the film, and she revealed that people are trying to reign in her passion project and “downsize” the work. “After struggling for days in LA, listening to producers and agents tell me why I couldn’t make my film,” Madonna writes. “Downsize–downscale–think smaller they say—I realized that everything in my life is going to be challenged.” The seven-time Grammy winner says these interactions are forcing her “to think outside the box” while pushing herself “to be even more fearless.” She goes on to question if her life story could be better told in a TV series than a movie. “We cannot shrink and make ourselves smaller,” Madge writes. “Should I make the story of my life into a series or a feature film.” (Entertainment Weekly)

Ed Sheeran just shared his thoughts on the unauthorized use of his voice on the 40th anniversary version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in a since-expired Instagram story. Sheeran revealed that organizers behind the new version of the holiday benefit single didn’t ask his permission to use his vocals on the updated track, and said that he would have declined the offer due to the negative stereotypes surrounding the song.

“My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals,” Sheeran wrote. “A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward looking one. Love to all x” The 40th anniversary edition of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is set for release on November 25, and mixes vocals from a variety of artists featured on the song over the decades. (Consequence of Sound)

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” notches its 18th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The crossover hit is now only one week away from tying the longest run at No. 1 in the Hot 100 chart’s 66-year history, which is currently held by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” (featuring Billy Ray Cyrus), which reigned for 19 weeks back in 2019. Also of note this week, Gracie Abrams cracks the Top 10 for the first time in her career, as “That’s So True” jumps seven places to reach No. 6. Elsewhere in the Top 10, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” sticks at No. 2, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” remains at No. 3, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” hods at No. 4, while her “Taste” drops a spot to No. 8, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” remains at No. 5, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, drops a spot to No. 7, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” slides down a slot to No. 9, and Wallen’s “Love Somebody” falls a spot to No. 10. (Billboard)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, Fender has launched a new line that features a new branded Stratocaster guitar as well as a variety of accessories and apparel. Back in 2005, Fender unveiled their celebrated Hello Kitty Squier Stratocaster, and the new 50th anniversary model “represents a riff on the original.” The new Hello Kitty Strat comes in a pink or white gloss finish, with the iconic Hello Kitty graphic emblazoned on the pickguard, body, and headstock. The guitar also comes in a branded Hello Kitty padded bag. Fender also released a Hello Kitty Fuzz pedal, along with a wide array of branded accessories like guitar straps, cables, picks, T-shirts, hoodies, and hats. “Hello Kitty has a global community of devoted fans, and much like Fender, has transcended generations, culture, and geography. This partnership speaks to the joy and creativity both brands have inspired worldwide,” said Edward Cole, President of Fender APAC. (Consequence of Sound)

The new documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, looks back on the legendary career of the music icon, but it ends with a creative look forward featuring a brand new collaboration between Sir Elton and Brandi Carlile. The 10-time Grammy winner Carlile saw an early cut of the documentary, and was inspired to write the lyrics to “Never Too Late,” which not only finishes the film by playing over the end credits, but it gave the entire project its name as well. John’s longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin is also credited as co-writer on the track with Elton and Carlile, along with producer Andrew Watt. “I wanted to write this song that just showed his tenacity and perseverance and constant commitment to just overcome,” said Carile. “I’ve been such a fan of her for over 20 years, I just thought it would be great to do a duet,” John said. “Because it’s not just my perspective; it’s someone else’s perspective.”  Elton John: Never Too Late is in select theaters now, and premieres on Disney+ on December 13. (Variety)

Gracie Abrams’ duet with Taylor Swift on “Us” is a high point on her Billboard Top 5 hit album, The Secret of Us. The song was just honored with a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. During Swift’s Eras Tour show in Toronto on Saturday (November 16), the pop superstar brought out her opening act Abrams to sing a duet on “Us” to celebrate their Grammy nod. The pair also sang Swift’s 1989 hit, “Out of the Woods,” during the surprise songs part of her set. Abrams opened for Swift during her 2023 Eras Tour, and the singers quickly bonded together. “Gracie was opening for me like a year ago on The Eras Tour, and we made so many fun memories,” Swift said as she introduced Abrams. “One of my favorites was celebrating her Grammy nomination for best new artist. We went out that night and had, like, eleventy-hundred cosmos.” Swift revealed that they were “feral screeching” on the phone together when they heard “Us” had been nominated for a Grammy. (Billboard)

Lil Durk has pleaded not guilty to charges that he organized a murder-for-hire plot that led to the shooting death of the cousin of rapper Quando Rondo in Los Angeles two years ago. The Grammy-winning Chicago rapper entered his plea in court on Thursday (November 14), and he was then sent to a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles. The 32-year-old musician, whose real name is Durk Banks, has received a tentative trial date of January 7, 2025, according to court records. Prosecutors claim that there is a “serious risk defendant will flee,” so they have asked that Banks be held until trial. Federal authorities claim Banks was trying to board a private jet destined for Italy when he was arrested in Miami last month. “Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. If convicted as charged, Banks is facing up to life in federal prison. (Rolling Stone)

Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for the third consecutive week. This marks Tyler’s most weeks spent atop the album chart in his career, surpassing the two weeks spent at No. 1 by his previous album, Call Me If You Get Lost.  TOMORROW X TOGETHER debuts at No. 2 this week with The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY, becoming the sixth Top 10 release for the K-pop group. Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 10, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet drops a spot to No. 3, Gracie Abrams’ The Secret of Us jumps up one slot to No. 4, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft moves up two spots to No. 5, Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess stays at No. 6, Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time jumps up three slots to No. 7, Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department moves up one spot to No. 8, Rod Wave’s Last Lap slides down a spot to No. 9, and Noah Kahan’s Stick Season vaults up four spots to No. 10. (Billboard)

In federal court filings made on Friday (November 15), prosecutors are alleging that Sean “Diddy” Combs has attempted to reach out to prospective witnesses while trying to influence public opinion from jail. The filing also urges the judge to reject Combs’ latest $50 million bail proposal ahead of next week’s bail hearing. “The defendant has shown repeatedly — even while in custody — that he will flagrantly and repeatedly flout rules in order to improperly impact the outcome of his case,” prosecutors wrote in the filing. “The defendant has shown, in other words, that he cannot be trusted to abide by rules or conditions.” Prosecutors claim that Combs' behavior intends to blackmail victims and witnesses into silence or into providing beneficial testimony that aids his defense.The 55-year-old disgraced music mogul is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting his upcoming sex trafficking trial. (Billboard)

Toni Cornell took to Instagram on Wednesday (November 13) to announce the upcoming release of her debut single, “Sunset of Your Love,” on November 21. Toni is the 20-year-old daughter of late Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell. The video post features behind-the-scenes glimpses of Toni working on the song in the recording studio, while also containing a snippet of the finished version of the moody, beat-driven track. Toni captioned her post, “Excited to finally announce the release of my first song Sunset of Your Love 🌅🍑💜 Yours November 21st.”

Toni also shared that she worked with songwriter Mozella on the track, which was produced by Dave Hamelin, who worked on Beyoncé’s Grammy-nominated song, “16 Carriages.” Since her father’s tragic death in 2017, Toni has performed a variety of covers as she found her voice, including Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike,” Pearl Jam’s “Black,” Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” (Consequence of Sound)

Nelly will not face any charges stemming from his arrest at a Missouri casino back in August. During the incident, the Grammy-winning rapper was searched and taken into custody when he tried to collect some winnings. Nelly was detained on an old warrant issued in 2018 related to driving without proof of insurance. “We don’t believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges,” a spokesman for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “It’s the right result,” says Nelly’s lawyer, Scott Rosenblum. “He won a jackpot at the casino. They ran him,” says a law enforcement source. “He had an old warrant for driving without [proper paperwork], and they searched him. It was an improper search. It was a really dumb arrest.” Nelly, 50, had just welcomed his first child with Ashanti a few weeks before his August 7 arrest. (Rolling Stone)

In a new interview with British Vogue, SZA disclosed that not only is she working on her long-rumored new album, Lana, but the Grammy-winning R&B star has another project on the way as well. SZA is going to release a deluxe-version of her 2022 Billboard No. 1 album, SOS, with a finished version of Lana also in the works. SZA is clearly staying busy making music, even if she is making her fans wait patiently for it. And that music is having a healing effect on the award-winning musician, putting SZA in a better place emotionally. “I think I am making music from a more beautiful place. From a more possible place versus a more angsty place,” SZA shared. “I’m not identifying with my brokenness. It’s not my identity. It’s sh*t that happened to me. Yeah, I experienced cruelty. I have to put it down at some point. Piece by piece, my music is shifting because of that, the lighter I get.” (Billboard) 

Grammy-winning R&B group Boyz II Men are working on a feature film biopic that will capture the highs and lows of their chart-topping 30-year music career. The group has teamed up with the production and financing companies Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave, who will help to develop the narrative feature film. Boyz II Men members Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris are all serving as executive producers on the project. Compelling Pictures is also planning to begin production on a long-form Boz II Men documentary that will chronicle the group’s celebrated history. “We’ve been waiting to find the right partners who understand our story and are willing to tell it all,” said Nathan Morris in a statement on behalf of the group. “[Producers] Denis [O’Sullivan] and Jeff [Kalligheri] at Compelling Pictures understood us day one.” (Variety)

On Thursday (November 14), organizers for the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade announced an impressive new batch of live performers who will be taking part in this year’s holiday event.  Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Hudson, and Billy Porter were added to the lineup of performers who will entertain fans in front of Macy’s New York flagship store during the November 28 parade. Loud Luxury, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, and Cole Escola will also perform at the event, joining previously announced stars Bishop Briggs, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Idina Menzel, Jimmy Fallon & the Roots, New Kids on the Block’s Joey McEntire, T-Pain, Walker Hayes, and more. Celebrated choreographer Shay Latukolan – who has worked with Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Tinashe – will choreograph a variety of dance routines during the event, along with three performances on the iconic floats. The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air live on NBC beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET, while streaming on Peacock. (Billboard)

Tate McRae made two big announcements on Instagram on Thursday (November 14). The Canadian pop star will release her third album, So Close to What, on February 21, and will follow that up with a sprawling 50-date Miss Possessive Tour in March. In September, McRae released the album’s lead single, the Top 20 Billboard hit “It’s OK I’m OK,” and dropped the record’s second track, “2 Hands,” on Thursday. So Close to What documents “the journey of growing up when the road ahead feels infinite,” while McRae adds that, “making this album has been the most beautiful and exciting journey.” The South American leg of the Miss Possessive Tour launches on March 18 in Mexico City, with European and UK dates in May and June. The North American leg of McRae’s tour starts on August 5 in Vancouver, and finishes up on September 26 in Los Angeles. Zara Larsson and Benee will serve as opening acts on select dates. (Rolling Stone)  

During Gracie Abrams’ conversation with frequent collaborator Audrey Hobert for Spotify’s “You’re Invited, I’m Sorry: An Evening with Gracie Abrams” event, the pop superstar revealed that the pair wrote a crass version of the Billboard Top 15 hit single, “That’s So True,” that the public will never hear. While discussing the song’s origins, Hobert discloses, “We were drunk when we wrote the lyrics,” with Abrams adding, “Yeah, there’s a whole, very vulgar version… that will never see the light of day!” Even if fans won’t ever get the chance to listen to the filthy version, apparently Mumford & Sons have heard it. Abrams said they were writing “That’s So True” on the roof of Electric Lady Studios, “just doubled over in tears, laughing so hard, saying the most horrific sh*t to song,” Abrams shared. Lee Foster, who runs Electric Lady, sent a text to Abrams saying “Mumford & Sons are doing an interview right above you.” “It was bad,” Abrams recalled. (Rolling Stone)

Pharrell Williams announced on Instagram on Tuesday (November 12) that he has partnered with Evian to launch limited-edition “Fountain of Youth” water bottles. The release is also a collaboration with Humanrace, the lifestyle and skincare company founded by Pharrell. The Evian x Humanrace glass bottles were designed by Williams and are available in blue and green colors with still and sparkling water options. The custom bottles also feature the phrase, “This Is the Fountain of Youth,” emblazoned on the front. “Staying hydrated is fundamental,” Williams said in a statement. “These bottles represent more than just water — they’re a reminder that self-care can be joyful.” Pharrell hopes this collaboration will “inspire people to embrace the small moments that contribute to our overall well-being,” while also hoping to “start conversations at the dinner table and remind us of the fundamental role water plays in our wellness.” (Billboard)

Gwen Stefani is set to release her fourth solo album, Bouquet, on Friday (November 15). But the pop superstar is also looking back on the two decades since the release of her Grammy-nominated debut solo record, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., which dropped twenty years ago this week. Stefani rose to fame with her chart-topping ska-pop band, No Doubt, before going solo in 2004, which gave the singer an unlimited amount of musical freedom. "At that point, things were unhinged, meaning that I had zero restrictions: I wasn't in the band. I didn't have children. I wasn't married," Stefani said in a new interview with People. "I was like, 'I'm making a guilty-pleasure dance record.' I had such an unbelievably clear vision of what I wanted to do. I had been so put down that I was like, 'I’m just going to show them what I got.'” (People)

Snoop Dogg has partnered with jewelry brand Metal Alchemist and the media company gamma for a new jewelry collection called Lovechild. A pre-sale for the rapper's Lovechild line launched on Wednesday (November 13) via Snoop.Love, while the jewelry collection will be available for retail purchase on December 6 exclusively at Reeds 57 locations and their online store. “I chose to name the collection Lovechild because I felt like the world is so full of anger and negativity and division, and I know that I lead with love,” Snoop shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “The news is quick to bring you bad news, so we are stepping in with a whole new force of love.” Metal Alchemist founder Carolyn Rafaelian says, “With Snoop’s deep-rooted belief in love as an energy that transforms, and Metal Alchemist’s dedication to crafting clean, powerful precious metal innovation, Lovechild was born.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

A new version of Band Aid’s charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?,” will be released on November 25 to celebrate the song’s 40th anniversary. The benefit song was originally released back in 1984, ultimately raising over £140 million ($178 million) for Band Aid Charitable Trust to help fight against poverty in Africa. The song was written and organized by Bob Geldof and Ultravox’s Midge Ure, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all-time in the U.K. The tune was subsequently re-recorded in 1989, 2004, and 2014, featuring a new lineup of contemporary singers in each different version.

The upcoming release of “Do They Know It’s Christmas? 2024 Ultimate Mix,” will combine the various voices from all four existing versions of the track. Sting, Boy George and George Michael (1984), Bananarama (1989), Sugababes, Chris Martin, and Robbie Williams (2004), Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Smith (2014) will all be featured vocalists, along with U2’s Bono, who appeared on multiple versions of the single and will appear three times in the new mix. (Billboard) 

Noah Kahan finished up his successful We'll All Be Here Forever Tour back in September. During those shows, the hit songwriter raised over $2.5 million for his mental health organization, The Busyhead Project. Some of Kahan’s tour stops also included The Busyhead Project Action Village, which featured stalls and displays that informed fans of various mental health-related services. Kahan has supported 108 local organizations with The Busyhead Project throughout his global tour, while also partnering with Backline to provide free mental health care, wellness days, and more services. Kahan founded The Busyhead Project in May of 2023, and has donated a portion of every ticket sold during his subsequent tours to the organization. Back in September, Kahan hosted The Busyhead Project Benefit Concert in his home state of Vermont, with all proceeds going towards his mental health foundation. (Holler)

John Mayer is purchasing the historic Hollywood lot that was established by Charlie Chaplin and later owned by A&M Records and the Jim Henson Company. A representative for Mayer – who already has an office on the famed lot – has confirmed that the musician is “under contract to buy Henson Studios,” along with movie director and producer McG. The deal is believed to be worth around $60 million. The lot was originally the home of Charlie Chaplin Studios from its inception in 1917 up until 1953, with classic films like The Kid, The Great Dictator, and Modern Times all shot there.

A&M Records founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss bought the lot in 1966 and turned it into a recording studio, before Jim Henson’s children purchased the property in 1999 and turned it into the home of the Muppets. The recording studios established by A&M remained in use as Henson Recording Studios, which is where Mayer made his latest solo album, 2021’s Sob Rock. (Rolling Stone)

Live Nation announced that they posted their biggest summer concert season in their history. The ticketing and live entertainment giant saw its profitability rise 39% to $474 million over the previous year, with a recorded revenue of $7.7 billion. This news comes after Live Nation recorded its all-time biggest first quarter earlier this year, which follows a record-setting 2023. The company disclosed that they sold 144 million tickets for 2024 Live Nation concerts through October, a 3% gain over 2023.  “We wrapped up our most active summer concert season ever,” said Michael Rapino, Live Nation’s president-CEO. “As we look toward an even bigger 2025, we have a larger lineup of stadium, arena and amphitheater shows for fans to enjoy. Momentum continues to build, as we expand the industry’s infrastructure with music-focused venues to support artists and reach untapped fan demand across the globe.”
(Variety)

JC Chasez will host a sing-along event for the Broadway musical & Juliet on Thursday (November 21) at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. The musical’s score features a series of Max Martin hits, including *NSYNC’s Billboard No. 1 hit, "It's Gonna Be Me." "I've had the pleasure of seeing & Juliet on a number of occasions and the energy in the room was always electric," Chasez said in a press release. "I couldn’t be more excited to join in on the fun along with the fans to honor my good friend Max and to celebrate the show's two years on Broadway." Chasez’s *NSYNC bandmate Joey Fatone will join the cast of & Juliet on January 21, 2025 in a limited engagement that concludes on March 16. "I’m excited that I’ll be joining the cast of & Juliet!,” Fatone said back in October. "I can’t wait to get out there and sing Max Martin’s amazing songs — his hits have shaped so much of pop music.” (People)

In a new interview published by the Los Angeles Times on Monday (November 11), Sting shared his thoughts about how Diddy’s sex trafficking allegations affects how he feels about the Police tune, “Every Breath You Take.” Diddy famously sampled the 1983 Billboard No. 1 hit in his and Faith Evans’ 1997 song, “I’ll Be Missing You,” but the recent charges against the disgraced music mogul doesn’t change how Sting feels about the original version. “I mean, I don’t know what went on [with Diddy],” said the 73-year-old musician. “But it doesn’t taint the song at all for me. It’s still my song.” Sting believes these modern collaborations help introduce new fans to his music. “I never object because I always learn something about the song that I hadn’t known or anticipated,” says the music legend. “And I get paid, so why not? It keeps them current. Songs are living organisms — you have to keep breathing life into them or giving them new bedfellows.” (People)

In an Instagram post on Tuesday (November 12), the Songwriters Hall of Fame revealed the impressive list of 2025 nominees for possible induction into the venerable institution. The nominees in the Performing Songwriters category feature Eminem, N.W.A., Janet Jackson, Alanis Morissette, Boy George, Bryan Adams, Steve Winwood, Sheryl Crow, George Clinton, Doobie Brothers, Tommy James, Mike Love, and more. Nominees in the Songwriters category are led by country hitmaker Ashley Gorley and R&B producer extraordinaire Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. Qualifications for nomination to the Songwriters Hall of Fame require 20 years to have passed after a songwriter’s first significant commercial release of a song. Eligible voting members have until midnight ET on December 22, 2024 to submit their ballots. 2024 inductees included R.E.M., Steely Dan, SZA, and producer Timbaland. (Variety)

Olivia Rodrigo is the next music superstar announced as a headliner for the 2025 BST Hyde Park summer concert series. Rodrigo’s show was revealed on Instagram on Monday (November 11), and will take place in London on Friday, June 27. It will mark the “Bad Idea Right?” singer’s biggest U.K. show of her career. Rodrigo will be joined by special guests the Last Dinner Party and Girl In Red, with additional opening acts to be announced. Rodrigo joins previously announced 2025 BST Hyde Park headliners Jeff Lynne’s ELO (July 13), Zach Bryan (June 28-29), Hugh Jackman (July 6), and Noah Kahan (July 4). Rodrigo has been on a creative roll as of late, with her Netflix concert film, Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour, premiering on October 29, while on Friday (November 8) the singer and her longtime producer Dan Nigro received six Grammy Award nominations. “A bike ride, a sausage roll, and a Grammy nom!!!!! whatta day so grateful🤠🤠🤠,” Rodrigo wrote in a celebratory Instagram post. (Billboard)