
Shaboozey Shares The Advice Beyoncé Gave Him While Making ‘Cowboy Carter’
In a new interview with People, breakout country superstar Shaboozey shared the one piece of advice that he received from Beyoncé. The 29-year-old "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" hitmaker made a guest appearance on Beyoncé's Grammy-winning Best Country Album and Album of the Year, Cowboy Carter, and he reflects on what that memorable experience was like. "When I was recording the songs on her album, [I was like], 'Oh man, I can't do these runs' or 'I am nowhere near the vocalist, performer or anything Beyoncé is,'” Shaboozey shared. “And I kind of got in my head about that. What they told me was, 'Hey, we brought you here for you to do you.'" As to what advice he took Queen Bey herself, Shaboozey revealed, "Just be yourself. Just be confident in the fact that you are different, you are unique and that's what people are going to resonate with.” That advice clearly worked for the young musician, as Shaboozey received five nominations of his own at the 2025 Grammy Awards. (People)
... Continue Reading
Liam Payne’s Girlfriend Kate Cassidy Gives First Interview Since Singer’s Tragic Death
In a new feature in The Sun on Wednesday (February 5), Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy gave her first interview since the singer's tragic death in October. Cassidy was in tears as she expressed her regret about the incident, saying “If I could see into the future, I would never have left Argentina.” The social media influencer said that Payne was in “such a good headspace” when she left the country, four days before the pop star’s fatal fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony. “You never know when [his addiction] is gonna come out,” Cassidy reflected. “I stuck with Liam through thick and thin. And I think love is so optimistic, and you just hope that… everything at the end will work out.” Cassidy revealed that she thinks of Payne “every second of every day,” and is undergoing counseling to deal with her grief. Following the interview, Cassidy shared an emotional post on Instagram where she calls Payne “the love of my life.” (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Kelly Clarkson Announces Her Return To Las Vegas With “Studio Sessions” Residency
On Thursday (January 6), Kelly Clarkson announced on Instagram that she will be launching a “Studio Sessions” residency this summer at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Clarkson’s run of Vegas shows begins on July 4th, with a total of 18 performances scheduled through the final date of her residency on November 15th. “I’m so excited to be back in Vegas! We’re bringing the studio to the stage this time with ‘Studio Sessions,’” Clarkson captioned her post. While Clarkson hasn’t embarked on a full tour since 2019, her “Studio Sessions” shows marks her return to the Vegas stage after a previous residency at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino from 2023 to 2024, which was in support of her last studio album, Chemistry. The former American Idol winner has kept busy in the meantime with her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has garnered numerous Daytime Emmy Awards, and spawned multiple viral sensations with her signature "Kellyoke" segments. (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Megan Thee Stallion, Psy Set To Star In Apple’s Upcoming K-Pop Competition Series
Apple TV+ has greenlit an upcoming K-pop competition series titled “KPopped,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion and “Gangnam Style” singer Psy. According to the show’s description, “In each episode, western icons reimagine one of their biggest hits, collaborating with top-tier K-pop idols to deliver spectacular battle performances, with a live Seoul-based audience picking the winner of the best new K-popped song.” The series is executive produced by Lionel Richie along with Megan Thee Stallion, and Meg is set to perform her hit song “Savage” on a future episode of the show. “KPopped” marks Apple's continued foray into unscripted competition series, following their earlier country music-focused series, “My Kind of Country,” which aired for one season in 2023. The streaming service also previously featured a K-Pop docuseries entitled, K-Pop Idols, which aired in 2024. (Variety)
... Continue Reading
Kendrick Lamar Promises Thought-Provoking Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance Focused On “Storytelling”
Kendrick Lamar took part in a rare public interview on Thursday (January 6) during Apple Music’s Super Bowl Press Conference. The Compton rapper, fresh off winning five Grammys for “Not Like Us,” promises a thought-provoking, storytelling-focused performance at his Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans on Sunday. While Lamar didn’t directly address his ongoing feud with Drake, he did say he is fueled by the competitive nature of rap. “I think a lot of people was putting rap to the back — you didn’t see that bite anymore,” Lamar explained. “My intent was to always keep the nature of it as a sport. I love when artists grit [their] teeth. This has always been the core definition of who I am.” Kendrick also mentioned that he is looking forward to performing with hist future tourmate SZA during his halftime show, “I’m just honored to be next to her talent." Lamar will also be joining Timothee Chalamet for an interview airing on Apple Music on Friday (February 7) at 7 a.m. EST. (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Bob Marley Estate Hosts ‘Uprising’ Livestream In Celebration Of Reggae Legend’s 80th Birthday
To honor Bob Marley's 80th birthday, his estate has organized a series of events to celebrate the legacy of the reggae legend. The festivities start up on Thursday (February 6) – Marley’s birthday – with the 'Uprising' Tribute Concert livestream from the family’s iconic Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica, featuring performances from a series of Jamaican artists. The celebration will also feature a global singalong of Marley classics, performed by the 8,000-person Young Voices Choir in Manchester, England. “Each year, we honor his legacy in a way that unites our extended family, friends, and fans from all corners of the globe,” says Bob’s daughter, Cedella Marley. “This 80th milestone is a reminder of his timeless call for love, resilience, and freedom.” More events honoring Marley are planned throughout the year, including the debut of a new docuseries titled Bob Marley & I about the Wailers’ historic 1975 concerts in London. (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Blackpink Shares 2025 World Tour Teaser
Blackpink shared a video on Wednesday (February 5) announcing that they will be reuniting for an upcoming 2025 world tour. The K-pop group – consisting of Lisa, Rosé, Jisoo, and Jennie – last toured in support of Born Pink back in 2022, in what was called the “largest world tour in the history of a K-pop girl group.” This new run of shows will follow the various projects planned by individual members, including Rosé's debut album which was released in December, and Lisa prepping the release of her debut solo album, Alter Ego, on February 28. Jisoo and Jennie have also announced their own solo projects, including Jisoo's mini album, Amortage, and Jennie's newly-announced debut album, Ruby. In support of that record, Jennie will be hitting the road on The Ruby Experience, a three-city show run with performances by Kali Uchis, Dua Lipa, and Doechii. Blackpink have yet to reveal any specific tour dates, though details should be announced soon. (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Lil Wayne Says That He Has A “Special Announcement” For Fans This Week
Lil Wayne took to Instagram recently to tease a special announcement that he has planned for Thursday (February 6), as well as sharing his lack of interest in the upcoming Super Bowl. In the clip, the rapper announces, “Y’all know I’m not gon’ be there this week,” referring to the big game on Sunday, where Kendrick Lamar will be headlining the halftime show, instead of Wayne performing in his beloved hometown. Wayne added, “I guess there’s a seat to fill. Shoutout to New Orleans,” before revealing, “I’ve been working on something very special. I’ve got something exciting coming for you. Until then, I’m just chillin’.” Despite previously expressing his disappointment about not performing at the halftime show, Wayne has apparently reconciled with Lamar and encouraged the rapper to “kill it” during his performance. Wayne has hinted that his highly-anticipated Carter 6 album will be released later this year, so his announcement on Thursday could have something to do with that upcoming project. (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Elton John And Brandi Carlile Announce New Album, ‘Who Believes in Angels?,’ Share Title Track
On Wednesday (February 5), Elton John and Brandi Carlile announced that they are releasing a collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels?, on April 4. The real-life besties also shared the title track of their upcoming 10-track record, which was created in a 20-day whirlwind with Elton’s longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt. The album also features contributions from Chad Smith of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Pino Palladino of Nine Inch Nails, and Josh Klinghoffer. “This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life,” John said in a press release. “I have everything I’ve done behind me and it’s been brilliant, amazing. But this is the new start for me. As far as I’m concerned, this is the start of my career mark two.” The duo also revealed that they will host ‘An Evening With Elton John & Brandi Carlile’ at the London Palladium on March 26. (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Billie Eilish Replaces Merch Lost In Fire For 15-Year-Old Fan With Help From Meghan Markle
After an Altadena teenager lost her cherished Billie Eilish T-shirt during the recent L.A. wildfires, Meghan Markle used her connections to get a box of signed Eilish merchandise for the 15-year-old fan. Markle shared a video on Instagram where she expressed her excitement about receiving the special items from the pop superstar, including clothing and signed vinyl. Markle initially encountered the young girl’s mother while visiting Altadena with her husband, Prince Harry, and she promised the woman that she would replace the beloved Eilish t-shirt that was lost in the fire. Markle went above and beyond to surprise the fan, thanks to Maroon 5's Adam Levine, who ultimately made the connection with Eilish. “This is going to mean so much to her,” Markle said. In other Eilish news, she took part in “Wicked | A Conversation with Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande,” in Hollywood on Tuesday, and the two pop superstars thrilled their fans by teasing a potential musical collaboration sometime in the future. (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Reba McEntire Leaves Kelsea Ballerini A Handwritten Letter And Sweet Gift For Her First Day As Coach On ‘The Voice’
Reba McEntire surprised Kelsea Ballerini with a heartfelt handwritten letter on her first day as a coach on The Voice. "Dear Kelsea, I heard you would be the new coach this season and I'm just so excited for you,” McEntire wrote. “It's up to you to keep country alive on the show and I know you'll do a terrific job. Now go out there and show those boys who's the boss.” McEntire also said she left Ballerini a “little good luck charm in case you need it," as the 31-year-old country star turned to find McEntire's crown from previous seasons — where she was dubbed "Queen Reba" — and placed it on her head. "I feel so fancy," Ballerini said happily. Also during the season 27 premiere, Ballerini joined fellow coaches Michael Bublé, John Legend, and Adam Levine for a powerful performance of Elton John's classic, "Tiny Dancer." (People)
... Continue Reading
Kacey Musgraves Shuts Down Rumors She Was Angry About Beyoncé’s Grammy Win
Kacey Musgraves firmly dismissed rumors that she was upset after Beyoncé won Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter at the 2025 Grammy Awards, after her televised reaction to the moment went viral on social media. Musgraves' representative spoke to E! News and downplayed the incident, saying, "It’s a sensationalistic false narrative meant to pit two talented female artists against each other. There was simply no scowl or expression made." Musgraves’ ambivalent expression while Taylor Swift presented Beyoncé with the Grammy led to online debates about what she was thinking, with some fans claiming she looked angry, while others thought it was a neutral reaction, or just a natural look of disappointment. Musgraves didn’t go home empty handed from the ceremony, however, winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Song for "The Architect." (Parade)
... Continue Reading
Jelly Roll Joins ‘American Idol’ As First-Ever ‘Artist in Residence’
Jelly Roll will be American Idol's first-ever "artist in residence" for the upcoming season, joining the show during "Hollywood Week" and continuing to be a permanent fixture throughout. As a previous guest mentor and performer on the show, Jelly Roll will offer direct guidance to the Idol hopefuls. This news coincides with Carrie Underwood replacing Katy Perry as a judge, marking the first change at the judges' table in seven years. Season 23 of American Idol premieres on Sunday, March 9, on ABC, with a special preview of the season airing after the Oscars telecast on March 2. Jelly Roll's recent album, 2024’s Beautifully Broken, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the country singer received two 2025 Grammy nominations for his hit single, “I Am Not Okay,” as well as a nod for Best New Artist in 2024. (Variety)
... Continue Reading
Elton John Teases Upcoming New Album In Personal Letters Sent To Fans
Elton John has hinted that a new album is on the way through a series of personalized letters sent out to fans. The letters detail Sir Elton’s plans for the future, as well as teasing a forthcoming album that features collaborations with Brandi Carlile and producer Andrew Watt, along with his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. “When we met, I fell in love with her, and we connected straight away,” John wrote of his creative partnership with Carlile. “It was connection, a true connection, emotionally, musically and it’s been one of the greatest friendships of my life.” They worked intensively to produce 14 songs in 20 days, with 10 ultimately selected for the record. Despite health challenges, including a severe eye condition that affects his ability to see and create music, John remains dedicated to his artistry and passionate about songwriting. The new album will be a follow-up to John’s 2021 release, The Lockdown Sessions. (NME)
... Continue Reading
Ariana Grande Reveals That Working On ‘Thank U, Next’ Helped Save Her Life During “Dark Times”
In a new interview on The Hollywood Reporter‘s Awards Chatter podcast, Ariana Grande credits her chart-topping 2019 album, Thank U, Next, with seeing her through a low point in her life. “I was doing so much therapy, and I was dealing with PTSD and all different kinds of grief and depression and anxiety,” Grande shared. “Having music be a part of that remedy was absolutely contributing to saving my life. They were dark times, and the music brought so much levity.” Grande says the album was a means of survival for her, created urgently amid personal struggles, including the death of ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, a breakup with ex-fiancé Pete Davidson, and dealing with the anguish following a terrorist attack at her Manchester concert. Thank U, Next, went on to spend two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and spawned several smash hit singles, including the title track which spent seven weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. (Billboard)
... Continue Reading
Killer Mike Files Lawsuit Against Security Firm Who Arrested Him At The Grammys
Killer Mike is suing the security company S & S Labor Force over his citizen's arrest at the 66th Grammy Awards last year. The Run the Jewels rapper alleges that they degraded and physically hurt him following his Grammy wins at the pre-show ceremony, while claiming the incident caused “unnecessary public embarrassment, distress and professional harm,” which led to emotional distress. The lawsuit accuses the security company of false arrest and imprisonment, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. S & S, also known as JRM Private Security, dismissed the allegations as unfounded, asserting their commitment to ethical practices. The incident occurred as Killer Mike and his team were prevented from moving to the red-carpet area despite having the necessary credentials, resulting in physical assault and battery by the security personnel. He is seeking real and punitive damages to be decided at trial. (Rolling Stone)
... Continue Reading
Chance the Rapper Headlining NBA All-Star Weekend Concert In San Francisco
Chance the Rapper is set to kick off NBA All-Star Weekend by headlining the "NBA on TNT American Express Road Show Fan Experience" on February 13 at Pier 48 in San Francisco. “NBA All-Star Weekend is always a major moment, and I’m honored to be a part of it with NBA on TNT’s American Express Roadshow,” Chance tells Billboard. “Basketball and music bring people together, and I can’t wait to kick off an incredible weekend.” The event will be hosted by NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and anchor Ernie Johnson, with Chance’s performance set to be broadcast live. Free tickets to the Road Show Fan Experience are offered to American Express cardholders from February 4-6, and available to the general public beginning on February 8. (Billboard)
... Continue Reading
Usher Shares His Advice For Kendrick Lamar Ahead Of The Super Bowl Halftime Show
During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday (February 4), Usher shared his advice to Kendrick Lamar ahead of his headlining performance at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday (February 9). Usher, who headlined last year’s halftime show, imparted some words of wisdom to the Compton rapper ahead of his performance, where he’ll be joined by SZA. “The one thing I would say is savor the moment, ‘cause you get obsessed in trying to build the best performance but you don’t realize that it’s really about enjoying it,” Usher said. He went on to express his excitement about watching Lamar’s halftime show, and praised his impact on the world of hip-hop. “He’s completely been an incredible benchmark for what it is to be an artist,” Usher said. “My encouragement to him is to really be present. I’m just hoping he really maximizes that moment.” (People)
... Continue Reading
Lady Gaga Teams Up With Mastercard On “Abracadabra” Music Video Premiere, Offering Fans ‘Priceless Experiences’
During the broadcast of the Grammy Awards on Sunday (February 2), Lady Gaga premiered her music video for her new single, “Abracadabra,” the third track shared from her new album, MAYHEM, due out on March 7. The video debut was sponsored by Mastercard, and Gaga has partnered with the company to offer her fans a series of “Priceless Experiences” surrounding her upcoming album. Fans are encouraged to recreate the choreography from the video on social media for a chance to win exclusive opportunities, including appearing in a special “fan version” of the “Abracadabra” music video, and tickets to Lady Gaga’s Club MAYHEM dance party. “Music and dance have a profound ability to make people come alive and feel bonded to one another,” said Gaga. “I’m excited to partner with Mastercard to bring my passionate community of dancers and fans together to experience MAYHEM more intensely, to celebrate them joining me on the dance floor and giving back to them in a way I’ve never done before.” (Business Wire)
... Continue Reading
Travis Scott’s ‘4X4’ Debuts At No. 1 On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
Travis Scott’s new single, “4X4,” debuts at No. 1 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track – which the Houston rapper debuted during the halftime show of the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20 – becomes Scott’s fifth Hot 100 chart-topper of his career. Another notable achievement this week comes from Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which sits at No. 5 on the Hot 100 after a record-tying 19 weeks at No. 1. The crossover hit has also just set the record for the longest reign at No. 1 on the Radio Songs chart at 27 weeks, breaking a tie with The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.”
Elsewhere in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” – which won a Grammy last night for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – drops a spot to No. 2, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” holds at No. 3, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” moves up a spot to No. 4, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” jumps up a slot to No. 6, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” falls a spot to No. 7, Bad Bunny’s “DtMF” drops six places to No. 8, Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True” slides a spot to No. 9, and Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” remains at No. 10. (Billboard)
... Continue Reading