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02 Dec 2025

Phish Announces Las Vegas Sphere Return in 2026 

Trending on Billboard

Phish is heading back to Las Vegas. The iconic jam-rock group will return to Sphere next spring for a nine-show residency, expanding on the four-night run that marked its acclaimed debut at the venue in 2024.

The new dates — April 16–18, April 23–25 and April 30–May 2, 2026 — were announced Tuesday (Dec. 2) and immediately set off a rush among fans who have been anticipating the band’s return since their first immersive run.

A ticket request period is now open at tickets.phish.com through Dec. 8. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET.

Fans can also access limited travel packages, which bundle hotel rooms with show tickets. Those go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT via phishatsphere.100xhospitality.com.

Phish’s 2024 four-show residency at Sphere became an instant touchstone for the band’s huge fanbase. Each show featured completely different setlists and visuals, with animations and graphics that were “executed, modified and manipulated in real time,” according to the band — turning every night into a standalone experience for fans lucky enough to make it.

Whether the 2026 shows will employ the same one-off visual programming hasn’t been announced, but Phish’s reputation for never repeating a setlist suggests another round of inventive performances inside the 18,600-seat venue’s massive LED-dome environment.

The 2026 calendar for the Sphere is quickly filling with shows by Backstreet Boys in February, Latin superstar Carín León booked for September, and concerts planned for the Eagles, Illenium, No Doubt and Zac Brown Band.

Full ticketing and on-sale information is available at phish.com/tours.

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02 Dec 2025

Pentatonix Talk ‘Christmas in the City’ Album & Gift of a New Frank Sinatra Vocal: ‘They Blessed Us With His Voice’

Trending on Billboard

“This has been the biggest labor of love,” Pentatonix’s Kirstin Maldonado says of the group’s latest seasonal album, Christmas in the City. “We’re all just really proud of it.”

The project, which the quintet began planning in January, was inspired by the magic of the holidays in New York and features a bevy of original songs as well as a host of Christmas classics.

On the latest episode of the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast (listen below), Pentatonix’s Maldonado and Matt Sallee join the show to chat about their new album (which marked the act’s 11th top 10 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart), all things holiday music, and their current tour.

The concept of Christmas In the City was initially sparked by a holiday ornament that Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying spotted at a festive holiday market in New York, says Sallee. That led the group to put together the title track, and soon, the rest of the collection snowballed from there. (And, while the album’s genesis may be owed to the Big Apple, Sallee notes the group is “trying to bring joy” to “every city” with the album and the tour.)

“We really wanted to make this album feel like it was a classic Christmas album paying homage to the ‘40s and the ‘50s and it can live in those classic playlists,” says Sallee, “so that’s a big reason why we used different instrumentation [and] sonics.” Certainly the “classic” vibe is aided by how the album not only showcases Pentatonix’s soaring harmonies, but also boasts dozens of musicians playing live instruments.

Further, more than half of Christmas in the City consists of newly written tunes, with all five of Pentatonix’s members (Mitch Grassi, Hoying, Maldonado, Kevin Olusola and Sallee) writing material on the effort. There are also some familiar favorites present, including “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Silver Bells” and a new take on “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” with the late, great Frank Sinatra (who died in 1998).

“They blessed us with his voice,” says Maldonado of the Frank Sinatra Estate, who let Pentatonix use a previously unreleased vocal take of Sinatra singing the Irving Berlin-penned standard. “This arrangement is perfectly what we wanted to achieve within this album too… I feel so proud of it. I love it so much.”

“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” also serves as the album’s first radio-promoted single, and the track jumps 12-9 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary airplay chart dated Dec. 6. It marks the eighth top 10 for Pentatonix and the 21st for Sinatra (and his first since 1980).

JoJo also joins Pentatonix on the album on one of the set’s new originals, “Snowing in Paris.” “She sounds so amazing” on the track, says Maldonado. “She’s so talented and so kind. We love her.” Sallee adds, “She’s so insanely talented and gifted as a vocalist. It’s one of those, like, whoa, speechless moments when you hear her singing on the track. It’s just so good.”

And it wouldn’t be Christmastime without a holiday tour from Pentatonix, as the group has mounted a seasonal trek yearly since 2017 (save for 2020, owed to the COVID-19 pandemic). This year’s tour, aptly titled the Christmas in the City Tour, launched on Nov. 8 and is slated to wrap on Dec. 22 in Fort Worth, Texas. The group will then mount a U.K. and European tour next year that is scheduled to start April 7 in Budapest and continue on through May 3 in Stockholm.

As Pentatonix has become a staple of the holiday touring season, Sallee says he can “recognize faces” of fans who have come to the show year after year. “We’re blessed to be able to be families’ traditions each year. … It’s just such a special, humbling gift that we’re something that could bring a family…together and listen to our music and come to a concert and just have a good time together.”

————

Also on the podcast, we’ve got chart news on how there’s a brand-new No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 thanks to Stray Kids’ DO IT; how the Wicked: For Good soundtrack casts a spell on the charts; and how a legendary rock band returns to the Billboard 200 top 10 for the first time in over 10 years. Plus, hosts Katie and Keith chat about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, how holiday music is starting to take over the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and much more.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)  

02 Dec 2025

FaZe Clan’s Stable Ronaldo Gets ‘Swatted’ During Live Stream

FaZe Clan
Stable Ronaldo Gets ‘Swatted’ …
Bogus Brick Throwers!!!

Published

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Stable Ronaldo from the FaZe Clan was doing what he does best Tuesday afternoon — streaming live on social media — but things went sideways after cops say he became the subject of a “swatting” call in L.A.

LE sources tell TMZ … the FaZe Clan content house was “swatted” Tuesday, a little before 1 PM, when a caller falsely reported two suspects threw a brick at the Studio City home.

We’re told the caller claimed to be Stable Ronaldo, and they told 911 dispatchers they locked themselves in a room but could hear the bogus brick-throwing suspects inside the home.

Our sources say the caller, still posing as Stable Ronaldo, then told dispatchers they were going to check the house to see if the suspects were still inside the home … and that’s when the call ended.

We’re told cops pulled up to the home with lights and sirens blaring … but all officers encountered was FaZe Clan security, who told them Stable Ronaldo was doing a live stream.

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Ultimately, cops determined the call was a “swatting” incident.


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TMZ.com

We’ve seen other streamers get “swatted” in L.A. recently … including Kai Cenat.

02 Dec 2025

How to Watch the ‘CMA Country Christmas’ Special Online for Free

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Trending on Billboard

Tonight, the world of country music is celebrating the holidays. ABC’s CMA Country Christmas musical special is back and bringing with it a jam-packed lineup of performances to a live audience in Nashville. Hosted by by Jordan Davis and Lauren Dangle, fans can expect a very merry, festive lineup of country stars including Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and BeBe Winans.

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See latest videos, charts and news

Watch CMA Country Christmas, at a Glance:

Don’t have cable? There’s plenty of ways to stream tonight’s Christmas special online and even for free. Keep scrolling to check out our guide to watching the CMA Country Christmas Special.

How to Watch CMA Country Christmas Without Cable for Free

With the CMA Country Christmas special streaming on ABC, there are a few great streaming options that will let you watch ABC online for free or for a discounted price. All the below streamers let you watch ABC online without cable and stream content from your phone, tablet, computer or smart TV. Check below to find the right option for your viewing needs.

DirecTV

You can watch ABC online for free on DirecTV, which is offering a 5-day free trial for new users who sign up for one of the four packages. DirecTV lets you watch live television online and its channel packages include a live feed of ABC.

Besides access to hundreds of live TV channels, you’ll also receive unlimited DVR storage, local channels and the ability to stream on as many devices as you want. After your free trial, DirecTV plans start at $49.99/month.

Fubo TV

FuboTV is another affordable live TV streamer as it comes with a five-day free trial for new users who sign up. The streaming service has three different plans, including a new skinny bundle called “Sports + News” that starts at only $45.99 for the first month ($55.99 per month afterwards). In addition, Fubo has $30 off their Pro and Elite plans for the first month right now, which includes more than 300 channels, as well as 1,000 hours of free DVR and the option to stream on 10 devices at once.

Sling TV

Sling TV is offering new half off off their first month with any of its three packages. You can choose from: the Orange, Blue or Orange + Blue. However, ABC is only offered on the Blue package, but you can watch simulcasted games on ESPN3 (which is only offered on Sling’s Orange package). Rather than choose between the two, you can combine the two with the Orange + Blue package, which will give you access to more than 50 channels, DVR storage and the ability to stream on up to three devices.

Hulu + Live TV

A subscription to Hulu + Live TV gets you more than 95 live TV channels, such as ABC, to watch live sports, TV series and specials whenever you want. You also get access to the entire Hulu on-demand library (including select ABC content available to watch the day after it airs).

Right now, the streamer is offering three-day free trial. Once the trial is over, a regular subscription starts for $89.99 per month.

For even more content options, Hulu + Live TV includes a subscription both Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited, which will give you access to more sports coverage and ESPN exclusive content.

02 Dec 2025

Chris Granger Officially Named CEO of Oak View Group

Trending on Billboard

Oak View Group (OVG) has officially named Chris Granger as CEO, elevating the veteran sports and live-entertainment executive after five months in the interim CEO role. The appointment is effective immediately.

Granger replaces former CEO and company founder Tim Leiweke, who was indicted earlier this year on federal bid-rigging charges related to the construction of the Moody Center in Austin. Company officials at OVG agreed to sign a non-prosecution agreement as part of the investigation into Leiweke, who has vowed to fight the charges in Texas federal court.

Related

From the Desk of Tim Leiweke

Granger’s promotion was announced Tuesday (Dec. 2) by OVG’s board of directors, with chairman Lee Wittlinger praising Granger’s steady hand during a transformative period for the company. “Chris’s performance during his tenure as Interim CEO has been exceptional,” Wittlinger said in a statement. “He seamlessly stepped into the role during a pivotal time and demonstrated tremendous leadership. Chris understands the entire ecosystem of sports and live entertainment and the Board is confident that he is the right executive to lead OVG into its next phase of global growth.”

Granger, who previously led OVG360, the company’s venue management and services division, has been key in opening up new business opportunities for OVG around arena development, large-scale hospitality expansion and growing the company’s international footprint.

OVG co-founder and senior partner Irving Azoff said “no one is better for the CEO job,” noting that Granger “is uniquely qualified to lead OVG as we continue to build it bigger and better. He shares our passion to deliver for all our clients, fans and artists.”

In a statement, Granger said he was honored to assume the role permanently. “I’d like to thank the Board for their confidence. I am honored to serve in this role and build upon an incredible foundation,” he said. “We will work tirelessly on behalf of our partners, we will root for one another, and we will lift the communities in which we operate. Let’s go.”

Granger brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the post. Before joining OVG in 2021, he served as group president of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings and worked as an executive for the Sacramento Kings and the NBA in senior roles. At the latter, he served as executive vp of team marketing and business operations. He began his career at Walt Disney World and holds degrees from Cornell University and Yale University.


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02 Dec 2025

Chantel Jeffries Wears Stringy Bikini Lounging At Beach

Chantel Jeffries
Watch Me String Them Along

Published

Chantel Jeffries is here with a public service announcement … it’s still bikini season in South Florida!!!

The DJ and model stripped down to some skimpy swimwear and hit the sands of Miami Beach … and she brought some reading material too.

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As she flaunted her sexy figure and worked on her tan, Chantel boned up on ‘The Mind-Gut Connection.’

She also ordered some food to her beachside chair at The Setai hotel … so maybe she is taking some cues from the readings.

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Chantel’s boobs and booty were on full display … her cheeks swallowed up her thong bottom, and her breasts were literally spilling out of the bikini top.

No nip slips here, but this is about as close as you can get without seeing the real deal Holyfield.

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It’s December, and most of the country is bundling up in the winter, but Chantel is living and breathing proof why birds fly south.


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TMZ.com

Check out the gallery … Chantel’s a bikini babe!!!

02 Dec 2025

Rapper POORSTACY’S Cause of Death Revealed, But Family Disputing It

POORSTACY
Died By Suicide …
Family Not Buying It

Published

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Rapper POORSTACY‘s death in Florida was a suicide … TMZ has learned, but some of his family members feel it was something more nefarious.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the investigation tell us POORSTACY shot himself Saturday morning in a Boca Raton hotel room, but initially survived. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died Monday, after being taken off life support.

Police have yet to officially release the cause of death, but we’re told the rapper’s family isn’t buying it was suicide. One source connected to his family tells TMZ … the family is disputing it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound … and they suspect foul play.

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We’re told POORSTACY had been staying at the hotel for about 10 days, after checking in with a woman and a toddler. Our source says POORSTACY was the child’s father, and the woman is the mother.

It’s unclear if they were in the hotel room when he shot himself.

We’re told police released the room back to the hotel later Saturday to be thoroughly cleaned.

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We broke the story of POORSTACY’s death, and at the time, there were unconfirmed rumblings it might have been suicide.

Sadly, that’s what police believe happened to the 26-year-old artist, according to our sources — but it sounds like his family members might demand further investigation.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

02 Dec 2025

Timothee Chalamet Gets a Love Puppy

Timothee Chalamet
PUPPY LOVE!!!

Published

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Move over Kylie Jenner … there’s a new love interest in Timothee Chalamet‘s life!

Timothee has welcomed a fur baby into his life … a sleepy little critter who has instantly bonded to the “Marty Supreme” star.

The dog seems to be a pit bull terrier mix — at least according to A.I.

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Timothee hasn’t revealed a name for the pooch, but you can feel the love by the crying-eye emoji in the caption.

What’s unclear … will this be a case of ‘Have Dog, Will Travel’? Timothee is one of the most sought-after actors in the game, so will the dog accompany him on his travels?

Unclear how Kylie feels about the competition, but it feels like a case of … like my dog, or else!

02 Dec 2025

Here Are 10 Kids’ Cartoon Theme Songs Written & Performed by Rock Stars

Songs by Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Iggy Pop, Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump & more soundtrack these children’s animated series.

Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends

Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends

Marvel/Disney


Cartoons are a staple of childhood, and plenty of musicians have kept their inner-kids alive by making music for animated shows that find their way into family living rooms (and, since it hasn’t stopped in the streaming era, tablets too).

Many famous artists have performed the themes written by others — like Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, who sings over the opening credits for Fox Kids’ Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Or Little Richard’s energetic take on The Magic School Bus and Simple Plan’s pop-punky gig for What’s New Scooby Doo. The B-52s sing Nickelodeon’s Rocko’s Modern Life track and Solange teamed up with her sister and Destiny’s Child for Disney Channel’s The Proud Family opener. Christina Milian entered the Disney family too, adding her voice to Kim Possible’s “Call Me, Beep Me!” And don’t forget Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers’ delightful performance of “Believe in Yourself” while Arthur began on PBS.

But these nine tracks were written by the rock stars – some simply instrumental, others full on singable bops that get stuck in your head if you’re with a kid who loves the shows. Old-school rockers like Devo co-founder Mark Mothersbaugh, Oingo Boingo’s Danny Elfman and Iggy Pop are joined in this group by the likes of They Might Be Giants, Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump and blink-182‘s Mark Hoppus.

Whether the series follows babies, super heroes, extra-terrestrials, iconic Disney characters, famous toys or are adaptations of well-known kid’s literature, scroll through these rocking cartoon theme songs below.

02 Dec 2025

Weezer Bassist Scott Shriner’s Wife Jillian Lauren Shriner Files for Divorce

Weezer Bassist Scott Shriner
Wife Jillian Files For Divorce

Published

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Busy year for Weezer bassist Scott Shriner and his wife Jillian Lauren Shriner … she had that violent incident with cops, and now she’s filed for divorce.

Jillian booked it to court Tuesday and filed to divorce Scott after 20 years of marriage … according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ.

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In the docs, Jillian is going with the usual “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. She says the date of separation is TBD.

Jillian and Scott have two minor children … one is 17 and the other is 13 … and she’s seeking joint legal and physical custody.

She’s also asking for spousal support and checked the box to block the court’s ability to award Scott spousal support.

It’s unclear if there is a prenup involved.


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LAPD

As we reported … back in April, Jillian allegedly pointed and fired a gun at officers who were looking for a suspect near her Eagle Rock home. Jillian was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, but was later charged with assault and negligent discharge of a firearm.

Jillian managed to avoid jail time … a judge granted her a diversion as a result of mental health issues.