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27 Jan 2025

Don Julio Tequila & Popeyes Hint At Collaboration, Black Xitter Is Suspicious

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Haute Living Celebrates Daddy Yankee Together With Florida Yachts International And Diageo

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Popeyes, the fried chicken fast food chain, and Don Julio, one of the top tequila brands in the world, aren’t exactly in the same wheelhouse on several fronts but it appears things are changing. Don Julio and Popeyes look to be hinting at an upcoming collaboration and those who make up Black Xitter on the X platform had some thoughts.

Last Thursday, Popeyes posted a video on its Instagram account that teases the Don Julio collaboration featuring a vibrant party scene and a woman DJ decked out in gear adorned with the chain’s namesake along with some fancy Black boxes featuring the tequila brand’s name as well.

The caption for the video read, “The kitchen is heating up for the big game. Party starts 1.31.25,” which we assume is meant to illustrate that the Super Bowl contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs is happening soon on Feb. 9.

While we’ll have to wait until the end of the month to find out what exactly Popeyes and Don Julio are up to, fans on X, formerly Twitter, are chiming in with a wild variety of theories. Naturally, with the drop happening on the eve of Black History Month,  some eyebrows were raised.

Will it be a new tequila-based glaze? Will there be Mexican-themed spices in a new drop? Is it a fashion collaboration considering the DJ’s outfit in the clip? It’s all over the place.

Check out the teaser clip below.

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Photo: Getty

27 Jan 2025

TWS Is Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for January: Exclusive Photos

TWS stands out as the breakout K-pop group of last year.

Debuting on Jan. 22, 2024, with their first mini album Sparkling Blue, TWS quickly became the talk of the K-pop industry. Their debut single “Plot Twist” soared to the top of multiple Korean charts, including on Apple Music. Remarkably, it became the first boy group track in six years to claim the No. 1 spot on Melon’s annual chart, following iconic hits like BIGBANG’s “Bang Bang Bang” and iKON’s “Love Scenario.”

“Plot Twist” captures the emotions of excitement and nervousness that students feel when entering a new school for the first time. While K-pop boy groups in recent years have leaned heavily on powerful, high-energy tracks, TWS took a different approach. The group incorporated a Future Bass genre as the foundation to their music, emphasizing emotional resonance.

“I think the biggest change is that the barriers between the members are gone. Back then, we were still a bit awkward and reserved around each other, but now we care and think about each other like family,” the group shared. Much like the initial excitement they sang about in their debut track, TWS has continued to grow over the past year. They are now preparing to show a more mature side to their artistry.

Below, you’ll find an exclusive interview capturing the fresh and youthful spirit of TWS as they reflect on their journey so far.

You’re approaching your first anniversary since debut. What has changed the most compared to a year ago?

SHINYU: Compared to a year ago, I think the biggest change is that the barriers between the members are gone. Back then, we were still a bit awkward and reserved around each other, but now we care and think about each other like family. As time passes, I feel that these bonds will only grow stronger, so I’m looking forward to what’s ahead of us. 

Your debut track “Plot Twist” became a hit right from the start. How did that feel at the time? Why do you think people connected with it so strongly?

JIHOON: We were so grateful that it received so much love from the beginning. Since it’s our debut track that captures our youth, I feel even more thankful that people connected with it more than we could have ever hoped for. 

TWS has won the most “Rookie of the Year” awards among male groups that debuted in 2024. What do you think it is about TWS that draws people in?

YOUNGJAE: Thankfully, in our debut year, 2024, we were honored to receive the “Rookie of the Year” along with several other unexpected awards. It wouldn’t have been possible without the many staff members who worked tirelessly to support us, and our members who dedicated themselves to training until we debuted as TWS. We try to give our very best in every performance, and I believe that’s why our music and TWS as a group were able to earn recognition and love from people. 

Last year, you told school stories through your debut album Sparkling Blue, your second mini-album SUMMER BEAT!, and your first single Last Bell—from the start of the “Plot Twist” to the “Last festival.” What stories or themes do you want to showcase in 2025? 

JIHOON: I think we would like to share our story about how we’ve grown since our awkward first meeting, embracing and accepting various emotions, and how we have developed to express our heartfelt feelings. In addition to that, we hope to showcase a wider variety of music styles. 

“Last Festival” is a reinterpretation of the legendary track of the same name, a song hailed as transformative in K-pop music history. It also marked a departure from the refreshing style TWS is known for. Are there any other songs you’d like to reinterpret? 

DOHOON: We would love to reinterpret a song by SEVENTEEN, whom we have admired since our trainee years, and if given the opportunity, we would like to explore various genres and reimagine songs in our unique style!! 

All of TWS members are reportedly introverts. Is there a big difference between your usual selves and your on-stage personas? Are you naturally a bit shy in daily life? 

HANJIN: Yes, I’m usually very quiet and shy. When I’m in a new environment, I get nervous a lot and it takes me a while to warm up to new people. But when I’m on stage, I feel like a completely different person. As soon as the music starts, I naturally find myself immersed in the moment, and I’m actually amazed at the changes myself. At first, the confident version of myself felt quite unfamiliar to me, but over time, I’ve come to accept that ‘this is also a part of me.’ These days, I want to show 42s both my stage version and my everyday self. 

TWS hasn’t held a solo concert yet. Do you have a vision in mind for what your solo concert would look like?

KYUNGMIN: As we are approaching our first fan meet soon, I’m really excited and looking forward to that day! If we do hold a headline concert, I think we’ll be able to showcase a variety of performances and connect with even more 42s, so I hope it’ll happen one day. 

If you imagine TWS 10 years from now, what kind of group do you think you’ll be? 

SHINYU: Even after 10 years, I believe that all the members in TWS will be giving their best in every moment and remain a group that pours in their heart into every performance on stage. It would be great to gather regularly for meals together. Even after 10 years, our modakbul (translates to bonfire: a term TWS use to describe an honest conversation time among the members) will still be burning bright!

Shinyu, as the leader and anchor of the team, you’re also a rapper. Many rappers take part in writing and composing their own songs. Are you interested in that as well? If so, what themes or stories would you like to explore in your lyrics? 

SHINYU: I want to write a song for 42s, our fans. 42s have always been, and will continue to be, the driving force behind TWS and they are the reason why we continue to move forward. That’s why I want to give my heartfelt song as a gift and I think I’ll enjoy the whole process of creating it! 

Dohoon, you’re known for your keen sense of fashion. What styles or trends are you drawn to these days? Even within the group, you’re recognized as a trendsetter! Have you ever thought about taking charge of the group’s styling one day? 

DOHOON: I’m into eyewear these days!! It’s nice to add a stylish touch to my outfit, so I’m using it often! From sunglasses to rimless glasses, I like to choose what I wear based on my mood for the day.

Youngjae often mentioned self-awareness and diligence as key personal traits. How would you describe the Youngjae of today, and what kind of person do you aspire to become? How does that reflect in TWS’s performances or music?

YOUNGJAE: Right now, I feel like I’m becoming someone who has an open heart and embraces those around me with the energy that I draw from taking care of myself and understanding who I am. Moving forward, I want to become a person who pursues what I want with confidence and isn’t afraid of success or failure. 

Hanjin, you’re turning 20 this year (Korean age)! What’s something you’ve always wanted to do at 20, and have you done it yet? 

HANJIN: When I was young, I had a list of things that I wanted to do by the time I turned 20 years old— travelling alone, getting a new hobby, and becoming a more mature person. I haven’t achieved all of them yet, but I’m finding myself cherishing the precious moments in my daily life these days. Moments like spending time with my members and meeting 42s on stage have become special experiences of my 20s. Going forward, I want to make my 20s meaningful and special in my own way. 

Jihoon, you’ve shown a lot of interest in dance. From hip-hop, tutting, krump, you’ve explored various genres. What style of dance has been catching your eye lately? 

JIHOON: I’ve been focusing more on choreography rather than a specific genre these days. I’m practicing to apply the same sense of movement I use in freestyle to a choreography-focused routine. 

Kyungmin, as the only member still connected to TWS’s school-themed concept by age, you’re uniquely positioned. With about a year left before you graduate, have your older members shared any advice or insights with you? 

KYUNGMIN: There’s something that my older members always tell me, which is, to make lots of friends and memories when I’m at school! I only have about a year left, so I really want to make even greater memories!!

27 Jan 2025

Warner Music Group Board Member Val Blavatnik On Elliot Grainge & Changes at Atlantic

In the summer of 2006, Madonna touched down in New York for a run of shows at Madison Square Garden in support of her album Confessions on a Dance Floor. One young attendee was Val Blavatnik. “It was my first live-music experience and I was just so blown away,” he recalls. “I knew from then, even before our family acquired Warner, this was an industry I wanted to be involved in.”

Blavatnik’s father, Len, founder of Access Industries, subsequently bought Warner Music Group in 2011. A dozen years later, Val made good on his childhood dream, starting as senior director of business development at Warner Chappell Music. In April 2023, he was elected to WMG’s board of directors.

Val currently attends Harvard Business School, but he has been in close conversation with the company’s executive leaders, including his friend Elliot Grainge, the new chief executive of Atlantic Music Group. “Elliot and I got very close” during the negotiations that preceded WMG’s purchase of 51% of Grainge’s 10K Projects label in 2023, Val explains. “I advocated for the original 10K acquisition and for Elliot in his new role at Atlantic.” He clarifies, however, “As a board member, I am proud of my role, but it was [WMG CEO] Robert [Kyncl’s] decision.”

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You spent a few years at Warner Chappell and investment bank LionTree before joining the WMG board. Why was it the right time to make that move?

Well, I was very honored to be invited, and I take the responsibility extremely seriously. There are a wide range of perspectives on our board. It’s a very collaborative room to be in. Being the youngest person on the board, I’ve tried to make my role about bringing a different perspective to the conversation. I’m also one of the people on the board who has worked directly with artists, managing them, being in the studio, helping to sign them. That on-the-ground, in-the-room experience is vital.

How closely do you work with leadership?

Robert is always open-minded, and we have some fascinating and productive discussions. Learning about publishing from Guy [Moot] and Carianne [Marshall] was invaluable, and I’ve been very fortunate to work with Tom [Corson] and Aaron [Bay-Schuck] on signing two young acts we’re very passionate about. [Blavatnik declined to name the acts.]

I’m probably most involved with Atlantic. The team and I have a fantastic, ongoing open dialogue. I’m fortunate to be able to help in any capacity which benefits the business — from strategizing about the future, to helping close an artist signing, all the way through giving my two cents on a song.

Why is Grainge the right pick to lead AMG?

Elliot is an incredibly talented leader. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work and collaborate with him. Most importantly, artists love him, his team is unbelievably passionate and committed. He has brilliant creative instincts, he’s fantastic at creating huge cultural moments, and he has a deep grasp of business. That makes him a triple threat.

Do you think the music business needs a generational changing of the guard?

The music business should constantly evolve and innovate, like any other successful business. It’s not so much about a generational shift, but more about having executives with bold, fresh ideas and the ambition to deliver outstanding results.

This story appears in the Jan. 25, 2025, issue of Billboard.

27 Jan 2025

Doechii Confirmed To Perform At 2025 Grammy Awards

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Spotlight: Doechii

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The music industry’s biggest night is shaping to be something special. Doechii has been confirmed to perform at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

As spotted on Rap-Up, the Recording Academy made their first round of announcements of musicians who will perform at the upcoming ceremony. Set to hit the stage are Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Doechii, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, and Teddy Swims. All the aforementioned musicians are currently nominated for awards.

Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal is up for the Best Rap Album and her song “NISSAN ALTIMA” is competing for Best Rap Performance. She also has the chance to take home the honor of Best New Artist. 2024 marked her breakthrough year with the success of her mixtape. Doechii’s 19-track effort was her first-ever project on Top Dawg Entertainment and featured several breakout singles including “Boom Bap,” and “Denial Is a River.”

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will not only honor the very best in music but will also raise funds to help those who were impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. “The upcoming Grammy Awards won’t just be about celebrating and honoring the best in music this year, it will also show how the power of music can help rebuild, uplift and support those in need,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “We are thrilled that so many artists in our community are banding together at this time to show support for their fellow music makers and others impacted by the recent wildfires.” 

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will air Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS Television Network.

27 Jan 2025

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars’ ‘APT.’ No. 1 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart for 13th Week

ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” rules the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart for a 13th week. The team-up, which in November debuted as the stars’ second leader each on the list, ties for the second-longest command in the chart’s four-year-plus history, matching the reigns of Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” (2023) and Harry Styles’ “As It Was” (2022). The only song that has led longer is Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” with 14 weeks at No. 1 since 2020.

Plus, Bad Bunny again charts five Global Excl. U.S. top 10s, all from his new LP, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, which adds a second week at No. 1 on the U.S.-based Billboard 200 albums chart. Among Bunny’s bounty of top 10s, “EoO” reaches the tier for the first time, rising to No. 10.

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The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.

Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.

“APT.” crowns Global Excl. U.S. with 111.5 million streams (down 7% week-over-week) and 10,000 sold (down 11%) outside the U.S. Jan. 17-23.

Bad Bunny boasts five songs in the Global Excl. U.S. top 10: “DtMF,” “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” and “NUEVAYoL” hold at their respective Nos. 2, 4 and 5 highs; “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR” slips to No. 9 from its No. 8 high; and “EoO” ascends 11-10, becoming his 24th top 10, extending his record for the most since the chart began.

Elsewhere in the Global Excl. U.S. top five, Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With a Smile” keeps at No. 3, following eight weeks at No. 1 starting in September.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated Feb. 1, 2025) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, Jan. 28. For both charts, the top 100 titles are available to all readers on Billboard.com, while the complete 200-title rankings are visible on Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription-based service. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.

27 Jan 2025

Bad Bunny’s ‘DtMF’ No. 1 on Billboard Global 200 Chart for Second Week

Bad Bunny’s “DtMF” spends a second week at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 songs chart. The superstar again scores five simultaneous top 10s on the chart, all from his new LP, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, which adds a second week at No. 1 on the U.S.-based Billboard 200 albums chart. Among his haul of Global 200 top 10s, “EoO” reaches the region for the first time, rising to No. 10.

The Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.

Trending on Billboard

Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.

“DtMF” dominates the Global 200 with 116.7 million streams (down 11% week-over-week) and 2,000 sold (down 25%) worldwide Jan. 17-23. Bad Bunny also infuses the top 10 with “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” “NUEVAYoL” and “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR,” which hold at their respective Nos. 4, 5 and 8 highs, and “EoO” (11-10). The latter song ups his count to 25 top 10s since the chart began; only Drake (35) and Taylor Swift (33) have more.

Also in the Global 200’s top five, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” keeps at No. 2, following 11 weeks at No. 1 beginning upon its debut in November, and Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With a Smile” repeats at No. 3, following eight weeks at No. 1 beginning in September.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated Feb. 1, 2025) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, Jan. 28. For both charts, the top 100 titles are available to all readers on Billboard.com, while the complete 200-title rankings are visible on Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription-based service. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.

27 Jan 2025

Shakira’s Sons Sasha & Milan Show Off Their Musical Talent in New Project: Listen

Shakira’s two sons, Sasha and Milan Piqué Mebarak, are following their mother’s footsteps, showing off their artistic abilities in a new musical project. 

As part of the Miami-based Let It Beat! Music Academy — co-founded by Guillermo Vadala and Nerina Nicotra — the brothers showcased their talent on a new album called All for You, released by Music 4 You and distributed by Sony Music Latin on Jan. 24. 

The 12-track production, which includes songs in English and in Spanish, features the Piqué Mebarak pair on two different songs: “All for You” and “The One.” While the former is a collaboration with other students from the academy, the latter — a sweet, pop rock tune — spotlights 10-year-old Sasha on vocals and 12-year-old Milan strutting the drums.

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This isn’t the first time that Shakira’s boys steal the spotlight. 

In May 2023, the global sensation released the stripped-down ballad “Acróstico,” featuring her sons on vocals and piano. The song, which is about a mother who finds strength in her children to overcome pain, was nominated for song of the year at the Latin Grammys and hit No. 2 on the Billboard Latin Pop Airplay chart. 

“This year Milan has written songs that have made me tear up and Sasha has dedicated hours playing the piano and discovering his voice,” Shakira previously expressed on social media when the video dropped. “Both have spent some time with me in the studio and upon hearing this song, they’ve asked to be part of it. They’ve felt it and interpreted it in their own way and for themselves, with the same passion and emotion of a person who carries music within them.”

Below, check out Sasha and Milan on “The One.”

27 Jan 2025

Kesha Releases Diane Warren Song ‘Dear Me’ From Documentary ‘Relentless’

When the Oscar nominations were announced on Thursday (Jan. 23), Diane Warren found herself nominated for best original song for the 16th time. Warren, never one to rest on her laurels, is already back with a song that may be put her back in the running at the 2026 Oscars – “Dear Me,” sung by Kesha in the new the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless.

Warren was already a hit-making songwriter when Kesha was born in 1987. Little-known fact: Kesha’s mother, “Pebe” Sebert, was a member of the songwriting community as Warren was breaking in (though the two writers never collaborated). Sebert co-wrote Joe Sun’s 1978 single “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You),” which reached No. 14 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. A cover version by Dolly Parton reached No. 1 in 1980.

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“We all know that Diane Warren is one of the most iconic songwriters of our time, but many people don’t know that my connection with her is multigenerational,” Kesha said in a statement. “My mom used to write songs alongside Diane Warren in the ’80s. I’ve heard her name in our home growing up since I was a baby. Once my music broke into the scene in 2008, we have worked on projects together … but none of them ever were publicly released.”

“I’ve written a lot of songs for movies but this is the first time I’ve ever written a song for a movie that’s about me,” Warren said in a statement. “This song isn’t just about me though, it’s for anyone who’s ever wished they could have a conversation with their younger self and tell them no matter what they’re going through that it’s going to get better. When I was thinking who would be the perfect artist for this, I could think of no one better or more authentic than Kesha. I felt that not only is she a great artist who would sing the song magnificently which of course she did, but that this would also speak to her and her fans on a very deep level.”

Diane Warren: Relentless, directed by Bess Kargman, is currently in theaters and streaming exclusively on MasterClass.

It’s fairly rare for a song from a documentary to receive an Oscar nomination for best original song, but it does happen. Just this year, “Never Too Late” from the Disney + doc Elton John: Never Too Late was nominated, where it is competing with Warren’s “The Journey” from the Netflix film The Six Triple Eight. Elton John co-wrote “Never Too Late” with Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt and Bernie Taupin.

Billboard’s Stephen Daw wrote warmly about “Dear Me” (released on Kemosabe/RCA Records) in his Queer Jams of the Week column. “For her contribution to the new documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, Kesha decided to strip back the artifice and sing from the heart. The result is “Dear Me,” a Warren-penned, Guy Roche-produced ballad where Kesha looks back on her younger self and offers some salient advice — primarily, to know that she can get through whatever pain comes her way. It’s no surprise that Kesha sounds as good as she does here; it is surprising, though, to get such a poignant song in a week when so many of us need to hear this.”

27 Jan 2025

Watch the ‘Moana 2’ Cast Have Fun in the Booth While Voice Acting Their Characters

There’s just no telling how far the Moana 2 cast will go to perfectly capture their character!

The popular Disney sequel is heading to digital retailers this week, and as part of the release, a new bonus feature will show the cast inside the recording booth having some creative fun as they bring their characters to life.

In the clip, Auli’i Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Nicole Scherzinger (Sina), Rachel House (Tala), Alan Tudyk (Heihei) and more all giggle through the exciting storyline as they deliver their lines from inside the recording studio. “I could do this all day, all day,” Johnson says at one point of the clearly fun process.

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More bonus content includes a full-length Sing-Along version of the film, deleted scenes, featurettes and more. In Moana 2, which hit theaters back in November, Moana and Maui are reunited three years after the original 2016 film for a new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers after receiving an important call from her wayfinding ancestors.

Moana 2 arrives to digital retailers, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home, starting on January 28. The movie will then be available for purchase on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 18.

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Watch the “Fun in the Booth” featurette with the Moana 2 cast below.

27 Jan 2025

Jelly Roll, Eric Church, Garth Brooks & More to Take Part in ‘Opry 100: A Live Celebration’

A who’s who of country music artists will help the Grand Ole Opry celebrate its 100th anniversary when the live event concert, Opry 100: A Live Celebration, airs live on NBC (and simulcast on Peacock) on Wednesday, March 19.

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Grand Ole Opry member Blake Shelton will host the three-hour live celebration event, which will air from 8 to 11 p.m. ET. Opry members Ashley McBryde, Shelton, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill will all take part. Opry member Randy Travis will make a special appearance, while other Opry favorites set to take part include Amy Grant, Eric Church, Jelly Roll and The War and Treaty. The broadcast will feature performances from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House, as well as from the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Opry’s most famous former home.

“Becoming a member of the Opry is a highlight of my life and career, and 15 years later I still get that same feeling of reverence and excitement every time I walk out on that stage. The Grand Ole Opry has been connecting the country music family for 100 years, and I’m so proud to be part of this historic celebration,” Shelton said in a statement.

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“We’re pleased to partner with our Grand Ole Opry members to create a truly unforgettable evening as we kick off the Opry’s 100th year,” Opry Entertainment Group CEO Patrick Moore in a statement. “This special night of programming will connect millions of country music fans to the magic of the Opry, and we hope it inspires them to join us in Nashville as we celebrate this milestone all year long.” 

The telecast will be executive produced by Silent House Productions’ Emmy Award winners Baz Halpin, Mark Bracco and Linda Gierahn, along with R.A. Clark and Steve Buchanan. A limited amount of tickets will go on sale starting Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. CT on the Opry’s website, while a pre-sale for Opry subscribers will launch Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. CT.

The Grand Ole Opry launched in 1925, and has had a series of homes over the years, among them the Nashville offices of the National Life and Accident Insurance Company (WSM-AM’s call letters are an acronym for National Life’s slogan, “We Shield Millions”) and Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium. The Ryman Auditorium was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, before the Opry moved into its current location in March 1974. The Opry still returns to the Ryman Auditorium each winter for a special run of Opry at the Ryman shows.

The Grand Ole Opry has become the longest running live broadcast show in the world, featuring weekly performances from established country music artists and regularly featuring and supporting rising artists. Each week, fans gather at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville to experience live shows, or take in the music through WSM Radio and online, or watch the Opry Live broadcasts on Saturdays, as well as other Opry content, on Circle Country.

On Jan. 3, the Grand Ole Opry launched its first show of 2025 with the Opry at the Ryman series, with the show featuring current CMA musician of the year Charlie Worsham, “The Gambler” and “Forever and Ever, Amen” songwriter Don Schlitz, singer Connie Smith, harmonica maestro Charlie McCoy, singer Mandy Barnett, singer-songwriter Craig Morgan (“That’s What I Love About Sundays,” “Redneck Yacht Club”) and nine-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) entertainer of the year winners The Travelin’ McCourys.