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10 Nov 2024

MTV EMAs Pay Tribute to Liam Payne as Taylor Swift, Tyla and Sabrina Carpenter Triumph

Taylor Swift, Tyla and Sabrina Carpenter were among the big winners at the 2024 MTV EMAs, which also included a poignant tribute to Liam Payne, almost one month on from the singer’s death in Argentina.

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“I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us. We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world, and I think a lot of yours at home and everybody in here tonight,” said the show’s host Rita Ora, who duetted with the former One Direction vocalist on 2018’s “For You (Fifty Shades Freed).”

“He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could,” said a tearful Ora. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into, and he left such a mark on this world,” said the visibly moved host.

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The EMAs show, which was staged at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, on Sunday (Nov. 10), also featured a brief video tribute to Payne.

Swift, who was not present in Manchester, won the most awards on the night, taking home prizes for best artist, best live, best U.S. act and best video for her Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone.

“I have to say thank you so much to Post Malone for being the most amazing co-star possible,” said Swift in a video acceptance speech.

Just behind Swift with three awards was Tyla, who took home trophies for best Afrobeats, best R&B and best African act. The South African singer, who was honored with a global impact award at Billboard’s R&B No. 1s event in New York earlier this year, also delivered one of the night’s standout performances, flanked by writhing dancers for a lively two-song medley of “Push 2 Start” and “Water.”

“I can’t believe it,” said Tyla accepting the best afrobeats prize from LL Cool J. “Literally, all the nominees, they are insane. They have taken Afrobeats so far and I’m so honored to be winning this award… Afrobeats has opened so many doors for African music, so thank you so much to Afrobeats.”

Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande, who both did not attend the show, won best song for “Espresso” and the award best pop, respectively. Billie Eilish and Charli xcx, who were also absent, failed to win in any of the five categories they were each nominated.

Benson Boone opened the two-hour show, which was being held in the U.K. for the first time since 2017, with an impassioned energetic run through “Slow It Down” and “Beautiful Things” that began with the 22-year-old suspended in the air as he played a golden grand piano. Later in the evening, Boone collected his first EMA award in the form of the best new act title.

Making their U.K. live debut, K-pop band LE SSERAFIM delivered an energetic performance of “Chasing Lightning” and “CRAZY”, the title track from their latest EP, which topped Billboard’s Top Album Sales in September.

The five-piece pop group, who made their Coachella debut this year, were rewarded for their efforts with the best push award, one of three prizes they were nominated for in the lead up to Sunday’s show.

Other memorable performances included Shawn Mendes playing his new single “Heart of Gold,” Mexican trio The Warning with a raucous, pyrotechnic-accompanied rendition of “Automatic Sun” and Best U.K. and Ireland act winner Raye, joined by a 30-piece choir for a stirring medley of “Escapism, “Oscar Winning Tears” and “Body Dysmorphia.”

Meanwhile, best Latin recipient Peso Pluma was joined by Estevan Plazola for a rousing performance of their hit single collaboration “Hollywood.”

Busta Rhymes won the global icon award, EMAs top honor, previously received by Queen, Eminem, Janet Jackson, U2 and Whitney Houston, among others.

“Thirty-four years of professionally recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. And it feels fucking incredible,” said Rhymes collecting the icon trophy from British rapper Little Simz.

The Brooklyn-born rapper went on to play glowing tribute to “one of my heroes” LL Cool J, who was at the ceremony on presenting duties, before performing a collection of his greatest hits, including “Scenario,” “Put Your Hands Where The Eyes Can See,” “Do The BusABus Pt.2,” “Break Ya Neck” and “Pass The Courvoisier”.

“LL Cool J was the template that I followed,” said Rhymes in a lengthy eight-minute-long acceptance speech that also saw him thank his mother and Public Enemy’s Chuck D for supporting him at the start of his career.

“I learned how to become the embodiment of Busta Rhymes because I love to bust rhymes for real and I love hip-hop for real,” he told the audience.

“Busta Rhymes is a true creative visionary who has made a massive impact on the musical landscape and pop culture,” Bruce Gillmer, the event’s executive producer and president of music and chief content officer for music at MTV parent company Paramount+, told Billboard in the run up to Sunday’s ceremony.

The show also contained a succession of playful references to the musical heritage of host city of Manchester with the Hacienda night club’s famous yellow and black striped branding and the distinctive opening riff of New Order’s “Blue Monday” recurring motifs throughout the evening.

Local band Blossoms, from the nearby town of Stockport, also made a cameo joking with host Ora as she served champagne in a bar style setting, while one of the show’s more surreal moments featured Ora chatting with Happy Mondays’ founder members Shaun Ryder and Bez, with the latter in characteristically uncontrollable, highly spirited form.

In addition to marking the 30th anniversary of MTV’s EMAs, which first took place in Berlin in 1994, Sunday’s show was the first EMAs since 2022 after last year’s event in Paris was cancelled due to global security reasons in connection with the Israel-Hamas war.

Pet Shop Boys were joined by members of the Manchester Camerata orchestra (wearing the band’s iconic cone hats) to close the show with a stirring cover of David Bowie’s “All The Young Dudes” followed by the band’s debut hit “West End Girls,” first released in 1984.

Full list of 2024 MTV EMA nominees and winners

Global Icon Award

Busta Rhymes

MTV EMA Pop Pioneers Award

Pet Shop Boys

Best Song

Ariana Grande – we can’t be friends (wait for your love)

Benson Boone – Beautiful Things

Beyoncé – TEXAS HOLD ‘EM

Billie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!

WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso

Best Video

Ariana Grande – we can’t be friends (wait for your love)

Charli xcx – 360

Eminem – Houdini

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

LISA ft. Rosalía – NEW WOMAN

WINNER: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – Fortnight

Best Artist

Beyoncé

Billie Eilish

Post Malone

RAYE

Sabrina Carpenter

WINNER: Taylor Swift

Best Collaboration

Charli xcx & Billie Eilish – Guess featuring Billie Eilish

Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – Like That

Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile

WINNER: LISA ft. Rosalía – NEW WOMAN

Peso Pluma, Anitta – BELLAKEO

Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – Fortnight

Best New

Ayra Starr

WINNER: Benson Boone

Chappell Roan

LE SSERAFIM

Teddy Swims

The Last Dinner Party

Tyla

Best Pop

WINNER: Ariana Grande

Billie Eilish

Camila Cabello

Charli xcx

Dua Lipa

Sabrina Carpenter

Taylor Swift

Best Afrobeats

Asake

Ayra Starr

Burna Boy

Rema

Tems

WINNER: Tyla

Best Rock

Bon Jovi

Coldplay

Green Day

Kings of Leon

Lenny Kravitz

WINNER: Liam Gallagher

The Killers

Best Latin

Anitta

Bad Bunny

KAROL G

WINNER: Peso Pluma

Rauw Alejandro

Shakira

Best K-Pop

WINNER: Jimin

Jung Kook

LE SSERAFIM

LISA

NewJeans

Stray Kids

Best Alternative

Fontaines D.C.

Hozier

WINNER: Imagine Dragons

Lana Del Rey

Twenty One Pilots

YUNGBLUD

Best Electronic

WINNER: Calvin Harris

David Guetta

Disclosure

DJ Snake

Fred Again..

Swedish House Mafia

Best Hip-Hop

Central Cee

WINNER: Eminem

Kendrick Lamar

Megan Thee Stallion

Nicki Minaj

Travis Scott

Best R&B

Kehlani

SZA

Tinashe

WINNER: Tyla

USHER

Victoria Monét

Best Live

Adele

Coldplay

Doja Cat

RAYE

WINNER: Taylor Swift

Travis Scott

Best Push

Ayra Starr

Chappell Roan

Coco Jones

Flyana Boss

Jessie Murph

Laufey

WINNER: LE SSERAFIM

Mark Ambor

Shaboozey

Teddy Swims

The Warning

Victoria Monét

Biggest Fans

Anitta

Ariana Grande

Beyoncé

Billie Eilish

Chappell Roan

Charli xcx

Katy Perry

WINNER: LISA

Nicki Minaj

Sabrina Carpenter

Shawn Mendes

Taylor Swift

Full list of 2024 MTV EMA Worldwide Winners

Best African Act – Tyla

Best Asia Act – BINI

Best Australian Act – Sia

Best Austrian Act – RAF Camora

Best Brasilian Act – Pabllo Vittar

Best Canadian Act – Shawn Mendes

Best Caribbean Act – Young Miko

Best Dutch Act – Roxy Dekker

Best French Act – Pierre Garnier

Best German Act – Ayliva

Best India Act – Mali

Best Israeli Act – Noa Kirel

Best Italian Act – Annalisa

Best Lat Am Central Act – Manuel Turizo

Best Lat Am North Act – Yerimua

Best Lat Am South Act – Dillom

Best Nordic Act – Zara Larsson

Best Polish Act – Daria Zawiałow

Best Portuguese Act – Bárbara Bandeira

Best Spanish Act – Lola Indigo

Best Swiss Act – Nemo

Best UK & Ireland Act – Raye

Best US Act – Taylor Swift

10 Nov 2024

Wale Launches Gifted Week In Hometown Of DC

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Wale emerged from the talented and diverse DMV music scene, becoming one of the handful of acts from the region to make it to the major label side. Returning to his roots, Wale and his management team launched “Gifted Week” with a series of events, beginning Sunday (November 10).

Wale and his management team EQT launched Gifted Week featuring several events throughout the community and tailor-made for residents of the DMV region. Ralph Folarin recently wrapped his Every Blue Moon Tour and will play a sold-out show this Friday (November 15) at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino.

Established on November 10 of last year, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared via a proclamation that the date will now be known as Wale Day annually. Following that high honor, the “Ghetto Speak” rapper says that he “wanted to do something special for home, to unite the next generation of artists and athletes.”

Among the list of events for Gifted Week, which kicked off at Northwest Stadium, sandwiched with the home NFL team Washington Commanders facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, there will also be a sneaker design workshop, a youth football clinic with the Commanders, a poetry jam and open mic event among other events.

Masterfully launching along with Gogo Appreciation Week, which platforms the homegrown sound that has served as a backdrop for Wale’s music, Gifted Week is sponsored by EQT, Nike, the Washington Commanders, DC OCTFME, DC Commission on Arts & Humanities, Monumental Sports, and others

Tickets for Gifted Week are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. To learn more and to RSVP for events, please click here. For convenience, we have the full schedule listed below.

SCHEDULE

Nov 10 – Wale Day / Commanders Game vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, @ Northwest Stadium

Nov 11 – Sneaker Design Workshop with Nike

Nov 12 – Youth Football Clinic with Washington Commanders

Nov 13 – DC Poetry Jam + Open Mic @ Culture DC

Nov 14 – Intersection of Music and Sports Panel @ The Gathering Spot DC

Nov 15 – Wale Live @ The Theater at MGM, Fort Washington, MD

Nov 16 – MGM Afterparty @ Felt Lounge, Fort Washington, MD

Nov 17 – Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons @ Capital One Arena

—

Photo: Getty

10 Nov 2024

Mattel Apologizes for ‘Wicked’ Doll Packaging Mistakenly Linking to Adult Website

A misprint on the packaging for Wicked character dolls manufactured by Mattel led consumers to visit an adult website, rather than the movie’s website, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Mattel issued an apology for the error on Sunday (Nov. 10).

The web address listed on the doll boxes in question is wicked.com, instead of Universal Pictures’ wickedmovie.com, says THR. When going to wicked.com, a message comes up requiring users to be 18 and older. Those who click “enter” arrive on an adult website promoting a pornographic movie titled Kenzie Loves Girls 2 from a venture called “Wicked Pictures.”

The Wicked dolls being sold with the inappropriate website printed on their package include Glinda (who’s played by Ariana Grande in the upcoming film) and Elphaba (who’s played by Cynthia Erivo).

Mattel issued the following statement: “Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.”

As of Sunday evening, Billboard confirmed the dolls are no longer available on major online retailers including Target and Amazon.

The issue comes less than two weeks before Wicked, filmmaker Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, opens in theaters Nov. 22. Leading research firm NRG has Wicked on track for an opening of $85 million — which would be one of the biggest starts seen at the box office for a musical, THR reports.

10 Nov 2024

How to Watch the 2024 MTV EMAs

The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards celebrated music around the globe with a star-studded event on Sunday (Nov. 10) hosted by Rita Ora.

Taylor Swift leads the list of nominations with seven nods including best pop, best artist and biggest fans.

Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish earned five nods. Beyoncé, LISA, Kendrick Lamar, Ayra Starr, Chappell Roan and Tyla landed four nods each.

Other nominees include Boone, LE SSERAFIM, Teddy Swims, Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, Rema, Tems, Coldplay, Jimin, Katy Perry, Anitta, Karol G, Shakira, NewJeans, Stray Kids, Hozier, Megan Thee Stallion, Kehlani, SZA, Tinashe, RAYE and Shawn Mendes.

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See below for everything you need to know about how to watch the 2024 MTV EMAs on TV and online.

When are the 2024 MTV EMAs?

The 2024 MTV EMAs will be held at the Co-Op Live in Manchester on Sunday. The show will broadcast live on MTV in the U.K. and 150 countries, in addition to red carpet and backstage footage streaming via MTVEMA.com and the MTV EMA’s Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram accounts. Viewers can stream internationally via ExpressVPN.

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How to Watch & Stream the 2024 EMAs online free

For those looking to watch the EMAs, the ceremony will re-broadcast on MTV and MTV2 on Monday (Nov. 11) at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. If you already have cable or satellite, check your local listings for channel information.

Online viewers can stream MTV and MTV2 via Direct TV Stream, fuboTV, Philo and Sling TV. Signing up for free trials through platforms such as Direct TV Stream, fuboTV and Philo will give you access to MTV and MTV2 to let you watch the EMAs from your TV, laptop, tablet or phone.

Additionally, the 2024 MTV EMAs will begin streaming on Paramount+ and Pluto TV on Monday. Not subscribed to Paramount+? Subscriptions start at $7.99/month after a free, one-week trial.

From must-watch movies and acclaimed originals to live sports and exclusives from MTV, and other Viacom channels, Paramount+ is home to a mountain of entertainment. The lineup of original programs on Paramount+ includes Lioness, Tulsa King, Ink Master, The Good Fight, Evil, Seal Team, 1883 and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.

Paramount+ is also available on Prime Video and you can access the platform from outside of the U.S. with ExpressVPN.

Who is performing at the 2024 MTV EMAs?

LE SSERAFIM, Peso Pluma, Tyla, Benson Boone, Mendes, The Warning, RAYE, Pet Shop Boys are among this year’s performers.

10 Nov 2024

Family Guide to Sesame Street Live! Say Hello: Dates, Tickets, Live Show Tips & More

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello

Courtesy of Round Room Live

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello is traveling all across North America.

See a list of upcoming tour dates for 2024-2025 below to see when the show is headed your way. You can also find up-to-date information about all the dates on the tour’s official website:

10 Nov 2024

David Gilmour’s Luck and Strange Tour Brings Pink Floyd Classics (And One of His Very Talented Kids) to Madison Square Garden

A month and a half after his fifth solo album, Luck and Strange, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart, David Gilmour is in New York City for a five-night run at Madison Square Garden.

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Prior to Saturday (Nov. 9) evening’s show beginning in earnest, bassist Guy Pratt (who also plays in Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets band) came out to politely but firmly urge the audience to stay “present” throughout the show and avoid the urge to watch the entire thing through the screen of a cell phone – and more importantly, keep your phone’s flashlight off (“David hates that”). Whether the MSG crowd was made up of exceptionally good listeners or just folks who are less inclined to capture every moment of their lives for the ‘Gram is up for debate, but the Gen X and Boomer heavy audience by and large obliged – a small miracle in 2024.

Gilmour’s Luck and Strange Tour is different from most concert tours these days in another notable respect, too. While he’s far from the only classic rocker still on the road, the English legend – best known as part of Pink Floyd, one of the most adventurous, influential and commercially successful rock bands to start in the ‘60s and endure as a major force for decades to follow – is one of the few arena-headlining veterans known primarily as a guitarist. Yes, he sang lead (“Breathe,” “Wish You Were Here”) or shared vocals (“Time,” “Comfortably Numb”) on several of Pink Floyd’s most beloved songs, but Gilmour’s most distinctive form of expression is his guitar playing. And on the Luck and Strange Tour, the 78-year-old axeman demonstrates what many an aging bluesman before him has proven – the years might wear on the vocal cords, but the guitar chords speak out as clearly as ever.

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The blues are a foundational element of Gilmour’s playing, as is folk (he’s cited Pete Seeger and Joni Mitchell as stylistic influences). When he’s playing, those earthy, organic genres help tether him to planet earth as his mournful, lonely guitar solos echo throughout the depths of space. It’s a sublime juxtaposition, and one that hit especially hard Saturday night during the expressive instrumental “Marooned,” one of four songs from Floyd’s 1994 album The Division Bell in his setlist. Similarly effective was Atom Heart Mother’s “Fat Old Sun,” which Gilmour imbued with a country flavor while playing acoustic before switching to the electric for an extended, psychedelic outro.

The songs from The Dark Side of the Moon in the first half of his set got the biggest roar of approval, and while it was immensely satisfying to hear faithful renderings of tunes like “Breathe (In the Air)” and “Time,” his stripped-down take on “The Great Gig in the Sky” during the night’s second half was arguably more memorable. With Gilmour on the steel guitar, touring band member Louise Marshall played a baby grand while harmonizing with the Webb Sisters and Romany Gilmour (David’s 22-year-old daughter) on the wordless vocal classic; for a few minutes, it felt less like a famed arena and more like an intimate living room jam session.

In addition to providing backup vocals, Romany Gilmour sang lead while plucking the harp on “Between Two Points,” a cover of a Montgolfier Brothers song that appears on the Luck and Strange album. Famous artists bringing out their kids for a guest spot can be a dicey proposition, but Romany possesses a somber, clear phrasing that (not unlike their father’s guitar solos) is deployed in an understated, direct fashion; it captivates you while hollowing out your insides. That performance was one of the show’s absolute standout moments – which is even more of an achievement given that the song hails from a new album and hasn’t benefitted from years of familiarity.

This tour’s visuals aren’t quite as theatrical or prop heavy as what former bandmate Roger Waters brings to the road (but Gilmour is less extreme than Waters is several different respects these days). Still, the Luck and Strange Tour boasts its fair share of production flourishes, from bouncing inflatable balls during “High Hopes” to harrowing video animations to blazing green lasers.

For the encore, Gilmour and his band performed “Comfortably Numb” from what looked like a prison cell of white lights. By that point, the crowd had collectively decided it was time to ignore Pratt’s exhortations and get those phones out – but really, who could get mad? Despite the show featuring eight songs from a brand-new solo album, damn near everyone at MSG on Saturday stayed present, riveted and mostly seated until the very end. Were folks comfortable? Yes. Numb? Hardly.

10 Nov 2024

Taylor Swift Arrives in Style at Chiefs-Broncos Game to Support Boyfriend Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift is spending another Sunday afternoon cheering on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

The 34-year-old pop superstar — currently enjoying a brief break from her record-breaking The Eras Tour — arrived in style at the Kansas City Chiefs versus Denver Broncos game at K.C.’s Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday (Nov. 10).

Swift, who has attended the tight end’s last two home games, was once again joined by her parents, Scott and Andrea Swift. The “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” singer turned heads in a bold red and black checkered blazer, paired with a low-cut black corset and a coordinating black-and-red skirt. She completed the look with knee-high black boots, balancing glamour with game-day spirit.

Swift has a few more days off before the final leg of her Eras Tour picks up again on Nov. 14 with a six-night stand at Toronto’s Rogers Centre. The lengthy trek wraps up with three nights (Dec. 6-8) at BC Place in Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Kelce has been showing his support for Swift. The NFL star was recently spotted in the VIP section during night two of her three-night run at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

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“I wanted to see Tay one more time before this thing got closed up,” Travis explained during a recent episode of his New Heights podcast. “I’ll tell you what, man. The American crowds did not disappoint. I heard it was a lot rowdier this time around, knowing she was coming back to America one last time before the tour wrapped up. That place was rocking. Absolutely rocking.”

Kelce, who has attended over a dozen Eras Tour shows since first seeing Swift in Kansas City last summer, also caught her concert in Amsterdam with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes — and even made a surprise onstage cameo in London.

10 Nov 2024

Meet the 2025 Grammy Nominees for Best Children’s Music Album

Nominees for the best children’s music album award at the 2025 Grammys were revealed with the full announcement of Grammy nominations on Friday (Nov. 8). Among the artists named are three family-centered acts with previous nominations in the category — Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band, Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats and Divinity Roxx and Divi Roxx Kids — plus newcomers to the category, John Legend and Rock for Children (in collaboration with Alice Cooper).

The 67th annual Grammy Awards are set for Feb. 2, 2025 at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. The event will be broadcast on CBS and streamed live and on demand via Paramount+.

For parents and kids who are curious about the children’s albums up for a Grammy at the 2025 ceremony, here’s an introduction to all five nominees from Billboard Family.

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Divinity Roxx, pictured in the jubilant photo above, is Beyoncé’s former bassist and musical director, and the composer and performer of the Lyla in the Loop theme song on PBS. Divinity Roxx and Divi Roxx Kids are up for the best children’s music album Grammy for the album World Wide Playdate, an upbeat collection of songs celebrating friendship, family, self-empowerment and going after your dreams that’s inspired by ’90s hip-hop and fit for a family party. It’s Divinity’s second time receiving a nod in the category following a nomination at the 2023 Grammys for Ready Set Go!, her debut children’s album.

“I am proud to create music that inspires, empowers and encourages future generations and I am overjoyed and honored that my peers in the Recording Academy recognized the power of positivity in World Wide Playdate. Mom says always expect a Miracle and right about now we all need one,” Divinity tells Billboard Family, after receiving the news on Friday that she’s a Grammy nominee again.

Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats‘ Creciendo — Kalantari’s first full-length, Spanish-language children’s album — is nominated for best children’s music album at the 2025 Grammys following Kalantari’s previous two Grammy wins: All the Sounds was named best children’s album in 2019, and All the Ladies took home the best children’s album honor in 2021. Creciendo means “growing up” in Spanish, and that’s the sweet theme of this new collection by Kalantari, who was raised by immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Drawing from her family’s roots, she even brings her own child on as a guest (playing cello in the album) on this album, a musical fusion of Latin and jazz.

“I’m moved to bits to have my Spanish album Creciendo nominated for a GRAMMY!” Lucy Kalantari tells Billboard Family following Friday’s Grammy nominations announcement. “It’s so wonderful to be nominated along side such incredible artists! I truly hope this nomination can help bring my big messages of joy, community and resilience to families all over the world.”

Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band receive their third Grammy nomination for best children’s music album this year with Brillo, Brillo!, having previously been nominated in the category for Crayon Kids at the 2023 Grammys and Los Fabulosos at the 2022 event. Also four-time Latin Grammy nominees, the husband-and-wife musical team (Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis) have won twice in the best Latin children’s album category: they’re award winners for ¡Fantastico! in 2013, and for Buenos Diaz in 2019 under the name The Lucky Band. With this year’s Brillo, Brillo!, they bring bilingual, whimsical pop-rock to the family-centered music space.

The band tells Billboard Family they are “deeply honored” by their latest Grammy nod: “This nomination is historical for our band — with seven nominations and two wins across the Latin Grammy and Grammy spaces, we’re the most nominated in the children’s category. That’s huge. This means that families continue to welcome us into their homes, year after year after year, and trust us to entertain their children. This is an honor we don’t take lightly, even though children’s music is full of silly joy and delight!”

They are also offering a warm welcome to a familiar name who’s brand-new to the children’s category: “Thrilled to welcome the legend, John Legend, into the category. Obviously, he is a talented star who we love — so it’s fabulous that he will bring more eyes to our category.”

John Legend has a longtime history with the Grammys, including 12 wins, but is a first-timer to the best children’s music album category with his debut children’s set, My Favorite Dream. The singer-songwriter, whose Sufjan Stevens-produced album is a mix of sweet originals and Legend’s version of children’s classics, was influenced by life at home with his young kids (two of which make musical cameos, as does wife Chrissy Teigen). He shared a statement about the Grammy nomination on Instagram, where he wrote, “My Favorite Dream holds a very special place in my heart. It’s my first children’s album, inspired by the heart of our family. Working alongside the incredibly gifted @sufjan brought this dream to life in ways I could have never imagined.”

Legend, whose album track “Always Come Back” is also up for the best arrangement, instrumentals and vocals Grammy with string arranger Matt Jones, gave a shout-out to his peers in children’s music.

“Thank you to the @recordingacademy for recognizing our labor of love, and thank you to the Children’s Music community for welcoming this rookie into your beautiful world. These nominations aren’t just for me and my family — they’re for everyone who believes in the magic of music, family, togetherness and L-O-V-E.”

Rock for Children receive their first Grammy nomination with Solid Rock Revival‘s nod in the best children’s music album category at the 2025 awards. Those unfamiliar with the collection, which was recorded with young musicians from an after-school teen center, might be intrigued to learn Alice Cooper is heavily involved with the album, and even guests on six tracks; other classic rockers playing on the project include Rob Halford and Slash, and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC also makes an appearance. Proceeds from the album benefit Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with bringing free music and arts programs to local aged 12-20, and the Norelli Family Foundation.

“It’s a takeoff on our own stuff,” Cooper, who’s been nominated for a Grammy three other times throughout his career, told The Arizona Republic of the Solid Rock Revival project earlier this year. “Instead of ‘I’m Eighteen,’ it’s ‘I’m Thirteen.’ ‘School’s In.’ And ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ is ‘Now, I’m Mr. Nice Guy.’ It’s kind of a positive take on the stuff we used to do.”

See the roundup of 2025 Grammy nominations for best children’s music album nominees below, and find the complete list of nominees in all categories here.

2025 Grammy Nominations: Best Children’s Music Album

Brillo, Brillo!, Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band

Creciendo, Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats

My Favorite Dream, John Legend

Solid Rock Revival, Rock for Children

World Wide Playdate, Divinity Roxx and Divi Roxx Kids

10 Nov 2024

Tyler, The Creator’s ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ Nabs Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200

Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA secures a second consecutive and total week atop the Billboard 200 chart (dated Nov. 16). It’s the rapper’s first album to spend two consecutive weeks at No. 1, and second set to log at least two frames in the lead. He previously notched two nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 with Call Me If You Get Lost — separated by nine months — in 2021-22. He ruled the list with one other album, Igor, which logged one frame at No. 1 in 2019.

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CHROMAKOPIA earned 160,000 equivalent album units in the United States in the week ending Nov. 7 (down 47% in its second week), according to Luminate. It’s the set’s first full seven-day tracking week on the chart, following an abbreviated debut frame of only four days, as the album was released on an off-cycle Monday (Oct. 28; most albums are released on Fridays).

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Also in the top 10 of the new Billboard 200 chart, Lil Uzi Vert scores their fifth top 10 set with the No. 3 debut of Eternal Atake 2, while The Cure achieves its highest charting album over 30 years, and first top 10 in over 20 years, with the No. 4 debut of Songs of a Lost World.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new Nov. 16, 2024-dated chart will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on Tuesday (Nov. 12). For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.

Of CHROMAKOPIA’s 160,000 equivalent album units earned in its second week, SEA units comprise 115,500 (down 27%, equaling 160.31 million on-demand official streams of the album’s songs; it holds at No. 1 on the Top Streaming Albums chart), album sales comprise 44,500 (down 69%; it falls to No. 2 on Top Album Sales) and TEA units comprise a negligible sum (down 3%). The set’s sales were aided in its second week by the continued sturdy sales of six deluxe collectible boxed sets (each containing a CD, poster and another branded merch item). The album’s second week got a sales boost from the release of its stand-alone CD and two additional boxed sets. All physical variants of the album are exclusively sold via Tyler, The Creator’s official webstore.

Sabrina Carpenter’s chart-topping Short n’ Sweet steps 3-2 with 68,000 equivalent album units earned (down 9%).

Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake 2 bows at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marking the fifth top 10-charting set for the rapper (all of which have reached the top three). The set launches with 59,000 equivalent album units earned, of which SEA units comprise 56,000 (equaling 76.43 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs), album sales comprise 3,000 and TEA units comprise a negligible sum.

The album was announced Oct. 24 and released on Nov. 1. Its first-week sales were aided by the album’s availability across seven CD variants (five with a randomized branded trading card; one with a branded T-shirt and a CD in a collectible box; and a standard CD) and a digital download.

The Cure debuts in the top five on the Billboard 200 with Songs of a Lost World, bowing at No. 4, marking the band’s highest charting album since 1992 and first top 10 since 2004. Songs of a Lost World is the group’s first album of new material since 2008. The new album is the act’s third top 10-charting set on the Billboard 200, following its self-titled effort (No. 7 in July 2004) and Wish (No. 2 in May 1992).

Songs of a Lost World bows with 57,000 equivalent album units earned (the act’s best week by units). Of that sum, album sales comprise 53,000 (The Cure’s biggest sales week since 2004, when its self-titled album launched with 91,000), SEA units comprise 4,000 (equaling 5.02 million on-demand official streams of the album’s songs) and TEA units comprise a negligible sum. Songs of a Lost World also debuts at No. 1 on Top Album Sales; the first leader for The Cure on the 33-year-old chart. The new album’s first-week sales were bolstered by its availability across five vinyl variants (which sold a combined 23,000 copies; the band’s best week on vinyl since Luminate began tracking sales in 1991), a standard CD, a CD/blu-ray audio package, two cassettes, a standard digital download and a deluxe digital download with five bonus live tracks (exclusive to the band’s webstore).

Songs of a Lost World was released on Nov. 1, and cryptically announced in early September. The set’s title and release date were confirmed on Sept. 26, alongside the release of the album’s first cut (and first new song in 16 years), “Alone.” On Oct. 9, a second song from the set, “A Fragile Thing,” arrived. The latter track climbs 25-22 (a new peak) on Alternative Airplay and 12-10 on Adult Alternative Airplay. It’s the first charting hit for The Cure on Alternative Airplay since 2008 and the band’s highest-charting song since 2004’s “The End of the World” reached No. 19. On the Adult Alternative Airplay ranking, “Fragile” is the act’s third charting song ever (dating to the chart’s 1996 start), and first to reach the top 10.

Gracie Abrams’ The Secret of Us rises 7-5 on the Billboard 200 with 50,000 equivalent album units (up 2%).

Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess pounces 12-6 with 46,000 equivalent album units earned (up 5%), following the singer’s performance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (Nov. 2). On the show, she sang the album’s “Pink Pony Club” and a new track, “The Giver.” Princess was last in the top 10 on the Oct. 26-date list when it ranked at No. 6.

Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft climbs 9-7 on the Billboard 200 (44,000 equivalent album units; down 4%); Rod Wave’s Last Lap falls 5-8 (44,000; down 15%); Taylor Swift’s chart-topping The Tortured Poets Department ascends 11-9 (43,000; down 2%); and Morgan Wallen’s former leader One Thing at a Time falls 8-10 (nearly 43,000; down 7%).

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.

10 Nov 2024

Fans Name XG’s ‘AWE’ This Week’s Favorite New Release in All-Genre Music Poll

XG‘s AWE has taken the top spot in this week’s new music poll, which highlights releases from a diverse range of genres.

Music fans voted in a poll published Friday (Nov. 8) on Billboard, naming the Japanese group’s second mini-album as their favorite new release of the week.

AWE secured an impressive 85% of the vote, outpacing other notable new releases such as Karol G’s star-studded collaboration “+57,” Charlie Puth‘s “December 25th,” Zach Bryan’s “High Road” and “This World’s a Giant,” Griff’s “Last Night’s Mascara,” and more.

AWE, as the name suggests, is “designed to evoke this sense of awe,” according to a news release. The set only runs 23 minutes but features a slew of infectious pop moments and a sharp mix of the members’ respective personalities.

Coming in a distant second place on this week’s poll is Karol G’s “+57,” which garnered nearly 10% of the vote. The superstar collaborates with Feid, DFZM, Ovy on the Drums, J Balvin, Maluma, Blessd, and Ryan Castro (aka the “Colombia gang”) on the track, named after the Colombian area code.

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“+57” is a tribute to Colombian music, bringing together an all-star lineup to celebrate the country’s sound with a captivating, hypnotic beat that holds strong for nearly five minutes.

While Karol G has worked with Feid, Maluma, and Ryan Castro before, this marks the first time so many Colombian stars have joined forces on a single song.

See the final results of this week’s poll below. Check out Billboard‘s Friday Music Guide to catch up with more must-hear releases from this week.

1 … 1,529 1,530 1,531 1,532 1,533 1,534 1,535 … 5,595

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