Author: djfrosty
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With WorldPride returning to America for the first time since 2019, organizers are ready to give their audience even more reasons to celebrate in 2025 courtesy of their A-list headliners. On Tuesday (Feb. 18), WorldPride announced that Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan would serve as the official headliners for the Washington, D.C.-bound festival. Taking place […]
With RuPaul’s Drag Race bringing back their Rate-a-Queen system for season 17, Billboard decided to rate each of the new queens every week based on their performance. Below, we take a look at the iconic Snatch Game to see which queens nailed their celebrity impressions. Spoilers ahead for episode 7.
Even in a time when chaos reigns, some things are constants: the sky is blue; the grass is green; and the queens on RuPaul’s Drag Race will have to perform in the Snatch Game.
On Friday’s episode (aired Feb. 14) of Drag Race, the iconic challenge finally arrived as the 11 remaining queens were asked to deliver their best celebrity impersonations in the Match Game riff. Some queens — namely Suzie Toot — were confident in their abilities to deliver on the task at hand. Others rightly feared the expectations of the show’s longest-standing challenge.
Before we go any further, let’s make one thing clear — of all the Drag Race challenges, Snatch Game is famously the hardest. Not only do you need to create a semi-accurate recreation of a beloved star, but you also need to stay in that character for an extended period of time, with no script, making RuPaul laugh while there is no audience there to let you know how you’re doing. As Jinkx Monsoon, a two-time Snatch Game winner, told Billboard after season 14’s disastrous iteration of the challenge: “It’s one of situations where two things can be true at once – yes, Snatch Game happens every season, but also it’s either in your skill set or it’s not, and I don’t think it should really be held against queens for whom this is not their thing.”
With that being said … this was not a successful Snatch Game. While a few queens managed to get their laughs here (more on them later), most of the contestants were either forgettable or catastrophically bad. The two worst performers of the bunch, Crystal Envy and Lana Ja’Rae, wound up in the bottom — but with a lot of these performances, any number of the other girls could have easily wound up in their shoes.
Yet when it came time for a lip sync to Selena Gomez’s “Hands to Myself,” both Crystal and Lana turned it back on, delivering one of the most high-octane face-offs of the season. Ultimately, the judges decided to give Lana another shot in the competition, sending former frontrunner Crystal Envy home.
Below, Billboard takes a look back at episode 7 and ranks where our remaining contestants lie based on this episode and the season as a whole:
ELIMINATED: Crystal Envy
Image Credit: Courtesy of MTV
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” resurges to No. 1, from No. 20, on the Billboard Global 200 chart (dated Feb. 22), fueled by his performance of the song during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show Feb. 9. He also boasts five of the chart’s top 10.
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” rebounds for a ninth week atop the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, which began in September 2020, 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.
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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.
“Not Like Us” drew 113.2 million streams (up 176%) and sold 39,000 (up 424%) worldwide Feb. 7-13. The seething diss track – which on Feb. 2 won the Grammy Awards for record and song of the year, among its five victories – adds a third week atop the Global 200. It debuted at No. 1 on the May 18, 2024, chart and became a pop-culture fixture, spending the next eight weeks in the top 15. It was further boosted by Lamar’s Juneteenth The Pop Out: Ken & Friends concert – in which he performed the song five times. It rebounded for a second week at No. 1 on the July 20 chart, following the July 4 premiere of its official video. The song’s 30-week break between No. 1 from July to this week marks the longest excluding holiday fare in the chart’s history.
Lamar also soars back to the Global 200’s top 10 with “Luther,” with SZA (12-4, as it returns to its best rank); “TV Off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay (27-8, after hitting No. 5); and 2018’s “All the Stars,” with SZA (74-10 for its first week in the tier, becoming Lamar’s 12th top 10 and SZA’s eighth). All four songs were also part of his halftime performance.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” dips to No. 2 after nine weeks at No. 1 on the Global 200 starting last September and ROSÉ and Mars’ “APT.” backtracks 2-3 following 12 weeks on top beginning in October.
Plus, Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” unveiled (through a MasterCard commercial) during the Grammy Awards Feb. 2, bounds 10-5 in its second week on the Global 200 led by 78.4 million streams worldwide in its first full tracking week (Feb. 7-13); it drew 47.7 million from its release through Feb. 6.
“Die With a Smile” rebounds 2-1 for its ninth week atop Global Excl. U.S., with 107.7 million streams (up 3%) and 5,000 sold (down 8%) outside the U.S. Feb. 7-13.
“APT.” descends to No. 2 after a record 15 weeks at No. 1 on Global Excl. U.S. beginning in November.
“Not Like Us” leaps 27-3 on Global Excl. U.S., surpassing its prior No. 5 best; “Abracadabra” vanishes from No. 9 and reappears at No. 4 in its second week on the chart; and Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” falls 4-5, after three weeks on top last August. Plus, “Luther” leaps 19-7, after reaching No. 6.
The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated Feb. 22, 2025) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, Feb. 19, a day later than usual due to the Presidents’ Day holiday in the United States Feb. 17. 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.
That’s so true that something is going on between Gracie Abrams, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco. Gomez and Blanco have been continuing the roll-out of their upcoming album, I Said I Love You First, and the couple took to Instagram this week to tease what seems to be a collaboration with Abrams. It all started […]
Quevedo is back, and in a big way. On Monday (Feb. 17), the Canary Island artist kicked off his highly anticipated Buenas Noches Tour with a sold-out show at the Movistar Arena in Madrid, the first of three consecutive dates in the Spanish capital. After nearly a year away from the stage, the performer of “Playa del Inglés” returns with a show that demonstrates his artistic evolution and his mastery of the live performance, combining the best of his repertoire with a visual and sound display that meets expectations.
From the first moment, the audience sang along with total devotion, while Quevedo — all dressed in black and with his emblematic diamond chain inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” — commanded the central stage. In front of about 17,000 fans, the artist sang hits from his most recent album, Buenas Noches, and others that have made him one of the most influential voices in the current Latin urban scene.
But the night wasn’t just his own. The show was full of surprises, with appearances from artists like Aitana, Lola Índigo, De La Ghetto, De La Rose, Sech and La Pantera. With a minimalist but effective stage setup, Quevedo confirmed that he is ready to take his music beyond Spain, with a tour that will soon take him across Latin America.
The Movistar Arena in Madrid perfectly adapted to Quevedo’s style, with a stage located in the center of the venue. This configuration, surrounded by screens and visual effects, allowed attendees to enjoy the show from any angle. The pyrotechnics and synchronized lights show added a spectacular touch, elevating the atmosphere of each performance and complementing the powerful presence of the artist.
After his performances in Madrid, Quevedo will take his show to several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. For a full list of dates, click here. He will also visit other cities in Spain, such as Gran Canaria, Barcelona, Malaga and Bilbao.
Below, the eight best moments from Quevedo’s Buenas Noches Tour kick off in Madrid.
The start with “Kassandra” and a passionate Movistar Arena
Lady Gaga is about to bring the mayhem to 30 Rock, with the superstar locked in to pull double duty on Saturday Night Live for the second time in her career one day after her new album drops. As announced Tuesday (Feb. 18), Gaga will both host and serve as musical guest on the sketch […]
Brat Summer has extended deep into awards season. Charli XCX’s Brat is competing for a Brit Award for British album of the year on Saturday (March 1), just weeks after it competed in the Grammy race for album of the year. Brat is the first album to be nominated for the top album honor on […]
Drake and PartyNextDoor finally dropped their much hyped collab, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, on Valentine’s Day, and to celebrate they decided to give fans a freebie. On Monday (Feb. 17), the Toronto rapper posted an unreleased track on his finsta account @plottttwistttttt featuring New Orleans bounce rapper OnlyHeaven and blamed sample clearance issues for […]
The first round of grants targeting wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles following last month’s all-star FireAid benefit concerts were announced on Tuesday (Feb. 18). The $50 million-worth of phase one gifting — representing half of the estimated $100 million raised by the shows — will prioritize “community-based organizations that are on the front lines of wildfire relief.”
The groups, which organizers said have the infrastructure, experience, and in-place relationships to “efficiently and equitably” deliver assistance to fire-impacted individuals, are each for $100,000 or more and targeted toward immediate relief; phase two will be more focused on rebuilding efforts following the series of fires that killed 29 Angelenos and destroyed more than 16,0000 homes and structures.
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The organizations are split into several buckets, including emergency aid to children and families, school recovery funding, targeted support for vulnerable youth and foster youth and funds to help with educational continuity via a grant to A Sense of Home.
The community hubs and conveners grant will send funds to Abundant Harvest LIFT, a community crisis center that distributes information, financial assistance and connects individuals with critical resources for survivors of the Eaton Canyon fire. Other groups covered by this grant include: Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades, Clery Community Coalition, Inc., Deliverance Tabernacle Church, First AME Pasadena, Flintridge Center, Friends Indeed, Harambee Ministries – Pasadena, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Kehillat Israel Synagogue, LA Voice Benevolence Fund, Masjid al Taqwa, NAACP of Pasadena, Pasadena Church, Pasadena City College Foundation, Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist, St. Vincent de Paul Society’s St. Elizabeth Conference of Altadena, the Santa Monica College Foundation, Victory Bible Church Pasadena and YMCA Metro.
Disaster relief will distribute direct cash aid for Angeleno’s most critical needs, as well as coordinated efforts to clear hazardous waste, test water quality and restore safe living conditions. The grantees for those efforts include: Alliance for a Better Community, Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund, Brotherhood Crusade, CA Conservation Corps, CA Native Vote Project, Change Reaction, CORE, Heal the Bay, Jewish Free Loan Association, LA Conservation Corps, LA County Household Relief Fund, LA Works, Inc., Latino Community Foundation, My Tribe Rise, Pasadena Community Foundation Eaton Canyon Fire Relief Fund and Team Rubicon.
Grants covering food access and security needs for those displaced residents who are in shelters without cooking facilities and who face challenges sourcing nutritious meals will go to: Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Hollywood Food Coalition, Hunger Action Los Angeles, Los Angeles Food Policy Council, Las Angeles Regional Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Saint Vincent, Meals on Wheels, West, Office of Food Equity, Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, Project Angel Food and Westside Food Bank.
Aid for frontline, displaced workers and small businesses to assist first frontline workers possibly facing displacement, financial strain and mental health challenges, as well as workers who commuted to affected areas for jobs and small businesses needing relief to rebuild will go to: CA Firefighters Benevolent Fund, IDEPSCA, Inclusive Action For the City, LA Region Worker Relief Fund, Labor Community Services Program of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Black Worker Center, Philipino Workers Center and Restaurants Care Project.
Health and housing assistance for wildfire survivors facing physical and mental health challenges due to exposure to smoke and poor air quality, as well as stress and trauma, include: Dena Heals, Didi Hirsch, Door of Hope, Foothill Family Service, Greenline Housing Foundation, LA Coalition of Community Clinics, LA Family Housing Corporation, LIFT-Los Angeles, NAMI Westside LA, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County, Pacific Clinics, St. Joseph Center, The People Concern, Union Station Homeless Corporation, United American Indian Involvement and Vision y Compromiso.
Los Angeles’ vast musical community will also get some assistance after many musicians and artists lost their homes, equipment, studios and income in the fires. The funds will provide direct aid to affected artists, as well as mental health services, employment in community programs and support for small arts organizations to ensure their survival. The grantees include: Armory Center for the Arts, LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, LA Commons, LA County Arts & Creative Recovery Fund, MusiCares Foundation, Music Health Alliance – Music Industry Mental Health Fund and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
Organizations helping Angelenos facing displacement, trauma and having trouble navigating survivor services who will receive funds include: 211LA, Bet Tzedek, Dena Care Collective, Imagine Los Angeles, Inc., Legal Aid of LA, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County – BAILA and Public Counsel.
Schools around the L.A. region have had classes severely disrupted due to the fires while some have faced closure as displaced students — especially those from low-income households in college — struggle with housing, financial aid stability and campus resources. Aid for those groups will go to: California Charter School Association, Communities in Schools of Los Angeles, LA Community College Foundation, LAUSD Foundation, Pasadena Educational Foundation, Palisades Charter HS and Project Camp.
Supportive services for vulnerable populations including seniors and people with disabilities who may confront issues accessing aid, healthcare and stable housing will get a boost with grants to: Disability Community Resource Center, Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles, Malibu Senior Center, Pasadena Senior Center and Special Needs Network Inc.
Click here to see the full list.
Organizers says the first phase of funds will be distributed by the end of February. The second phase will focus on sustaining long-term recovery, remediation and rebuilding, as well as addressing environmental issues. Fundraising for the fund is still open.
January’s two shows at L.A.’s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum were seen by more than 50 million viewers across 28 streaming platforms, who tuned in to performances by more than 30 artists including Green Day with Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Stevie Wonder, Lil Baby, Tate McRae, Sting, Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak with Dr. Dre and Sheila E, Dawes, John Mayer, a Nirvana reunion, Joni Mitchell, a reunited No Doubt, P!nk and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among many others.
Nick Terranova has been appointed senior vp of brand partnerships at Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Based in New York, Terranova will be responsible for developing brand alliances across all media platforms for the production company’s many award shows (Golden Globes, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards) and other programming, such as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
Terranova brings more than 15 years of experience in media, advertising, and partnerships to the role. Prior to joining DCP, Terranova held senior leadership roles at Fox and Warner Bros.
As svp, ad sales & brand partnerships at Fox, Terranova oversaw the national sales team and led the transition of TMZ’s advertising business following its acquisition from WarnerMedia, contributing to double-digit revenue growth across digital, social, and branded content platforms.
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Prior to Fox, Terranova held key sales leadership roles during his 12-year tenure at Warner Bros., managing numerous advertising portfolios for premium entertainment properties such as Rotten Tomatoes, Flixster, TMZ, Ellen DeGeneres, Extra, and DC Comics—brands that together formed Warner Bros. Digital Media. His work spanned direct and programmatic sales, branded content, and on-air product integrations.
Terranova began his career in media at OMD as a national TV buyer before moving to ad sales at Turner and CBS Interactive. Most recently, he served as svp of sales at Anoki, an AI-driven CTV startup.
The 60th ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, is set for May 8, live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The American Music Awards will return following a two-and-a-half-year hiatus over Memorial Day weekend. The show, live from Las Vegas, will include a tribute to America’s veterans.
DCP is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a Penske Media Corporation (PMC) subsidiary and joint venture between PMC and Eldridge. PMC is the parent company of Billboard.