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Trending on Billboard
Lizzo is facing a copyright lawsuit over her “I’m Going Til October,” a track she teased on social media to poke fun at Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad controversy but never actually commercially released.
The case, filed Tuesday by a group called GRC Trust, claims that Lizzo’s provocative song (also known as “Good Jeans” in reference to the Sweeney debacle) stole material from an earlier track called “Win or Lose (We Tried),” which appears to have been recorded by the soul singer Sam Dees.
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Obtained by Billboard, the lawsuit is light on details – claiming Lizzo’s track “incorporates, interpolates, and samples instrumental and vocal elements” without more specifics. But it pointedly says that reps for the star have “acknowledged” that the materials were used.
The case is notable because Lizzo never formally released the song in question. Though she teased a snippet on TikTok, the star has not included it on any formal release, including her June mixtape My Face Hurts From Smiling. Her long-awaited next studio album, Love in Real Life, was scheduled to drop at some point in 2025 but she said last month she’s unsure if or when it will be released.
Posting a song featuring an uncleared sample on social media would still count as copyright infringement; but the stakes would be lower, because it would be harder to prove that Lizzo made substantial profits without actually selling the allegedly infringing song. Such pre-release disputes are more typically handled with private negotiations rather than full-blown lawsuits.
In a statement to Billboard, Lizzo’s reps said: “We are surprised that The GRC Trust filed this lawsuit. To be clear, the song has never been commercially released or monetized, and no decision has been made at this time regarding any future commercial release of the song.”
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The American Eagle ads, launched in July under the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” sparked criticism that they were an allusion to eugenics and white supremacist ideals. That then prompted a right-wing backlash defending them and mocking the critiques.
In her August video on TikTok, Lizzo can be seen washing a Porsche while wearing a denim top. The clip features a snippet from “Going Til October,” in which the star raps: “No kizzy, he ain’t got no business being with me. Fat ass pretty face with the titties. Bitch, I got good jeans like I’m Sydney.”
While Tuesday’s lawsuit claims that snippet used material from “Win or Lose,” it doesn’t explicitly specify who wrote or recorded that track. But it appears to be the 1995 song recorded by Dees, which repeatedly features the lyric “win or lose we tried.” In an earlier sampling suit against Ye (formerly Kanye West), GRC Trust brought similar infringement allegations over another track by Dees.
The copyright case is the latest legal headache for Lizzo. In 2023, she was hit with a bombshell lawsuit from three former dancers (Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez) who claimed they had experienced sexual harassment and a hostile work environment while working for the superstar. The case, which also included allegations of weight-shaming, racial and religious discrimination, remains pending amid a lengthy appeal.
Earlier this summer, attorney Tyrone Blackburn, who is representing a man suing Fat Joe for unpaid royalties related to ghostwriting duties, was arrested for assaulting a process server in New York City. Now, the lawbreaking lawyer is facing the full force of the law related to the incident.
According to TMZ, Blackburn was officially indicted for allegedly running over a process server with his car this past May while he was attempting to serve Blackburn with papers related to his lawsuit against Fat Joe. Jumping in his car during the attempt, Blackburn allegedly jumped in his car and reversed into the 66-year-old process server, causing him extensive leg damage that apparently required surgery to repair.
While we don’t know what effect this will have on Blackburn’s case against Fat Joe, it certainly seems like he had no interest in receiving whatever papers said server was trying to get to him related to the case and now he’ll have to answer for his transgression in a court of law.
TMZ reports:
Blackburn represents Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, who sued Fat Joe for millions, alleging he helped Joe write music. Later on, Dixon and Blackburn filed another lawsuit accusing Joe of engaging in sexual relations with minors in a lawsuit Joe’s attorney Joe Tacopina said was full of “lies intended to damage his reputation and force a settlement through public pressure.”
Tyrone was booked on assault about six weeks after the alleged incident is said to have taken place.
Naturally, Fat Joe is denying all of these allegations as he prepares to fight this case to the bitter end, but the question remains whether Dixon will remain on the case now that he has his own legal problems to deal with.
What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Photo: Getty
Sean “Diddy” Combs was recently sentenced in his prostitution case and was hit with 50 months, which equates to four years and two months. Sources close to Diddy informed TMZ that President Donald Trump is considering commuting Diddy’s sentence, a claim the White House denies, but the outlet stood firmly by its earlier report in an update.
TMZ first reported Monday night (October 20) that a high-ranking White House official revealed to them that Trump mulled over commuting Combs’ sentence this week. Some of Trump’s aides are pushing for him not to commute the sentence, but conceded that the president “will do what he wants” in regards to the matter.
The White House Communications Office refuted TMZ’s report, prompting the outlet to immediately issue an update to its story.
From TMZ:
The White House Communications Office is saying our story is not true. We stand by our story. Our story is accurate.
So far, Diddy has been jailed for 13 months, and that time served could reduce his sentence to just two years. A commutation is not a pardon, just a reduction in sentencing.
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Photo: Getty
Trending on Billboard
Shakira is ready for Bad Bunny to headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show — but she says the Puerto Rican superstar should have been tapped for the gig a long time ago.
When asked about the news that Benito will perform at the big game in February during a Variety interview published Tuesday (Oct. 21), Shakira replied, “It’s about time!”
“I’m so proud that Bad Bunny, who represents not only Latin culture, but also how important Spanish language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become, is getting to perform on the biggest stage in the world,” she continued. “It’s the perfect moment for a performance like this. I can’t wait to watch it.”
Benito previously performed on the Super Bowl stage as a guest artist alongside joint headliners Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. They performed part of their set in Spanish, which Shak told the publication was a “bold move” at the time.
“Acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started,” she added. “I hope and like to think that all the times my music was met with resistance or puzzlement from the English-speaking world before it was embraced, helped forge the path to where we are now.”
It’s true that millions of fans are excited to see Bad Bunny perform at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., next year, but his appointment as Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner has also received backlash — primarily from political conservatives, who take issue with the fact that the singer-rapper’s music is all in Spanish. President Donald Trump called the choice “absolutely ridiculous,” White House advisor Corey Lewandowski claimed Benito “hates America” — despite the fact that the musician is an American citizen — and Turning Point USA announced plans to host an alternate, MAGA-approved halftime program.
But, as Billboard‘s chief content officer of Latin/Español Leila Cabo pointed out, there is nothing inherently political about the selection of Bad Bunny for halftime. “As those of us who speak Spanish daily can attest, many still look down on Spanish as a language, and definitely on the people who speak it,” she wrote in a recent op-ed. “Let’s acknowledge that having Bad Bunny headline the Super Bowl is a bold choice — but let’s also be real about the reasons.”
Shakira’s latest interview comes amid her 30th anniversary celebrations of her album Pies Descalzos, as well as the 20th anniversary of Oral Fixation, Vol. 1. Elsewhere in her conversation with Variety, she shared which Gen-Z star she’d love to collaborate with on a reimagined version of one of her Oral Fixation tracks.
“I would love to hear Chappell Roan on ‘La Pared,’” she said. “I think she would do an incredible rendition. Her voice and her artistry are incredible.”
Billboard’s Live Music Summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 3. For tickets and more information, visit the event’s website.
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Tex-Mex combo Grupo Frontera has entered into a worldwide distribution agreement with The Orchard, the Sony-owned music distribution company, covering both new releases and their existing catalog. Through this partnership, the band will gain access to The Orchard’s full suite of services and expansive global network, marking a significant step in their international growth.
The announcement aligns with the launch of Grupo Frontera’s new label, BorderTown Records, which will debut with the band’s third studio album, Lo Que Me Falta Por Llorar, arriving this Thursday (Oct. 23) at 8 p.m. EST. The album signals a bold new chapter for Grupo Frontera, transforming what they call “melancholy into rhythm and vulnerability into strength” through 13 tracks that reflect on love, loss and resilience.
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The album features collaborations with major artists including Ozuna, Myke Towers, Tito Double P, Fuerza Regida, Cris MJ and Los Dareyes de la Sierra. Fans have already heard the first preview, “No Lo Ves” with Ozuna, and the album also includes their recent hit “Lalala.”
The band has been steadfast in releasing its music independently; indie label VHR Music put out its debut album in 2023, and the band self-released last year’s Jugando.
“This new partnership with The Orchard marks an exciting new era for Grupo Frontera,” the band said in a statement. “It comes at the perfect time with the release of our new album. This collaboration represents growth, independence, and a global vision. We’ve always believed our music could travel beyond borders, and now we have the tools to create authentically, reach new audiences, and stay true to our roots. Our story began at the border, and now it continues around the world.”
Claudia Ochoa, vp of The Orchard Mexico, praised the group’s impact: “Grupo Frontera’s innovative sound, blending traditional norteño with global rhythms, has redefined Mexican music. Their work transcends cultural and generational divides, resonating with listeners through life’s diverse moments. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Grupo Frontera into The Orchard family and help spread their music to new audiences around the world.”
L-R: Erol Cichowski (The Orchard), Juan Javier Cantu, Claudia Ochoa (The Orchard), Carlos Guerrero, Adelaido Solís III, Julián Peña Jr., Jason Pascal (The Orchard), and Alberto Acosta.
Emma Callahan
Formed in 2022 in Edinburg, Texas, Grupo Frontera quickly rose to fame with their TikTok-viral cover of Morat’s “No Se Va” and collaborations with stars like Bad Bunny — their track “Un x100to” became a Hot 100 top-five hit — and Fuerza Regida. Known for blending norteño, cumbia and modern Latin sounds, the band has earned several Latin Grammy Awards and are set to perform at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to take place at Miami’s James L. Knight Center on Thursday, Oct. 23. This year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, airing on Telemundo, will also include performances by Puerto Rican vocalist Ángel Lopez, Venezuelan hitmaker Danny Ocean, reggaetón powerhouse Ozuna, tropical music legend Olga Tañón, and Italian icon Laura Pausini, among others.
Trending on Billboard Benson Boone is preparing to blast off for one of the most exciting shows of his career. On Nov. 29, the “Mystical Magical” singer will perform as part of Visa Live at the Rocket Garden, a one-night-only special event at the Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center visitor complex in Merritt Island, […]
Trending on Billboard EJAE, the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter behind KPop Demon Hunters’ chart-topping single “Golden,” has signed with WME for worldwide representation across all areas of her music career. A breakout voice from Netflix’s record-smashing animated musical film, EJAE is the singing voice of Rumi, the lead vocalist of the fictional girl group HUNTR/X. […]
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An explosion of urban and flamenco sounds from artists including Chilean Katteyes and Los Ricos, and an unexpected birthday celebration from Argentine singer Yami Safdie sealed the “Latin Music Week Opening Night Showcase” presented by Boombastic at Miami’s MAD Club Wynwood on Monday night (Oct. 20).
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The showcase that kicked off the week of the prestigious annual music industry gathering also featured Asturian Mateo Eraña with his folk-rock offering, singer and actress Yas Gagliardi with her pop ballads, Puerto Rican GALE with her enchanting electropop and Argentine Luck Ra with an exciting fusion of trap and cumbia. In addition, the show also spotlighted one of the newest urban music stars, Puerto Rican J Álvarez.
GALE performs at the Billboard Latin Music Week 2025 Opening Night Showcase presented by Boombastic at Mad Club Wynwood in Miami on October 20, 2025.
@tutedelacroix
Yami Safdie was surprised by the event organizers, who brought her a cake for her 28th birthday. The emotional moment also included a duet between Safdie and her colleague and compatriot Soledad, with whom she performed “Alma, corazón y vida” (Soul, Heart, and Life) by the composer of the Creole waltz Adrián Flores.
The event was hosted by Bröther, the Argentine musician, producer, DJ and founder of Bresh, the global phenomenon known as “The Most Beautiful Party in the World,” who livened up part of the evening and the breaks between performances with a lively mix of the best of current Latin music.
Another surprise came with the presence of Puerto Rican urban music star Álvaro Díaz, who was seen among the VIP guests.
Spanning more than 30 years, Latin Music Week is the single-most important and largest gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. This year’s star-studded lineup includes: Aitana, Alofoke, Anuel AA, Bebeshito, Carlos Vives, Carín León, Danny Ocean, DJ Khaled, Daddy Yankee (DY), Emilia Mernes, Ivy Queen, Gloria Estefan, Grupo 5, Kapo, Laura Pausini, Luck Ra, Netón Vega, Olga Tañón, Óscar Maydon, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Rawayana, Suzette Quintanilla, Tokischa, Xavi, and Yailin La Más Viral, among many others.
Latin Music Week also coincides with the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to air Thursday, Oct. 23, on Telemundo and Peacock, where Bad Bunny will be honored as Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.
Billboard’s Live Music Summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 3. For tickets and more information, click here.
Trending on Billboard
Last week, Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop team shared our nominee predictions in three of the five R&B categories for the 68th annual Grammy Awards: best R&B performance, best traditional R&B performance and best R&B song. Here, we’re going to forecast which projects are most likely to make the cut in the best R&B album category.
Recent best R&B album winners include Jazmine Sullivan (Heaux Tales, 2022), Robert Glasper (Black Radio III, 2023), Victoria Monét (Jaguar II, 2024) and Chris Brown (11:11 [Deluxe], 2025). Before we predict the five nominees for the 2026 Grammy derby, which will be presented Feb. 1, here’s a quick refresher regarding the Recording Academy’s category definition for best R&B album.
It’s been four years since the Grammys’ best contemporary R&B album category was discontinued and its name changed to best R&B album. The revamped category brought together albums featuring infusions of contemporary hip-hop and those featuring more traditional R&B leanings under one roof. According to the academy’s current rulebook, best R&B album — vocal or instrumental — “recognizes artistic excellence in albums of R&B music.”
This year’s crop of R&B albums represents a diverse range of styles, long-anticipated returns and breakthroughs by a mix of established and rising stars — including several prior Grammy winners and nominees.
Among the long-anticipated returns is that of Teyana Taylor. Winning raves for her role in the Leonardo DiCaprio thriller One Battle After Another, she elicited strong buzz this summer for her BET Awards performance of “Fire Girl” and “Long Time.” Those songs plus the single “Bed of Roses” are from her anticipated first new album in five years Escape Room.
Another long-awaited moment arrived this year with the release of Justin Bieber’s seventh studio album SWAG. While one of its notable tracks, “Yukon,” is entered in the R&B category, the album is instead among the pop vocal album entries. This calls to mind the 2020 Grammys when Bieber questioned his Changes album being placed in the pop category versus R&B.
On the breakthrough front, one of this year’s heralded arrivals was Ravyn Lenae with the R&B/pop crossover lead single “Love Me Not,” alongside another popular track “Love Is Blind” — both from her critically acclaimed sophomore set Bird’s Eye. Her album, however, isn’t eligible for a nod as it was released Aug. 9, 2024, and the eligibility period for the 68th annual Grammys was Aug. 31, 2024-Aug. 30, 2025.
Additional artists who received attention this year include Alex Isley (WHEN), Thee Sacred Souls (Got a Story to Tell) and Eric Benét (The Co-Star).
So now let’s have a drumroll, please, as we share our fearless forecast of who will comprise the five slots when the best R&B album nominations are revealed on Nov. 7.
Leon Thomas, Mutt
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The crowd at M2 in Miami didn’t need warming up — they were already lit by the time Anuel AA took the stage for Billboard En Vivo on Tuesday night (Oct. 21).
The Latin trap pioneer, arriving just before midnight, wasted no time proving why he’s built a reputation as one of the genre’s most dominant players. Backed by booming production, he charged through a whirlwind set that doubled as both nostalgia and foreshadowing, nodding to past hits and his forthcoming Real Hasta la Muerte 2 album — teased via silver-font graphics glimmering behind him.
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Striding onstage with all the swagger fans expect, Anuel AA sported a black leather jacket and jeans, a gem-encrusted baseball cap and sunglasses that shielded his face — not that he needed to make eye contact to hold the crowd. And, in keeping with his bad-boy persona, a red cup for sippin’ rarely left his hand as he launched into the opening number, “Reloj” — the Rauw Alejandro-collab hit from 2020.
But Anuel did not lean solely on smash singles. Half of his power lies in his ability to explore outside the mold, pushing through reggaetón into dancehall and Latin trap without losing command of the audience. A standout song was “Delincuente,” a head-boppin’-inducing interpolation of Chaka Demus & Pliers’ 1992 hit “Murder She Wrote,” originally also starring Ñengo Flow and Tokischa. Anuel, however, flipped the track on its head, rapping his own bars in their place.
The pacing shifted midway through when he delivered “WYA Remix Black and Yellow,” a slow-burning cut packed with glossy collaborations from Pirlo, Blessed, J Abdiel, and iZaak. While iZaak didn’t appear alongside Anuel during the track, the former artist had already prepped the crowd earlier that evening during his 9 p.m. opening set with serenely smooth vocals. Donning baggy blue jeans, a matching vest, and a silver chain, iZaak pulled fans into his orbit with his heart-on-sleeve delivery of the same remix, setting the tone for the meticulously curated lineup ahead, while performing other songs.
Then came FloyyMenor, who tore through his signature hits like Billboard No. 1 hit “Gata Only” and the Chilean reggaeton cut “Peligrosa.” His set leaned heavily into Y2K aesthetics with throwback visuals of old-school headphones and early cell phones looping overhead as choreographed dancers flanked him. Dressed simply in a black bomber and flashing a colossal gold chain, Floyy commanded the room during his 20-minute set.
The Billboard En Vivo event was part of Latin Music Week, the largest gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. Latin Music Week also coincides with the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to air Thursday, Oct. 23, on Telemundo and Peacock, where Bad Bunny will be honored as Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.
Billboard’s Live Music Summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 3. For tickets and more information click here.
