djfrosty

Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Sings Emotional Original Song on ‘American Idol’ on Late Icon’s Birthday

Emmy Russell is continuing on her late grandmother’s legacy — what could be a better birthday gift than that? Loretta Lynn‘s 25-year-old granddaughter stunned American Idol judges and viewers alike with a raw performance of an original song titled “Want You” on the show’s Sunday (April 14) episode, which aired the same day the legendary singer-songwriter would have turned 92. 

Taking the stage backdropped by a blue screen of heavenly clouds, Russell channeled the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” star in a puffy-sleeved, collared floral dress and boots. Assisted by a backup band, she delivered crystal clear vocals while singing her self-written lyrics: “I want you to want me like I want you/ I want you to need me like I need you/ If you’re gonna leave me, then cut me loose/ I want you to want me.” 

When cameras cut to the panel of judges, Katy Perry smiled, while Luke Bryan seemed mesmerized by the young hopeful’s moving performance. 

Trending on Billboard

After the performance, Lynn’s official Instagram account posted a photo of Russell and wrote, “What a birthday gift!”  

“Emmy was born on [Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn] and Loretta’s anniversary and now we have this milestone on Loretta’s birthday!” the caption continued. “Loretta told all who would listen that Emmy had something special and now the world is seeing for themselves.” 

The episode — which found this season’s top 20 contestants going head to head as the competition pool continues to be narrowed down — came exactly 92 years after Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Ky. A three-time Grammy winner, she remains one of country music’s most prolific songwriters and scored 42 top 10 entries on the Top Country Albums chart before her death at age 90 in 2022. 

Perry, Bryan and Lionel Richie were flabbergasted to find out about Russell’s famous lineage when the Nashville-based artist first auditioned for Idol, for which she performed another original song — “Skinny.” “My grandma’s a country singer so I grew up singing,” she told the judges at the time, with Richie exclaiming after the big reveal, “Your grandma is … what?!”  

“You’ve got the gift,” Perry told Russell after her audition. “I don’t think you need to compare yourself to what grandma was … you’re totally different, you shouldn’t give yourself all that pressure.” 

Watch Russell’s performance of “Want You” above, and see the post from Loretta Lynn’s Instagram below. 

Boney James Becomes First Artist to Notch 20 No. 1s on Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart

Boney James becomes the first act to amass 20 No. 1s on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Airplay chart. The venerable saxophonist reaches the milestone as featured on “Cigar Lounge” by Big Mike Hart, who leads with his first chart entry.

James — born in Lowell, Mass., and raised in New Rochelle, N.Y. — first topped the tally with “The Total Experience,” featuring George Duke, for four weeks beginning in November 2006. His latest leader is his fifth this decade and first since “Bring It Back,” featuring Dontae Winslow, ruled for a week in October 2022.

The Smooth Jazz Airplay chart, which began in October 2005, ranks songs by weekly plays on 15 smooth jazz radio stations monitored by Mediabase, with data provided to Billboard by Luminate.

Trending on Billboard

Most Smooth Jazz Airplay No. 1s:

  • 20, Boney James
  • 14, Gerald Albright
  • 13, Richard Elliot
  • 12, Brian Culbertson
  • 11, Rick Braun
  • 11, Paul Brown
  • 11, Paul Hardcastle
  • 10, Cindy Bradley
  • 10, Nick Colionne
  • 10, Euge Groove
  • 10, Dave Koz



James made his Billboard chart debut when his introductory LP, Trust, entered the Contemporary Jazz Albums list dated July 4, 1992. The set reached No. 8 that August, marking his first of 18 top 10s, encompassing all his entries on the ranking. He boasts nine No. 1s and most recently reached No. 2 with Detour in October 2022. On the genre-wide Jazz Albums chart, he has also earned 18 top 10s, including six No. 1s.

“Cigar Lounge” became Sacramento, Calif., native Hart’s first Billboard chart entry when it debuted on the Smooth Jazz Airplay survey dated Feb. 24.

All Billboard charts dated April 20 will update Tuesday, April 16, on Billboard.com.

Vanessa Bryant Gifts LA Dodgers Exclusive Pairs Of The Nike Kobe 6’s

HipHopWired Featured Video

Vanessa Bryant x Kobe 6 x LA Dodgers

Source: @dodgers / Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers definitely won MLB’s offseason when they signed both Shohei Ohtania and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and if that wasn’t enough, Vanessa Bryant went and blessed their players with an exclusive version of the highly popular Nike Kobe 6’s this past Saturday (April 13). 

To commemorate the anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s final game in the NBA (Mamba Day), Vanessa took to Dodger Stadium and gifted some of the players and managers a pair of the Kobe sneakers draped in white and Dodger blue. While sneakerheads were busy taking L’s on the Nike SNKRS app trying to hit on the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Philly,” Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Italian Camo” and Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Venice Beach,”‘s, the Dodgers were getting exclusive pairs that we’ll probably never see get a general release.

Life is unfair sometimes, but it is what it is.

Needless to say the Dodgers players were more than happy to receive their gifts and being that they don’t need any extra money you probably won’t be seeing any of these hit the secondary market anytime soon. Maybe a bench warmer who gets cut from the team might bubble his pair. You never know.

Check out the “Dodgers” Nike Kobe 6’s below and let us know if you’d want to see these hit the streets in the comment section.

These are lowkey hard.

Victoria Monét Says ‘Stop the Hate, Stop the Genocides’ During Coachella Set

For the most part, day three of the opening weekend of the 2024 Coachella Festival was focused on a string of jaw-dropping surprise appearances by everyone from Justin Bieber to Kesha, Lauryn Hill and many more during a picture perfect Sunday of music and skin-baring cowboy chic.

But during her set, 2024 best new artist Grammy winner Victoria Monét injected some politics into the mix when she made a bold statement during her appearance at the Indio, CA fest. “Stop the wars, stop the hate, stop the genocides, stop motherf–ing hating,” Monét said from the stage according to fan video of the moment. “Live with love. Stop thinking so small. You need to be thinking big, b–ch. Think big, b–ch.”

Though Monét did not reference Israel, Gaza or the now seven-month-old war between the Jewish state and militant group Hamas, the singer has been a longtime vocal proponent of a ceasefire in Gaza. Following Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 attack on Israel — in which more than 1,200 men, women and children were killed and sexually assaulted and more than 250 taken hostage — Israel unleashed a retaliatory wave of strikes on Gaza and the West Bank that Palestinian authorities have said has killed more than 33,000, many of them non-combatant women and children.

Trending on Billboard

Monét was one of the founders of the Artists 4 Ceasefire collective, which penned an open letter to Pres. Jo Biden in March urging him to call for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict; the letter was co-signed by dozens of fellow artists, including R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, Dua Lipa, Killer Mike, Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Quinta Brunson, Rooney Mara, Jeremy Allen White, Jon Batiste, Frank Ocean, Zayn and many more.

While Monét did not directly attribute her use of the term “genocide” to Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, the government of hard-right Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced accusations that his country is participating in such an action in the wake of Israel’s devastating bombing campaign in the Palestinian territories. To date the war has resulted in the displacement of more nearly two million Palestinians, the destruction of more than 157,000 buildings in Gaza and an emerging food crisis that experts warn could result in widespread famine.

Last week, U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin told the Senate Armed Services Committee that “we don’t have any evidence of genocide being [committed]” by Israel in Gaza. In January, the top United Nations court ordered Israel to do everything it could to avoid acts of genocide in the war; Israel has repeatedly denied that it is acting with genocidal intent.

The issue has become a part of the American presidential campaign, with a chant of “Genocide Joe” favored by pro-Palestinian protesters getting adopted on Saturday by supporters of former president Donald Trump at his rally in Schnecksville, PA. After Trump once again offered his unconditional support for Israel just hours after Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes against the country this weekend, the twice impeached one-term president responded to the “Genocide Joe” shouts from the crowd with the line, “They’re not wrong, they’re not wrong. He’s done everything wrong.”

Watch Monét’s call for peace below.

A Timeline of Drake & Rick Ross’ Relationship: Collabs, Feuds & A Lost Joint Album

The pair of friends-turned-foes are now at odds after exchanging jabs on diss tracks.

Drake sniped at myriad rap peer targets with his leaked “Push Ups” diss track, presumed to be recorded in response to Kendrick Lamar’s “Like That.” Drizzy’s frequent collaborator Rick Ross was also caught in the line of fire, as the former friends have turned foes this year.

On “Push Ups,” the 6 God snipes at Rozay about his corrections officer past, and how he’s hooked the MMG honcho up with some of the biggest hits of his career.

“I might take your latest girl and cuff her like I’m Ricky/ Can’t believe he jumpin’ in, this n—- turnin’ 50/ Every song that made it on the chart, he got from Drizzy/ Spend that lil’ check you got and stay up out my business,” Drake raps.

Rick Ross didn’t waste any time in response, hitting the studio to issue his “Champagne Moments,” which was premiered by DJ Akademiks on Saturday afternoon (April 13). The Biggest Boss claims Drake stole his flow from Lil Wayne, refers to him as “white boy” and alleges he had cosmetic surgery to change features like his nose. Ross hasn’t let up off Drake either, as he continues to clown the Toronto mogul on social media while nicknaming him “BBL Drizzy.”

The pair of rap titans have a rich collaborative history, as they’ve teamed up for countless anthems over the years and proven to be a Shaq & Kobe-like duo in the studio. They were even supposed to team up for a joint album titled Y.O.L.O. in the early 2010s, which never materialized.

It’s not totally clear exactly why Drake and Rozay are feuding, but there’s speculation it dates back to Drizzy inviting one of Ross’ baby mothers to his concert in Miami last month.

While the 6 God and Ross currently have static, let’s delve into their relationship, which dates all the way back to 2010.

8 Must-Hear New Country Songs: Shaboozey, Riley Green, Morgan Wade & More

This week’s stack of new country songs includes fresh entries from two artists featured on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter: Shaboozey and Tanner Adell. In addition, Riley Green offers up songs from his new EP Way Out Here, while Trisha Yearwood releases a song she performed during the CMT Music Awards, the Luke Combs-celebrated group The Wilder Blue issues a ’90s country-influenced track and Kimmi Bitter offers a 1960s vintage vibe.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”

Trending on Billboard



Shaboozey has been in the headlines and gaining traction thanks to his work on songs on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter project. He follows with this mesh of perfect singalong melodies, acoustic guitar, horns and handclaps on this tip of the hat to boozy bar escapades. From his viral hit “Let It Burn” earlier this year, to his latest outing, this artist-writer knows how to craft a memorable song. This single, lifting from J-Kwon’s 2004 smash “Tipsy,” previews his album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, out May 31.

Trisha Yearwood, “Put It in a Song



Yearwood debuted this ballad on the recent CMT Music Awards, by performing it with its co-writers, Erin Enderlin and Jim “Moose” Brown. Yearwood’s vocal is pristine as always, never overpowering a lyric but collecting every nuance on this gorgeous song. Not unlike one of Yearwood’s signature hits, 1993’s “The Song Remembers When,” this song nods to the power of music to serve as a keeper and vessel for any number of emotion-stirring memories, from heartbreak to love.

Morgan Wade, “Time to Love, Time To Kill”



From Wade’s upcoming Aug. 16 album Obsessed comes this stellar preview. Like all of the songs on Obsessed, Wade is the sole writer here, depicting the hazy moments of a relationship’s conclusion in visceral detail. Though they’ve each vocalized their intent to move on, as she sings in the song, “The truth is I’m at the starting line/ Just waiting on you.” As on previous songs, including her breakthrough hit “Wilder Days,” Wade’s voice crackles with unfiltered honesty, managing to be simultaneously sweet and bitingly truthful.

Connie Smith, Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches



On Friday (April 12), Smith surprise-released her new album Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches, which pays homage to songs from country artists including Dottie West, George Jones and Loretta Lynn. She also includes a rendering of the 1970 Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner song “Once More,” her crystal-clear voice bolstered by steel guitars, fiddle and superb harmonies. Her take on “One of These Days,” originally recorded by the Glaser Brothers, highlights her soaring vocal, while elsewhere, she offers versions of Merle Haggard’s “The Fugitive” and Lynn’s “World of Forgotten People.” The album also marks the late pianist Hargus “Pig” Robbins’ final recording with Smith prior to his passing in 2022. Smith’s voice is still an instrument of formidable power and style, while this gorgeous record is an essential listen for fans of old-school country.

Riley Green, “Jesus Saves”



From his new seven-song EP Way Out Here, Green delves here into the life story of a homeless man and Army veteran who regularly sits by the side of a road, holding up sign emblazoned with “Jesus Saves.” A solo write from Green, this story also puts some of his most poignant songwriting on display. He chronicles the series of life twists that led the man to the side of the road: by the time he was eight, his father had left and his mother had died. The young boy grew up to join the military and headed off to war but upon returning, as the lyrics portray, “my whole world didn’t love me anymore.” From there, “Jesus Saves” traces a downward spiral of lost jobs, tragedies and broken relationships, all the while calling for compassion. This is undoubtedly one of Green’s new set’s strongest tracks.

Kimmi Bitter, “I Can’t Unlove You”



Like the bulk of Bitter’s new album Old School, “I Can’t Unlove You” is immersed in a detailed study of 1960s countrypolitan sounds, from the Jordannaires-esque harmonies to the hushed percussion. Meanwhile, Bitter possesses a smooth, polished vocal that unmistakably draws comparisons to the late Patsy Cline (or even, to a much lesser extent, “Blue”-era LeAnn Rimes). Bitter and her musical cohorts on the album, most notably writer-producer Michael Gurley, fashion a superb vintage sound, but smartly meld it with original songs.

Tanner Adell, “Whiskey Blues”



Adell surged to mainstream attention with her album Buckle Bunny and, like Shaboozey, is currently enjoying a rush of attention thanks to her inclusion on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. In her newly released song, she’s hellbent on (but not quite succeeding at) getting an ex-lover off her mind. The pop-country hybrid is catchy and polished, led by Adell’s airy, sparkling vocal, and a swirl of radio-ready production.

The Wilder Blue, “I’m Your Man”



This versatile Texas quintet lays deep into ’90s honky-tonk on this toe-tappin’, flirty barn burner that makes the most of their tight-knit harmonies and top-notch lead vocals from frontman Zane Williams. They are part of Luke Combs’s current Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour, having previously featured Combs on a cover version of the Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road.”

Dua Lipa Reveals She’s Been Planning ‘Radical Optimism’ Since Before Her First Album Came Out

Dua Lipa‘s Radical Optimism has been a long, long time coming. In the 28-year-old pop star’s TIME cover story published Monday (April 15), she revealed that she’s been planning out her new album for years — before she even made her musical debut, in fact. 

“Since I was very little, I’ve jotted down things I dreamt for myself,” she told the publication. “I’ve always planned ahead. Although surprises arise that I evaluate in the moment, there’s always a long-term goal.” 

One of those goals was Radical Optimism, which she’s been conceptualizing since before her self-titled debut record arrived in 2017. “I remember when I was working on my first album, I was making notes on what my third album was going to be,” she revealed. “It’s mad to think about, but I remember speaking to my close friend and A&R Joe [Kentish], ‘Maybe album three, I could work with [Tame Impala’s] Kevin Parker,’ and he was like, ‘Alright, hold your horses, let’s take baby steps.’” 

Trending on Billboard

By the time she was three albums deep into her career, she’d hoped that “maybe I’d be deserving to be in a room with an artist I so deeply admire and look up to,” Lipa recalled thinking at the time. 

Seven years later, Radical Optimism‘s collaborators include Parker as well as Caroline Ailin, Danny L Harle and Tobias Jesso Jr. Led by singles “Houdini,” “Training Season” and “Illusion,” the 11-track set arrives May 3. 

“The record as a whole is more mature,” the Grammy winner said of the new project. “I’m definitely not the same person I was when I wrote my first album. I’ve evolved and learned so much … taking it as it comes, not seeing anything as bad or something as a setback. That involves a lot of growing and understanding myself, knowing my worth, whether it be in business, love, or friendship.” 

“I’m just a different person, so of course this record is going to be different,” she added. “I have different thoughts, wants, needs and perspectives. I’ve done a 180 on myself … I feel the most confident at this point in my life.” 

The new interview comes one day after Saturday Night Live announced that the “Levitating” singer would be serving as both the host and musical guest for the show’s May 4 episode. Sharing the news on Instagram, Lipa wrote, “DOUBLE DUTY DUA!!!!!!!!” 

The Argylle star also recently dropped the summery music video for her third Radical Optimism single “Illusion,” filmed at the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc in Barcelona, Spain, with dancers, high divers and synchronized swimmers. “It’s about knowing what you’re getting yourself into, but staying for the hell of it,” she said of the track in a statement at the time.  

“The joke’s on them,” she added. “It’s the fun of playing someone at their own game because ultimately you won’t fall for an illusion.” 

See Dua Lipa’s TIME cover and photos below:

Doja Cat Is Getting Her Own Funko Pop! Here’s How to Pre-Order the Limited-Edition Collectible

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

Funko is releasing Doja Cat Pop! collectible to celebrate the “Agora Hills” rapper’s headlining set at Coachella. The limited-edition Pop! drops on Monday (April 15), but fans will have to act fast to secure the new Pop!, which is available exclusively at Funko.com.

The Festival Doja Cat Pop! ($30) showcases the Grammy winner’s unique signature style in the form of a collectible Funko Pop! The vinyl comes with a premium Pop! protector with an official LE sticker and will be available from April 15 to 23.  

Trending on Billboard

Funko has immortalized other rappers in Pop! form, including 21 Savage, Post Malone, Notorious B.I.G., Salt ‘N Pepa, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Run DMC, Master P, Ice Cube, Kid ‘N Play and Ja Rule.

The limited release comes on the heels of part one of Doja Cat’s headlining set at Coachella on Sunday (April 14). The 28-year-old rap star rocked a packed crowd with songs such as “Tia Tamera,” “Demons,” “Agora Hills,” “Gun,” “Ouchies, “Attention,” “Need to Know,” “FTG,” “Wet V” and “Paint the Town Red.” The show also featured guest appearances from 21 Savage and A$AP Rocky.

Weekend 2 of Coachella takes place from April 19 to 21. Doja Cat will take the stage for her second headlining performance next Sunday, April 21. Other headliners include Lana Del Rey Tyler, the Creator and No Doubt.

Tems, J. Balvin, Jhene Aiko, Grimes, Peso Pluma, Chlöe , ATEEZ, John Batiste, Victoria Monét, Ice Spice, Sabrina Carpenter, Bebe Rexha and Lil Uzi Vert are some of the many acts on the bill. Click here to score last-minute tickets to Coachella.

Pre-order the Festival Doja Cat Funko Pop! below.

Doja Cat Funko Pop! figure

Doja Cat as a Funko Pop! figure.

Courtesy of Funko

SAG-AFTRA and Major Labels Reach Deal for Artificial Intelligence Protections

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing roughly 160,000 actors, dancers, singers, recording artists and other media professionals, and all three major music companies reached a tentative multiyear agreement last week that includes guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence technology across the industry.

A successor to the SAG-AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Sound Recordings, the new deal received unanimous approval from the guild’s executive committee and, if ratified by member vote, will cover the period beginning Jan. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2026. Participating labels include Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, as well as Disney Music Group.

The AI guidelines require that the use of terms such as “artist,” “singer” and “royalty artist” only refer to actual humans, plus the deal calls for clear consent, minimum compensation and other stipulations prior to the release of a sound recording using a digital replication of a real artist’s voice.

Trending on Billboard

The tentative contract also includes increased minimums, health and retirement improvements, and an increase in the percentage of streaming revenue to be covered by contributions.

“This agreement ensures that our members are protected,” said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director. “SAG-AFTRA stands firm in the belief that while technology can enhance the creative process, the essence of music must always be rooted in genuine human expression and experience. We look forward to working alongside our industry partners to foster an environment where innovation serves to elevate, not diminish, the unique value of each artist’s contribution to our rich cultural tapestry.”

The Record Label Negotiating Committee said, “Together, we’ll chart a successful course forward, embracing new opportunities and facing our common challenges, strengthened by our shared values and commitment to human artistry.”

Andra Day Set for Debut Performance at NYC’s Blue Note Jazz Club Ahead of New Album: Exclusive

Andra Day is making her Blue Note Jazz Club debut.

The Grammy winner and Academy Award-nominated actress will perform for the first time at the New York City venue on May 6. The one-night-only engagement will consist of two showtimes, the first beginning at 8:30 p.m. and the second starting 10:30 p.m. Ticket information is available at Blue Note’s website.

The upcoming appearance marks Day’s first NYC first headlining performance in seven years. The club recently announced upcoming dates by Killer Mike, Kelela and Robert Glasper.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Day will also headline the 2024 edition Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City. The five-week parade of concerts begins on June 1 and will encompass 94 performances by nearly four dozen acts at five venues — primarily the Blue Note club itself in Greenwich Village, as well as Sony Hall, the Brooklyn Bowl, Town Hall, SummerStage in Central Park and Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park Bandshell.

Corinne Bailey Rae, Yussef Dayes, the Ezra Collective and many more will also perform during the month-plus festival.

Trending on Billboard

Day is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated third album, CASSANDRA (cherith), which is scheduled to arrive May 10 through Warner Records. On Thursday (April 11), she released her new single “Chasing.”

Earlier this year, Day officially added herself to a historic line of annual pre-Super Bowl performances by singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 2024 Super Bowl, held at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11.

Day, who received an Oscar nomination three years ago for her lead performance in The United States vs. Billie Holiday, also performed “Memory Lane” during the 2024 NAACP Image Awards at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium in March.