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15 Sep 2023

Gracie Abrams & Aaron Dessner Perform at Hollywood Forever: Photos From the Concert

“We called this the Good Riddance Acoustic Shows, but we’re doing things from previous times … and future times,” teased singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams. Talking to the packed yet intimate room at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever in Los Angeles (which has a capacity of around 150) on Sept. 14, Abrams was joined onstage by her close friend and collaborator Aaron Dessner.

The pair crafted Abram’s stellar debut, Good Riddance, together at Dessner’s Long Pond studio, and as a delayed celebration of sorts recently embarked on a three-date trek of shows in New York, Nashville and L.A. Abrams said she grew up seeing shows at the Lodge, commenting on the beauty of the small room.

“The last show we played in L.A. was at SoFi [Stadium],” she later said with a smirk, nodding to her opening slot on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, while the passionate crowd erupted into cheers and applause. “It’s just like this, a tiny little hole in the wall,” she joked.

Throughout the 90-minute set, Abrams and Dessner coated the room in comfortability both with her introspective songs and their friendly banter. They played a new song called “Sad About It” (Abrams kept her phone in hand “in case of emergencies” since the lyrics are so fresh), and even tossed in a gorgeous cover of Swift’s “Invisible String.”

Before the night ended, Abrams closed with some especially kind words in appreciation of Dessner, saying, “For me to know you in this way has changed my life … I don’t know where the industry would be without [you].”

15 Sep 2023

Peggy Gou Signs With WME for Global Representation

Peggy Gou has expanded her WME representation and is now globally represented by the agency.

Based in Berlin, Gou’s 2023 tour schedule has included EDC Mexico, Sónar Barcelona, KappaFuturFestival, Lollapalooza Stockholm, Electric Castle, Creamfields North and ARC Music Festival. Upcoming plays include Australia’s Beyond The Valley and Wildlands festivals. She’s also played events including Primavera, Melt!, Glastonbury and Coachella.

The South Korean DJ/producer was previously represented by WME for international touring and brand partnerships. She continues to be represented by Technique Publicity.

Gou is currently riding the wave of her latest single, “It Goes Like (Nanana).” The producer’s first track to scale the Billboard charts, it’s currently sitting at No. 4 on Dance Mix Show/Airplay and is also climbing inside the top 40 on the Global 200. The song has earned 27 million on-demand streams in the United States since its release, according to Luminate.

“I really did not expect this reaction,” Gou recently told Billboard. “My song was never on a chart before. In the beginning I wasn’t sure what [charting] meant exactly.” She added that following the success of her 2019 track “Starry Night,” she felt pressured to top it. “Sometimes pressure is a good thing,” she said. “It always kind of pushes me.”

“It Goes Like (Nanana)” is the lead single from Gou’s debut album, which will be released next year by XL Recordings.

Gou is also the founder of PEGGY GOODS, a merchandise company now offering a full range of apparel and accessories lines. A longtime figure in the fashion world, she’s had deals with Louis Vuitton, Versace, Levi’s and Lacoste, among others.

15 Sep 2023

Gunna Notches His First Solo No. 1 on Rhythmic Airplay Chart With ‘Fukumean’

Gunna nabs his third No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart with “Fukumean,” which vaults from No. 4 to the top of the tally dated Sept. 23.

It’s the rapper’s first unaccompanied No. 1 on the chart. He first reigned as featured on Chris Brown’s “Heat” in November 2019, followed by “Lemonade,” a co-bill with Internet Money and featuring Don Toliver and Nav, in November 2020.

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In between “Lemonade” and “Fukumean,” Gunna rose as high as No. 4 on Rhythmic Airplay with “Pushin P” with Future and featuring Young Thug in April 2022.

The coronation of “Fukumean” on Rhythmic Airplay follows the song’s ascents to No. 1 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rap Airplay; it leads each list for a second week.

On the most recently published, multimetric Billboard Hot 100 (dated Sept. 16), “Fukumean” placed at No. 9, following its No. 4 peak in August. In addition to its radio airplay, the song earned 19.7 million official U.S. streams and sold 1,000 downloads in the Sept. 1-7 tracking week, according to Luminate. It also topped the multimetric Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts for five weeks each, beginning in July, having become Gunna’s first No. 1 on each ranking.

“Fukumean” is the second radio single from A Gift & a Curse, Gunna’s fourth LP. The set debuted at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart dated July 1 and has earned 474,000 equivalent album units to date.

All Billboard charts dated Sept. 23 will refresh on Billboard.com on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

15 Sep 2023

V Takes the Stage Solo for Laid Back ‘Blue’ Live Performance: Watch

V‘s Layover track “Blue” got the music video treatment earlier this week, showcasing the BTS member in black and white while he impatiently searched for someone at an apartment complex to no avail. The impatience from the video took a back seat in V’s live performance of “Blue” on Friday (Sept. 15) for Naver’s NPOP, but the black-and-white filter remained as he took the stage.

The stripped back showcase features V wearing a similar look to the one in the “Blue” video, consisting of a studded black leather jacket, matching black leather pants and a classic white T-shirt. The BTS vocalist takes the stage solo, with white smoke billowing on the floor around him and the lighting design resembling shards of glass.

“What if I show you/ And make it all new/ Green, yellow, red, blue/ Whatever seems good to you/ A day to the moon/ Like borrowed stars/ Everyone’s looking at you/ But, baby, you’re all blue, blue/ Blue, blue/ Blue, blue/ Blue, blue/ Blue, blue, blue,” the 27-year-old sings on the first verse and chorus.

The new performance of “Blue” comes amid the arrival of V’s Tiny Desk Korea set, where he performed a series of tracks from Layover on Sept. 14. His performance — a brief three songs — included album tracks “Love Me Again,” “Slow Dancing” and “For Us.”

Watch V’s new performance of “Blue” above.

15 Sep 2023

New Music Latin: Listen to Releases From Becky G, Sebastian Yatra & More

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

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Becky G, “Querido Abuelo” (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records)

It’s impossible to not get emotional when you hear Becky G’s tribute to her abuelo. The latest single from her upcoming música mexicana album, “Querido Abuelo” is a tear-jerking track that can be described as an open letter to Becky’s late abuelito as she honors his existence and the influence he had on her ever since she was little. “Querido abuelo,” she sings emotionally, “Your memory in my soul is always present/ I would give anything to hug you once more.”

The song is powered by an equally nostalgic requinto that amplifies the song’s pathos and Becky’s raw and powerful vocals. “Querido Abuelo” — produced by Edgar Barrera — comes with a beautiful music video featuring childhood footage of Becky and her grandpa at their ranch in Mexico. Becky, who is currently on tour, is set to drop her new album, Esquinas, Sept. 28. — GRISELDA FLORES

Sebastián Yatra, “Energía Bacana” (Universal Music Latino)

Similar to his achingly sincere and ear-candy catchy “Tacones Rojos,” Yatra’s “Energía bacana” (Cool Energy) is a letter to the girl he loves with a laundry list of attributes that evokes Cole Porter’s classic “You’re the top.” Yatra rattles off reasons to love (“You have an energy that’s cool/You make my week feel like a Saturday/ You don’t have friends, you have sisters/ And before I was your boyfriend, I was your buddy”) in terms that manage to be contemporary, yet sweet and clean without falling into the cheesy or trite. The same can be said of the music: Global pop built on strong melodies and hooks, but with hand claps. The cherry on the cake is the video, Yatra’s directorial debut, which features Georgina Rodríguez and a brief cameo from her significant other, Cristiano Ronaldo. Look for it. — LEILA COBO

Christian Nodal, México en Mi Voz (Christian Nodal/Sony Music Mexico)

Many have tried to interpret the great, timeless songs of the undisputed King of Ranchera Music, Vicente Fernández, but a majority have failed. However, Christian Nodal’s intoxicating voice soars high; and his latest EP, México en Mi Voz, is a lachrymose affair. In typical mariacheño fashion — the mariachi and norteño fusion he invented — he seamlessly weaves accordion riffs with swirling brass metals, continuing to innovate within the confines of traditional música mexicana. But perhaps the biggest accomplishment is the manner in which the rugged cowboy delivers his heart to honor Chente’s most beloved songs: “Acá Entre Nos,” “Mujeres Divinas,” “La Media Vuelta,” and more — with spine-chilling effects and an utmost respect.

“This EP means too much for me. I am from Sonora and on September 16, traditional Mexican music is heard in every house. I had been wanting to redo some precious pieces left by our great interpreters for a long time,” explains Nodal in a statement, just in time for Mexican Independence Day. “We chose five songs, and it was very difficult and, at the same time, a very precious process. We poured some very good tequilas, and what I can tell you is that you are going to love [this EP] if you have Mexico in your heart. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t Mexican, this album is for you, and if you are Mexican, all the more reason.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Nathy Peluso & Tiago PZK, “Ella Tiene” (5020 Records/Sony Music España)

Argentina stars Nathy Peluso and Tiago PZK join their voices in a delicious bachata “dedicated to romance… that tells a turbulent love story,” as Peluso says in a press release. In this passionate song narrated in third person, she complains that he didn’t know how to love a woman and he gives her his side of the story. “I saw her pass by, she cried while she deleted the photographs she had of you from her cell phone,” Peluso sings in Spanish, to which Tiago later replies: “I see someone empty, who gave this heart betrayal in cold blood.” 

Their voices blend in beautiful harmony in the chorus, part of which says: “She has a tattoo of great disappointment, you said you loved her but in love there are no conditions.” The respective music video, directed by Rocío Gastaldi, shows Peluso dancing in a captivating manner while both artists reminisce about the pain inflicted by a lost love. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Laura Pausini, “Durar” (Warner Music Italy/Gente Edizioni Musicali SRL)

“Durar” (“To last”) is the new single by Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, and the first track of her upcoming album ALMAS PARALELAS, which will be released on October 27. Produced by Michelangelo and Paolo Carta, the singer’s husband, the emotional ballad is a love letter about a relationship that has gone through different stages to maturity and remains firm over time. “I feel like smiling/ See; we ended up getting it” reads part of the lyrics. “This song is about how I can still believe in love stories that want to build a life path to think together. To know each other, desire each other, invent each other, and understand each other. And even to go crazy together. To discover how good, it is to share a destiny. Durare. It is possible.” comments the Italian in a statement. Pausini is preparing to go out with her Laura Pausini World Tour 2023/2024 which includes cities in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. — LUISA CALLE

Ozuna, Saiko & Ovy on the Drums, “Te Mentí” (Aura Music/Sony Music Latin)

In a new collaborative effort, following “Chao Bebe” (2022), Ozuna and Ovy on the Drums join forces in “Te Mentí” — this time, reeling in Spanish newcomer Saiko. The three-minute song kicks off with a simple synth beat backing up Ozuna’s sugary vocals before transitioning into a hard-hitting reggaetón track. In “Te Mentí,” which translates to “I lied to you,” both the Puerto Rican act and rising artist are sad and regretful. “I lied to you/ I haven’t deleted you, I’m still looking out for you/ I stopped drinking alcohol but I went back/ Losing you hurt,” they sing. On the beats, the Colombian hitmaker navigates a futuristic reggaetón fusion with trap flair. — JESSICA ROIZ

Listen to more editor’s picks in the New Music Latin playlist below:

Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.

15 Sep 2023

Cardi B Takes Notes From Beyonce When It Comes to Handling Haters: ‘Every Artist Should Do What Works for Them’

Cardi B has never been one to hide how she feels or cower in fear of her haters. In a new interview with The Spout Podcast, the Grammy-winning “Up” rapper opens up about her approach to handling haters, and where she takes cues from Beyoncé’s example.

“Surprisingly, I have held myself back a lot … from a lot of things,” Cardi B shared. “You see how Beyoncé addresses her things — she does not address them at all. I feel like every artist should do what works for them and what’s good for they mental health because I feel like, if addressing things to Beyoncé affects her mental health, then don’t do it.”

From political spats with Candace Owens to beefs with fellow rappers such as Nicki Minaj, Cardi has always spoken her mind. Nonetheless, she understands that that approach does not work for everyone.

“But me, bottling things inside and let people, like, front certain narratives of me, it will bother me inside.  So, I’d rather just let it out,” she explained. “So, I feel like everybody should, like, address their issues however they feel like they’re going to be comfortable in doing. That’s how I feel, like, everybody is different.”

In the new interview, Cardi also touched on the release of “Bongos” and her friendship with Megan Thee Stallion, saying, “I know what it feels like when you feel like everybody, like, turned your back. Don’t ever think it’s because you did something wrong. You didn’t do anything wrong. People just love something to debate about.”

The pair performed “Bongos” — their first collaboration since 2020’s seismic “WAP” — at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday (Sept. 12).

Watch Cardi B on The Spout Podcast below:

15 Sep 2023

‘Wilderness’: How to Watch the Thrilling New Series for Free

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.

Prime Video has a new show for you to binge — and it’s killer. Wilderness is the latest series to drop on the streaming platform with episodes 1-6 available to binge starting Friday (Sept. 15). It’s based on the novel by the same title, which is available in paperback, Kindle Unlimited and Audible editions — in case you want to read the book before tuning into the series.

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The series stars Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) and Oliver Jackson-Cohen (The Haunting of Hill House) as the seemingly perfect British couple Liv and Will. When Liv learns of her husband’s affair, her devastation quickly turns into rage, but when Will proposes a trip around America’s National Parks to mend their relationship, she has the idea to plot some murderous revenge. Because when in the wilderness accidents happen, right?

Other cast members you can look forward to seeing include Ashley Benson (Pretty Little Liars) as Cara, Eric Balfour as Garth and Marsha Stephanie Blake as Detective Rawlins.

Keep reading to learn the streaming options to watch the show.

How to Watch Wilderness

Wilderness is a Prime Original series that Prime members and subscribers can stream for free at no additional cost.

Not already subscribed? Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial, which means you can binge watch the entire series for free. Once the trial is over, you’ll be charged the subscription price of $14.99/month (or $139 annually). For additional savings, the platform offers a student membership and qualifying EBT/Medicaid subscription, which provides a membership for half the price after a 6-month or 30-day free trial.

‘Wilderness’ on Prime Video

$14.99/month after 30 days free

What else is in the Prime Video library? Besides Wilderness, you can watch original series and movies including Citadel, Daisy Jones & The Six, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Emergency, Swarm, The Power, Harlem, Air, Invincible, The Boys, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Fleabag, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Wheel of Time, I Want You Back and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

You can also take advantage of additional premium channel add-ons to widen your library offerings such as Paramount+, Showtime, Max and AMC+. Prime Premiere is also a new perk added to the membership, which provides members with free tickets to advance screenings of Prime Original movies and series in theaters.

Other perks included with a membership include free one-day shipping on Prime eligible products, early access to deals, access to Prime Day savings, grocery delivery, Amazon Music, Prime Gaming, Prime Reading and many more perks.

Check out the trailer for Wilderness below.

15 Sep 2023

Jeezy Files For Divorce From Jeannie Mai, X Chimes In With Thoughts

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Jeezy and Jeannie Mai seemed to be one of the more solid celebrity unions today but it appears that things are changing in the Jenkins household. Jeezy has reportedly filed for divorce from Jeannie Mai, who share a young child together after just over two years of marriage.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jeezy, real name Jay Jenkins, filed for divorce in Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia. It isn’t known what day the rapper and author made the court filing.

Jeezy is seeking joint legal custody of the couple’s toddler daughter. According to the outlet, the pair are already legally separated and a prenuptial agreement is also in place.

The couple began dating after Jeezy was a guest on Mai’s former talk show, The Real, where she served as one of the co-hosts. Based on the couple’s public image, it appeared to be a strong relationship but apparently, that perspective is shifted.

A public statement from the pair has yet to be issued.

If Instagram is any indication of pain or heartbreak, none was witnessed on their respective pages, as can be seen in the posts below.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the reactions to the news are pouring in and they’re all over the place. We added some for viewing below. Keep in mind that we’re just reporting what we saw and are not offering further opinions on the matter.

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Photo: Paras Griffin / Getty

15 Sep 2023

Here’s What Jason Kelce Has to Say About Those Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Dating Rumors

Over the past week, the rumor mill has been exploding with speculation that Eras Tour powerhouse Taylor Swift has spending some, allegedly romantic, time together with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. During a post-game interview on Thursday night (Sept. 14), Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, Travis’ older brother, shared his thoughts on all of the rumors.

“I’ve seen these rumors… I cannot comment,” Jason said, before noting that “everyone’s been infatuated with Travis’ love life” since his E! series Catching Kelce premiered in 2016. From 2017 to 2022, Travis dated social media influence Kayla Nicole.

“I don’t really know what’s going on there,” Jason remarked. “I know Trav is having fun, we’ll see what happens with whoever he ends up with.”

Travis and Taylor have been linked since July when the football star attended her Eras Tour stop at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. On his New Heights podcast — which he hosts alongside his brother — Travis explained, “If you’re up on Taylor Swift concerts, there are friendship bracelets. I received a bunch of them being there, but I wanted to give Taylor Swift one with my number on it.”

Nonetheless, given that there aren’t meet and greets for the Eras Tour — and thus no opportunity to personally give Swift a friendship bracelet — Travis’ plan was foiled. “She doesn’t meet anybody, or at least she didn’t want to meet me, so I took it personal,” he joked. In response, Jason teased, “She probably just hasn’t gotten over the Super Bowl yet. She’s a big Eagles fan, so maybe she just made something up and didn’t want to talk to you.”

Stay tuned for more developments in this alleged football-music crossover romance, “Dear Reader.”

Watch Jason Kelece respond to the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce dating rumors below.

15 Sep 2023

Hozier’s ‘Francesca’ Becomes His Second Straight No. 1 on Adult Alternative Airplay

Hozier lands two straight No. 1s on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart for the first time with “Francesca,” which lifts to the top spot on the tally dated Sept. 23.

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The song follows the two-week reign of “Eat Your Young” in May. It’s Hozier’s his fourth No. 1 in all, following “Take Me to Church” (August 2014) and “Nina Cried Power,” featuring Mavis Staples (October 2018).

Concurrently, “Francesca” ranks at No. 25, after rising to No. 23, on the all-rock-format, audience-based Rock & Alternative Airplay chart with 1.5 million audience impressions, up 7%, Sept. 8-14, according to Luminate. “Eat Your Young,” peaked at No. 7 in June; Hozier’s overall best, “Take Me to Church,” reached No. 3.

On the most recently published, multi-metric Hot Rock & Alternative Songs survey, “Francesca” appeared at No. 45, after reaching No. 22 earlier in September. In addition to its radio airplay, the song earned 1.1 million official U.S. streams in the Sept. 1-7 tracking week.

“Francesca” is the second single from Unreal Unearth, Hozier’s third studio album. It debuted at No. 1 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums tally dated Sept. 2 and has earned 168,000 equivalent album units to date.

Hozier is currently on the road, with shows scheduled through Dec. 22. “I’m just excited to share the work live with a fan base that has been with me now for 10 years,” he recently told Billboard. “We’ve been bringing this killer nine-piece band to these tiny rooms. It’s a band that really needs to be on bigger stages. It has been tough in these club shows where there’s curfews in these cities, [so I’m excited] to be able to expand the setlist and actually offer a wider representation of the discography, and have a bit more time to play with the ebb and flow of the set.”

All Billboard charts dated Sept. 23 will update on Billboard.com on Tuesday, Sept. 19.