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22 Aug 2023

The Weeknd Sets ‘After Hours Til Dawn’ Stadium Tour of Australia and NZ

The Weeknd will make the long haul later this year for the Australia and New Zealand leg of his After Hours Til Dawn Tour.

The Canadian R&B star is set to play stadiums on his swing Down Under, which kicks off Nov. 20 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, with stops in Sydney (Accor Stadium, Nov. 24), Melbourne (Marvel Stadium, Dec. 1) and a final date at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand (Dec. 7).

Produced by Live Nation, the tour celebrates the Weeknd’s 2020 LP After Hours and 2022’s Dawn FM, both of which led the ARIA Albums Chart (the artist also four total No. 1s in Australia, including Beauty Behind The Madness from 2015 and Starboy from 2016). Special guests on the ANZ tour are Mike Dean and Chxrry22.

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Vodafone customers can secure pre-sale tickets from Aug. 25, through a new arrangement announced today with LN and its joint venture partner Secret Sounds. The general ticket onsale starts Friday, Sept. 1.

The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) has had another busy year, during which time he broke attendance records at London’s Wembley Stadium, made his TV series debut with HBO’s The Idol, and released two cuts from it — “Double Fantasy” featuring Future, and “Popular” with Playboi Carti and Madonna.

The Starboy also jumped on “K-pop” with Travis Scott and Bad Bunny, and released a remix of his 2016 collaboration with Ariana Grande, “Die For You,” marking the duo’s fourth collaboration, following up 2021’s remix of “Save Your Tears,” as well as his feature on her 2014 single “Love Me Harder” and “Off the Table” from Ari’s most recent album, 2020’s Positions.

As his tour works its way around the world, the singer dropped his first-ever live album on March 3, Live at SoFi Stadium, a 31-track collection chronicling his two-night stand at the Los Angeles venue in Nov. 2022.

The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn Tour 2023” Australia and New Zealand:
Nov. 20 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Nov. 24 — Accor Stadium, Sydney
Dec. 1 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Dec. 7 – Eden Park, Auckland

22 Aug 2023

Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo In Close Race For U.K. No. 1

It’s tight at the top of the midweek U.K. chart, as singles by Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo joust for the crown.

As it stands, Lipa’s Barbie cut “Dance The Night” (via Warner Records) leads Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” (Interscope) and Rodrigo’s “Vampire” (Geffen), respectively.

According to the Official Charts Company, less than 1,000 chart units currently separate the top three.

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Lupa will hope for a different result from last week, when “Dance The Night” led on the chart blast, only to be pipped by Eilish in the finals days of the chart week.

If it holds its spot, “Dance The Night” would give Lipa a fourth U.K. chart topper, and her first as a solo artist since “New Rules” back in 2017.

If “Vampire” takes flight and snatches the crown, it would give Rodrigo a third leader after “Drivers License” and “Good 4 U,” both from 2021.

“What Was I Made For?” last Friday (Aug. 18) became Elish’s second U.K. No. 1 single, following her Academy Award-winning James Bond single, “No Time To Die.” And it led an historic tally, on which the top six singles were all recorded by solo female artists.

The Official Chart Update is Girl Powered once again, as female solo artists rule positions 1-6, including Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” (holding at No. 4 via EMI), Peggy Gou’s “(It Goes Like) Nanana” (up 6-5 via XL Recordings) and Doja Cat’s “Paint The Town Red” (Ministry of Sound) set to rise 19-6, for a new high.

Also, Becky Hill’s “Disconnect” (Polydor) with Chase & Status is on the brink of a new peak, up 9-7 on the chart blast, while Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice and Aqua’s “Barbie World” (Atlantic/Capitol/Republic) dips 7-9, bringing to eight the total of female-led singles in the midweek top 10.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published Friday, Aug. 25.

22 Aug 2023

Hozier Heading for Debut U.K. No. 1 With ‘Unreal Unearth’

Hozier is headed for his first U.K. chart crown as Unreal Unearth (via Island) establishes a solid lead.

The third album from the Irish singer and songwriter, Unreal Unearth starts at No. 1 on the Official Chart Update, and is set to eclipse his 2014 self-titled debut, which peaked at No. 3 and featured his trans-Atlantic hit single “Take Me to Church.” Hozier’s followup, 2019’s Wasteland, Baby, peaked at No 6.

Based on midweek sales and streaming data published by the Official Charts Company, Scottish indie-rockers the View is set for a No. 2 start with Exorcism Of Youth (Cooking Vinyl), their sixth album. Exorcism should give the band their fourth U.K. top 10 album, and highest peak since their 2007 debut, Hats Off to the Buskers, led the chart. Hats Off to the Buskers contained the band’s first and only top 10 single, “Same Jeans,” which reached No. 3 in the year of release.

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British pop singer and songwriter Birdy could snag a career best on the Official Albums Chart with Portraits (Warner Music U.K.), her fifth album. It’s new at No. 3 on the chart blast. Completing an all-new top four on the midweek tally is U.S. artist Renee Rapp, who is set to open her U.K. chart account with Snow Angel (Interscope), her debut LP. It’s new at No. 4 on the chart blast.

Further down the list, post punk favorites Talking Heads is eyeing a new peak for Stop Making Sense (Parlophone), their live album which returns with an expanded edition to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The set could reeenter at No. 13, bettering its previous peak of No. 24 back in 2000.

As previously reported, Talking Heads members David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison will appear together publicly next month for the first time since their 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction at an upcoming 40th anniversary celebration of the live concert film, from which the album is cut.

Finally, English boyband Here At Last’s EP 1 (Halo Army) is set to make a top 40 splash, new at No. 22, while BTS member J-Hope could snag his own top 40 with Jack In The Box (Polydor), following the release of an expanded physical version. It’s set to reenter at No. 28 on the midweek survey.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Albums Chart is published Aug. 25.

21 Aug 2023

Tones And I Scores With Mini-Set Ahead of FIFA Women’s World Cup Final: Watch

Tones And I has traveled a long way from her days busking on the streets of Australia’s east coast.

Further proof was presented Sunday (Aug. 20) when the Australian singer and songwriter (real name: Toni Watson) performed a mini-set ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, a matchup between soccer powerhouses Spain and England.

Singing in front of a full house of more than 75,000 spectators at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, Tones powered through four songs, “I Am Free,” “I Made It,” “Fly Away,” and, of course, “Dance Monkey,” her global hit which led the charts in at least 30 countries.

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Released in 2019, “Dance Monkey” went all the way in Australia, where it set the all-time record with 24 weeks at No. 1, and the U.K., where it reigned for 11 weeks, a record for a solo female artist.

Her catalog recently swung past 10 billion streams combined, and now includes World Cup tie-in “The Greatest,” and “Bring It On,” a collaboration with American rapper BIA and French-Senegalese singer-songwriter Diarra Sylla, which featured as the official walkout track to all 64 tournament games.

Produced and co-written by multi-Grammy Award winning producer RedOne, “Bring It On” will be played at future FIFA tournaments.

Tones’ sophomore album, the followup to Welcome to the Madhouse, which led the ARIA Albums Chart following its release in 2021, is expected to arrive in 2024.

Watch Tones’ World Cup Final performance below. For the record, Spain prevailed over England, 1-0, for La Roja’s first title.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=-54_DMAtudU&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Tones didn’t have the only musical moment at the tourney’s close. As the Matildas campaign came to an end, former child star Nikki Webster was a surprise guest on stage when the home team was unveiled to fans in Brisbane.

Webster, who enjoyed a breakout moment when, aged 13, she performed at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics opening ceremony, interacted with the Aussie soccer stars as she sang her signature song “Strawberry Kisses” – a dressing room regular for the Matildas.

After finishing a best-ever fourth in the World Cup, and igniting a frenzy for the roundball game never seen before in these parts, the Matildas were presented with the keys to the city of Brisbane, the 2032 Olympic Games host city, with the promise of a statue to come.

Watch the performance at Brisbane’s Riverstage below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=eKThKQCUhpw&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

21 Aug 2023

Ariana Grande Parts Ways With Manager Scooter Braun

Ariana Grande has split with longtime manager Scooter Braun, sources close to the situation tell Billboard.

Grande has been with Braun and his SB Projects since 2013, the year she released her breakthrough debut album, Yours Truly. News of the split comes the same day Billboard learned that Demi Lovato, who signed with SB Projects in 2019, had parted ways with Braun. It is unclear whether Grande is severing all business ties with Braun outside of management.

The split was first reported by Puck‘s Matthew Belloni on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Representatives for Grande and Braun declined to comment.

The relationship between Grande and Braun spans the entirety of Grande’s post-Nickelodeon career — a period during which the singer released a total of six albums, all but one of which has hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Also during that time, she has notched 20 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, seven of which went to No. 1.

Grande, who hasn’t released an album since 2020’s Positions, is currently ramping up for the 10th anniversary of Yours Truly, which will include the release of a deluxe digital release of the album on Friday (Aug. 25), as well as newly recorded live performances of “Honeymoon Avenue” and “Daydreamin’.” Additional live performances and merch drops will follow. Outside of music, she was a coach on The Voice in 2021 and will star in the two-part film adaptation of musical Wicked, the first part of which is slated to debut in November 2024.

SB Project’s artist roster currently includes longtime client Justin Bieber. Following a report Friday (Aug. 18) that Bieber was looking to leave SB, reps for both parties told Billboard that such “rumors” were “not true.”

J Balvin, who also signed with Braun in 2019, left in May and is now managed by Roc Nation.

21 Aug 2023

Love to Read? You Can Join Kindle Unlimited for Free for Up to Two Months

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.

Love to read? Let Kindle Unlimited jumpstart get your summer reading list with a limited promo that lets you subscribe to the service for free for up to two months.

Amazon Kindle Scribe

Amazon’s First-Ever Kindle for Reading & Writing is On Sale for Prime Day 2023: Shop the…

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The second option allows you to subscribe for half the price for two months, but you’re not locked into a contract either way. And if you’re a student, Kindle Unlimited is free for two months with Amazon Prime Student.

Keep reading for more details on Kindle Unlimited.

Kindle Unlimited: Pricing, Books & How to Sign Up

No Kindle needed! Although Kindle Unlimited works on all Kindle devices, you don’t need a Kindle to access the platform (but if you’re in the market for a new Kindle, they’re on sale at Amazon). Kindle Unlimited works on your smart phone, computer, tablet and other devices via the Kindle app.

With Kindle Unlimited, you can barrow up to 20 books, audiobooks or comics at a time and choose from millions of titles from the Kindle library. Audio narration is available on thousands of Kindle Unlimited titles as well (check for the headphones icon next to the Kindle logo to make sure that its available).

How much does Kindle Unlimited cost? The subscription is $11.99/month, but if you join under the second prom deal, it cuts the price down to $4.99/month for two months. The monthly plan will renew at $11.99/month after the two-month promo ends and you can cancel anytime.

Browse Kindle Unlimited Books for a list of titles to download or save to your reading list. Click below to launch your free trial for 30-days or 58% discount for two months.

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With Kindle Unlimited you can enjoy bestsellers such as The Housemaid: An Absolutely Addictive Psychological Drama, Red, White & Royal Blue, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Things We Hide from the Light and other titles including Kindle Short Reads and popular memoirs and biographies including If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets and Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen and Sinead O’Conner’s Rememberings: Scenes from My Complicated Life.

21 Aug 2023

Nas “Black Magic,” Lil Durk “F*ck U Thought” & More | Daily Visuals 8.21.23

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Nas

Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz83

With the release of his latest project, Magic 2, Nas continues to solidify himself as one of the most illustrious Hip-Hop artists in the history of the game and in 2023 the man continues to entrance his fans with spellbinding bars and lyrical wizardry.

Such is the case for his visuals to “Black Magic,” in which Nastradamus hosts two beautiful young women in his home where he entrances them before he himself goes on a supernatural trip and floats off the ground and becomes one with nature. Must’ve been some good ass weed, b.

Back in Chicago, Lil Durk continues to shine like it’s a sport and in his clip to “F*ck U Thought,” Durk politics in the studio with his peoples where they count stacks of blue Benjamins and show off blocks of ice that keep them cool during this summer heatwave.

Check out the rest of today’s drops and some joints you might’ve missed over the weekend including work from Ciara and Lil Baby, Peewee Longway, and more.

NAS – “BLACK MAGIC”



LIL DURK – “F*CK U THOUGHT”



CIARA & LIL BABY – “FOREVER”



PEEWEE LONGWAY – “WHO AM I”



BRENT FAIYAZ – “JACKIE BROWN”



CURREN$Y FT. VICO – “PURPLE PICASSO”



JESSIE REYEZ FT. MIGUEL – “JEANS”



SHORDIE SHORDIE – “COMPLIMENT”



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21 Aug 2023

HHW Gaming: Xbox Announces New ‘Starfield’-Themed Series X Console Wraps

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Xbox Series X Console Wraps

Source: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps

Xbox has been rolling out the custom Xbox Series X and Series S consoles that were exclusive and not available for purchase. Now, Xbox is giving Series X owners a way to add some flavor to the big black box.

Monday, August 21, Xbox decided to take a page out of PlayStation’s book by allowing Xbox Series X owners to finally add a bit of a personal touch to their consoles.

Like the PS5 custom plates, there are now Xbox Series X Console Wraps, but they are much easier to put on your console.

Per Xbox:

The wraps were designed specifically for Series X and have a custom, precision fit. Every detail was taken into consideration to ensure your console performance is preserved– vents are all clear, and small feet were added to the bottom of the wraps to ensure air can flow freely through the console.

Made with solid core panels that are layered with high-tech fabric finishes, the wraps are folded around your console and secured with a hook and loop enclosure. The interior of the wraps are printed with silicone designs that keep the wrap in place.   

Xbox Series X Console Wraps

Source: Xbox

Celebrating the forthcoming launch of Starfield, the first Console Wrap will take its cues from the Bethesda title and the Xbox exclusive and compliment the already launched Starfield Xbox Headset and controller.

How Much Will The Xbox Series X Console Wraps Cost?

The Starfield Xbox Series X Console Wrap will release in the US, Canada, and Europe on October 18 for $49.99 and is available for pre-order right now via the Microsoft Store.

If Starfield isn’t your jam, and we understand if it isn’t, Xbox is rolling out two other Console Wraps.

Series X can look forward to Artic and Mineral Camo Console Wraps launching in the US and Canada on November 10 for $44.99, and they are also available for pre-order right now.

Xbox Series X Console Wraps

Source: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps

As expected, Xbox gamers are excited about the news; you can peep the reactions in the gallery below.

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Photo: Xbox / Xbox Series X Console Wraps

21 Aug 2023

Longtime NPR Programming Executive Anya Grundmann to Step Down

Longtime National Public Radio (NPR) programming executive Anya Grundmann will leave the network after nearly 30 years, the media organization announced Monday (Aug. 21). Grundmann will step down from her post as senior vp of programming and audience development at the end of the year.

“It’s been the best kind of roller coaster ride,” Grundmann told NPR in a statement. “I’ve especially loved it when the sparks are flying, when we’ve imagined new ways we can lean into our enormous potential while staying true to our public service mission.”

Grundmann stepped into her current role at NPR in 2015 and went on help make the iconic Tiny Desk concert series a household name. She also oversaw many of NPR’s podcasts and worked throughout music, entertainment and talk shows at the organization.

NPR credits Grundmann for her part in creating its daily podcast Up First, which is based on top news stories in its morning show, Morning Edition. Additional podcast content developed under Grundmann includes Planet Money spinoff The Indicator, Code Switch and No Compromise, which won a Pulitzer Prize in 2021 for audio reporting.

“She’s really legendary in the world of public media,” NPR chief executive John Lansing told the outlet. Grundmann, he says, “led the podcasting revolution in many ways, and has been just an invaluable partner for me in my four years here.”

Lansing expressed that Grundmann’s decision to leave the network was entirely her own. In March, NPR cut 10% of its staff and stopped production on several podcasts. Lansing told NPR at the time, “We literally are fighting to secure the future of NPR at this very moment by restructuring our cost structure. It’s that important.”

Grundmann has impacted several facets of NPR’s business since she reportedly began at the network as an intern in 1994. Prior to her current role, Grundmann also served as the founding executive director of NPR Music. In 2013, she landed on the Billboard Power 100 list, an annual list of the most powerful executives in the music industry.

NPR has not yet named a successor.

21 Aug 2023

Taylor Swift, Channing Tatum, Gigi Hadid & More Stars Go Head-to-Head at Questlove’s UNO Game Night

It’s been a month since Questlove hosted his massive, star-studded game night, and the Grammy winning producer took to Instagram over the weekend to share his “final” photos from the event.

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“@UNO Wild Is Hard As HELL!!! Locks you in so long like jail!!” Questlove captioned a series of photos that included snaps of Taylor Swift, Channing Tatum, Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, Jason Sudeikis, Trevor Noah, Common and more celebrities facing off in a huge UNO tournament, while they also enjoyed champagne, desserts and lots of delicious food. “Nerves Are frail!!! Everybody in this mug except for Mel!!!! (Sing to ‘Rock The Bells’) Once again, it’s not game night….unless I say it’s game night.”

See Questlove’s posts here, here, here and here. Sadly, he did not reveal the winner of the celebrity UNO tournament.

In other Swiftie news, the “Anti-Hero” singer revealed that limited edition, aquamarine green vinyl of her upcoming 1989 (Taylor’s Version) album is available to pre-order on her website here for just 48 hours. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is out on Oct. 27, which Swift announced during her last show at Los Angeles SoFi Stadium on August 9.

1989 (Taylor’s Version) will be Swift’s fourth release since announcing her re-recording project in 2019. The previous three all skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart: Fearless (Taylor’s Version) with two weeks in 2021, Red (Taylor’s Version) with one week in 2021, and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) with two weeks in 2023.