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19 Jul 2023

Post Malone Stops Traffic in Times Square to Deliver Surprise Performance at Newly-Built TSX Stage

If you were hanging around Times Square Tuesday afternoon (July 18) as a tourist, or passerby, chances are you didn’t have Post Malone performing in the middle of New York City on your 2023 bingo card. That’s what happened when the Grammy-nominated superstar became the first artist to ever perform at the TSX stage, nestled in the bustling streets of Midtown. 

Times Square anxiously buzzed with anticipation as pedestrians swarmed the perimeter amid a high police presence and a mysterious countdown ticker plastered onto the side of a building. Some fans walked by unbothered, thinking it was just another hectic day in the city, while others were intrigued by what would happen next.

At roughly 5:30 p.m., Posty sauntered onto the TSX stage, which sat behind an 18,000-square-foot billboard. Walking through the LED doors, Malone, with his guitar in tow, beamed radiantly at the crowd below his feet before launching into his first song, his new single, “Overdrive.” Serenading the public, the sounds of his guitar crackled through the speaker, halting traffic and causing people to stop and see his rock-laden efforts. 

“I’m so happy the rain cleared up so we can hang out, ladies and gentlemen,” Malone told the thousands of New York residents crowded around the stage. “I just wanted to say to everybody who came to hang out I’m so grateful and so very honored to be kicking this off. This is the coolest venue in the f–king universe. I’m super nervous and super happy you guys came out.”

The gracious Malone kept the party going as he segued into his Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single “Circles.” Donning a sleeveless white tee and black jeans, Malone had fans swooning over the love-drunk anthem as it rang through the city for blocks. Though Malone sang his chart-topping hit with unwavering conviction, he copped to his anxiety about being the first performer to grace the newly-built TSX Stage. 

“I’m the first guy to do this, and I was super terrified because I know everyone has a busy day and a busy schedule,” admitted Malone with his newly-released signature 32-ounce Raising Cane’s cup in hand. “I have a new album coming out later this month and I’m super excited to play you something off the new record that hasn’t been released yet. Hopefully, I don’t f–k it up.” 

As promised, Malone guided fans through his unreleased record “Enough Is Enough,” which will reside on his forthcoming album Austin, set to drop July 28. Abandoning his guitar, Malone clutched his mic and entered storytelling mode, singing: “Long nights in the city scene/ They said I, won’t pick fights that I won’t ever win/ I got a, bad b—h that would bring her friends/ But when I’m with you, it feels like I’m living again.” Malone’s pop-rock sensibilities shined as his drunken tales enticed the crowd, who yearned for more.

Malone didn’t shy away from the classics during his 18-minute set, as he also dialed up hits such as “Sunflower” and “Congratulations.” The ground shook as fans joyously got into it, partying with the self-proclaimed “Rockstar.” After each of his songs, Malone paused and formed a hand-shaped heart to show his admiration for the zealous fans.

“I love you, New York City,” said Malone before sending his final heart. “Thank you so much for hanging out with me tonight. I hope y’all have a great day. Stay safe, keep spreading love, keep being your beautiful selves, and keep kicking ass, ladies and gentlemen.”

Last month, Malone revealed the track list for his upcoming 17-track Austin album, which is due out on July 28.

19 Jul 2023

Peso Pluma, Arcángel, Nicki Nicole, Fonseca, Sebastián Yatra, María Becerra, Natanael Cano & More Set for Latin Music Week 2023 in Miami

Billboard unveiled on Wednesday (July 19) the first round of talent set to participate at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami.

The five-day legacy event will be held Oct. 2-6 at the Faena Forum and will feature exclusive panels and conversations with Arcángel, Edgar Barrera, Maria Becerra, Eladio Carrión, Fonseca, GALE, Grupo Frontera, Natanael Cano, Nathy Peluso, Nicki Nicole, Peso Pluma, Santa Fe Klan, Sebastian Yatra, Vico C, Yng Lvcas and Young Miko.

“Billboard Latin Music Week prides itself on bringing the best, brightest and most relevant and exciting artists and executives together,” said Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin/español. “This year’s very diverse group represents why Latin music is dominating global charts. This is a groundbreaking year for Latin Music Week with many more announcements to come.”

Maria Becerra, GALE, Nicki Nicole, Nathy Peluso and Young Miko will be part of the Boys Club No More! panel focused on the women making noise in the Latin Music landscape. Additional panels include The New Mexican Revolution with Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma, Santa Fe Klan, and Yng Lvcas, plus the Making the Hit LIVE panel starring Edgar Barrera and Grupo Frontera, who will create a hit onstage from scratch. Last year’s Making the Hit LIVE featured Ovy On The Drums and Blessd who conceived the song, “Billboard” now available for streaming. Programming will also feature Billboard’s En Vivo concert series, a series of concerts with performers to be announced soon.

“Billboard is committed to fostering and celebrating Latin music and culture,” added Mike Van, president of Billboard. “We’re returning to Miami in October, which coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, to continue championing Latin voices through unique curated programming.” 

With 30 years of events, Billboard Latin Music Week is the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world. After a sold-out 2022 edition that featured star Q&As with Maluma, Ivy Queen, Chayanne, Romeo Santos and Christina Aguilera, to name a few, the event returns coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Billboard Latin Music Week will also coincide with the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Watsco Center in Miami, which will broadcast live on Telemundo. The awards show will also broadcast simultaneously on Spanish entertainment cable network, Universo, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

Registration for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week is now open at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

19 Jul 2023

Taylor Swift Named Honorary Mayor of ‘Swiftie Clara’ In Advance of California Eras Tour Dates

Like a number of cities across the U.S. this summer, Santa Clara, CA is getting ready for Taylor Swift‘s massive Eras Tour by giving itself a Swiftover. In this case, the Mission City’s Mayor announced this week that her town is gearing up for Swift’s July 28 and 29 dates at Levi’s Stadium by officially changing its name to “Swiftie Clara.”

According to the Mercury-News, on Tuesday night (July 18), Mayor Lisa Gillmor said in addition to the name change, the 33-year-old singer has also been named the honorary mayor in a proclamation that said the honor was being bestowed to “celebrate the positive local impact to the Santa Clara community, as well as the impact regionally, of Taylor Swift’s music, tours and extraordinary fanbase.”

Like so many Swifties who are paying tribute to the various Taylor eras with home-brewed costumes and arms full of friendship bracelets, Mayor Gillmor got into it at her press conference by wearing a light purple blazer in honor of last week’s release of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). She also sported a friendship bracelet she got from a member of the city’s parks and rec staff that read “Swiftie Clara.”

“We’re thrilled to host an artist whose devotion to music and empowerment sets such a positive example for so many people of all ages in the world and that’s why we’re doing this,” Gillmor said, cueing up a video in which the mayor referenced a number of the singer’s most beloved hits. “So get ready to see ‘sparks fly’ as ‘the crowds in the stands went wild’ and to ‘shake it off’ while being a part of an unforgettable experience at Levi’s Stadium,” Gillmor said, in reference to the Swift songs “Sparks Fly,” “Long Live” and “Shake It Off.”

The two gigs at Levi’s Stadium are the penultimate stops on the U.S. run of the Eras Tour, which will wind down on August 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.

Gillmor is just the latest mayor to hand over the keys to Swift, following in the footsteps of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who last week said the city would temporarily switch up its name to Swiftieapolis, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz proclaiming June 23-24 “Taylor Swift Days.” Pittsburgh was renamed “Swiftsburgh” for a week in early June and a road near Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri already named Swift Street was flipped to “Swift Street (Taylor’s Version).”

19 Jul 2023

Mushroom Group Unveils New Booking Agency MBA

MELBOURNE, Australia — Mushroom Group’s talent booking division welcomes MBA, a new agency operating across Australia and New Zealand for live bookings, strategy, touring and partnerships.

MBA is a partnership with Guven Yilmaz, founder and managing director of Vita Music Group.

With offices in Sydney and Melbourne, the new agency represents a slew of artists from the Vita roster, and boasts a lineup at launch that includes Peking Duk, Bliss n Eso, Conrad Sewell, Skin on Skin, Winston Surfshirt, BIG WETT, Kaylee Bell, Milan Ring and Tasman Keith.

“Mushroom has been esteemed as the independent leader in the Australian music and entertainment industry. Partnering with a company that not only emphasises but promotes an independent entrepreneurial culture was essential to me,” comments Guven in a statement.

Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski is said to be keen to grow his independent music company’s booking capacity. MBA, he says, boasts some of the best in the business.

“We’re delighted to have Guven join the Mushroom family,” Gudinski comments. “He’s a very well respected agent and operator, with an incredible track record to boot.”

Supported by a “first-class team” including Shelley Liu, Sam Rogers, and Matt Thomson, Gudinski continues, “I am excited about the offering we are going to create for the talent we represent.”

For those artists repped by MBA, Mushroom’s doors will remain open for talent to work with the group’s production specialists to help build and design their live-show, in addition to accessing the Mushroom Creative House and the brand’s sprawling network.

Mushroom Group this year celebrates its 50th anniversary with a “once-in-a-lifetime” all-star concert and the release of a documentary, Ego, a study of the indie powerhouse’s former chairman Michael Gudinski, who at 21 years of age, founded the company.

Today, the Melbourne-based group numbers more than two-dozen affiliates active in every conceivable area of the music and entertainment industries, from touring to publishing, merch and marketing services, venues, exhibition and events production, neighboring rights, branding, labels, talent management and more.

The late Gudinski formed Mushroom Records in 1972 but had had learned the ropes by booking artists in the region years earlier. In 1970, he established the Consolidated Rock agency, which evolved into the Premier Artists/Harbour Agency.

Mushroom Group cut ties with Harbour Agency in 2021, following an investigation into claims from former Harbour Agency staff on past management behavior and workplace culture.

MBA sits alongside Premier Artists, which reps Jimmy Barnes, Vika & Linda, Marcia Hines and others.

19 Jul 2023

Indonesia’s Cakra Khan Earns Standing Ovation With ‘Spectacular’ Audition on ‘AGT’: Watch

Looks, as we’re constantly reminded, can be deceiving. Cakra Khan is another solid reminder.

Wearing a beige jacket, Khan strolled onto the brightly-lit America’s Got Talent stage, where he might have been mistaken for a regular, everyday guy.

Wrong.

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Khan, relaxed and backing himself, nailed an audition that surprised everyone but himself.

A devotee of blues and soul music, Khan, an Indonesia native, reached deep for a rendition of “Make It Rain.” Khan’s vocals are dripping in soul, but it didn’t stop Simon Cowell from applying the handbrake.

“I think you have a great voice. I didn’t like the track though,” Cowell explained, cutting short the performance with the wave of a hand. “Did you bring another song with you?”

Yes, Khan did. And yes, he passed Cowell’s test. For his second attempt, Khan didn’t muck around. He went with a stone-cold classic, Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry.”

The crowd loved it, the judges did too. Khan scored a standing ovation.

“You have a very unique, very sexy, very raspy voice,” Heidi Klum enthused. “Wow, you do have a voice that really stands out, that you will not forget. It’s very, very special.”

“It’s so rare to hear voices like that,” Cowell commented. “I absolutely love your voice. Love it.”

Sofia Vergara remarked, “You made it all yours. And that voice of yours is spectacular.”

Howie Mandel had the last word. “Very memorable, unique voice, everybody was on their feet. You could feel the emotion. You’re amazing.”

The positive feedback was backed up with four yeses. And if Khan wins Idol, what would he do with the $1 million prize money? Build an animal shelter, he said at the top of his spot.

Watch below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=mz4cRJcJkpw&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

18 Jul 2023

Sheryl Crow Slams Jason Aldean Over Controversial Song ‘Try That In a Small Town’: ‘It’s Just Lame’

Sheryl Crow has weighed-in on Jason Aldean‘s controversial song and video for “Try That In a Small Town,” suggesting that the country singer ought to know better.

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The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame-inducted artist pulls no punches with a social post, in which she insinuates that Aldean is out of step with the public mood, that its lyrics are “promoting violence,” and she tags his own account to ensure the message gets through.

“I’m from a small town,” she writes, responding to a viral post from Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts. “Even people in small towns are sick of violence. There’s nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting. This is not American or small town-like. It’s just lame.”

The lyrical content and its official music video has triggered a firestorm on social media. Many commentators have called out the song for glorifying violent behavior, others have pointed out that the country singer was on stage at the Route 91 mass shooting in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, 2017 – something Crow addresses in her own message.

The controversy around “Try That In a Small Town” ratcheted up several notches when CMT yanked the music video from rotation on Tuesday (July 18).

Aldean posted a lengthy message to his Instagram Stories to further explain the song and its video. “I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject too the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous,” he began, adding that the lyrics don’t reference race or point to it, and that all the news footage he used was real.

Aldean also referenced being on stage at Route 91, the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, where a gunman fired on concertgoers, killing 60 people and wounding at least 413. ”NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart. … ‘Try That In A Small Town,’ for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief.” His statement did not address CMT’s decision to pull the clip.

The music video, which has clocked 673,000 views on YouTube since it dropped last Friday (July 14), features Aldean performing in front of courthouse with an American flag hanging from the entrance. The performance is interspersed with footage of a flag burning, protesters screaming and attacking police in various scenarios, and robbing a convenience store.

Written by Kelly Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, Tully Kennedy and Kurt Michael Allison, the single debuted on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart eight weeks ago and rises 26-25 for the chart dated July 22, and is set to appear on the artist’s forthcoming album.

Crow’s post is below in full.

18 Jul 2023

Rauw Alejandro Nabs Sixth Straight Top 10 on Top Latin Albums As ‘Playa Saturno’ Arrives

Rauw Alejandro’s Playa Saturno album blasts in at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart (dated July 22), his sixth straight top 10 which encompasses all of his charting efforts.

Playa Saturno, the Puerto Rican’s fourth-studio album, is the follow-up to his retro-futuristic No. 2-peaking Saturno, released in Nov. 2022; Saturno holds solidly on the tally at No. 15 in its 35th week.

Playa dropped via Duars/Sony Music Latin on July 7, the first day of the chart’s tracking week. According to Luminate, it launches with a little over 21,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. during its first week of activity ending July 13.

As with Rauw’s preceding three studio efforts, streaming fuels nearly all the set’s opening sum. The 21,000 streaming-equivalent album units equals to 27.5 million official on-demand clicks for the songs on the album, while the remaining balance is a negligible sum comprising album sales and track-equivalent album units.

Playa’s 27.5 million official on-demand streams improves on Rauw’s streaming performance as Saturno registered 25.6 million official streams in its first week. Among his chart entrances, including the No. 6-peaking Track Cake, Vol. 2 EP, the two-week album champ Vice Versa, continues to lead with 29.1 million U.S. clicks during its debut week (July 2021).

As mentioned, Rauw collects his sixth straight top 10 album, dating back to his maiden visit, Concierto Virtual En Tiempos de Covid-19, which reached No. 10 in Sept. 2020.

Further, Rauw’s four studio albums simultaneously rank in the top 30 on Top Latin Albums (Playa at No. 4, Saturno at No. 15, Vice Versa at No. 19, and Afrodisiáco at No. 29), the second-most among Latin rhythm artists after Bad Bunny, who’s placed as many as six top 30 albums throughout different chart weeks.

Playa’s entrance extends to the airplay, digital sales, and streaming data-fused Hot Latin Songs chart, where three songs from the album debut: “Picardía,” with Junior H, at No. 42; “Cuando Baje El Sol” at No. 45; and “Al Callao’” at No. 48. Plus, the album was preceded by one track: “Baby Hello,” with Bizarrap, which rises to its No. 32 high on the current tally.

Beyond its top five launch on Top Latin Albums, Playa Saturno also makes its way to two other albums charts: a No. 3 bow on Latin Rhythm Albums, and No. 29 start on the all-genres Billboard 200.

18 Jul 2023

Six60, The Beths Lead Nominees For 2023 Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards

Stadium rockers Six60, indie band the Beths, and multi-instrumentalist Fazerdaze (real name: Amelia Murray) are multiple nominees for the second annual Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards, which celebrates New Zealand’s finest.

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Also, there are multiple chances for Princess Chelsea, COTERIE, TE KAAHU, and the L.A.B., the reggae band which is up for best single (“Take It Away”) and the Rolling Stone Global Award.

Four categories will be presented on the night, for best record, best single, best new artist, and the RS Global Award, which is judged by the music title’s global team to acknowledge the Kiwi artist “they just can’t get enough of,” reads a statement.

“Royals” star Lorde was crowned with the inaugural Global Award in 2022. This year’s shortlist includes the Beths, Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO), Six60, Bic Runga, BENEE, Mitch James, MELODOWNZ. Kiwi stars Marlon Williams and Stan Walker are also in the running for RS honors.

“After the hugely successful launch of the Panhead Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards last year, we can’t wait to do it all again this year and join with the music industry to celebrate the diverse and unique music scene in New Zealand,” comments Rolling Stone New Zealand editor-in-chief, Poppy Reid. “Once again we’ve been treated to a year of New Zealand talent competing on the global stage.”

Brewery Panhead returns as headline sponsor for the awards, set for Sept. 20 at St Matthew-In-The-City in Auckland.

Rolling Stone AU/NZ is published by Sydney-based The Brag Media, whose portfolio of titles includes Tone Deaf, The Music Network, and Variety.

2023 Panhead Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards nominees:

BEST RECORD
Princess Chelsea – Everything Is Going To Be Alright
COTERIE – Coterie
Six60 – Castle St
The Beths – Expert In A Dying Field
TE KAAHU – Te Kaahu O Rangi
Marlon Williams – My Boy
Fazerdaze – Break!
Stan Walker – All In

BEST SINGLE
Daily J ft. Boo Seeka – ‘Lost In Time’
lilbubblegum – ‘af1’
Princess Chelsea – ‘Forever Is A Charm’
SXMPRA feat. Ski Mask the Slump God – ‘COWBELL WARRIORS!’
Tami Neilson – ‘Beyond The Stars’ ft Willie Nelson
L.A.B. – ‘Take It Away’
Kaylee Bell – ‘Boots N All’
Fazerdaze – ‘Break!’

BEST NEW ARTIST
Georgia Lines
Hanbee
COTERIE
TE KAAHU
Luca George
Teo Glacier
33 Below
NO CIGAR

ROLLING STONE GLOBAL AWARD
The Beths
UMO
Six60
Bic Runga
BENEE
Mitch James
MELODOWNZ
L.A.B.

18 Jul 2023

Meat Magician Jason Luv Is In A Swordfight With Adam22

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Jason Luv

Jason Luv is currently enjoying a level of notoriety that he was always on the cusp of but boosted by his controversial adult film scene with Lena The Plug, the wife of Adam22. In subsequent interviews, video calls, and social media chatter, Jason Luv hasn’t exactly been humble about handling Adam22’s lightwork in the bedroom and it looks like they’re a beef battle on the horizon.

Because this whole debacle is getting a little long in the tooth, we’ll be brief. Adam22 and his wife Lena The Plug are adult entertainers themselves, having engaged in wild onscreen romps with guests on Lena The Plug’s podcast, Plug Talk, among other zany adventures.

However, Jason Luv was the first man Lena has slept with in the past seven years since being married to Adam22, real name Adam Grandmaison. And for those who have witnessed the scene, Luv put in a level of pipework that had Lena blushing in her recaps in front of her husband.

It should be noted that it appears that Adam22 and Lena specifically selected Luv for the task due to his specific looks, talent, and fanbase. Lena, a marketing genius like her husband, teased the big scene, which was released last week. In the details that have emerged, Adam22 paid more than double Luv’s usual rate for performance.

Luv was recently a guest on The Fan Van and while he was candid in a three-way video call with Adam and Lena, Luv went all the way left in this particular chat. Without getting into the gory details, words like “stretched” and he “hit her with all his best moves” which included ending the moment where it began, if you can catch our drift.

This week, Adam22 issued a warning towards Luv, citing that he’s had enough of the disrespect and that he didn’t appreciate having his member being compared to Luv in a disparaging way. Yeah, it’s really a lot.

We’re erring on the side of caution and not posting The Fan Van interview with Jason directly in the body of the text but you can find a snippet of what you’re looking for here.

For what it’s worth, we’re beginning to think this is just one long and uncomfortable joke.

—

Photo: @iamjasonluv / Instagram

18 Jul 2023

Could Morgan Wallen’s ‘Last Night’ Break the Hot 100 Record for Most Weeks at No. 1?

Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” is currently spending its 14th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — but does it have a shot at the 19-week record currently held by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus?

On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, we’re talking about the seemingly unstoppable country crossover smash (which just tied the fifth-longest streak at No. 1 on the chart) and how much longer it could hold the top spot. Will it surpass Harry Styles’ 15 weeks up top with “As It Was”? How about Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day” or Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, with 16 weeks apiece?

It remains to be seen, but see what Katie & Keith have to say in our latest episode below:

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news about Taylor Swift mounting a takeover on the Billboard 200 albums chart, led her latest No. 1 album Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), which not only marks her 12th No. 1, but also pushes her past a legendary singer for the most No. 1s among women.

Plus, Eminem surprised his hometown fans by dropping in onstage at Ed Sheeran’s Detroit concert over the weekend and Troye Sivan released his new single “Rush” and a steamy new video to match, and we’re talking all about both headlines.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)