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TWICE Takes Over ‘TODAY’ With Bubbly Performances of ‘Alcohol Free,’ ‘Set Me Free’ & More

TWICE was “ready to be” on a television screen near you with their performances for TODAY‘s Summer Concert Series on Wednesday (July 5).

The K-Pop girl group graced the show’s concert stage with multiple performances of hits from across its catalog, including selections from recently released project, Ready to Be. Ahead of hitting the stage, TODAY Show co-host Craig Melvin hailed them as “the history-making queens of K-Pop.”

Each of the group’s members — Momo, Minatozaki Sana, Nayeon, Tzuyu, Jihyo, Chaeyoung, Jeongyeon, Mina and Dahyun — got an opportunity to introduce themselves to TODAY viewers before lighting up the stage with a series of electric performances “Alcohol-Free,” “Set Me Free” and more, complete with bubbles, a live band and outfits straight out of their music videos.

TWICE is the first all-woman K-Pop group to sell out a stadium in North America. The global phenoms are set to headline New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium as a part of their Ready to Be World Tour, which boasts nearly 40 dates across Asia, North America, Europe and Australia. The group’s TODAY performance included a rendition of Ready to Be lead single “Set Me Free,” which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100, their highest peak on the ranking. The girl group also performed “Moonlight Sunrise,” their second English-language single and second song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 (No. 84).

Ready to Be, the group’s twelfth EP, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with over 153,000 album-equivalent units. Of that figure, 145,500 units came from pure album sales, good enough for the group’s biggest consumption week in the U.S., as well as their highest-charting title in the U.S. to date.

TWICE has earned four consecutive top ten titles on the Billboard 200 dating back to 2021’s Taste of Love. “The Feels,” their first original English-language single, is their highest-charting Hot 100 hit (No. 83).

Check out some clips of TWICE’s TODAY performances below.

Shoes for Steals: Snag the ‘Most Comfy’ Crocs for Only $25

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.

Upgrade your summer shoe collection with a pair of comfortable sandals that have taken the world by storm: Crocs. Rather than shell out $50+ on a pair of designer platform boots, Walmart has slashed the price off the bestselling Crocs Unisex Baya Clog you can shop now.

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Celebrities have quickly jumped on the shoe trend with the most recent being Lil Nas X who partnered with the brand for a next level collaboration. He’s not the only one either — other artists including Justin Bieber and SZA have also created sold-out Crocs collaborations, which you can still snag from resale retailers).

Sport a pair of your own, but for a fraction of the price as places like Walmart, Amazon, Zappos and Nordstrom Rack are offering the shoe up to 55% off.

Keep reading to shop the Crocs Unisex Baya Clog.

light blue Crocs clog

Walmart

Crocs Unisex Baya Clog

$24.99 $54.99 55% off% OFF

This bestselling style features the classic Crocs clog look paired with a lightweight 100% thermoplastic EVA material that’s cushy, lightweight and breathable. It’s available in 17 shades to stock up and personalize to your liking, and can be wiped clean when they’re dirty.

This style has racked up a 4.7 rating on Walmart with almost 8,000 five-star reviews with shoppers praising how comfortable they are.

“My co-workers are wearing them, my neighbors are wearing them, I see school kids wearing them so I decided to find out for myself why everyone I know was wearing these CROCS. Well, let me just say I ordered a pair and I LOVE THEM! They are so comfortable I don’t want to take them off. As soon as I get home from work I change out my work shoes for my CROCS. I’ll definitely buy a few more because I can’t decide which is my favorite color,” said one Walmart reviewer.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best jelly shoes, men’s sneaker deals and platform heels.

With ‘Special,’ Lizzo Lands First Adult R&B Airplay No. 1

Lizzo lands her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart as “Special,” featuring SZA, crowns the list dated July 8. The single advances from the runner-up slot after a 9% surge in plays that made it the most-played song on U.S. monitored adult R&B radio stations in the week ending June 29, according to Luminate.

“Special” unseats Usher’s “GLU” from the summit after the latter’s two-week reign.

With “Special,” Lizzo scores her first champ after coming up just short on her last appearance. Prior single “About Damn Time,” achieved a No. 2 peak in August 2022. Before that, she reached the chart with “Juice” (No. 19) in 2019 and “Truth Hurts” (No. 29) the following year.

For featured artist SZA, “Special” is her second Adult R&B Airplay No. 1, after “Love Galore,” featuring Travis Scott, reigned for nine weeks in 2018. Between the leaders, she came closest to recapturing the throne with “I Hate U,” which peaked at No. 4 in 2022.

As “Special” tops the list, SZA also logs her newest chart hit as new single “Snooze” debuts at No. 29. The single is already a smash mainstream radio hit, leading the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for a second week and having added 19% more plays in the latest tracking week.

Elsewhere, “Special” rebounds 18-16 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay to match its peak, first earned two weeks ago. On the chart, which ranks songs by combined audience on adult R&B and mainstream R&B/hip-hop stations, “Special” rose to 7.1 million in audience in the last tracking week, a 9% improvement from the prior frame.

“Special” is the title track of Lizzo’s latest studio album, which was released in July 2022. In addition to the incumbent Adult R&B Airplay champ, the album includes “About Damn Time,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and won the Grammy Award for record of the year.

Cardi B & Offset Attend Paris Fashion Week Together Following Cheating Allegations

It looks like all is well with Cardi B and Offset, who kept things classy at a Paris Fashion Week show Wednesday morning (July 5).

The two rappers looked super stylish in matching luxury black looks at a Balenciaga runway showcase, at one point cozying up for photos together in a video captured on the scene by i-D. The day before, Cardi flew solo at the Thom Browne Haute Couture show, wearing a custom multi-color tweed blazer dress by the designer while sitting in the row with Diane Keaton, Anna Wintour and Baz Luhrmann.

“Custom couture @thombrowne ….I’m a very blessed girl,” the “WAP” musician captioned a carousel of Instagram photos from the Tuesday (July 4) show. “I’m thankful everyday that my work and my lord have me living my dreams.”

Cardi and Offset’s fashion week outing comes on the heels of their brief social media spat, which started when the Migos rapper wrote in a quickly-deleted Instagram Story that his wife had cheated on him with another man. Afterward, Cardi took to Twitter Spaces to shut down the accusation, pointing out how implausible a secret affair would be given her fame.

“So please boy, stop acting stupid,” she addressed Offset in the audio clip last week.
“Stop acting stupid. Going crazy over a f—ing space. Don’t play with me. What the f—. Stop playing. Thats all I’m gonna mother—ing say.”

The “Up” artist and her husband definitely aren’t the only stars in Paris this week. Shakira and Camila Cabello, for instance, were seated together Wednesday at the Viktor & Rolf show, and both Cabello and Latto were present the day prior at Iris Van Herpen’s showcase. Also at the Balenciaga show with Cardi and Offset were Rema, Michelle Yeoh, Natasha Lyonne and more.

See photos of Cardi B and Offset at the Paris Fashion Week Balenciaga show here.

Stephen A. Smith Opens Up About ESPN’s Mass Layoffs, Says “More Is Coming, I Could Be Next”

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Stephen A. Smith Says More Layoffs Are Coming At ESPN

Source: Justin Casterline / Getty / Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith had plenty to say about the mass layoffs at his employer ESPN last week on his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show.

Sports fans were following the massive layoffs that saw ESPN lay off about  20 on-air personalities on Twitter, like following Adrian Wojnarawski’s timeline during the beginning of NBA free agency.

On the latest episode of his show, the Disney-owned sports network’s workhorse, Stephen A. Smith spoke about long-time on-air talents like Jalen Rose, Neil Everett, and more being let go.

He gave a shoutout to Rose, who he worked alongside during NBA Countdown and numerous appearances on his weekly sports debate show, First Take, and former NBA head coach Jeff Van Gundy.

Per Deadline:

“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent … friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” the sports analyst said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from. They deserved better than the times we’re living in.”

“Got a lot of love for that brother,” he added. “A lot of the great work he’s done over the years, what he’s represented for the company… I’m going to miss him. Jalen Rose has always been good to me, and I loved working with him on NBA Countdown. He is a brilliant basketball mind. He is somebody that worked his ass off all the time. There was never an assignment he backed away from. There was never a time he didn’t want to work.”

Smith also name-dropped former NBA coach and ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy saying, “Jeff was an outstanding, brilliant basketball analyst for ESPN for years. I could say I’m gonna miss him, but I just can’t imagine he’s gonna be out of work for long. I’m sure I’ll see him on-air doing his thing. He’s been a Hall of Fame analyst and commentator.”

Stephen A. Smith Says ESPN Is Not Done & He Could Be Next

After talking about his former colleagues, Smith hinted at more possible layoffs coming, even suggesting that he could be next on the chopping block.

“If we’re going to be real about it, let’s deal with reality. This ain’t the end. More is coming,” Smith said. “And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I could be next.”

Interestingly, we do think it’s unlikely that ESPN would let go of one of its most popular personalities, joining his former First Take co-host Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Matt Hasselbeck, Chris Chelios, Steve Young, Rob Ninkovich, Neil Everett, Ashley Brewer, Joon Lee, LaPhonso Ellis, Todd McShay, and Jason Fitz.

You can watch the entire episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show below.



Photo: Justin Casterline / Getty

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21 Chart-Topping Summer Latin Songs of the Last Decade: ‘Bailando,’ ‘Despacito,’ & More

All the hits that reached No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs every summer season (June, July, & August) since 2013.

The summer season not only brings longer and hotter days, but also an incredible selection of music with perfect songs to accompany all the fun activities of the most relaxed time of the year.

There are many songs that gain momentum each summer, but only a few reach the top of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, becoming the most popular tunes of the season.

Undoubtedly, the last 10 years have brought many timeless No. 1 Latin hits worthy of being included in our “21 Biggest Summer Latin Songs” list. Songs with contagious tropical rhythms like “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony that made us dance in 2013, and songs with an urban flavor like “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias with Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona, which took over the summer of 2014.

And let’s not forget the global phenomenon that was “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, whose impact transcended beyond 2017 and continues to be heard around the world to this day. Nor can we fail to mention the recent success of Mexican music with Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola,” which is taking 2023 by storm (so far).

Get ready to embark on a nostalgic musical journey through the Latin songs that accompanied your best summer moments in the past 10 years. From The Black Eyed Peas & J Balvin’s “Ritmo” to Aventura & Bad Bunny’s “Volví,” and beyond, here are all the songs that were crowned as No. 1 hits on Hot Latin Songs every summer season (June – August) since 2013, in chronological order.

Beyonce Cancels Pittsburgh Renaissance Tour Date Due to Production, Scheduling Issues

Beyoncé‘s planned August 3 show at Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium has been canceled. The venue announced the news on Wednesday (July 5) in a tweet, which said that due to unspecified “production logistics and scheduling issues” the Renaissance World Tour date has been scratched from the schedule.

Refunds will be automatically issued at the point of purchase.

At press time Bey had not commented on the Pittsburgh pull and a spokesperson had not responded to Billboard‘s request for additional information on the cause of the cancellation; the show is no longer listed on the roster of dates on the singer’s official site, which now has her playing Boston on August 1 and then moving on to Washington, DC on August 5-6.

The Renaissance tour kicked off on May 10 in Stockholm, Sweden and found the singer performing in stadiums and arenas across Europe through the final show on June 27 at the PGE Narowdoy in Warsaw, Poland; according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, Bey grossed $154.4 million and sold 1 million tickets across 21 European shows.

The North American tour is scheduled to kick off on July 8 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto and keep Beyoncé on the road through a Sept. 27 gig at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The North American Renaissance dates will find Bey criss-crossing the U.S. and Canada at the same time as another powerhouse performer, Taylor Swift, fills stadiums on her Eras Tour, with Queen Bey playing a number of the same venues as her fellow Forbes’ America’s Richest Self-Made Women list honoree.

See the announcement below.

Janelle Monáe & Their Right Boob Made A Splash At 2023 Essence Fest

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2023 Essence Festival Of Culture

Janelle Monáe is back on stages across the nation as they continue to promote their latest studio album, The Age Of Pleasure, which came after a steamy video for the project’s lead single. Janelle Monáe is once again the topic of discussion after they flashed their right boob during the 2023 Essence Fest, which sparked some comments from other entertainers and observers.

Janelle Monáe, 37, rocked the Essence Fest stages over the weekend back by a troupe of dancers in what looked to be a spirited performance. For years, Monáe kept their physical frame largely from the public view but has shown flashes of themselves in revealing attire as well. According to some, Monáe’s embrace of nudity and expression seems like it came out of left field but fans of the entertainer know otherwise.

During Essence Fest, Monáe took a moment to lift up their bikini top and showed off their right breast with the nipple portion covered with a sparkling tassel. This adds to Monáe’s recent run of baring their breasts during concerts and leaning deeply into the concept of the new album. While most people are appreciative of Monáe’s expression, their recent actions have prompted some harsh criticism from some of their peers.

Singer India Aire took to social media to seemingly throw a subtle shot towards Monáe and Megan Thee Stallion and there are reports that Uncle Luke of 2 Live Crew fame also had something to say. As it stands, acts like Janelle Monáe, Megan Thee Stallion, and others who promote sexuality on their terms are ruffling feathers.

We’ve got related reactions to Janelle Monáe and the boob flash below. Because of the nature of the video, we won’t post it in the body of this text but it can be found here.

Photo: Paras Griffin / Getty

Watch BTS’ 10th Anniversary Fireworks Show

Though FESTA has come and gone, BTS fans have another chance at experiencing the group’s 10th anniversary fireworks show online. The Bangtan Boys uploaded the special celebration, which took place live from Seoul on June 17, to its YouTube page on Wednesday (July 6) for fans to enjoy.

The stunning pyrotechnics display occurred at the Han River Park after night fell, and kicked off with Map of the Soul: Persona track “Mikrokosmos” — a fitting selection, as the song’s message speaks of unity and a beacon of hope to those watching. “One light is ambition/ Some light is rebellion/ People’s lights/ All are precious/ This dark night (Don’t be lonely)/ Like stars (We shine)/ Don’t disappear/ ‘Cause you’re a big existence/ Let us shine,” RM and Suga rap on the song’s second verse.

Throughout the light show, special effects were employed to fit the theme of the song playing. For “Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey, the sky lit up with smiley faces and red hearts, and during the group’s No. 1 smash “Butter,” several yellow sequences were sent up above the river. The visual display concluded with BTS’ recently released track, “Take Two,” which featured several fireworks in the group’s signature color — purple.

According to Reuters, an estimated 400,000 people — some who traveled across the world — turned up for the event in Seoul. RM was in attendance at the FESTA celebrations, and gave a message to all the fans in attendance, as well as those tuning in. “Time goes by so fast. Everything has changed, and I’ve changed a lot,” he shared. “I’m not sure what I’m going to be doing with what feelings on the 15th and 20th anniversaries, but my love for you won’t change.”

Watch the fireworks display above.

Toby Keith Returns to the Stage for His First Performances After Revealing Cancer Diagnosis

Toby Keith returned to the stage over the weekend, performing two full-fledged concerts at Hollywood Corners in Norman, Okla. — with each clocking in at more than two hours in length.

The shows mark Keith’s first performances since announcing his stomach cancer diagnosis in June 2022, when he revealed that he had spent the past six months undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Some videos of his weekend shows have popped up online, including snippets of the country star performing his hits “Made in America,” “I Love This Bar” and “Dream Walking.” Keith performed with his Easy Money Band, as well as with longtime friend and collaborator Scotty Emerick.

The concerts came just before the July 4th holiday, appropriate timing given Keith’s longtime support of the United States military. He’s known for songs including “American Soldier” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” a song he wrote and recorded following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks carried out against the United States.

In 2022, Keith took a break from recording and performing in order to focus on battling cancer. In a June 2023 interview with The Oklahoman newspaper ahead of his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, he offered an update on his health and noted that he hoped to return to performing soon.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Keith said. “Basically, everything is in a real positive trend … you never know with cancer, so you have to prepare.”

He added, “I’ve got more wind. And I’m thinking about bringing the band in and setting up, playing two or three days somewhere just to see if I can get through two hours.” He noted that if that went well, he hoped to be on the road in the fall.

See one of the clips from Keith’s weekend shows below: