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15 May 2023

Ed Sheeran’s ‘Subtract’ Scores No. 1 Debut on Top Album Sales Chart

Ed Sheeran scores his fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart (dated May 20) as – (pronounced Subtract) debuts in the top slot. Further, it does so with his largest sales week since 2017 – thus bigger than any week posted by Sheeran’s last two albums (2021’s Equals and 2019’s No. 6 Collaborations Project).

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Subtract starts with 81,000 copies sold in the United States in the week ending May 11, according to Luminate. It’s the 10th-largest sales week of 2023 for any album, and the fifth-largest for a non-K-pop title.

Subtract’s sales were aided by its availability in both a standard 14-track and 18-track edition (digital download, CD and vinyl). The set was also available in nine vinyl variants (including exclusives for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, independent record stores, Target, Urban Outfitters and Walmart) and multiple CD iterations in collectible packages (including a signed CD, a version with a lenticular cover, a “textured sand” cover and a “Zine” CD package).

Also in the top 10 of the new Top Album Sales chart, LE SSERAFIM’s Unforgiven debuts at No. 2, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3: Awesome Mix Vol. 3 soundtrack bows at, appropriately, No. 3, and The Smashing Pumpkins’ ATUM: A Rock Opera in Three Acts enters at No. 8.

Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count information from SoundScan, now Luminate. Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album units and streaming equivalent album units. The new May 20, 2023-dated chart will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on May 16. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.

Of Subtract’s 81,000 sold, physical sales comprise 59,000 (45,000 on CD, 14,000 on vinyl – Sheeran’s largest sales week on vinyl – and a couple hundred on cassette) and digital download sales comprise 22,000. Subtract also enters at No. 1 on the Vinyl Albums chart, his third leader on that list, as well as No. 1 on Tastemaker Albums and Top Current Album Sales. Vinyl Albums tallies the top-selling vinyl albums of the week. Tastemaker Albums lists the week’s top-selling albums at independent record stores. Top Current Album Sales lists the week’s best-selling current (not catalog, or older albums) albums by traditional album sales.

Korean pop girl group LE SSERAFIM debuts at No. 2 on Top Album Sales with Unforgiven, selling 38,500 copies in the week ending May 11. It’s the second top 10, highest charting effort, and best sales week for the act. The album was released to digital retail on May 1 and sold less than 500 copies in the week ending May 4. Its debut on Top Album Sales was prompted by its CD release on May 5.

Like many K-pop releases, the CD edition of Unforgiven was issued in collectible CD packages (11 total, including exclusives for Target, Walmart and the Weverse webstore), each containing a standard set of bonus items and randomized photocards. Effectively all of Unforgiven’s album sales in the week ending May 11 were CDs, with a negligible sum generated by digital download album sales. The set was not available in any other retail format (such as vinyl or cassette).

The Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3: Awesome Mix Vol. 3 soundtrack bows at No. 3 on Top Album Sales, with 29,000 copies sold. Of that sum, vinyl sales comprise 11,000 (enabling its debut at No. 2 on the Vinyl Albums chart).

The multi-artist Guardians soundtrack (comprised entirely of previously released pop and rock songs) also debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtracks chart and Top Rock Albums tally. All three of the Guardians theatrical film soundtracks have reached No. 1 on both the Soundtracks chart and the Top Rock Albums chart.

Soundtracks and Top Rock Albums ranks the week’s most popular soundtracks and rock releases, respectively, by equivalent album units.

A quartet of former No. 1s is next on Top Album Sales, as SEVENTEEN’s SEVENTEEN: 10th Mini Album: FML falls 1-4 in its second week (27,000; down 80%), Agust D’s D-Day dips 2-5 (14,000; down 46%), Taylor Swift’s Midnights is a non-mover at No. 6 (12,000; up 7%) and Metallica’s 72 Seasons descends 5-7 (10,000; down 20%).

The Smashing Pumpkins’ ATUM: A Rock Opera in Three Acts debuts at No. 8 on Top Album Sales, selling 9,000 copies. Of that sum, vinyl sales comprise 4,000 – and the set bows at No. 8 on the Vinyl Albums chart. On Top Album Sales, ATUM marks the eighth top 10-charting effort for the rock act, and first since 2012’s Oceania debuted and peaked at No. 4.

Rounding out the top 10 of the new Top Album Sales chart is Swift’s chart-topping Lover (13-9 with 7,000; up 17%) and Lana Del Rey’s Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (12-10 with nearly 7,000; up 2%).

In the week ending May 11, there were 2.021 million albums sold in the U.S. (up 10.6% compared to the previous week). Of that sum, physical albums (CDs, vinyl LPs, cassettes, etc.) comprised 1.661 million (up 12%) and digital albums comprised 360,000 (up 4.5%).

There were 737,000 CD albums sold in the week ending May 11 (up 3.5% week-over-week) and 914,000 vinyl albums sold (up 19.8%). Year-to-date CD album sales stand at 12.673 million (up 5.7% compared to the same time frame a year ago) and year-to-date vinyl album sales total 17.972 million (up 27.9%).

Overall year-to-date album sales total 37.554 million (up 10.7% compared to the same year-to-date time frame a year ago). Year-to-date physical album sales stand at 30.842 million (up 17.6%) and digital album sales total 6.713 million (down 12.7%).

15 May 2023

Gordon Lightfoot’s Final Album Set for Release in July

The final album from Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who died May 1 at age 84, will be released on July 14.

At Royal Albert Hall is a double album that was recorded live in concert at the legendary London venue on May 24, 2016. It’s Lightfoot’s fourth live album, following a 1962 release, Two Tones at the Village Corner; Sunday Concert (which reached No. 143 on the Billboard 200 in 1969); and All Live, a 2012 release.

At Royal Albert Hall is described in a press statement as “an unembellished live mix of that night’s performance, without edits, overdubs, remixing, or re-sequencing. It captures every song performed in the order they were played, down to the encore by Gordon and his band – Rick Haynes on bass, Barry Keane on drums, Mike Heffernan on keys, and Carter Lancaster on guitar.”

It is being released via Linus Entertainment, the Canadian independent label that released Harmony, Lightfoot’s last studio album with his band, in 2004. (A subsequent studio album, Solo, did not feature his band.)

The upcoming, 26-track album features six of Lightfoot’s 11 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including all four of his top 10 hits: “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” “Carefree Highway” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” It also has his Hot 100 hits “Rainy Day People” and the exquisite “Beautiful” and includes “Early Morning Rain,” a Hot 100 hit that Lightfoot wrote in 1965 for Peter, Paul & Mary.

The collection also features songs that have never previously appeared on a live album, including “The Watchman’s Gone,” “Sea of Tranquility,” “Now and Then,” “All the Lovely Ladies,” “Drifters,” “Beautiful,” “Did She Mention My Name,” “Sweet Guinevere,” “Never Too Close,” “Don Quixote,” “Minstrel of the Dawn,” “I’d Rather Press On” and “Waiting for You.”

In the weeks prior to his death, Lightfoot reportedly insisted that this live album be released as soon as possible. He approved the cover artwork and made it clear that no changes were to be made to the recording.

Lightfoot’s songs have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand and hundreds of other artists.

Lightfoot was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012. He won 13 Juno Awards in his native Canada, capped by his induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986. He won four Juno Awards for male vocalist of the year (1971-73 and 1975) and two for composer of the year (1973 and 1977). Lightfoot was nominated for four Grammys (but never won) — best folk performance for Did She Mention My Name (1968), best pop vocal performance, male for “If You Could Read My Mind” (1971) and song of the year and best pop vocal performance, male for “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” (1976).

The esteem with which Lightfoot was held was reflected in tweets and other messages that were released following his death. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote: “We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters,” he states. Lightfoot “captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever. To his family, friends, and many fans across the country and around the world: I’m keeping you in my thoughts at this difficult time.”

Neil Young, Billy Joel, Bryan Adams, Brian Wilson, Belinda Carlisle and more also weighed in with thoughtful messages.

“Gordon was a great Canadian artist,” wrote Young, a fellow Canadian. “A songwriter without parallel, His melodies and words were an inspiration to all writers who listened to his music, as they will continue to be through the ages. There is a unique and wonderful feeling to Gordon’s music. Lightfoot is a Canadian legend.”

Joel wrote: “Sad morning over here. Rest easy Gordon Lightfoot. So sad to hear of the death of Gordon Lightfoot. He was a lifelong musical hero of mine…”

“This one is really hard to write,” read a statement from Adams, another Canadian musician. “Once in a blue moon you get to work and hang out with one of the people you admired when you were growing up. I was lucky enough to say Gordon was my friend and I’m gutted to know he’s gone. The world is a lesser place without him. I know I speak for all Canadians when I say: thank you for the songs Gordon Lightfoot. Bless your sweet songwriting heart, RIP dear friend.”

Here’s the complete track listing for At Royal Albert Hall:

Disc One

“The Watchman’s Gone”
“Sea of Tranquility”
“Now and Then”
“All the Lovely Ladies”
“Drifters”
“A Painter Passing Through”
“Christian Island”
“Rainy Day People”
“Shadows”
“Beautiful”
“Carefree Highway”
“Did She Mention My Name”
“Ribbon of Darkness”
“Sundown”

Disc Two

“Sweet Guinevere”
“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”
“Never Too Close”
“Don Quixote”
“Minstrel of the Dawn”
“I’d Rather Press On”
“Let It Ride”
“If You Could Read My Mind”
“Restless”
“Baby Step Back”
“Early Morning Rain”
“Waiting for You”

15 May 2023

TikTok’s Hottest Beauty Trends: 10 Affordable Alternatives You Should Know About

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.

TikTok is beloved for its ability to introduce us to new and awe-worthy products in under a minute — especially when it comes to new beauty releases or makeup tools for beginners. Whether it’s eco-friendly refillable lipsticks, lengthening mascaras, blow dryers that won’t damage your hair or hydrating lip balms, you can practically rebuild your entire skincare, haircare and makeup routine in just one scroll.

Unfortunately, once these TikTok beauty products go viral, it’s common for them to fly off the shelves — or the product comes with jaw-dropping results paired with a hefty price tag that you might not be able to afford. Thankfully, there are TikTok beauty alternatives that can step in and provide results that are just as hydrating, blurring and plumping as higher-priced products, without blowing your budget.

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From Rihanna to Lady Gaga: 6 Artists Who Launched Their Own Beauty Brands

If you’re over waiting for those viral beauty finds to be restocked, we’ve found TikTok beauty alternatives to replace those popular, always sold-out products. Below, see our list of 10 affordable beauty dupes that you can shop online from retailers like Amazon, Sephora and Ulta Beauty.

For additional shopping recommendations, check out our roundups of celeb-loved beauty products, music artist-created beauty brands and where to buy Dyson’s Airstrait.

Amazon

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer

$9.99

Made with a gel-like consistency that’s clear and aims to grip makeup for all-day wear, e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer is a worthy opponent to the beloved Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer that’s triple the cost. Plus, this formula is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores!

Ulta Beauty

NYX HD Photogenic Concealer

$6

Concealer is a classic staple item offering coverage over black circles, acne and more. The NYX HD Photogenic Concealer provides a vegan and cruelty-free formula in a range of shades that glides over the skin while offering an under-$10 option that can easily replace the viral NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.

Revolution Beauty

Makeup Revolution Fast Base Contour Stick

$8

With three shades to choose from, you can contour your face and highlight at the same time. The Makeup Revolution Fast Base Contour Stick delivers creamy and snatch-worthy results that are easy to blend in and will have you ditching the TikTok-loved Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick.

Ulta Beauty

Social media has been obsessed with Drunk Elephant’s Bronzing Drops since the moment they were released, making them almost impossible to snag. Thankfully, Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drop’Lit All-Over Glow Enhancer is the perfect alternative for providing a sheer yet natural looking glow that’s also lightweight, hydrating and reduces the look of pores. Rihanna wouldn’t steer you wrong!

Makeup Revolution Blush Bomb Creamer Blush

$9

Liquid blush is having a moment, especially once Rare Beauty’s Liquid Pinch Blush entered the scene, thanks to Selena Gomez‘s in-demand brand. If you’re not looking to dish out $23 every time you need a restock though, Makeup Revolution’s Blush Bomb is just as pigmented and features a wallet-friendly pricetag that’s lightweight and buildable.

elf

e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter

$14

Whether you’re looking to achieve the trendy glazed-doughnut look or glass-like skin, a highlighter is essential for giving off a luminescent glow. While most TikTokers would reach for the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter to illuminate their skin, e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter gives equal results (and for a fraction of the cost). Use it alone as a highlighter or mix it into your foundation for a natural, glowy appearance.

Morphe

Morphe 2 Glassified Lip Oil

$9

Lip balms are a timeless beauty product you can take with you on the go for quick, hydrating applications. Social media has been in a frenzy over the Summer Friday Lip Butter Balm, but the Morphe Glassified Lip Oil is an alternative that should not be overlooked. The formula boasts ingredients like moringa, jojoba and coconut oil, which will moisturize your pout while providing a glossy appearance to complete looks ranging from minimalist to glam.

Sephora

Inkey List Omega Water Cream

$10.99

Clear hydrated skin starts with a quality moisturizer, which TikTok has deemed to be Laniege Water Cream. Rather than burn a hole in your wallet to obtain smooth skin, Inkey List’s Omega Water Cream comes at a sweet $11 and uses a water-based gel that’s non-oily and works to balance your skin tone and oil levels.

Walmart

e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift Gel

$6

Create fluffy brows or craft the coveted soap-brow look with e.l.f.’s Brow Lift putty that’ll provide all-day hold using a clear, mess-free formula. Just use a spoolie and apply the gel to your brows and watch as the hairs stay right where you style them. After one brush and fluff, you’ll say goodbye to the TikTok-obsessed Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze.

Amazon

L’Oreal Paris Cosmetics COLOUR RICHE LES NUS NU INTENSE

$6.97 $9.99 30% OFF

The Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk Lipstick has developed a cult following for its rich, matte color and buildable formula that’ll add a pop of color to your look. Rather than drop $35 per tube, L’Oreal Paris has an alternative that’s just as vibrant, hydrating and smoochable. Plus, it offers just as wide of a range of shades to stock up on.

15 May 2023

Seun Kuti Arrested in Nigeria Over Alleged Police Assault

Nigerian Afrobeats star Seun Kuti was arrested Monday (May 15) after being accused of assaulting a police officer in the commercial hub of Lagos.

Kuti was detained at the Lagos State police headquarters after turning himself in, according to police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, who tweeted photos of the celebrity in handcuffs.

The son of Nigerian musical icon and political agitator Fela Kuti, who himself was serially detained by Nigerian military regimes, Seun Kuti was “captured on video assaulting a police officer in uniform,” the police said.

Videos posted online appeared to show an agitated Kuti pushing a police officer as the officer stood beside a police vehicle along a major road in Lagos on Saturday.

It was unclear what led to the confrontation, though Kuti tweeted that the officer in question “tried to kill me and my family.” He suggested the officer tried to ram their car.

Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba ordered an investigation into the incident. The inspector general “assures Nigerians that acts of contempt/disdain for symbols of authority will not be tolerated while offenders of such hideous crimes will be surely brought to book,” the police said.

“I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation!” Kuti responded on Twitter. See his messages below:

15 May 2023

Taylor Swift Defends Fan, Halsey Joins SUGA at the Forum, Kelly Responds to Toxic Show Allegations & More | Billboard News

Kelly Clarkson shared a statement through social media following a Rolling Stone report that claims the daytime program’s producers “overworked” and “underpaid” crew members. Morgan Wallen nabs 10th week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and becomes the only act with at least two country albums to have spent 10 or more weeks at No. 1 and more!

Tetris Kelly
I’m Tetris Kelly for Billboard News, and it’s Monday, May 15.

Tetris Kelly 0:23
While we’ve got some amazing tours making their way around the world, they don’t come easy. Taylor and her security have ‘Bad Blood,’ Beyoncé draws a big crowd and Suga gets a surprise guest — it’s been an interesting few days on the road and we’re breaking down all your tour updates. Taylor Swift had “bad blood” with her security after they apparently were being too aggressive with fans and she had to address the guard live on mic.

Tetris Kelly 1 1:02
The guard was apparently escorted out and fans were given tickets to come back to the next show. Meanwhile, Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour is in full swing, and she’s breaking records. She reportedly records the largest audience this century for female artists at Belgium’s King Baudouin stadium with a reported attendance of 53,000 fans.

Tetris Kelly 1:27
Here in the States, SUGA is on tour with his persona Agust D, and Halsey showed her BTS brother some love by joining him for SUGA’s interlude.

Tetris Kelly 1:43
Now onto Kelly Clarkson. She’s got the top show in daytime, but it sounds like her employees aren’t having as much fun as the viewers are. Kelly Clarkson took to social media over the weekend to address allegations of a toxic work environment.

Tetris Kelly 2:05
Kelly Clarkson shared a statement over social media following a report that claims the daytime talk shows producers overworked and underpaid crew members. The report also claims employees alleged that working on the show was traumatizing to their mental health and noted that Kelly herself is fantastic and has no clue how unhappy her staff is. Kelly’s statement reads: “In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I’ve always led with my heart and what I believed to be right. I love my team at The Kelly Clarkson Show, and to find out that anyone is feeling unheard and or disrespected on this show is unacceptable. I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at The Kelly Clarkson Show. As we prepare for a move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that not only our team that is moving, but also our new team in NY, is comprised of the best and kindest in the business.”

This fall, production of The Kelly Clarkson Show will move from LA to New York City, where the show will enter its fifth season.

Tetris Kelly 3:09
We’re in the homestretch of this year’s NBA season. And you know musicians love to sit courtside. So who are your favorite artists rooting for?

Raina Aniftos 3:16
I’m outside the Crypto.com Arena, where the Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of the NBA Playoffs. You can always find a celebrity or two sitting front row at NBA games, from K-pop idols to the biggest pop stars and all your favorite rappers, but which artists go the hardest for their NBA team? Let’s start with one of the biggest Lakers fans around, a rapper who you can always find courtside at Crypto.com Arena, LA born and bred Snoop Dogg. He even has a Funko Pop with him in a Lakers jersey.

Raina Aniftos 3:46
Drake is also a huge NBA fan and he’s even referenced some players in his lyrics. You can always find him on the sidelines cheering on his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors. In 2013, Drake was even named a global ambassador of the team.

Raina Aniftos 4:06
Music’s favorite couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been seen sitting on the sidelines of many NBA games together, but they’re actually super fans of separate NBA teams. Beyoncé has shown support for her hometown team the Houston Rockets, while Jay Z is a proud born and bred New Yorker. Jay even bought the New Jersey Nets and moved the team to Brooklyn.

Raina Aniftos 4:38
Another Texas native who is no stranger to the NBA sidelines is Selena Gomez. Selena is a fan of the San Antonio Spurs, and images of her sitting front row have even turned into popular GIFs for Spurs fans.

Raina Aniftos 4:52
Now heading down to South Beach where DJ Khaled is a massive fan of the Miami Heat, even claiming he wanted to buy the team back in 2016. As the playoffs continue, may the best team win!

Tetris Kelly 5:04
It’s time to run down the charts, and this week we’ve got some new entries on the Hot 100 and Billboard 200. Morgan Wallen joins the ranks of Whitney Houston and Adele, while Ed Sheeran returns to the charts. Morgan Wallen stays on top of the Hot 100 and Billboard 200. His album ‘One thing At A Time’ spends its 10th consecutive week at No. 1 and is the second album to do so, matching a feat only achieved by Adele, Whitney Houston, The Monkees and the Kingston Trio. Ed Sheeran comes in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 ‘Subtract’ is his sixth top 10 album. Also in the top 10, K-pop group LE SSERAFIM’s ‘Unforgiven’ debuts at No. 6. It’s the group’s second charting project and their first top 10. Speaking of top 10s, shout out to Toosii for climbing up to No. 8 with ‘Favorite Song.’ It’s the rapper’s first Hot 100 Top 10 hit.

Tetris Kelly 6:46
That’s it for today. Come back manaña for our interview with Myke Towers, and we run down the top trending songs of the week. I’m Tetris Kelly and this is Billboard News.

15 May 2023

Lil Durk ft. J. Cole “All My Life,” Jim Jones ft. Sen City & Dub Aura “Gang” & More | Daily Visuals 5.15.23

HipHopWired Featured Video

2023 Dreamville Music Festival

Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty

Over the weekend, the internet was buzzing with word that Lil Durk and J. Cole just gave us the song for the summer. And luckily for us, the cut came with a video that captured the vibe that we need going into the hot months of 2023.

In their visual to “All My Life,” Lil Durk and J. Cole kick it on the porch on a sunny day with a gang of kids who sing the hook as Cole and Durk break down the obstacles they overcame to get this far in life and have no plans of stopping anytime soon. It was a pretty dope feel good video.

Back in NYC, Jim Jones doesn’t seem like he’s done with the life just yet and for his clip to the Sen City and Dub Aura assisted “Gang,” the trio pull a jux and run up in a cap store to make off with whatever they got stashed in the back room.

Check out the rest of today’s drops and some joints you might’ve missed over the weekend including work from NBA YoungBoy, Bailey Zimmerman and Dermont Kennedy, Albee Al and more.

LIL DURK FT. J. COLE – “ALL MY LIFE”



JIM JONES FT. SEN CITY & DUB AURA – “GANG”



NBA YOUNGBOY, BAILEY ZIMMERMAN & DERMONT KENNEDY – “WON’T BACK DOWN”



ALBEE AL – “WHAT YOU KNOW”



JAY WORTHY & ROC MARCIANO – “WAKE UP”



VICTORIA MONET FT. BUJU BANTON – “PARTY GIRLS”



38 SPESH – “DARK & GRIM”



BREEZYLYN FT. LOLA BROOKE & KALI – “BAD B*TCHES”



15 May 2023

Kevin Jonas Had to Chose Between Demi Lovato & Miley Cyrus’ Music: Here’s What He Said

Kevin Jonas had a tough decision to make on Watch What Happens Live on Sunday night (May 14) during a round of host Andy Cohen’s popular “Plead the Fifth” game with the Jonas Brothers.

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“Which former Disney star has the better music catalogue? Miley Cyrus or Demi Lovato,” Cohen asked, to which Kevin gave a diplomatic response. “We wrote the first album for Demi, so I would say us because, then, we’re included,” he said, with Nick giving his older brother a round of applause for the response. For those who didn’t know, Jonas brothers wrote and produced most of Lovato’s 2008 album, Don’t Forget, which featured hits like “La La Land” and “Get Back,” and even had a Jonas Brothers collaboration called “On the Line.”

The JoBros also have a personal connection to both Disney darlings, as Nick famously dated Cyrus and Joe dated Demi.

Meanwhile, Lovato has been outspoken about some of their difficult experiences growing up in the Disney Channel bubble, which they called “Disney High.” Earlier this year, it was revealed that Lovato began directing their very first feature film, which will stream on Hulu sometime in 2024. Along with Nicola Marsh, the pop star will co-direct Child Star, a Hulu Original documentary film that promises to “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars,” according to a release.

Watch the Jonas Brothers play “Plead the Fifth” on Watch What Happens Live below.

15 May 2023

NYPD Cops Charged With Stealing $2,900 Worth of Jay-Z Brand Champagne From Electric Zoo VIP Tent

Three NYPD detectives are facing criminal charges over allegations that they stole nearly $3,000 worth of Jay-Z’s Ace of Spades brand champagne from the VIP area during last year’s Electric Zoo festival.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Monday (May 15) that Jonathan Gonzalez, 33, and Wojciech Czech, 44, would each face a charge of grand larceny in the fourth degree and a charge of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree — both felonies — over the September 2022 incident at the yearly electronic music festival.

Gonzalez and another detective, Warren Golden, 31, were also charged with official misconduct, Bragg’s office said.

“In addition to the alleged theft that occurred, none of the Officers working at the event stepped up and stopped this activity,” Bragg said in a statement announcing the charges. “Public confidence in the criminal justice system depends on members of law enforcement acting with the utmost integrity while on duty and following the same rules that apply to everyone else.”

In a statement, the NYPD told Billboard: “As a result of the continuing joint investigation with the Internal Affairs Bureau and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, two NYPD officers were arrested and subsequently suspended from duty today. The NYPD will continue to pursue the facts in this investigation and initiate further discipline where appropriate.” It’s unclear which two detectives have been arrested.

Gonzalez, Czech and Golden could not immediately be located for comment, nor could representatives for the officers.

According to prosecutors, all three detectives were working narcotics at the festival when they noticed that several VIP attendees had ordered bottles of Armand de Brignac — a pricey brand of champagne co-owned by Jay-Z that’s better known as “Ace of Spades” because of a giant spade on the bottle.

When the concertgoers stepped away, prosecutors say Gonzalez took two unopened bottles — valued at a whopping $2,900 total — and grabbed a backpack. Czech then allegedly handed him the bottles to place into the bag, while Golden allegedly stood by and did nothing.

Prosecutors say that when the trio left the VIP tent and forced their way into a staff-only area, they were pursued and confronted by two attendees who saw the theft and reported it to a security guard.

“Following a brief interaction between the attendees, the defendants, and the security officer, the two bottles were taken from defendant Gonzalez’s bag and returned to the attendees,” the official charging document reads. “The three defendants then left the area and returned to their command. The security officer notified his supervisors, who in turn notified the NYPD.”

It’s unclear exactly what kind of sentences the three could be facing if they’re convicted. Fourth-degree grand larceny and possession of stolen property charges can result in as much as four years in prison under New York law. But criminal sentences can widely vary based on many factors, including potential cooperation by defendants, and could potentially only include probation and fines.

15 May 2023

Hayley Kiyoko Says Her Role on ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Was ‘Naturally Very Gay’

Hayley Kiyoko stopped by Wizards of Waverly Pod on Monday (May 15) to reminisce about her time on the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place, her co-star Selena Gomez and more.

Speaking to co-hosts and fellow former Disney Channel actors Jennifer Stone and David DeLuise, the pop singer dubbed Lesbian Jesus recalled how the magical sitcom granted her one of her first jobs in Hollywood.

“Those who saw me as Stevie, I had my very specific haircut, so I had this very short pixie cut,” the pop star said. “And I remember that haircut was almost like a pigeonhole where I’d go on auditions and people would be like, ‘We just can’t see outside of this look.’ And I was just like, ‘Gosh, I’m just never gonna book anything being myself, looking like myself.’ And Wizards of Waverly Place was one of the first opportunities I had to be booked for what I looked like.”

Kiyoko was in the closet at the time, and she insists she never meant to inject Stevie’s relationship with Gomez’s Alex Russo with any type of romantic undertone — even though fans of the series later dubbed the pairing as “Stalex.”

“I was just, like, naturally very gay,” the singer joked. “I had no notion or thoughts that there was some kind of, like, undertone or underlying storyline that was going on. When I rewatch the episodes, I see that. The lesbian energy was really thriving at that moment.”

Nowadays, Kiyoko is out and proud and in a relationship with former Bachelor star Becca Tilley, who even joined her on the road recently for part of the singer’s ongoing Panorama Tour.

Watch Kiyoko’s full sit-down on Wizards of Waverly Pod below.

15 May 2023

Taylor Swift’s Floral Date-Night Dress Is Sold Out — But Swifties Can Shop the Look for $39

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Taylor Swift hit the town in a $200 dress that’s perfect for spring and summer. For Swifties who can’t get enough of the “Anti-hero” singer’s style, we searched the web to find a few alternatives to the dress that she wore last week during an outing at New York City’s Casa Cipriani with rumored new beau Matt Healey.

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The Deon Sofia Dress ($198) worn by Swift is available in yellow, blue and pink and sizes XXS-XXL. Made from a blend of cotton and viscose, the stylish dress features a fitted bodice with decorative tie, short puffed sleeves and a shovel-shape neckline.

It’s no secret that Swift loves a long, flowing comfortable dress. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has worn several boho-style maxi dresses during her Eras Tour.

Doen

Doen Sofia Dress

$198 (click to join waitlist)

Unfortunately, the Sofia dress sold out in all three colors — but you can click the buy button above to join the waitlist to be notified when the dress is back in stock. In the meantime, check below for affordable alternatives to shop.

Taylor Swift’s Yellow Floral Dress — How to Shop the Look

This floral dress from Amazon is a perfect dupe of Swift’s outfit — and it’s more than half the price. The dress is available in sizes S-XL and eight colors, including yellow, black floral, green and red.

Amazon

Floerns Women’s Ditsy Floral Sweetheart Puff Sleeve A Line Midi Dress Yellow M

$38.99

For more floral options, this adorable Flutter Sleeve Plissé Midi Dress retails for just $79 at Nordstrom. The cute dress has layered ruffled sleeves, plissé pleats and smocked waist. Another great option, this smocked dress from Lulu’s ($96) serves up a similar design to Swift’s dress at a fraction of the price.

When it comes to fashion, Swift is great at blending high and low pieces like the Rebecca Minkoff Mara Saddle Bag that she wore during another NYC outing.

The bag is no longer available at Rebecca Minkoff, but you can find it on resale sites such as eBay, Poshmark and sites that you might not expect, like Costco.com, or shop alternatives like the bag pictured below (it’ll look cute with your new floral dress too).

Amazon

KKXIU Casual Flap Saddle Crossbody Bags for Women Purses and Handbags with Tassel (Z-Black)

$26.99 $39.99 33% OFF

This faux-leather saddle bag can be worn as an everyday bag or for special occasions. The purse is available in a ton of colors, including black, brown, grey, pink and yellow.