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11 May 2023

Adam Levine Will Return to ‘The Voice’ With Maroon 5 Performance of New Single ‘Middle Ground’

Adam Levine is making his returns to music and to The Voice, all within the span of a few days. On Thursday (May 11), the members of Maroon 5 announced that their new single “Middle Ground” — the band’s first release since 2021 — is set to arrive later this month, which they’ll celebrate with a special live performance on the hit singing competition series that used to call Levine “coach.”

Arriving May 19, “Middle Ground” is billed as something of a return to form, calling back to Maroon 5’s sound on 2002 breakthrough album Songs About Jane. “I need more than myself, I need light, I need life, I need what I never felt,” Levine sings on the track, over soft acoustic guitar and tambourine. “If It hit the ground, I’ll fall down to my knees, would you hear the sound?”

Four days after the song’s release, the band will take The Voice stage on May 23 during the show’s season finale episode for the first scheduled live performance of “Middle Ground.” Fans of the program definitely haven’t forgotten Levine’s days as one of four coaches, a role he served from the very first season of The Voice in 2011 up through 2019.

It’s sure to be a sentimental reunion given that Blake Shelton, the only remaining original coach from season one, will retire from the panel after this season concludes. The country star and Levine were famously good friends onscreen as well as hilarious frenemies while competing against one another.

Also on May 23, Maroon 5 will release a music video for “Middle Ground.” For a sneak peek at the new track, check out the band’s Instagram video showcasing Levine singing part of the song with guitarist James Valentine below.

11 May 2023

Christopher Lennertz Becomes BMI Icon at 2023 Film, TV & Visual Media Awards

Christopher Lennertz was named a BMI Icon at BMI’s 39th Annual Film, TV & Visual Media Awards, which were presented at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Wednesday (May 10). Making the night even sweeter: Lennertz also won a regular award for his work on the streaming series, The Boys.

The private ceremony was hosted by BMI president/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI vice president, creative, film, TV & visual media, Tracy McKnight.

In presenting Lennertz with the award, O’Neill noted that the composer was “legendary for his diverse and distinctive impact across the worlds of film, television and gaming.”

Previous BMI Icon recipients include Terence Blanchard, Alexandre Desplat, James Newton Howard, Rachel Portman (PRS), Alan Silvestri, Brian Tyler and John Williams. (Blanchard, Newton Howard, Tyler and Williams all won 2023 awards, underscoring their longevity.)

Atli Örvarsson received the most awards of the evening – a whopping six – for his work on two hugely successful TV franchises. He won for Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, FBI, FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted.

Kevin Kiner won four awards on the night for Samaritan, Peacemaker, Titans and Dark Winds.

Ludwig Göransson won three awards for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Turning Red and The Book of Baba Fett.

Double winners were Pierre Charles, Mychael Danna, Ramin Djawadi, Harry Gregson-Williams, Sean Kiner, Clint Mansell, Tony Morales, Mike Post, Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian.

Awards are presented in six categories – theatrical films, streaming films, streaming documentaries, streaming series, network TV and cable TV.

For a complete list of winners, go here.

11 May 2023

Diane Keaton Can’t Live Down Her Viral Dance to Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’: ‘I Am Not a Dancer’

Diane Keaton relived her viral dance to Miley Cyrus‘ “Flowers” on the Thursday (May 11) episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The iconic actress — who was on set with her Book Club: The Next Chapter costars Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen and Candice Bergen — immediately became self-deprecating when host Kelly Clarkson wanted to talk about her free-spirited backyard moves. “I am not a dancer,” she insisted. “Because’ I’m an idiot, yeah. I was just in my stupid …”

“Are you serious? No, I am not kidding … It’s incredible!” a baffled Clarkson responded before playing the video for the studio audience.

After Keaton rolled her eyes and motioned both “thumbs down” and “cuckoo” with her hands, Clarkson once again tried getting her to see how joyful the video was. “It looks like you feel good when you do it!” the host said, leading Keaton to reply, “Well, I had a fun time, but I’m a moron. I am. Cheers!”

Clarkson then informs the Oscar winner that she’s become a runway hit on TikTok, but Keaton makes clear from beneath her bowler hat that every word of the sentence is a mystery to her, responding, “I have? I had no idea. And what is TikTok? I don’t even know what that is.”

While Keaton’s Book Club sequel hits theaters Friday (May 12), Cyrus’ empowering lead single off Endless Summer Vacation just broke Spotify’s record as the fastest song in the platform’s history to reach a billion streams. It has also spent eight nonconsecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.

Watch Keaton react to her groovy “Flowers” moves above.

11 May 2023

Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Usher & More ‘Voice’ Coaches to Return for Blake Shelton’s Last Episode: Exclusive

The Voice is crowning its season 23 winner next week, and the two-night finale on Monday and Tuesday not only marks the end of a season, but also the end of an era: Blake Shelton will be departing the show after 12 years and 23 seasons as coach.

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To celebrate Shelton’s impact on The Voice, Dolly Parton, as well as previous Voice coaches Miley Cyrus, Usher, Pharrell, John Legend, Nick Jonas, Camila Cabello and Jennifer Hudson will all make special appearances during the finale, Billboard can exclusively reveal.

Additionally, original coach CeeLo Green, Lewis Capaldi and Diplo with Lily Rose will take the stage to perform as well. Of course, the bromance between Shelton and OG Voice coach Adam Levine is still alive and well, so it makes sense that Maroon 5 will also perform their new single “Middle Ground” during the finale as well.

On Monday night, the five remaining contestants will perform a ballad and an uptempo song in front of current coaches Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan, Chance the Rapper and Shelton to give America one last chance to crown them this season’s winner.

Shelton announced his departure from The Voice back in October. “This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me,” he wrote in a statement posted to social media. “It’s been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns and I want to thank everyone at The Voice from NBC, every producer, the writers, musicians, crew and catering people, you are the best. It takes a lot of work, passion, and adult beverages (Ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week.”

The singer concluded his statement by thanking the contestants and the fans. “It would not happen without you,” he wrote.

11 May 2023

Publishing Briefs: UMPG Signs Yahritza and Sony Picks 1da Banton

Universal Music Publishing Group has signed Yahritza to a global publishing deal. As part of Yahritza Y Su Esencia, a sibling trio which has helped ushed Regional Mexican into the mainstream, she is one of Mexico’s most sought after stars.

Blackx, a new Asia-focused music fund, has acquired a catalog 230 songs from Frances Wang, a notable Taiwanese songwriter. Songs included in the deal span 30 years of work, including hits performed by Faye Wong, A-Mei, Jeff Zhang Xin Zhe, Oaeen, Eason Chan, Wan Fang and Tiger Huang Xiao Hu. This is one of Blackx’s first purchases in Asia. The fund launched in September 2022 with an initial $100 million in financing.

UMPG Germany has signed Berlin-based artist and songwriter Chris James to a worldwide publishing deal. As co-writer on “Komet” (Apache 207 and Udo Lindenberg), his work holds the honor of being the longest running #1 German-language song in 16 years, according to a press release. Most recently, he was listed as a co-writer on Jimin’s recent K-pop smash “Like Crazy” which debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100.

Universal Music Publishing UK has signed LF System, a chart-topping producer duo, to a global publishing deal. Comprised of Conor Larkman and Sean Finnigan, the duo is a top name in international dance music. Their song “Afraid to Feel” recently topped the UK Singles Chart for eight consecutive weeks.

Sony Music Publishing has signed 1da Banton, a Nigerian songwriter, artist and guitarist, to a global publishing agreement. He recently gained international acclaim with his song “Miss You” with Tungevaag, and his next EP is set to release next month, featuring 255, Rugged and Pimp.

Warner Chappell Music has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spanish singer-songwriter Ana Mena. With nearly six million monthly listeners on Spotify, Mena’s “Música Ligera” won song of the year at Los40 Music Awards 2022. Most recently, she released her second studio LP Bellodrama, which follows her 2018 debut album Index.

Warner Chappell Music has signed Nia Archives to a worldwide publishing agreement. A DJ, producer and singer-songwriter, she won Best Electric/Dance Act at the MOBOs, Best Producer at the NME Awards, named Introducing Artist of the Year by BBC, and was shortlisted for the Rising Star Award at the BRITs 2023.

Universal Music Publishing Classics and Screen has signed Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts and rising Puerto Rican composer Angélica Negrón to exclusive worldwide publishing deals. As part of the agreements, Universal’s Classics & Screen division also acquired Puts’ compositional catalog.

Angry Mob Music Group has signed UK-based Richard Walters to a worldwide co-publishing agreement. Currently signed to Nettwek Music Group on the label side, Walters next single is out May 26th. As a songwriter, he has worked alongside Joe Henry, Alison Moyet, Solomun, 3LAU, Sony Fodera, Sultan + Shepard, and more.

Warner Chappell Music has joined with Matchless Publishing and Artist Development to sign a global publishing deal with Nashville-based singer, songwriter and producer Dan Pellarin. Pellarin has co-written with acts like Filmore, Atlus, and Savage Hands.

Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music have teamed up to jointly sign Graham Barham to a global publishing deal. A Nashville-based newcomer, he first gained attention with his popular track “Preachers Need People.”

Creative Nation, an independent music company, has signed Nashville-based songwriter and producer Oscar Charles to a publishing deal. He has written songs with Chase Rice, Elvie Shane, Boy Named Banjo, Madeline Edwards, Hannah Dasher and more. He has released songs with Carly Pearce, Charlie Worsham and Jacob Powell, among others.

11 May 2023

MoneyBagg Yo Announces Release Date for Upcoming Mixtape ‘Hard to Love’

Following the release of his Billboard 200 No. 1 album A Gangsta’s Pain, MoneyBagg Yo is ready to return with his upcoming mixtape Hard to Love. 

MoneyBagg penned a heartfelt letter to his fans explaining his hiatus and decision to return to the music space, with the new music slated for a May 26 release date. “I gained and lost more than I ever thought I would and had no other safe outlet for all the emotions and dark thoughts that came with that other than making music.” 

In 2021, MoneyBagg Yo released his lauded effort, A Gangsta’s Pain. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 110,000 album equivalent units. It scored a bevy of Billboard Hot 100 hits, anchored by the success of his top 20 tracks “Said Sum” and “Wockesha.” The latter commanded a starry remix featuring Lil Wayne and Ashanti. 

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To spearhead his forthcoming mixtape Hard to Love, MoneyBagg released two singles. The first featured his CMG teammate GloRilla on the relationship-fueled “On What U On,” and the previously released single “Sticky.”

“Once Glo’s success started coming in and she was a part of the team, it made sense,” Bagg told Billboard in an interview earlier this year. “We’re both from Memphis, and our chemistry is there anyway.” 

He also elaborated on the mixtape’s title. His explanation for the 22-track project was succinct: “At the end of the day, to love me, you have to understand me.”

Check out Bagg’s Instagram post below. 

11 May 2023

Elektra Elevates New Leadership at Roadrunner, Fueled by Ramen

Promotions are pouring in at Elektra Entertainment, with the Warner Music cohort of Elektra, Fueled by Ramen and Roadrunner elevating Chris Brown, Katie Robinson and Johnny Minardi to various leadership roles across the company.

Effective immediately, Brown is elevated to executive vp of Elektra and co-head of Roadrunner, while Minardi is promoted to head of Fueled by Ramen, co-head of Roadrunner and senior vp of A&R at Elektra. Rounding things out, Robinson is named head of marketing across all of Elektra Entertainment.

The elevations arrive following a major change at Elektra, where co-president Mike Easterlin recently announced his shift to a consultant role “as part of the recent changes at the company.” As a result, Gregg Nadel now has the president title to himself, with Robinson and Minardi (Los Angeles) and Brown (New York City) all reporting to him.

“Elektra’s fierce commitment to artist development is only equaled by our dedication to executive development, and it’s been a privilege to watch Chris, Katie, and Johnny grow into their own as leaders,” said Nadel in a statement. “Elektra wouldn’t be what it is today without them. They’ve all individually made such a strong, tangible impact and delivered exceptional results that have elevated our artists on the global stage.”

Brown was most recently head of marketing at Elektra while his successor, Robinson, was svp of marketing. Their department’s big wins in recent years include successful campaigns for Slipknot, Fall Out Boy, Turnstile, twenty one pilots, Maisie Peters, jxdn, Alec Benjamin and others. Minardi, previously vp of A&R for Elektra, is credited with signing Tones and I, Fall Out Boy, The Band CAMINO and Grandson, among others, and played a key role in bringing Travis Barker’s DTA Records into the Elektra fold.

In the Warner family tree, Elektra Entertainment (formerly Elektra Music Group) is one of the branches of 300 Elektra Entertainment (3EE), led by chairman & CEO Kevin Liles. WMG, the third-largest label group, disclosed quarterly earnings this week that were saddled by flat results across its recorded music division but showed a strong three months for publishing.

11 May 2023

‘Ted Lasso’ Reigns on Top TV Songs Chart Thanks to Bob Marley Singalong

Bob Marley & the Wailers’ ‘70s classic “Three Little Birds” reigns on Billboard’s Top TV Songs chart, powered by Tunefind, for April 2023 after being heard in the latest season of Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso.

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Rankings for the Top TV Songs chart are based on song and show data provided by Tunefind and ranked using a formula blending that data with sales and streaming information tracked by Luminate during the corresponding period of April 2023.

“Three Little Birds” accumulated 9.6 million official on-demand U.S. streams and 4,000 downloads in April 2023, rising after its synch in the sixth episode of Ted Lasso’s third season, which aired April 19. In the episode, the AFC Richmond team sings the song on its bus, with the original beginning to play as well.

The song appeared on Bob Marley & the Wailers’ 1977 album Exodus, which peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 in August of that year. It’s also found on the Marley greatest hits compilation Legend, which boasts 781 weeks on the Billboard 200 since 1984 and counting, having spent all but one week in 2023 within the tally’s top 100.

“Three Little Birds” is joined on the April 2023 chart by fellow Ted Lasso synch “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” by Peter, Paul & Mary. Added to the season’s fourth episode (April 5), the song — No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1963 — earned 568,000 streams and 1,000 downloads last month.

The new Netflix series Beef, meanwhile, makes the biggest splash on the April 2023 survey, accounting for three of the top four and six of the tally’s 10 entries. The alternative-leaning soundtrack is led by Incubus’ “Drive,” which bows at No. 2 thanks to 9.5 million streams and 2,000 downloads. It’s followed by Hoobastank’s “The Reason” (8.6 million streams, 3,000 downloads) and The Offspring’s “Self Esteem” (7.1 million streams, 1,000 downloads) at Nos. 3 and 4, respectively.

“Drive” was an eight-week No. 1 on the Alternative Airplay chart in 2001, while “The Reason” peaked at No. 1 for a week in April 2004 and “Self Esteem” reached No. 4 in October 1994.

See the rest of the top 10, which also features music from Fire Country and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, below.

Rank, Song, Artist, Show (Network)

  • “Three Little Birds,” Bob Marley & the Wailers, Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
  • “Drive,” Incubus, Beef (Netflix)
  • “The Reason,” Hoobastank, Beef (Netflix)
  • “Self Esteem,” The Offspring, Beef (Netflix)
  • “Hold On,” Alabama Shakes, Fire Country (CBS)
  • “Shine,” Collective Soul, Beef (Netflix)
  • “Eighteen Is Over the Hill,” The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime Video)
  • “Lonely Day,” System of a Down, Beef (Netflix)
  • “Today,” The Smashing Pumpkins, Beef (Netflix)
  • “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” Peter, Paul & Mary, Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

11 May 2023

Lizzo Says She’s ‘Officially Shadow Banned’ on TikTok: ‘This App Getting Wack’

Lizzo thinks it’s about d–n time for TikTok to stop excluding her videos from its algorithm. In a recent video, the hitmaker told her followers that she thinks the platform has shadow banned her after noticing that her posts have been performing suspiciously better on Instagram than on TikTok in terms of view counts.

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“I’m officially shadow banned, because how did I post this on Instagram and it already has 135 thousand views?” she said, showing proof that a video of her dancing at one of her concerts raked in hundreds of thousands of views on Instagram within 30 minutes of being posted.

The “Truth Hurts” singer had posted that same concert video to TikTok, where she says it got significantly less attention. At the time of publication, the video has nearly 160,000 views, and many fans commented that they only saw it after being directed from Lizzo’s follow-up video about being shadow banned.

The video posted to her account immediately before the dance video — a vlog in which she talks about recovering from a recent illness — also has just over 100,000 views, considerably less than her usual view count of anywhere between 500,000 and several million.

“This app getting wack,” Lizzo captioned her latest post.

Billboard has reached out to TikTok for comment.

According to The New York Times, “shadow banning” is “the perception — real or imagined — that social media companies are taking stealth actions to limit a post’s visibility.”

The comments on Lizzo’s video on the topic seem to provide some evidence for the singer’s claims, with some followers writing that they haven’t been seeing her videos on their For You pages recently. “I’m definitely seeing you less on here and I don’t like it!” said one fan.

“Seriously!” commented another. “We don’t see you anymore and always have to go to your page or following to see if you have new stuff!”

See Lizzo’s video below:

11 May 2023

Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour: Photos From Opening Night in Stockholm

Beyoncé‘s Renaissance World Tour kicked off in Stockholm on Wednesday (May 10). The star gave a dazzling, three-hour showcase of tracks from recently released LP Renaissance, iconic hits from her solo career across two decades, and even delighted fans with a few songs from her time in Destiny’s Child.

In addition to the hits, the fashion and stage design were at the forefront of the show, with Bey wearing several custom ensembles from luxury fashion houses. She started off the night in a custom Alexander McQueen full bodysuit, and was later accompanied on stage by two robotic arms that formed a metal cube around her body when “Cozy” rolled around in the setlist, following her movements around the stage as she hit her choreography in a futuristic silver bodysuit custom designed by Courrèges.

The high-fashion moments continued in the second half of the concert, when Beyoncé changed into a custom bee costume by Mugler and acted as a news anchor while performing “America Has a Problem.” The stage transformed into a KNTY 4 News desk that featured her backup dancers acting like co-news anchors. The concert concluded with a House of Renaissance vogue dance-off and Beyoncé flying over the stadium in a shimmering Coperni ensemble with help from suspension cords.

The Renaissance World Tour will continue through Europe until July 9, with stops in London, Barcelona, Brussels and Amsterdam before heading to Toronto for a pair of dates at Rogers Centre.

See photos from the Renaissance World Tour’s opening night in Stockholm below.