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17 Jan 2023

Courteeners Driving to First U.K. Chart Title With ‘St Jude’ Reissue

Fifteen years after its release, Courteeners’ St Jude (via Polydor/UMR) is on track for its first U.K. chart crown.  

Originally released in 2008, St Jude peaked at No. 4 on the Official Albums Chart, with three of its tracks going on to impact the U.K. top 40.

The British indie rock band has made seven top 10 appearances, including all six of their studio LPs.

Until now, Courteeners’ career U.K. chart peak is No. 2 for 2020’s More. Again. Forever. Thanks to a reissue of St Jude, Courteeners could go one better. It’s the top title on the Official Chart Update, published Jan. 16.

Based on sales and streaming data collated by the Official Charts Company, this week’s highest new entry could belong to Supergrass guitarist Gaz Coombes, whose fourth solo album Turn The Car Around (Hot Fruit) is chasing a No. 2 debut. If it continues to accelerate, Turn The Car Around would give Coombes his first solo top 10; Supergrass has six top 10 albums, including a No. 1 for their 1995 debut I Should Coco.

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Meanwhile, London rapper Clavish is eyeing his first top 10 appearance with his 28-track debut mixtape Rap Game Awful (Polydor). It’s new at No. 4 on the latest chart update.  

Also pushing for top 10 debuts are indie rock Circa Waves with Never Going Under (Lower Third), on track for a No. 9 start; and veteran Scottish indie-pop band Belle & Sebastian with Late Developers (Matador), new at No. 10 on the U.K. chart update.

Finally, George Ezra enjoys an immediate bump after the singer and songwriter last week landed multiple nominations for the 2023 BRIT Awards. Ezra, who is up for song of the year and artist of the year at the annual ceremony, set for Feb. 11, sees his third successive chart-topping album Gold Rush Kid (Columbia) makes a rush for the top 40; it’s at No. 31 on the chart blast.

All will be revealed when the Official Charts are published late Friday.

16 Jan 2023

Jennifer Lopez Dishes About ‘Emotional Transition’ of Blending Families With Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez opened up about blending families with Ben Affleck in a new interview on Monday (Jan. 16).

Appearing on the Today show to promote her upcoming rom-com Shotgun Wedding with Josh Duhamel, the superstar said, “We moved in together, the kids moved in together. So it’s been, like, a really kind of emotional transition. But at the same time, like, all your dreams coming true and it’s just been a phenomenal year. Like, my best year, I think, since my kids were born.”

J.Lo shares 14-year-old twins Max and Emme with ex-husband Marc Antony while Affleck’s three children — Violet, 18; Seraphina, 14, and Samuel, nearly 11 — come from his 10-year marriage to Jennifer Garner, which ended in 2015.

During the sit-down, Lopez revealed that her kids have recently become acquainted with her back catalog of films. “They’ve watched Maid in Manhattan and The Wedding Planner, funnily enough,” she said. “They haven’t gotten into, like, the Out of Sights or the… they saw Selena. It was kinda sweet ’cause I don’t think they realize that she passed away! And so at the end of the movie, they were like, ‘No!’ They were, like, really [terrified]. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I thought you knew!’”

Lopez also took a moment in the interview to tease her upcoming studio album, This Is Me… Now, and its connection to 2002’s This Is Me… Then and her first engagement to Affleck. “The last time Ben and I were together to this album, it’s been such a journey,” she said. “The thing that I think I’ve been wondering about my whole life is like, ‘Is love real? Does true love exist?’ It’s two people kind of coming together and saying, you know, ‘I’m gonna be here no matter what and we’re gonna get through it together.’”

Watch Lopez reminisce over Ben and their newly blended family below.

16 Jan 2023

Amy Grant Slams Homophobic Backlash Over LGBTQ+ Niece’s Wedding: ‘I Love Those Brides’

An aunt and an ally. Amy Grant shut down trolls criticizing her decision to host her LGBTQ+ niece’s wedding on Monday (Jan. 16).

“I never chase any of those rabbits down the rabbit hole,” the Christian pop singer said to People of outcry from homophobic critics on social media. “I love my family, I love those brides. They’re wonderful, our family is better, and you should be able to be who you are with your family, and be loved by them.”

Grant also revealed that her niece’s nuptials took place at the very same place she and Vince Gill were married back in 2000. “I own a farm that I bought back in the ’90s and they were just looking for a beautiful place to get married,” she said. “So, she and Sam got married on the same hillside where Vince and I got married.”

“Honestly, from a faith perspective, I do always say, ‘Jesus, you just narrowed it down to two things: love God and love each other,’” Grant added in a Washington Post interview back in November to explain her perspective on balancing her well-documented faith with her support of the LGBTQ+ community. “I mean, hey — that’s pretty simple.”

This weekend, Grant — who received Kennedy Center Honors in 2022 — opened the long-awaited Los Angeles concert honoring A&M Records co-founder Jerry Moss, performing her now-classic 1991 ballad “I Will Remember You” before Peter Frampton, Rita Coolidge, David Foster, Herb Alpert, Dionne Warwick and Sting each took the stage.

16 Jan 2023

Dua Lipa Spends ‘24hrs in Madrid,’ Including a Meet-Up With Director Pedro Almodóvar

Dua Lipa took to social media on Sunday to share the day she spent traveling in the city of Madrid, Spain.

The superstar’s whirlwind trip to the Spanish capital included a visit with none other than director Pedro Almodóvar. “24hrs in Madrid,” she captioned a carousel of snapshots on Instagram that included a selfie taken with the filmmaker, in which both she and Almodóvar are grinning from ear to ear.

“Pedroooooo,” one fan gushed in the comments section while another wrote, “Puma for Pedro…too cute” using two orange hearts and two raised-hands emojis.

The slideshow also featured shots of the “Cold Heart” singer posing theatrically on an outdoor deck wearing a head-to-toe leather ensemble, chunky gold jewelry and platform heels as well as a second, menswear-inspired outfit made up of a long, gray Gucci blazer, blue button-up, trousers and thick, black-framed sunglasses tinted orange.

Last month, Lipa closed out 2022 by hosting Almodóvar as a guest on the second season of her podcast, Dua Lipa: At Your Service. “Simply put, Pedro Almodóvar is one of the world’s best directors. Pedro’s movies are camp, but emotionally resonant; glossy, but powerful; queer and comedic but grounded and tragic,” the singer said to introduce the mind behind the likes of 1988’s Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, 2004’s Bad Education, 2006’s Volver and 2021’s Parallel Mothers. From there, she welcomed the director in Spanish, and shared that she’s been in the process of learning the language.

Check out more from Dua’s 24-hour stop in Madrid below.

16 Jan 2023

Rihanna Ushers In ‘Heartbreaker Szn’ for Savage X Fenty Valentine’s Day Drop With Steamy New Pics

Rihanna gave fans a red-hot preview of Savage X Fenty’s upcoming Valentine’s Day collection on Sunday.

“Heartbreaker szn,” the superstar captioned one round of photos, which feature her posing in a lacy black bodysuit in a neon-lit room of pinks, blues, purples and reds. In another series of photos, she wears an orange and purple, psychedelic print set while perched on top of a glass table, her long black hair trailing down to her backside accented by a stream of tiny braids. “#savageXfentySPORT V-DAY drop,” she teased, hinting that the latest line will be available by mid-February.

The new Valentine’s-themed pieces aren’t the only looks RiRi has been readying as of late, either. Earlier this month, the “Needed Me” singer modeled her limited-edition Savage X Game Day collection in anticipation of her upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, when she’ll take the stage on Feb. 12 at Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium to mark her first major musical performance in six years.

The sporty drop includes a number of crop-top varsity jerseys, hats, hoodies, tube tops, sweatpants, beanies and even cotton boxers patterned with tiny footballs. One oversize white tee playfully has the words “RIHANNA CONCERT INTERRUPTED BY A FOOTBALL GAME, WEIRD BUT WHATEVER” emblazoned across the front in giant block letters.

Ahead of the recent Golden Globes attendee‘s long-awaited comeback, Billboard also mapped out our dream setlist for the halftime show — from “Don’t Stop the Music” and “Rude Boy” to “We Found Love” and (fingers crossed!) a new track from the ever-elusive R9.

Get a look at Rihanna’s new Savage X Fenty Valentine’s Day snapshots below.

16 Jan 2023

C.J. Harris, ‘American Idol’ Alum, Dies at 31

C.J. Harris, a singer who competed on the 2014 season of American Idol, died Sunday at age 31.

The Jasper, Alabama, native was reportedly rushed to a local hospital after suffering a medical emergency, according to Variety, and the Walker County Coroner’s Office later confirmed his death. However, no other details, including cause of death, were given as of press time.

Harris competed on season 13 of the singing competition, initially auditioning for judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. in Salt Lake City with a rendition of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Soulshine.” After making it through the Hollywood round, the hopeful was voted a Wild Card by the public in the semifinals and earned his way into the live shows with a soulful performance of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me.”

Some of Harris’ most memorable musical numbers during season 13’s live shows included “Radio” by Darius Rucker, Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” and both “Waiting on the World to Change” and “Gravity” from John Mayer’s 2006 album Continuum. Eventually, the guitarist came in sixth place, being eliminated during Rock ‘n’ Roll / Country Week with dual performances of the Guess Who’s “American Woman” and Zac Brown Band’s “Whatever It Is.”

Harris toured with the rest of the season 13 finalists after Caleb Johnson was crowned that year’s winner over runner-up Jena Irene, and he released his debut single, titled “In Love,” back in 2019. Just weeks ago, Harris kicked off the new year by promising new music was “coming soon” with a smiling selfie on his Facebook page.

The American Idol Instagram account shared a Stories tribute to the late singer on Monday (Jan. 16), writing, “C.J. Harris was an incredible talent, and the news of his passing deeply saddens us. He will be truly missed.”

16 Jan 2023

Jared Leto, Fall Out Boy & More: 7 Things You Didn’t See Backstage at iHeart ALTer EGO 2023

The iHeart ALTer EGO 2023 show descended upon L.A.’s Kia Forum over the weekend, and Billboard was backstage to bring you every exclusive moment.

In-between sets by Fall Out Boy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phoenix and Jack White, Billboard social media coordinator Lucy Blonstein chatted up the likes of Jared Leto, CHVRCHES and more on Saturday night. Below, we’ve rounded up seven moments you have to see from backstage.

Leto revealed backstage that out of all the bands on the lineup, he’d want to collaborate with Muse if his band, 30 Second to Mars, ever got the chance. “Because we’ve toured together before, we love them. Great guys, and I think we’d be an interesting, interesting pairing,” he said, standing in front of a giant portrait of Katy Perry. “Yeah, Muse.”

Billboard was also on the ground to catch Fall Out Boy headed backstage after their nostalgia-fueled set, which included classic hits like “Sugar We’re Goin’ Down,” “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race,” “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up),” “Thnks Fr the Mmrs” and more, and even caught a candid Pete Wentz whistling as he made his way through the backstage throngs, his long, bleach-blonde hair tied up in a bun and wearing the band’s own merch.

CHVRCHES, meanwhile, shared their “quite boring” pre-show rituals with Billboard, which happen to include vocal and instrument warm-ups, a couple of cocktails made by touring drummer Jonny Scott and listening to music to “get in the ‘zone’,” as singer Lauren Mayberry said. “And that’s about it,” she added. “But yes, no Satanic rituals yet. Maybe on album five.”

Billboard‘s December 2022 Chartbreaker Rosa Linn was also at the big show, where she performed “WDIA (Would Do It Again),” “Never Be Mine” and TikTok breakthrough “Snap.” The Eurovision competitor posed for our camera after leaving the stage, showing off “#ARtSAKH” painted on the sleeve of her jacket to bring attention to the ongoing blockade between Artsakh and Armenia.

Other famous faces we caught up with backstage included Phoenix, Jack White and Beach Weather. Check out exclusive photos and videos from backstage at iHeart’s ALTer EGO show below.

Jared Leto Shares His Dream Collab

Pete Wentz & Our Backstage POV of Fall Out Boy

Pete Wentz backstage at iHeart ALTer EGO 2023 at L.A.’s Kia Forum

Wes and Alex

CHVRCHES Share Their Pre-Show Rituals

Jack White Backstage

Jack White backstage at iHeart ALTer EGO 2023 at L.A.’s Kia Forum

Wes and Alex

Phoenix Backstage

Phoenix backstage at iHeart ALTer EGO 2023 at L.A.’s Kia Forum

Wes and Alex

Rosa Linn Backstage

Rosa Linn backstage at iHeart ALTer EGO 2023 at L.A.’s Kia Forum

Wes and Alex

Beach Weather Backstage

Beach Weather backstage at iHeart ALTer EGO 2023 at L.A.’s Kia Forum

Wes and Alex

16 Jan 2023

The’URBAN ONE HONORS: Icons of the Culture’ Awards Air Monday, Jan. 16

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Urban One Honors 2022

Source: TV One / TV One

The URBAN ONE HONORS: Icons of the Culture awards celebration air on Monday night (Jan. 16). The two-hour telecast will premiere on TV One and Cleo TV at 7:00 PM ET/6 PM CT.

Beloved and renowned R&B singer Tank will he holding down the hosting duties at this year’s 5th annual Urban One Honors. Also, the “Backstage Pass” host is multi-talented singer and actress, LeToya Luckett.

The Icons of the Culture and honorees include LL Cool J, Entertainment Icon; Bobby Brown, Phoenix; Pharrell Williams, Music Innovation; David & Tamela Mann, Inspirational Impact; and, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Lifetime Achievement.

The show kicks off with legends paying tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop that includes DJ Spinderella, Monie Love and Doug E. Fresh, so tune in or set your DVR early. The ceremony also features performances from T.I., Pusha T, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Marvin Sapp, Rev. Runand Lamman Rucker and more.

Find out more about Urban One Honors at TV One.

16 Jan 2023

Rapper Lil Baby Unfollows Gunna On Social Media

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2022 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 1 - Day 1

Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty

Atlanta rapper Gunna is facing plenty of backlash after taking a plea deal in the YSL RICO case. The latest evidence of this includes Lil Baby unfollowing him on social media.

Yeah, this is where are in Hip-Hop in 2023, but people are talking about it.

TMZ Hip Hop took note of Baby’s follow count:

First, LB has officially unfollowed the embattled rapper — as of Saturday, it appears Gunna no longer shows up as one of the 970 people Lil Baby is paying attention to on Instagram … which might seem petty, but carries weight considering he *was* following until recently.

An unfollow in 2023 is the equivalent of telling someone … I don’t wanna be your friend anymore. That’s where things seem to be between LB and Gunna, which is a big deal — these two have been incredibly close for years. They put out a mixtape together once, and have rapped on each other’s songs back and forth … plus, they’re both from Atlanta.

As for Durk, he took aim at Gunna in a new unnamed song that made its way on to social media.

While Gunna has maintained that he didn’t agree to talk to secure his freedom, plenty in the Hip-Hop community, including members of YSL, see things differently. However, any commentary from Tekashi 6ix9ine shouldn’t be taken seriously off g.p.

16 Jan 2023

Chart Rewind: In 1988, George Harrison ‘Got’ Another Hot 100 No. 1 for a Solo Beatle

On the Billboard Hot 100 dated Jan. 16, 1988, George Harrison notched his third solo No. 1, as “Got My Mind Set on You,” from his album Cloud Nine, rose from the runner-up spot.

Harrison had previously topped the Hot 100 outside The Beatles with “Give Me Love – (Give Me Peace on Earth),” for a week in June 1973, and the double-sided single “My Sweet Lord”/”Isn’t It a Pity,” for four frames starting in December 1970.

The Beatles, with Harrison as a member, ran up a record 20 Hot 100 No. 1s, in 1964-70 – while their members went on to notch a combined 16 as soloists. Harrison became the first to lead on his own and, thanks to “Got My Mind Set on You,” remains the most recent. Ringo Starr (who guests on drums on the song) reigned with two titles in 1973-74; John Lennon, with two in 1974-81; and Paul McCartney, including his work with Wings, with nine in 1971-84.

Harrison would go on to further chart success in 1988, as follow-up single “When We Was Fab” hit No. 23 on the Hot 100. Cloud Nine peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 albums chart the same week that “Got My Mind Set on You” crowned the Hot 100, and Harrison fared even better on the former ranking with an album released later that year: Traveling Wilburys’ first collection, which reached No. 3 in January 1989. The supergroup comprised Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty, formed when the legends worked up “Handle With Care” as a potential Cloud Nine B-side; deemed too good to remain that obscure, it was released as the band’s introductory single and hit No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

How did the Hot 100’s top 10 stack up the week that Harrison hit No. 1 on the Jan. 16, 1988, chart? Count down the tally’s top tier that week below.