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04 Mar 2025

Doja Cat Felt Good That She ‘Pushed’ Herself For Oscars Bond Performance: ‘Brave and Scary as F–k For Me’

You’d get nervous too if you were singing one of the most iconic movie songs of all time on the Oscars stage in front of a room packed with the most famous actors on the planet. So cut Doja Cat a break, will ya?

That was the message from the rapper on Monday (March 3) after her performance during a musical tribute to the James Bond franchise drew some online heat from haters. In an Instagram post featuring a carousel of her high-fashion looks from the big night, Doja answered the criticism with an honest take on the situation.

“I never get to sing like that and what I did was brave and scary as f–k for me,” the rapper wrote of following LISA from BLACKPINK’s run through Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die” with her crooning rendition of Shirley Bassey’s iconic “Diamond Are Forever”; she was followed by RAYE’s cover of Adele’s “Skyfall.”

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“I know a lot of people didn’t like it but a lot of people did and I feel good that I pushed myself,” Doja Cat continued of the performance that opened with a surprise dance routine from actress Margaret Qualley. “The song is a classic and I put a lot of work into it but the nerves got to me and a b–ch hit some flats. I can’t wait to do something like that again. What a blessing that was. I feel amazing about the whole thing.”

Plus, she added, in case you had heat for any of the other female performers on the broadcast, “Also ALL the girls chewed down last night God BLESS them all. Absolutely gorgeous performances from everyone.”

RAYE felt Doja’s butterflies, copping to her own nerves in a separate Insta post in which she stated the obvious. “was sooo nervous to sing this song because no one can sing Adele like Adele, but I tried my very best. I am just so grateful to the Oscars Academy for this invitation to sing on this stage,” she wrote. The singer got strong support from a few of her fellow vocalists, with Jazmine Sullivan telling the British crooner, “U always kill it Raye!!,” and Paloma Faith adding, “Stuns huns.”

Check out the medley below.

04 Mar 2025

Lola Young Crowns Global Chart Success of ‘Messy’ at Long-Awaited London Homecoming Show: Top 5 Moments

At once soft and hard, fiery and vulnerable, Lola Young’s precise, revelatory songs thrive in their multi-facetedness. The introspective but musically adventurous This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway – the south Londoner’s first full-length album, which dropped last June – served as an uncompromising portrait of inner turmoil, detailed with 808s and scratchy guitars that bore out Young’s tales of pain and frustration. Lyrically, here, she came to the conclusion that she bottles up all of her most fretful emotions and can only exorcise them through her music. 

On record, we don’t often get to witness Young working outside of statement-piece urgency. It’s this clear commitment to her craft, however, that has pushed her to vie for main pop girl status in recent months. Initially released last summer, her single “Messy” has proved to be a watershed, enjoying a slow-burn rise to the top of the Official U.K. Singles Chart and peaking within the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. A grab bag of star-making television appearances have also stationed her on the cusp of household-name status in the U.K.

So where does Young see herself right now? After landing a BRIT nomination and touring the states to the point of exhaustion, she’s standing in her accomplishments. On stage at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on Monday night (March 3), Young discussed how she’s elated to be at such a successful point in her career, but also admitted to facing the pressure of calculating her next move. 

The gig had already been upgraded from a smaller venue due to demand; Young has only ever performed a handful of headline shows in her hometown, having initially struggled to build a fanbase via the more palatable or commercial-facing projects of her early days (2019 EP Intro or follow-up, Renaissance – neither of which feature in her current setlist). “This isn’t about blaming anybody, but nothing was really clicking at the time. Now, I have creative control alongside an understanding of who I am,” she told Billboard U.K. in November, making her struggle to get here clear. 

This perseverance translates into her stage presence: Young is a focused performer, with a bold delivery that underpins her growing confidence. This monumental show proved that she’s spontaneous and self-reliant, a firecracker beneath her signature lashes and heavy fringe.

Check out the top 5 moments from the gig.

04 Mar 2025

Sam Gellaitry Unveils New Stone Island Campaign and Teases Debut Album Release

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.

Sam Gellaitry is stepping out from behind the boards and in front of the camera as the new face of Stone Island’s latest campaign.

The Scottish DJ and producer sports a hooded jacket made from recycled Gore-Tex and “BIONIC” polyester as part of the STONE ISLAND STELLINA SS ’25 campaign, which continues the brand’s commitment to blending function and performance with its fashion-forward aesthetic.

Stone Island says the collection features “active pieces designed to be layered, mixed and matched,” with a focus on hi-tech materials and innovative construction — think stretchy hoodies with “ergonomic cuts,” chest pockets that can be removed and stored away, and new fabrics that are completely biodegradable. The looks, meantime, seamlessly blend sportswear and streetwear in contemporary colorways and novel silhouettes.

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Gellaitry says it was a thrill to front the campaign, adding that Stone Island was the first brand that got him into clothing and fashion. “I love the quality and dedication to detail mixed with the collectability of the pieces as well as the cultural relevance it has,” he tells Billboard.

Though Stone Island is now seen everywhere from the runway to the office, the new pieces are designed to be packable for travel, and built to withstand the elements for serious adventurers. Gellaitry says it’s ideal for his on-the-go lifestyle, which has taken him to now-favorite places like Norway and India over the last few years.

“I love tactile and functional clothing,” he replies, when asked about how he packs for travel. “I’m very into lots of pockets everywhere and definitely have too many jackets for my own good,” he says, adding that “I’m very particular with what suits me, so it takes a lot for me to be sold on something. That makes it rewarding when I find something that suits and fits right.”

Gellaitry has collaborated with everyone from PinkPantheress to Kaytranada, but the artist is gearing up to release his first solo album this year, telling Billboard that he’s currently “wrapping up” the final touches on the tracklist. “It’s my debut album, which is crazy since I’ve been releasing music for over 12 years now,” he says. “[It’s] nerve wracking, but fun.”

Did he pick up any inspiration from working with Stone Island? “The team made me feel super comfortable and it was inspiring seeing how efficient they were at operating the shoot,” Gellaitry says. “It was my first campaign too, so I’m delighted it was with my favorite brand.”

Shop Stone Island online at StoneIsland.com, and sites like SSENSE, Mr. Porter and Nordstrom. And see more from Gellaitry’s STONE ISLAND STELLINA campaign below.

04 Mar 2025

English Teacher to Headline Billboard U.K. Stage at The Great Escape

Billboard U.K. will head to The Great Escape in Brighton, England, for its inaugural Billboard Live event May 14-17. 

Mercury Prize winners English Teacher will headline the The Beach stage at the new music festival as part of the Billboard U.K. Live takeover. Additional names will be added to the stage’s bill in the coming weeks.

The takeover marks the inaugural Billboard U.K. Live event, and will precede the launch of the upcoming U.K. Power Players list and in-person event at SXSW London in June.

Speaking on the announcement, Mo Ghoneim, president of Billboard U.K., says, “The Great Escape has long been a launchpad for breakthrough artists, making it the perfect partner for Billboard U.K. Live’s debut. With Billboard Live, we’re creating immersive experiences that connect fans with the artists shaping the future of music. English Teacher are leading this new wave, and we’re excited to have them headline our stage as we bring Billboard U.K. Live to one of the U.K.’s most essential festivals.”

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English Teacher’s debut LP This Could Be Texas (Island) was the recipient of the 2024 Mercury Music prize, which recognises an outstanding album from the U.K. and Ireland. The judging panel — which includes Billboard U.K. staff writer Sophie Williams — said that the LP “stands out for its originality and character. A winning lyrical mix of surrealism and social observation, alongside a subtle way of wearing its musical innovations lightly, displays a fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format.”

Thomas Smith, editor of Billboard U.K., adds, “English Teacher are one of the U.K.’s most exciting young bands right now. Over the last few years they’ve developed their craft and live show, leading to a well-deserved victory at the Mercury Prize last year. They’re a testament to the talent and determination of the grassroots scene in the U.K. and an example of why we must fully back and support artists like them.” 

The Great Escape festival is held on an annual basis every May in the seaside city of Brighton, and spotlights emerging and rising talent from the U.K. and Ireland as well international newcomers. Across four days, an array of artists perform live at the city’s vast network of independent venues. There’s also industry panels, networking opportunities and more in its extensive programme. Tickets are on sale now from the festival’s official website.

This year’s lineup will feature appearances by Pete Doherty, Rizzle Kicks, Jordan Adetunji, Chloe Slater and more. Previous performers at the festival include Adele, Charli XCX, Stormzy, Fontaines D.C., Sam Fender, Billie Eilish and more.

Stay tuned for further announcements related to the Billboard U.K. Live stage and The Great Escape.

English Teacher

English Teacher

Denmarc Creary

04 Mar 2025

Jay Ammo Earns Final Four-Chair Turn on ‘The Voice’

Jay Ammo, a 29-year-old singer from Clarksville, Tenn., earned the final four-chair turn of The Voice Season 27 after delivering an emotional performance of Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team.”

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The Blind Auditions wrapped up with Ammo securing interest from all four coaches—John Legend, Adam Levine, Kelsea Ballerini, and Michael Bublé—before ultimately choosing Team Legend.

John Legend was the first to turn for Ammo’s performance, praising his vocal tone and delivery. “What a lovely voice you have. It was floating through the room. I was almost thinking you were from Africa because I could hear an Afrobeat kind of vibe. Is that the music you listen to?”

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Ammo, originally from Georgetown, Guyana, revealed that Sheeran’s song resonated deeply with him due to his time serving in the U.S. military in Afghanistan. “Yes, my calm-down song was yours.”

Legend replied, “We have a strong connection musically. Let’s just remember the musical connection that we have, and I would love to coach you.”

Levine, who has landed the most four-chair turns this season, described Ammo’s performance as “ethereal.” “You are very special and magical and singular in that nobody else in this competition is doing that. It gives you this really unique window, which is what this is all about.”

Ballerini also made a strong case for Ammo to join her team, calling him a “creative force.” “You kept the integrity of that song, but you also kept just the right amount of you in it, and that’s artistry.”

The country star was surprised when Ammo revealed he had previously covered her song “Better Luck Next Time.” “Did you now? I didn’t expect that. Now I feel taller and more powerful.”

Bublé, the last to turn, acknowledged some early pitch issues but praised Ammo’s ability to recover. “The second those other chairs turned, your pitch issues subsided. You have a beautiful tone, and you tell a story really well.”

When it came time to make his decision, Ammo selected Team Legend. “Jay’s voice is so cool. He has this kind of lilt to his voice. I really think that Jay has got an interesting musical tableau that he’s working with. We’re going to have a lot of fun picking songs together.”

With the Blind Auditions now complete, The Voice Season 27 will move into the Battle Rounds, where Ammo will compete for a spot in the Knockouts.

04 Mar 2025

Brand New Announce First Public Shows Following Hiatus

Brand New have announced their first public performances in several years, marking the band’s official return to the stage.

The band, led by Jesse Lacey, had previously played a secret “Friends and Family” show in Nashville in December to benefit Make Life Skate Life. Now, fans will finally get the chance to see Brand New on stage again, in their first publicly ticketed concerts since 2017.

Though the band’s social media profiles have remained mostly inactive—with their last Instagram post dating back to October 2017—fans began sharing screenshots of emails they received on March 3, containing presale information for the newly announced concerts, as per LambGoat. The band’s official website also lists the dates and presale details, confirming their long-speculated return.

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The trio of shows will kick off March 26 in Dallas, Texas, before heading to Newport, Kentucky, on March 28, and wrapping up in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 29.

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Lacey, who previously addressed the sexual misconduct allegations against him, admitted in 2017 that he had caused “pain and harm to a number of people.”

The fallout led to Brand New canceling all remaining tour dates, and the band largely disappeared from public view.

During a solo performance at Eastside Bowl in Nashville on March 2, Lacey also publicly spoke for the first time about the passing of his stepson Miles, who died in 2021. The intimate set featured a mix of Brand New tracks and solo material, including a new song titled “Death.”

“I’m not gonna talk too much about this, but me and my wife Andrea lost our son three years ago. His name was Miles, and it was as hard as you can imagine,” he told the crowd. “Grief is a very hard thing to navigate, and I have found that for me, music lessens the poison of it.”

The moment was met with quiet support from the audience, as Lacey expressed gratitude to those who have helped carry the weight of his grief.

In the wake of their loss, Jesse and Andrea Lacey also founded Moms Skate Club, a charity dedicated to supporting mothers in the skateboarding community. Donations to the organization can be made here.

While no word has been given on whether new music is in the works, Brand New’s upcoming shows suggest that the band is testing the waters for a more significant return. With their influence still felt across the alternative and emo scenes, their live comeback is certain to be a major talking point in the months ahead.

Back in 2017, Brand New scored their first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, displacing Kesha’s Rainbow. The group’s Science Fiction, their first new album in eight years.

03 Mar 2025

Garth Brooks to Release ‘The Anthology Part V: The Comeback, The First Five Years’ in April

Garth Brooks will release The Anthology Part V: The Comeback, The First Five Years, the latest installment in his hardbound anthology series, on April 4.

Each part covers a specific era of Brooks’ career with the Part V focused on his return to the stage in 2014 after taking off more than a dozen years to raise his children. Though the superstar was uncertain how his first tour in over a decade would be received and if the audience would still be there, the tour went on to sell more than 6.2 million tickets over 391 shows.

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The Anthology Part V, which will be available via Amazon and TalkShopLive, has six CDs comprising 66 songs, including seven live recordings and over 150 never before seen photos.

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Brooks will launch Part V with a series of weekly conversations with bandmates and collaborators on TalkShopLive starting March 10 with drummer Mike Palmer, fiddle player Jimmy Mattingly and guitarist Chris Leuzinger.

That will be followed by Brooks’ conversation with his Anthology co-writer Warren Zanes on March 17 and singer/songwriter and back-up vocalist Karyn Rochelle on March 17; production manager Brian Petree and road manager Bryan Kennedy on March 24 and radio host Storme Warren and sound engineer Mark Miller on March 31. The final conversation will take place on April 4 with Brooks’ wife, Trisha Yearwood.

The conversations will be simulcast on Amazon Live, GarthBrooks.com, both of which will be shoppable opportunities, as well as on The Garth Channel on the Sevens Radio Network.

Part V comes four months following Part IV: Going Home, which covered Brooks’ 14-year hiatus.

03 Mar 2025

Universal Music New Zealand Announces Leadership Changes as Managing Director Adam Holt Retires

There’s big changes afoot in the leadership team at Universal Music New Zealand, with longtime Managing Director and Chairman Adam Holt announcing his retirement.

News of the leadership transition was announced by Universal Music Australia & New Zealand President and CEO, Sean Warner on Tuesday, March. 4 (New Zealand time). Holt’s decision to retire comes after 24 years successfully leading the company, and 34 years spent at Universal Music Group and predecessor company Polygram. Holt’s retirement will take effect on April 30, with successors Myra Hemara and Matt Kidd being promoted to Co-Managing Directors, effective May 1.

“Adam’s commitment to our company, our artists, our people, and the greater New Zealand music industry has been nothing short of exemplary,” Warner said in a statement. “Throughout his tenure he consistently promoted a positive culture of both UMNZ and UMA garnering him enormous respect from both employees and artists alike. Adam is a passionate music man, caring mentor and consummate professional, who led from the front and made lifelong friends across the UMG, the artist community artists and with our partners around the world.”

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“Leading the New Zealand company for UMG has been the experience of my life,” added Holt. “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and the challenges we have successfully navigated over the years, but it’s time for me and the company to start the next chapter. A big thank you to Sir Lucian Grainge and Sean for trusting me with UMNZ for so long, and a huge thank you to the entire Universal Music team across New Zealand and Australia. You are an amazing group of people and I will miss you immensely. Most importantly, thank you to all the artists I have had the honour to serve in my time at Universal. I remain in complete awe of you all.”

“I am thrilled to announce that the current UMNZ General Managers, Myra Hemara and Matt Kidd, will become the new Co-Managing Directors of the company,” Warner continued. “Matt and Myra have incredible experience within UMNZ and have been at the forefront of the changes we have made in New Zealand over the past couple of years, Together, with the support of UMNZ Chief Financial Officer & Commercial Director, Tony Jenks, they will form a strong executive leadership team that will drive a new era of success for Universal Music New Zealand.”

Hemara joined UMNZ in 2006, working on establishing their digital department and strategy upon her addition to the team. In 2017, Hemara was appointed General Manager, taking on the additional responsibilities of leading UMNZ’s international artist marketing and audience development teams.

Kidd, meanwhile, has been with UMNZ for the past 12 years, having begun his career in promotions and public relations before leading their domestic repertoire and business development teams. Since 2017, Kidd’s role as General Manager has seen him focus on exporting New Zealand talent on a global scale.

“Being given this opportunity to lead Universal Music New Zealand alongside Matt is a great privilege and honour,” Hemara said. “The legacy Adam has created for our artists and staff has provided an incredible foundation for Matt and I to build on. I’m looking forward to fostering a culture of connection, creativity and collaboration and delivering even more success for our incredibly talented artists.”

“Thank you to Sean for giving Myra and I the opportunity to lead this great company,” added Kidd. “It’s exciting to take on this new role at a thrilling point in the business, where the landscape and scope for how we can work with and develop our artists is changing dramatically. I’m beyond excited to be a part of the best team in the country and to continue driving excellence and innovation for our artists in New Zealand, and around the world.”

03 Mar 2025

Daryl Hall Says There’s No Hope of a Reunion With John Oates

Fans hoping for a future reunion announcement from Hall & Oates needn’t hold their breath, with Daryl Hall claiming such a possibility will never happen.

Hall made his recent comments in an interview with The Times, where he reflected on the “betrayal” he felt from longtime bandmate John Oates that soon led to a lawsuit which split the pair. When asked about whether the enduring pop-rock duo could ever reunite, Hall was concise in his response.

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“That ship has gone to the bottom of the ocean,” he explained. “I’ve had a lot of surprises in my life, disappointments, betrayals, so I’m kind of used to it.” Though he didn’t elaborate on the latter, he did allude to having “been involved with some pretty shady characters over the years.”

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The Hall & Oates dissolution first began back in November 2023 when the pair became embroiled in a legal dispute. Described by Oates as “a very boring business issue,” the crux of the issue began when Hall filed suit against his former partner over Oates’ attempt to sell his half of the duo’s joint venture Whole Oates Enterprises to Primary Wave Music without Hall’s consent.

Though Hall still isn’t able to speak to the specifics of their legal showdown, both men agreed in 2024 that their creative partnership was over.

“John and I did not have a creative relationship for decades; the last song I wrote with John was in 2000 and that was with somebody else,” Hall told Billboard in June 2024. “We toured and we toured and we toured, and it was very restrictive to me, and to John. The real truth of it all is John just said one day he didn’t want to do it anymore. I said ‘OK,’ but the problem is (Oates) didn’t make the parting and breakup easy, and that’s where the difficulties lay and still lay, and that’s all it is.

“I always say I’ve been a solo artist my whole life, I was just working with John, mostly.”

Having first formed in 1970, the Pennsylvania performers rose to fame throughout the ‘70s thanks to albums such as 1976’s Bigger Than Both of Us, which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, and spawned their first single to top the Hot 100, “Rich Girl.”

The duo reached their commercial zenith in the early ’80s, where albums such as Voices, Private Eyes, and H2O all went Platinum, with the latter giving them their highest album peak, hitting No. 3. Across two years, Hall & Oates would chart atop the Hot 100 four times thanks to “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” and “Maneater.” They’d nab their final chart-topper with 1984’s “Out of Touch.”

Despite not splitting until 2024, Hall & Oates’ last studio album arrived 18 years earlier by way of Home for Christmas. Their last full album of original material was 2003’s Do It for Love.

03 Mar 2025

Spiritbox’s Courtney LaPlante ‘Extremely Disappointed’ After Unapproved Single Release

As Spiritbox prepare to release their second album, vocalist Courtney LaPlante has gone on record to decry the unapproved release of their latest single.

The news comes just days away from the arrival of Tsunami Sea, Spritbox’s new record which is currently scheduled to drop on Friday (March 7) via the band’s own Pale Chords label and Rise Records. The album has been previewed since September, with the release of first single, “Soft Spine.” In November, this was followed by “Perfect Soul,” and again in February with the release of “No Loss, No Love.”

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Eager fans of the band may, however, have noticed the release of a new single titled “Crystal Roses” appearing on streaming services on Monday (March 3). According to a post shared on social media by LaPlante, issuing a new single in the week of the album’s release was not part of their approved rollout plan.

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“I don’t normally like to air out behind the scenes things like this, but we did not approve putting out another single today,” LaPlante wrote. “None of us were aware this was happening. I am extremely disappointed and only found out about it late last night, by chance. Trying to take it down asap.”

“Crystal Roses” has since been removed from streaming services, with only the previously-released singles available for listening ahead of the album’s official release.

This isn’t the first mishap which has befallen Spiritbox in recent months, with the band having recently been thrust into the spotlight thanks to a case of mistaken identity.

Appearing at the Grammys on Feb. 2 where the band were nominated in the best metal performance category, LaPlante spoke to an interviewer who had mistaken her for Poppy (whose “Suffocate” collaboration with Knocked Loose was up for the same award). Offering a slightly confused look to the off-camera interviewer, LaPlante decided instead to roll with it and continued the conversation as her fellow nominee.

“I am Poppy, and I am really happy to be here, nominated with Knocked Loose,” LaPlante replied slyly. “I really hope we win.”

Noting she had just finished chatting to Judas Priest, the interviewer went on to mention it wasn’t Poppy’s first time being nominated, referencing her nod for “Bloodmoney” in 2021.

“Really happy to be here again, would love to take home the Grammy for Knocked Loose and myself because I would be the first woman to win this award,” LaPlante added. “I actually haven’t looked at [how many women have been nominated previously] but I just always know that it’s time for one of us to win. I hope it’s me, or Spiritbox and Courtney.”

Ultimately, the award was won by French band Gojira, whose performance of “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” (as heard at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony) was a collaboration with Swiss soprano Marina Viotti and Victor Le Masne.