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Alessia Cara was set to kick off her 2025 tour next month in support of her recent album, Love & Hyperbole. However, the pop star took to social media on Friday (March 28) to reveal that the U.S. leg of the tour has been postponed.
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“I cried about it then patched it up with ice cream. I’m so so so sorry, my US friends 💔 I’ll make it up to you, I promise!!!! thank you. I love you,” she wrote in the caption to the statement, in which she shared that “there are truly so many factors that lead to this (reluctant) decision, all of which were genuinely and completely out of my control.”
She continued, “Touring, especially today, is challenging and involves to many little moving parts. Bottom line is we couldn’t make it all work on time. Disappointing you guys is killing me, because everything I’ve put into this has been for you and I know how excited you’ve been, but I can only hope you understand.”
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The “Scars to Your Beautiful” singer noted that the rest of the tour, which will take place across Canada, Asia, Australia and Europe, will go on as planned. “As soon as I have new information on the new US dates, I will let you know,” she wrote, adding that original tickets will be honored on the new dates.
“I love you so much,” the Grammy winner concluded her statement. “I can’t apologize enough and I’ll make it up to you. See you soon.”
Cara’s Love & Hyperbole arrived on Valentine’s Day and featured singles “Dead Man,” “Slow Motion,” and “Obvious.”
See the full list of tour dates here, and see Cara’s full statement below.
Sauce Walka has said that he doesn’t plan on avenging his artist’s Sayso P’s recent murder in Memphis. The Houston rapper sat down with Wikid Films to talk about the unfortunate situation he found himself in last weekend (Mar. 22), and while he feels like his people have his back, he doesn’t want to retaliate. […]
Grupo Firme is set to kick off La Última Peda Tour on April 11 in Mexicali, following the cancellation of a performance in Mazatlán after a message on a banner with alleged death threats attributed to a drug cartel appeared in Tijuana. And the trek will proceed with reinforced security.
“People can come with confidence and have a good time,” Eduin Caz, the band’s frontman, said during a press conference Thursday afternoon at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, where the second show of the tour is scheduled for April 12. “We have strengthened security for this tour in Mexico. The shows of Grupo Firme are meant to be enjoyed, and that’s how it will be.”
After a three-year absence from Mexico, La Última Peda Tour will take Grupo Firme to 23 stadiums across the country, including their eighth performance at Estadio GNP Seguros (formerly Foro Sol) on June 28. The tour will also mark their return to palenques, a more intimate type of show that allows for greater interaction with the audience.
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“We need to relive that closeness with people that only these types of venues can provide,” said Jhonny Cazares, the group’s third voice. “Great artists we admire, like Alfredo Olivas and Julión Álvarez, do them. These [venues] are smaller, but they’re no less important. Plus, they’re part of our culture.”
Meanwhile, the state government and the Baja California Prosecutor’s Office are continuing their investigation into the threats against the band. The cancellation of the March 1 concert, which was part of the Mazatlán Carnival, was a result of the discovery of an alleged narcomanta and a human head in a box Feb. 25 in Tijuana — a fact confirmed to Billboard Español by the Baja California State Prosecutor’s Office. So far, four arrests have been made in the case, Excelsior TV reported citing the prosecutor’s office.
“We are grateful for the support of the authorities, who have been attentive from the very beginning,” Caz added. “We can’t share more details so as not to hinder the investigation.”
Coming up, Grupo Firme will be releasing a new album in May. In an interview with Billboard Español, the singer shared some details about the project, which was helmed by renowned songwriter and producer Joss Favela along with Abraham Luna, the group’s second voice and producer.
“The musical arrangements are different,” revealed Caz. “We’ve incorporated piano, electric guitar, and saxophone with banda and norteño. Our musical roots remain the same. The lyrics are in my style, mostly about heartbreak — those are the ones that come most naturally to me.”
He continued: “We recorded 17 songs but will keep only 12; they’re all very good. I don’t want any of them to go unnoticed or not get the attention they deserve.”
He also shared that it took them about a year to select and record the songs, with Caz contributing as a songwriter alongside Horacio Palencia, Nathan Galante, and Joss Favela — the same creator of “El Beneficio de la Duda,” which led Grupo Firme to spend two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart in mid-2024.
As for a potential collaboration with Don Omar — who recently expressed in press conference in Mexico City his desire to record with the band — Caz said: “There’s a great friendship. We haven’t been able to align schedules, first due to health issues for both of us. The song has already been chosen; it’s just a matter of timing. It would be amazing to make it happen.”
Rapper Yella Beezy was released on bond Friday morning (March 28). According to The Dallas Morning News, Beezy (born Markies Conway) posted a $750,000 bond to secure his release after being reduced by a judge from $2 million on Thursday. After being indicted by a Dallas County grand jury on March 18, Beezy was arrested […]
DDG is in the midst of his 24/7, weeklong Hit-A-Thon livestream, where he streams the process of creating his new album. We got to sit down in the middle of his stream to talk to him about why he decided to create an album during streaming, his top Billboard-charting songs, his eagerness for Blueface to be released, co-parenting Halo with Halle Bailey and more!
Are you watching DDG’s Hit-A-Thon? Let us know in the comments!
Tetris Kelly:
Yo, Billboard News hanging out with DDG, so bro, I’ve interviewed you like, I think this may be the third time, but nothing like this. So you gotta tell me, when did you decide you were gonna stream for seven days, man?
DDG:
I think I planned this probably, like, three weeks ago.
Oh, dang, not even that long ago.
Yeah, I know.
You said, I want to do this.
Yeah, I just been going every day, so I’m like, 36-37 days in a row.
That is wild, and how did your team feel about it?
Great. This is going amazing, actually. This is going much better than I actually thought. I thought it was gonna be, like, just something cool, but this is, like, my biggest project ever.
And I mean, it’s got to feel good, but at the same time, I know it can’t be just like easy to be 24/7 on the stream. So has it at any point yet, has it felt like this is overwhelming?
Nah, I ain’t gonna lie, it’s cool because, well, I got, like, my family and friends that pull up just to help entertain the audience, so it’s not too many dead moments. And that’s, that’s that’s what a lot of people scared of when they do like, 24/7 streaming, because it can be like moments where it’s like, super dead and you don’t know what to do, and you just don’t know how to entertain them. You run out of things to do. But since I got a lot of people here pulling up every day, it makes it easier for me to, like, you know, jump back and forth. Plus, I got a pool, basketball court and-
Stuff to do.
Keep watching for more!
Voting members of the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles chapter are being asked to vote again in the election that determines that chapter’s governors. The problem: Not enough people voted in the election that concluded Wednesday (March 26) for the Academy to consider it a valid election. As a result, a new election will open on April 9 and close on April 16.
Harvey Mason jr., Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO, and Tammy Hurt, chair of the academy’s board of trustees, sent an email to L.A. chapter voting members on Friday (March 28) explaining the situation and asking them to please be sure to vote this time. Members who voted in the initial election must vote again because this is a new election.
In their email, Mason and Hurt expressed sympathy for L.A. voting members, who have been through a lot in the past few months. Even those who weren’t personally affected by the wildfires that devastated the region beginning Jan. 7 were stressed by being part of a community that went through a traumatic event. “We understand that the past few months have been incredibly challenging for our LA members, and that you have had far more pressing matters to navigate,” they wrote. “However, it is critical that our elected leaders reflect the broad and diverse will of our members.”
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The L.A. chapter is the largest of the academy’s 12 chapters. The others are Atlanta, Chicago, Florida, Memphis, Nashville, New York, Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Texas and Washington, D.C.
Julia Michels, who won a Grammy five years ago as a music supervisor on Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper‘s A Star Is Born soundtrack, is president of the L.A. chapter, which currently has 31 governors, all of whom are elected by voting members in the chapter. The governors, in turn, elect the national trustees. The L.A. chapter currently has seven trustees (more than any other chapter): Cheche Alara, Evan Bogart, Maria Egan, Sara Gazarek, Mike Knobloch, Ledisi and Jonathan Yip.
Here’s the email from Mason and Hurt, in full:
Dear Los Angeles Voting Members,
Voting in the Recording Academy’s twelve chapter elections concluded Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles chapter election for Voting Member Governor races did not receive the required turnout for a valid election. As a result, we are going to hold a second election. We understand that the past few months have been incredibly challenging for our LA members, and that you have had far more pressing matters to navigate. However, it is critical that our elected leaders reflect the broad and diverse will of our members.
The new election will open on April 9 and close on April 16, and again, it will only be for the Voting Member Governor races. Please note that even if you voted in these recently-concluded races, you must vote again. This is a new election.
We ask that you please make time to participate in this important step and vote. You will determine the next class of Recording Academy elected leaders that will guide the Los Angeles Chapter. Please vote and please encourage others to do the same.
If you are in need of assistance due to the LA wildfires, please visit www.musicares.org/get-help.
Best regards,
Harvey Mason jr.
Recording Academy & MusiCares CEO
Tammy Hurt
Chair, Board of Trustees
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco aren’t done with their I Said I Love You First rollout. The recently engaged couple unveiled the deluxe version of their album on Friday (March 28) with two new tracks. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Among the new songs is the fan-favorite […]
On March 12, a video surfaced online that caused quite a stir. It was a new Coca-Cola ad featuring K-pop group NewJeans, also known as NJZ, which is currently at the center of much controversy. The ad quickly garnered reactions from around the world.One comment on the ad effectively captures the essence of the project: “Is this from the ’80s or 2025? Is it real or is it a dream? Is it nostalgia or a memory of something I never experienced? It’s a work that confuses all of this. It feels like it’s depicting the past, but actually, it seems like an idealized version of the present moment. Ordinary yet beautiful people, scenes that feel both real and dreamlike, all captured with ethereal music and visuals. I can’t stop replaying it, as I don’t want to let go of the dreamlike feeling it gives me.”
The campaign, with creative direction by Billboard Korea, presented a unique blend of subtle retro vibes and fresh, modern sensibility that immediately caught fans’ attention. More than just a brand advertisement, it has been recognized as a work that conveys cultural and emotional interpretation. In the conversation below, Billboard Korea explains how they created a unique sensibility connecting the 1980s with Seoul in 2025.
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How was the theme “I Feel Coke” conceptualized for the ad?
“I Feel Coke” was both the theme of a Coca-Cola Japan ad series that aired between 1987 and 1990 and the title of a song by Daisuke Inoue, which was featured in those commercials. The original ad was widely praised for capturing the spirit of Japan’s economic boom in the 1980s. In the 2025 Seoul version, we reinterpreted it as a tribute, blending nostalgia with a contemporary twist.
The new ad was inspired by the concept of Anemoia, a term that describes a sense of longing for a time or culture one has never actually experienced. We wanted to evoke the emotions tied to Coca-Cola from past eras while reimagining them in a fresh, modern way. Every detail was carefully crafted to preserve that feeling of nostalgia while making it relevant to today’s audience.
Can you explain “Anemoia” in more detail?
The term Anemoia was first introduced in 2012 by American writer John Koenig in “The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.” It describes the feeling of nostalgia for a time or culture one has never personally experienced. This emotion resonates strongly with Generation Z, who, amid uncertainty and anxiety, find themselves longing for the perceived prosperity and joy of past eras.
This growing fascination with revisiting and reinterpreting the past played a key role in shaping our creative direction. Our goal was to modernize nostalgia—capturing the essence of past memories while making them feel fresh and relevant today.
It’s clear that NewJeans being the models fits well. They both represent Gen Z and evoke nostalgia.
Exactly. NewJeans effortlessly blend a “longing for the past” with the “sophistication of the present.” As highlighted in Billboard Artist last October, they are not only icons of Gen Z but also a reflection of the nostalgia this generation experiences. Their unique ability to reimagine past eras with a fresh, modern twist made them the perfect match for this project and that synergy shines through in the ad.
What elements from the past were specifically referenced and which parts were reinterpreted in a new way?
One element that deeply moved us in the original ad was the happiness depicted — especially the brief moments of happiness that can be found in everyday life. We also paid close attention to authentic 1980s Japanese elements, such as the yuppie lifestyle, baseball, pay phones, leisure and health aesthetics, and more. In the 2025 Seoul version, we sought to reframe these experiences through the lens of Gen Z, while still capturing the sense of longing that was present in the original ad, reimagined with modern sensibilities.
What aspects of 2025 Seoul did you incorporate into the ad?
We aimed to capture different aspects of everyday life in 2025 Seoul, from the city’s efficient transportation system and vintage markets to social media content creation, instant photography and young adults moving into their first apartments. We also highlighted outdoor delivery meals and romantic moments on college campuses, small yet authentic elements that will resonate with people for years to come. These moments represent the happiness of today’s youth, which was at the heart of our vision for this project.
NewJeans’ rendition of “I Feel Coke” has garnered attention for its refreshing and dreamy vibe. How does it differ from the original song from the past?
ADOR and its A&R team aimed to preserve the essence of both the original song and the era it came from while capturing the signature feeling of the Coca-Cola brand. At the same time, they wanted to reinterpret it through the emotions NewJeans embodies today. The goal was to craft a track that complements NewJeans’ warm, understated, yet sophisticated vocal style.
The intro’s synthesizer melody follows the same pattern as the original, but with a fresh sound design. As the song progresses, the synthesizer and electric guitar in the second verse echo the original’s nostalgic vibe, while the outro introduces a saxophone, bridging the dreamy atmosphere of the past with a modern, refreshing touch.
How was the vocal distribution among the members decided?
ADOR carefully arranged the vocal distribution to highlight each member’s individual strengths. For the final choir section, they focused on enhancing the harmonies, ensuring that each member’s unique tone blended seamlessly while preserving the choral beauty of the original song.
Were there any special episodes during the arrangement and recording process?
During the arrangement process, the members of NewJeans gave input on the intro sound, helping refine it to perfectly complement the visuals of the ad. During recording, they focused on making the song their own while also capturing Coca-Cola’s signature sense of energy and refreshment, making the entire experience truly special.
In addition to the main ad video, there were also sub-content pieces. What were they?
Yes, we created several additional content pieces to enhance the campaign. For example, we designed illustrated posters featuring the 1980s Coca-Cola logo and imagined what Billboard Korea magazine covers might have looked like if it had existed back then.
NewJeans also shared behind-the-scenes collage videos filmed with disposable cameras and camcorders, capturing candid and intimate moments. These extra elements added emotional depth to the ad and gave fans a rare, personal glimpse into the members’ real personalities.
After the online release, there was an overwhelming public response. Can you share some memorable comments?
We got a lot of reactions, like: “It’s strange that I cried even though it’s just a commercial.” “It feels like watching an uplifting youth movie.” “The legendary collaboration between Billboard and Coca-Cola.” “I can’t stop replaying it.” “I’m only drinking Coca-Cola now.” (Fun fact: Coca-Cola sales went up on the release day and the day after.) The project manager at Coca-Cola Korea also shared that the comment “It delivers happiness in chunks” really stood out to them.
The collaboration between Billboard and Coca-Cola was also unique.
Exactly. We often take “happiness” for granted because it’s always around, and we think we understand it. But one of the simplest yet most essential ways to capture that feeling is through music. That’s why we believe music is the perfect medium to express the “feeling of happiness” that Coca-Cola stands for. The partnership between Coca-Cola and Billboard, with their rich histories, created a unique connection between music and advertising.
Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories you can share?
The sunny, warm summer vibe in the ad was actually filmed on a snowy day. [Laughs]
In a time where the LGBTQ+ community seems to be under near-constant attack from the current presidential administration, GLAAD decided to celebrate queer and trans creatives in style on Thursday night (March 27) for the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards. The event, which was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, honored stars from […]
Looks like running — and playing Forrest Gump — runs in the Hanks family. In the “You Better Run” music video for Chet Hanks’ band Something Out West, the singer tapped his famous father Tom Hanks to re-create scenes from Forrest Gump more than 30 years after the actor starred in the iconic film. The […]