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Ángela Aguilar truly shined Saturday (March 29) night at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 gala in Inglewood, California, when she accepted the Breakthrough Award with an emotional speech that was met with a roaring standing ovation at the YouTube Theater.
After performing a sublime version of the Mexican classic “Cielito Lindo” accompanied by the Harmony Project — a community chorus composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including immigrant children — she spoke candidly about a year that “almost broke” her — with constant headlines and online scrutiny over her marriage to Mexican singer Christian Nodal, who was in attendance to support her.
“I have had to cry the weights of judgement and speculation of a story that I have note even told,” Aguilar said. “And yet, here I am. I’m still singing, I’m still standing. Because music is who I am.”
Trending on Billboard
To a roaring ovation from her peers at the venue, she advised young girls to “sing your truth and when they tell you to be quiet […] sing even louder.” Fighting back tears, she dedicated her award to immigrant women who cross the border to the United States “with nothing but hope in their hearts, only to find themselves living in uncertainty and fear […] You deserve safety, dignity, the right to dream.”
The youngest of the Aguilar dynasty — her father is música mexicana icon Pepe Aguilar, her grandparents legendary Mexican entertainers Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre — Ángela Aguilar made her stage debut as a toddler when she joined her famous dad at one of his concerts. Five years later, at age 8, she released her first album, a joint set with her older brother Leonardo Aguilar. The two later joined Pepe on back-to-back arena tours when he launched Jaripeo Sin Fronteras in 2018, honoring the jaripeo-style show — singing while riding horses — that their grandparents pioneered. Along the way, Ángela landed three No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart and four top 10 hits on Latin Airplay, including her first No. 1 on that chart, “Por el Contrario,” with Leonardo and Becky G, last year.
Ángela Aguilar at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Gilbert Flores
Hosted by Laverne Cox, Billboard‘s Women in Music honored influential women in music spanning artists and industry leaders, with performances, awards and tributes. Doechii was recognized as Woman of the Year, while honorees also included aespa, Erykah Badu, Gracie Abrams, Meghan Trainor, and Tyla, among others.
Read Ángela Aguilar’s full speech and watch her performance below:
This Breakthrough Award means a lot to me, because this year almost broke me. And honestly, I have had to stand on stage and sing through the tears and I have had to cry the weights of judgement and speculation of a story that I have note even told, and of a story that has never hit my voice. And yet, here I am. I’m still singing, I’m still standing.
Because music is who I am. It’s the thread that connects me to every woman that came before me, like my grandmother Flor Silvestre, and it’s taught me that these women here today are not my competition because we are each other’s legacy. And she taught me that you can fight in silence and the music speaks way louder than what other people say.
To every young girl that’s watching this and is wondering if she should make herself smaller to fit in to someone’s ideas about who they are, don’t. In this world they’ll try to write your story for you; don’t let them. Sing your truth and when they tell you to be quite, if it’s what you want, if it’s truly what you want, sing even louder.
Lastly, I wanna take this moment to raise my voice for the women whose voices are not always given a stage, for the women who leave behind everything they know crossing borders with nothing but hope in their hearts, only to find themselves living in uncertainty and fear. For the immigrant women in the country who work tirelessly building and nurturing, sacrificing, yet still remain unseen, unheard and unprotected, this one is for you. I see you. I honor you. You deserve safety, dignity, the right to dream. And if my voice and my music and my presence on this stage can remind you are not invisible, then I will sing for you every single time.
So tonight I accept this award for every women who has ever had to break through. For my grandmother. For my mother, who’s honored tonight. And to every women who has paved the way for every young girl to be able to dream. We are not breaking down. We are breaking through. Gracias, ¡y que viva México!
Billboard’s Women in Music event took over the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif., on Saturday (March 29). Airing for free on VIZIO TVs and in the VIZIO mobile app, the annual event honors influential women in music, from artists to industry power players.
The 2025 Billboard Women in Music event was hosted by Laverne Cox and honored: Doechii, 2025 Woman of the Year Award; aespa, Group of the Year Award; Ángela Aguilar, Breakthrough Award; ANNA, Billboard Italy Woman of the Year; Charlotte Cardin, Billboard Canada Woman of the Year; Erykah Badu, Icon Award; GloRilla, Powerhouse Award; Gracie Abrams, Songwriter of the Year Award; JENNIE, Global Force Award; Megan Moroney, Rulebreaker Award presented by Crown Royal Whisky; Meghan Trainor, Hitmaker Award; Muni Long, Rising Star Award presented by Honda Stage; Tina Knowles, Mother of the Year Award; and Tyla, Impact Award presented by Bose.
Additionally, dozens of music industry moves and shakers were honored at the event for their remarkable contributions to the business. Five of those women – agents from some of the top booking agencies in the industry – were honored as the 2025 Executives of the Year: Jenna Adler, Lucy Dickins, Samantha Kirby Yoh, Cara Lewis and Marsha Vlasic.
From distinctive performances (honorees aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long and Tyla all rocked the stage) to meaningful speeches, here are some of the best moments from Billboard’s Women in Music 2025 event.
VIZIO TV owners can watch Billboard Women in Music 2025 and the live event by opening the WatchFree+ app on their TV. For those who do not have a VIZIO TV, anyone can download the free VIZIO mobile app to their mobile device, click on the WatchFree+ button in the bottom row menu, and tune in to the Billboard Women in Music 2025 channel.
Megan Moroney
Hot off a Grammy win for best rap album for her 2024 LP Alligator Bites Never Heal and the news that her single “Anxiety” had hit top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, Doechii took the stage at Billboard’s Women in Music 2025 event on Saturday (March 29) night to accept the honor for 2025 Woman of the Year.
“Where’s the swamp? Do I have any fans in the house?” Doechii asked the audience inside YouTube Theater in Inglewood, Calif., to laughs and applause after an introduction from two of her collaborators, Jayda Love and DJ Miss Milan.
“I cannot believe it was just two years ago I stood on this stage right here and accepted the Billboard Rising Star Award. I had literally performed so hard I danced my shoes off and had to hop up to the mic,” she recalled of her performances of “Persuasive” and “Crazy,” smiling. “And here I am. That moment reflects how I approach my career – always go full out, always go hard and always be fab.”
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Thanking her family, God and the many women on her team and at her label, Doechii noted the Woman of the Year honor was “a full-circle moment.”
She also talked about the importance of Billboard Women in Music as an annual industry event. “I stand here as a fierce ally,” the Grammy-winning rapper said. “That word is a key reason there is a Billboard Women in Music.” The event, which began in 2007, came about because “women in the music business were tired of not getting their seats at the table or the credit they deserved,” she said. “This event was created out of a necessity. That word, necessity, is important. My mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, was a space I created out of necessity. A space where I could feel seen, heard and connect with other people through experiences.”
The Swamp Princess noted that nearly two decades after Billboard Women in Music first started, a “lack of inclusion and sexism are still issues in this industry. And that’s a problem. Which is why I’m grateful we have Billboard Women in Music.
“This is our motherf–king night to rightfully come together to acknowledge each other, support each other and to celebrate,” she said. “We are the creators, we are the executives, we are the innovators who are just as central to this industry as the men. Clock it.”
Influential women in music graced the red carpet at Billboard’s 2025 Women in Music event, which took place on Saturday (March 29). See the best red carpet photos from the night here.Host Laverne Cox, music stars and industry leaders were pictured on the carpet ahead of the ceremony that honors accomplished women and their contributions to the music industry, their communities and beyond.
Artist nominees at this year’s prestigious event include Doechii, receiving the Woman of the Year Award, as well as aespa (Group of the Year), Ángela Aguilar (Breakthrough Award), Erykah Badu (Icon Award), GloRilla (Powerhouse Award), Gracie Abrams (Songwriter of the Year), JENNIE (Global Force Award), Megan Moroney (Rulebreaker Award presented by Crown Royal Whisky), Meghan Trainor (Hitmaker Award), Muni Long (Rising Star Award Presented by Honda Stage) and Tyla (Impact Award presented by Bose). Global Women of the Year are ANNA (Billboard Italy Woman of the Year) and Charlotte Cardin (Billboard Canada Woman of the Year).
Tina Knowles, mom to Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, is the first-ever Mother of the Year honoree at Billboard’s Women in Music, held at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif.
The list of presenters features Becky G, Kali Chis, Madison Beer, Julia Michaels, Lauren Jauregui, Mickey Guyton, Suki Waterhouse, Summer Walker, Tanner Adell, Victoria Monét and Zara Larsson.
The red carpet was also expected to see appearances from Ari Lennox, Ashe, Ava Max, Bella Poarch, Heidi Montag, JoJo Siwa, Kandi Burruss, Keyshia Cole, Loren Gray, Madison Bailey, Queen Naija, Sophia Culpo, Tinashe, Victoria Justice and more.
See many of them pictured on the red carpet in this photo gallery of not-to-be-missed moments.
Meghan Trainor
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Meghan Trainor at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Kali Uchis
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Kali Uchis at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Victoria Monét, Ari Lennox & Muni Long
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Victoria Monét, Ari Lennox and Muni Long at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Julia Michaels
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Julia Michaels at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Zara Larsson
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Zara Larsson at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Ravyn Lenae
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Ravyn Lenae at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Tinashe
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Tinashe at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Maeta
Image Credit: Michael Buckner
Maeta at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Ledisi
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Ledisi at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Dalia Ganz
Image Credit: JC Olivera
Dalia Ganz at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Cindy Oliver
Image Credit: Jesse Grant
Cindy Oliver at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Sabrina Phillips, Pam Sturchio & Elena Quandt
Image Credit: Jesse Grant
Sabrina Phillips, Pam Sturchio and Elena Quandt at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Rania Aniftos
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Rania Aniftos at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Tanner Adell
Image Credit: Michael Buckner
Tanner Adell at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Diane Warren
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Diane Warren at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Laverne Cox
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Laverne Cox at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Melody Thornton
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Melody Thornton at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Mary Conde & Judy Heyman
Image Credit: JC Olivera
Mary Conde and Judy Heyman at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Gina Harrell
Image Credit: JC Olivera
Gina Harrell at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Kiona Nikiy Reaves & Alexandra Lyzwa
Image Credit: JC Olivera
Kiona Nikiy Reaves and Alexandra Lyzwa at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Meg Donnelly
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Meg Donnelly at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Queen Naija
Image Credit: Michael Buckner
Queen Naija at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Mickey Guyton
Image Credit: Michael Buckner
Mickey Guyton at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Megan Moroney
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Megan Moroney at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Ari Lennox
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Ari Lennox at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles,.
Muni Long
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Muni Long at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Bella Poarch
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Bella Poarch at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Madison Bailey
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Madison Bailey at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Melissa Ruderman
Image Credit: JC Olivera
Melissa Ruderman at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Lauren Jauregui
Image Credit: Michael Buckner
Lauren Jauregui at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Dana Droppo & Mike Van
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Dana Droppo and Mike Van at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Kiana Lede
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Kiana Lede at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Victoria Monét
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Victoria Monét at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Suki Waterhouse
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Suki Waterhouse at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Jenna Park Adler
Image Credit: JC Olivera
Jenna Park Adler at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 held at the YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Lana Del Rey‘s “Henry, Come On,” a new song in advance of upcoming album The Right Person Will Stay, is ostensibly coming soon. Del Rey teased the title overlayed on apparent single art without comment on Instagram, in a post that has her gazing demurely into the camera.
“Henry,” which doesn’t have a confirmed release date yet, might ring a bell for fans of Del Rey, who’s dressed in white lace, complemented by carefully placed waves and a muted red lip, in the new promotional image.
When announcing The Right Person Will Stay‘s May 21 release date four months ago, Del Rey had noted, “Happy for you to hear a few songs coming up before Stagecoach starting with Henry.” “Henry” was in reference to the title now known to be “Henry, Come On,” a track she actually first teased more than a year ago.
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Del Rey is performing at the 2025 edition of Stagecoach, the annual country music festival in Indio, Calif., before a stadium tour in U.K. and Ireland that begins in June. She’s got top billing on Stagecoach’s Palomino Stage on Friday, April 25, with festival organizers saying she’ll have “a very special country set.” Zach Bryan headlines the fest’s “Mane” Stage the same night.
Del Rey first previewed “Henry, Come On” in January 2024 in a snippet that was also posted on Instagram, tagging Nashville songwriter/producer Luke Laird, no stranger to Billboard‘s country music charts and a two-time Grammy winner (most recently in 2019, as co-writer on Kacey Musgraves’ “Space Cowboy”).
On the “Henry” post this week, Laird was again among the names tagged. Also tagged is longtime Del Rey collaborator Dean Reid, who’s worked with the songstress in various production capacities over the years, most recently on several tracks on Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. Drew Erickson, who worked with Del Rey on production and songwriting for Blue Banisters and Ocean Blvd, is also tagged on the post.
With quiet contemplation and sparse acoustic guitar, the first hint of “Henry” lyrically references the country influence Del Rey originally indicated was in store for her next album, when her next album was known as Lasso.
“I mean, Henry, come on/ Do you think I’d really choose it?/ All this off and on, Henry, come on/ I mean, baby, come on/ Do you think I’d really lose it on ya?/ If you did nothin’ wrong, Henry, come on,” she sings, with a whisper on the latter mention of Henry’s name leading up to the hook: “Last call, hey, y’all/ Hang his hat up on the wall/ Tell him that his cowgirl is gone/ Come on and giddyup.”
See the “Henry, Come On” art and the previously shared audio clip, both embedded below from Instagram.
A group of 32 Lady Gaga fans, affectionately known as Little Monsters, were chosen to go from “fan to featured” in a special edit of the “Abracadabra” music video. Gaga herself opens the clip, released by Mastercard on Saturday (March 29).
“The category is fans or die,” she says, playing off of her announcement that “the category is dance or die” in the original “Abracadabra” video.
“Little Monsters, my stage is yours,” Gaga adds.
Trending on Billboard
In the recreation of Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” directed by Parris Goebel — who also worked on the original — these fans are seen having the time of their lives while giving a fierce, heartfelt performance of the Mayhem single’s choreo.
The video is part of a campaign with Mastercard, who ran a contest to win what they called a “Priceless Experience”: appearing in the professionally produced “Abracadabra” (Fan Version) video, and joining Lady Gaga at a “Club MAYHEM” dance party. All a Little Monster had to do to enter was show off their take on the “Abracadabra” dance via social media with a #MastercardGagaContest hashtag.
The end result, first seen on Saturday afternoon, had tons of fellow Little Monsters quick to react in the comments, praising the impressive level of talent in the fanbase. Several comments noted the “Abracadabra” fan edit left them teary-eyed.
The credit card company previously shared a clip of the winning Little Monsters’ encounter with their idol. They were learning the “Abracadabra” choreography from one of Gaga’s dancers when the superstar suddenly appeared from behind a one-way mirror — joining them for a heart-to-heart about their artist-fan relationship.
“[There’s] something about Little Monsters that is this deep connection,” Gaga had remarked while secretly looking on. “They were just giving it their all — I didn’t expect myself to feel so emotional.”
In a recent interview with Billboard, Gaga said the Mayhem era has brought her even closer to her beloved supporters. “I’ve seen Little Monsters be so amazing for almost 20 years,” she said. “I haven’t seen us like this in a long time. Between the dancing, the makeup, the hair, the costumes, it gives me so much life. I am really honored. All I ever want to do is make something that you press play and you feel good for the duration of the record, and maybe you play it again.”
Mayhem became Gaga’s seventh No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart earlier this month.
Watch the “Abracadabra” fan edit below.
Zayn Malik was forced to cancel a show in Mexico after suffering from food poisoning.
The last-minute cancellation occurred on Friday (March 28), when the 32-year-old “Pillowtalk” singer was set to perform at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes as part of his Stairway to the Sky Tour.
“I’m heartbroken to say that I won’t be able to perform tonight in Mexico City,” Malik wrote on his Instagram Stories just hours before the show was scheduled to begin. “I’ve been really sick since this morning and, despite trying everything to push through, my body just isn’t allowing it.”
The former One Direction member added, “I’m so sorry to let you down. The love and energy I always feel from my fans mean the world to me, and it hurts deeply to miss this moment with you. Thank you for your understanding, and please know I’m sending all of my love to each of you.”
Hours later, Zayn offered another update on his health. “Mexico, I love you even though myself and many of my crew got severe food poisoning,” the musician wrote on his Instagram Stories. “It’s no joke — still struggling. I’m so sorry.”
Trending on Billboard
He continued, “To my fans, I’m so sorry — these shows have made me feel alive, happy, grateful and at home, and that’s all because of you. These shows, your energy, your fan projects filled me with so much love and a feeling I can’t even describe. Big love.”
Just days earlier, on March 25, Malik performed at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes, where he surprised fans by singing one of One Direction’s most beloved hits for the first time in a decade. During the concert, Zayn shocked the audience when he performed the 1D single “Night Changes” from the group’s 2014 album, Four. “I haven’t sung this song in 10 years. Thank you, that was amazing, I almost cried,” he told the surprised audience.
Malik launched his Stairway to the Sky Tour in November 2024 after rescheduling the trek following his One Direction bandmate Liam Payne’s death.
Reflecting on his early days as a resident DJ in Las Vegas, David Guetta says it took him time to warm up to the Strip.
“When I first came [to Vegas], I didn’t like it because my thing was Ibiza,” Guetta tells Billboard. “I played a lot in the U.K. [as well], and it was all about culture. Also, I was a more underground type of artist. I was playing house music. When I came [the Strip], I felt [the audience was] coming to see a famous DJ, like they came to see a famous magician the day before. ‘Wow, they don’t get it. Okay, I’ll come no more than once a year.’”
Fifteen years later, the French DJ, EDM pioneer and early adopter of the Las Vegas residency circuit is still returning. Over the next two years, he will play 13 dates at his new LIV and LIV Beach residencies at Fontainebleau, launching on Saturday (March 29).
Guetta decamped from Wynn Nightlife last year after over a decade at XS and Encore Beach Club, sparking an era of shifts in residences up and down the Strip. Kygo, also a former Wynn headliner, moves over to Tao Group and, in May, will debut his own venue and first daytime residency at Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand (the former Wet Republic).
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Wynn adds country (YeeDM) to its lineup with Dustin Lynch and new artists Odesza, Deadmau5, G-Eazy, Subtronics and Sofi Tukker trading off with returning performers The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Diplo and Mau P. Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World features T-Pain, Illenium, Kaskade, Lil Wayne, DJ Snake, Nelly, Alison Wonderland, MEDUZA, James Hype and others from the worlds of hip-hop and electronic music. Drai’s stays true to hip-hop with Gucci Mane, French Montana, 2Chainz, Jeezy, 50 Cent, Gunna and Wiz Khalifa.
“I’ve witnessed the [city’s] investment of work, time, and money into the DJ culture,” Guetta says. “I’ve seen the culture evolve from zero to 100 during those years. It has been very spectacular and impressive to see the Vegas marketing machine. When they want something, they make it happen.”
Last week, Guetta tested the waters at LIV Beach by popping up during John Summit’s set to play “Beautiful People,” his latest song with Sia, for the crowd, which marks their ninth collaboration since 2011’s “Titanium.”
“I was not planning on it. I just came to say hi. I wanted to see the vibe because going to a new place is a huge challenge,” Guetta says. “Even though it looked good on paper, I needed to experience it, and then John told me, ‘Why don’t you play a few records.’ It was insane. The level of energy, also, we never played together, so I think people were shocked. Some clubs can be beautiful, but they just don’t connect, and it’s hard to explain why. But here, I felt good.”
Guetta prefers to soak up the vitamin D when asked to pick between nightclub sets and the infamous Vegas pool party. “Pool parties are insanely sexy, especially in Vegas, because it’s so early. When I play pool parties in Ibiza [at my residency at Ushuaia], it’s 9 p.m. [The beach] is all about feel good, happy music, sunshine, and that works well with the person I am,” he says.
In preparation for Guetta and the 2025 season, LIV and LIV Beach underwent a major renovation to expand seating and capacity. The two venues are now linked and operate as an indoor-outdoor day-night club with over 80,000 square feet. LIV Beach also added 33 VIP tables and bungalows. Guetta’s fellow residents include Tiësto, Summit, Metro Boomin and Dom Dolla.
Guetta has created a surprising setlist to break in the new venue, including what he describes as “big American classics.”
“I’ve been working like crazy every day, from morning to evening, on this set. I only play my records or records that I love, but I make remixes or revisit classics. It’s a lot of production work, but it gives unique content,” he says. “Vegas, to me, really represents America because you have people coming from everywhere. So I took a lot of big American classics, including rock songs, and made remixes to play for this event. More than half of the set I’ve never played before.”
The night before his LIV Beach debut, Guetta and Sia appeared at the 25th anniversary Ultra Music Festival in Miami to perform “Beautiful People” live during Afrojrack’s set. Can Vegas fans expect to see the collaborators as well?
“It’s not impossible because she lives in L.A. I might bring her one day,” Guetta says, sharing with Billboard that he keeps returning to Sia because of the “magic between them” and that she was the missing link “Beautiful People,” lingering in his files for a while. He teases that there is another yet-to-be-released song featuring the duo.
“We made another record that is absolutely crazy … so she reached out to me for that other record [initially] … then, I had [‘Beautiful People’] in my laptop for many years. I could never finish it. Speaking to her made me want to go back and try it again,” he says. “Sometimes you write a dope song, but you need to crack the code of the production, and it doesn’t always come. We have had this song for many years, and I could never nail it. The same thing happened with ‘I’m Good.’”
A TikTok sample made that track with Bebe Rexha a hit even before its release. A YouTube leak did the same for “Beautiful People.”
Much like Vegas is different now, so is the music industry. Tapping into the fans in a live setting such as LIV is imperative to Guetta’s longevity and cultural resonance.
“It used to be you did 10 to 14 songs to make an album, and then there were big meetings with the record company, and then you released three, and the record company chose the singles. Today, the fans choose, and I love it. I don’t get offended if a record flops. I’m blessed that many of them are working, but there is less pressure on me. It used to be if you made the wrong choice, you’re dead. And it’s not like this anymore.”
David Guetta’s LIV dates are May 24 and Nov. 22. His upcoming LIV Beach dates begin March 29 and run sporadically through May 31.
Lil Nas X has revealed that he almost collaborated with Taylor Swift.
During an interview at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday (March 27), the 25-year-old rapper shared that he was offered a chance to add a verse to one of the pop superstar’s songs but ultimately turned it down.
“We were working on something,” Lil Nas told E! News on the red carpet at the event. “She offered to let me try a verse on something, but I couldn’t catch a vibe for it, so it didn’t happen.”
However, the “Old Town Road” hitmaker hasn’t ruled out the possibility of working with Swift in the future. “When it happens… Global. World. Tay-tay and Nassy,” he said.
Despite the song not coming together, Lil Nas X expressed nothing but love for the “All Too Well” singer. “I’m proud of my girl,” he said. “I love the album. She’s been doing her thing. She’s at the very tippety top. I’m thankful that she even considered me.”
Trending on Billboard
Swift was nominated in six categories at the 2025 Grammy Awards in February, including album of the year for The Tortured Poets Department, which spent 17 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Although she went 0-6 at this year’s Grammys, the 35-year-old superstar had much to celebrate with her record-breaking The Eras Tour, which grossed over $2 billion from 149 shows worldwide.
Meanwhile, Lil Nas X has been busy putting out his own music. In recent months, the rapper has dropped a series of singles, starting with the dance-y “Light Again” and the energetic “Need Dat Boy.” In March, he ramped up the pace with a series of single releases ahead of the as-yet-unscheduled release of his Dreamboy album, the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2021 debut, Montero.
This flurry of activity culminated in the surprise drop of Days Before Dreamboy, an eight-track EP released on Friday (March 28). The mini album compiles all of Lil Nas X’s recent releases, including “Dreamboy,” “Big Dummy!,” “Swish,” “Hotbox,” “Lean on My Body” and “Right There!” It’s unclear whether all the tracks on the EP will also appear on his forthcoming full-length project.
Sean Kingston and his mother were found guilty of federal wire fraud charges in a Florida courtroom on Friday (March 28). The “Beautiful Girls” singer, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and his mother, Janice Turner, were convicted on all five charges following a five-day trial related to over $1 million in wire fraud. A […]