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Welcome to a brand new year of pop star greatness! Our Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century and Greatest Pop Stars of 2024 lists are now over and done with, but the race for 2025 has just begun. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news On this […]
Nora Fatehi and Jason Derulo have kicked off 2025 with a single designed to combine cultures. On Thursday (Jan. 16), the Bollywood superstar and veteran hitmaker unveiled “Snake,” a thumping dance collaboration that joins East Asian melodies with American dance-pop production, creating a sensual duet with global aspirations.
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Fatehi tells Billboard that the track came courtesy of a discussion with producer Tommy Brown (Ariana Grande, Victoria Monét) about finding a sound that could unite audiences in different regions of the world. “My main word was ‘exotic,’ and I wanted to make sure that it was dance-oriented — that whoever heard the song would want to move,” she recalls. “And after finishing the song, we were thinking about which artist would really be a good collaborator, and Jason’s name came up. And I’ve been a fan, and someone who’s really appreciated his journey, for a very long time.”
“I’m always looking for music that speaks to me on a different level, and that’s a little left-of-center,” Derulo adds. “When I heard this for the first time, I was like, ‘Oh, s–t. What’s this? This sounds really different, and really cool.’”
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Fatehi signed a label deal with Warner Music Group in February 2024 after the Toronto native of Moroccan descent moved to India and became a Bollywood staple, with over a dozen film credits and 47 million Instagram followers. After performing in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films, watching her Bollywood songs explode on YouTube and sharing English-language solo tracks as an independent artist, Fatehi says that the Warner deal last year helped kick-start plans for a global music career.
“I’m hoping for bigger tracks and bigger projects, and this [single] essentially introduces me to the international market in a very unique way,” Fatehi explains. “It allows people to know what I bring to the table as a performer, as a dancer, as a singer. … Bollywood made me the artist I am today, and I love to bring those elements into my artistry.”
Meanwhile, Derulo — who released Nu King, his first album in nine years, in 2024 — says that the opportunity to hop on “Snake” resulted in a greater knowledge of Bollywood, and made him appreciate Fatehi’s performance chops, particularly as a fellow dancer. “I dove into Nora’s world, and got a chance to watch her music videos and watch her in Bollywood [films] and see who she was as an artist, and was blown away,” he says. “I don’t think people are ‘performers’ anymore — it’s a really sad fact. But to find a performer like Nora? Good luck trying to find another performer who can sing and dance at that level.”
Those skills are on display in the “Snake” music video, which was filmed in Morocco over the course of two days and blends shape-shifting visual effects with a mix of bellydancing, hip-hop and Bollywood choreography. “I learned a lot from him on set,” Fatehi says of Derulo. “He’s been doing this for over 15 years, and still has the work ethic and seriousness on set to perfect every detail. I was very inspired.”
While Fatehi is planning for “Snake” to kick off a year with more English-language music as part of her Warner deal, Derulo is also prepping new music, this time with an old friend: J.R. Rotem, who helped deliver Derulo’s 2009 Hot 100 chart-topper “Whatcha Say” to the masses and helmed his 2010 self-titled debut album before they went their separate ways.
“It’s the first time I’ve worked with him in 15 years,” Derulo says. “We put aside our differences, and it’s been incredible to work with him again. We just did a week in Miami, and [worked on] some of the most amazing songs that I’ve done in a long time. I’m really excited about the new music, and the new album that’s coming in ’25.”
The Brit Awards has announced its host for the upcoming 2025 ceremony. Comedian Jack Whitehall will return to the role, having hosted the awards four times previously. The Brits will be held on March 1 at London’s O2 arena. Nominations are due to be announced in the coming weeks, alongside performers at the event. The […]
When Evan Lo walked onto an in-progress livestream by Kai Cenat, the Twitch juggernaut with some 15.8 million followers, and his influencer pal Fanum on Nov. 16, 2024, they received the guitar-wielding stranger with a friendly, split-second greeting. But when he began strumming the vibey opening chords of his viral track “Swimming,” the streamers halted. A look of starstruck bliss crossed Fanum’s face, while Cenat — after a quick online search to confirm his guest’s identity — began screaming: “Oh, my gosh! It’s him! Yo, you a GOAT!”
Flawed Mangoes photographed December 5, 2024 in New York.
Justin J Wee
The GOAT in question is better known as Flawed Mangoes, a Boston-based musician whose gently expressive guitar work and mesmerizing, ambient loops have soundtracked a slew of content creators’ motivational speeches and uplifting memes. Dubbed “hopecore,” this positivity-focused music has gained traction as a tonic to social media’s often toxic offerings — and based on his comment sections, Flawed Mangoes has helped many a bro tap into their sensitive side. Sure enough, before Lo left the livestream, he played that comfort-food instrumental while another guest, the Chicago rapper G Herbo, gave an inspirational speech — and Herbo’s young son was left wiping away tears.
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“It was so chaotic,” Lo says, chuckling. “Like, ‘Am I overwhelming this kid right now?’ But watching the video [later], it was a wholesome thing … It’s very surreal to think that people are actually having significant moments [with my music].”
Flawed Mangoes photographed December 5, 2024 in New York.
Justin J Wee
Justin J Wee
This digital cover story is part of Billboard’s Genre Now package, highlighting the artists pushing their musical genres forward — and even creating their own new ones.
Despite being a naturally “introverted, shy person,” the thoughtful, easy-going Lo is quietly embracing his status as hopecore’s de facto poster boy. “In my head, it was never ‘I want this to be motivational and inspiring,’ ” he says. “[My music is] toeing the line between melancholy and happy in that bittersweet sort of way. I guess a lot of people identified with both sides.” In his estimation, a Flawed Mangoes fan is someone looking to “slow down and take time” for personal wellness: “I think people who can relate to needing that sort of energy in their life tend to gravitate toward my music.”
After signing with APG Music in April and releasing EP The Unwavering Hand in September, the 27-year-old is getting more comfortable showing his face to the world. He’s even preparing to spotlight his own vocals on an upcoming album in 2025, though he’s quick to manage expectations. “What inspires me the most is hearing singers who clearly aren’t very good at singing but do it anyway and really commit. Their lack of formal singing training becomes a character of the music itself. That’s really inspiring to me as someone who’s a very mid singer,” he adds with a sheepish smile.
This story appears in the Jan. 11, 2025, issue of Billboard.
Billboard cover star and the ‘Future of Hopecore’ artist, Flawed Mangoes, is bringing out the emotions through his music. He sits down and shares his thoughts on “Killswitch Lullaby” going viral on TikTok, meeting with Kai Cenat, his creative solo process and more! Flawed Mangoes: You know what it says? Yes, I know what this […]
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Fivio Foreign recently stirred up some chatter during an appearance on Justin Laboy’s podcast when he declared that Queens has the most beautiful women in New York. The Brooklyn rapper, known for his drill music and larger-than-life personality, explained his reasoning, saying, “I think Queens does. I feel like the Queens girls are a little more put together, don’t be mad at me ladies but they come from a different texture.” He went on to mention that women from Queens often have their family and a house, which, according to him, makes them stand out compared to women from other boroughs.
Fivio’s comments quickly became a hot topic, but not for the reasons he may have hoped. While his views on Queen’s women reflect a certain appreciation, they also sparked a mix of admiration and critique, with some questioning his generalizations.
Fivio Foreign is from Brooklyn, born and raised in Fort Greene and East Flatbush. Growing up in these neighborhoods shaped his sound and hustle. Making a name in the rap game didn’t come easy, close friend and drill legend, Pop Smoke was the first to blow from their friend group showing Fivi that it was possible. Once we lost Pop in 2020, Fivio kept his name alive and made himself a name brand in the game.
Adding to the recent string of eyebrow-raising moments, the rapper also went viral for his “impeccable spelling skills.” He posted on Instagram saying, “the world is demonic,” but accidentally typed “demonique” instead. Whether trolling or genuinely misspelling, fans couldn’t help but laugh — and some even suggested Apple should refund him for spellcheck.
Score one for Team Coco. Conan O’Brien has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. He’ll receive the award on March 23, less than three weeks after he hosts the Oscars for the first time. The Oscars are set for March 3.
O’Brien, 61, will be the second former host of The Tonight Show to receive the Twain Prize. Jay Leno, who was both O’Brien’s predecessor and successor as host of that legendary late-night comedy franchise, received the honor in 2014. David Letterman, who was passed over for the job in favor of Leno when Johnny Carson retired in 1993, received the honor in 2017. Jon Stewart, whose The Daily Show in its heyday was often buzzier than The Tonight Show, received the honor in 2022. (Carson, who hosted The Tonight Show for 30 years and is widely regarded as the GOAT of late-night talk-show hosts, never received the honor. He died in 2005, seven years after the award originated.)
“For four decades, Conan O’Brien has brought his unique blend of the smart, silly, insightful, and hilarious into our homes,” Deborah F. Rutter, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, said in a statement. “From Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons —including the unbelievably funny monorail episode — to late night, podcasts, and all things Team Coco, Conan is a master of invention and reinvention, consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights.”
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“I am honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor, but for my work as a riverboat pilot,” wisecracked O’Brien.
The presentation will take place in Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The program will stream on Netflix, date to be announced. Last year’s presentation to Kevin Hart marked the beginning of a long-term relationship with the streamer.
The 26th Mark Twain Prize will be produced by David Jammy and the creative team at Done+Dusted, the Kennedy Center’s producing partner for the Mark Twain Prize since 2018.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, colloquially known as Mark Twain. “As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society who delighted and informed onlookers with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly,” the statement said.
Previous recipients are Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009; rescinded in 2018), Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013), Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018), Dave Chappelle (2019), Jon Stewart (2022), Adam Sandler (2023), and Kevin Hart (2024).
The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber.
Justin Bieber and wife model Hailey Bieber have been judicious about the glimpses they’ve posted of their four-month-old baby Jack Blues. And the trend continued on Wednesday (Jan. 15) when Justin dumped a roll of pics from his recent family vacation in Aspen, CO.
The roll opened with an image of a dark shadow in the foreground and the snowy, tree-dotted mountains in the background. The second slide appeared to zoom in on a blurry pic of the couple’s first child dressed in a warm winter snowsuit with a hood, with little Jack’s face obscured.
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In other snaps, Justin and Hailey are seen chilling in a chalet while looking at their phones, Justin sitting outside in his snow gear, various pics of their dogs, a moon shot and a snap of the singer in just his boots, boxer shorts and a hat hopping out of an ice-caked river post-polar plunge.
In one of the sweetest imagwa, Bieber appears to be snuggling Jack, his eyes closed as he presses his lips to the back of the baby’s head. That one also doesn’t show Jack’s face, but it’s clear from the wispy hair that Justin is spending some quality time with the little one.
An earlier photo dump from the trip opened with the couple throwing up double middle fingers, with more images of Justin in the cold wilderness, rocking some Kurt Cobain-like oversized yellow shades and a furry hunting cap while sticking his tongue out and ghost riding his SUV.
In what appeared to be an update on his next music project, Bieber posted a video on his Instagram Story on Wednesday in which it he played what fans think is a new song. In a 24-second clip, a raspy-voiced Bieber can be heard lines that sound like, “You’re takin’ bait/ I’m shakin’ it/ You’re shakin’ it/ Shakin’ off the hate/ Okay, okay, okay,” over spare acoustic guitar in what sounds like a rough demo. In the clip Justin and Hailey appear to be holding hands in the car while listening to the snippet as he bobs his head.
At press time no other information was available on the song.
Bieber’s most recent album was 2021’s Justice and to date he has not announced an official release date for his next project. The singer launched a tour in support of that album in February 2022, though in June of that year he revealed that he’d been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which caused “full paralysis” on one side of his face, leading to the postponement of some dates. He ended up cancelling the rest of the tour to focus on his health and has been mostly off the music radar since.
In October, Bieber made a surprise appearance on stage with Don Toliver at L.A.’s Crypto.com arena, jumping out during “Private Landing,” the pair’s 2023 track that also featured Future; he didn’t sing, but showed up to act as hype man. Earlier, he surprised fans with pics from what appeared to be studio sessions in which he was seen at the keyboard and microphone, presumably working on new music.
Just before that, Mk.gee told the New York Times that he’s been in the studio with Bieber, revealing, “He’s searching. Anything that comes out of his mouth: That’s pop music. You can really do pretty wild stuff behind that, just because it represents something.”
01/16/2025
From his debut album to DtMF, see our Billboard editors’ rankings.
01/16/2025
Lil Wayne won’t be playing the Super Bowl halftime show at this year’s game in his hometown, but Weezy will be one of the headliners (with the Roots) of the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The iconic event that will host more than 5,000 acts on 14 stages from April 24-May 4 on the Fair Grounds Race Course announced this year’s lineup on Wednesday (Jan. 15), which will also feature headliners Pearl Jam, the Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz and Kacey Musgraves.
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Other acts booked for this year’s predictably eclectic edition include: Santana, John Fogerty, Burna Boy, HAIM, Cage the Elephant, Laufey, Bryson Tiller, Harry Connick, Jr., Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty, My Morning Jacket, Gladys Knight, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick, Babyface, Diana Krall, Goose, The Revivalists, Big Freedia and many more.
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Louisiana residents have the chance to snag lower prices for weekend passes and single-day tickets now, with non-resident weekend passes and VIP packages already available already and single-day tickets slated to go on sale at a later date; fans need to set up an account with AXS.com to purchase tickets, with more information available here.
Among the other acts slated to take the stage this year are: Banda MS, Irma Thomas, Tank and the Bangas, Branford Marsalis, Kamasi Washington, The Wailers with Julian Marley, Ledisi Sings Nina, PJ Morton, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly, James Bay, Margo Price, Rickie Lee Jones, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Morris Day and the Time and others.
Check out the full lineup below.