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Awards

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From Olivia Rodrigo and Nicki Minaj to Doja Cat and STRAY KIDS, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards certainly weren’t short on performances. Nonetheless, there was one artist who some very vocal fans were hoping to see on the stage, but she says she was denied the opportunity to perform.
Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Victoria Monét took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain to inquiring fans why she did not perform at Tuesday night’s show, writing, “I see your advocation for me to have performed tonight and I’m so grateful to you!! Sincerely! My team was told it is ‘too early in my story’ for that opportunity so we will keep working!”

Monét is set to kick off her first headlining tour on Friday at Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. The tour is in support of Jaguar II, her debut studio album, which became her highest-charting Billboard 200 entry upon release (No. 60). Jaguar II serves as the sequel to the original Jaguar EP, which debuted and peaked at No. 174 on the Billboard 200 back in 2020 and spawned singles such as “Moment” and “A– Like That.” The Jaguar Tour will feature a rotating cast of opening acts, including Alex Vaughn, Ambré, Kendra Jae, Lavish, Leon Thomas, Tanerélle and Tone Stith.

“I’m grateful for YOU, for my tour starting this Friday and for the ability to see some of my favorite people perform tonight and receive the love they so deserve!!!” Monét concluded her message.

Monét’s absence follows what some fans on social media perceived as a disregard for the R&B genre at the 2023 VMAs. No solo R&B artists performed during the nearly four-hour ceremony, and the only R&B category — best R&B, won by SZA’s “Shirt” — was not accepted by the artist during the telecast. (The best R&B category returned in 2019 after a 12-year hiatus from the show.)

Billboard reached out to reps for the MTV Video Music Awards for comment on Monet’s post.

Monét’s “On My Mama,” the breakout single from Jaguar II, recently became her first unaccompanied Billboard Hot 100 entry (No. 98) and the song’s ’00s Black South-tribute music video and Sean Bankhead-helmed choreography went viral across social media. She also is a three-time Grammy nominee thanks to her work with Ariana Grande (“7 rings”) and Chloe x Halle (“Do It”).

Monét’s writing credits include Diddy-Dirty Money, Coco Jones, Fifth Harmony, Brandy and BLACKPINK. She released her debut EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 1, in 2014.

Read Monét’s tweet here:

I see your advocation for me to have performed tonight and I’m so grateful to you!! Sincerely! My team was told it is “too early in my story” for that opportunity so we will keep working! I’m grateful for YOU, for my tour starting this Friday and for the ability to see some of my…— Victoria Monét (@VictoriaMonet) September 13, 2023

Gordon Lightfoot, who died on May 1, and John Prine, who died in 2020, are among the artists in the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame’s (FARHOF) inaugural class of inductees. The first induction ceremony for recipients and their families will take place in April 2024. Living and deceased artists, songwriters, record executives, managers and concert promoters tied to elevating folk, Americana and roots music were all eligible.
The inaugural class of 29 was selected by a designated nomination committee that includes industry experts as well as FARHOF’s board of directors. The class consists of 10 solo living artists, 11 solo legacy artists (all of whom are deceased, though the rules don’t stipulate that), four groups or duos, three non-performers and one recipient of the Paul Robeson Artist/Activist Award.

“When we created the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame, identifying the inaugural class and those after was going to be a big part of our initiative with focus on preserving these important genres and the history they created,” Joe Spaulding, president and CEO of the Boch Center and founder of FARHOF, said in a statement. “The diverse inaugural class reflects activism and social justice that shaped our world today, and we look forward to inducting these national treasures into the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame.”

The Weavers were inducted, while two members of that legendary group were also honored on their own. Pete Seeger, who left the group in 1957 and died in 2014, was inducted as a solo legacy artist. Frank Hamilton, who joined the group after Seeger’s departure and remained with it until it disbanded in 1964, received the Paul Robeson Artist/Activist Award. Hamilton is still living at 89.

The Folk America Roots Hall of Fame, which launched in 2019, is a cultural and education initiative of the Boch Center, which is located inside the Wang Theatre in Boston. For updates, information about tours and upcoming events and exhibits, visit the website at FARHOF.org.

Here are the 29 inductees in the inaugural class, by category.

Solo Living Artist

A contemporary performer whose initial impact on the genre was at least 25 years prior to the year of induction.

Joni Mitchell

Bob Dylan

Joan Baez

Mavis Staples

Willie Nelson

Emmylou Harris

James Taylor

Taj Mahal

Bonnie Raitt

Ramblin’ Jack Elliot

Solo Legacy Artist

A performer whose initial impact on the genre was at least 45 years prior to the year of induction.

Odetta

Pete Seeger

Woody Guthrie

Lead Belly

Richie Havens

Josh White

Oscar Brand

Johnny Cash

John Prine

Jean Ritchie

Gordon Lightfoot

Duo or Group of Musicians

Duos or groups whose initial impact on the genre was at least 25 years prior to the year of induction.

Peter, Paul & Mary

The Band

The Byrds

The Weavers

Non-Performer

This category includes supporting musicians, songwriters, managers, publishers, historians and producers.

Albert Grossman (former manager to many musicians in the folk music scene)

George Wein (jazz promoter, pianist and producer as well as founder of Newport Jazz Festival and co-founder of the Newport Folk Festival. Also instrumental in the founding of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.)

Betsy Siggins (founding member of the Club 47 venue now Passin in Boston; assisted in creating the Festival of American Folklife and founder of the New England Folk Music Archives/Folk New England.)

Paul Robeson Artist/Activist Award

Non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the social justice that has impacted culture.

Frank Hamilton – (American folk musician, member of The Weavers and co-founder of Old Town School of Folk Music)

The Country Music Association has announced the nominees for the 2023 CMA International Awards. The awards, which encompass six categories – two for artists and four for industry players – honor those who have impacted the growth of country music in the international marketplace.
Luke Combs, Kip Moore and Morgan Wallen are vying for the International Artist Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the U.S. during the eligibility period. 

“As we continue to see country music grow globally, it is thanks in large part to those who have supported our mission and spearheaded events, initiatives and programming to reach new territories around the world,” Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO said in a statement. “The dedication from each of these nominees has made them a vital part of the success of our genre internationally, and we cannot wait to celebrate them in the coming months.” 

This year’s nominees hail from Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S.

Nominees are voted on by international members of CMA along with a select panel of U.S.-based professionals who have knowledge in the international country music industry. Voting is open now through Thursday, Sept. 28. Winners will be announced later this year.

Here’s a complete list of nominees:

International Artist Achievement Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the U.S. during the eligibility period. 

Luke Combs

Kip Moore

Morgan Wallen

Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the U.S. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign-based territory.

Casey Barnes (Australia)

Kaylee Bell (New Zealand)

Tebey (Canada)

Jo Walker Meador International Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the U.S. 

Jon Cauwood (U.K. – music consultant)

Sina Hall (Germany – Semmel Concerts)

Natalie Waller (Australia – ABC Music)

Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the U.S.

Susan Heymann (Australia – Frontier Touring)

Anna-Sophie Mertens (U.K. – Live Nation)

Ron Sakamoto (Canada – Gold and Gold Productions, LTD.)

Neil Warnock, MBE (U.K. – United Talent Agency)

Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the U.S. 

Jill Johnson (Sweden – ‘Jills Veranda’ SVT)

Ross Jones (U.K. – Holler)

Richard Murdoch (Scotland – BBC Radio)

Dayna Bourgoin (Canada – Pure Country Radio, iHeart Radio)

International Country Broadcaster Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the U.S. who has made important contributions for the development of country music in his/her country.

Stefanie Jüneman (Germany – FM Maximum Roc)

Joakim Richardson (Sweden – Go Country)

Ricky Ross (U.K. – BBC Radio Scotland)

Justin Thomson (Australia – KIX Country)

Wimpie van der Sandt (South Africa – Bok Radio)

If there’s one thing you can count on both Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift to deliver during an awards ceremony, it’s incredible reaction shots. But the pair was spotted in a candid moment together at the 2023 MTV VMAs that has even Gomez laughing. In a post to her Instagram Stories late Tuesday night (Sept. […]

With the 2023 MTV VMAs in the rearview mirror, the time has come to reflect on one of the most important questions from Tuesday evening’s ceremony (Sept. 12): Which performers really brought it to the main stage of the annual awards show? Throughout the nearly four-hour show on Tuesday, viewers were treated to all kinds […]

Megan Thee Stallion wants to make it very clear that she has no beef with Justin Timberlake. On Wednesday morning (Sept. 13), the Grammy-winning “Savage” rapper took to TikTok clear up any confusion stemming from a widely misinterpreted video from backstage at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday night (Sept. 12). In a […]

Jewel is set to perform at the Angel Awards Gala on Saturday, Sept. 23. The event will be held in the parking lot at Project Angel Food’s Hollywood kitchen, which will be transformed into a “ballroom under the stars.” Project Angel Food prepares and delivers more than 1.5 million meals each year to more than 4,000 individuals living with a wide range of critical illnesses in Los Angeles County.
Jewel, who has reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 with six albums, is a singer-songwriter, actress, author and long-time mental health advocate. For 21 years, her Inspiring Children Foundation and Jewel Inc. have been bringing mental health programs to at-risk youth and to corporations. Jewel also created SELLA, a language arts curriculum for schools that incorporates social and emotional learning and mental health practices. She recently co-founded the virtual mental health platform Inner.world.

Jewel may be best known for her double-sided smash “Foolish Games”/“You Were Meant for Me,” which rode the Billboard Hot 100 for 65 weeks in 1996-97, peaking at No. 2. Her other hits include “Who Will Save Your Soul” and “Hands.” Jewel has received four Grammy nominations.

Sheryl Lee Ralph will receive the inaugural Sheryl Lee Ralph Legacy Award. Ralph won a Primetime Emmy last year for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for Abbott Elementary. She is nominated in that category again this year. She received a Tony nomination for best actress in a musical in 1982 for Dreamgirls.

Ralph’s commitment to Project Angel Food spans three decades. In a statement, Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub explained why the organization created the Legacy award that will bear Ralph’s name in perpetuity. “When no one and I mean NO ONE would stand up for people living with AIDS, Sheryl Lee Ralph risked her career and her livelihood to do what was right. She had seen too much suffering and wanted to help. That commitment to those in need has not wavered in 34 years! This new Sheryl Lee Ralph Legacy Award is long overdue.”

AIDS activist, artist and author Mary Fisher will receive the 2023 Angel Award, a distinction previously bestowed on Judith Light, Elizabeth Taylor, George Michael, Sharon Stone and Whoopi Goldberg, among others. Fisher may be best known for a pair of bridge-building speeches she delivered at the Republican National Conventions in Houston in 1992 and San Diego in 1996. Fisher serves on Project Angel Food’s board of directors.

The Angel Awards are presented by naming sponsor Wells Fargo, with Glamazon L.A., Amazon’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, joining as a principal sponsor.

Alicia Keys, Grandmaster Flash and superstar producer/songwriters Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis are among the artists and executives slated to be honored at the inaugural ICE Medal of Honor celebration at Atlanta’s Morehouse College on Sunday, Oct. 15. The black-tie event, to be held in the college’s Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, is sponsored by The Black American Music Association.

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“We are thrilled to launch the ICE Medal of Honor and to recognize these outstanding individuals who have made an enduring mark on the world through their art and creativity,” Michael Mauldin, the event’s founder, said in a statement. “This celebration is a testament to the power of Black American music in shaping culture and inspiring generations.”

Here’s a list of the inaugural recipients of the ICE Medal of Honor:

Alicia Keys – Ella Fitzgerald Gold Standard Award

Grandmaster Flash – Transformative Award

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis – Creative Impact Award

Robert F. Smith (philanthropist and founder of the technology software private equity firm Vista Equity Partners) – Ray Charles/Harry Belafonte Patron of Arts Award

Suzanne de Passe (Motown Productions) – Suzanne de Passe Trailblazer Award

Jeff Harleston (general counsel, EVP of Business & Legal Affairs of Universal Music Group) – Pace/Harrell Executive Leadership Award

In addition, there will be a salute to the late Michael Jackson with the presentation of the Michael Jackson ICON Award.

Keys has amassed 15 Grammy Awards, including best new artist and song of the year for “Fallin’,” both in 2002.

Jam and Lewis have received five Grammys, including producer of the year, non-classical, in 1987.

In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five became the first hip-hop group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2021, they received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy.

de Passe, Motown Productions’ first Black female president, is credited with discovering The Jackson 5 and Commodores. de Passe has won two Primetime Emmy Awards – outstanding variety, music or comedy program for Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever (1983) and Motown Returns to the Apollo (1985). The Suzanne de Passe Trailblazer Award is named in her honor.

Harleston is also co-founder of the UMG Task Force for Meaningful Change, an organization formed within UMG in the summer of 2020 to identify, coordinate and implement social change initiatives directed at the Black and Latino communities.

BAM Association co-founders Michael Mauldin and Demmette Guidry are executive producers of the event, along with Derrick Williams of DNA Media Group and co-executive producer Jermaine Dupri (who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, one year after Jam & Lewis). The program is being produced by Mauldin and Williams and directed by Kevin Swain.

Ray Chew will provide music direction. Wyclef Jean and gospel veteran Donald Lawrence will curate segments of the show.

Mauldin, formerly president of Columbia Records Black Music. is CEO of Mauldin Brand Inc., chairman of the Black American Music Association and co-founder of the Black American Music Foundation. He is also the co-founder of the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

Special acknowledgement will be given to the Otis Redding Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the community through the education and the empowerment of its youth. Dr. Uzi Brown, who is retiring this year as chair of the Department of Music at Morehouse College, will also be honored. Brown is the past president of the National Association of Negro Musicians.

The Black American Music Association is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 2017 by Mauldin and Guidry to preserve, protect, and promote the legacy and future of authentic Black American music.

Some of the awards at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, which were presented on Tuesday (Sept. 12) at Prudential Center in Newark. N.J., were entirely predictable. Taylor Swift’s sweep, including video of the year, song of the year, album of the year and artist of the year, was hardly a surprise, given the year […]

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