Awards
Page: 68
LL COOL J and Usher were among the honorees saluted Thursday night by the Black Music Action Coalition at the organization’s fourth annual BMAC Gala. As BMAC co-founder/president/CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers noted, the event isn’t about “celebrating record sales, streaming numbers or other accolades. It’s the intersection of activism and music.”
As Stiggers further explained, “When most are turning down the volume around social, racial and economic justice, we’re doubling down on efforts and spotlighting the positive and meaningful impact that the music industry has made on society, which is what we hope to inspire with this event.”
Chief among the highlights inside the packed ballroom at Los Angeles’ Beverly Hilton Hotel were the presentations of the Clarence Avant Trailblazer and Quincy Jones Humanitarian Awards to LL COOL J and Usher, respectively. Surprised onstage by attorney Benjamin Crump, who presented the award, LL noted to exuberant audience applause and cheers, “You must continue to believe in the beauty of your dreams. If I can come all the way here from Queens and do the things that I’m doing, then anything is possible.”
Trending on Billboard
Co-Founder and Chair of the The Black Music Action Coalition, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Honoree of the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award, LL COOL J, and Benjamin Crump attend Black Music Action Coalition’s 4th Annual BMAC GALA at The Beverly Hilton on Sept. 19, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)
After receiving his award from fellow artist Bobby Brown and briefly teasing the crowd with one of his patented dance moves, Usher segued into a heartwarming 15-minute acceptance speech. He said, in part, “Aside from just being Usher, the performer, the entertainer, I strive every day to just be Usher, the human; who has the means and the power to inspire and bring awareness to the issues that we face as Black men and women in this country.”
Actress Taraji P. Henson presented the BMAC Social Impact Act to the BET Media Group. The company’s executive honorees included president/CEO Scott Mills; president, media sales Louis Carr; executive vp of specials, music programming & music Constance Orlando and executive vp/chief marketing officer Kimberly Paige. The BMAC Change Agent Award was given to Ivy McGregor, CEO of Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation. And the BMAC 365 Award was presented to Live Nation.
Rapper/activist Gunna received a special commendation from the Mayors of Guaranteed Income, an organization comprised of more than 170 mayors from across the country. “I’m here to make sure my community is uplifted – this GI program is going to help change a lot of lives,” said Gunna. He recently partnered with BMAC to launch the BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income initiative, which will provide a $1,000 monthly stipend to 30 families residing in the artist’s hometown of South Fulton, Georgia.
Co-Founder and Chair of the The Black Music Action Coalition, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Honoree of the BMAC Social Impact Award and Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET, Constance Orlando, Honoree of the BMAC Social Impact Award and Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, BET, Kimberly Paige, Taraji P. Henson, Louis Carr, and Co-Founder of the The Black Music Action Coalition, Shawn Holiday attend Black Music Action Coalition’s 4th Annual BMAC GALA at The Beverly Hilton on Sept. 19, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)
Hosted by Kenny Burns, the gala also featured BJ The Chicago Kid, who set the evening’s tone with his interpretation of the Black National Anthem. Taking the stage later in the evening were Anthony Hamilton and The Hamiltones, who performed a soulful medley. This year’s gala also marked the inaugural BMAC auction, hosted in partnership with Julien’s Auctions. Among the offerings that attendees were vying for: a Flavor Flav clock necklace and sunglasses owned by music legend James Brown.
Dr. Remus E. Wright, Honoree of the BMAC Change Agent Award and Executive Director of BeyGOOD, Ivy McGregor, and Mia Wright attend Black Music Action Coalition’s 4th Annual BMAC GALA at The Beverly Hilton on Sept. 19, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)
In the walkup to its gala, BMAC hosted a series of other events. In partnership with The Revels Group, BMAC co-hosted the Black Future Now brunch (Sept. 15), which honored Jhené Aiko, Cash Cobain and artist manager Rachelle Jean-Louis. Two days later (Sept. 17), BMAC’s Stiggers accepted SESAC’s Visionary Award. Then the next evening (Sept. 18), Stiggers sat down with BMI president/CEO Mike O’Neill to discuss the advantages and challenges of AI during a panel also co-hosted by BMAC.
Co-Founder of the The Black Music Action Coalition, Caron Veazey, Naima Cochrane, Honoree of the BMAC 365 Award, Live Nation, Omar Al-Joulani, Co-Founder and Chair of the The Black Music Action Coalition, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Jamil Davis, and Damien Smith attend Black Music Action Coalition’s 4th Annual BMAC GALA at The Beverly Hilton on Sept. 19, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)
As the Americana Music Association celebrates 25 years as a trade organization committed to honoring, supporting and advocating for a myriad of roots-oriented music, the organization held its 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Wednesday evening (Sept. 18).
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The historic building, which has been home to generations of performers, was appropriate for the ceremony, as the evening was a revelry of Americana music’s roots and branches, winding through and meshing together rock n’ roll, Gospel, folk, country, blues, R&B and more.
Sierra Ferrell was the evening’s biggest winner, taking home the coveted artist of the year honor as well as album of the year (for Trail of Flowers). “Wondering Why” hitmakers The Red Clay Strays were named emerging artist of the year.
Trending on Billboard
Duane Betts opened the show with a tribute to his late father Dickey Betts by performing a relaxed, rollicking rendition of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Blue Sky” (from The Allman Brothers Band’s 1972 album Eat a Peach), punctuated by Betts’ note-perfect guitar skills and relaxed-yet-commanding guitar acumen.
“That one’s for you, Dad. We love you,” Betts said, honoring his father, Dickey, who died in April.
The Milk Carton Kids welcomed the audience watching both in-person at the Ryman as well as those watching at home. Buddy Miller continued his reign as band leader, leading the 2024 house band with Don Was, The McCrary Sisters, Bryan Owings, Jerry Pentecost, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke and Larry Campbell.
From there, Oklahoma native and emerging artist of the year nominee Kaitlin Butts performed a roaring rendition of the witty, fiddle laden “You Ain’t Gotta Die (to Be Dead to Me).” The first accolade of the evening, instrumentalist of the year, was awarded to 18-year-old guitarist/singer phenom Grace Bowers, who in August released her debut album, Wine on Venus. Bowers was on the road and could not be in attendance.
Waxahatchee performed her song of the year-nominated “Right Back To It,” from her album Tigers Blood. Charles Wesley Godwin, his voice golden and burnished, performed the banjo-inflected love song “All Again.”
The evening rolled on with performances from the agile-voiced Jobi Riccio, as well as Wyatt Flores, who previewed the title track from his upcoming project Welcome to the Plains.
The Milk Carton Kids dedicated their performance of “When You’re Gone” to sound engineer Mark Richards. Also stunning the audience were performances from sibling duo Larkin Poe, Red Dirt country-rockers Turnpike Troubadours, and the octave-scaling, peerless vocal dynamo The War and Treaty (who drew an instant, rowdy standing ovation). Also on the bill were engaging performances from Sarah Jarosz, Brandy Clark accompanied by SistaStrings, and a masterful performance of “American Dreaming” from Ferrell. Noah Kahan also performed his smash hit “Dial Drunk.”
Throughout the evening, powerful performances were punctuated by more awards winners, including Larkin Poe (duo/group of the year), Grace Bowers (instrumentalist of the year) and Brandy Clark (song of the year, for “Dear Insecurity,” featuring Brandi Carlile).
“I have struggled most of my career with where my music fits and you guys have made me feel at home,” Clark said in accepting the song of the year honor. “I remember I was at a low time of not fittin’ in and [Americana Music Association executive director] Jed Hilly invited me to play AmericanaFest.” Clark also thanked several of her music industry champions, including Gail Gellman, Tracy Gershon, CMT’s Leslie Fram, as well as the musicians on Clark’s self-titled album and Carlile, who not only sang on the song, but produced the album.
The Americana Music Association also honored several artists and musicians with the lifetime achievement award, including the gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama, who performed an ovation-drawing rendition of “Work Until My Days are Done.” Fellow lifetime achievement honorees included Dave Alvin (known for his work as an artist, writer and member of The Blasters, X and The Knitters), Rev. Gary Davis, Shelby Lynne, Dwight Yoakam and musician/producer Don Was (known for working with a slate of artists including Bonnie Raitt, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elton John, John Mayer, Ziggy Marley, Lucinda Williams, Ringo Starr, Delbert McClinton, Hootie & the Blowfish, The Black Crowes and Martina McBride (who introduced Was during the evening’s celebration).
“Go where the love is,” Alvin advised those listening. “Surround yourself with people who love music the same way that you do, no matter what passing tastes or fads might be, and always surround yourselves with musicians who are better than you are.”
The Americana Music Association has for the past five years teamed with the National Museum of African American Music, and was instrumental Wednesday evening in honoring Davis with the legacy of americana award, with Fantastic Negrito performing “Samson and Delilah.”
Singer-songwriter Allison Moorer celebrated her big sister and Wednesday evening’s lifetime achievement honoree Shelby Lynne, calling Lynne “my personal trailblazer.”
“I am proud to be a part of Americana. If I was ever to fit in anywhere, it was with the misfits, storytellers, outlaws and truth-tellers, the heartbreakers, the hippies,” Lynne said, before she was joined by Moorer in singing “Gotta Get Back,” from Lynne’s landmark album I Am Shelby Lynne.
Versatile musician, writer and actor Yoakam was also feted by Clark with a lifetime achievement award. He earned a standing ovation as he took the stage, first paying tribute to Alvin, saying, “Without Dave Alvin coming into my life, I don’t know where my journey would have taken me. The twists and turns that lay ahead of me at that point wouldn’t have turned corners into bright sunlight without Dave championing me…I owe him a debt of gratitude along with [guitarist/producer] Pete Anderson.”
“That was truly an independent record,” Yoakam said of Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc., which Yoakam originally released as a six-song indie record in 1984, before it was picked up by Warner’s Reprise Records and re-released with additional songs in 1986. The project would become the first of three consecutive Yoakam albums to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s top country albums chart. On Wednesday evening, Yoakam also said that original indie project was part of, “…why the spirit of the Americana Music Association felt at home to me…Thanks for the reminder every year when the AMA allows me to participate in anything they are doing. They always make room for us to come down… Every decade or so there is another generation that rediscovers the enormous impact of early country music, blues, rock and roll, soul, all of it can have on their peers and a brand new audience. The only place I ever won an artist of the year award was the Americana Awards [in 2013],” he noted. From there, fastening his guitar strap, Yoakam plunged the audience into his Bakersfield-meets-rockabilly groove of his 1993 hit “Fast as You.”
During the evening, Elizabeth Cook also took a moment to honor Jeremy Tepper, executive and program director of SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country station, who passed away in June.
“Jeremy was a key part of this community,” Cook said. “He was a musician first-off, and a label owner, a really clever guy who recognized that truck stops still had jukeboxes…and thus was born Diesel Only Records….he was an early and ardent supporter of the Americana Music Association.”
The star-studded evening closed with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell offering a version of the Gram Parsons song “Return of the Grievous Angel.”
See the full list of this year’s Americana Music Honors & Awards honorees below:
Instrumentalist of the year: Grace Bowers
Album of the year: Trail of Flowers, Sierra Ferrell (produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa)
Duo/Group of the year: Larkin Poe
Emerging act of the year: The Red Clay Strays
Song of the year: “Dear Insecurity,” by Brandy Clark (feat. Brandi Carlile) (written by Clark and Michael Pollack)
Artist of the year: Sierra Ferrell
These days, Morgan Wallen typically plays for crowds that number in the tens of thousands – but on Tuesday (Sept. 17) night in New York City, the country juggernaut performed a pared-down set alongside HARDY and ERNEST for an audience that measured in the hundreds at the 2024 T.J. Martell Foundation gala fundraiser.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The trio of Big Loud artists delivered a performance that felt like a casual writers’ round – the kind of thing you’re more likely to see at Nashville’s Bluebird Café than the Midtown Manhattan Cipriani. Carrying their own gear up to the stage, Wallen, HARDY and ERNEST perched atop stools and strummed their signature songs on acoustic guitars, occasionally leaning into the microphone to add backing vocals to each other’s songs when moved by the music.
The genre-melding HARDY kicked things off with a stripped-down version of his fist-pumping Country Airplay topper “Truck Bed”; ERNEST and Wallen blended voices effortlessly on their collab “Flower Shops”; and Wallen even trotted out his unreleased song “Love Somebody,” marking the live debut of the tune on American soil. (Yes, he also played the crowd-pleasing Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Last Night,” which had everyone’s phone up in the air and recording.)
Trending on Billboard
Few people could pull together a night of this caliber, but Seth England is not like most. The Big Loud partner/CEO was honored Tuesday night by the T.J. Martell Foundation – which funds trailblazing research in the fight to end cancer — with the lifetime music industry award. And the crowd that turned out to help raise money and honor England was packed with artists (such as Miranda Lambert), songwriters (including Craig Wiseman, England’s partner at Big Loud), producers and music industry executives from Nashville to New York to Los Angeles and beyond.
“When I asked Seth England to be this year’s honoree, he didn’t hesitate, he didn’t need to check his schedule, he just said ‘yes,’” said Steve Gawley, the foundation’s chairman-elect of the board of trustees. “Seth’s only question was, ‘How do we make the most impact?’ Because Seth always thinks big.” England’s ability to bring his country music Rat Pack together for the gala certainly paid off for the good cause – the T.J. Martell Foundation reports it raised a record-breaking $2.6 million for 2024.
“This year, I’ve had a massive learning curve about all that this organization means to folks — learning about the people it’s helped save and the money raised that continues to go to cancer research,” England said in his speech. “The work that the T.J. Martell Foundation has done has touched countless lives, and being a part of that legacy is beyond humbling. I’m honored to be able to contribute to this mission in tonight’s small way.”
John Esposito, Lynn-Anne Huck, Seth England, and Steve Gawley attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala on Sept. 17, 2024 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation
Jack Harlow won songwriter of the year and also song of the year at the 2024 SESAC Music Awards, which were held at The Highlight Room in Hollywood on Tuesday (Sept. 17). He took song of the year with his smash hit “Lovin on Me,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in 2023-24.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Remarkably, this is the fourth year in a row that Harlow has won both awards. His previous song of the year winners were “Whats Poppin” in 2021, “Industry Baby” in 2022 (which won in a tie with “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals) and “First Class” in 2023. “Whats Poppin,” Harlow’s first top 10 hit on the Hot 100, featured DaBaby, Tory Lanez and Lil Wayne. “Industry Baby,” his first No. 1, was a collab with Lil Nas X.
Harlow, 26, wasn’t at the event in person but sent a video in which he said, in part, “Thank you for those awards. Much love to SESAC. I wish I could be there. I’ve been at SESAC since I was a teenager and we’re obviously the best in the world. So, thank you for the love and much love.”
Trending on Billboard
Sony Music Publishing was named publisher of the year for the third year in a row, taking home multiple awards including “3D” recorded by Harlow and Jung Kook, as well as “Good Good” recorded by Usher, Summer Walker and 21 Savage.
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) co-founder, president and CEO, was presented with SESAC’s Visionary Award in recognition of his organization’s ongoing work creating equity in the music industry. “Prophet’s dedication to equality and racial justice has inspired us all to do more and build a stronger, more equitable creative community,” said Mario Prins, vp of creative services. “I’m proud to call him a friend.”
SESAC’s Sam Kling, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, SESAC’s Mario Prins
mèShell studio
Additional award-winning writers include Jimmy Napes, Ariana Grande, Green Day, Fede Vindver, and longtime SESAC songwriter Traci Hale for her co-write with SESAC writer and performer Burna Boy.
This marked the third year the awards were held in Los Angeles. The event was attended by top music industry executives, artists, songwriters, and publishers including Prophet, Bryan Michael Cox, Alex Isley, Knox and Kenyon Dixon.
Artist and SESAC songwriter Tamara Jade served as MC for the evening for the second year in a row. Opening the show were Scott Jungmichel, SESAC president & COO, and Sam Kling, chief creative officer, as well as Mario Prins, VP, creative services, and Diana Akin Scarfo, VP, creative services & operations.
For event highlights, visit @SESAC on Instagram. A full list of winners is available at sesac.com.
Megan Thee Stallion leads the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards nominations with 12 nods. And for the first time since the category was introduced in 2020, women have achieved parity with men in hip-hop artist of the year. The nominees include four women (Megan, Cardi B, GloRilla and Nicki Minaj) and four men (21 Savage, Drake, Future and Kendrick Lamar).
Lamar was a beat behind Megan with 11 nods, followed by Drake (eight nods); Cardi B, GloRilla, Metro Boomin and Minaj (seven each); Future and Travis Scott (six each); 21 Savage and 41 (four each); and A$AP Rocky, Common, Lil Wayne, Pete Rock and Sexyy Red (three each).
Trending on Billboard
Drake is the only artist who has been nominated for hip-hop artist of the year all five years it has been presented. This is Megan’s fourth nod in the category; the third for Cardi B, Future and Lamar; the second for 21 Savage and, surprisingly, the first for Minaj.
Megan, who hosted and performed on MTV’s VMAs on Sept. 10, received three nods in the category of best collaboration – Cardi B’s “Bongos,” on which she is featured; GloRilla’s “Wanna Be,” on which she is featured; and her own hit “Mamushi,” featuring Yuki Chiba.
Fat Joe will host and co-executive produce the show, which is set to tape in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The show will air on BET one week later, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This will be the third year in a row that Fat Joe has hosted the show, the most since Snoop Dogg hosted from 2013 to 2015. Comedian Mike Epps holds the BET Hip Hop Awards record, having hosted four years running (2009-12).
“Joe Crack is back for the three-peat, night night baby,” Fat Joe said in a statement. “It’s been a dream to host the BET Hip Hop Awards the past few years, and I’m looking forward to taking things to the next level in Las Vegas. We’re going to be in a new city and location, but the excitement and entertainment at the awards will be even bigger than ever.”
“This year’s nominees exemplify the creativity and diversity of hip-hop and the culture,” Connie Orlando, EVP, specials, music programming and music strategy at BET, said in a statement.
Orlando will oversee production of the annual event and serve as executive producer with Jamal Noisette, BET’s SVP of specials and music programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, will act as executive producer, with Jeannae Rouzan-Clay and Dionne Harmon from Jesse Collins Entertainment also serving as executive producers.
Collins and Harmon won Primetime Emmys two years ago for their work on The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, which was voted outstanding variety special (live).
This will be only the fourth time the BET Hip Hop Awards, which originated in 2006, has been staged outside of Atlanta. It shifted to Miami in 2017-18 and was held in multiple locations in 2020, at the height of the pandemic.
Fans can start voting for DJ of the year, producer of the year and best hip hop platform starting Friday, Sept. 20 at noon ET on the BET website.
Here’s a complete list of the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards nominees.
Hip-hop artist of the year
21 Savage
Cardi B
Drake
Future
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Song of the year
“Agora Hills,” Doja Cat
“Bent,” 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata)
“Fe!N,” Travis Scott feat. Playboi Carti
“FTCU,” Nicki Minaj
“Get It Sexyy,” Sexyy Red
“Like That,” Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
“Mamushi,” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
“Yeah Glo!,” GloRilla
Hip-hop album of the year
American Dream, 21 Savage
Ehhthang Ehhthang, GloRilla
For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition, Drake
In Sexyy We Trust, Sexyy Red
Megan, Megan Thee Stallion
One of Wun, Gunna
Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj
Utopia, Travis Scott
We Don’t Trust You, Future & Metro Boomin
Best hip-hop video
“8 AM in Charlotte,” Drake
“Band4band,” Central Cee feat. Lil Baby
“Bent,” 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata)
“Big Mama,” Latto
“Boa,” Megan Thee Stallion
“Enough (Miami),” Cardi B
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
“Type Shit,” Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti
Best breakthrough hip-hop artist
41
310babii
Bossman Dlow
Cash Cobain
Lady London
Sexyy Red
Skilla Baby
Tommy Richman
Best collaboration
“At the Party,” Kid Cudi feat. Pharrell Williams & Travis Scott
“Band4band,” Central Cee feat. Lil Baby
“Bongos,” Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
“Everybody,” Nicki Minaj feat. Lil Uzi Vert
“First Person Shooter,” Drake feat. J.Cole
“Like That,” Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
“Mamushi,” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
“Wanna Be,” GloRilla feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Best duo or group
¥$, Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata)
Common & Pete Rock
Earthgang
Flyana Boss
Future & Metro Boomin
Rick Ross & Meek Mill
Best live performer
Burna Boy
Busta Rhymes
Cardi B
Drake
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion
Missy Elliott
Nicki Minaj
Travis Scott
Lyricist of the year
21 Savage
Cardi B
Common
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Wayne
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Video director of the year
20k Visuals
A$AP Rocky
Cactus Jack
Cole Bennett
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Dave Meyers & Travis Scott
Doja Cat & Nina McNeely
Offset
Producer of the year
Atl Jacob
Cash Cobain
Hit-Boy
Hitmaka
Metro Boomin
Pete Rock
Q-Tip
The Alchemist
DJ of the year
Big Von
DJ D-Nice
DJ Drama
DJ Khaled
Kaytranada
Metro Boomin
Mustard
The Alchemist
Best hip-hop platform
Bootleg Kev
Club Shay Shay
Complex
Drink Champs
Million Dollaz Worth of Game
On the Radar
The Breakfast Club
The Joe Budden Podcast
The Shade Room
XXL
Hustler of the year
50 Cent
A$AP Rocky
Cam’ron & Ma$e
Cardi B
Drake
Fat Joe
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Megan Thee Stallion
Sweet 16: best featured verse
21 Savage, “Good Good” (Usher, 21 Savage & Summer Walker)
A$AP Rocky, “Gangsta” (Free Nationals, A$AP Rocky & Anderson .Paak)
Cardi B, “Wanna Be” remix (Glorilla, Megan Thee Stallion & Cardi B)
Drake, “Meltdown” (Travis Scott feat. Drake)
J.Cole, “First Person Shooter” (Drake feat. J. Cole)
Kendrick Lamar, “Like That” (Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar)
Lil Wayne, “Brand New” (Tyga, YG & Lil Wayne)
Megan Thee Stallion, “Wanna Be” (Glorilla, Megan Thee Stallion)
Impact track
“Blessings,” Nicki Minaj feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard
“Fortunate,” Common & Pete Rock
“Get in With Me,” Bossman Dlow
“Hiss,” Megan Thee Stallion
“Humble Me,” Killer Mike
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
“Precision,” Big Sean
“Yeah Glo!,” GloRilla
Best international flow
SDM, France
Leys Mc, France
Racionais Mcs, Brazil
Budah, Brazil
Ghetts, UK
Bashy, UK
Stefflon Don, UK
Maglera Doe Boy, South Africa
Blxckie, South Africa
Odumodublvck, Nigeria
Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and Zendaya are used to running up against each other on the Billboard Hot 100 and running into each other at music awards shows.
But now they may also be bumping into each other at non-music awards shows. Pop Stan accounts are buzzing about the possibility that these multi-threats could be nominated for acting awards early next year. Oscar nominations are extremely hard to come by, but Golden Globes (having separate comedy and drama categories) and SAG Awards (having both individual and ensemble categories) are a bit easier to crack.
Trending on Billboard
Let’s take a closer look at these pop stars who are hoping for acting nods.
Lady Gaga
Film: Joker: Folie à Deux
Acting Nods: Gaga received an Oscar nod for actress in a leading role six years ago for playing Ally in A Star Is Born. She also received BAFTA and Golden Globe nods for both that role and for House of Gucci (2022). She won a Globe for TV’s American Horror Story: Hotel (2016). And she has received four SAG Award nominations – as lead actress and also as part of the cast of both A Star Is Born and House of Gucci.
Notes: Gaga more than held her own with Bradley Cooper in A Star Is Born. If she’s good in this sequel to 2019’s Joker, she could easily be nominated. Joker: Folie à Deux is a musical psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips, who received three Oscar nominations for his work on Joker – directing, writing and best picture. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his Oscar-winning role as the Joker, with Gaga joining the cast as his love interest Harley Quinn. Joker: Folie à Deux is scheduled for an international theatrical release on Oct. 2, followed by a U.S. release on Oct. 4.
Selena Gomez
Film: Emilia Pérez
Acting Nods: Gomez was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for the third season of Only Murders in the Building. She has been nominated for a Golden Globe in that category in each of the last two years. And she has been nominated for a SAG Award for ensemble in a comedy series all three years the show has been on the air.
Notes: It took a while for the Emmy acting nod to come, but that’s always been a very competitive category, back to the days of Lucy and Mary Tyler Moore. And Gomez had to prove that she was a full partner with comedy greats Steve Martin and Martin Short. Over the course of three seasons, she has done that.
Emilia Pérez is a Spanish-language French musical crime comedy written and directed by Jacques Audiard. It also stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir and Édgar Ramírez. The film premiered on May 18 at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize and its female ensemble won the best actress award. The film has grossed $4.7 million worldwide since its theatrical release in August.
Ariana Grande
Film: Wicked
Acting Nods: Grande was nominated for a SAG Award for cast in a motion picture for Don’t Look Up.
Notes: Wicked is an upcoming musical fantasy directed by Jon M. Chu. It’s the first of a two-part film adaptation of the stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which received 10 Tony nominations in 2004 (winning three). The film stars Cynthia Erivo and Grande. Wicked will premiere in London on Nov. 18, with a U.S. theatrical release scheduled for Nov. 22. The sequel, Wicked Part Two, is scheduled to be released on Nov. 21, 2025.
Zendaya
Film: Challengers
Acting Nods: Zendaya won two Primetime Emmys for outstanding lead actress in a drama series (2020 and 2022) for her role as Rue on HBO’s Euphoria. The first win made her, at age 24, the youngest winner in the history of the category. The second made her the first Black actress to win twice. Zendaya also won a Golden Globe for best performance by an actress in a television series – drama (2023) for that role. And she was nominated for a SAG Award for female actor in a drama series in 2023.
Notes: This is a lead role, which would make a nomination harder to land. But she was very good in the sexy and critically acclaimed film.
Challengers is a romantic sports drama directed by Luca Guadagnino, who received an Oscar nod for best picture as a producer of Call Me by Your Name. It stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. The film has grossed $50.1 million in domestically and $94.2 million worldwide since opening in April.
Jeremy Dutcher has won the 2024 Polaris Music Prize for Motewolonuwok, making history as the first two-time winner of the prize.
Dutcher will take home the $50,000 prize, which goes to the best Canadian album of the year, as determined by a jury of experts and based solely on artistic merit. He first won the prize in 2018, for Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa.
“I just wanna say I love you all, I can only do this cause you’re here to listen, and that means so much to me,” Dutcher said, receiving the award. “To bring forward art and music in this land, in our languages, with our aesthetics,” he continued, “all I have to say is we’re here shining for you — now go shine for other people.”
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Dutcher was competing in a tough field, against nine other shortlisted albums: Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee, NOBRO’s Set Your Pussy Free, TOBi’s Panic, DijahSB’s The Flower That Knew, Allison Russell’s The Returner, Bambii’s Infinity Club, Elisapie’s Inuktitut, The Beaches’ Blame My Ex and Charlotte Cardin’s 99 Nights.
The prize was awarded at the Polaris Gala, held at Massey Hall in Toronto and hosted by 2023 winner Debby Friday.
Trending on Billboard
Other previous winners include Pierre Kwenders (2022), Cadence Weapon (2021), Backxwash (2020), Haviah Mighty (2019), Lido Pimienta (2017), and Kaytranada (2016).
This article originally appeared in Billboard Canada.
The 2025 Brit Awards will be held on Saturday, March 1. This will mark the third year in a row the show has been held on a Saturday, and the second year in a row it has aired in March. The show will be held at The O2 arena in London and will be broadcast […]
Milan reconfirmed itself as Italy’s capital of music by hosting the first Italian (and European) edition of Billboard Women In Music, the award ceremony that celebrates the most influential women in the music industry.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Kickstarting Fashion Week, the event took place Monday (Sept. 16) at Teatro Manzoni, with the patronage of the Municipality of Milan and Camera della Moda, the association of Italian fashion brands.
Opened by a video message from the mayor Giuseppe Sala, the show was hosted by two protagonists of Italian cinema and TV, Cristiana Capotondi and Maurizio Lastrico. With their sympathy and energy, the two hosts introduced the honorees and the special guests who took the stage.
In addition to the awards, the first edition of Billboard Italia Women in Music also saw special performances by Gaia (Hitmaker of the Year, who sang her summer hit, “Sesso e Samba”), emerging talent Bu Cuaron, Federica Abbate (Songwriter of the Year, who sang a medley of some of the biggest hits she wrote for others) and Ariete.
Trending on Billboard
At the end of the show, Rinascente, Italy’s top luxury store and one of the main partners of Billboard Italia Women In Music, welcomed guests to a spectacular party on the rooftop of the iconic store in Piazza Duomo, where the music continued with DJ sets by Anfisa Letyago (DJ of the Year) and Margherita Grechi and live performances by Alexia and Gaia, who sang “Sesso e Samba” again but this time with the surprise participation of Tony Effe.
Bu Cuarons on September 16 during the first Italian edition of Billboard Women in Music.
Elena Di Vincenzo
In addition to Rinascente itself, the sponsors were Rabanne and Bellissima, which presented the “Stylist of the Year” award.
Radio 105 was the official radio station of Billboard Italia Women in Music and presented the “Hitmaker of The Year” award, in addition to animating both the event at Teatro Manzoni and the aftershow with its speakers and DJs.
Billboard Italia Women in Music was created with the support of the collecting society SIAE (Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori) and produced in collaboration with Vivo Concerti, with direction by Gianlorenzo Mortgat. Ticketmaster Italia was the ticketing partner of the event.
Below is the complete list of honorees, with the official reasons for their respective awards.
ANNA, Woman of the YearHer new album, Vera Baddie, broke several records, some unbeaten for almost 20 years, occupying the first place in the Italian chart for nine consecutive weeks. Since 2020, she has been breaking down the gender gap in Italian rap like never before.
Laura Pausini, IconShe’s the artist who, more than anyone else, in her 30-year career, has held the flag of Italian music high in the world. A globally recognized talent, Pausini is an artist who, despite having achieved all possible goals, never stops putting herself on the line.
Elodie, Performer of the YearHer tour in the arenas was explosive and entirely sold out, with a live show that was a manifesto of freedom. With two dates in the stadiums already scheduled for next summer in Milan and Naples, she will be the third Italian female artist to take the stage of San Siro Stadium and the first woman to perform at the Maradona Stadium.
Gaia on September 16 during the first Italian edition of Billboard Women in Music.
Elena Di Vincenzo
Gaia, Hitmaker of the Year by Radio 105An artistic vision that leaves nothing to chance and steals nothing from her naturalness. Gaia is synonymous with freedom of expression, in music but not only. This summer she was an absolute protagonist with “Sesso e Samba” feat. Tony Effe. That refrain is exactly what we can’t get out of our heads.
Rose Villain, Impact AwardFrom her debut album Radio Gotham onwards, she has established herself on the Italian charts. Rose Villain has never stopped expressing her opinions, from the topic of environmental sustainability to that of the inequality of treatment between men and women in music and all other professional sectors.
BigMama on September 16 during the first Italian edition of Billboard Women in Music.
Camilla Pisoni
BigMama, BreakthroughWith an explosive participation in the Sanremo Festival, where she honored women with a performance in which the key words were “sisterhood” and “female power,” Italy was able to get to know her music and her personality better. BigMama is the most disruptive revelation of 2024.
Clara, Rising StarA rising star of Italian music, she introduced us to her talent as a singer and as an actress, obtaining impressive results in a very short time, from the success of the TV series Mare Fuori to her participation in the Sanremo Festival. For this reason, Clara is the Rising Star at Billboard Italia Women in Music.
Federica Abbate on September 16 during the first Italian edition of Billboard Women in Music.
Camilla Pisoni
Federica Abbate, Songwriter of the YearHow many hits of the last few years in Italy bear her signature? Many. Federica Abbate is a singer-songwriter who a year ago published her first album of unreleased songs, Canzoni per gli Altri. From pop to rap, everything her pen touches turns to gold. Or rather platinum, and in one case, even diamond.
Anfisa Letyago, DJ of the YearA true pride of the Italian electronic scene, Anfisa Letyago has climbed to the top of the international dance scene with her engaging DJ sets and her sophisticated productions. Now she is touring the world but her heart stays in Naples, a city that never ceases to give her ideas and inspiration.
Marta Salogni, Producer of the YearShe’s the producer and sound engineer who makes Italy proud on a global level. Björk, Depeche Mode, Animal Collective and Bon Iver are just some of the artists who have had the pleasure of having her in the control room. For this reason, Marta Salogni is Producer of the Year of Billboard Italia Women in Music.
Marta Donà, Manager of the YearFrom the courageous choice to start a managerial career on her own, very young, in 2012, to the most recent milestone of Angelina Mango’s victory at the Sanremo Festival, from the strength of her all-female team to the passion she puts in her work: this is why Marta Donà is Manager of the Year of Billboard Italia Women in Music.
Sara Potente, A&R of the YearShe discovered new talents of Italian music and with determination worked alongside them until she achieved the success she deserved. Now she is the director of Numero Uno, the historic label (part of Sony Music Italy) that was founded by legendary Lucio Battisti and songwriter Mogol.
Ramona Tabita, Stylist of the Year by BellissimaShe takes care of the image of some of the most important protagonists of the Italian music scene and beyond. She is a creative consultant for several brands. She is undoubtedly the name that best embodies the connection between music and fashion, and that is why Ramona Tabita is Stylist of the Year by Bellissima.
If you’re tempted to wish Chappell Roan some good luck, babe, at the 2025 Grammys, save it. The 26-year-old pop star isn’t gunning for any other major awards this cycle, even after winning best new artist at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.
In her cover story interview with The Face published Monday (Sept. 16), Roan explained why she’s “kind of hoping” she doesn’t take home any trophies for her massive debut album era with The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. “My mom would love to go to the Grammys or the Brits,” she told the publication. “[But] I’m kind of hoping I don’t win, because then everyone will get off my a–: ‘See guys, we did it and we didn’t win, bye!’ I won’t have to do this again!”
The “Hot to Go!” artist went on to explain what’s more important to her than a golden gramophone statuette: sustainability. “That’s my biggest goal right now,” she said. “My brain is like: Quit right now, take next year off. This industry and artistry f–king thrive on mental illness, burnout, overworking yourself, overextending yourself, not sleeping. You get bigger, the more unhealthy you are. Isn’t that so f–ked up?”
Trending on Billboard
“The ambition is: How do I not hate myself, my job, my life, and do this?” she added. “Because right now, it’s not working. I’m just scrambling to try to feel healthy.”
Roan has been open about feeling overwhelmed in the face of sudden super fame, the negative aspects of which she compared to an “abusive ex-husband” in the cover story. But whether she’s ready for it or not, the Missouri native is expected to snag nominations for many of the major Grammy categories ahead of February’s ceremony, particularly best new artist.
And if the Sept. 11 VMAs are any indication, Roan is a shoo-in. After delivering a fiery Joan of Arc-inspired performance of her Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit “Good Luck, Babe!” on the UBS Arena stage in New York, the musician beat out Tyla and Gracie Abrams for best new artist.
“I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me, and I dedicate this to queer and trans people who fuel pop,” she said during her acceptance speech. “To the gays, who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate … for all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you. I understand you, because I am one of you.”