bbnews

13 Dec 2023

Animal Shelters Call on Swifties to Donate $13 to Celebrate Taylor Swift’s Birthday

Tis the season of giving, and animal shelters are calling on Taylor Swift fans to give back on the superstar’s 34th birthday.

Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) explained their now-viral #TaylorSwiftChallenge best via Instagram on Wednesday (Dec. 13), posting a photo of Swift with her rescue cat Benjamin Button and calling on fans to donate $13 to a shelter of their choice in her name. “To honor Taylor and to help animal shelters everywhere who have had a particularly hard year we created this challenge to support not only our lifesaving mission, but efforts across the country,” the caption reads. “We have been thrilled to see it catch on with rescues and shelters from North Carolina to Texas, Missouri to Massachusetts and Kansas City to Oklahoma participating. We’re not on our own, kid.”

The post continued, “It is no secret that adoptions are low, owner surrenders are high, and at the Pennsylvania SPCA our Animal Law Enforcement team has had a record breaking year. Will you be the 1 for animals in need and donate today?”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Swift is no stranger to adopting pets, as she has three adorable rescue cats, including the previously mentioned Benjamin Button as well as Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson.

See PSPCA’s #TaylorSwiftChallenge post below.

13 Dec 2023

5 First-Timers on Billboard’s Charts This Week: The Bites, Whitney Wren, TML Vibez & More

Billboard has more than 200 different weekly charts, encompassing numerous genres and formats.

While established artists often compete for a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart and Billboard 200 albums ranking, which track the most popular songs and albums of the week, respectively, up-and-coming talents typically start off on genre-specific lists.

Here’s a look at five artists who appear on surveys for the first time on the Dec. 16-dated charts:

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Bites



The Los Angeles-based rock group scores its first Billboard chart entry with its single “Knockin on the Door.” The track, released in April on Earache Records, debuts at No. 40 on Mainstream Rock Airplay (up 8% in plays, according to Luminate).

The song, which takes influence from 1970s and ‘80s rock ‘n’ roll groups (Van Halen, Guns N Roses, Def Leppard), appears on the act’s debut studio album Squeeze, released Dec. 1. The group comprises Jordan Tyler (vocals), Dustin Coon (guitar), Jono Richer (guitar), Zack Currier (bass) and Mark Hylander (drums/production).

Whitney Wren



The singer-songwriter arrives on Billboard’s charts with “Whiskey Over Wine.” The song, released Dec. 1 on Josh Bright Productions, debuts at No. 11 on Country Digital Song Sales with 2,000 downloads sold in its opening week. It also sparks her debut at No. 29 on the Emerging Artists chart.

While “Whiskey Over Wine” is Wren’s first solo release, the Florida native has already forged a successful career outside of music. She’s an online content creator and co-hosts the C&Whit Podcast with Christen Whitman. She’s particularly active on TikTok, where she boasts over 2 million followers.

TML Vibez



The Nigerian artist reaches Billboard’s charts for the first time with “Goated,” featuring Seyi Vibez. The track debuts at No. 33 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. It’s from TML Vibez’s five-track EP Timileyin, released Dec. 1 via Vibez Inc/Dapper Music & Ent.

TML Vibez is a newcomer to not just Billboard’s charts but music as a whole. Outside of the new EP, he’s released one additional song, “Grateful Sinner,” in March.

Nasboi



The singer, from Nigeria, earns his first Billboard chart appearance with “Umbrella,” featuring Wande Coal. The song, released, Nov. 24 on ETRSL/Explo Music, debuts at No. 37 on Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs.

TikTok has been a central factor in the song’s growing profile, as the track has soundtracked over 300,000 clips on the platform to date. On Instagram Reels, the song has been used in over 80,000 clips.

Beyond “Umbrella,” Nasboi has released one other song: “Lover Boy,” in February.

Rosaly Rubio



The singer-songwriter, from the Dominican Republic, achieves her first Billboard chart hit, thanks to “Culpa Mia,” with Chimbala, The collaboration, released Nov. 8 via Vulcano Music Entertainment, debuts at No. 3 on Latin Digital Song Sales. Rosaly Rubio has released over two dozen songs, all since 2019.

As for Chimbala, the fellow Dominican artist lands his third entry on Latin Digital Song Sales, after 2021’s “Loco,” with Justin Quiles and Zion & Lennox, and 2022’s “!Wow BB!,” with Natti Natasha and El Alfa.

12 Dec 2023

BTS Officially On Hiatus, Nicki Minaj’s World Tour, Ye’s Listening Party & More | Billboard News

BTS is officially on hiatus until 2023. Nicki Minaj announced her ‘Pink Friday 2’ World Tour and teamed up with 50 Cent for a new version of her track “Beep Beep.” Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign hosted a listening party for their upcoming joint album ‘Vultures.’ Dove Cameron opened up to Billboard’s Rania Aniftos about creating her album ‘Alchemical: Volume 1,’ life after the success of her track “Boyfriend,” being vulnerable in her writing, and the lessons she learned from her Disney Channel days. Sarz, Asake and Gunna took us behind the scenes of the music video for their track “Happiness.” And more!

Tetris Kelly:
BTS is leaving us and we aren’t well. Kanye West has a jam-packed listening party full of A-list features, while Nicki Minaj grabs 50 Cent for a feature of her own. We go behind the video with Sars, Asake and Gunna and sit down with Dove Cameron.

It’s Tuesday, December 12th. I’m Tetris and this is Billboard News. Today’s show is pretty jam-packed so I won’t waste any time because this first story is gonna be hard for me to get through.

Say it ain’t so! The remainder of our men of BTS are heading to the military and their goodbye messages have us in pieces. No, seriously, where’s the tissue? BTS is officially on hiatus until 2025 and today is really hard, okay? A couple of days ago, RM touched ARMY in their souls with his letter stating in part “The day has come. I believe this will be some strange and new period of inspiration and learning for all of us. It’s scary, but during that vague time is there anything else that’s comforting? That’s probably your love.” Okay, I can get through this. I mean, Jin hilariously commented, “Welcome. It’s your first time in the military, right?” BTS’ youngest member Jung Kook said goodbye on Weverse, and you already know I was a puddle when Jimin also emotionally said goodbye with his clean-shaven look. Those two enlisted as buddies together. V posted a note to Weverse saying, “Actually I’m really sad that I can’t make happy memories with my ARMY for the time being. I’ll be back after 18 months of being healthy, so take care of your ARMY and if you’re looking for something to be happy about every day, cheers! I’m here!” BTS shared a photo of all seven members reunited before the big day. We’ll miss you guys but we’ll be right here when you’re back in 2025.

Watch the full video above!

08 Dec 2023

Katharine McPhee & David Foster Talk ‘Christmas Songs’ & Recording Together for First Time Since ‘Idol’ Days

‘Tis the season for a new set of holiday-ready tracks from Katharine McPhee and David Foster. The married pair released seven new tracks for Christmas Songs in October in anticipation of the holiday season, and they spoke about their inspirations in the latest episode of Billboard News.

“It’s not really a second album; the way we look at it is that it’s one complete album,” McPhee shared. “Most albums have about, what, 13 tracks on it? So now we’ve just combined the two, last year [and this year], so it’s like one big album, and now you can get the whole thing in a bundle.”

Christmas Songs notably marks McPhee and Foster’s first new material together in almost two decades, and it was inspired in part by the extra time they had together during the pandemic as a way to kill time.

“We toured together a lot, but 18 years ago was when I produced her very first single off the Idol show, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which became, in all modesty, kind of a career jump for you,” he lightly teased his wife.

“It’s a song that has followed me wherever I go, but I did originally sing it on American Idol, so let’s just remember that it was based off of that version, but not just what David Foster wanted … I do that song a lot, but [Christmas Songs] was the first and few times we were in the recording studio together until we were actually each other’s ball and chain,” McPhee added.

The now-completed Christmas Songs includes holiday classics “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Amazing Grace,” “My Grown Up Christmas List” and more.

Watch McPhee and Foster’s full interview with Billboard News in the video above.

06 Dec 2023

Victoria Monét on The Jaguar Tour, Her First Solo Hot 100 Entry, Love for Ciara & More | Tour Stop With Billboard News

Singer, songwriter and dancer Victoria Monét gives Billboard a full behind-the-scenes look at her The Jaguar Tour, being a mother on the road, getting her first solo Billboard Hot 100 placement, love for Ciara and more!

Victoria Monét:
Are you hearing that?

Cameraman:
Yeah, let’s hold for one second.

Victoria Monét:
I can’t get no quiet around here because we’re on tour.

What’s up? It’s Victoria Monét, and this is my tour stop in New York City. And this is where I’m at the stage right down there in a little bit, so see you there!

It’s my very first tour, headlining ever. I’m doing a combination of songs from Jaguar I and Jaguar II. So you get, like, kind of two of my projects in one tour. It’s just really awesome. I’m excited to be doing this.

If I had to pick my favorite songs to perform from ‘Jaguar I and II, I think I would bookend it. My show starts with “Moment,” which is from Jaguar I, and it’s always exciting to see the crowd for the very first time. Everyone’s just, like, super in tune, all the phones are out, so that’s always really exciting. And then the finale is really fun. I do a song from Jaguar II called “On My Mama.” There’s a lot of energy surrounding it — it’s on the radio right now, so it feels very current.

The dance from the music video is somewhat viral, so I can see people doing it in the audience, so that always makes it more, like, an interactive part of the show, which feels really fun to do.

To see “On My Mama” become my first solo Hot 100 entry is really insane. I’ve been writing for so long and I’ve seen glimpses of it for my pen, but not for me as an artist, so it’s really, like, a whole new light for me. I’m super excited. I’m really grateful. I know how much it takes to get an accolade now. So I’m just thankful for everyone who is behind the scenes pushing it, every person at radio, everybody who’s streaming it and sharing with their friends and just making it go and do what it’s doing. I just have a really good understanding of what it takes to be anywhere near Hot 100. So I’m very, very thankful.

And now we are headed to talk to the GRAMMY U students!

Watch the full video above!

06 Dec 2023

BLACKPINK Renew Contract With YG, Taylor Swift Gets Candid About Travis Kelce & More | Billboard News

BLACKPINK renewed their contract with YG following rumors that Jennie, Jisoo and Lisa were planning to leave the agency. Taylor Swift was named Time’s Person of the Year and got candid about her new relationship with Travis Kelce, what fans can expect from ‘Reputation (Taylor’s Version)’ and her infamous phone call with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Cardi B’s cryptic post on Instagram Stories sparked breakup rumors with husband Offset. Morgan Wallen is on the cover of Billboard’s No. 1s issue. Victoria Monét opened up about touring as a mom, performing songs from ‘JAGUAR’ and ‘JAGUAR II,’ her biggest inspirations and more on the latest episode of Tour Stop. We showed off the best gifts from Netflix shows and movies on talkshoplive during Billboard Live Shopping Week and more!

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Shop the best gifts from Netflix shows and movies from Billboard Live Shopping Week with talkshoplive here: https://talkshop.live/watch/M9Eo-mg_TlCt

Tetris Kelly:
Cardi B and Offset have us wondering what’s up. BLACKPINK is returning to your area. We’ve joined Victoria Monet on tour. Taylor Swift is Time’s Person of the Year. And our Billboard Live Shopping Week continues.

I’m Tetris Kelly. It’s Wednesday, December 6th. We’ve got so much to get into in today’s Billboard News.

First, we’ve got to talk about our latest cover star. Morgan Wallen is the cover star for our No. 1s issue. In his first major interview in over two years, the country star touches on everything from dominating our charts in 2023, being a leader in the resurgence of country music’s popularity and mainstream, to the lessons he’s learned since his 2021 scandal and actions following. Morgan also comments on being snubbed at peer-voted awards shows like the CMAs and Grammys.

Cardi B is no stranger to speaking her mind, but her latest truths have us wondering what’s going on. Rap’s biggest couple may be in trouble again. Fans are speculating that Cardi B and Offset are splitting up. Cardi B sparked rumors that her and Offset may be headed for a breakup. Earlier this week, the rapper posted to her Instagram Stories two cryptic messages, reading, “You know when you just outgrow relationships,” followed by, “I’m tired of protecting people’s feelings… I GOTTA PUT MYSELF FIRST!”

Watch the full video above!

06 Dec 2023

Michael Jackson’s First-Ever Studio Recording to Get Limited Digital Release: Exclusive

Fifty-six years ago, on July 13, 1967, Michael Jackson and his brothers entered Chicago’s One-derful studios for their very first recording session. The session produced a song called “Big Boy,” with the song marking the first time Jackson’s voice was put on tape and the first recording from The Jackson 5.

Now, the song is getting its first-ever digital release. Starting Wednesday (Dec. 7), fans can purchase “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” as part of a limited-edition release. This release is being done in collaboration with the song’s owner, Recordpool, and Swedish blockchain-based music and royalty marketplace anotherblock.

Available for $25, the “open edition” package includes the “Big Boy (One-derful Version)”, accessible through anotherblock’s player; images of master tape and agreements; downloadable song stems; and a digital vinyl B-side including “Michael the Lover” and “My Girl” along with their stems.

Available for $100, the “limited edition” includes everything in the open edition, along with newly designed artwork and nine additional songs and stems from the Steeltown sessions in 1967: “Big Boy (Steeltown Version),” “We Don’t Have to Be Over 21 (To Fall in Love),” “You’ve Changed,” “Tracks of My Tears,” “Lonely Heart,” “Saturday Night at the Movies,” “Stormy Monday” and “Under the Boardwalk.”

These packages will be available worldwide for 48 hours, starting Wednesday at noon ET via the anotherblock site.

“As a passionate MJ fan myself, I was instantly thrilled about introducing this significant piece of music history to the world and expanding the narrative of Jackson 5’s early days” says anotherblock CEO and co-founder Michel D Traore. “We engaged in numerous lengthy discussions about the recording, its meaning, history, and the optimal way to tell the story. In total, it took us about six months to piece everything together.”

The studio master recording for “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” was discovered in 2009 by journalist Jake Austen. A later version of “Big Boy,” re-recorded in a separate session, was released as The Jackson 5’s first single by Steeltown Records in January 1968. One-derful was a Chicago label in the ‘60s, located on South Michigan Avenue near Chess Records on the city’s Record Row and owned by brothers George and Ernie Leaner. Ernie’s son, Eric Leaner, and the One-derful estate are partners in the release

“For certain songs, and this one in particular, it’s evident that they deserve a special home where they won’t get lost in the mass of hundreds of thousands of songs released on the same day,” Traore continues. “Our digital vinyls are a product for the digital age, providing us with the opportunity to imbue them with a unique story. In addition to telling the story on our platform, we have crafted an in-depth editorial piece for this release that will be available alongside the recording. It presents a deep dive into the early days of The Jackson 5, complete with original photos.”

In partnership with Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, a portion of the sale revenue will go to the Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit serving Lake County, Indiana, where Jackson’s hometown of Gary is located.

“Through Anotherblock’s endeavor, the Jackson family’s initial recordings of our musical heritage find a new rhythm for the digital age,” Katherine Jackson says in a statement. “It is a testament that the Jacksons’ story, just like our music, remains timeless. And the best part is that some proceeds will go to a local foundation to help the families of Gary, Indiana.”

“We keep on experimenting to expand the concept of digital ownership within the music industry,” Traore adds. “This is for sure very different from a ‘normal’ music release, and it’s interesting to try a whole new format and see what the response is. I really hope that we can replicate a part of the feeling of owning a physical vinyl record – that’s our goal with this new format!” 

05 Dec 2023

Juan Luis Guerra Talks ‘Radio Güira’ EP, ‘Capitán Avispa’ Film, Writing Music for His Wife & More | Billboard News

Latin music legend Juan Luis Guerra spoke with Billboard Español deputy editor Sigal Ratner-Arias about his latest EP ‘Radio Güira,’ his upcoming animated film ‘Capitán Avispa,’ writing music for his wife, finding inspiration, the key to his long career and more!

Juan Luis Guerra:
It was part of what ‘Radio Güira’ is. To bring joy and a message of peace, of love.

Hi, I’m Juan Luis Guerra, and you’re watching Billboard News.

Sigal Ratner-Arias:
Don Juan Luis Guerra, welcome to Billboard News. What an honor to have you here. Thanks for coming.

Juan Luis Guerra:
Thank you for the invitation.

Sigal Ratner-Arias:
“Radio Güira,” 6 songs merengue, son, bachata and more.

Juan Luis Guerra:
Yes.

Sigal Ratner-Arias:
Tell me a little to start. How did the – I know the radio concept and everything, but how did the name ‘Radio Güira’ come about? Why ‘Radio Güira’?

Juan Luis Guerra:
I was looking for a name that would attract attention and within them, Güira emerged. The güira is my favorite folk instrument and we thought ‘Radio Güira’ was going to attract a lot of attention. And we wanted to make a new concept with practically new music that we would not have done before. That’s where the name came from. Also, I used to have in the Dominican Republic a radio called ‘Radio Viva’ that had kind of the same concept this ‘Radio Güira’ has.

Sigal Ratner-Arias:
How did the EP idea arise? The idea of doing it as if presenting each song on a radio.

Watch the full video above!

05 Dec 2023

BTS Military Update, Jung Kook & Usher Collab, Jamie Foxx Medical Condition & More | Billboard News

Jamie Foxx made his first appearance since a medical complication landed him in the hospital earlier this year. He opened up about the dire situation, saying he “saw the tunnel.” BIGHIT Music has announced that Jimin, V, Jung Kook and RM will enlist and begin their military service. Jung Kook also teased fans with a potential Usher collab after posting with the singer. Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” topped the Hot 100 for the first time and the singer opened up about the track’s success 65 years after its release. Garth Brooks kicked off Billboard Live Shopping Week. And more!

Shop Garth Brooks’ Billboard Live Shopping Week with talkshoplive here: 
https://talkshop.live/watch/pDYQEDM6YBt7

Tetris Kelly
Jamie Foxx makes his first appearance since his mysterious health scare. Jung Kook teamed up with Usher ahead of his and his bandmates’ enlistment. We talked to Brenda Lee about her historic Hot 100 win. Garth Brooks answers your most pressing questions during our Billboard Live Shopping Week. And we sit down with Latin legend Juan Luis Guerra.

Welcome to another day of Billboard News. I’m Tetris Kelly. It’s Tuesday, December 5th, and we’ve got a lot to celebrate — like the return of Jamie Foxx.

Jamie Foxx
You know, it’s crazy. I couldn’t do that six months ago, I couldn’t actually walk to-

Tetris Kelly
Jamie Foxx gets emotional in his first public appearance since experiencing a major health scare.

Jamie Foxx
It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now, it’s different.

Tetris Kelly
Jamie Foxx surprised everyone at the Critics Choice Celebration of Cinema and Television when he took the stage to accept the Vanguard Award.

Jamie Foxx
I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy.

Tetris Kelly
His speech was equal parts sincere and lighthearted.

Jamie Foxx
When it is almost over, when you see the tunnel — I saw the tunnel. I didn’t see the light. It was hot in that tunnel. Am I going to the right place?

Tetris Kelly
Congrats, Jamie, and we’re glad to have you back!


Watch the full video above!

04 Dec 2023

Billie Eilish Says ‘Literally Who Cares’ About Her Sexuality, Taylor Swift Dominates Billboard 200 & More | Billboard News

Billie Eilish is wondering what the big deal is about her sexuality, Taylor Swift dominates the Billboard 200 albums chart with five albums in the top 10, Cardi B makes her runway debut at Balenciaga’s star-studded LA show, get to know former Fifth Harmony member Ally Brooke a little more during Speed Dating, Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” hits No. 1 on the Hot 100 for the first time and more.

Tetris Kelly:
Billie Eilish is out and proud but confused. Did Cardi B help uncancel Balenciaga? Christmas is all over the Hot 100 with a new leader. Taylor Swift grabs yet another chart achievement and we hang out to get to know our friend Ally Brooke.

Happy Monday, y’all. It’s December 4th, and I’m finally back from Asia. I’m so excited to be bringing you the news again so let’s get right into our top story. Taylor Swift continues to make history on our charts, this time, it’s the Billboard 200.

Taylor Swift is the queen of the Billboard 200 Albums chart dated December 9th. She has a staggering five albums in the Top 10. ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ reclaims the top spot with ‘Midnights’ landing in third, ‘Folklore’ grabs No. 5, ‘Lover’ takes six and ‘Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)’ re-enters at No. 10. Taylor is the only living artists with at least 5 titles in the Top 10 at the same time in the past 60 years. The only other act to hold at least 5 of the Top 10 at the same time was Prince on the May 14th, 2016 dated list following his death.

And while Taylor is topping the Billboard 200, we’ve got a new queen of the Hot 100 and it’s taken her a long time to get her top spot.

Watch the full video above!