bbnews
Page: 272
Related Images:
Related Images:
Related Images:
The winner of The Voice 2022 is in plain sight, but the coronation must wait a little longer.
On the penultimate episode of NBC’s popular singing competition, each of the remaining contestants got their chance to sing twice for America’s vote.
One, an up-tempo number. The other, something from the heart.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Bodie (Team Blake) went out and hit Harry Styles’ “Late Night Talking” and Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude”; Morgan Myles (Team Camila) sang Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush”; Brayden Lape (Team Blake) sang Corey Kent’s “Wild As Her” and Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”; Bryce Leatherwood (Team Blake) tackled Travis Tritt’s ““T-R-O-U-B-L-E” and Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes”; and Omar José Cardona (Team Legend) went with Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” and Queen’s “Somebody to Love”.
All of them will fancy their chances. Some pundits are calling it for Leatherwood, others are moved by Myles.
The season-long frontrunner Bodie did his chances no harm with a fun cover of Styles’ poppy number, despite being thrust into the opening spot of the night. He followed up with a dramatic rendition of “Gratitude” that had everyone waving their hands in the air.
Earlier in the competition, the California native impressed with his take on a modern classic, JVKE’s 2022 release “Golden Hour”; he won through in a battle with Jaeden Luke on Justin Bieber‘s “As Long as You Love Me”; and got a four-chair turn during the blind auditions with a performance of The Fray’s “You Found Me”.
All will be revealed soon.
The reality show’s live two-day finale wraps with results at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday (Dec. 13). For the lucky winner, Christmas will come early. The winner’s spoils include a recording contract with Universal Music Group and $100,000.
The Christmas takeover is about to begin on the U.K. chart, with three holiday classics jostling for the crown.
Based on sales and streaming data published by the Official Charts Company, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Columbia) holds the edge at the halfway point, ahead of Wham’s “Last Christmas” (RCA) and Ed Sheeran & Elton John’s “Merry Christmas” (Atlantic), respectively.
Just 1,000 chart sales separate the three tracks at the midweek point, the OCC reports.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
All three tracks have led the Official U.K. Singles Chart, with Carey’s 1994 classic the current No. 1.
They’ll face some stiff competition for the coveted Christmas No. 1 in the form of LadBaby. The husband and wife duo of Mark and Roxanne Hoyle last year made history with a fourth consecutive U.K. Christmas No. 1, a streak they intend to extend with a fundraising cover of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
The single will drop this Friday (Dec. 16), with proceeds from it divided equally between food bank charity The Trussell Trust and the Band Aid Trust.
This year’s countdown to the Christmas No. 1 will be revealed on Friday, Dec. 23.
Meanwhile, the original Band Aid all-star recording is one of many Christmas songs which stuff the Official Chart Update, as classics by Brenda Lee, Michael Buble, the Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl, and Bobby Helms rise in the top 10.
Also noteworthy is Lizzo’s cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Someday At Christmas” (Atlantic), an Amazon Music “Original,” which eyes a new peak, up 21-13 on the chart blast, while Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath The Tree” (RCA) could land its highest spot on the chart, at No. 14.
The highest debut on the chart should belong to SZA, whose “Kill Bill” (RCA/Top Dawg) bows at No. 24 at the midweek point, and “Nobody Gets Me” is set to start at No. 28. Both are lifted from the U.S. R&B artist’s long-awaited sophomore album, SOS, which dropped last Friday.
BRISBANE, Australia — Universal Music Australia taps Sean Warner for the top job, which will vacated by the incumbent George Ash at year’s end.
Announced Tuesday (Dec. 13), Warner is promoted to president, Universal Music Australia & New Zealand, with effect from Jan. 1, 2023.
The incoming chief is a UMA stalwart with 15 years’ experience leading the company’s commercial business, both physical and digital.
Warner joined UMA in 2007 as national sales manager and has served on its senior management team in recent years, most recently as senior vice president of commercial, with duties for the commercial growth, innovation and digital development for UMA & New Zealand.
During his time with Universal, Warner has overseen the commercial strategy in Southeast Asia (SEA), launched the Bravado merchandise and licensing interests on both sides of the Tasman, and developed UMA’s eCommerce activities.
Prior to joining the music major, Warner held senior roles with BMG Interactive, Sony PlayStation, DMX Music and Foxtel. Also, he serves as chair of the AMTD fundraising committee for the music industry charity organization Support Act.
“Sean’s deep understanding of the Australian market combined with his operational experience and the respect he has earned from his UMG colleagues and artists—both domestic and international—makes him the ideal executive to take on the role of president,” comments Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of UMG.
“I’m confident he will expand our track record of creative and commercial success in a market that so culturally important.”
Warner will succeed UMA’s long-time leader Ash, who, as previously reported, plans to retire from his position at UMA.
Ash, who led the company as president since 2010, marked the end of an era in the Australian music industry when he announced his departure on Monday (Dec. 12).
“The time is right for me to step down from Universal,” Ash explained in a separate statement. “I feel confident that with the brilliant leadership group we have now, the organization will continue to grow and thrive.”
As previously reported, Ash last year initiated an investigation into workplace culture at UMA, and engaged Darren Perry at law firm Seyfarth Shaw to conduct the probe.
“As the region’s leading music company, we will continue to innovate and evolve our businesses,” says Warner in a statement, “and support our artists and labels as they deliver the very best music and culture to fans.”
Sam Ryder is up, up and away in the U.K. albums chart race.
The hirsute Eurovision contestant leads the midweek chart with There’s Nothing But Space, Man! (via Parlophone), his debut album.
Space, Man holds an advantage of almost 2-to-1 over its nearest competitor, SZA’s SOS, the Official Charts Company reports.
Ryder represented England at Eurovision 2022 in May, his entry “Space Man” raking in 466 points for second place behind the winners from Ukraine, Kalush.
“Space Man” went on to peak at No. 2 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart in the same month, losing out to Harry Styles’ mega-hit “As It Was.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
If it maintains its trajectory, There’s Nothing But Space, Man! would become the first debut album by a solo artist to hit No. 1 in the U.K. since Oliva Rodrigo’s Sour in March 2021, according to the OCC.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Chart Update is SZA’s long-awaited second LP SOS (via RCA/Top Dawg), which is on track to land the U.S. singer a career chart peak and her first U.K. top 10. Regardless of where it enters, SOS should top the No. 45 best for her critically-regarded debut Ctrl from 2017.
English singer and songwriter Sam Fender could nab two top 10 titles this week, with Live From Finsbury Park (Polydor) set to debut at No. 7, and his former leader Seventeen Going Under on course to lift 45-9. Earlier in the week, Fender was announced as a headliner for the 2023 edition of Britain’s Reading and Leeds Festivals.
Also eying a top 40 U.K. debut is A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s fourth album Me Vs Myself (Atlantic), which currently sits at No. 21. The U.S. rapper hit No. 11 with his previous collection, 2020’s Artist 2.0.
As the U.K. enters a cold snap, Christmas tunes are dominating playlists at home. No less than four holiday-themed albums appear in the top 10 of the chart blast, led by Michael Buble’s Christmas (via Reprise), up 5-4.
All will be revealed when the weekly chart is published Friday.
Shaq is throwing an appropriately large New Year’s Eve event in the VR world.
Retired NBA great Shaquille O’Neal will host “The Shaq-tacular Spectacular,” an immersive VR countdown special featuring guest spots from Cardi B, Killer Mike, Ludacris, Lil Yachty, Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek.
“This year we’re ringing in 2023 with new experiences and connections. I’m excited to celebrate with some of my favorite artists and athletes in a way that you can enjoy with friends and family in VR across the world,” the basketball superstar, broacaster and DJ says in a statement.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“From music, laughs and much more, we’re celebrating New Year’s Eve and welcoming 2023 with a spectacular party you won’t want to miss.”
The 19-year pro, who won four titles in the NBA and is regarded as one of the most dominant big men of all time, will spin tunes for a virtual DJ Diesel set, filling it up on a main stage that’s said to be “filled with a marching band, cheerleaders, pro roller skaters, basketball players” and more.
As the clock counts down to 2023, the one-hour special will premiere in VR in Meta Horizon Worlds and on Meta Quest TV, as well as on O’Neal’s Facebook and Instagram pages and Messenger’s Watch Together.
It is being produced by Westbrook Media, Media.Monks and Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Legends Productions, with the action tipping off from 6:30pm ET on Saturday, Dec. 31. Shaq has thrown his considerable frame behind several music ventures, including Shaq’s Fun House festival — a part festival, part carnival brand.
As DJ Diesel, he’s partial to massive, heavy-hitting bass music, a genre he says saved him and gave him purpose after retiring from the NBA in 2011. “The whole genre is energy,” O’Neal told Billboard earlier this year. “I missed that once retiring. Bass music was the vice I was missing and desperately needed.”
Since launching the DJ Diesel project, O’Neal hasn’t sat on the bench. He’s played many prestige clubs and festivals including Electric Zoo, Lollapalooza and Tomorrowland.
BRISBANE, Australia — George Ash is stepping down as president of Universal Music Australia and New Zealand.
In a surprise announcement that hit inboxes as the music industry settled in for the first day of the working week, Universal Music Group announced Ash would retire from his position at the end of the year.
“The time is right for me to step down from Universal,” says the outgoing executive in a corporate statement. “I feel confident that with the brilliant leadership group we have now, the organization will continue to grow and thrive.
New Zealand-born Ash will leave UMA as part of a “long-planned personal decision to focus on new goals and projects,” reads the statement, “whilst leaving the company under the leadership of a new generation of executives, who will continue to build on the legacy of creative and commercial success that has flourished during his tenure.”
With Ash at the helm of the Sydney-based business, UMA helped establish the careers of a long list of artists from these parts, including Lorde, Baker Boy, Amyl and The Sniffers, Tame Impala, Gotye, Dean Lewis, Troye Sivan and many others.
“Under George’s leadership, the UMA team has delivered countless local and international artist successes in this incredibly dynamic market,” comments Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group. “We are grateful to George for his dedication to, and passion for, our artists, and for the historic achievements of UMA during his tenure.”
A musician early in his career, Ash relocated to Australia in 2001 to become managing director at UMA, and was promoted to president in 2010, with duties for Universal Music’s companies on both sides of the Tasman. In 2013, he added duties for the Asia Pacific region.
During his tenure, Ash also served a member of the ARIA board and as chairman of Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) board.
Prior to his move west, Ash enjoyed stints at BMG NZ and PolyGram in his homeland, and was instrumental in the creation of MCA Geffen, Universal Music’s first operations in New Zealand, back in 1995.
In an internal message to staff, seen by Billboard, Ash writes: “Having been with the company for nearly three decades, the time feels right. I am so confident in, and proud of, the brilliant leadership team we have in place, as well as the positive changes we have made in the past couple of years, and I am excited to see the company, staff, labels, and artists continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
The company is “filled with exceptional people, and it has been a privilege to share this journey with you all. My heartfelt thanks go to Sir Lucian Grainge for his incredible support and guidance, and to Boyd Muir, with whom I have worked since the very beginning of my time at UMG.”
As previously reported, Ash last year initiated an investigation into workplace culture at UMA, following allegations of inappropriate behavior within its ranks. Ash tapped Darren Perry at law firm Seyfarth Shaw, to conduct a probe into workplace culture, after a string of allegations emerged online and an internal complaint was lodged with HR.
“After 35 years working in music, my love for it has not diminished,” comments Ash in his message to staff on Monday (Dec. 12), “and I’m as excited for the future as I was back then, when I was working the nightshift in the Polygram pressing plant in Wellington.”
A successor will be announced “at a later date,” reads a statement.
Read Ash’s message to staff:
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to let you all know that I will be stepping down from my role as President of UMA at the end of the year.
This is something that I have been planning for a long time, as I still have many areas of personal interest and passions that I want to explore.
Having been with the company for nearly three decades, the time feels right. I am so confident in, and proud of, the brilliant leadership team we have in place, as well as the positive changes we have made in the past couple of years, and I am excited to see the company, staff, labels, and artists continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
I am also proud of the role that I have played in transforming UMA into the market-leading music company. It has been an honor to work with so many talented and creative artists, including Lorde, Baker Boy, Amyl and The Sniffers, Tame Impala, Gotye, Hayley Westenra, Wolfmother, Dean Lewis, Hilltop Hoods, Troye Sivan, Empire of the Sun, A.B. Original, Tina Arena, Havana Brown, The Presets, Boy & Bear, Powderfinger, Bernard Fanning, Sarah Blasko, Tkay Maidza and countless others, especially those that we have helped introduce to new audiences around the world. It has also been a pleasure to welcome so many of UMG’s international artists to our shores, and to help them achieve great success here.
This company is filled with exceptional people, and it has been a privilege to share this journey with you all. My heartfelt thanks go to Sir Lucian Grainge for his incredible support and guidance, and to Boyd Muir, with whom I have worked since the very beginning of my time at UMG.
My adoration, respect and gratitude go to so many of my colleagues here in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. I have so many fond memories, favorite shows, and most of all friendships from my time here.
After 35 years working in music, my love for it has not diminished, and I’m as excited for the future as I was back then, when I was working the nightshift in the Polygram pressing plant in Wellington.
My enduring thanks and admiration.
Penske Media Corporation’s music, art and food festival LA3C closed its inaugural edition on Sunday (Dec. 11) with a Latin music-centered lineup, a nod to Los Angeles County’s’ Hispanic population, where more than 4.8 million Hispanics live, accounting for almost half of the county’s population.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The second day of LA3C — which started off gloomy and rainy — included performances by Colombian hitmaker Maluma, regional Mexican star Gerardo Ortiz and Mexican-American rapper Snow tha Product.
Check out Sunday’s best moments below.
El Pana Con Más Flow Just as the sun peeked through the clouds for some much needed sunshine, Panamanian artist Chicocurlyhead marked his first main stage performance at a festival in the U.S. Wearing a monochromatic military green outfit and black sunglasses, Chico effortlessly zigzagged through R&B, trap and rock showcasing his versatility. “For those that don’t know me, I’m Chicocurlyhead. I was born in Panama and raised in Atlanta,” he told a small but mighty crowd. “That’s what you hear in my music. Spanglish. The real deal. I’m ‘El Pana con Flow.’”
Welcome to my paradiseMexican-American singer-songwriter Monogem delivered a soulful performance. With a set that began 50 minutes late, the crowd was forgiving offering her a warm L.A. welcome. One fan ran towards the stage holding a vinyl of the artist’s Gardenia, her first Spanish-language album. “I see you,” Monogem acknowledged the fan. “I’m so happy to be here. Soy mitad mexicana (I’m half Mexican) and it’s an honor to celebrate my Latin roots.” Mid-set, she welcomed fans to her paraíso and proceded to ask fans: “Is it ok if I get high with you guys? I mean we’re in L.A. My hometown.” However, she couldn’t light her joint due to the wind.
Os prometo que hemos ensayadoFrom Spain to L.A.! Marc Seguí and his band — who all wore bright colored t-shirts (red, yellow, blue and pink — one that had “we promise we rehearsed” written across it) — delivered a breezy performance paired with groovy visuals from outer space, the ocean and flowers. In the middle of his 30-minute set, the Spaniard brought a friend out to join him onstage. “I haven’t come alone. A big round of applause for Xavibo.” The pair were like best friends onstage enjoying every second of the performance — which included Segui’s “360” and his and Xavibo’s “Contigo Loca” — jumping up and down to pump up the crowd.
PR In the House“Hace un frío cabron aquí afuera,” Chesca said at the top of her performance,acknowledging the colder temperatures. The Puerto Rican artist delivered a high-energy performance with a troupe of dancers. “I feel so proud to be here with all of you,” she said just minutes before introducing her special guest, who flew in from Mexico just to join her onstage. It was none other than her fellow Puerto Rican hitmaker Villano Antillano, marking the first time she performs in L.A. “Thank you LA3C for having me. Latinos to the top. You should all feel so proud.”
Music of todayColombian singer-songwriter Fonseca got everyone dancing with his vallenato anthems. He kicked off with “Vine a Buscarte” and then got emotional with a heartfelt speech. “We’re very happy to be here tonight. It feels amazing to be back in L.A. We’re proud to be part of a festival that is featuring so many genres from all over the world. It represents the music of today.” The artist, who’s celebrating 20 years in music, went on to sing “Volvámonos a Enamorar” and of course the highly-anticipated “Te Mando Flores.” “Thank you for being part of this dream. Cheers to 2023, I hope it’s filled with good health, friends and family.”
Long live regional Mexican musicRegional Mexican star Gerardo Ortiz, who was born in Pasadena, Calif., enjoyed a homecoming with a set that proved to be a highlight of the night. Transforming the stage into a Mexican party — with a banda and norteño group in tow — Ortiz didn’t waste any minute belting out anthems such as “Quién Se Anima,” “Tranquilito,” “Por Qué Terminamos” and “Recordando a Manuel.” Wearing black jeans, a leather jacket with blue patches and silver studs styled with a cowboy hat and pointy boots, Ortiz, a much-experienced artist whose dynamic and interaction with his fans throughout proved to pull in not only fans who were there to see him, but also new ones who were just discovering him. Never too late to join the Gerardo Ortiz club.
“My favorite thing is women supporting women”Snow Tha Product meant business when she took the stage at LA3C. The Mexican-American rapper performed a riveting one-hour set where she showed off her slick verses and rapping skills. Her performance also included shots straight from a tequila and champagne bottle, a sea of women twerking onstage and Snow’s proud mom. She started off with a quick homage to Vicente Fernandez, who passed away one year ago. She took a shot in his memory. She then brought her mom onstage to take a shot with her and celebrate her success. “I didn’t go to college and I’m doing pretty good,” Snow said. “I told my mom I’d be the most famous lesbian Mexican rapper that ever existed. Mom, say a few things while I take a shot.” Her mom took the mic and started with, “Cómo estan todos (how is everyone doing)? I love you all so much for loving and respecting my daughter. God bless you all.”
She also invited multiple women to join her onstage and dance up there for the remainder of her show. “My favorite thing is women supporting women,” she declared. During her performance, she made sure she got what she paid for and give fans the best performance she could. After production wouldn’t light the fire effect onstage because the dancers “weren’t behind an orange line,” she protested. “I paid $5,000 to have the fire, I should have the fire. The apply rules to a woman that they wouldn’t to a man. If I don’t get fire in this next song, return my money.” She left her fans with advice: “In 2023, go where you’re loved and appreciated.”
Maluma BabyBefore the Colombian hitmaker took the stage, a short video played in front of a crowd that gathered to see Maluma front and center. “Today, my heart stops like if it was the first time [performing],” he said in the video. “Now, I give you my heart.” Then, the man of the hour appeared. Wearing black leather pants, a Supreme biker jacket and red leather gloves, he kicked off his one-hour set with the smash hit “Hawái.” “Good night, L.A. I’m Papi Juancho,” he greeted the audience. In a span of 60 minutes, Maluma delivered a show-stopping performance powered by fireworks and back-to-back hits including “Borró Cassette,” “Felices Los 4,” “Sobrio,” “Chantaje,” “Vente Pa’ Acá,” “11PM” and “Corazón.”
“Where are my Latinos?” he asked. “Los Angeles are you ready? It’s good to be back in one of my favorite cities.” Toward the end of his set, he reflected on his trajectory. “How cool that we’re all here. Is everyone drinking here because I am definitely drinking tonight. We’re ending the year and I want to thank you for the love you give me every single day. Without it, I wouldn’t be anyone. It’s been 11 years since I began my career but we’re just starting. There’s Maluma for many more years. Cheers.”
Penske Media Corporation is the parent company of Billboard.