bbnews

Australian Awards Ceremony Targeted In ‘Voter Fraud’ Operation

MELBOURNE, Australia — The 2024 Music Victoria Awards were targeted by “unknown assailant/s” who manipulated several of the publicly-voted categories, organizers have confirmed.

Late Wednesday, Nov. 27, Music Victoria, the trade body that produces the annual ceremony, announced the breach by way of a social media post, and a lengthier explanation on its official website.

Music Victoria’s reps reveal they had “recently become aware of unusual activity within the third-party voting system used for the public voted categories in its 2024 Awards.”

Trending on Billboard

Through internal investigations, the statement continues, “including liaison with the third-party voting system Award Force, cyber security experts and legal advice, it has been found that targeted action by an unknown assailant/s has resulted in thousands of misregistered votes being falsely attributed to nominees, resulting in a change to the recipients of five of the six publicly voted categories.”

The most recent event was presented Oct. 25 at Fed Square in the state capital, Melbourne.

The rightful winners have since been reinstated and Music Victoria insists it will “carve out space” in the 2025 ceremony to “present the winners in front of our industry.”

Following an investigation, Music Victoria now awards Jess Ribeiro for “Summer of Love” (best song), Angie McMahon for Light, Dark, Light, Again (best album), Maple Glider (best solo artist), Gut Health (best group) and Leah Senior (best regional act).

As it enters its 20th year, Music Victoria acknowledges “the disappointment and devastation this news may cause members.” The Victoria Police Cybercrime, Fraud, Scams and Online Safety Unit has been tapped to investigate the matter.

It’s a bum note for the Victorian event which began in 2005, a platform to celebrate the brightest and the best contemporary music acts from the state.

Explaining the decision to get on the front foot with this alarming development, the association points out that it is “committed to honesty, transparency and integrity.”

In the meanwhile, organizers continue to “liaise with the third-party voting system Award Force and cyber security experts to ensure we mitigate the risk of an incident like this happening again,” the statement continues.

Winners in the 2024 industry categories, which weren’t affected by the hack, included Gretta Ray (best pop), Cheryl Durongpisitkul (best musician) and Pizza Death (best heavy work).

Taylor Swift Ranks No. 2 on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century | Billboard News

Taylor Swift takes the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, and we’re going through Swift’s various accolades that have earned her her spot. From 14 No.1s on the Billboard 200 to 14 Grammy Awards, we’re breaking it down for you. Which Taylor Swift era is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Tetris Kelly:

With 12 No.1s on the Hot 100 chart, 14 No.1s on the Billboard 200, and 14 Grammy Awards, Billboard staff has named Taylor Swift as No.2 on our Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st century countdown! Taylor started out making country music inspired by Shania Twain, LeAnn Rimes, The Chicks, and had a successful start with several top 40 hits like “Our Song,” “Should’ve Said No,” and “Picture to Burn.” Her second album, ‘Fearless,’ became Taylor’s first No.1 on the Billboard 200 & ruled the No.1 spot for 11 weeks! She earned her first top 5 hits during this era with “You Belong With Me” and “Love Story.” ‘Fearless’ won Taylor her first Grammy for Album of the Year! Her third album, ‘Speak Now’ earned her second No.1 album. Her fourth album ‘Red’ produced Taylor’s first No.1 hit on the Hot 100, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and showed that Taylor was ready to experiment with her sound. The album became her third consecutive No.1 on the Billboard 200 and gained a second life when “Taylor’s Version” was released in 2021 propelling the hit “All Too Well -Taylor’s Version-” to No.1. But Taylor Swift’s fifth album ‘1989’ changed everything! Establishing her as the biggest force in pop music. ‘1989’ gave us “Style,” “Wildest Dreams,” and three No.1 hits with “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” and her collab with Kendrick Lamar, “Bad Blood.” ‘1989’ earned Taylor her fourth consecutive No.1 album and it topped the chart for 11 weeks.

Keep watching for more!

4 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About ‘Wicked’ | Billboard News

‘Wicked’ has taken the world by storm, and to celebrate its release we’re sharing fun facts you didn’t know about the movie! Let us know your favorite song of the movie in the comments below!

Tetris Kelly:

Think you know everything about ‘Wicked’? Think again. Here are 4 “Wicked” facts you might not know about the movie! Like number 4 – Did you know Dove Cameron, Amanda Seyfried, and Renee Rapp all auditioned for the role of Glinda? It’s true! Renee even commented on Ariana getting Glinda on “Watch What Happens Live!” Wicked fact number 3: Nick Jonas and his brother Joe auditioned for the role of “Fiyero,” but eventually that role went to ‘Bridgerton’ star Jonathan Bailey. Number 2, we know Tony winner Cynthia Erivo stars as “Elphaba.” But did you know she performed her own flying stunts for the movie? And our #1 Wicked fact? The whole cast sang live on set while filming the movie! The decision to sing live was something both Ariana and Cynthia felt strongly about. What’s your favorite song from ‘Wicked’? Leave it in the comments below. And don’t forget to hit the subscribe button on YouTube and ring the bell to be notified on all our latest videos.

Jessi Uribe Scores First Regional Mexican Airplay No. 1 as Soloist With ‘Si Ya Me Voy’: ‘It’s a Dream’

Jessi Uribe is back atop Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Si Ya Me Voy” jumps 2-1 to lead the Nov. 30-dated list. The single, written in collaboration with Joss Favela, is his first champ as a soloist, and second overall.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“Being No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay is a dream,” Uribe tells Billboard. “I let life surprise me. I am a man of short dreams and let in these gifts from God. It’s also a gift from all my fans.”

For the Nov. 15-21 tracking week, “Si Ya Me Voy,” released via Mano de Obra, earned 6.5 million audience impressions in the U.S., according to Luminate, down 6% from the week prior. Despite that dip in impressions, the single still registered enough audience to land atop Regional Mexican Airplay. It sends Eden Muñoz’s “Traigo Saldo y Ganas de Rogar” to No. 3, after the latter’s one-week reign, with a 20% decline, to 6.1 million impressions.

Trending on Billboard

“Si Ya Me Voy” becomes Uribe’s first single as a soloist, unaccompanied by any other act. The singer-songwriter scored his first ruler when “Si Ya Hiciste Mal,” with Luis R. Conriquez, ruled for one week in November 2022. It marked his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart.

“I know there are people that are just discovering my music, learning about this guy who sings of heartbreak and love. Grateful for my team, for all of those who listen to my music and request my songs to radio. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I am here for you. How I always say, ‘¡repítelo!’”

Previously, “Te La Debo,” with Edwin Luna y La Trakalosa de Monterrey, took the Colombian to a No. 5 high in July. In sum, with the new champ, Uribe has placed five top 10s, encompassing his complete Regional Mexican Airplay career.

Further, Uribe becomes just the fifth soloist to secure a No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2024. He follows Eden Muñoz and Xavi, who both placed three champs, Pepe Aguilar, two, and Gerardo Ortiz, one No. 1 this year.

Beyond the new No. 1, “Si Ya Me Voy” holds steady at its No. 5 high on the overall Latin Airplay chart, continuing as Uribe’s highest charting song to date.

In addition to the new No. 1, Uribe is celebrating his recent Grammy award nomination for best música Mexicana album.

Can GloRilla & Sexyy Red Take No. 1 on TikTok Billboard Top 50? | Billboard News

The TikTok Billboard Top 50 has a new No. 1! But will NLE Choppa, The Marias or GloRilla take the throne? Keep watching to find out!

Tetris Kelly:

More than half the top 10 are fresh faces, with a new No. 1. GloRilla and Sexyy Red’s “WATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” takes the top spot on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for the chart posting November 27th, jumping from 24 to 1. It’s Glo’s first chart-topper and Sexyy’s second. Our biggest gain is “Rock” by Stepz, climbing 43 to 2. A pair of debuts occupy 3 and 4: Gia Margaret’s “Hinoki Wood” lands at 3, while Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” debuts at 4, 10 years after its release, thanks to a Women in Male Fields trend. Another major gain on this week’s chart comes from The Marias. The song’s called “No One Noticed,” but we saw it bound from 39 to 6. And our final new track in the top 10 is NLE Choppa’s “Gang Baby,” which debuts at No. 9. Every Thursday, Billboard will bring you the verified list of the hottest songs on TikTok by monitoring music discovery and engagement on the platform in the United States. To find the TikTok Billboard Top 50 each week, users can simply go to any sound detail page and tap the top right button to access the charts page.

Flo Milli Announces Her Pregnancy | Billboard News

Flo Milli shared she’s pregnant after fans were speculating earlier this month. Keep watching to see how she announces it!

Narrator:
It looks like congratulations are in order to the “Fruit Loop” rapper herself, Flo Milli, who seemingly announced her pregnancy! She shared a series of pics on IG showing off her tummy. Then the “Never Lose Me” rapper took to X to write: “flo mommy s–t,” followed by: “i can’t even see my c–chie anymore, that’s crazy.”

Earlier this month, Flo took to X to address rumors that she was pregnant by responding to fans, saying, “d–n I can’t be bloated??” Did the internet detectives get one right? We’re sending a big congratulations out to Flo on her new mommy glo. For more hip-hop news, stay tuned to Billboard.

Taylor Swift Ranks No. 2 on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century | Billboard News

Taylor Swift takes the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, and we’re going through Swift’s various accolades that have earned her her spot. From 14 No.1s on the Billboard200 to 14 Grammy Awards, we’re breaking it down for you. Which Taylor Swift era is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Tetris Kelly:

With 12 No.1s on the Hot 100 chart, 14 No.1s on the Billboard 200, and 14 Grammy Awards, Billboard staff has named Taylor Swift as No.2 on our Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st century countdown! Taylor started out making country music inspired by Shania Twain, LeAnn Rimes, The Chicks, and had a successful start with several top 40 hits like “Our Song,” “Should’ve Said No,” and “Picture to Burn.” Her second album, ‘Fearless,’ became Taylor’s first No.1 on the Billboard 200 & ruled the No.1 spot for 11 weeks! She earned her first top 5 hits during this era with “You Belong With Me” and “Love Story.” ‘Fearless’ won Taylor her first Grammy for Album of the Year! Her third album, ‘Speak Now’ earned her second No.1 album. Her fourth album ‘Red’ produced Taylor’s first No.1 hit on the Hot 100, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and showed that Taylor was ready to experiment with her sound. The album became her third consecutive No.1 on the Billboard 200 and gained a second life when “Taylor’s Version” was released in 2021 propelling the hit “All Too Well -Taylor’s Version-” to No.1. But Taylor Swift’s fifth album ‘1989’ changed everything! Establishing her as the biggest force in pop music. ‘1989’ gave us “Style,” “Wildest Dreams,” and three No.1 hits with “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” and her collab with Kendrick Lamar, “Bad Blood.” ‘1989’ earned Taylor her fourth consecutive No.1 album and it topped the chart for 11 weeks.

Keep watching for more!

Khalid Speaks on Allegations Made By His Ex After Being Outed | Billboard News

After being outed online by an ex-boyfriend, Khalid is speaking on allegations made by his ex. Keep watching to see what the singer had to say about the situation.

Khalid:

I’ve never paid for sex a day in my life, ever.

Tetris Kelly:

Singer Khalid was outed online by an ex-boyfriend, and after embracing his sexuality in several posts, he’s addressing allegations made by the wannabe singer.

Khalid:

The last time that I talked to this guy was four years ago. This is all random. I don’t know why he did it. I don’t know what’s going on with him, you know. Mental health is real.

Tetris Kelly:

The since deleted tweets from Hugo Almonte, an OnlyFans model and singer contained allegations about an R&B star as well as a photo of Almonte with Khalid. “I was dating this dumb a** singer. He’s ugly as f*ck but he tried to set me up and lie and say I broke into his house because I broke up with him. B*tch a** lied and said that I broke into his house cause I didn’t want him.” And amidst so many allegations, Khalid is speaking out.

Khalid:

I’m gonna speak about the pink cocaine thing. I’ve never done cocaine a day in my life. I don’t place myself in those scenarios, I’m not in those surroundings. Let’s talk about this escorting thing. I’ve never paid for sex a day in my life, ever. I’ve never paid anybody to date me. I’ve never paid anybody to be in a relationship with me.

Tetris Kelly:

Hugo has stated: “My intentions was never to out someone who’s clearly been out in the community in Los Angeles. My intentions were to share my story and share how he tried to use his power to silence me.” Find the full story at Billboard.com.

Khalid

So I’m not going to run around like I’m unbothered. I never said I was unbothered about anything. This is very bothering.

Drake Accuses UMG & Spotify of Inflating ‘Not Like Us’ | Billboard News

Drake has filed legal action against UMG and Spotify over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” claiming the song’s numbers were inflated. Keep watching to see the full story. 

Tetris Kelly:
Drake is in his “First Person Shooter” mood as he files legal action against UMG and Spotify, alleging that the two companies conspired to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” track. This is the beef that keeps on beefing.

After cooling down for a few months, new tensions arise in the ongoing stride between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Mere days after Kendrick Lamar released his latest album, GNX, which takes a few shots at the Canadian rapper, the petty king himself turn things up a notch. By filing on Monday in a Manhattan court, Drake’s attorneys accuse UMG of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, the federal “RICO” statute often used in criminal cases against organized crime. They also allege deceptive business practices and false advertising under a New York State law.

The legal action comes as a surprise as UMG has distributed Drake’s music for his entire career. In a statement to Billboard, a UMG spokesperson sharply denied Drake’s allegations: “The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans chose the music they want to hear.”

Keep watching for more. 

‘Moana 2’ Directors Tease New Characters & Music With Disney Sequel | Billboard News

‘Moana 2’ is in theatres this week, and we go behind the scenes with directors Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand, David G Derrick who share more about new characters, new music and more! 

Tetris Kelly:

I sat down with the directors of ‘Moana 2’ to talk about new characters in the film. 

David G Derrick:

And I love that we have Simea and she is both an emotional connection for Moana, but a symbol of the future for her people. 

Tetris Kelly:

How it shifted from a TV series to the big screen.

Jason Hand:

I can’t wait for everybody to see it. Honestly, it’s awesome. 

Tetris Kelly:

And I turned into a voice actor for the day. It’s Motufetu, we found it really quickly.Now I’m gonna start off with something hopefully simple, but challenges you a little bit. Describe ‘Moana 2’ in one sentence.

Jason Hand:

Maui, Moana and a crew go on an epic new journey together with some new friends.

Tetris Kelly:

There’s so many new amazing characters. So the first one I want to talk to you guys about is her little sister because Moana is such an iconic character, so to bring a little sister in is a big deal. So how did you approach bringing her character to this? 

David G Derrick:

Yeah, we really wanted to show a way that Moana could have something for her people to look forward to in the future. And I’d love that we have Simea and she is both an emotional connection for Moana, but a symbol of the future for her people. 

Tetris Kelly:

And then let’s talk about the music. Obviously, I’m here for Billboard, so talk to me about the sound check. And of course, Lin Manuel was at the helm at the beginning…

Keep watching for more!