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21 Aug 2024

Chappell Roan Joins Olivia Rodrigo for ‘HOT TO GO!’ During Guts Tour | Billboard News

Olivia Rodrigo is about to wrap up the U.S. leg of her Guts Tour, and she invited Chappell Roan onstage for a “HOT TO GO!” duet. Keep watching to see how it all went down!

Tetris Kelly:

Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan are hot to go as Olivia invites the pop sensation onstage at her Guts Tour. Chappell Roan once was one of Olivia’s opening acts, but what happens when Olivia asks her to return? She got what she wanted. The two treated the LA crowd at the brand-new Intuit Dome to “HOT TO GO!” after taking the time to teach the choreo that, of course, everybody already knew. Olivia’s LA shows are her last in the U.S. before heading overseas. We recently caught Chappell at Lollapalooza during her string of massively successful festival dates. Please give us more of these two together!

21 Aug 2024

Jennifer Lopez Files for Divorce From Ben Affleck | Billboard News

Jennifer Lopez has officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage. Keep watching for details.

Tetris Kelly:

The rumors were true. Ben and Jen are heading for divorce, and Jennifer filed the papers. We also just saw J.Lo dancing at Bruno Mars. Let’s break it down. Jennifer Lopez filed the legal docs herself on Tuesday in LA County Superior Court. The date is significant to her and Ben Affleck as August 20 was also the date of their big Georgia wedding. She listed the date of separation as April 26, 2024. The couple wed in 2022. This was J.Lo’s fourth marriage and Ben’s second. Lopez and Affleck first began dating back in 2002 before calling it quits in 2004. She told us this year, “I never thought that he and I would get back together.” She recently did a movie and doc about their love. Just this past weekend, we saw Jen at the LA Bruno Mars show as she danced to “Marry You.” What are your thoughts? Let us know down in the comments.

21 Aug 2024

Myke Towers Talks ‘LA PANTERA NEGRA,’ Peso Pluma & Bad Bunny Collab, More | Billboard News

Myke Towers talks about creating his new album ‘LA PANTERA NEGRA,’ his North American tour that ties into the album, working on “ADIVINO” with Bad Bunny, collaborating with Peso Pluma and Benny Blanco on his new album, and more!

It’s Tetris hanging out with our Billboard cover star, Myke Towers. How’s it going, man?

What’s good, bro?

So we got to talk about it. ‘LA PANTERA NEGRA,’ or, as I can say it better, ‘Black Panther.’ 

Yeah, but you did it well. You did it well. 

Thank you. I try, I try. So tell me, why the album, Black Panther? Why the name? 

First of all, I feel like, like I’m a superhero whenever I’m performing or in the studio, like, when it’s time to do what I do, it’s like putting up the suit. 

I mean, you said when you did our cover, that this album kind of like was a return back to who you are musically. So what do you feel like you left that you’re bringing back here?

I think I left a little bit of the lyricist corner. That’s what I like to do, but I was trying to grow up as an artist and define what else can I do? You know, sometimes you gotta go back to the bottom and you feel like, Let’s go start again. 

I feel like you always do stay true to your roots, whether it’s reggaeton rap, obviously, other genres, but you do experiment a lot as well. So how do you feel? Like you played around a little bit on this album?

Keep watching to learn more!

21 Aug 2024

Syracuse University Launches Bandier Music Business Master’s Program

Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communication is launching a new master’s degree in music business in 2025.

The addition expands on the undergraduate program in the recording and entertainment industries. Both degree programs are named after renowned music publishing executive and former head of Sony Music Publishing Martin (Marty) Bandier, who graduated from Syracuse in 1962. The Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries is regularly recognized on Billboard’s annual list of top music schools. 

 “Our goal at the Bandier program has always been to be the premier music business school, offering the most comprehensive and cutting-edge education while forging top-tier industry connections,” said Bandier in a statement. “With this new master’s program, we’re taking it to the next level, shaping future music leaders who are equipped, connected and ready to make their mark.” 

Launching for the fall semester of 2025, the master’s program will cover subjects including the fundamental rights, royalties, and deal-making approaches of the modern music business, across the label, publishing, management, streaming and live sectors, and all genres. Students will also be able to spend a semester in Los Angeles working in the music industry. 

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Bill Werde, who is director of the Bandier undergraduate program, will oversee the master’s program. Before joining the Newhouse School, Werde served as editorial director of Billboard. 

“Breaking into the music industry can be daunting. If you have great instincts and passion for what fans love in music and how those tastes evolve, the new music business master’s program will give you all the access, skills and network you need for an incredibly fulfilling career in the music industry,” Werde said. “The Bandier program will open doors for students for the rest of their lives.”

Newhouse School dean Mark J. Lodato added that the program presents “a fantastic opportunity for college graduates to acquire the dynamic skills and gain the hands-on experiences that will help them succeed in the thriving music business. We are eternally grateful at Syracuse University for the support of Marty Bandier and his enthusiasm to help the Newhouse School provide a first-class education for students aspiring to work in the recording and entertainment industries.”

21 Aug 2024

ASM Global (APAC) Recruits Meg Walker as Group Director of Arena Operations

MELBOURNE, Australia — Veteran live entertainment professional Meagan (Meg) Walker will join ASM Global (APAC) later this year as group director of arena operations.

Effective Oct. 10, ASM Global will join the venues management specialist from Live Nation, with responsibilities for the company’s arena network in Australia while supporting other arena venues in the region, reads a statement, with a focus on event acquisition, operational planning for best practice patron experience and event delivery.

Walker’s resume includes senior management roles with some of Australia’s most successful venues including Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena and Palais Theatre.

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In her new role, Walker replaces Tim Worton, who announced his retirement earlier this year. 

“The depth and scale of Meg’s experience in the operation of major events and live entertainment is the perfect fit to lead our portfolio of world class arenas, frequently featured in Billboard, Pollstar and Rolling Stone,” ASM APAC chairman and CEO Harvey Lister says.

“Both Meg Walker and Tim Worton have long been recognized as legends in the industry and we are so fortunate to be the recipients of their expertise and professionalism as part of our management team.

“Meg has proven to be an accomplished event professional with strategic and collaborative leadership skills.”

One of Walker’s great talents, says Lister, is the ability to mentor the next generation of aspiring venue managers, which will be a key part of her role to support the company’s continuing growth. 

The company is currently enjoying “exponential growth and development” for its portfolio of entertainment venues in Australia, the Asia Pacific and MENA regions. Worldwide, ASM Global operates over 400 venues on five continents.

“I look forward to contributing to the ongoing strong performance and growth of the ASM Global portfolio by collaborating with all stakeholders and supporting the team to achieve their personal and professional goals,” adds Walker, “while ensuring ASM arenas maintain their world’s best practice reputation.”

Worton, meanwhile, is leaving the live entertainment industry for a new career path. As previously reported, he will step away from ASM Global at year’s end, at which time he will enter 12 months’ full-time studies at Moore Theological College in Sydney. When completed, Worton will endeavor to work in a pastoral, chaplaincy or ministry role.

Sydney-based Worton has logged 33 years in the entertainment business, including 25 years with ASM Global (previously AEG Ogden). For the past 19 years, he has served as the venues and event management specialist’s group director of arenas for APAC. Worton will work with Walker during the transition.

21 Aug 2024

Simon Cowell Hijacks Howie’s Golden Buzzer for Airfootworks on ‘AGT’: Watch

America’s Got Talent Season 19 reached a dramatic peak on Aug. 20 when Japanese dance and acrobatic group Airfootworks delivered a performance that ignited a heated response from the judges.

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The group’s gravity-defying routine set off a friendly clash between Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, culminating in an unprecedented double Golden Buzzer moment (kind of).

As Airfootworks concluded their intricate and masterfully executed performance, which was set to “Celestial” by Ed Sheeran, Simon exclaimed, “Terry, I am just about to get myself fired,” before lunging for the Golden Buzzer.

However, Howie, who was officially assigned the buzzer for the night, quickly intervened. In a split-second move, Mandel pressed the buzzer just before Cowell could, securing Airfootworks a direct path to the finals.

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The ensuing moment was filled with lighthearted chaos, as both judges vied for credit. A video replay confirmed that Mandel had narrowly outpaced Cowell to the buzzer.

“I feel like I’ve been abused!” Mandel quipped, as the two exchanged playful banter over who deserved the accolade.

Mandel then joined Airfootworks on stage to personally commend them, saying, “You guys are athletes, you guys are dancers…you guys are magicians. I don’t know how you do it, but what you just did was absolutely brilliant.”

Cowell, still reveling in the moment, admitted, “I just couldn’t help myself! It was such an amazing performance that I felt like I had to be a part of it.” He added, “This is what this show is all about—finding acts like this that are truly world-class.”

This season, Cowell has already caused a stir by awarding a second Golden Buzzer to Sky Elements during the auditions, a move that led to all judges receiving an extra buzzer push.

With Airfootworks now fast-tracked to the finals, the remaining contestants from the night face an uphill battle as they compete for one of the three remaining spots through audience voting. The stakes are significant, and the competition is fierce.

The results of this live show will be unveiled during a special episode on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Viewers will learn which acts will advance alongside Airfootworks, moving one step closer to the ultimate victory.

Check out Airfootworks earn a Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=U9w7rRQhH6g&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

20 Aug 2024

Breaking Down Taylor Swift’s Tour Openers Over the Years | Billboard News

Taylor Swift has gone on various tours throughout her career and has brought out many openers with her. We break down all of her tour openers, keep watching to see who!

Tetris Kelly:

As Taylor wraps up the European leg of her Eras Tour with nine more winter shows in Canada,we’re taking a look back at some of her other tours and the artists who opened for Taylor throughout the years. Back in 2009 Taylor Swift was going out for her first headlining tour, The Fearless Tour. And she invited a then up and coming Canadian singer who was on a fast rise to becoming a superstar, Justin Bieber. The two even filmed a video backstage trying to figure out why Justin’s foot was in a cast during the tour.

Taylor Swift

What happened Justin?

Justin Bieber: 

When you told me to break a leg, I couldn’t break a leg, but I broke my foot for you. 

In 2013 Taylor set out on the Red Tour with a host of supporting acts, including her close friend and frequent collaborator, Ed Sheeran. Taylor brought Ed out as a surprise guest on her 1989 World Tour a couple years later, and at one of her final era shows in London. In 2015, Taylor was heading out on one of her biggest tours, the 1989 World Tour. She invited another Canadian pop star to join her on that trip, Shawn Mendes. Shawn revealed to Billboard’s Melinda Newman what advice Taylor gave him while they were on tour together. 

Are you nervous? And I was like, yeah. She goes, why? 

Keep watching for more!

20 Aug 2024

Billie Eilish Is Spotify’s Most Streamed Monthly Artist | Billboard News

Billie Eilish has officially taken the crown from The Weeknd from The Weeknd as the most streamed artist on Spotify. Keep watching for more!

Tetris Kelly:

Billie Eilish is the queen of Spotify while getting real about her song “Lunch.” Billie is officially the most streamed monthly artist on Spotify. She took the title from The Weeknd, who posted on X last week, “Let’s go!” when he found out she was less than a million listeners away from his top spot. She posted the achievement on IG saying, “number 1 in the world on spotify i really can’t even believe this. i love you all so much this is the craziest thing ever.” It’s no surprise after performing at the closing ceremonies at the Olympics and topping both the Global 200 and Global Excluding US with her hit, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER.” But it’s her song “Lunch” that she’s talking about now. She said in her VEVO Footnotes that the hardest part of the shoot was eating from the giant table of food. She would later take a bite and spit it out, but not until she was full from actually eating all of it. Well, she was the director, so it was all up to her. But at least it turned out great. 

20 Aug 2024

Beyoncé Features in Kamala Harris’ Ad & Launches SirDavis Whisky | Billboard News

Beyoncé featured in Kamala Harris’ new ad and she dropped her SirDavis whisky line. Keep watching to see what Queen Bey has been up to lately!

Tetris Kelly:
Beyoncé drops a new liquor line as her voice radiates during a new ad at the Democratic National Convention. Let’s talk about Queen Bey.

Hillary Clinton, President Joe Biden and even a surprise appearance from VP Kamala Harris. The DNC took over Chicago and even hit a musical note when Beyoncé’s voice rang a capella in a moving new Harris ad. Fans are speculating Beyoncé may appear at the convention. We’ll have to wait and see.

You will have freedom yourself to drink like Queen Bey, as she has just announced SirDavis. The website says the future of whisky is here and the $89.99 bottle begins shipping Sept. 4. Are you ready to drink like Bey? Let us know in the comments.

20 Aug 2024

Anitta Headlines NFL’s First Game In São Paulo | Billboard News

Anitta is set to headline the NFL’s first game in São Paulo during the halftime show. Here’s what she had to say about the upcoming performance!

Tetris Kelly:
The NFL is headed to Brazil, and they picked the perfect artist to help kick off their South American Expansion. Anitta has been tapped to perform the halftime show at the first NFL game in São Paulo on Sept. 6. 

Anitta told Billboard Español, “Growing up here has completely shaped me as an artist and, of course, as a person. So, it means everything to be able to bring fans around the world the excitement and joy of our amazing music and culture. It’s really a dream come true to be a part of this moment.”

While this may be Anitta’s first American football performance, she knows a thing or two about performing at a fútbol game. But now, she’s ready to hit the gridiron. She said, “Music is something that brings us all together, no matter where you’re from or what your background is. Football does the same, so I think that uniting force from both music and football creates a natural connection to the audience.”

As for what to expect come Sept. 6, she said, “I can tell you I will perform Brazilian funk!”

Other singers taking part in this historic day will be Luisa Sonza singing the Brazilian national anthem and Zeeba, who will sing the U.S. national anthem.