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SZA releases her highly anticipated ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’ with the help from Ben Stiller who stars in the music video for ‘Drive.’ The album features SZA in an alien costume as well as another collab with Kendrick Lamar called “30 For 30.” Tetris Kelly The wait is over, as SZA’s much anticipated ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’ […]

Jennifer Hudson shares to Billboard Pop Shop hosts Katie Atkinson and Keith Caulfield about why she wanted to make her Christmas album ‘The Gift of Love,’ how she chose the songs both classics and new originals she co-wrote, interviewing Michelle Obama on her talk show and more!

Jennifer Hudson

I don’t know what could top ever top her as a guest is hands out my favorite by far. 

Tetris Kelly 

Jennifer Hudson dropped by Billboard’s Pop Shop podcast with Keith Caulfield and Katie Atkinson to discuss her new holiday album, The Gift of Love,’ and her recent interview with Michelle Obama. We talk about the song selections for the album, the inspiration and why now was the time to do it? 

Jennifer Hudson  

Well, because I’ve always wanted to do a holiday album, and I couldn’t think of a better time than now. The question to me, I think, is, why not now, you know? And I finally was able to narrow it down to my favorite Christmas songs… 

Keith Caulfield   

Your favorite things? 

Jennifer Hudson   

Yes my favorite things there you go, yeah, and pick, you know, the songs that was most personal to me for this holiday album.

Keith Caulfield 

You know, this album has familiar favorites, like, we just, I just sort of hinted at “My Favorite Things,” but also some new material that you co-wrote. What was the process like for you to determine the songs that you wanted on the album? Like, how did you decide what would ultimately be on the album? 

Jennifer Hudson  

Originals or classics? 

Keith Caulfield 

Well, let’s start with the classics.

Jennifer Hudson 

Well, okay, so that’s what I’m saying. Like, it was difficult to say, I love all holiday music first of all. So it’s like, how do I narrow it down to know what to put on the holiday album? But I picked what was most personal to me, like “The Christmas Song.” For instance, my grandmother used to love that song, so I recall hearing that as a little girl throughout each and every holiday of her playing that song.

Watch the full video above!

Taylor Swift celebrated her 35th birthday with an Eras Tour themed birthday party. Keep watching to see her sparkling event! Narrator:Taylor Swift goes all out for her 35th birthday. The “Fortnight”  singer celebrated by having an Eras themed party. An Instagram post from Brittany Mahomes, wife of NFL Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, showed the former […]

Cardi B demanded Offset, via social media, sign their divorce papers after the two aired out their dirty laundry online. Keep watching to see what they had to say about each other.  Narrator: The drama between Cardi B and Offset heats up! On Wednesday, the former couple aired out their grievances for one another in a […]

Mario has returned with his sixth album, Glad You Came, and the R&B crooner made his debut on The Masked Singer. He shares what it was like to create the iconic “Let Me Love You,” the breakdown of “Spaces,” being reintroduced to the world by Drake and Nicki Minaj, going on Dancing With the Stars and more!

Carl Lamarre:Yo, yo, yo. What’s going on, y’all? I am Billboard Deputy Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Mr. Carl Lamarre. Got an R&B star, R&B legend. 

Mario:Let’s go. Let’s go. 

Grammy nominated. 

Let’s go. 

In case you didn’t know. Mr. Mario, how you feeling my brother? 

What’s up, my boy. You good? 

I’m good. You’re here. So it’s even better. 

Hold on, Mario. You feel me… That’s my… I had to, you know, tap in one of the voice ups.

I don’t even think you remember this. You came to Power Players, and we were chilling backstage, and we all just happened to be sitting there, and I just happened to belt out a little “Mario.”

It’s like the Batman call, man. 

Like, do you normally get that publicly? Like, fans just come up to you and … 

Now because I’ve been doing it more, you know, since the last couple years that I’ve been tapping back in. 

Right. Well, you’re officially tapped back in because you got a new album, Glad You Came, your first album in six years, man. Talk about some of the stories you were able to tell on this album that fans have never heard from you before. 

Absolutely. I mean, we can start with “Space,” which was the warm-up single that I put out for the for the album. “Space” is a retro futuristic vibe produced by my boy Benny X, written by me and James Fauci Laurie. 

Keep watching for more!

Ariana Grande explains why touring her latest album isn’t in her plans and we break down how ‘Wicked’ songs are taking over the charts. Keep watching for more! Tetris Kelly: Ariana Grande is saying she’s halting the possibility of touring as ‘Wicked’ mania hits a high pitch with some radio smashes. We have the story. […]

Chlöe Bailey and Burna Boy were seen getting cozy, which quickly turned into fan speculation of their relationship status. Keep watching to learn more! Tetris Kelly: Are Chlöe Bailey and Burna Boy more than just friends? Well, Spotify is fanning the flames on their ‘Love Language’ playlist. Chlöe and Burna have set dating rumors ablaze […]

Rihanna attended Mariah Carey’s last Christmas concert, and the pop superstar gifted Ri something special to remember the night. Keep watching to see their interaction and the gift! Tetris Kelly:Say what, RiRi?! Rihanna lived her best life at Mariah Carey’s last Christmas show in Brooklyn, including getting her boobs signed. Let’s get festive. Rihanna was […]

Jelly Roll’s fans had mixed opinions after he met and chatted with President-elect Donald Trump at a UFC match. Keep watching to see what he had to say. Do you agree with his statement? Let us know in the comments! Tetris Kelly:  Jelly Roll was spotted shaking hands and smiling with President-elect Donald Trump at […]